[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Spiritmon]

So @Iron and @Dragonstrike...here the list of Pokemon of mine who can learn Secret Power:

- Hypno
- Delta Pikachu
- Nidorina and Nidorina
- Meowth
- Alola Geodude
- Harylect
- Gargryph
- Weezing
- Eevee
- Moltres
- Spinarak
- Xatu
- Ambipom
- Delta Steelix
- Lairon
- Fraxure
- Gligar
- Metang
- Heracross
- Swampert
- Honchkrow
- Infernape
- Watchog
- Cofagrigus
- Eelektrik
- Golurk
- Larvesta
- Doublade
- Clawitizer
- And Trevenant
- 

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

Tumbleweed Town is surrounded by the Camas Desert. It's much harsher here than in Charring Cross. There's hardly a drop of moisture in the air or in the ground. Huge pipes run from Bromeliad Bay into town, passing through filtration systems to make the seawater drinkable.  The small town is built on a grid system to take full advantage of the pipes.

The most common Pokemon inside the town itself is Doduo - there are some wandering freely, and some in pens. You also have to be careful where you step to avoid Skorupi and Trapinch - much of the town has been paved with smooth, broad stones to avoid these pitfalls. The sand is bright white and tends to blind those who stare at it for too long. Seems like the residents have given up on keeping the ever-present sand out of their homes; you can see it on window sills and on doormats.

Every house is sturdily built and carefully engineered to be easily air-conditioned. They're also fitted with solar panels. It's almost a Space Age aesthetic, with small, modular, efficient houses.
The barracks looks like a huge space station, with an enormous fenced off area of desert. Troops are patrolling the perimeter at a jog, followed by their various bipedal Pokemon. The building is hi tech, but the troops are out there experiencing primitive conditions to make themselves tougher.

The Gym is a low wigwam covering an entrance to a cool underground environment. The wigwam is made of overlapping red, gold, and silver discs, like armor. As befits Achilles, the Fighting-Type gym leader and noted combat veteran.

Charizard's soaking in the sunlight as everyone enters town.  It's been ages since he was in the desert last, and he's going to enjoy it while he can!

Nathan shields his eyes from the sunlight as he looks around the town.  Once he spots the gym, he points it out to everyone.  "There.  The building that looks a little like it's been constructed using Kommo-o scales.  That's the entrance.  Probably fine if we walk right on in."

Gallade's back to following behind Nathan, stoicly standing by until further notice.  Though as this is a Fighting type gym that the group is about to enter, a small part of the knight can't help but be excited to see what the interior's like.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

(I don't wish for any of Shiva's Pokemon to learn Secret Power, it's also fair to deny since I don't wish to widely spread Natural Gift. It's her personal and somewhat trademark-move, she's gonna guard it and only let selected individuals learn it. Sorry if that disappoints anyone, but that's my choice!)


As Shiva and Tropius land in the town of Tumbleweed, the latter immediately whirls up a massive amount of sand with his leafy wings, Shiva has to clean her glasses and hair from it before curiously looking around. Tropius does too and quickly spreads his wings to absorb sunshine. The bright desert-sun also causes Nightshade to summon herself - she lands ontop of Shiva's head and looks delighted as she soaks up the rays and transforms into Sunshine Form. "Haha, such sunny days are quite up your ally, aren't they?~ Ugh, but it's kinda dry and the area kinda misses some greens and plantlife..." Shiva coughs from the dry air, shields her eyes and brings out Azu to aid her two Grass Types, then asks her to spray them (and her) with an occassional Water Sport. Awww, much better, so refreshing! <3 (Hey @Iron, does this/being in such an area have any effect on them, maybe more Happiness, or how do they handle being in such an environment?)

Something that impresses the natural fae-enthusiast is how, uhm, space-like the houses look - such a technological appearance in such a town feels weird and cool at the same time. And all these Doduo! Shiva takes out a small slice of bread and tries to feed one that wanders around freely to see whether they're agressive, timid or not shy at all.

Once having found the local Gym and Nathan aims to just walk in, Shiva shakes her head and tries to hold him and Gallade back. "N-no, just walking into a foreign place isn't a really kind thing to do - let's ask for admission first and let Archilles know who's there." And so she checks whether there's a bell, inter phone or basically anything at that armor-like wigwam that makes the inhabitants know that guest have arrived.

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Tumbleweed Town is surrounded by the Camas Desert. It's much harsher here than in Charring Cross. There's hardly a drop of moisture in the air or in the ground. Huge pipes run from Bromeliad Bay into town, passing through filtration systems to make the seawater drinkable.  The small town is built on a grid system to take full advantage of the pipes.

The most common Pokemon inside the town itself is Doduo - there are some wandering freely, and some in pens. You also have to be careful where you step to avoid Skorupi and Trapinch - much of the town has been paved with smooth, broad stones to avoid these pitfalls. The sand is bright white and tends to blind those who stare at it for too long. Seems like the residents have given up on keeping the ever-present sand out of their homes; you can see it on window sills and on doormats.

Every house is sturdily built and carefully engineered to be easily air-conditioned. They're also fitted with solar panels. It's almost a Space Age aesthetic, with small, modular, efficient houses.
The barracks looks like a huge space station, with an enormous fenced off area of desert. Troops are patrolling the perimeter at a jog, followed by their various bipedal Pokemon. The building is hi tech, but the troops are out there experiencing primitive conditions to make themselves tougher.

The Gym is a low wigwam covering an entrance to a cool underground environment. The wigwam is made of overlapping red, gold, and silver discs, like armor. As befits Achilles, the Fighting-Type gym leader and noted combat veteran.

Spoiler

Charizard's soaking in the sunlight as everyone enters town.  It's been ages since he was in the desert last, and he's going to enjoy it while he can!

Nathan shields his eyes from the sunlight as he looks around the town.  Once he spots the gym, he points it out to everyone.  "There.  The building that looks a little like it's been constructed using Kommo-o scales.  That's the entrance.  Probably fine if we walk right on in."

Gallade's back to following behind Nathan, stoicly standing by until further notice.  Though as this is a Fighting type gym that the group is about to enter, a small part of the knight can't help but be excited to see what the interior's like.

The fiery drake's not the only one enjoying the desert sun, as it was abundantly clear that Angie too enjoyed basking in it! Which is somewhat strange, considering her subterrainian origins, but perhaps her draconic nature makes her more appreciative of the heat, like an overgrown lizard basking in a hot spot.

Contrasting the young historian momentary blindness from the desert's searing rays, Terra was, in his typical stoic fashion, completely unphased by these arid, sandy climes and harsh sunlight. Wait, no, that's not right. Instead, hee looked....comfortable? At ease? Dare it be, even pleased? 

Yes, it indeed seemed like the sagely monk felt right at home in Tumbleweed, a small smile gracing his chiseled features as he took a deep breath of the hot dry air, and let out a happy little sigh, taking in the futuristic, military township with an wistful, nostalgic gleam in his eyes.

"Ah... This place.... Reminds me a little of....home. Been long time, here. Away from home. Long, long time. How much has change, since I have been gone...?"

His friend's observation snaps him out of his reminiscing and pondering, shaking his head for a bit before giving them a nod and following right behind him and Gallade, his composure restored for the most part, save for his smile, which remained (albeit faintly). While now he would like nothing more than explore this town and determine what similarities and differences it holds from his own homestead, he was on Business with his friends, and that was to be done first and foremost. He'll have his chance later to sight-see - with his blood brother Shiranui too, now that he thinks about it, as they would no doubt appreciate this place too.

[Iron]

Spoiler

You corral one Kadabra separately from the others. The rest of the weakened Kadabra shrink back from your powerful Pokemon. With a careful ritual drawing on the fire of Moltres to sketch out the sigils of Earthpower, you manage to break the curse much faster than on your first attempt. The Kadabra's features fade, revealing an old woman with surprisingly sinewy arms, garbed for exploration. She immediately passes out. You notice as she slumps in your arms, that her hair has become a bold red color.

The rest of the Kadabra step forward angrily as you break the curse, but Dagny KO's the frontmost one and the rest step back.

Heart, you feel you could heal these Kadabra faster and faster if you keep at it, but it is very time consuming. It would help to have more sources of power or, even better, more cursebreakers.

[Iron]

Oh, and while I'm thinking about it, if anyone wants to use Nathan's Secret Power TM to teach their pokemon the move, feel free to do so.  The move can be learned by any pokemon able to learn TMs, so go wild if you wish!

I'll address moves that Nathan's pokemon are learning a little later.  I've gotta get a list together so I can keep things organized.

I would like to teach Rose, Lancelot, Nidorino, Fraxure, Lairon and Swampert. If possible Iron.

Yep. And when used outside of battle, it creates a temporary shelter unique to that Pokemon. Rose might create a small pagoda decked with candles, Lancelot makes a hall lined with trophies, Lairon probably creates caves, Nidorino might make a rabbit warren, etc. Multiple Pokemon can combine their Secret Power to make even better shelters.

Just a little question Iron: Is any pokemon capable of learn Secret Power, or only the ones who can learn in the games?

[Iron]

Just being in the healthy desert sunshine isn't enough for either Grass type to gain their 5th point of happiness. But they do love it, and they'll grow faster here as long as they receive plenty of water.

The Doduo are used to humans and accept food, but they don't allow themselves to be ridden and they don't follow directions. If you give them too much food, they'll start following you around at a small distance in a big flock.

There doesn't seem to be any doorbell on the Gym. In fact, it doesn't even have a proper door - strange, in a place with so much moving sand. Instead, there is a constant outward gust of wind that keeps sand out but allows people and Pokemon to easily step down into the passage leading to the underground portion of the wigwam.

Inside are more of the imitation Kommo-o scales lining a long single room. No dividers at all, except for one door leading to one side, with steam coming from underneath it. Several Gym trainers are sparring with sweating challengers in sparse clothing, while others observe carefully. Battles take place in simple circles drawn in the sand floor.

A middle aged man, wearing only a pair of shorts held up with a rope, leaps to attention as you enter. He is brawny with chiseled features and muscles, and many scars. Looks really fit for his age, but you imagine he probably used to be even stronger when he was young.

"Ho! I am Achilles, warrior of the desert! Have you come to challenge- wait, I recognize you! Ho, you are the ones who fought the invader from space! I would love to talk to you. Should we go to my end of the lodge, or would you rather step into the sauna?" He indicates the sole door.

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

There doesn't seem to be any doorbell on the Gym. In fact, it doesn't even have a proper door - strange, in a place with so much moving sand. Instead, there is a constant outward gust of wind that keeps sand out but allows people and Pokemon to easily step down into the passage leading to the underground portion of the wigwam.

Inside are more of the imitation Kommo-o scales lining a long single room. No dividers at all, except for one door leading to one side, with steam coming from underneath it. Several Gym trainers are sparring with sweating challengers in sparse clothing, while others observe carefully. Battles take place in simple circles drawn in the sand floor.

A middle aged man, wearing only a pair of shorts held up with a rope, leaps to attention as you enter. He is brawny with chiseled features and muscles, and many scars. Looks really fit for his age, but you imagine he probably used to be even stronger when he was young.

"Ho! I am Achilles, warrior of the desert! Have you come to challenge- wait, I recognize you! Ho, you are the ones who fought the invader from space! I would love to talk to you. Should we go to my end of the lodge, or would you rather step into the sauna?" He indicates the sole door.

Nathan goes through the brief introductions after Achilles introduces himself.  "Yup, that's us.  I'm Nathan, and this is Shiva and Terra.  Nice to finally make your acquaintance, Achilles."  Nathan holds out a hand for a handshake.  "You'll have to excuse the fourth member of our party, Heart.  He's on some rather important business right now and couldn't make it today."

As for where Nathan would like to have this conversation, he'd prefer it if it wasn't in the sauna.  He'd rather not remove his coat if he doesn't have to.  While he does have a high heat tolerance, a sauna would probably be a bit much, even for him.

Gallade's carefully analyzing the room, watching everyone's fighting styles.  He's holding most of it in right now, but he'd love to get in the thick of things and do some training here!  It definitely looks like fun to him!

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

(...)

A middle aged man, wearing only a pair of shorts held up with a rope, leaps to attention as you enter. He is brawny with chiseled features and muscles, and many scars. Looks really fit for his age, but you imagine he probably used to be even stronger when he was young.

"Ho! I am Achilles, warrior of the desert! Have you come to challenge- wait, I recognize you! Ho, you are the ones who fought the invader from space! I would love to talk to you. Should we go to my end of the lodge, or would you rather step into the sauna?" He indicates the sole door.

While Nathan introduces the group to the rugged looking leader - who's sense of style and excellent physical conditioning is meet with a look of respect and admiration - Terra elects to study the Gym itself, taking in the martial and draconic decor/asthetic and the rigorous training its acolytes were undergoing with critical thoughtfulness, before smiling and a satisfied nod. Indeed, this Fighting Gym and its conduct were right up to the sagely monk's standards as a master Brawler and former disciple of Brawly, so he has no complaints forthcoming to Archille's , generally speaking. Criticism and advice, however....well, is their anything that the mountain of a man could pick up from the scene that would indicate something is lacking/missing in it, coming from his overall experience as a Fighter, Survialist, and arguably a Contest Performer?

As for Archille's suggestion, Terra just shrugs, silently leaving the decision to the rest of the group (or the Gym Leader himself). He personally doesn't mind the heat, and it has been ages since he's enjoy a good relaxing steam, but he understands that his friends are may not share his tolerance and/or preferences.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Awww fuuuu, but happy Grass Types make Shiva happy, so she's delighted and enjoys some fresh sunshine with them. Unfortunately she has neither a Solar Power-Ability nor Flower Gift-Ability nor any Ability, so she can't handle those intense rays for that long and needs to seek out a shady place soon enough.

The inside of Achilles' Gym.... Her feelings towards it are best described as 'too rough for her taste'. Brute physical force + strength aren't really up to her ally, she's flinching a bit whenever those challengers and their Pokemon are delivering an especially harsh blow towards the foe and vice versa. But nevertheless she finds it hard to take her eyes off those battles as she and the others make their way further down the Gym, seeing such....raw power displayed to roughly is quite impressive actually - it's moments and scenarios like this however where Shiva's really glad that she's got the Ancient Shield to protect her, she involuntarily clenches it harder.

Still, a small smiles manages to reach through as she thinks to herself that Pangoro would really really enjoy to be introduced to this particular Gym!~ Haha, he'd probably be eager as heck to test his fists against some trained human fighters, or even Achilles himself. Shiva however would much rather stay outside and feed more Doduo - they're so cute!

Towards Achilles HIMSELF Shiva's being remarkably timid and meek at first, she almost looks like she fears being beaten up by him any moment she makes a wrong move. Her courage and polite nature nevertheless makes her to greet him somewhat normaly. His question where to speak makes her shake her head rather particulary: "Definitely your lodge please, the heat and intense sunshine of Camas Desert's already...uhm, enough to handle." She doesn't speak out that she as the only female around will feel very uncomfortable in a sauna full of men.

Upon arriving, she looks around a bit to gets familiar with the place, then breaks the ice with a "So, uhm... You said you wanted a word with us for some.... reason? What's wrong, can or shall we help in some way?"