[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Ventus glances at Malphena and Lucifer. Lucifer is trembling, but you can also see his fingers are twitching, twitching, twitching!! Something excites him as much as it scares him.

Malphena has that overjoyed expression you saw earlier. She flies above the Captain's head and swivels dramatically to face you, just as a dimly-glowing Shedinja appears beside her!

When you speak, the captain answers. His accent is strange; it's of another time. "Ventus Zackariah. I am Captain Bridge. This ghostly insect spoke of your act of kindness. Too many of those who seek Atheneum are always willing and prepared to be brutal. Mark my words! It will make a difference in the end.  The way you treat Pokemon and people - Atheneum knows. Through its power, the impossible is made possible." He gestures to himself at this. "And those who enter - mark my words! those who enter Atheneum are forever changed. All who enter...they become something a little more than human, for better or for worse. Actions make a difference - here in reality where you stand, in the Distortion World where the mages meddle, and also in the Atheneum where sprites and knowledge dwell. Mark my words, adventurers!"

"Centuries ago, my soldiers and I were lost in Mt. Sentry. Perhaps I led us in search of too many secrets. My intent - to defeat my horrid enemy! - led us too deep into these labyrinths. Atheneum is only a lodestone for those who seek it if it also seeks them! Here in these tunnels, too many good men starved to death. Water we had, food we lacked...but much knowledge we could have gained, had we but acted differently. Be warned! Atheneum has guardians. Protectors. The Sentry Fern spreads its power throughout the mountain, watching, determining which guardians need be awakened. How you treat them will determine how you are treated in return. The mages bear no sympathy for those who get in their way. Mark my words! This is the way to distinguish you most keenly... from them."

The researcher is quick to shoot his brother a concerned/consuling look along with that glance, as while their excitement for this was.....strange to him, their terror was something far more reasonable to him. He'll do whatever it takes protect his family, and he'll die for them too, so they can count on him!

His screaming banshee's elations with the spirits and the subsequent appearance of the Shedinja was what really took Ventus off guard, however, causing his formerly neutral expression to shift into one of pure surprise. He was quick to recover from the shock, but the positive impression that his sister had of her fellow spectors caused his fearful apprehension to lighten up significantly. If she fully trusts and likes these soldier.....well, he wouldn't ever let his guard down, but he could at least extend the same courtesy and stomp down on his paranoid hostility...

What the ghost had to say in response gave yet another shock to the empath's system, though this one was more of bewilderment and recognition from the stories Nathan's told and from his trip to Cress' Museum. 'He's THE Captain Bridge? He who command his forces against the Loyalists, and was trapped in the tomb that was Mt. Sentry's depths as a indirect result? By Reshirim's gloriously fluffy tail.....'

As they continued to speak of them, the kindness he shared with the now Ninjask, and Antheneum Ventus rapildly sobered, his expression growing more somber and contemplative as he listen to the dead captain's warning and advice. When they spoke of his men withering away in these tunnels the sociologist winced as he was reminded of his dreadful vision inflicted on him by Chandelure's Memento, which only lead to him thinking about his torrid past, his current self, and how much he has and hasn't changed between those two points. Beyond that, the information of just how powerful Anthenum was, and the true extent of the Central Fern's dominion and guardianship made him feel pensive, uneasy, and......sad, and only added another train of thought in the bustling rail station that was now his mind.

Once Captain Bridge finished speaking, several minutes passed with in Ven in silent contemplation as he mulled over all the information, head bowed and hands clasped together and resting on his breast.

".......Truth be told, curiosity is what lead me to Nincada, but my efforts to help them once their delimea became known to me was sincere."

He spoke with a airy, almost emphermal voice at first, as if caught in the past and was slowly dragging himself out of it.

"To be kind....to be generous.....to help those that are in need or are in wanting.......to further the understanding between man and Pokémon.....these are the tenets by which I try to abide by in life. However, I often find myself acting in defiance of those lofty goals, sometime as I pursue them even, and the harsh life I have lived has lead me to be.....just as unrelenting at times."

He let out a humorless chuckle, as he unclasped one hand and extended it to his side while one remained over his heart, as gesture referring to himself.

"Such is the paradox within me: I wish for peaceful, prosperous unity......yet I'm so willing to use violence against those I stand opposed to. To do anything for those that I love and care for......even actions or acting in such a way I know they will not approve. To be one who the ends justify the means, willing to indulge in cruelity......and far worse to accomplish his goals........but only does so because they want the best for himself and everyone. Always willing to bear arms against his enemies and not suffer them.......knowing that the time for such behavior has long since past, and trying to move on. To accept all and trying to bring people together.....yet harboring a deep fear and hatred for that I disapprove of and have done me wrong, and so easy to reject them too...... .....A living contradiction, living in contradiction with himself. Honestly.....I don't know if I ever will succeed in my struggle....my journey and goal in simply trying to do good......be good..... Not with my life's history....."

He goes silent for a brief moment and hung his head.....before he clenched his outstretched hand and brought it back to cover his other, and gave Captain Bridge a resolute stare that belayed his next response.

"Still.....I must try and succeed, even if it seems hopeless or impossible, even if I stumble endlessly in my pursuit. For I want to help others without a heavy heart, to be generous and kind to all without reservation, and to be a person that can inspire greatness without having to resort to foul deeds to do so. The only ones that should experience my worst are those foul, blighted mages that pervert both man and Pokémon, and dabble in forces only the mad or immoral would indulge, and the sort that doesn't deserve kindness....... And even then I would still be willing to spare them for the greater good, as just because those mages are fiends and loathsome creatures doesn't mean they are undeserving of mercy, or can't possibly recant their mistakes and repent.....like myself. As I am right now, I believe myself unworthy of Antheneum like those mages, but I still must seek it along with the other members of my group to protect and safeguard it against their shortsighted foolishness of repeating mistakes long since past.  I can only speak for myself, but I promise that I will head your warnings and conduct myself in with beneficence and magnanimously towards the guardians and others should they approach us, and only bring conflict and violence to those that first raise it against us. I promise I won't let your fate befall me and mine own, Captain Bridge....."

"....You should also know that you are remembered with great fondness and reverence by the current generation of Cheshire, and that even though you perished in these tunnels so long ago, you and what you did and represented were never forgotten. My companion Nathan could regale you of your renown better than I, for I am just a foriegneer in these lands most unenlightened by its history, but rest assured you are in the hearts and minds of many, Captain, including my own."

After that rather long winded speech, the sociologist went silent for the last time, eyeing each of the soldiers and the Shedinja as he awaited their response. They gave him a lot to think about, and the answers he came up with reflect on himself greatly, so he hope they all don't find it wanting....

[Iron]

Bridge clutches his sword, a grim reminder that he had no innate problem with violence.

http://pokemonuranium.co/forum/showthrea...0#pid39450
As he does so, and you relive your memories of the Memento, you become positive that the relived experiences were indeed those of Captain Bridge and his brigade.
The faded spectre of a Doublade appears behind Bridge. The gleaming lights in the walls are revealed to be the malicious gem eyes of Sableye.

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

The researcher is quick to shoot his brother a concerned/consuling look along with that glance, as while their excitement for this was.....strange to him, their terror was something far more reasonable to him. He'll do whatever it takes protect his family, and he'll die for them too, so they can count on him!

His screaming banshee's elations with the spirits and the subsequent appearance of the Shedinja was what really took Ventus off guard, however, causing his formerly neutral expression to shift into one of pure surprise. He was quick to recover from the shock, but the positive impression that his sister had of her fellow spectors caused his fearful apprehension to lighten up significantly. If she fully trusts and likes these soldier.....well, he wouldn't ever let his guard down, but he could at least extend the same courtesy and stomp down on his paranoid hostility...

What the ghost had to say in response gave yet another shock to the empath's system, though this one was more of bewilderment and recognition from the stories Nathan's told and from his trip to Cress' Museum. 'He's THE Captain Bridge? He who command his forces against the Loyalists, and was trapped in the tomb that was Mt. Sentry's depths as a indirect result? By Reshirim's gloriously fluffy tail.....'

As they continued to speak of them, the kindness he shared with the now Ninjask, and Antheneum Ventus rapildly sobered, his expression growing more somber and contemplative as he listen to the dead captain's warning and advice. When they spoke of his men withering away in these tunnels the sociologist winced as he was reminded of his dreadful vision inflicted on him by Chandelure's Memento, which only lead to him thinking about his torrid past, his current self, and how much he has and hasn't changed between those two points. Beyond that, the information of just how powerful Anthenum was, and the true extent of the Central Fern's dominion and guardianship made him feel pensive, uneasy, and......sad, and only added another train of thought in the bustling rail station that was now his mind.

Once Captain Bridge finished speaking, several minutes passed with in Ven in silent contemplation as he mulled over all the information, head bowed and hands clasped together and resting on his breast.

".......Truth be told, curiosity is what lead me to Nincada, but my efforts to help them once their delimea became known to me was sincere."

He spoke with a airy, almost emphermal voice at first, as if caught in the past and was slowly dragging himself out of it.

"To be kind....to be generous.....to help those that are in need or are in wanting.......to further the understanding between man and Pokémon.....these are the tenets by which I try to abide by in life. However, I often find myself acting in defiance of those lofty goals, sometime as I pursue them even, and the harsh life I have lived has lead me to be.....just as unrelenting at times."

He let out a humorless chuckle, as he unclasped one hand and extended it to his side while one remained over his heart, as gesture referring to himself.

"Such is the paradox within me: I wish for peaceful, prosperous unity......yet I'm so willing to use violence against those I stand opposed to. To do anything for those that I love and care for......even actions or acting in such a way I know they will not approve. To be one who the ends justify the means, willing to indulge in cruelity......and far worse to accomplish his goals........but only does so because they want the best for himself and everyone. Always willing to bear arms against his enemies and not suffer them.......knowing that the time for such behavior has long since past, and trying to move on. To accept all and trying to bring people together.....yet harboring a deep fear and hatred for that I disapprove of and have done me wrong, and so easy to reject them too...... .....A living contradiction, living in contradiction with himself. Honestly.....I don't know if I ever will succeed in my struggle....my journey and goal in simply trying to do good......be good..... Not with my life's history....."

He goes silent for a brief moment and hung his head.....before he clenched his outstretched hand and brought it back to cover his other, and gave Captain Bridge a resolute stare that belayed his next response.

"Still.....I must try and succeed, even if it seems hopeless or impossible, even if I stumble endlessly in my pursuit. For I want to help others without a heavy heart, to be generous and kind to all without reservation, and to be a person that can inspire greatness without having to resort to foul deeds to do so. The only ones that should experience my worst are those foul, blighted mages that pervert both man and Pokémon, and dabble in forces only the mad or immoral would indulge, and the sort that doesn't deserve kindness....... And even then I would still be willing to spare them for the greater good, as just because those mages are fiends and loathsome creatures doesn't mean they are undeserving of mercy, or can't possibly recant their mistakes and repent.....like myself. As I am right now, I believe myself unworthy of Antheneum like those mages, but I still must seek it along with the other members of my group to protect and safeguard it against their shortsighted foolishness of repeating mistakes long since past.  I can only speak for myself, but I promise that I will head your warnings and conduct myself in with beneficence and magnanimously towards the guardians and others should they approach us, and only bring conflict and violence to those that first raise it against us. I promise I won't let your fate befall me and mine own, Captain Bridge....."

"....You should also know that you are remembered with great fondness and reverence by the current generation of Cheshire, and that even though you perished in these tunnels so long ago, you and what you did and represented were never forgotten. My companion Nathan could regale you of your renown better than I, for I am just a foriegneer in these lands most unenlightened by its history, but rest assured you are in the hearts and minds of many, Captain, including my own."

After that rather long winded speech, the sociologist went silent for the last time, eyeing each of the soldiers and the Shedinja as he awaited their response. They gave him a lot to think about, and the answers he came up with reflect on himself greatly, so he hope they all don't find it wanting....

Well...that's not what Nathan had been expecting to hear.

...his fear is slowly ebbing away now since there doesn't seem to be any immediate danger...but he's still VERY shaken by this experience, and still currently has no idea what he can or should even say in this scenario.  Maybe he'll respond if spoken to, though?

[Lord Windos]

Bridge clutches his sword, a grim reminder that he had no innate problem with violence.

http://pokemonuranium.co/forum/showthrea...0#pid39450
As he does so, and you relive your memories of the Memento, you become positive that the relived experiences were indeed those of Captain Bridge and his brigade.
The faded spectre of a Doublade appears behind Bridge. The gleaming lights in the walls are revealed to be the malicious gem eyes of Sableye.

Ventus, being a person who is also......well acquainted with violence, is unbothered by Bridge clutching his sword, as he knows he meant not threat in such a gesture, and incline his head to him.

"For those like us that lived by the sword, bloodshed is no stranger or obstacle to us if it proves necessary. Yet if we can find ways to resolve conflicts with others peacefully, we should do so first instead of resorting to more dire methods. Do I understand you correctly, Captain?"

Since he had already recently reviewed those Memento memories, having them pop right back up was a jarring but ultimately tolerable, and caused an odd mix of a grimace and surprised look to appear on his face. Seeing the spitting image of the Doublade in his vision materlize behind Bridge and who knows how many Sableyes lurking in the background all but cinches it for the researcher, causing him to hesitate for a moment before he let out a shaky sigh and said:

"I....believe I also understand a little of what you all went through too, Captain. A....Chandelure.....shared some of your expriences with me via.....Memento in the Candelabra above, so for what its worth.....you and your brigade have my utmost sympathies, and I hope one day you all can find the peace or fulfillment you deserve. Though forgive me asking this, but.......what does the date 1466 mean to you? You don't have to answer me if you wish, though, for my question is a rather.....intrusive one."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

With fear, growing fear that she had to work hard to restrain and not allow to overwhelm her, Shiva awaited whatever is coming there to reveal itself. It could only be moments until it could be determined what the expected foe looked like, and then it'd be able to tell how to approach it to deal with it without risking too much...

The growling and snarling of Yena constantly remained, and she could tell that both he and Dizzy were readying themselves to attack if needed, they'd pounce mercilessly if they'd only receive the order to do so. (Though how Shiva's butterwolfly, trained with the thought in mind to protect her from Ghosts and Ghost Types especially reacts to the scene, I'm leaving for @Iron to come up with. Curious!~ He is not getting the order to attack, and he's loyal enough to not attack when Master doesn't say so. How do Dizzy and Azumarill react, anything worth noticing?)


At the sight that the undefiend creature they have all run into was a SPECTRE, several things happened at once:

- The fear Shiva felt reached it's peak, and her face turns white as the sky in december as that ghost spoke in that weird old accent. She's letting out a startled and high-pitched "Eeeeeek!", but is in no way at risk of loosing her temper and faint.
- Relief bursted out within her, as from that clanking of metal she has expected something made of cold steel, something analytic, something that'd be completely immune to any talking.
- Azumarill by her side is swiftly picked up and entwined in a close hug while Shiva seems unable to avert her gaze from the ghostly figures, the blue fae mouse does gladly return her loved Master's request for safety and comfort.
- She steps behind Ventus, in the silent hope that he'd protect her additionally if needed.


Then however, something very weird happened: The fear Shiva felt decreased. It faded... Not right away and instantly, but she could feel it melt away the more she watched that appeared ghost, the more he was within its presence. She struggled somehow to recognize the ghost, even after he has shared that he was Captain Bridge, mostly because (if I remember correctly?) she hasn't visted the Mount Sentry Wing of Cress' Museum. However, she clearly has heard of this Captain Bridge, at least from his gem mine near the entrance of Mount Sentry from Stair City! The ghost of his... It didn't gave her a terrified feeling. Something about it was weirdly soothing. Shiva has never actually met a ghost or a spectre before, but as her mind is open beyond the ordinary, she knows that not all ghosts are malicious, dangerous, or scary - no, some are even friendly. Not up to harm anyone. Something was telling her that nothing was to fear from Captain Bridge.

She still doesn't avert her gaze from the ghost of Captain Bridge, nor does she let go of Azumarill in her arms nor leave Ven's closure. Though, she has markably calmed down - even more as the ghost spoke up itself, shared its story, warned them even. She's leaving all the talking to Ventus, listening with awe, making sure to not miss anything Captain Bridge told them. Both his and Ventus' words touched her, allured various feelings within her, and only when Ventus has finished she herself stepped beside him to raise her voice towards the spectres, how she was unafraid and carefully interested was audible when she spoke: Something they've said caught her and made her wonder. (Shall I post it now so that it could be resolved simultaneously, Iron, or rather indeed hold off until Ventus has finished?)

[Dragonstrike]

"Though forgive me asking this, but.......what does the date 1466 mean to you? You don't have to answer me if you wish, though, for my question is a rather.....intrusive one."

I think Nathan might be able to answer that question.

"...th...the year the l-loyalists...killed his...D-Doublade...and his...b-brother...along with half his m-men...he quelled a loyalist rebellion n-nine years l-later..."

Nathan just remembered something too.

"...and afterwards...he and his men were driven out of their encampment b-by the g-gem mines b-by...s-sableye...harrassed by g-g-ghosts the l-loyalists r-riled up..."

...all of a sudden, those Sableye surrounding them seem just a little more intimidating...

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

That shaky voice coming from Nathan was something Shiva unmistakably noticed. Calmly, she spoke into the direction where the voice came from, due to the mist it was still a bit difficult to see one another clearly. "Nathan... There's nothing to fear. Ghosts are like humans, neither good or bad, both exists. They also DO exist as we firsthanded see now, regardless that science says they don't... As long as we do not start anything, a ghost that is not up to harm or haunt us is not going to do anything to us."

[Dragonstrike]

That shaky voice coming from Nathan was something Shiva unmistakably noticed. Calmly, she spoke into the direction where the voice came from, due to the mist it was still a bit difficult to see one another clearly. "Nathan... There's nothing to fear. Ghosts are like humans, neither good or bad, both exists. They also DO exist as we firsthanded see now, regardless that science says they don't... As long as we do not start anything, a ghost that is not up to harm or haunt us is not going to do anything to us."

He knows actual ghosts are a real thing.  Almost everyone knows they are since Red faced the ghost of a Marowak mother Team Rocket had killed.  Lavender Town's pokemon tower had to be torn down and the graves moved to a different building because it had been haunted ever since then.  Of course, the Radio Tower they put up in its place is ALSO rumored to be haunted...

...it doesn't stop Nathan from being almost unreasonably scared right now, though.  He's read far too many horror stories in accounts of visits to the Skull Ruins...

...and even if Captain Bridge means no harm...they're surrounded by Sableye right now.  Sableye that have probably been stalking Bridge for the last almost 600 years...

He can't be certain those Sableye won't attack.

[Iron]

Bridge clutches his sword, a grim reminder that he had no innate problem with violence.

http://pokemonuranium.co/forum/showthrea...0#pid39450
As he does so, and you relive your memories of the Memento, you become positive that the relived experiences were indeed those of Captain Bridge and his brigade.
The faded spectre of a Doublade appears behind Bridge. The gleaming lights in the walls are revealed to be the malicious gem eyes of Sableye.

Ventus, being a person who is also......well acquainted with violence, is unbothered by Bridge clutching his sword, as he knows he meant not threat in such a gesture, and incline his head to him.

"For those like us that lived by the sword, bloodshed is no stranger or obstacle to us if it proves necessary. Yet if we can find ways to resolve conflicts with others peacefully, we should do so first instead of resorting to more dire methods. Do I understand you correctly, Captain?"

Bridge nods. He and his men are now positioning themselves in a more defensible arrangement.

"I....believe I also understand a little of what you all went through too, Captain. A....Chandelure.....shared some of your expriences with me via.....Memento in the Candelabra above, so for what its worth.....you and your brigade have my utmost sympathies, and I hope one day you all can find the peace or fulfillment you deserve. Though forgive me asking this, but.......what does the date 1466 mean to you? You don't have to answer me if you wish, though, for my question is a rather.....intrusive one."

Bridge now gestures at one of his soldiers, who gives Ventus a sad smile. You see now that a few translucent fern rhizomes have taken root in his ghostly skin - the same fuzz you saw on the image of the grave. Only Nathan knows the significance of the broken dogtag around the soldier's neck, held together only by ghostly bonds. That's how soldiers are buried when they die in the line of duty, far from home. Their commanding officer snaps the chain of their dogtag and buries it with them, leaving the chains above and the tag itself below. It's a tradition that hasn't needed to be practiced much in the modern day.

You can indeed see the resemblance between Bridge and the rooted soldier.

[Iron]

Dizzy is remaining calm. He and Calam know what's going on here, especially Calam. Azumarill has no idea, and is very ready to fight. No fear in her eyes! Yena knew ghosts were approaching, as he's trained to defend Shiva against them. He doesn't know the identity of these ghosts, however, and has been growling steadily since the mist arrived.

Go ahead and post anything you want to say to Bridge. Questions to which he responds positively will take place before those angering him.