[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Iron]

"Your Absol is very interesting. If I hadn't grown up in Elanor, where Fairies are commonplace, I might be even more impressed. It's an interesting combination."

"I've never met Seikamater in person, but I have heard tales about her while researching Keenglaive and investigating whether there has ever been a...well, Queenglaive, though the name needs work. She would be a tyrant to end all tyrants, but there's no evidence of such a Pokemon existing."

[Mikaruge108]

(Earlier PM Orders remain the same)

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Remember that time is fluid in this campaign. If Phantom wanted some spotlight on this, it's 100% fine with me to have a flash"forward" to some indeterminate time, without worrying about when exactly she's available. It doesn't take an Encounter to use an HM, so it can happen at any time at all during the 16 hour day. Not everything has to be pinned down. Maybe this will help you in the future.

(I guess this will indeed help. What I don't really want to do unless there's a really good reason, is flashing forward to another in-game-day, that feels a bit too forward.)

When Spira receives the message (the timing he gets it is irrelevant to me OOC.) from Shiva, he reads it over and sends one back saying, more or less, "Before we head to the ruins there's something I'd like to talk to you about. Something important"

(I don't care either when exactly.)

Shiva is taken pretty off-guard from that message and can't help but to wonder what the matter may be. Eh... She doesn't think she has done or said anything that might have affected the spectral Breeder negatively!! Or so she guesses, at least. She's having very mixed feelings about this, but if he says it's important and has to be before venturing down the ruins, no way she'd refuse.

Message she sends back reads the following.

If you wish to speak to me, I shall lend you an ear. Come whenever you like. Is privacy favored?

Shiva gains 1 Will point from the orchid! It smells heavenly, and you can sense the Earthpower in it. The flower begins wilting immediately, but with a little water you are able to coax it to stay intact for another few hours. All the virtue is gone from it though.

The Moon Ball isn't explicitly like a Friendship Ball, but it does give +1 Happiness to Clefairy.

(That's not exactly what I meant, I was wondering whether a Moon Ball would come with any mechanics a normal Pokeball doesn't feature. Like, the canon increased catch rate for Moonstone-evolutions, a non-canon glow of the crescent moon on it... I like the latter, may I assue it gives off a faint glow due to being crafted in this Grove full of Earthpower?)



Huh, this orchid smells much, muuuch heavier than any orchid she has ever handled, but Shiva is enjoying the scent either way, especially due to that pleasant rush of energy it sets loose. It's empowering, it's strengthening, it's reenergizing, it's GREAT! Now she feels a tad bit more confident about heading down the Ruins tomorrow. AND she feels more secure about doing well in her later Gym Battle, which she looks forward to already.

It's also very sweet to see smol Clefairy enjoying the freshly carved Ball, she won't ever get tired about seeing and feeling this pure delight from her Pokemon. Not ever. Immediately the moon fae is summoned again and enveloped in a cloooose and fond embrace, awww!~ She chuckles joyfully over this arcane tickle she gets from the direct contact of this magically guarded Clefairy. "So neat to see you are enjoying this gift! You see I've kept my word, thank you for having agreed to stick with me. I look forward to see your TRUE powers and elusive MAGIC dazzling any foe."

For a bit of time, maybe an hour longer, Shiva will stay here at the glorious grove, doing nothing in particular. She's just relaxing, dreaming away, enjoying the fresh and clean air here, watching her Pokemon play and explore this place themselves - Cottonee never ventures far from Shiva, the fluffball is thrilled to bits still. Her puppy eyes when asking for that Sunstone only makes her wink and gesture mischievously to express 'Later, dear one.'


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Time passes, the sun wanders, and now we're looking at a natural fae enthusiast dressed in comfy clothing and sitting at the table of her dorm. It is 'decorated' in her witchy style again, with candles scattered and incense burning for a whimsy sense all over. A particular and vivid wad of cotton is sitting in front of her on the table, beside her a purple and pink flower that isn't a flower because it's a Pokemon looking like a flower: It's Nightshade, and both grassy Pokemon are eagerly watching what Master is busy with. "Almost finished, dear ones, just need to.... attach this and screw it tightly......... Done!~ Come on, Cottonee, please test it out."

The fluffball is very agreeing, and displays avid joy over being able to return to her old redwhite Pokeball again that got passed from Professor Mallorn to a young fae enthusiast that fateful day. Same with Nightshade! She hops onto her favorite spot = Shiva's shoulder where she starts to nuzzle her affectionately and hug her strands of hair. Shiva's very up to reciprocate this sweet gestures. She wouldn't have known what to do if she wouldn't feel capable and knowledgeable enough to repair the Balls that broke due to visiting the gorious grove. (This doesn't take an Encounter for her as agreed with GM.)


Next she does something curious: She fishes for that shard of dawnglass she mined up, gazes at its pleasant shine being refelcted by the daylight coming from the window, then packs it into a clean and stable plastic bag. She's mindful that there is only little air in it and that the knot she ties the bag with is a tight one. With a stone she has found outside she then smashes the shard to dust until she has a bag full of glass dust that strongly reminds on glitter powder, Azu can easily help her with her helpful Huge Power Ability. She closely checks it for any bigger particles before giving an approving nod and summoning a partcular winged wolf from a Pokeball: Yena greets the leader of his pack with a wagging tail, spread out Masquerain-like wings and a welcoming bark that openly shows the sharp teeth he's so proud of.



Shiva lovingly tousles through his black shoulder fur. "Hello, my dear one. It maybe been a while, but I am in need for your skill and power....." She strengthens her stance as she continues, "- and I know you would never deny me. Please tell me... Can I count on you in a place where Ghost and Psychic Types are lurking behind every corner, just waiting for a chance to pounce and give us chills? Can I rely on your loyalty and courage down a place that's infamous in the whole region, a place that's ominous but rewarding for those brave enough to force their way? Will you intercept shall an ill-natured creatue decide to attack me directly...? Please, tell me, I'd like to hear it from you directly."

"....I've got something for you that will revitalize you, eat up. What these curiously sparkling pieces in between the flakes are, you ask....? That's a secret! (･ω<)☆ I picked this up from the local Gym Leader who has a special liking for dark canines like you."


------------------
Mechanics:
A bit of bonding time between Shiva and Yena, involving one portion of Gourmet Food powers up with a dusted shard of dawnglass. This doesn't take an Encounter either according what's been stated in MetaThread. Shiva might not get the shard as fine as actual dust, but Yena's teeth should be strong enough to handle it anyway.

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Gallade had his blades unsheathed and was totally ready to duel Terra if he had to.  There would have been no way that Terra would have been able to outmatch Gallade's graceful blade swings.  Once the threat has passed, Gallade breathes a sigh of relief and sheathes his blades, followed by shuddering slightly.  He may not have been able to fully read what Black Keenglaive had been intending to do, but it disturbed him nonetheless.  They acted like a tyrant in some ways, just like the bug queens they've encountered in the past...the Black variant was definitely the opposite of the White in many ways...

Nathan looks a little disappointed in Terra.  "...you had us all worried the first time something like that happened, Terra.  Heck, I'm still a little worried about that first time, to be honest.  Please don't let that happen again.  You don't have to be physically damaged to lose a battle, and where we're going, that's going to be especially true moving forward."  No additional tongue lashings since Howl's done a good enough job of that already, but plenty of expressed concern at what happened.

Hearing Nathan fret and chatise him made his foolish whim magnitudes worse, as it not only was it coming from one of his most trusted friends (and one of a scant few he has, at that), but his possession nearly lead them to ruin in one of several ways. Right now, he just wanted to bow his head so hard, he'd hit the ground and spontaneously learn Dig and condemn himself beneath the earth for his stupidity. Gallade eyeing him with some suspicion and relief at not having to pare him down didn't help his dire disposition either, for that matter.

Instead of continuing to try and cringe himself out of existence, though, Terra eventually looked back at his young intellectual companion and gave him a slow nod,  still looking glum but better resigned to carrying his mistake.

"Understood. Try my hardest to make head harder to get into......mentally. ........*Looks away* .......Sorry for....almost ruining your battle, Nathan. Should have......control myself. None of this would have happened if I did."

With that said, the mountain of a man falls silent, listening in to his friend's conversation but not offering any input into it. Right now, he's not much in the mood for conversation, save for those that lead to him making it up for those he screwed up with.

Spoiler

"Very well. I do have some Zorua pups who could benefit from a new home."

Lemonade is $300, brandy would be more like $900. If you spend more than $2000, you're getting into crazy territory. They import a nice gin made from mountainous, shade-tolerant juniper berries that would run you $2000.

With that and a dark choco cake, Howl can sell you either of these three female Zorua:

Zorua A - $16,000
1/1/2 after being traded, Illusion
+1 Insight, +1 Fight, +1 Dex, +1 Survival
Extrasensory, Sucker Punch, Nasty Plot, Taunt, Feint Attack, Fake Tears, Pursuit
Most of that price is the Surprises.

Zorua B - $7000
1/1/2 after trade, Illusion
+1 Insight
Extrasensory, Feint Attack, Fake Tears, Pursuit

Zorua C, newborn pup - $7000
Zorua B - $7000
2/2/2 after trade, Illusion
+1 Insight, +1 Dex, +1 Survival, -1 HP, -1 Str
Extrasensory, Fake Tears, Pursuit, 5 XP



The Mightyena enjoy being able to venture anywhere, since Terra can handle any place nearby. They have a good time and come back tired. Howl seems pleased that you wore them out. "They will sleep well. This gin smells delicious - Oh, it is a negotiation gift rather than an apology! Very well - let's talk shop!"

Yeap, Terra would buy the Shady June's Gin for Howl, as he would spare no expense when picking out and giving negotiation gifts for the seller in question - doublely so, when you fear that anything less than the best would just make any goodwill gained disintegrate like wet paper towels. Walking, jogging, playing, and rough housing with their Mightyena's does wonders for his mood, cheer, and confidence, though, and hearing/seeing the Gym Leader's overall approval does much to unburden his spirits too. That, and the dark chocolate he ate earlier - never underestimate the power of good cocoa has on the body and mind!

"Yes. Let's."

And just like that, Terra instantly switches over to Merchant Businessman Mode, taking out a neatly folded list from his pocket, opening it, and handing it over to The Dark Beastmaster while smoothly explaining  what he was seeking in a Zoura and tried to gauge and then lower the price he had to pay for one sweet girl. Remorseful and regretful or not, he was looking to make a deal for a future partner of his, so he couldn't afford to let his own lingering emotional distress to unduly burden him from driving a hard bargain!

Eventually, his selection and price for a plucky and compassionate enough pup was narrowed to a list of three, to which he read over with razor precision like he was looking for some sort of molecular imperfection in it to justify throwing it into a fire and restarting from scratch. The first one obviously had him greatly impressed and inflamed his interests, while the second he didn't think much of besides them being perfectly adequate. It was the information/data about third and last Zorua (the newborn), which caused his interest to be intrigued, as he raised a solitary eyebrow before he motioned over her data with a singular finger.

"Would you care to tell me more about this welp here, Howl? The data provided says she's quite nimble on her feet, but hardly has any endurance  or sustain in her, the poor dear. Is that perhaps due to her being a runt, mixed pedigree, or something else good sir?"

Despite her relative weakness in comparison with her other sisters, there was something about her that keep his attention squarely focused on them. Did she have some sort of hidden potential, perhaps, or was it yet another gut feeling keeping him in suspense for a reason. Hmm......

(Whew! Done! Nap time now, at long last! Forgive any mistakes in grammar due to lack sleep, I'll fix them when I'm a bit more fresh!)

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

Hearing Nathan fret and chatise him made his foolish whim magnitudes worse, as it not only was it coming from one of his most trusted friends (and one of a scant few he has, at that), but his possession nearly lead them to ruin in one of several ways. Right now, he just wanted to bow his head so hard, he'd hit the ground and spontaneously learn Dig and condemn himself beneath the earth for his stupidity. Gallade eyeing him with some suspicion and relief at not having to pare him down didn't help his dire disposition either, for that matter.

Instead of continuing to try and cringe himself out of existence, though, Terra eventually looked back at his young intellectual companion and gave him a slow nod,  still looking glum but better resigned to carrying his mistake.

"Understood. Try my hardest to make head harder to get into......mentally. ........*Looks away* .......Sorry for....almost ruining your battle, Nathan. Should have......control myself. None of this would have happened if I did."

With that said, the mountain of a man falls silent, listening in to his friend's conversation but not offering any input into it. Right now, he's not much in the mood for conversation, save for those that lead to him making it up for those he screwed up with.

"You didn't ruin it.  I had that battle on complete lockdown right from the start.  Just be more careful in the future, alright?  I don't want to have to fight you out of self defense if I don't have to.  Or anyone for that matter.  Heck, I'm worried Shiva might be drawn to something like that too..."

Nathan sighs.

"...I suppose you walking the dogs means we might have to postpone that battle we were planning, though, unless you don't have any other plans later today.  It's fine if we have to though.  There'll always be time for that later.  In any case...I've got something that might cheer ya up a little.  Shiva sent a text about it already, I believe.  We'll meet up later to discuss that. And possibly some other things too. Speaking of which...why do you want to get a Zorua, if I may ask?"

[Dragonstrike]

"Your Absol is very interesting. If I hadn't grown up in Elanor, where Fairies are commonplace, I might be even more impressed. It's an interesting combination."

"I've never met Seikamater in person, but I have heard tales about her while researching Keenglaive and investigating whether there has ever been a...well, Queenglaive, though the name needs work. She would be a tyrant to end all tyrants, but there's no evidence of such a Pokemon existing."

"He's more interesting than you might think.  He wasn't always a Fairy type, though why he's one now is currently a secret.  Angela was rather disappointed when she heard that, but it's not information I'm comfortable with sharing right now.  Maybe when I'm finally done with all these crazy adventures I've been having..."

Nathan takes note of that.  "Oh?  So Keenglaive are all male?  Hmmmm...I suppose the 'keen' does sound a little like 'king', thinking about it...if you don't mind, could I get a little more information on the Black variety of Keenglaive?  I want to compare that to what I know of White Keenglaive already."

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

++ Uh... Recton. ++


To keep things straight to the point, Shiva does place the HM into Nathan's open arms as he suggested that having the other's Pokemon learn it as soon as possible would be best. "That's alright, but I unfortunately don't have the time to meet up with everyone today, busy. Busy in this beautiful town, must.... explore it! >o< If you want to have this done, you gotta reach out for the others in person yourself, I won't. I'm sorry for that, but... you're also faster. PLEASE return this machine to me tomorrow morning, okay?" A hint of sad puppy eyes glances over her as she expresses that. "There is one or two other of my dear companions who I'd like to know this capable technique, but no time to run to Bill's PC now."

"I will send a text message to everyone so that they know beforehand. That's all then, in case we don't happen to see one another today, have a fine rest later on, okay? Take care." Then she waves to her Pokemon currently out, and leaves quickly in the way I described already.

Once having hit the 'Send'-button, she is swift to pack cell away and follow her own business again, determined to not think about how she would have enjoyed to get a bit of deserved(?) spotlight by presenting the HM to the others in person. Maybe this would have mend her disappointment over not having received a single word of thanks for having asked Keni's dad after Lucky Eggs, and by now she has lost hope that there'll be some.


-----------------
Mechanics:
I hope that settles things now and for all and is fine for all parties?

Yes, that does settle things for the time being.

"I'll return it ASAP.  No need for the puppy dog eyes.  Having separate people carry the HMs is a good idea, after all."

(I'm sure everyone is thankful for the Lucky Eggs, even if nobody's saying it.  Sometimes words aren't necessary.)

Remember that time is fluid in this campaign. If Phantom wanted some spotlight on this, it's 100% fine with me to have a flash"forward" to some indeterminate time, without worrying about when exactly she's available. It doesn't take an Encounter to use an HM, so it can happen at any time at all during the 16 hour day. Not everything has to be pinned down. Maybe this will help you in the future.

(I guess this will indeed help. What I don't really want to do unless there's a really good reason, is flashing forward to another in-game-day, that feels a bit too forward.)

(Yeah, Iron doesn't usually allow Flash Forwarding to the next day.)

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

"You didn't ruin it.  I had that battle on complete lockdown right from the start.  Just be more careful in the future, alright?  I don't want to have to fight you out of self defense if I don't have to.  Or anyone for that matter.  Heck, I'm worried Shiva might be drawn to something like that too..."

Nathan sighs.

"...I suppose you walking the dogs means we might have to postpone that battle we were planning, though, unless you don't have any other plans later today.  It's fine if we have to though.  There'll always be time for that later.  In any case...I've got something that might cheer ya up a little.  Shiva sent a text about it already, I believe.  We'll meet up later to discuss that.  And possibly some other things too.  Speaking of which...why do you want to get a Zorua, if I may ask?"

".....Okay. Don't want to fight group either, unless we want to. Shiva......I will make sure nothing like that happens to her, or save her if it does. Ven was....very clear how......'influenced by the fae, the supernatural, and all other things ghastly, unseemly, and deplorably magical' she was, so will.....stop it from being trouble. Promise."

The historical hero's words does some good in lightening the air between them and getting him to relax a bit more, but he's still sullen for the most part.

As for their next question, that earns them a sharp shake of his head, giving his friend a frank but kind look.

"No. Our battle comes first, before anything else. We promised to have it, so not going to......put it off unless you want. Can always challenge Tanuki or Howl later."

Looks like the battle's still on, if his friend desires it! (I'm fine with delaying getting Tanuki's Badge over fulfilling our earlier promise, even if it puts me at a disadvantage later on. Got to keep those promise, you know! Unless we can delay going into the Skull Ruins for 1 Encounter, so Terra has a chance to challenge Cress' Best tomorrow?)

The further news they had managed to pique the steely brawler's interest and got a nod from him. He hadn't read it yet due to being.....busy, but he intended to attend the get together regardless. Not everyday one of his friend's calls in a group meeting, after all, so it must be super important!

Finally, Nathan inquiry about his desire for a Zoura earns the boy a mildly surprised look, before he thought it over for a bit and answered in a matter of fact, lighthearted, and....hopeful way?

"You told me about them, and they got my interest. Remember? Like their power of Illusions and cleverness, even though they are......tricky, troublesome, and can be bad. Been thinking about if I wanted one for long time. If it was worth it, or right for me too. Thought about it, long and hard.....and decided I do. We are heading to....The Skull Ruins soon, so having a smart and......resourceful Dark type with us is a good idea. *Expression turns speculative and thoughtful* Have plan in mind for raising Zoura too that could.......take care of her breed's problems. Not sure if it would work, but.....think it will still do them good. That is why I want one now, *Nods*"

Simple as that, beyond a little cypticy on his part surrounding his plans, Judging by his tone, phrasing, and generation mood, though, it isn't the sort of stuff that Ventus would get up to, so the young intellectual can breathe a little easier.

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

".....Okay. Don't want to fight group either, unless we want to. Shiva......I will make sure nothing like that happens to her, or save her if it does. Ven was....very clear how......'influenced by the fae, the supernatural, and all other things ghastly, unseemly, and deplorably magical' she was, so will.....stop it from being trouble. Promise."

The historical hero's words does some good in lightening the air between them and getting him to relax a bit more, but he's still sullen for the most part.

As for their next question, that earns them a sharp shake of his head, giving his friend a frank but kind look.

"No. Our battle comes first, before anything else. We promised to have it, so not going to......put it off unless you want. Can always challenge Tanuki or Howl later."

Looks like the battle's still on, if his friend desires it! (I'm fine with delaying getting Tanuki's Badge over fulfilling our earlier promise, even if it puts me at a disadvantage later on. Got to keep those promise, you know! Unless we can delay going into the Skull Ruins for 1 Encounter, so Terra has a chance to challenge Cress' Best tomorrow?)

The further news they had managed to pique the steely brawler's interest and got a nod from him. He hadn't read it yet due to being.....busy, but he intended to attend the get together regardless. Not everyday one of his friend's calls in a group meeting, after all, so it must be super important!

Finally, Nathan inquiry about his desire for a Zoura earns the boy a mildly surprised look, before he thought it over for a bit and answered in a matter of fact, lighthearted, and....hopeful way?

"You told me about them, and they got my interest. Remember? Like their power of Illusions and cleverness, even though they are......tricky, troublesome, and can be bad. Been thinking about if I wanted one for long time. If it was worth it, or right for me too. Thought about it, long and hard.....and decided I do. We are heading to....The Skull Ruins soon, so having a smart and......resourceful Dark type with us is a good idea. *Expression turns speculative and thoughtful* Have plan in mind for raising Zoura too that could.......take care of her breed's problems. Not sure if it would work, but.....think it will still do them good. That is why I want one now, *Nods*"

Simple as that, beyond a little cypticy on his part surrounding his plans, Judging by his tone, phrasing, and generation mood, though, it isn't the sort of stuff that Ventus would get up to, so the young intellectual can breathe a little easier.

Phew, crisis averted with that second set of remarks...thank goodness...Nathan definitely wasn't trying to guilt trip Terra or anything.  This is a lot better than before, thankfully.

Nathan shakes his head at Terra's next remark.  "...the battle can wait if it has to.  If you've got something important or helpful to do, you should do it in my opinion.  We're going to need every advantage we can get, and that permit's probably going to come first thing in the morning. I can find something else to do to occupy my time until then."

Nathan also raises an eyebrow at Terra's remarks concerning Zorua.  "...that's not a bad idea, actually.  And I'm definitely interested in hearing and/or seeing whatever you have planned for evolving them later..."

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Phew, crisis averted with that second set of remarks...thank goodness...Nathan definitely wasn't trying to guilt trip Terra or anything.  This is a lot better than before, thankfully.

Nathan shakes his head at Terra's next remark.  "...the battle can wait if it has to.  If you've got something important or helpful to do, you should do it in my opinion.  We're going to need every advantage we can get, and that permit's probably going to come first thing in the morning.  I can find something else to do to occupy my time until then."

Nathan also raises an eyebrow at Terra's remarks concerning Zorua.  "...that's not a bad idea, actually.  And I'm definitely interested in hearing and/or seeing whatever you have planned for evolving them later..."

His friend politely turning down their promised battle today managed to raise both his eyebrows, before they knitted together and his expression turned pensive.

"Are you sure? Hm.......very well. If you need to.......pass the time, you can borrow my Super Rod. Caught a Crawdaunt, Dragalge, buff Wartortle, and Posei with it it," *Gestures to his Politoed, who's probably hopped down to his partner's side by now with Dunny, both looking mildly worried but relieved* ,"....so you should be able to fish up a good Pokemon with it."

Well, that's nice of him! Normally he'd drive a harder bargain for the right to use his Super Rod, but between nearly screwing (or being screwed by, really) the Mightyena and him flaking on their fight, he feels that he owes his friend free use of it for awhile. 

Their light praise greatly cheers Terra up, actually managing to break through his depressed/remorseful mood and bringing a very slight smile on his face as he nodded back to them.

"Thank you. My plans....."

He glances over to where Howl is standing, before continuing.

".....Will tell you later. In private. They are nothing bad, but.....don't want to share them in public. Less people know about them, better it will work.....I think."

How even more cryptic!