[Game Thread] Pokerole Mystery Dungeon: Primal Shadows

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

(...) It is at this moment that Kee notices a light glowing brighter in his guitar bag.  Should he investigate, he finds the connection orb is glowing!  It seems to have received some messages!

Team Stripes Message

This is Arcanine of Team Stripes.  We're currently at a cave known as Drenched Bluff, where we consulted with a Lapras that Guildmaster Wigglytuff is personally acquainted with.  They reported that there have been an unusual amount of Hurricanes on their sea routes as of late, but never in the same spots.  It's as if they're moving with something.  It is possible that they are being caused by a pokemon.  By Lapras's estimate, the weather patterns are likely somewhere around the Mist Continent at the moment.  It would be advisable for Team Omega Seekers to be cautious.

Team Artificers Message

Chimical, at your ssssserviccccce.  After a...pleassssssant conversation with the guardian of Mt. Thunder, Zapdosssssss, we have learned that they recccccently chasssssed away a meddlessssssssom intruder from their mountain.  A rival able to conjure thundersssssstormssssss of sssssimilar intenssssity to itssssss own.  Zapdossssss issssss unssssssure of where exactly they went, but believessssss they flew towardssssss the Water Continent.  Bessssst watch your backssssss and the sssssskiessssss, Team Night Wardensssssss.

Oh, but of course Kee investigates! As much as he's...enraptured by that snow white kitsune, their grace and their radiating confidence, he can't ignore a glowing light straight from his precious bag!~

He's not quite sure how to receive or answer a message via that Connection Orb at first, rolling it in his fuzzy paws. Though it eventually works (in whatever way) and the message from both Team Stripes and Artificers is gotten. Kee frankly doesn't like the ring of the messages, though appreciates the information greatly. Seems like the problem with those unnatural weather phenomena is bigger than he hopes or expected it to be, even more so if they're - possibly - causes by a POKEMON.

Kee silently excuses himself towards Madame Twintales by a respectful now, then sends a message back towards Arcanine:

Message

Team OS's member Ziggy Kee here, understood and noted. We're currently onto something at place called tha Great Glacier, somethin' big even so me feels. Sounds t'me more like these hurricanes are definitely caused by a Pokemon. Or that a 'Mon must have its part t'play here. And tha one million pokedollar question's what kind of Pokemon and why. ...Well, thanks for staying in contact, we'll inform ya shall we unbury somethin' interesting. Kee out!~

Once the situation with Madame Twintales is cleared in whatever way, Kee will inform the others about the message he has gotten from Arcanine. (Unless everyone of us has their own Connection Orb, which I honestly don't know anymore, and has received the message either way.)

[Spiritmon]

I will be short in my post:

- Kogeki will just nod his head in agreement. He will just say he is curious to continue the path so we can finish the mission.

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

6 of Karen's current exp will be used to increase her channel from 1 to 2!

"I- I'm fine," Karen manages, still somewhat uncomfortable around Lunapup. "Yeah, there's a bit of history... He took the Dread Plate and mentioned something about the 'Primal Shadows' whatever that is..." She is going to be intentionally vague on any further questions about the plates and the mission from Arceus, as she is somewhat wary about the Lunapup.

"Hmmmm...I do not like the sound of that.  What are you up to, Darkula...?"

Lunapup seems to be lost in thought for a moment, then shakes his head.  "Unfortunately, I'll need more information to determine what he's planning.  For now, I need to pursue that vile bat.  I cannot let him forcibly coerce more pokemon into doing his bidding.  I leave the fate of these Growlithe to you.  We shall meet again, I'm sure."

Lunapup burrows into the ground and vanishes without another word!  Mudbray blinks, not quite sure what to make of all that.

"Well, he's certainly...something.  So, uh...do you think these Growilithe really were being forced to attack us?  What should we do with them?"

Regardless of what Karen decides to do with any/all of the Growlithe (this can be resolved in a flashback), when Ponyta finishes talking with Blitzle, the party will continue onwards.

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

The group of adventurers don't encounter any further difficulties on the current floor of the dungeon, and it does not take them long to reach the cliff where Delphox said Xatu spends their days staring at the sun.  Nor does it take them long to find the mystic bird once they are there.

As Delphox described, the bird has their wings folded around themselves like a cloak while they stare at the horizon, watching the setting sun from the edge of the cliff.

It doesn't appear that Xatu has noticed the group of pokemon approaching their perch, either.

"...soooo...do you think we should try bothering him?  He looks pretty absorbed in what he's doing..."
"I dunno...we need to talk to him though, right?"

Ponyta nudges Karen.  "I think you should go get his attention, Karen.  I don't know what Delphox is thinking, but if both she and that Darkula fellow are interested in you for who knows what reason, I'm guessing Xatu will be too."

Karen does exactly that. She approaches Xatu, and talks to him; "Um... Hello?"
Should that fail to get Xatu's attention she will (surprise) tickle him.

(Reminder that you can still address what Karen would like to do with those wild Growlithe that Darkula left behind in a flashback)

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

Xatu does not respond initially when Karen simply speaks to him.  He doesn't seem to respond when she tries tickling him either.

Then the bird starts to tremble.  And is that a chuckle that can be faintly heard?  He seems to be holding back a laugh...

Then he suddenly stretches his wings skywards, startling everyone with a loud, "CAAAAAWWWWWW!"

And holding that position, staring straight at the setting sun, the mystic begins uttering a prophecy.

Xatu the Mystic: Great Canyon Remix by Auditory Music - PMD Rescue Team

Disturb not the harmony of Fire, Water, Ice, nor Lightning, lest these spirits wreak destruction upon the lands in which they run to and fro.
Though the sky's great guardian has descended to quell the fighting, alone its efforts have failed. Thus the world shall be blanketed in Shadows.
Oh Chosen Ones, by thine hands, bring together all four. Their powers combined shall help tame the Beast of War.

The bird then finally lowers his wings and turns to face the party.

"Thus, our hopes lie with those summoned to this world and those who they choose to align with.  The four seasons have begun to run amok.  Ill tidings of what is to come.  But there is still hope."

He looks directly at Karen next, his all-seeing eyes seeming to stare straight through her.

"I have foreseen your arrival, as well as the struggles of your friends as they search for what is causing the forces of nature to run wild.  I am sure you have many questions.  Darkness clouds my vision, obscuring events both present and future, but I shall answer what I can."

[Mikaruge108]

Spoiler

Spoiler

6 of Karen's current exp will be used to increase her channel from 1 to 2!

"I- I'm fine," Karen manages, still somewhat uncomfortable around Lunapup. "Yeah, there's a bit of history... He took the Dread Plate and mentioned something about the 'Primal Shadows' whatever that is..." She is going to be intentionally vague on any further questions about the plates and the mission from Arceus, as she is somewhat wary about the Lunapup.

"Hmmmm...I do not like the sound of that.  What are you up to, Darkula...?"

Lunapup seems to be lost in thought for a moment, then shakes his head.  "Unfortunately, I'll need more information to determine what he's planning.  For now, I need to pursue that vile bat.  I cannot let him forcibly coerce more pokemon into doing his bidding.  I leave the fate of these Growlithe to you.  We shall meet again, I'm sure."

Lunapup burrows into the ground and vanishes without another word!  Mudbray blinks, not quite sure what to make of all that.

"Well, he's certainly...something.  So, uh...do you think these Growilithe really were being forced to attack us?  What should we do with them?"

Regardless of what Karen decides to do with any/all of the Growlithe (this can be resolved in a flashback), when Ponyta finishes talking with Blitzle, the party will continue onwards.

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

The group of adventurers don't encounter any further difficulties on the current floor of the dungeon, and it does not take them long to reach the cliff where Delphox said Xatu spends their days staring at the sun.  Nor does it take them long to find the mystic bird once they are there.

As Delphox described, the bird has their wings folded around themselves like a cloak while they stare at the horizon, watching the setting sun from the edge of the cliff.

It doesn't appear that Xatu has noticed the group of pokemon approaching their perch, either.

"...soooo...do you think we should try bothering him?  He looks pretty absorbed in what he's doing..."
"I dunno...we need to talk to him though, right?"

Ponyta nudges Karen.  "I think you should go get his attention, Karen.  I don't know what Delphox is thinking, but if both she and that Darkula fellow are interested in you for who knows what reason, I'm guessing Xatu will be too."

Karen does exactly that. She approaches Xatu, and talks to him; "Um... Hello?"
Should that fail to get Xatu's attention she will (surprise) tickle him.

(Reminder that you can still address what Karen would like to do with those wild Growlithe that Darkula left behind in a flashback)

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

Xatu does not respond initially when Karen simply speaks to him.  He doesn't seem to respond when she tries tickling him either.

Then the bird starts to tremble.  And is that a chuckle that can be faintly heard?  He seems to be holding back a laugh...

Then he suddenly stretches his wings skywards, startling everyone with a loud, "CAAAAAWWWWWW!"

And holding that position, staring straight at the setting sun, the mystic begins uttering a prophecy.

Xatu the Mystic: Great Canyon Remix by Auditory Music - PMD Rescue Team

Disturb not the harmony of Fire, Water, Ice, nor Lightning, lest these spirits wreak destruction upon the lands in which they run to and fro.
Though the sky's great guardian has descended to quell the fighting, alone its efforts have failed. Thus the world shall be blanketed in Shadows.
Oh Chosen Ones, by thine hands, bring together all four. Their powers combined shall help tame the Beast of War.

The bird then finally lowers his wings and turns to face the party.

"Thus, our hopes lie with those summoned to this world and those who they choose to align with.  The four seasons have begun to run amok.  Ill tidings of what is to come.  But there is still hope."

He looks directly at Karen next, his all-seeing eyes seeming to stare straight through her.

"I have foreseen your arrival, as well as the struggles of your friends as they search for what is causing the forces of nature to run wild.  I am sure you have many questions.  Darkness clouds my vision, obscuring events both present and future, but I shall answer what I can."

*Flashback*
After the fight, despite the fear at the forefront of her mind, there is also empathy. Karen shakily approaches M-Growlithe, and attempts to recruit it!

---------

Karen does have a question.

1.) "Beast of War..." she definitely is troubled by it. "What is the Beast of War?"

[Dragonstrike]

*Flashback*
After the fight, despite the fear at the forefront of her mind, there is also empathy. Karen shakily approaches M-Growlithe, and attempts to recruit it!

---------

Karen does have a question.

1.) "Beast of War..." she definitely is troubled by it. "What is the Beast of War?"

For the sake of brevity and plot reasons, there isn't any difficulty with recruiting the M-Growlithe (besides Karen's own fears) and teleporting them back to Sahra Town with the Adventure Badge.  They match the description of the Growlithe that Daxter has been looking for, though they aren't currently in a state where they can confirm if they're named 'Buddy' or not, seeing as they're only barely conscious.

(If you want to try to recruit either of the other Growlithe, that'll require some rolls)

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

Xatu closes his eyes when Karen asks that question, seeming to be deep in thought.

"They are a creature that will bring ruin in the future, the former guardian of the skies.  They will be the first symbol of the Shadows that will engulf the world.  I cannot see what form they will take, but I can see it is one devoid of hope and light.  An ominous sign indeed.  Without the powers of Fire, Water, Ice, and Lightning, there will be little chance of standing against their might."

He opens his eyes and looks at Karen again.

"But stand against it the chosen ones shall.  For even when the world is devoid of hope, it is never truly gone.  It has happened many times before, and it shall happen time and time again whenever disaster seems unavoidable.  So it has been decreed by the Voice of Life, whose call guides those who instill hope to our world."

In the background, Team Gallop seem to be having a whispered conversation.

"Hey, why do you think he keeps looking at Karen like that?  It's kinda weird..."

"Maybe she's one of those 'chosen ones' he keeps mentioning?  He keeps looking at her like there's something special about her..."

"Or maybe he's just curious about her being shiny?  Those definitely aren't colors you see every day..."

"Shhhh, quiet you two!  I don't think he's finished yet."

Ponyta is paying very close attention to everything that Xatu is saying, and Mudbray and Blitzle both quiet down after Ponyta shushes them.  Xatu seemingly ignores the hushed conversation though, continuing to give his attention to Karen.  It's almost like he's deducing what she's going to say next...

[Mikaruge108]

Spoiler

Xatu closes his eyes when Karen asks that question, seeming to be deep in thought.

"They are a creature that will bring ruin in the future, the former guardian of the skies.  They will be the first symbol of the Shadows that will engulf the world.  I cannot see what form they will take, but I can see it is one devoid of hope and light.  An ominous sign indeed.  Without the powers of Fire, Water, Ice, and Lightning, there will be little chance of standing against their might."

He opens his eyes and looks at Karen again.

"But stand against it the chosen ones shall.  For even when the world is devoid of hope, it is never truly gone.  It has happened many times before, and it shall happen time and time again whenever disaster seems unavoidable.  So it has been decreed by the Voice of Life, whose call guides those who instill hope to our world."

In the background, Team Gallop seem to be having a whispered conversation.

"Hey, why do you think he keeps looking at Karen like that?  It's kinda weird..."

"Maybe she's one of those 'chosen ones' he keeps mentioning?  He keeps looking at her like there's something special about her..."

"Or maybe he's just curious about her being shiny?  Those definitely aren't colors you see every day..."

"Shhhh, quiet you two!  I don't think he's finished yet."

Ponyta is paying very close attention to everything that Xatu is saying, and Mudbray and Blitzle both quiet down after Ponyta shushes them.  Xatu seemingly ignores the hushed conversation though, continuing to give his attention to Karen.  It's almost like he's deducing what she's going to say next...

"I... I think my friends and I, that is, Kee, Platina (OOC Note: If she doesn't know/hasn't met Platina, insert Pyra), Kogeki, and Dexter, might be these 'chosen ones'." she sighs, then says to no one in particular "I wonder who or what the four powers are, and how we can find them." she then shifts her attention to Team Gallop. "Do you have anything that you'd like to ask Xatu?"

[no one]

Daxter frowns. "Something surrounded by storm clouds and flying towards the Thunder Forest? Normally, I'd think that that's a Zapdos. Seeing as how Zapdos was the one who was warning us, though...

I haven't got the foggiest idea what that thing is but we'd better get a move on soon. Zeraora, you got any idea what's going on in there? Any idea who this unknown thunder and lightning Pokemon is? And uh... Anything we should know about your boss before we go stomping around in there? Don't really want to annoy a Pokemon like that, you see?"

As for the Voidlands, Daxter shudders. "No idea why any poor sod would end up in there. What made Pokemon turn to stone? Another Pokemon?"

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

The snowy Ninetales shakes their head.  "Dearie me, I'm afraid we may have a misunderstanding here.  This is not my domain.  It is the domain of Master Kyurem.  Or rather, it was before the Glacial Palace was destroyed in the aftermath of the battle with the Bittercold.  There is little left here but ruins and the native wild pokemon.  Well, and myself, I suppose."

"I am Madame Twintales, devout follower of and apprentice to Master Kyurem the All Seeing.  And as we get so few visitors here, I can only assume you have come here with a particular purpose in mind.  Hoping to meet with Master Kyurem, perhaps?  You should be warned that this place is not very welcoming to visitors.  Many dangerous wild pokemon patrol the halls of the ruined palace."
Keldeo steps in.  "Sort of.  A friend of ours may have come here to speak with Kyurem, but we haven't seen her since she left.  You haven't seen a Raichu pass by recently, have you?"

It is at this moment that Kee notices a light glowing brighter in his guitar bag.  Should he investigate, he finds the connection orb is glowing!  It seems to have received some messages!  (@PhantomUnderYourDesk)

Team Stripes Message

This is Arcanine of Team Stripes.  We're currently at a cave known as Drenched Bluff, where we consulted with a Lapras that Guildmaster Wigglytuff is personally acquainted with.  They reported that there have been an unusual amount of Hurricanes on their sea routes as of late, but never in the same spots.  It's as if they're moving with something.  It is possible that they are being caused by a pokemon.  By Lapras's estimate, the weather patterns are likely somewhere around the Mist Continent at the moment.  It would be advisable for Team Omega Seekers to be cautious.

Team Artificers Message

Chimical, at your ssssserviccccce.  After a...pleassssssant conversation with the guardian of Mt. Thunder, Zapdosssssss, we have learned that they recccccently chasssssed away a meddlessssssssom intruder from their mountain.  A rival able to conjure thundersssssstormssssss of sssssimilar intenssssity to itssssss own.  Zapdossssss issssss unssssssure of where exactly they went, but believessssss they flew towardssssss the Water Continent.  Bessssst watch your backssssss and the sssssskiessssss, Team Night Wardensssssss.

(...)


Once the situation with Madame Twintales is cleared in whatever way, Kee will inform the others about the message he has gotten from Arcanine. (Unless everyone of us has their own Connection Orb, which I honestly don't know anymore, and has received the message either way.)

(My deepest apologies for the delay! I've been rather busy lately, but now I got the time to make a post! Hopefully it'll have been worth the wait....)

Platina almost boggled as the majestic looking Ninetales corrected her mistaken assumption. This entire Mystery Dungeon was under the Domain of the Dragon God Kyurem?  She knew the Pokemon Gods laid claim to all sorts of things and vast swaths of territory for their own Purposes, but she didn't expect one to want an area like this. Yet another revelation that take her somewhat off guard - hopefully one day she'll be able to weather such and more with a bit more grace and decorum.

By the time she managed to center herself Keldeo had already finished his reply, and thus decided that a little more haste and clarification on her part was due to ensure this conversation continued smoothly.

"To clarify, our group is currently on a quest to find this Raichu after I received a Dream Revelation from Dragon God Kyurem. They showed me they meet or were meeting with Raichu in his Domain, so my and their own Teams came together to both investigate and meet with Them in the process, as they ordained. We know the dangers and perils of this place, but we have no choice but to brave them if we wish to see our goals through to the end. *Bows* In light of all this, I humbly request you lead us to your Master, Madame Twintales. Or, at the very least, grace us with some guidance, so that we can make that journey by ourselves much more smoothly. The sooner we can meet with Them, the better for all of us, or so I can hope."

Upon being informed about the messages, the shiny bird goes.....stiff for a brief moment, her pupil shrinking ever so slightly, before she slowly nodded to the mix'n'match crittercoon.

"Duly noted. Let us continue our quest post haste then and pray that this....Pokemon doesn't harry us along the way."

[Dragonstrike]

Daxter frowns. "Something surrounded by storm clouds and flying towards the Thunder Forest? Normally, I'd think that that's a Zapdos. Seeing as how Zapdos was the one who was warning us, though...

I haven't got the foggiest idea what that thing is but we'd better get a move on soon. Zeraora, you got any idea what's going on in there? Any idea who this unknown thunder and lightning Pokemon is? And uh... Anything we should know about your boss before we go stomping around in there? Don't really want to annoy a Pokemon like that, you see?"

As for the Voidlands, Daxter shudders. "No idea why any poor sod would end up in there. What made Pokemon turn to stone? Another Pokemon?"

Zeraora shakes his head.  "No clue what that pokemon might be, but from the sounds of things, it's already here.  As for your other question, my advice to you is that you don't make Lord Raikou angry.  The wild pokemon around here know first hand what happens when he's in a foul mood.  Let's hope that Braixen you're looking for is wise enough to not get caught between lightning bolts."

As for Daxter's question about what was turning pokemon to stone, Bunnelby shakes his head.  "It was no pokemon.  As I mentioned before, the culprit was Dark Matter, a manifestation of all of the world's negative energy.  Turning everyone to stone wasn't enough for it either.  Nearly dragged the Tree of Life into the sun in an attempt to destroy the world.  Nasty stuff.  It's gone now, dispersed to the four corners of everywhere, so it shouldn't be a problem, but still..."

The bunny shakes his head to clear his thoughts.  "It's not worth worrying about right now.  It's gone thanks to the newbies.  We have more immediate concerns, so let's get going as soon as you're ready."

[Dragonstrike]

"I... I think my friends and I, that is, Kee, Platina (OOC Note: If she doesn't know/hasn't met Platina, insert Pyra), Kogeki, and Dexter, might be these 'chosen ones'." she sighs, then says to no one in particular "I wonder who or what the four powers are, and how we can find them." she then shifts her attention to Team Gallop. "Do you have anything that you'd like to ask Xatu?"

Xatu doesn't comment further on Karen's musings, but Ponyta seems to have something to ask.

"You said the present and future were being obscured, right?  What about the past?"

Xatu stays silent for a moment before responding.  "Hmmmm...a curious question.  For what reason do you ask?"

Ponyta gives Xatu a dead serious look.  "...the attacker that burned my old home to the ground.  I want to know who it was."

Xatu turns around a looks once again at the setting sun and stretches his wings outwards.  He holds that position for a moment, completely still.

And then he speaks.

"I see fire.  Many pokemon fleeing for their lives from the flames.  Among them, a small horse pokemon and their parents, unbothered by the flames themselves, but worried for the village and their friends as they flee.  And as the fire rages on, the small horse sees a lone pokemon fan the flames..."

He falls silent again.  Lowers his wings.  Turns around to face the party again.

"...a dark shadow, obscured from my sight just as much as the small horse's.  I cannot answer your question, I am afraid."

Ponyta stomps a hoof on the stone ground.  Hard.  "Well why not?!  Why would something that's already happened be obscured?!"

Xatu's response is calm and level headed.  "Something is purposefully hiding it from my sight, much like the events of the present and future.  However, that suggests to me that it is related to current and future events.  Should you follow the path of the Chosen Ones, I am certain you will find the answer you are looking for."

Ponyta falls silent and backs off, mulling this revelation over.  As there appears to be no more questions, Xatu turns back to Karen.

"Your friends will soon be confronting the sources of the recent storms.  They will have need of you.  And so, I have prepared something in advance that will allow you to fly to their aid."

He pulls something out of his feathers and extends an outstretched wing to Karen to hand her something: a beautiful gem that appears to be filled with psychic energy.

"This Teleport Gem shall take you to them.  The rage of the Autumn Storm, the Winter Blizzard, and the Scorching Summer must be quelled, or the Flower of Spring shall never return."

Before Karen can take the gem though, a red blur snatches it from Xatu's grasp and begins examining it!

What the...?: It is what it is... - Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon

"Hahaha, yeeeessss!  I got it!  ...whatever it is.  Man, this is a strange looking gem.  Hey, what's this do, huh?"

Xatu shakes his head.  "It is of no use to you.  I advise you to return it at once."

Now that she has a moment to get a good look at the new arrival, Karen recognizes him, as she's encountered him before. He's the purple loving, mask wearing, Amazing Axel!  And he's a no good thief!


  Axel the Flager.png (Size: 1.78 KB / Downloads: 88)

Axel snickers.  "As if!  See ya!"  He tries to speed away, but runs into an invisible barrier of psychic energy.  "What the...?!"

Xatu shakes his head again, completely unsurprised by this turn of events.  "Somebody has forgotten that we're in the depths of a Mystery Dungeon.  Now then, I do believe our guests may have something to say about all this."

It's at this point that Axel seems to realize that there's others present.  "Huh?  Guests?"

It doesn't take him long to recognize Karen and subsequently take a defensive stance.

"Wait, it's one of you?!  I'm not letting you or your friends blindside me again!  This treasure's mine!"

Ponyta steps forward, not looking very pleased.  "I dunno who you are, but I'm not going to tolerate a thief!  Mudbray, Blitzle, let's get him!"

"On it!"

"Just you wait, I'll slow him down for you guys!"

The Amazing Axel!: VS Gambit by Emdasche

VS Axel Initiaitves
Axel: (3)+7 = 10
Rolycoly: (6)+4 = 10
Karen: (6)+3 = 9
Ponyta: (1)+6 = 7
Blitzle: (2)+5 = 7
Mudbray: (2)+4 = 6
Xatu: N/A (he seems to be standing back and avoiding getting directly involved)

VS Axel Round 1