[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Technically Shiva's out of range at the moment because she's at home in Unova, but for reasons of simplicity I'll just oversee that now, the following happens in a flashback or flashforward, it actually doesn't matter when exactly.

Heart decided to before anything, he sends a message to Shiva.

Hey Shiva, Heart here! I'm in Trillium Town, close to Mt. Ember. I'm working on the restoration of the destroyed forests. If you by chance have a Pokemon who knows Grassy Terrain, I can work on a spell to help return nature here. 

When the natural fae-enthusiast receives and reads this message, a dear smile and a light blush appears on her face. How Heart's been serious about working on reforesting despite she found it a difficult and timey project is warming her heart, and so does he subtly asking for her help. Her, who's got this love for Mother Nature and the fondness of Grass Types, aww ~♡

She quick-sends a message back saying that 'She will be there in a few minutes', rushes into the closest Pokemon Center for a quick swap in her party, then eventually darts into the sky on the leafy wings of her loyal and dear Tropius, the destination: Trillium Town. Aww, she's feeling somewhat nostalgic stopping by there!~

And so Shiva and her grassy sauropode arrive at the scene and close to Heart, safely in her arms there's sitting a Gloom: The ONLY Poison Type Shiva dares to touch because it's her personal and tamed exemplar. She's a bit out of breath as she approaches speaks up to Heart: "Uh, hi!~ I...was quick to act upon having received your message, Heart. It's so dear and kind of you to indeed try to...restore the forests...~ T-that's my dear Gloom here, knowing very well how to swirl up a Grassy Terrain thanks to Primal Lurantis. What do you want or need our assistance here?"

[Spiritmon]

Heart was working with his Pokemon, preparing the terrain for his strategy. When he see Shiva coming he smiled. "Welcome Shiva. Sorry for calling so suddenly, but I think I have a idea about what to do."

He move his hand, showing the scenario. "During Primal Deoxys attack, this Forest get burned and many Pokemon lost their homes, and there lots of Dead wood, stoping any chances of the seedlings to bloom. And the up soil is also pretty destroyed too."

"I could use Earthpower to call the help of a Skiddo, Geodude, Sandshrew, Magcargo and other fire Pokemon."

"My plan is the Sandshrew and Geodude bring out any health minerals and elements from below the ground, and then Magcargo and Slugma use lava to make the soil health for plants to grow. With your Gloom Grassy, and my connection to Earthpower, I might able to multiply it's power and revive this Forest. Your Gloom is the key to restoration of this place... however, to do that I need some sort of Link or connection."

"I don't steal Pokemon like the Scimitars do, I ask them to lend their powers. You have a stronger bond with your Gloom, so you can act as some sort of bridge from Gloom own Earthpower and mine. Not to mention you know magic better than me and stronger connection to nature."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Shiva can't, doesn't and won't watch the destroyed forest since doing so pains her quite deeply, she seems adamant on not giving it more than a short glance from the side. Much rather she watches the wild Pokemon that appeared, her Gloom or simply Heart and his Pokemon Companions. "I... I see", she eventually tells him, "It's lovely and generous from you to use your powers and skills for such a sake..."

She also blushes a bit at his soft-praise for her appearantly knowing magic better and having a stronger connection to Mother Nature, smiles timidly. "You... think so? Aww, thanks... Hehe~" Then she coughs and mentally lights up. "If me and dear Gloom here can be of your help and you wish for it, we can certanly do so! How about it Gloom, are you fine with lending your power of summing some fine and lush grass to Heart? That way we can do our part in restoring destroyed ecosystems that remained from the assault of Deoxys Prime!~"

A bit more meekly, she asks Heart "It...it won't hurt Gloom, will it?"

[Spiritmon]

Heart wave his hand to calm Shiva. "Don't worry about it. It is more of a mystic connection. Try to imagine a cell using a recharger to recharge the batteries. The process will not hurt Gloom, since we both be using our powers in our ways. It would be more or less...he seeing the world thought my eyes, and vice-versa."

"It will be just like me asking my partners to let me borrow use their moves. Its perfect safe."

[Iron]

Spoiler

https://pokemonuranium.co/forum/showthread.php?tid=816&pid=70787#pid70787

Mason oo's and aah's over the fossil. You can tell he is a big fan of fossil Pokemon.

"I like to battle with Pokemon, multiple times if possible, to get a feel for them. It's not the most scientific process. I guess that's why I'm not a professor. But the key is good notes! Since no two battles are the same, my secret is to take note of every detail of a Pokemon's moves and style. And don't forget to write down the circumstances surrounding the battle, such as the Pokemon's mood. You can learn a lot by comparing these notes from one day to the next. You can gauge a Pokemon's power by comparing the arc of its ranged moves, its strength by measuring its anger, its speed by plotting where it chooses to stand. Some people do it intuitively, some by math. Anyway, that's my method! Every researcher is a little different. Maybe I'm very different."

Technically Arete is more of a modified clone of a Fossil Pokemon thanks to the method it was revived/created (Praise be Mega Syrentide!), but Terra doesn't dispute or dispel the Leader's assumption. Less questions about the origins of his Mythical Pokemon, the better off everyone would be!

Soon as Mason begins sharing his wisdom Terra has his own notebook out, jotting down everything he said with a quiet, focused, and studious air. While being researcher or intellectual doesn't come naturally to him, his work ethic and driven nature makes him a good learner regardless!

Once they're done lecturing, the sagely monk puts away his notes and gives the MIGHTY MASON! a polite bow to show him the proper respect a teacher deserves.

"Thank you for your teachings, Mason. Everyone has....own methods of training, disciple, and learning, so good to know many as possible. My way is working close with my Pokemon. Take time to understand who they are, and what they want to do. *Rubs Back of Head* Hard with Arete, though. She's...primal. Viscous. And.....haughty. All that makes it....difficult to study and bond with her. *Looks at Mason curiously* You have any suggestions how to handle that?"

Whether  they do or don't, Terra's ready to start his smol Legend's mock battles against Mason's Pokemon! 

(Since this is mostly an education experience for him (and me), do you mind if you determine the battles (how many, and what is learnt from them, Iron?)

"That doesn't sound too awfully different from my method. Maybe this would be a good time to let Arete show you something outside of battle. See how she acts when she's in her element and given free rein? If her haughtiness reaches new heights, maybe she'll condescend to teach you something new."

I'll do these mock battles after Nathan's battle post, so I don't steal his thunder.

[Iron]

Using more mundane ecological practices, Heart prepares Trillium Town to maximize growth. After a bit, some ranchers show up to offer their input. The older ranchers have been through this kind of thing before. One guy even tells you about a forest he planted when he was a kid using ashes from the Mountain, which today has become a large grove of standing sawlogs.

Unlike Elanor, this is going to take a season or two to show results, but the approval of the ranchers makes Honedge seem quite impressed.

However, when Grassy Terrain is brought onto the scene, the land quickly skips past the first stage, that of waiting for lichens and stuff to colonize the magma stone and bare dirt. Instead it erupts into new little blades of grass, which Trevenant and Gloom and Heart are able to preserve long past the five turns it is intended to last. The healing effects of the terrain will allow seedlings to survive disasters that might normally kill them, and keep the freshly plowed land from eroding.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

https://pokemonuranium.co/forum/showthre...0#pid70790 - Shiva

Yeah, we can do a special groomer session for some Happiness for $2000.

Yay!~ Shiva doesn't hesitate to hand over 2000$Poke and then summons the Pokemon of hers she wishes to enjoy the masseuse's special service: It's a smol, all-white fox with fur as soft and silky like a Silk Scarf, it's her dear snowy Vulpix originating from far-away Alola.

The masseuse really knows her business, and the white fox soon purrs in delight. Gentle brush strokes through her fluffy tail and head-fluff provided by Shiva are enjoyable to the max., but THIS! THIS is even better, it's like magic, Vulpix absolutely enjoys~~ how every single hair of hers is put neatly into place. For Shiva, Spectral and Primal Umbreon it's absolutely adorable to watch.♡

And when Shiva eventually receives Vulpix back, she(Vulpix) purrs at her too in thanks and gently licks over her cheek. Aww!~ Alola Vulpix was at 3 Happiness before the grooming session, now she has 4. It's so kind of Master to bring her to such a service!~ Shiva and Vulpix share a cuddle and eskimo kisses.♡ And for the masseuse Vulpix summons a few snowflakes with her Snow Warning Ability that are shaped like tiny tiny hearts.



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And before Shiva eventually heads home: What is a walk through Castelia City at night without Shiva stopping by at a hill a little outside the city to do some stargazing?~

This time Shiva hasn't brought her telescope, but she brought along Spectral. As they two just sit there close to one another in quietness and peace with a billion stars and the crescent moon above them, Shiva's world feels peaceful, clean, and balanced out: The problems of the world, her worries, her fears, the pain over countless people and Pokemon having suffered due to Deoxys Prime: Put aside and forgotten for a short time.

Big picture of the scenery

[Dragonstrike]

Mason has a shiny Sudowoodo the color of the ancient Ginkgo tree in the center of town, a random Fossil Pokemon of your choice, a mildly hard-of-hearing Tyranitar, and his ace - a new Creshire-only Pokemon called Fishur. It's a teeny-tiny weasel-like Water/Ground Pokemon with the power to cause earthquakes and the ability to bypass defenses. It uses Double Team, OHKO moves, Earthquake, and Muddy Water (well, four of those).

(Gonna color code speech since I put in some trainer banter.  Nathan is red, Mason is brown.)

Nathan stands across the battlefield from the researcher, watching him carefully readying to throw a pokeball.  Mason's the Gym Leader he's done the least research into so far, so he's not quite sure what to expect...yet.  He's formulating a plan on the fly today.  "Alright, ready when you are, Mason."

And onto the battlefield fly the pokeballs!

The Final Gym: VS Gym Leader (No Cheering) - Pokemon Sword and Shield

On one side, an impressive looking Shiny Sudowoodo!  On the other, a tiny, pink blob that's rapidly changing shape!  "Found this little guy in the swamplands near Arrowroot.  As if witnessing the birth of a Ditto wasn't rare enough, I seem to have stumbled upon one whose Transformations are influenced by the stars themselves!  Still not entirely sure what's up with that, honestly..."

Mere moments later, Ditto has turned into an exact duplicate of the pseudo gingko tree.  "I think we both know what we want to do in this situation, don't we, Mason?"

The orders are issued and executed simultaneously by both trainer and pokemon!

"Wood Hammer!"
"Wood Hammer!"

Rock solid branches collide as the two imposters clash!  For just a second, time freezes as the two seem to be at a stalemate...

...until just as suddenly, both slide backwards and away from each other from the force of the collision.  They stare at each other unflinchingly...

...and then both fall to their knees from the Recoil.  Mason's Sudowoodo, however, doesn't stop there, and subsequently falls flat on its face, unconscious.  The Strength and Speed of Nathan's pokemon won out over Mason's Vitality this time.

Nathan then recalls Ditto, not wishing to put the mimic through more stress.  "Good job, buddy.  Get some rest, alright?  You've earned it."  Another pokeball soon zips onto the field, revealing Nathan's next choice.

Sceptile.  And on Mason's side, a massive Aurorus!

Sceptile looks to Nathan, then back at the large Rock/Ice type, unsure of what exactly is being expected of him.

"It's been awhile since you've battled, right, Sceptile?  Go wild, use whatever moves you like.  There's no restrictions here.  I just have one easy to follow condition: no Lethal wounds, alright?"

Sceptile looks back at the Aurorus, a cold, almost emotionless look in its eyes at first.  Nathan issues no specific orders to Sceptile.  He just waits.

...and then Sceptile's eyes light up as he smirks at the dinosaur.  He's going to enjoy this.  Greatly.

One moment, he's standing near Nathan.  The next, he's all but vanished as he dodges an incoming Hyper Voice.  He may be out of practice, but that doesn't mean he's not capable.

Sceptile suddenly reappears behind Aurorus, one arm raised and glowing green as he's about to strike.

Mason's eyes glint as he calls out the attack and his countermeasure for it.  Aurorus is one of his premier Grass type counters.  "Predictable.  Aurorus, Protect."

The Leaf Blade clashes with the energy barrier, Aurorus almost fully protected from its power.  Sceptile backs off planning his next move, though there's a measure of uncertainty that he can pull this off...

Nathan doesn't hesitate, though.  "You have a stronger move that's perfect for this situation, Sceptile.  It's okay to use it here."  Sceptile looks back at Nathan, still with a measure of uncertainty.  Trust is a fragile thing...

...but trust is why Nathan taught Sceptile this move in the first place.  Both Nathan and the gecko think back on what he said at a point prior to this battle. Use this power responsibly.  That doesn't mean don't use it at all, but remember that there are times when it shouldn't be used.  Trust me on that, and I can teach you moves that no Scimitar would have been able to.  Alright?

Nathan nods to Sceptile.  "Go ahead.  No restrictions on what you can and can't do, as long as you mean no harm.  I'm trusting you, as are Mason and his pokemon."

Sceptile takes a deep breath, then turns to face his opponent once more.  No restrictions, huh?  Very well then...

The sequence of events plays out similar to how they did before, but when Aurorus Protects itself this time, Sceptile's strike isn't one of natural power, but rock crushing might.  The barrier shatters, and Aurorus is felled in a single blow as the Rock Smash connects, leaving cracks in the dinosaur's rocky exterior.  Nathan nods once more as Sceptile marvels at the power he now wields.  "Good job.  That's enough for now, though.  Take a breather, and we'll practice that some more later, alright?"  Sceptile carefully considers, then slowly nods.  Right.  That...sounds pretty nice to him, actually.  And he's definitely a little winded after that fight.  He goes to stand by Gallade, who claps Sceptile on the back in a show of camaraderie.  The gecko can't help but crack a small smile.  Maybe he'll find some enjoyment from this after all...

As Nathan prepares his next pokeball, he continues the idle chatter with Mason.  "Sceptile used to belong to the Scimitars.  He's strong, but still getting used to using that Strength himself, unfortunately.  I daresay this was a good chance for him to practice.  Moving on, though, I think you'll find my next pokemon very, very interesting.  Ray, center stage!"

"I'm sure I will.  Of course, entirely for research purposes, I need to test the limits of how strong they are, too.  Tyranitar, crush them!"

The tiny little Primal Bulbasaur appears, undaunted by the massive Tyranitar standing before it.  The Sandstorm that quickly kicks up due to Sand Stream is unusually loud, but Nathan has no doubt that the large pokemon will be able to see Ray's bright flashes of light.

Mason likely recognizes Ray's species, and Nathan has a small smile on his face.  "Found Ray thanks to Professor Laurelin.  Couldn't bring myself to hand him over to her for lab research, though.  Wanted to do some field research of my own, and he's picked up a trick or two that he wouldn't have in a dusty old lab.  Like...these!  Well, not this first move, actually."  Nathan smirks as the bud on Ray's back begins to open.

A bright FLASH immediately follows, blinding Tyranitar!  Struggling with its hearing already because of its own Ability, it has no choice but to either fly into a rampage or clear its vision.  Nathan would be taking a serious gamble here if this was any trainer's Tyranitar besides a Gym Leader's, but he's confident Mason has a handle on the tyranno.

Indeed, Tyranitar recoils back from the FLASH, struggling to clear its vision.  Nathan jumps on the opening.  "Ray, now's the time.  Show them your Primal gifts!"

The bud on Ray's back opens once more, shining with a brilliant, green colored light.  Grass begins growing through the cracks in the floor, creating a lush, green carpet of grass.  And with the Grassy Terrain in effect, Ray's able to fully exploit the power of his other major technique!  Vines grow from the grass, lashing out at Tyranitar just as it regains its sight, entangling it and slowing it down even further!

Sceptile watches that move with intense interest, a tactical play made by Nathan both on and off the battlefield.  "Just one of the techniques you might learn in the future, Sceptile, should we come to trust each other enough.  *chuckle*  Ray, finish them off!"

The vines suddenly grab hold of Tyranitar and bind it as Ray directs them to squeeze, once again with enough force to crush rock.  The extreme pressure causes the Tyranitar to eventually pass out, the Fighting type attack too much for it to handle.

Nathan praises Ray appropriately before recalling him.  "Excellent work, Ray!  Definitely an imprvement on when we used that strategy on Howl's Persian!  You're getting stronger every day!"

The Final Hurdle: Gym Leader's Last Pokemon - Pokemon Sword and Shield

One more pokeball appears in Nathan's hand.  "I have one more pokemon to show you in this battle, Mason, and I'm sure you'll get a kick out of it!  Straight from the stone age, found in the depths of the winding tunnels beneath Creshire's central mountain, and revived courtesy of Professor Laurelin, everyone welcome Sentry!  This Sandstorm's not over yet!"

Mason smiles.  "And I'm sure you'll get a kick out of my final pokemon.  Fishur, let the earth tremble before you!"

The large, wingless Tropius makes her appearance in battle at long last, the grass bending beneath her massive weight!  One sweep of her long tail, and all the dust and sand in the room left in the wake of Tyranitar's appearance becomes a raging Sandstorm once more (though a much quieter one this time)!  This is likely the first time that Mason has seen the majesty of Primal Tropius in person!

And her opponent...a tiny pokemon that bears similarities to a Buizel?  Sentry looks down upon the small, unflinching pokemon.  What could they possibly do to hurt a giant like her?

By contrast, Nathan is immediately cautious.  "Watch yourself, Sentry.  With a name like that, I expect it has at least one cheap shot at its disposal."

"And right you are!  How astute of you!  How about we show them, Fishur?"

The small pokemon chitters and jumps, only for the ground to begin to shake and split open despite how light and nimble it is!  With Nathan's warning, it isn't hard for Sentry to dodge the Fissure attack, but it definitely alarms the large sauropod regardless.  She could have fallen into that hole!  A hole which cleaved the battlefield into two, in fact!  Fishur stands on one side, weaving in and out of the grass, while Sentry stands tall on the other.

Fishur disappears into the grass, only for 10 to emerge moments later!  Mason chuckles.  "If you can figure out which one's the real weasel, you'll win, I'm sure!  Don't expect this to be easy, though!"

The orders go back and forth between both sides.  A FLASH lights the battlefield once more, preventing more Fissures being used and limiting the weasel pokemon's number of actions, but every Fishur stumbles around in the exact same way, making it impossible to determine which one is the real one.  Sentry tries to CUT through a few of them, but they keep vanishing back into the grass and reemerging in different places, making it difficult to keep track of which ones have been hit and which ones haven't been.

All the while, the tiny pokemon keeps chipping away at Sentry's armor, not seeming to care about the Sandstorm.  An Earthquake rocks the room, but the Grassy Terrain holds it together, and Sentry stands firm.  Wave after wave of dirty, dusty water strikes Sentry throughout, seemingly coming from every every Double Team clone simultaneously.  If not for the Leftovers she's holding and the Grassy Terrain's healing abilities, Sentry would have fallen long ago.

The sauropod twists her neck in every direction, trying to determine which of the weasels is the odd one out.  Nathan's wishing that she knew Razor Leaf right about now, as the Grassy Terrain is beginning to recede, and Fishur will easily overwhelm Sentry with this strategy if it isn't stopped.  Think, thiiiiiiiinnnnnnnk...there has to be a way to pick the real one out of the crowd...

Then an idea hits him!  It's fortunate that they haven't used a fourth move yet, for Nathan has the perfect solution!  "Sentry, Rage Powder!  That should draw the real one out of hiding!"

At once, Sentry scatters dust and pollen with a sweep of her tail!  All 10 weasels sneeze and look at Sentry simultaneously, but the dust only settles on a single one: the sole Fishur that isn't an illusion for the dust to pass through.  "Gotcha.  Take 'em down, Sentry!"

The sauropod roars, raises her tail, and with a crash, brings it down on the tiny pokemon with a massive *THUD!*  The Double Team clones all vanish, and when Sentry lifts her tail back up, Fishur is stumbling around in a daze, barely conscious.  Sentry stomps over and wraps her tail around them protectively as they fall unconscious, ensuring that they don't fall into the Fissure that rent the room in twain.

Triumph!: Victory! (Gym Leader) - Pokemon Sword and Shield

And thus, Nathan has defeated Mason!  Rock versus Rock, Grass versus Earth!  Science and nature, at odds yet in harmony!  8 Gyms, 8 attempts, 8 badges!  Few can claim to have defeated every gym, and even fewer still can claim to have bested them all on their first try!

All that remains are the spoils of victory, Mason's thoughts on the pokemon Nathan showed him, and any other benefits the GM deems fit.

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

Using more mundane ecological practices, Heart prepares Trillium Town to maximize growth. After a bit, some ranchers show up to offer their input. The older ranchers have been through this kind of thing before. One guy even tells you about a forest he planted when he was a kid using ashes from the Mountain, which today has become a large grove of standing sawlogs.

Unlike Elanor, this is going to take a season or two to show results, but the approval of the ranchers makes Honedge seem quite impressed.

However, when Grassy Terrain is brought onto the scene, the land quickly skips past the first stage, that of waiting for lichens and stuff to colonize the magma stone and bare dirt. Instead it erupts into new little blades of grass, which Trevenant and Gloom and Heart are able to preserve long past the five turns it is intended to last. The healing effects of the terrain will allow seedlings to survive disasters that might normally kill them, and keep the freshly plowed land from eroding.

[Iron]

Great writeup!

Mason pumps you for information about the birth of Ditto, and concludes that isn't how they are normally produced. He'd heard rumors they could be found in Arrowroot, but always discarded them.

Sceptile definitely deserves a Happiness and a Loyalty for coming out of his shell a bit. Living in a Conditional Ball and attacking vicariously through a Scimitar was not nearly as enjoyable as a real battle, and Nathan's words mean a lot to the big gecko.

Mason hasn't ever seen a Primal Bulbasaur in person, but he has heard of them and the way they are used to being worshiped as totems! Primal Tropius is all new to him as well, though he is able to identify it from context.

A Fishur couldn't possibly be more outweighed than this one was. Sentry can spend some time hauling blocks back into position under Mason's direction, useful work for her. She reaches 4 Happiness.

"Congratulations on sweeping the Gym challenge!" Nathan's stats are legendary, though not unprecedented. He's not even the first Warren to do it!
"Here is the Feldspar Badge, glowing with its own light deep within the heart of the rock. It will make your tough Pokemon even tougher. Especially now that you have all 8 of the MSC-enhanced badges Creshire has to offer! Just the fact of owning those makes you one of the stronger trainers. You'll be able to pass that power on to your Pokemon. I'll also give you $1200 for this marvelous research opportunity. If you have any questions about Pokemon or minerals, I'm your man. It's been an honor and a pleasure!"