[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

At this point in time, Nathan's currently training Emolga, Swiftfire, and Gallade.  Emolga does kinda miss the trees of his old home, but there's lots and lots of space for him to fly around here!  Wheeeee!!

And the same goes for Swiftfire with the open space.  She's able to run around to her heart's content with so much unoccupied ground!

Gallade, meanwhile, is running through the motions of some of his techniques.  While the area isn't well suited to it, rusty techniques are no better than a dull blade.  While most of the attacks he's practicing involve slashing in some manner or concentrating his psychic abilities on a specific task, he's working on adding some punches into his regular routine!  Now that he's finally learned Drain Punch, he wants to get some good use out of it!

As for Nathan himself...he's standing back and watching the different ways his pokemon train.  Mostly to make sure they're both having fun and working hard, but also partially because it makes him happy to see pokemon enjoying themselves.  He's also occasionally glancing in an entirely different direction to check on Zippy and Princess as they zip around the area collecting oodles of Honey and scouting, but the bulk of his attention is on the three pokemon that are training.
...well, until Terra approaches to ask him about the whereabouts of the rest of the group, that is.

"...everyone else?  Ummmm...sorry, can't say I saw where they went...kinda lost track of them while I was talking with Belle and Tramp, to be honest...I'm sure they're fine, though.  Teazel Valley is hardly the wildest place we've been to.  And the Rangers are always on duty and never far away in this area.  The place is a basically a League run nature preserve of sorts, after all."  Nathan doesn't list any examples of wilder places, but he shouldn't have to, given the group literally just visited a few places practically untouched by human civilization in any significant manner.  And the Safari Zone itself is much wilder than the gateway to it, particularly when you get deeper in.

The Terra asks about how Nathan is doing, and the subject in question turns to look at his pokemon while they Train.  "Well, you said it already.  Doing okay enough.  Just trying to prepare for the Safari Cup tomorrow."

Then Nathan pulls his wallet out of his pocket and starts flipping through the contents, counting in his head, not really paying too much attention to Terra right now.  Given that Terra's money savvy, he can probably tell that Nathan has a little over $5k at a glance.  Maybe almost $6k.

"...and figure out what supplies I'm going to need to buy...and how to afford it...maybe I shouldn't have bought that Dragon Fang back in Cress...or maybe those 2 Ultra Balls..."

Basically, Nathan's just thinking out loud at the moment, not specifically asking Terra for anything.

EDIT: Also, whoops!  Just realized I subtracted more money than I should have when I purchased those Ultra Balls!  Should have been $2.4k for 2 of them, not $3k!  Adding that $600 back to Nathan's funds now to correct that, and the post where I did shopping in Cress has been corrected as well!

*Flashback!*

The scene of Nathan's Pokemon having fun during their time training easily brings a small smile to Terra's face too. That sort of combination of hard work, passion, and fulfillment is exactly the sort of thing he likes seeing in almost any activity, as it shows not only are the people involved dedicated to improving themselves, but enjoying the effort too! 

Emolga's mere existence naturally draws the sagely monk's attention, as he's naturally curious about Pokemon he's never seen before.

'Hm...seems to be Flying Electric type. Like......mix between a Plusle and Zubat. Interesting......'

Nathan's response initially only strengthened his fears/concerns over the rest of the group's safety, judging by his frown growing more severe by the second. That changed quickly when they said that T.V. was essentially a safe enough area for anyone to wander about if they minded their surroundings, causing him to pause and mull things over, before slowly nodding back to the boy, tension leaving as he calmed down.

"Hm.....You are right. Worried about them still......but everyone should be fine. Can look after selves, and Ranger around to help if they....can not. ......I hope."

When the scholarly trainer mentioned their preparations for the S.C. , that earned them further interest from the rugged wanderer's , as he silently raised both eyebrows at them. 

Naturally, he's heard of the competition himself to (As he's was always keen to look for challenges of any sort), but he more or less immediately became disinterested in it after reading up on the rules.  To the monk, Pokemon Battling was all about Fighting with all your might and achieving great things with your trusted partners, and one of his mottos for battling in general was NEVER Fight unless you were fully prepared for it. Given the goal of the Safari Cup was 'Obtaining and then Fighting with only newly caught Pokemon' , the tournament's premises ran completely contrary to his principles, he found it to be 'not good' for him, and therefore choose not to participate. 

In other words, the S.C. was not his cup of tea. The fact it also costed $5000 Poke was only more disincentive, as he could (and indeed did) invest that much money in better endeavors.

However, just because he had zero interest in the wildlife competition doesn't mean he begrudges his friend for their's. Surprised, perplexed, and curious about their decision, yes, but no ill will. If they wanted to join and Fight in the S.C., then he'd have no problem with it, and wish them the best of luck. Simple as that.

Seeing them flip through there money (which he is able to accurately deduce exactly how much they had at first glance) and grumbling about how he's going to cover all the cost of the S.C. did cause Terra to frown at their dilemma, before he abruptly pulled out $5000 Poke from one of his many pants pockets and brusquely deposited in the boy's wallet. He crossed his arms and nodded, satisfied with so neatly solving his friend's financial crisis.

"There. Now you can afford to enter Safari Cup without worry. Good luck, and be well. *Waves* See you later."

Terra then departs from Nathan like he came to them, resuming his exploration of T.V. and content all was well with the group now. Of course, his friend is free to stop him if they want to continue to chat!

*Flashback End?*

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

*Flashback!*

The scene of Nathan's Pokemon having fun during their time training easily brings a small smile to Terra's face too. That sort of combination of hard work, passion, and fulfillment is exactly the sort of thing he likes seeing in almost any activity, as it shows not only are the people involved dedicated to improving themselves, but enjoying the effort too! 

Emolga's mere existence naturally draws the sagely monk's attention, as he's naturally curious about Pokemon he's never seen before.

'Hm...seems to be Flying Electric type. Like......mix between a Plusle and Zubat. Interesting......'

Nathan's response initially only strengthened his fears/concerns over the rest of the group's safety, judging by his frown growing more severe by the second. That changed quickly when they said that T.V. was essentially a safe enough area for anyone to wander about if they minded their surroundings, causing him to pause and mull things over, before slowly nodding back to the boy, tension leaving as he calmed down.

"Hm.....You are right. Worried about them still......but everyone should be fine. Can look after selves, and Ranger around to help if they....can not. ......I hope."

When the scholarly trainer mentioned their preparations for the S.C. , that earned them further interest from the rugged wanderer's , as he silently raised both eyebrows at them. 

Naturally, he's heard of the competition himself to (As he's was always keen to look for challenges of any sort), but he more or less immediately became disinterested in it after reading up on the rules.  To the monk, Pokemon Battling was all about Fighting with all your might and achieving great things with your trusted partners, and one of his mottos for battling in general was NEVER Fight unless you were fully prepared for it. Given the goal of the Safari Cup was 'Obtaining and then Fighting with only newly caught Pokemon' , the tournament's premises ran completely contrary to his principles, he found it to be 'not good' for him, and therefore choose not to participate. 

In other words, the S.C. was not his cup of tea. The fact it also costed $5000 Poke was only more disincentive, as he could (and indeed did) invest that much money in better endeavors.

However, just because he had zero interest in the wildlife competition doesn't mean he begrudges his friend for their's. Surprised, perplexed, and curious about their decision, yes, but no ill will. If they wanted to join and Fight in the S.C., then he'd have no problem with it, and wish them the best of luck. Simple as that.

Seeing them flip through there money (which he is able to accurately deduce exactly how much they had at first glance) and grumbling about how he's going to cover all the cost of the S.C. did cause Terra to frown at their dilemma, before he abruptly pulled out $5000 Poke from one of his many pants pockets and brusquely deposited in the boy's wallet. He crossed his arms and nodded, satisfied with so neatly solving his friend's financial crisis.

"There. Now you can afford to enter Safari Cup without worry. Good luck, and be well. *Waves* See you later."

Terra then departs from Nathan like he came to them, resuming his exploration of T.V. and content all was well with the group now. Of course, his friend is free to stop him if they want to continue to chat!

*Flashback End?*

Well, that was...definitely abrupt.

Nathan's a little stunned at first.  Gallade's also been half paying attention to what's been going on with Nathan and Terra, and has briefly paused his training (he literally stops mid swing and immediately turns his head to look at the two trainers, as if he was a passerby who thinks he just heard something shocking, but needs to stop and try and listen in on the conversation to understand the context) as he mirrors Nathan's surprise and wonders what the heck just happened to cause such a reaction...

As Terra turns to leave, Nathan almost doesn't manage to say something, but he does at the very last moment.

"...Terra, why did you...are you sure you want to just...give all of that to me, no questions asked about what I'm going to do with it and why, nor asking for anything in return?"  Suffice to say, Nathan's still kinda surprised, mostly because Terra kinda just did the opposite of what merchants usually do as far as Nathan can tell...

And to say the least, I also wasn't quite expecting the conversation to go in this direction...

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

(...)

As Terra turns to leave, Nathan almost doesn't manage to say something, but he does at the very last moment.

"...Terra, why did you...are you sure you want to just...give all of that to me, no questions asked about what I'm going to do with it and why, nor asking for anything in return?"  Suffice to say, Nathan's still kinda surprised, mostly because Terra kinda just did the opposite of what merchants usually do as far as Nathan can tell...

And to say the least, I also wasn't quite expecting the conversation to go in this direction...

The sagely monk does pause when the boy expressed disbelief at his decision to simply correct their low amount of funds, halting mid-stride and thinking about it briefly, before turning his head back to them and nodded.

"Yes. You needed money, so I give it to you. Helping a friend.....it is always a good investment. That...is that."

His tone was direct and casual, as if he was just speaking a simple, casual truth.

If nothing else is said, Terra resumes his departure, like nothing particularly impactful happened. For to him, nothing really did. Just helping Nathan out. Simple as that.

[Dragonstrike]

The sagely monk does pause when the boy disbelief at his decision to simply correct their low amount of funds, halting mid-stride and thinking about it briefly, before turning his head back to them and nodded.

"Yes. You needed money, so I give it to you. Helping a friend......it is always a good investment. That...is that."

His tone was direct and casual, as if he was just speaking a simple, casual truth.

If nothing else is said, Terra resumes his departure, like nothing particularly impactful happened. For to him, nothing really did. Just helping Nathan out. Simple as that.

Huh...well okay then.  Nathan doesn't really have anything to add to that, to be honest.  Pretty hard to argue with that logic!  Terra gets to leave as Nathan pockets the cash and resumes thinking to himself while overseeing the training.  Gallade returns to his training routine as well.

Well then, now to try and figure out what kind of supplies Nathan is going to need to purchase...a rental tent and enough food for the day are provided along with the Safari Balls, so that's a non-issue, at least (unless you want better quality stuff, cooking gear, etc. to make the camping more comfortable)...hmmmmm...

Maybe that's another reason why Nathan didn't quite get the Drill Run Tutoring down today.  Not only has it been awhile since he's seen the move, he's also just a liiiittttle distracted as he tries to plan out how he's going to manage placing well in the Safari Cup...if he can place at least third in the cup, then he gets the money he put in back...and if he places first...well, that would certainly be something, wouldn't it?

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Humm... If these acacia leaves are so nutritively, Shiva would be happy to collect a handful for new Pangoro to feed on (I see them as strict herbivores), so she slowly and carefully gets as close as the noble Girafarig allows her to. With her body language she indicates that she means no harm and is more interested in the tree it monches on, only when Girafarig doesn't react negatively or aggressively she feels safe enough to try getting some.  Could Helios maybe use Ally Switch on Shiva to have her switch places with a bird Pokemon inside the tree maybe? If that isn't possible she'll ask Lilith to help her out with her Telekinesis by lifting her up once more.

Yes, that would certainly work. You gather some, unbothered by Girafarig who doesn't seem to realize he's been out-adapted.

Yay!~ It'll be Helios then who'll help out since it's been a while since he got to use his mighty psychic powers and Shiva wouldn't want him to fall back. The leaves she gatheres are carefully packed away and while being up there in the tree she even takes a bit of time to try feeding that Girafarig with a brach of that acacia. (A bit like one can do in this zoo in Prague)

That'll be all Shiva will do in the Safari Zone for today, she much enjoyed her trip despite the attack of a poisonous Scolipede!~ Now she's looking forward to tomorrow, asking herself what may await her during her activities as a Volunteer Ranger and whether she'll be adequate to the given tasks: About that she's a bit insecure if being honest to herself, but... But if she's giving her best, she can't be wrong! She won't have to tackle things all alone either, her Pokemon and experienced Rangers will be there for aid.

The next thing Shiva does once she has departed from the Zone is signing up as a Volunteer Ranger for the duration of tomorrow's Safari Cup, paying the fine of 500$ and asking whether she shall bring anything particular along, a cloak and a variety of Medicine she already has though. Learning valuabe Surviving Skills will probably do Shiva well, allowing her to hone her close bond to nature a bit more.

Once that's settled, she'll find a free bench or bus station to rest at for a little in order to send a message to @everyone of the traveling group via her cell: Can'f afford that they/Terra in particular start worrying where she's running around, as well as to update them on things.

The message does read as following.

Well, hello! Shiva here, I'm sorry if you've been wondering where I've been or what I'm doing. Though I'm fine, everything's okay! Just wanted to tell that I just came back from the Safari Zone, that place's very worth the visit. I won't participate in the Cup tomorrow, as I rather, well, prefer to help making sure that everything goes well. Maybe we'll see one another even! ^_^

Poison and Bug Types are hiding everywhere though, so please take care of yourself if visiting this place. Good luck also if you're participating in the Cup!

That'll be all, have a good night's sleep and stay safe. Pixilated greetings!~

Then, Shiva will make a quick turn to the Pokemon Center, asking the current Nurse Joy in duty for her Togekiss and Cottonee. They both should be fully healed by now, Purrloin however shall stay overnight to fully recover from her fainting. Shiva gives her black cat a short visit to inquire about her state, wish her a restful sleep and leave some dried berries as a snack. Before she's leaving the Center again she'll stop by Bill's PC to switch around her party of six.

These will be the Pokemon on hand now.

Cottonee, Delphox, Raphael, Primal Glaceon, Pangoro, Alola Vupix and naturally the three Eggs.

With that done Shiva makes haste to get to the hostel she has booked a room at, and after a qualitative vegetable-flavoured instant ramen as dinner she'll meet up with the other guests for the mentioned jam session!~ ^o^ Despite she's a bit shy and needs a bit to thaw towards the others, it's visible that she has been looking forward to this social event since the moment the housemaster has told her about it. She herself is more the one who listens and watches everything, but all of her current Pokemon are out to enjoy this evening: Cottonee's having her fun leaping and floating around between them all while glowing pink and crimson in turns, Delphox gracefully dances and swirls his enlighted wand while luckychanting blissfully, Raphael as the benelovent archangel takes this evening to let everyone hear his sweet and disarming voice, Primal Glaceon melodically howls at the top of his voice and wags his tail to the rhythm, Pangoro is all calmly sitting beside Shiva and munching on the fresh acacia leaves she has offered him, and Alola Vulpix has taken a seat in Shiva's lap and purrs softly as she brushes the icy fox's flawlessly white fur.

In short, it's a scenery that doesn't fail to cast a smile on anyone watching. And on me because I like this image of Shiva and all her Pokemon included in a late-night jam session.



Mechanics:
That's probably all from my side for the current in-game Day unless anyone wants or needs something from me or Shiva. Sorry again that we didn't make it to tutor a move Windos, but we'll get to that as soon as possible, alright?

[Iron]

Spoiler

[quote pid='57753' dateline='1546131788']

I don't think Manectric really fits on Flygon - 5' vs 6', and Manectric needs all four paws squarely on a surface. He could ride something like Delta Onix, or Valder's old Mamoswine.

Everyone clears the field, shaking Weedle from their boots. Manectric starts things off with an Electric Terrain. Terra has to shout to be heard above the chewing.

Electric Terrain 1
(1)(2)(6)(5)(4)(2) That goes off just fine!

Rock Slide 1
(4)(5)(5)(3)(3)(1)
And the Rock Slide keeps Melly from being stung.

Howl 1
(1)(2)(6)(5)(1) Melly is strengthened!

Rock Slide 2
(2)(3)(3)(5)(2)
Still safe.

Discharge 3
(4)(6)(1)(1) Melly wipes out a battlefield of Weedle with a single move! Most of the Sunkern are still up, but they'll fall to the second Discharge.

Rock Slide 3
(3)(1)(1)(6) This Rock Slide fails, but all the Weedle are gone and the Sunkern aren't physically aggressive. So Melly is fine.


Discharge 4
(5)(5)(6)
An entire third of the Sunkern and Weedle are now gone! One battlefield's worth. 

You can move to another area where they're thick again, but your Electric Terrain won't be applicable there. Would you set it back up, ensuring enough damage to Faint the Weedle with every attack?

In regard to setting up ET every time per field, the answer is yes, as taking a bit of time to ensure that those dangerous pests are OHKOed is just a smart move, even if it gives said pests time to retaliate. Genie will do her job of provide protection with 3 Rock Slides (6/5/4D6 Base Dice Rolls), while Melly sticks to the pattern of 1 Electric Terrain and 3 Discharges per area first Round, then 4 Discharges every Round afterwards if their are still stranglers somehow (5/4/3/2D6 Base Dice Rolls). If people are in those areas, Terra will give them the same warning as last time to git gone for their own good.
[/quote]

Weedle Swarm Round 2

Electric Terrain 1
(5)(2)(1)(6)(3)(2) The setup works again, connecting all the shrubs and rocks and things in the area with electric fields.

Rock Slide 1
(3)(3)(1)(5)(3)(4)

Discharge 2
(6)(4)(4)(5)(5) That's a critical hit, and it finishes off the Sunkern as well as the Weedle!

Only a few swarm members remain, and the other assembled Trainers finish them off as you're working on your two battlefields.

Terra's fame is rather spreading in Teazel Valley! Everyone is gathered around to pet Melly, and Genie once she demands attention. When hearing what his favorite food is, someone makes a run for a big bag of marshmallows! Melly gains 1 Happiness and Genie gains 1 Loyalty after working together with that pack Pokemon.

The ground is littered with Weedle bodies - they only present a problem if you step on them. You figure the bird Pokemon will take care of most of them. The Sunkern are more interesting - their little roots have already used up a bunch of the nutrients in the soil in just a short time. So, though that swarm was a little less intimidating, it's clear they were equally dangerous in their own way.

Melly and Genie gain 4Xp. Terra earns 4, +4 for Heroism.

A Ranger comes up to Terra and asks to talk to him about the encounter - he plans to do some research on invasive Pokemon.

[Iron]

Spoiler

Spoiler

Spoiler

Around Teazel Valley. Its more problably to be there. If he didnt get luck in find Sawsbuck there, he gonna search around the Safari. Honchkrow and Heracross still gonna continue patrol the skies to find any problably location of the Shiny Sawsbuck.

There is any of roll to see if Heart find any clue about Sawsbuck location like foot in the ground who might give a clue of where he is. Maybe a roll of Knowledge (3) + Survival (3) + Nature (2) = 8D6

Sounds good. Hunting Sawsbuck will take the final Encounter Slot. 

Insight-Survival-Nature.
(5)(4)(5)(5)(1)(4) (2)(4) Critical success. With your four Pokemon, you divide up the forest in the direction white Sawsbuck went. First, Ambipom notices a dainty hoofprint, though Sawsbuck almost seems to fly across the ground! Next, Heracross (on foot) finds a broken twig. He's not a strong flier at all. Finally, Honchkrow lazily circles back after quite some time, and you eventually persuade him to lead you to something he apparently found twenty minutes ago and didn't feel like telling you about - a little scrap of golden-white fur caught on a thorn bush. So far, Sawsbuck has just headed deeper and deeper into the woods.

Let's do an Alert roll now.
(6)(6)(2)(4)(5)(3)(4)(2)(3)

You and your Pokemon surround the white Sawsbuck. From their cries, you can tell that one of your Pokemon will sense Sawsbuck, then another will spot it right as the first Pokemon lost it. This continues for a while, until the four of you burst into a clearing you JUST saw Sawsbuck entering.

But in the clearing, you see only a Bunnelby, twitching its nose at you.

"Dang it." Say Heart frustrated with not be able to get that Sawsbuck. But there was one last thing to do. Perhaps the only thing who could do. "I have one last idea." Heart release Nidorina and Viktor from their Pokeballs. "There is one last thing I would want to try. It is more difficult to find Sawsbuck around this forest because of the darkness of this night...but I have a slight idea about what to do." Heart then ask Ambipom to lead him to the top of the trees. "Nidorina, I want you to use the move Moonlight. Send a really strong one as much you can, something who light most of the part of the forest. As much you can. This might distract Sawsbuck from his running when seeing such Moonlight, and the light will help you guys to find him. And maybe this will be able to blind him enough time. Viktor, when that happen use your plants to trap him, use Confuse to confuse him. Confused, this might stopping him from run. Honrchkrow, Heracross try to Grab him when you meet him. None of you have the permission to hurt him. Nidorina, if possible, also use Lovely Kiss to make him fall sleep."

If possible of course to use this course of actions. This gonna be my last trying in find that Sawsbuck. Hope this works...

*rolls*

When Nidorina uses Moonlight in the clearing, you glimpse a magical, near-invisible outline of Sawsbuck, as if the Pokemon was temporarily made out of starlight. It only lasts a second, then fades.


Some kind of Earthpower is protecting Sawsbuck at the moment, it seems. There may be a way around it, or some condition that has to be met.

Heart in the beggining was not very hopefull in the use of the move. But then he could glimpse the outline of Sawsbuck, shining like a starlight. Then answear then struck him like a arrow. He see such move before. "Camouflage...of course! No wonder Sawsbuck was disapearing! He was using his speed and camuflage to hide in the enviroment! Now...I guess I have a plan." He send orders to all his Pokemon. Heart also release his last Pokemon: Caesar. "Nidorina. Honrchkwon. I need you two to disrupt and interfere with Sawsbuck camouflage so I need you two to use Moonlight and Haze to keep changing the enviroment. This will also take Sawsbuck with his guard down. Honchrow also use Pursuit to keep you close to him to not let him escape, but do not attack him, and when get close use Swager to make him Confuse. Startle him to make him run in my direction. Caesar, I need you to go with Ambipom to put Poison Spikes to make Sawsbuck get slowed and trapped. The Poison Spikes will not hurt him, but it will reduce his moves and trap him."

"Viktor, Sawsbuck its somehow protect by some Earthpower drawn from the forest itself. I need you to ingraining yourself and and ask nature to not help Sawsbuck or forcibly cut off their access to the energies supplying their guard. He is gaining some earthpower with the conection with nature itself, but you Viktor IS a Guardian Tree Spirit and your species can communicate with Nature. Heracross, I need you to help Honckrow startle Sawsbuck and make him run though the Poison Spikes traps. Even if you are not a strong flying, you can climb in the trees from time to time, and make Sawsbuck get trapped and confuse in the traps. And thats gonna be the moment I will grab him. All we need is grab and catch him."

"Alright everyone! If you all understand the plan, lets go ahead! Time to begin the plan catch Deer!"

Great plan! Viktor cuts off Sawsbuck's connection to the forest with a crushing motion of one hand. Shadows leap up and outline Sawsbuck immediately, especially when contrasted against Moonlight and Haze. Sawsbuck's Camouflage was a little different than usual, using Earthpower rather than physical means. It kind of snaps the white hart out of the magical camouflage instantly. 

Sawsbuck edges sideways, but sees the Poison Spikes right in the direction he was planning to go. He stops, and lowers his rack to Heart! Flowers bloom around Heart's feet.

That's when Heart's eyes change color, and he receives a vision from an unnamed, unseen ancestor! Her voice appears in Heart's head. "There are ancient powers sleeping in the Teazel Valley and areas beyond. Our connection here is stronger...and Chespin and the White Hart are Pokemon who can understand such things. Chespin wanted to test you, to see how you managed something on your own. Only one who entered the clearing ALONE could see through Sawsbuck's camouflage. But you took the opposite tack, and passed the test using the power of your partnership with these Pokemon. We're proud of you, ArcHeart. You will be sorely tried soon, and I hope you will use the same skills and the same powerful friendship to survive, to protect. Goodbye for now........."

Chespin trundles into the clearing. It likewise bows, first to Sawsbuck and then to Heart, and hands you a red flower. Sawsbuck darts off, and Chespin agrees to come with you!

Gotcha! Chespin was caught!
2/2/2
Overgrow
Vine Whip, Rollout, Bite, Leech Seed, Pin Missile, Seed Bomb, *Calm Mind*, Pain Split, Wood Hammer, Drain Punch.

[Iron]

Shiva gets a neat Ranger Sawsbucknife when she signs up as a volunteer. It comes with a leather sheathe. It's a fixed-blade knife, perfect for sharpening stakes or cutting through thorns and such. And some leather gloves and 10 yards of rope. That's about all you need to bring. Some bring a camera, a Pokedex, or personal items. You'll also get to borrow a first aid kit - 2 antidotes, 2 burn heals, 2 paralyze heals, 2 potions, 2 super potions, 2 revives. You have to give these back if they're not used in the line of duty.

The Rangers here don't really use Capture Styler technology. They capture Pokemon like any other Trainer, they just use that Pokemon in service to nature.

Togekiss gains 1 Loyalty after hearing about your adventures! His eyes go wide at the sight of the angel feather, though you can see it's not a perfect match for a Togekiss. Vulpix gains 1 Happiness!

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Weedle Swarm Round 2

Electric Terrain 1
(5)(2)(1)(6)(3)(2) The setup works again, connecting all the shrubs and rocks and things in the area with electric fields.

Rock Slide 1
(3)(3)(1)(5)(3)(4)

Discharge 2
(6)(4)(4)(5)(5) That's a critical hit, and it finishes off the Sunkern as well as the Weedle!

Only a few swarm members remain, and the other assembled Trainers finish them off as you're working on your two battlefields.

Terra's fame is rather spreading in Teazel Valley! Everyone is gathered around to pet Melly, and Genie once she demands attention. When hearing what his favorite food is, someone makes a run for a big bag of marshmallows! Melly gains 1 Happiness and Genie gains 1 Loyalty after working together with that pack Pokemon.

The ground is littered with Weedle bodies - they only present a problem if you step on them. You figure the bird Pokemon will take care of most of them. The Sunkern are more interesting - their little roots have already used up a bunch of the nutrients in the soil in just a short time. So, though that swarm was a little less intimidating, it's clear they were equally dangerous in their own way.

Melly and Genie gain 4Xp. Terra earns 4, +4 for Heroism.

A Ranger comes up to Terra and asks to talk to him about the encounter - he plans to do some research on invasive Pokemon.

Should be noted again that Melly is a female like Genie, but its not too much of a problem if she turns into a he on occasion, since they would act the same regardless of gender. I imagine the lightning wolf would have joyfully pounced on the marshmallow bringer and slobber him with grateful, enthusiastic affection, which would of course prompt Terra to reign his doggie in an offer an apology and something in exchange for their kindness/troubles. He's nice like that!

Genie probably would be so pleased with her combined efforts and camaradance + receiving positive attention from the crowd, she wouldn't think to start any mischief, and fan her wings to create her species' characteristic 'Humming Music' to  show off more. Yes, yes, praise the Dragonfly Princess, common folk, and acknowledge her and her comrade's greatness!

So Terra gains 8 XP? Sweet!

The sagely monk would not be too aware of the finer intricacies of invasive species of Pokemon, but he'd give a point by point breakdown of how he handled his cleanup of them, as well as discuss plans for containing swarms and other problem Pokemon.

- First Plan: Organize a large task force, and cordon the area surrounding the swarm/Pokemon to prevent their advancement, and slowly/quickly handle the problem from there. Isolates and contains threats to just one area, making solving it easier, but it would also concentrate the damages too, and it requires a lot of body + coordination + command structure.

- Second Plan: Scorched Earth. Raze the areas around a swarm or ruin and entrap a problem Pokemon (Like using Rock Slides and Earthquakes to make uncrossable terrain, or use Fire Pledge to literally scorch the earth), and starve/weaken the threats that way. Highly destructive, but just as equally effective, and it requires less people to pull + environment can recover quickly if done smartly.

- Third Plan: Capture/Acquire swarm's natural predator Pokemon, then send them out to go to town on the pests. Less costly than the first two plans, but it has the potential to leave more stragglers.

- Forth Plan: Send out a small but strong task force with Pokemon with AoE Moves/Ultra Powerful Moves, then smash smash smash. Benefits include not needing a lot of people, and it being more efficient and safer, but the problem of that is finding said strong task force, and their's always concern of innocents getting caught up in the thick of things. This was Terra's plan, obviously.

Since my chara noticed the rapid drain of the local environ's nutrients by the Sunkern, he'd also recommend Pokemon with Rototiller, Grassy Terrain, Dig (Bring nutrient rich soil to the surface), and Muddy Water (Contains silt!) to help revitalize the area in an expedient manner. Since he has a Dunseraph that knows both Dig and Agility, he would offer to do part of that job for them if they want, and since he has  also Michael, he'd also tenatively whisper to them that his mushroom Pokemon could also rapidly breakdown the Sunkern so that the nutrients in them return back to the environment at night (Out of the sight of other trainers, so not to cause a fuss). Its already been established waaay back that Shroomish Michael could wither plant life easily, so if its not entirely infeasible for the kick boxing version to do his part of maintaining a health environment with the blessing of the Rangers......

Terra would wait around to answer any and all questions the Rangers/his budding fanbase might have, then he'd leave the area to do his final Encounter of the day. Undecided as of right now, but if all else fails Terra will be fishing with his Super Rod and some of his BQB!

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Shiva gets a neat Ranger Sawsbucknife when she signs up as a volunteer. It comes with a leather sheathe. It's a fixed-blade knife, perfect for sharpening stakes or cutting through thorns and such. And some leather gloves and 10 yards of rope. That's about all you need to bring. Some bring a camera, a Pokedex, or personal items. You'll also get to borrow a first aid kit - 2 antidotes, 2 burn heals, 2 paralyze heals, 2 potions, 2 super potions, 2 revives. You have to give these back if they're not used in the line of duty.

(Awww happy that Ventus' Togekiss eventually gets some Loyalty to my chara!~ I've been putting effort into that. :> )

That Sawsbuckknife Shiva much enjoys and tries it out right after the jam session with the other hostel-guests and before she'll turn in for the night, she'll carve one Ivory Nut for that sake without really going for a particular form - she simply wants to get a feeling for how to handle that knife and the Nuts, familiarize herself with it. Soon she has developed the hope of being able to actually keep that knife in contrary to the provided medicine, she'll either pay for it post-duties or work hard to proof herself worthy of it during her duties.

She'll fall asleep relatively quickly eventually with Cottonee snuggled up to her, Raphael resting close by her side and Primal Glaceon and Alola Vulpix huddled up to one another by the end of the bed/sleeping bag on a soft blanket.