[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Iron]

Nidoking takes the dagger and exchanges it for the Sword in the Stone as a symbol of his leadership. It immediately fuses to the boulder with a flash of Earthpower.

He holds out the Sword to Nathan, and the black-and-white weapon begins the process of bonding with you. While you hold it, it is painfully warm, but the heat fades over the next few hours.

It is now Day 82.

As promised, Nidoking shows you the secret cavern where he evolved, and you are able to mine three rare Moonstones there, deep in the earth but revealed by veins of shards. (edited to your sheet)

[Iron]

Cosh: "You may leave the Ruins if you wish. We Scimitars have everything we need to assault the final Layer of the Ruins and obtain the fourth artifact. We are bound by destiny now, and know we'll meet you on the surface for the final showdown. This might be the best division of resources."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Huh? (・・ ) ? No, despite Shiva's looking like she wishes to leave - leave the presence of the Nidos, that is - she's adamant on staying and proceeding down the Ruins, and she expresses this towards Cosh as best as she is able to. "We're so deep down this place already, you see, leaving now would be more of a waste than a good decision. Yes, progressing won't become easier in the slightest, but... I actually would like to see what's down this fourth Layer, you see? That, and there's the Throne Room!~ I heard that 'it contains a lot of the most amazing things humanity has ever built'." Her eyes sparkle at that, underlining that she's super-curious what can be found there. The issues is that Primal Lurantis didn't know how to reach that Layer, but she doesn't speak that out aloud.

"We've been through this together -" Shiva smiles carefully-proud upon that, "- and we will END this together, alright? You.... you don't have to agree with me, Cosh, but I still like to stay." That's her final decision on this matter, she proceeds to pack her things together, constantly trying to keep as much distance from the Nidos as possible.

[Mikaruge108]

For any of the group that wishes to leave the Skull Ruins early, Spira would offer to have Toya Ghost World travel them out of the ruins. He's staying, though.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

This is clearly a SpamBot, @Iron.
EDIT: Thanks for removing it!~

[Dragonstrike]

Shiva is fearful about anyone but her Pokemon coming closer, flinches away at first before she realizes that it's just Nathan and Gallade: This causes Azu and Whimsicott to take protective stances just in case. "I'll be okay...." is what natural fae-enthusiast issues as a response with a quiet voice in between two sips of strong and sugary coffee, "....I just don't want to linger here for longer than necessary, too many....Nidos around. Too many....BIG Nidos, I don't like them." She shudders and her hands are trembling lightly, that she still manages to keep herself together is quite impressive actually.

Gallade walks up, puts a hand on Shiva's shoulder, stares right into her eyes, and gives her a confident, (hopefully) reassuring nod.

Nathan has a small smile on his face as he looks upon his best friend's actions. "Gallade thinks you can overcome this. If he can overcome his crippling fear of Steel types, I think you can get past this. Maybe not right now, but one day. You're a strong person. Stronger than most."

And that's all Nathan really has to say on the matter. He seems to be confident in those words, too.

...even if he can't help but still be somewhat nervous around Shiva on some level, worried as he is about saying the wrong thing at the wrong time unintentionally.

Heart and said. "Fine. But that's the last time I help you. Don't expect another help time. You are in your own for now on."

"And trust you? Nope."

...

...Nathan doesn't have anything to say in response to that. He can't really believe he just heard Heart say something like that, for that matter.

...but he stays silent about it. No need to risk making things worse...even if he doesn't entirely understand what's wrong...he has an idea, but...

Nidoking takes the dagger and exchanges it for the Sword in the Stone as a symbol of his leadership. It immediately fuses to the boulder with a flash of Earthpower.

He holds out the Sword to Nathan, and the black-and-white weapon begins the process of bonding with you. While you hold it, it is painfully warm, but the heat fades over the next few hours.

You won't hear Nathan complaining about heat unless it's physically harming him, thankfully. Thank goodness for spending most of his life up to this point living near an active volcano. With a light jacket on at almost all times, even if only for the extra pocket space.

Nathan solemnly accepts the Sword from Nidoking. "Just as you did, your majesty, I shall wield it in the name of peace and justice."

...becoming the Sword's wielder is definitely a...unique experience, to put it mildly, and not just because of the supernatural elements. Holding a physical sword like this is going to take some getting used to for entirely different reasons, given the nature of pokemon training...

Sooooo...what exactly does the Sword do? Massive damage is the obvious thing, of course, but that doesn't really explain how the item works.

Oh, and that's quite clever, sticking another blade in the stone now that the Sword has been removed! Perfect for keeping that test for a true leader/mighty king intact!

It is now Day 82.

Cosh: "You may leave the Ruins if you wish. We Scimitars have everything we need to assault the final Layer of the Ruins and obtain the fourth artifact. We are bound by destiny now, and know we'll meet you on the surface for the final showdown. This might be the best division of resources."

Huh? (・・ ) ? No, despite Shiva's looking like she wishes to leave - leave the presence of the Nidos, that is - she's adamant on staying and proceeding down the Ruins, and she expresses this towards Cosh as best as she is able to. "We're so deep down this place already, you see, leaving now would be more of a waste than a good decision. Yes, progressing won't become easier in the slightest, but... I actually would like to see what's down this fourth Layer, you see? That, and there's the Throne Room!~ I heard that 'it contains a lot of the most amazing things humanity has ever built'." Her eyes sparkle at that, underlining that she's super-curious what can be found there. The issues is that Primal Lurantis didn't know how to reach that Layer, but she doesn't speak that out aloud.

"We've been through this together -" Shiva smiles carefully-proud upon that, "- and we will END this together, alright? You.... you don't have to agree with me, Cosh, but I still like to stay." That's her final decision on this matter, she proceeds to pack her things together, constantly trying to keep as much distance from the Nidos as possible.

Not gonna lie, but Nathan does seriously consider returning to the surface, for one reason or another. For one, he wouldn't have to deal with Cosh any more. Two, he could possibly get a head start on updating his mom, Dagny, and Tanuki, and have a little more time to possibly receive a Key Stone from the League. Three...well, three's a secret (for now).

...however, with everyone else staying, that's plenty of reason for him to stay too. Particularly if Heart is staying, as Heart is kinda necessary to restore Marco Warren to his original form, and Nathan wouldn't want to return to the surface without his dad in tow. Plus, staying will likely give him a chance to try out the Sword properly, without any prying eyes and ears beyond those already present.

He keeps his own thoughts on revealing the value of what could be found in the fifth layer to the Scims to himself (spoilers: not a fan), but he does have ONE thing to say concerning Shiva's comments, something rather important. "If we do manage to get that deep underground, we have to remember something: The Eye is in the old palace from what Sneasel told us. That's without a doubt going to be one of the most dangerous areas in the entire region. Who knows what we might encounter there...we don't have to go there, though. The Helm is hidden in the Old palace's Minarets. Or what's left of them, at any rate."

For any of the group that wishes to leave the Skull Ruins early, Spira would offer to have Toya Ghost World travel them out of the ruins. He's staying, though.

"Or we could just use the card of Cress City when we wish to leave. Much faster and safer. And it can transport multiple people simultaneously."

[Iron]

The Sword is an incredibly potent offensive item. And like the Shield, it capitalizes on the bond between trainer and Pokemon.

Pick one of your Pokemon at the start of a round. That Pokemon's STAB moves now deal Plot Device damage, and can thus KO any Pokemon in a couple hits. The lethal damage can be held back, and doesn't necessarily kill other Plot Deviced beings anyway. Wielding this, you can damage a Legendary even without knowing its secrets.

The wielder also can deal Plot Deviced Strikes, but they are always typeless.

[Lord Windos]

Quote Iron: '

Spoiler

Nidoking takes the dagger and exchanges it for the Sword in the Stone as a symbol of his leadership. It immediately fuses to the boulder with a flash of Earthpower.

He holds out the Sword to Nathan, and the black-and-white weapon begins the process of bonding with you. While you hold it, it is painfully warm, but the heat fades over the next few hours.

It is now Day 82.

As promised, Nidoking shows you the secret cavern where he evolved, and you are able to mine three rare Moonstones there, deep in the earth but revealed by veins of shards. (edited to your sheet)

When Nathan recieved The Sword, Terra (Who'd been staying silent, for the most part), he walked up behind them to clasp them on the shoulder, and gave them a solemn nod and a small smile.

"So you have claimed The Sword. *Nods* Good. You shall wield The Sword well. For your country. Your friends. Your home and family. Oscar, Martha....and Marco. And will do all of us proud. I know this."

*Beat*

"....But you won't have to do it all. We are with you, Nathan. We are together. Always, and no matter what. Promise."

With that said, the mountain of a man leaves his friend to bond with his Artifact and come to terms with it and what he just said, doing so just before Heart starts.....soliciting the boy for favors and completely missing it as a result. It's for the best, really, as otherwise Terra would NOT have a favorable reaction to such treatment.

Day 82

Terra arises early (or 'early' enough, down in the Skull Ruins), doing some light stretches and heaving a *Sigh* of relief when he no longer feels his body cry out in Painful protest against the slightest movement. Now he could resume his duties and no longer needs (or wants) Nathan hover over him protectively, and continues his journey through the dread dead palace in 100% condition!

Before he rejoins the group, however, he gets/politely request Solomon use a Heal Pulse of Oinari, as she was never Revived yesterday and therefore would need the pick-me up (She'll get another one too if the first heals 2 or less HP). Afterward, he'd lift her up to his face with a concerned/worried expression, and simply ask "Oinari, you okay? Feeling better after fight with Giant Tentacruel now?"

Sari also gets a check up, (though no so extensively, as she DID get treatment yesterday, which coupled with a long rest puts her at Full HP), and kneels to her with a expression of suplication. "Forgive me, Sari. Underestimated Strength of Giant Tentacruel, and it almost lead us to being Fainted and.....eaten by it. Is there anything I can do to.....make it up to you?"

After breakfast with everyone, Terra's ready to continue the quest to find all the Artifacts, and shakes his when Cosh suggests that he and his friends leave them behind.

"No. Can not do that. Will not abandon my partner, when he would need me most. *Clasps their Shoulder* We're in this together, beginning to end."

If they have no objections (and nobody has their own), then Terra's ready to leave......!

....Except for possibly one last thing: Eating an Enigma Berry. Terra bought was a long time, and I/he thinks NOW, when he/Cosh/the rest of the group are about to descend to the deepest parts of the Skull Ruins would be the best place to eat it. However, I want to only use it at that point, so if Terra's and co are not about to head into that area/the area where the last Artifact is, he'd hold off eating it until then. That should be all!

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

He keeps his own thoughts on revealing the value of what could be found in the fifth layer to the Scims to himself (spoilers: not a fan), but he does have ONE thing to say concerning Shiva's comments, something rather important. "If we do manage to get that deep underground, we have to remember something: The Eye is in the old palace from what Sneasel told us. That's without a doubt going to be one of the most dangerous areas in the entire region. Who knows what we might encounter there...we don't have to go there, though. The Helm is hidden in the old palace's minarets. Or what's left of them, at any rate."

Because I am about to leave for the night and don't feel like writting a long post now, I'll just state that regardless how dangerous that Throne Room is believed to be, Shiva wants to get there if it's accessable, or at least try to do so. They've come that far, it's a one-time-location and there's likely loot en mass down there. Loot is one reason why Shiva wanted to head down the Ruins!~

[Iron]

Heal: (6)(3)(1)(3), (1)(3)(5)(5) Oinari is feeling very sleepy, but her body temperature is warm.

Sari gives you the squints. No question that she'll be having you make it up to her.

Cosh shrugs and leads you past the warren that leads deepest into the earth. "Our goal here is to find areas that have eroded away. The minarets of the Old Palace cannot be destroyed by any ordinary means, so they will be intact while the bedrock has worn away."

I'll get up some Encounters after dinner.