[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

Spoiler

When bring Nathan to some place close to some private place. It has some good ol view of the Chesire from many years ago. Its was not like Cheshire it is ugly place, but this past Cheshire is pretty beautiful. Heart sight, taking a deep breath to few the air around him. "This air...is pretty amazing isnt not? This...view is quite familiar with our time...but at the same time different." Heart look for a few seconds and down his eyes for a second, sad with something. "Do you...do you mind if I make a personal question Nathan?" Heart dont turn his back on Nathan. "If...if you didnt know your father was alive...if you still think he was dead...when a chance in change the future would appear to you...would you take it? Even knowing the consequences? But the feeling of solitude would be so big, you would try to change the timeline?" It was not a joke question. But a serious question.

The view we probably get looks over the Creshirean Savannah as it progresses towards the ocean.  There's more trees closer to Cress City and Liverwort Town (this town in particular looks a little chillier than most of Creshire's other populated areas), but as the land gets closer to the sea, there's fewer and fewer trees.

Nathan takes a deep breath.  "...yeah, the air's nice."

When Heart poses his question, Nathan pauses to think about it for a few, looonnnng minutes.

"...I can see why you'd be asking that..."

Nathan looks over the savannah.

Determined Hope: Brave Warrior Oki - Okami

"...I don't think he's dead, and...never really fully believed he was, I guess.  Luxray's definitely with him.  And Skarmory.  Wherever they are...those two have been with him for most of his life.  They wouldn't let him go down that easily.  Particularly Luxray.  And they beat three of the Elite Four before Hayes and Latias ended their streak...he only just barely didn't get into the Hall of Fame...he's a lot tougher than he appears to be..."

...a brief pause follows before Nathan continues.

"...I...am still worried about him.  A lot.  People don't normally just...vanish without a trace...I'm not sure if I'll see him again...but if I can find something, anything that might tell me where he went...my pokemon and I will find him.  We'll latch on to that info and never let go of it until we've found what we're looking for..."

...another pause as he considers something else: the question he was originally asked.

"...honestly, I'm not sure I would need to change the past.  Even if I could...I'm not sure I should.  Celebi and Dialga...their rules on time travel say the past can't be changed.  But events in the past do mold the future...when Keni met us earlier today?  He knew us already.  Knew what we'd done for him already.  Or we at least reminded him of the ones who saved the lives of him, his parents, and all their pokemon.  That's why he seemed so...welcoming.  We'd already done the deed prior to 2017...and then proceeded to actually do it when we traveled back to now, 1925.  It had been predetermined, in a way, just as Celebi decreed..."

He goes silent for a minute.

"...I guess you don't have the same reassurances and confidence that I do, though, given that as far as you know, everyone definitely was..."

...when it comes to family matters, Nathan can be surprisingly Insightful, whether he intended to be or not.

"...I'm sorry...I'm treading in sensitive territory...I guess the point is, though...the past is a rather rigid thing.  We can't change it...but we can try to mold the future.  I think that's what Celebi intended to teach.  How much time you're given...it doesn't matter as much as what you do with the time you have.  That's what I think."

He sighs.

"...probably not my best attempt at a pep talk.  I think everything will turn out okay in the end, though.  I can't know that for certain...but I'm confident that you'll get whoever did that terrible deed one day.  You deserve at least some closure on that, in some form."

Another pause.

"...I don't know about everyone else, but I know that if I see someone in trouble like Dr. M and the Morgusis were...it doesn't really matter who they are, nor where or when they're from.  I want to help them.  I won't be able to help everyone...we can't save Captain Bridge and his men, for example...but that doesn't mean I want to stand idly by.  It's...difficult to tell if you should or shouldn't act on that when time traveling, though, to be honest, unless you know what kind of an impact such an action might have had on the present already..."

One last pause.

"...I'm not sure I could keep my dad from vanishing even if we did visit 2014 somehow.  If he hadn't...well, I might not have met Ralts 2 years later.  It's...something keeps you on your toes, that way of thinking, that's for sure..."

Well, that took a decent amount of time to type out.  What does Heart think of that little lecture?

Heart think for a few seconds, thinking and mushing all the lecture Nathan have told to him. He find some rock to sit, seeing the view around him. He close his eyes for a second then talk again. "...you know? Back in my past, I have some companions who once training with me back in my time in my training times. My Clan was training in various types of styles of combat, but stealth it was our speciallity on our main focus. It was necessary change of strategy because of some conflict between clans. We were once masters of stealth and info gaining. Never though why I so good in stealth? I was a bit lack after so long time, but when we begun our adventures with you guys, facing Scimitars and all I have recover some of my former stealth skills."

"Anyway, the names of my old clans companions was Salazar and Homero. Well...tell them as companions its a bit too much. They help me a few times, but we never was "real" friends...but they were good people. Salazar was always a trouble maker, almost everytime putting us in trouble...and Homero was the smart one, the oldest of us three. Salazar would be more or less in your age..." Some tears was rolling in Heart eyes. "...his head was rip off from his body, and Homero die with a sword in his chest."

Heart then clean his eyes and try to focus again. "In our timeline Nathan all my clan is dead. My mother....My brother...and the only people I was once close have as friends....all of them...." Heart was with a sad face, remembering everything. "Everyday and everynight I remember every details, their faces, and the smell of burning skin....and to accept I am the last one. And carry this cross forever...Sometimes, the solitude its to much to bear and I simple...want to giving up. In put a end to this...miserable existence. My puns and laughts? Its just a mask to hide the sadness and loneliness, trying in vain to not fall in despair..."

"Even after so many years, it is difficult to accept I am alone. If we return to our time, who is waiting for me?" Heart balance his head. "I envy you guys. I really am. I envy you have a mother who love you so much and a awesome father who challenge the Elite four. I envy Shiva loveable parents...there is no one waiting for me in our timeline...but here..." Heart nods his hands in example to around them. "In this timeline...my clan its alive. Maybe...I could meet them, try to warn them about what kind of future wait for them. There could a reason why I am here. That or maybe...just a tragic joke you have say Nathan...."

Heart them put his hands in his head. "....the joke that, not matter I do, I cant change the fate of my clan. That there is no meaning in fighting or continue strugle. No matter I do here, death its the only certain fate for my clan." Heart then sit in the grass and look in the sky. "...if this is some sort of sick joke from Dialga, Celebi or even Arceus itself, I not laughting. And I the only PUNisher here. Damn you Creation Trio..."

That thoughs and emotions was flooding Heart mind for quite a while and he feel the need in share them with someone. "...since we have the luck or unluck in meet Legendaries, maybe we may meet The Creation Trio or even Arceus itself. If that time comes, I swear I gonna punch in his divine face. Thats something would make me feel really better."

[Iron]

You guys take it very easy as you journey west. As the Morgusi's predicted, you don't encounter any hostile Pokemon, just the common ones on this route like Zigzagoon and common bird Pokemon.

You find a good camping spot as evening arrives - any special preparations for it being 1925? What is Spira doing, is he welcome in the tent? (It has wings that can be sealed off for private rooms).

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

Heart think for a few seconds, thinking and mushing all the lecture Nathan have told to him. He find some rock to sit, seeing the view around him. He close his eyes for a second then talk again. "...you know? Back in my past, I have some companions who once training with me back in my time in my training times. My Clan was training in various types of styles of combat, but stealth it was our speciallity on our main focus. It was necessary change of strategy because of some conflict between clans. We were once masters of stealth and info gaining. Never though why I so good in stealth? I was a bit lack after so long time, but when we begun our adventures with you guys, facing Scimitars and all I have recover some of my former stealth skills."

"Anyway, the names of my old clans companions was Salazar and Homero. Well...tell them as companions its a bit too much. They help me a few times, but we never was "real" friends...but they were good people. Salazar was always a trouble maker, almost everytime putting us in trouble...and Homero was the smart one, the oldest of us three. Salazar would be more or less in your age..." Some tears was rolling in Heart eyes. "...his head was rip off from his body, and Homero die with a sword in his chest."

Heart then clean his eyes and try to focus again. "In our timeline Nathan all my clan is dead. My mother....My brother...and the only people I was once close have as friends....all of them...." Heart was with a sad face, remembering everything. "Everyday and everynight I remember every details, their faces, and the smell of burning skin....and to accept I am the last one. And carry this cross forever...Sometimes, the solitude its to much to bear and I simple...want to giving up. In put a end to this...miserable existence. My puns and laughts? Its just a mask to hide the sadness and loneliness, trying in vain to not fall in despair..."

"Even after so many years, it is difficult to accept I am alone. If we return to our time, who is waiting for me?" Heart balance his head. "I envy you guys. I really am. I envy you have a mother who love you so much and a awesome father who challenge the Elite four. I envy Shiva loveable parents...there is no one waiting for me in our timeline...but here..." Heart nods his hands in example to around them. "In this timeline...my clan its alive. Maybe...I could meet them, try to warn them about what kind of future wait for them. There could a reason why I am here. That or maybe...just a tragic joke you have say Nathan...."

Heart them put his hands in his head. "....the joke that, not matter I do, I cant change the fate of my clan. That there is no meaning in fighting or continue strugle. No matter I do here, death its the only certain fate for my clan." Heart then sit in the grass and look in the sky. "...if this is some sort of sick joke from Dialga, Celebi or even Arceus itself, I not laughting. And I the only PUNisher here. Damn you Creation Trio..."

That thoughs and emotions was flooding Heart mind for quite a while and he feel the need in share them with someone. "...since we have the luck or unluck in meet Legendaries, maybe we may meet The Creation Trio or even Arceus itself. If that time I comes, I swear I gonna punch in his divine face. Thats something would make me feel really better."

Nathan puts a hand on Heart's shoulder as he continues speaking.

"...at the moment, Heart, we're too far back in time to be able to do anything, let alone in the right region.  If we DO end up in that time, in the right place...then maybe we're supposed to do something about it after all.  That's how Celebi's time travel works.  Everything happens for a reason."

Nathan thinks for a moment.

"...maybe you wouldn't have become a traveler and seen all those cool places, eventually coming to Creshire, if that fire hadn't happened.  And now that you're here...maybe you can learn something that might be able to help.  Maybe that's what Celebi intended.  Maybe that's where Arceus is trying guide you.  To train yourself, better yourself...and restore your clan's honor in due time.  And if it happens to involve saving at least one member of your family...maybe that would make that journey worth it.  If you never confirmed everyone died, then maybe there's a chance someone got away after all.  There's also the journey to catch and bring to justice whoever's doing this, whoever's picking off those clans one by one...in my opinion, they're who you should be blaming for this.  They're the ones who caused it.  It's a small hope, maybe even a false one...but it's better than nothing, in my opinion."

Gallade puts a hand on Heart's shoulder too.

"...and you're not alone.  Not any more.  Never were.  Your pokemon are here for you, Rose most of all, and they always will be so long as you've earned that trust and companionship, right?  And I'll render what aid I can as well.  There has to be some kind of information out there on this...some kind of motive...and you can count on me to eventually find that information for you.  I don't know how long that might take or when I'll get the chance to look for it...but I'll find it.  You escaped, so let's try and make the most of it when the time comes, yeah?"

"...I can't really say much about the envy, unfortunately.  I just hope everything turns out okay for you in the end, ya know?"

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

You guys take it very easy as you journey west. As the Morgusi's predicted, you don't encounter any hostile Pokemon, just the common ones on this route like Zigzagoon and common bird Pokemon.

You find a good camping spot as evening arrives - any special preparations for it being 1925? What is Spira doing, is he welcome in the tent? (It has wings that can be sealed off for private rooms).

As per his usual want/habit when traveling the Routes/through the wilds, Terra's sleeping outside of the tent, with only a blanket on the ground for him to lay on (unless their's soft grass/plants he can use as bedding) and another to cover him up if its chilly outside. Additionally, both Angie and Melly will be outside their Pokeballs and sleeping with him, both to provide extra warmth/cuddles and to act as an easily awakened sentries/deterants for wild Pokemon (more so for Melly the watchdog, but the chubby snake can likely detect earth tremors rather well given her species). Finally, he'll also be scattering any twigs and sticks around the perimeter of the campsite, so that if anything steps on one of them he'll/everyone can hear it. These are all the basic precautions he'd normally take when sleeping in the wilderness (and more, depending on various circumstances!), as more than a decade of roughing it has taught him how to best ensure a night of uninterrupted rest - or at least a safer one.

Dinner for him will be whatever else the group cooks up, or some of his own rations. That's all for that!

[Lord Windos]

(Terra prefers to sleep outside when he can due to habit, unless there's real beds for him to sleep on/terrible weather, so he's fairly adamant on his decision. Plus, if he's outside with his Pokemon, he's the first line of Defense/warning for the group that's ready to spring into action, so all the more reason to staying out! If they're still Encounter left in the day, he'll do a Training Session or two with Angie, Anubi, and Tommy the Meowth, or scouting the area around the campsite and scaring off any lurking monsters if their isn't.)

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

Heart think for a few seconds, thinking and mushing all the lecture Nathan have told to him. He find some rock to sit, seeing the view around him. He close his eyes for a second then talk again. "...you know? Back in my past, I have some companions who once training with me back in my time in my training times. My Clan was training in various types of styles of combat, but stealth it was our speciallity on our main focus. It was necessary change of strategy because of some conflict between clans. We were once masters of stealth and info gaining. Never though why I so good in stealth? I was a bit lack after so long time, but when we begun our adventures with you guys, facing Scimitars and all I have recover some of my former stealth skills."

"Anyway, the names of my old clans companions was Salazar and Homero. Well...tell them as companions its a bit too much. They help me a few times, but we never was "real" friends...but they were good people. Salazar was always a trouble maker, almost everytime putting us in trouble...and Homero was the smart one, the oldest of us three. Salazar would be more or less in your age..." Some tears was rolling in Heart eyes. "...his head was rip off from his body, and Homero die with a sword in his chest."

Heart then clean his eyes and try to focus again. "In our timeline Nathan all my clan is dead. My mother....My brother...and the only people I was once close have as friends....all of them...." Heart was with a sad face, remembering everything. "Everyday and everynight I remember every details, their faces, and the smell of burning skin....and to accept I am the last one. And carry this cross forever...Sometimes, the solitude its to much to bear and I simple...want to giving up. In put a end to this...miserable existence. My puns and laughts? Its just a mask to hide the sadness and loneliness, trying in vain to not fall in despair..."

"Even after so many years, it is difficult to accept I am alone. If we return to our time, who is waiting for me?" Heart balance his head. "I envy you guys. I really am. I envy you have a mother who love you so much and a awesome father who challenge the Elite four. I envy Shiva loveable parents...there is no one waiting for me in our timeline...but here..." Heart nods his hands in example to around them. "In this timeline...my clan its alive. Maybe...I could meet them, try to warn them about what kind of future wait for them. There could a reason why I am here. That or maybe...just a tragic joke you have say Nathan...."

Heart them put his hands in his head. "....the joke that, not matter I do, I cant change the fate of my clan. That there is no meaning in fighting or continue strugle. No matter I do here, death its the only certain fate for my clan." Heart then sit in the grass and look in the sky. "...if this is some sort of sick joke from Dialga, Celebi or even Arceus itself, I not laughting. And I the only PUNisher here. Damn you Creation Trio..."

That thoughs and emotions was flooding Heart mind for quite a while and he feel the need in share them with someone. "...since we have the luck or unluck in meet Legendaries, maybe we may meet The Creation Trio or even Arceus itself. If that time I comes, I swear I gonna punch in his divine face. Thats something would make me feel really better."

Nathan puts a hand on Heart's shoulder as he continues speaking.

"...at the moment, Heart, we're too far back in time to be able to do anything, let alone in the right region.  If we DO end up in that time, in the right place...then maybe we're supposed to do something about it after all.  That's how Celebi's time travel works.  Everything happens for a reason."

Nathan thinks for a moment.

"...maybe you wouldn't have become a traveler and seen all those cool places, eventually coming to Creshire, if that fire hadn't happened.  And now that you're here...maybe you can learn something that might be able to help.  Maybe that's what Celebi intended.  Maybe that's where Arceus is trying guide you.  To train yourself, better yourself...and restore your clan's honor in due time.  And if it happens to involve saving at least one member of your family...maybe that would make that journey worth it.  If you never confirmed everyone died, then maybe there's a chance someone got away after all.  There's also the journey to catch and bring to justice whoever's doing this, whoever's picking off those clans one by one...in my opinion, they're who you should be blaming for this.  They're the ones who caused it.  It's a small hope, maybe even a false one...but it's better than nothing, in my opinion."

Gallade puts a hand on Heart's shoulder too.

"...and you're not alone.  Not any more.  Never were.  Your pokemon are here for you, Rose most of all, and they always will be so long as you've earned that trust and companionship, right?  And I'll render what aid I can as well.  There has to be some kind of information out there on this...some kind of motive...and you can count on me to eventually find that information for you.  I don't know how long that might take or when I'll get the chance to look for it...but I'll find it.  You escaped, so let's try and make the most of it when the time comes, yeah?"

"...I can't really say much about the envy, unfortunately.  I just hope everything turns out okay for you in the end, ya know?"

Heart flinch a bit when both Gallade and Nathan put their hands in Heart shoulder. The words of reasurance and hope Nathan say...well, its not completely heal his heart, but indeed give him some little hope. Someday, they will find who have done so much destruction and carnage to everyone. Not just only Heart, but to not let anyone ever feel the same kind of tragedy. This is not a journey to vengeance of selfish. But to not let anyone felt such despair like Heart itself have felt. He still want to avenge his clan, but now he must focus in what is important: Return to their timeline. Find the HMs Dive and Fly. Find Ark Sword. And discover who started that fire and why. That is his mission.

Heart talk again, a little better this time. "Thans Nat. I dont like be used as a pawn to Legendary Pokemon, but I guess I dont have much choice. We will find the one who that. And we going to bring him justice. Although I still would like to punch Arceus divine face, heh. I not so much hopeful about survivors of my clan...but I guess hope its something I cant give upt just yet right?"

Heart than stand up. "Welp, its time for us to go. Everyone is waiting for us."

With that, thats end the conversartion and ready to continue the journey!

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

You guys take it very easy as you journey west. As the Morgusi's predicted, you don't encounter any hostile Pokemon, just the common ones on this route like Zigzagoon and common bird Pokemon.

You find a good camping spot as evening arrives - any special preparations for it being 1925? What is Spira doing, is he welcome in the tent? (It has wings that can be sealed off for private rooms).

From Shiva's side, no real special preparations, but she desires to stay out at the campfire a little longer, technically until night has fallen and it is dark enough that she can do a bit of stargazing with Gothy and Raphael. They just lay on their back here in the grass, enjoy the scent of the night and the chill of the breeze, soak in the silence and starlight while enjoying each other's company - it was a very weird feeling to do so while being 90+ years in the past. Oh Celebi... What may you have in store for us...?

She'd compare the stars and constellations with celestial charts she has made in 2017-Chreshire, curious whether she'd find any differences or curiosities here in the old times. If she herself can't seem to find any, she'd turn to Gothy with a kind request: "You, Lilith... We're currently in the year 1925. Weird, isn't it....? Say, can you spot any...well, anything special or different in this almost ancient sky that I fail to see on my own?"



Shiva is carrying the tent, but she still sucks at building it up herself so she'd ask for the help of the others. While doing so, she'd unconsciously find herself throwing subtle gazes over to Spira every now and then, wondering whether he'd be up to join them or has his own rest for the night. Given that Terra insists on sleeping OUTSIDE - which allures her asking him twice whether it's really fine for him and whether he isn't cold, "There's enough room in there, Terra, you sure...?" - and Valder has left them as well, she'd be the first one to kindly offer Spira spending the night with them all inside. However, she'd lead him to the spot Valder always occupied, not the one Ventus usually rested at. "It's more safe inside - the tent fabric is even sprayed with something that repels wild Pokemon, assuring a restful sleep. Up for that? You... don't have to if you'd prefer something different, but from my side you're very welcome."

Heart has also asked for Shiva's help on finally preparing the shed claw of Gustav for dinner before it spoils, which she is all up for. (I guess it was a Crafting Check?)

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

You guys take it very easy as you journey west. As the Morgusi's predicted, you don't encounter any hostile Pokemon, just the common ones on this route like Zigzagoon and common bird Pokemon.

You find a good camping spot as evening arrives - any special preparations for it being 1925? What is Spira doing, is he welcome in the tent? (It has wings that can be sealed off for private rooms).

From Shiva's side, no real special preparations, but she desires to stay out at the campfire a little longer, technically until night has fallen and it is dark enough that she can do a bit of stargazing with Gothy and Raphael. They just lay on their back here in the grass, enjoy the scent of the night and the chill of the breeze, soak in the silence and starlight while enjoying each other's company - it was a very weird feeling to do so while being 90+ years in the past. Oh Celebi... What may you have in store for us...?

She'd compare the stars and constellations with celestial charts she has made in 2017-Chreshire, curious whether she'd find any differences or curiosities here in the old times. If she herself can't seem to find any, she'd turn to Gothy with a kind request: "You, Lilith... We're currently in the year 1925. Weird, isn't it....? Say, can you spot any...well, anything special or different in this almost ancient sky that I fail to see on my own?"



Shiva is carrying the tent, but she still sucks at building it up herself so she'd ask for the help of the others. While doing so, she'd unconsciously find herself throwing subtle gazes over to Spira every now and then, wondering whether he'd be up to join them or has his own rest for the night. Given that Terra insists on sleeping OUTSIDE - which allures her asking him twice whether it's really fine for him and whether he isn't cold, "There's enough room in there, Terra, you sure...?" - and Valder has left them as well, she'd be the first one to kindly offer Spira spending the night with them all inside. However, she'd lead him to the spot Valder always occupied, not the one Ventus usually rested at. "It's more safe inside - the tent fabric is even sprayed with something that repels wild Pokemon, assuring a restful sleep. Up for that? You... don't have to if you'd prefer something different, but from my side you're very welcome."

Heart has also asked for Shiva's help on finally preparing the shed claw of Gustav for dinner before it spoils, which she is all up for. (I guess it was a Crafting Check?)

From Heart side, he was indeed impressed with all this constellation in the sky. When he checked the bag, he find the shed claw of Gustav. Heart then go in Shiva and Terra direction. "Howdy. Crazy day heh? I gladly we finally were able to have some time to rest. Can you help me with something Shiva? I was thinking in prepare the Clawitizer claw shed for meal but....give my historic in prepare meal in the nature, can you help me with that Shiva?"

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

The natural fae enthusiast perked up as the PUNisher came over to her and the mountainous man, she was just busy brushing through Cottonee's fur while Vaporeon at her feet was playing and nibbling at the Umbrella from Elektruxo. Shiva has never heard of such a Pokemon, must be from Tandor again, maybe before laying down for rest she'll check it in her Almanac. The waterly Eeveelution had her mermaid tail carefully coiled around her Egg, she took a protective stance when Heart approached.

At first, Shiva didn't quite get what he meant, before it came to her: Right, he said Gustav sheds his claw sometimes and it's even edible - if prepared correctly. She stares at him for a few moments, then smiles lightly. "Sure I can help you, as I promised and you asked... Though I haven't handled a Clawitzer's Claw myself yet. It...shouldn't be too difficult though, I guess. We'll just try!"


-----------------
Mechanics:
Results in a Cooking Roll, as stated here. What was that again, Insight + Knowledge + Crafting? In Shiva's case, that'd be 6 + 3 + 4 = 13d6. Needs 3 successes minimum.

[Iron]

Sounds right, I can't remember exactly what I said for the claw's roll. Spira is also an expert chef and can advise.

(4)(3)(3)(4)(5)(2) (5)(4)(3)(4)(2)(5) (2) Yum, that's why Clawitzer claw is a delicacy!!

You get in a good's night rest and recharge your Encounter Slots and any daily abilities. It wouldn't really be accurate to say today is Day 70, but Day 69B begins. Any events like Clawitzer's shedding, which are supposed to occur on Day 70, will not occur until you return to the present. (mostly this is just for ease of bookkeeping).

Lilith gazes at the changed stars, and turns her gaze toward the Skull Ruins questioningly. She nods, confirming to herself that something is still there. Gallade seems to agree.

Thanks to the dinner, clean consciences, and a good night's rest, gain 1 Will Point.

You're eating breakfast in the morning rain, mostly huddled under the porch-tarp-roof thing of the tent, when you feel it! Another lurch! Even Spira feels it, for the first time, and is WRENCHED from his own time along with the group!

When your stomachs settle, you find yourself in a warm midsummer's night. There are tons of stars overhead, and a full moon (Ditto will be in Herolune form). You're on a road that's much wider than the Route 13 of your time. It's in perfect condition, and it has a low wall along both edges, studded with brightly colored statues of rare Pokemon. Each has a gem somehow worked into it - maybe an eye, or claw, or whatever.

Spira notices something interesting when he recovers from his shock - within each statue lurks a little Ghost Pokemon, either a Misdreavus or a Yamask.
Shiva can sense a curse laid on the gems, a very very uneasy feeling. But she can't see the ghosts.

All around the road, just past the low wall, are campers. It looks like a vast caravan has split up, because most of the camps include a wagon marked with a giant eye.



Nathan recognizes this immediately as one of Sarimanok's symbols.

The camps are often canvas tarps stretched from wagon to posts, providing a cozy shelter for cots or for campfires. People sit around these fires. The mounts who pull the wagons also sit around the fires, when they can fit. They're all huge Pokemon - an Oversized Tauros, an extinct Bastidiodon, a Donphan, a half-submerged Onix, a small fleet of Serperior, two Golurk, a quadrupedal Beartic, Camerupt, Mamoswine, Mudsdale, Venusaur, Aggron, Avalugg. Such variety! All are equipped with saddle and a big warhorn as well as a standard bearing the purple eye.


The humans pet their mounts and seem to be swapping stories in an accent so thick you can barely make out what they say. Yet, it's still recognizable as Common. Some of these accents are pitched oddly, either very high or very low, or almost a guttural growling. Quite a large variety there, too. They're dressed much more oddly than you - some have breastplates and/or helms, the rest wear tunics and armbands.

Sitting among the humans, as if equals, are a whole lot of Conkeldurr. For every two humans, there's a Conkeldurr. They rest their colossal frames on concrete pillars, or put their feet up on them to reach the fire. These Conkeldurr may listen attentively to stories, or a lot of them are stargazing with serene expressions on their eyes. Some watch the fires or perform minor tasks like bringing firewood. You can tell most of these Conkeldurr are deep in thought; Shiva especially sees a wisdom there she may not have expected.

About one in ten camps have left a space for battling! Humans spar with humans, humans spar with Conkeldurr, or humans partake in a Pokemon battle! The winner gets little discs of pure gold from the loser. Those of you who are alert can see the trainers use exclusively Apricorns, fitted with oversized holographic crystals where the button ought to be. Oh, and the Conkeldurr don't have Pokeballs assigned to them.

It's a lot to take in! Everything is as grandiose as can be imagined, even though this is clearly a transient society.


Encounters will be up to you. You can engage the campers however you see fit, or you can slide off into the mountains (west) or fields (east) in hopes of a random Pokemon encounter that may be different from the present. Searching for items or berries is possible, please tell me what location you search.

The unlimited Encounters are Natu, Zubat, Murkrow, Hoothoot, Spinarak, Rattata, Oddish, Venonat, Kricketot (very loud and beautiful), Farfetch'd (sleeping), Spearow (sleeping), Combee, Pidove, Woobat, Sandshrew, Tyrogue, Pineco, Timburr (which are very intelligent and gather curiously outside the circles of firelight), Trapinch, Slowpoke, Bonsly, Geodude, Shuckle, Aron, Dwebble! Quite a list of scavengers and hangers on, plus some reclusive wild Pokemon.

Oh yeah, and one for Terra's wishlist: There are several Diggersby being used in the Pokemon battles or just wandering around camp.