[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Umbreon sees the world as a series of shadows. Places to hide in. When you are hidden, you can attack, you can defend, you can take some time to think. You can heal better. You are safe and you are at your most powerful!

(If 'shadow' can be interpreted as 'quiet place', that totally sounds like me. (◕‿◕ ))

Awwwww, adooorable!~~ Shiva's enjoying this point of view; and as she eventually removes the Tao Amulet from Spectral's neck, the silky~ and pitchblack feline smiles widely at her and lets all her yellow markings light up for a few moments.

The kelp grows right up to the surface of the water, so you can grab some. It's edible, but very very tough to humans. Your more delicate water types can eat it, but don't relish it the way a scavenger would.

'Edible' suffices, that's what most important to Shiva!~ She tastes it alongside her Water Types but grimances as realizing how tough it is... Ugh, this kelp isn't exactly what she would enjoy to live and feed on.

Neither appear Azu and Vaporeon, even if they don't grimance the way Shiva does when noming it. Well... She still collects a bit more of this kelp for the sake of making nori chips outta it later!~ (Following a recipe like this she has once gotten from Spira! (>v<☆)) That should make this kelp much more enjoyable.

Unless there's more of interest/to explore, she and her dear Pokemon they do some casual whale-watching, it's fascinating and awe-striking to observe these giant Wailord.

[Spiritmon]

"That's a tough question! To restore the savanna to its previous condition... but quickly. What if there were some way to have natural wildfires to clean out the competition, but without damaging the existing trees? That would help."

"Savanna trees take a long long time to grow. They're very important because their large root systems help hold the ground in place. They also store a lot of water and energy in those roots. Hey, here's an idea - instead of planting and encouraging new trees, what if you used the resources in those roots to get a new sprout off the old root systems? For the trees with broken trunks? And maybe make sure any new water you add goes right into the root systems."

It is possible for Heart call the powers of Fire, Water and Grass Pokemon to make the plan just like what that guy mentioned?

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Mason begins the series of mock battles with Arete.

He starts out with his disobedient Tyranitar, showing Terra how to handle Rock types and fossiloids who aren't listening properly. The key is to allow them to face challenges head-on, addressing their insecurities, and helping them learn for what situations fight-or-flight isn't the best choice. Of course, to most Rock types, "flight" involves withdrawing into a Defense Curl or something. Arete's Watery leanings help him demonstrate this with precision, and Tyranitar lasts a long time against the type disadvantage. He also withdraws Tyranitar before it faints. "Not fair to make a Pokemon lose a battle so drastically, through no fault of its own. Tyranitar trusts that I will only bring him out when it's safe to do so."

He also brings out a vain Archeops. Terra can see that Mason's method of flattering his Archeops isn't likely to work on Arete, but that's good information to have. Arete also gets great practice at trying to blast Archeops out of the air.

Mason makes Arete fight his Onix next. Onix takes up a huge percentage of the battlefield, and spends a lot of time worming down between the blocks and popping up for surprise attacks. The massive pool of hitpoints means Arete can be as vicious as she likes without gaining anything - only clever commands from Terra can make that battle winnable.

Finally, some of the blocks in the Gym swivel aside, revealing four Crustle making up the inner foundation. "These are my only Bug types I have on hand. Want to see how you do against four at once?"


All in all, Arete gains 1 more point of Loyalty. Terra is finding it much easier to increase her Loyalty than to increase her Happiness.

For some context in the following scene, in the mock battle vs Mason Terra had elected to by and large to let Arete fight how she want to fight, only giving her the stern command not to brutally savage (read: kill) the chief architect or his prized Rock collection. Mainly for him to see what her natural/’casual’ fighting style and get a better understanding of her mentality (and learn ways to appeal to both), but also because he was curious to see how strong and capable his mini-Mythic was without his guidance. In sum, the mock battles were comprehensive test of sorts for her, one with more academic meaning to the trainers present and carthesis factor for the smol killing machine herself.

Beyond the battle with Onix (Which forced him to take active command of Arete to prevent things from going disastrously wrong for her or it), she he preform admirably well, earning her a smile and respectful nod from the mountain of a man. Her reaction to such was less than inspiring, though, as the aquatic menace only turned back briefly to acknowledge her master before refocusing on Mason. She had no need for their praise or recognition. So long as he treated her well and kept feeding her the Fights she craves (In both senses of the term), he has her Loyalty and respect as any good and powerful leader deserved. If that were to change or if her master were to significantly be weakened, though, he’ll be following her commands or else.

Her own temperament towards the mock battles was an almost begrudging interest in the whole affair and concept (Fight for the sake of practice was a novel concept for the best Bug, let alone Fights that didn’t involve slaughtering your prey or threats to your safety, status, or territory) , but as it progressed she got into it like any other Fight. Slicing at her foe’s Rocky hides with her razor sharp blades, indiscriminately blasted them with pressurized bursts of water (except against that stupid bird….), and piercing through all hard exterior…..it was a visceral, joyful experience. Oh, if only her master allowed her to kill these welps and eat them it’d be even better!

Then came the last Fight of the mock battle – Arete vs. 4 Crustle, Bug of the Water vs Bugs of the earth. Terra calmly nodded to Mason’s proposal for this last bout, as he thought it’d be an excellent final test for his primitive powerhouse. Arete, however, had a different reaction to the event. She was humoring and tolerating the other human by her master’s decrees, but when they taunted her with his challenge? Oh boy, she became peeved and steamed at the perceived insult. This lowly human DARE mock her, after all the restraint and mercy she showed his disgusting Rock Pokemon at the beheast of her master? Very well. She’ll show him the error of his words.

Being the speedy insect as she was, Arete got to first against the Crustle. As the battle began, the mini-Mythic gave Mason a glare that would get even his spine a-tingling, before she quietly raised a talon – scythe to the air……
….and a huge wall of water exploded into existence behind her, held in place seemingly only by the Will of Arete. All the Crustle, who were a wee bit nervous fighting against what could be considered the most elite of Bug Pokemon, drastically paled as they eyed the Move with wide eyes. Terra looked taken aback by this sudden display of overwhelming aggression from her. And Mason…..well, I don’t imagine he was so chipper staring down a SURF. Arete didn’t pay attention to them all, though, as she only had eyes for the Gym Leader, talon – scythe still held aloft…..

…..before with a low contemptuous buzz she sliced it down, and unleashed the SURF.

*WOOSH CRASH SLAM SPLOOSH*

In an instant, all four Crustle were yanked off the arena by the powerful foamy wave and hurtled into the walls of the training room, the water and impact together cleanly knocking them out. As for everyone else…..Terra managed to remain untouched by the wave somehow, perhaps by the providence of Arete. Nathan and Gallade were spared too…..for the most part, as both didn’t receive any Damage but were thoroughly soaked to the bone by the SURF.

Mason, though? He too went untouched, as the SURF part around him as it crash across the room, leaving him untouched by it like Terra. No, more so even, as unlike the sagely monk, the master architect still was standing on dry land, a tiny circle of the floor barely big enough to hold him. It was deliberate show of power of the primal powerhouse’s part, showing Mason only by her Will was he spared the SURF. The message was clear: do not trifle with her. EVER.

She held her gaze with Mason for a few seconds longer, before she dismissed him, turning away from him a flicking her arm, drawing in all the water she created by the Surf into her as she stalked back over to her master’s side. Well, except for the water on/surrounding Nathan and Gallade – they can remain wet, the food stealing curs.

Terra’s response to all this? A flabbergasted expression, eyes wide and mouth wide open, before in an uncharacteristic display he facepalms and shakes his head in dismay at his mini-Mythic.

“Arete…..that was too much. Too much.”

Arete was completely unrepentant by her action, but she did acknowledge the reprimand with a nod, a gesture she learned from him. She has NO regrets for what she did, but she accepts her master’s judgement, and whatever punishment he decides upon.

Before that though, reactions from Nathan, Gallade, and Mason?

[Dragonstrike]

Nathan merely silently pulls a towel out of his bag and starts drying himself off.  Since gaining access to the SURF HM and knowing that they'll be going for the DIVE HM soon enough, he's decided that it pays to be prepared even for the simplest causes.

Gallade patiently waits for Nathan to hand him a towel too so he can also dry off.  He casually flicks away some water droplets with one of his arms.  There's a noticeable...annoyed look in his gaze as he looks in Arete's direction, as that was rather rude of the bug, Legendary or no, but he minds his own business beyond that.  Terra's working on getting a handle on the situation, after all.

[Iron]

"That's a tough question! To restore the savanna to its previous condition... but quickly. What if there were some way to have natural wildfires to clean out the competition, but without damaging the existing trees? That would help."

"Savanna trees take a long long time to grow. They're very important because their large root systems help hold the ground in place. They also store a lot of water and energy in those roots. Hey, here's an idea - instead of planting and encouraging new trees, what if you used the resources in those roots to get a new sprout off the old root systems? For the trees with broken trunks? And maybe make sure any new water you add goes right into the root systems."

It is possible for Heart call the powers of Fire, Water and Grass Pokemon to make the plan just like what that guy mentioned?

Yeah, maybe list what moves you'd like to call upon?

[Iron]

As Nathan proves what a hoopy frood he is, let's go ahead and prepare for the trip to Garlicburg.

It is now Day 85.

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

Yeah, maybe list what moves you'd like to call upon?

Hmm for starters Heart would call a combination of healing moves to try restore nature along with Sunny Day to help Savannah trees and nature grew again as they were before. The combination of healing moves would be:

1 - First a Sunny Day.
2 - Heal Pulse, Morning Sun (Because of Sunny Day), Grassy Terain and Floral Healing.
3 - Tailwind to give nature enough air to help restore than.
4 - And finally Water Pledge to help nature get some water without the danger of change the ecosystem.

Since its a more difficult task, he has equipped the Helmet and ask power from Moltres. He need all the power he can to restore this place.

[Lord Windos]

*Flashback!*

Well, since Iron didn't write a reaction to Mason, I'll take creative liberty and say his reaction is subdued and a little off balanced at first at first, before he'd get his nerve back and place hand on his head, shaking it and sighing as he does.

"....I see what you mean about Arete having an attitude problem. Well, since this battle was to help research her and she did no lasting harm to anyone, I guess I don't mind her, uh, back sass. *Shakes Head* I'm NOT going to pit my trusted Rocks against her again, though, as once is enough for my tastes. You better work on that temper of hers if you're planning on using them in any future battle, 'cause I don't think I need to tell you how bad things for you two can get if she acts out at the wrong place or time."

The mini-Mythic bristles at the Gym Leader's criticism, but stays her reaction when Terra places a hand on her head and solemnly nods back to them.

"*Smiles* Still, it was pretty interesting and Insightful seeing how a Genesect behave and act, so thank you for the opportunity. Hope we both got all the data we wanted out of this!"

He nods back to them, little out a smile little *Sigh* of relief. Looks like Arete totally didn't ruin his chances of a proper Gym Battle against the master architect, nor alienate them with her retaliation.

"You are welcome, Leader Mason. Learned lot from this battle, so that will help with my research about Arete. Will share future results and data of it with you, if you wish and can keep it private."

Mason: "*Smiles* Why certainly! Always interested in learning about Pokemon, 'specially ones unique as they are! If I may ask, though, what are you plans with that Genesect of yours?"

Terra: "......*Shakes Head* Not sure. Want to improve her, and use her as a.....base to improve other Bug Pokemon, but don't know details how yet. Need to get my lab fully set up, screen and talk with my researchers, and come up with my lab's initiatives and goal going forward."

Mason: "Hmm....sounds like you got your plate full with this, huh? Well, if you get stumped or need any more advice or idea, the University and the fine folk in it should be able to give it. Sometimes an outside perspective is need to get things started or done."

Terra: "*Nods* Okay. *Bows* Thank you again. For your teachings, and the fight. *Beat* Can I have my Gym Battle with you today now? Want to get your Badge soon, but if you need time for your Pokemon to rest, I understand."

Mason: "*Laughs* No problem, big fellow! And sure, we can have a Gym Battle today! Just let me get my partners here to the Nurse and a quick trip to my PC, and I'll be ready for you this time!"

With that statement, the Gym Leader would depart to his Gym's resident Nurse, while Terra would pause for a moment to collect himself and let out another *Sigh* before he looks down to address Arete.

"We will talk later about this. For now, know that I am disappointed in how you acted."

He'd then Return her and walk over to Nathan and Gallade, looking at them and noticing how wet they are and frowning apologetically.

"....Sorry about Arete's SURF. Will discipline her later, and teach her better. *Looks Thoughtful* ....Or you can? Hm.....maybe she will stop.....being not fair to you if beaten in a Fight. What do you think?"

After that, comes Terra's Gym Battle with Mason! For it, I'll be using Yogi the Medicham as his sole Pokemon during the match, as they regretably had very little screen time during the campaign and hardly any use as a result, so I want to at least let them have a one moment of glory to their name, and what better way to ensure that then by them soloing a Gym Leader?

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

It is now Day 85.

Somewhere at the beach of Bromeliad Bay, a certain young female Trainer sits in the sand and enjoys the morning sun. There are two Pokemon by her side that make her look like she's not native to Chresire, and she gives of the impression of a person who's waiting for someone to arrive. Every now and then she checks the time and whether there are any signs of those people approaching, to the land and to the sky. Every now and then her hands also stroke through the wonderful fluff of her Whimsicott and through the fine fur of her strange-looking Espeon.

It's the day that Shiva has waited for so long, the day she and the others will head over to Garlicburg - THAT Garlicburg, and she's thrilled and full of hope about finding what she's looking for at said island. In fact Shiva can't help but to smile and worry about this at the same time, she seems undisclosed whether she should smile or frown.

The first thing she has done after having arrived here at the shore is checking her mails and see whether that permission from Dagni to visit Galricburg has arrived, and she squealed in joy as she received it. It's there, it's really there, and it's REAL aaaahhhhh!!~

Her party of six Pokemon is carefully assigned for this trip, she can't be certain whether there'll be chances to change one's party at that island. She would bet that there are PCs there - but whether they'll be allowed to be used by Trainers is an entirerly different matter.

Her party consists of

- Whimsicott, being all cuddled up to Shiva
- Azu, playing a bit with the waves washing up the shore
- Primal Espeon, basking in the pleasant morning sun
- Raphael, soaring through the sky a few meters above Shiva
- Shiny Klefki because she enjoys this unique fairy
- Lilith due to being a faithful and loyal companion

Oh, @Lord Windos... What she also does is checking her phone for messages from a certain young man with a faible for green tweed sweaters and vibrant orange hair, as well as keep eyes open for any sights of him. Every now and then she looks around somewhat nervously, and so does Raphael who's gliding a few meters above the ground. W-where is he? Didn't he say that...he'll come too, even for short and even solely to retrive that fossil down the sea?

[Lord Windos]

(...)

Oh, @Lord Windos... What she also does is checking her phone for messages from a certain young man with a faible for green tweed sweaters and vibrant orange hair, as well as keep eyes open for any sights of him. Every now and then she looks around somewhat nervously, and so does Raphael who's gliding a few meters above the ground. W-where is he? Didn't he say that...he'll come too, even for short and even solely to retrive that fossil down the sea?

The fae lady's vigilance is rewarded, for she soon receives a message for the eccentric scientist himself!

' Good morning, my dearest ! From the bottom of my heart I hope you've been well and in good spirits and health since our last far to brief reunion, and that the times of late have be more kind to you than they've been as of late. If Terra has not already told you by now, I'll be rejoining the merry band for your holiday trip today (Read: Code for Secret Mission to get da Fossil) , so we shan't not have to endure the torment of being apart such a lovely and memorable occasion! After all you've been through, you certainly deserve such blessed respite! Of course, for an angel like yourself, blessings come all too naturally, don't they dear? Well, I'll meet up with you and the rest of our friend shortly, so don't fret and let the suspense make a mess out of your nerves!

- Your faithful boyfriend, Ven '

"Thus written, I am here, my love."

And crouched down right behind Shiva was Ventus, having somehow sneaked up behind her and his beloved archangel, reading over her shoulder at his own message and waiting until she finished before revealing himself, like a charming little rouge. He gave her bright, loving smile as he tilted his head welcomingly at her.

"Tell me, has your heart grown fonder from my abscene, my dear Shiva? For mine certainly has."