[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Iron]

With the thunderous roar of hooves, Stable Z arrives at the northern road. All the finest fire horses of Creshire, bred to do battle. Their glorious manes and fetlocks stream with flame as they easily peel back the vines blocking their way. The phalanx is led by Max, their commander in chief, a brilliant Rapidash whose flawless coat shines a subtle bluish white. Though not officially a part of Stable Z, he leads them to all their missions and protects them and acts as inspiration. He brings his soldiers (and their attendant trainers, all from Trillium Town) up to Dagny. Her commanding presence is unmistakable despite the chair.

She signals Nathan over. "I'm sorry to rush you, but we will be heading into battle very soon. I'm glad to see you though. Go ahead and choose your group's Ponyta. I will lead a team of Steel types plus two Rapidash for offense. The rest of Stable Z I leave in Shieldmaiden Prize's command. She is extraordinarily capable and an excellent judge of character. You may tell Mr. Zachariah that Haneal is in good hands: he'll be personally commanded by Rider Jor, who has particular experience with quadrupeds."

(flashbacks can go here)

After Nathan has chosen two Ponyta:

Dagny takes a little card from inside her cloak.

"Nathan, take this key. Bring your group to the Gym and swipe that key in the elevator. That will bring you to the Metagross war chamber. Someone will be along in very short order to assist you. Goodbye, and do your best. Stair City is counting on you."

She summons a Metagross of her own, one that levitates with ease. It tucks in its legs as she mounts up, and whizzes toward the heart of the vines. As the distant steel speck hovers over the Skull Ruins, there is a flash of red flame and of lightning, then the speck descends and Dagny is out of sight.

Your group meets up at the gym. Valder accepts the Ponyta. Nathan swipes the keycard at the elevator and it takes you all to a big steel stables. Gears grind and three steel doors open for three big Metagross. They tromp out to meet you as one of Dagny's assistants comes out.

"I am Vambrace, assistant to Leader Dagny. These are the Metagross you have been assigned. They won't be in Pokeballs, but they cannot be caught by other trainers. Therefore, when not in use, you may simply park them in any relatively safe location. They won't stray unless necessary to defend themselves, and they'll keep trying to return to where they were parked."

"I was also asked to remind you not to involve the Metagross in battles unless it's an emergency. They are trained for quick travel at the expense of obedience in battle. They all have well-developed magnetic activity, polished since they were Beldum. Steer them with a touch on their shoulders, or with verbal commands. Alter their speed with verbal commands or by touching their sides: squeeze to accelerate, stroke to slow. Metagross will choose the path of least resistance unless otherwise instructed. There are enough added handholds for two people to travel safely. Gear can go here. Any questions? If not, you may practice riding them in this room before you leave."