[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Iron]

Spoiler

"Eh, eh, eh, if you haven't guessed my name, I shan't reveal it to you! I say to you, Ventus Zachariah, that this encounter may be your last chance to understand your fate plainly! So cease your trembling, whether it be anger or fear no man can tell! The others of my order can no longer communicate with you. So either turn aside from your path, or, if all is as you would desire it, use well this chance to learn more about the nature of the Earth! I am no mage, Ventus, but perhaps that is not your only reason for distrust."

Ventus grew even more tense, stressed, and wrathful at the archmage-or whatever the Kyurem damn hell this old man was - so soundly rebuked him and dared to dictate to him what his final destiny, to lecture him on topic most foul! "Very well then, sir. Forgive me, however, if I choose to ignore you 'advice' and remain as I am, for no one decides my fate but myself, and certainly not a nebulous stranger. I'd rather be dashed on the rock of the Great Divide than follow whatever path you or your 'order' envision for me, or learn from you about topics mankind is better off remaining ingnorant of. Now if you would excuse me, I will take my leave of your presence, as I no longer desire your company, nor do I want to interfere with my companions efforts to entreat your aid," the researcher tersely replied, his voice filled with barely contained anger, before he turned away from the old man and walked towards the entrance of the cave. Fighting with them was a futile effort, and he didn't want to possibly lose his temper and do something he couldn't take back (And prevent getting their aid in eradicating the Vines), so he choose instead to leave now. He would refuse their advice and reject their offer to 'enlighten' him , as the researcher believed they had less than nothing of value to say when it pertains to himself....

Order: If its possible, Ven's going to leave the eremit's company, take a Metagross and exit the cave while waiting on everyone else to finish their business with him. He wants nothing to do with the old man now, but he doesn't want to cause problems for the group, so he's just going to take his leave. If he can't leave the cave for some reason, he'll get as far away from the eremit and stopper his ears with his ear plugs and completely block his mind to outside influences.

The old man makes no move to stop Ventus, but he calls out to you as you leave. "The path I speak of is not some prophetic foregone destiny, but something far simpler. Nor is it anything we dictate for you. But as I said, it is your choice, and your one chance, and only you can make it. I will not seek to affect your choice. It is really no business of mine."

From the cave mouth, Ventus can still hear what is said to the group, but the old man drops the subject of destiny now unless Ventus responds.

Oh right... "Then, crafty eremit, can you tell us where you know OUR names from? And yes, it seems like someone - or something - has awoken within the Ruins, now commanding Tangrowth over Tangrowth to cover all that's alive and not-alive in nasty Vines. Say, a Claydol, known to be made entirerly of clay and older than the stones... Have you ever seen or even created one? The one we saw wore a stony crown..."

"Eh, eh, eh, I know everything that goes on in these parts. I may be old, but my hearing is still wonderful! I've had allies watching you since you left Arrowroot Village. Two of them lie fainted in the snow right now! And others besides, who shall remain unnamed."

"I do not create Pokemon, though I befriend them at times. This Claydol, though clearly strong in Earthpower, is nothing of my creation. I expect it has allied itself with a power within the Skull Ruins. Many powers reside there, but there is only one for which the Unown would send you to me. An ancient power of stone, the builder of Stair City's foundation. A golem, sometimes dormant, sometimes stirring. It is with that power I allied myself long ago, for unrelated reasons. I must say, whoever disturbed it is in the wrong here, not this power. Humans should know that some powers are better left undisturbed, and if I know these, eh, Almanac, they knew the risks they took. Foolish. But not your fault, nor Stair City's fault, so I may be inclined to offer you what help I may. Best to leave Unown alone whenever you can."

"A Claydol with a crown....hmm, hmm, hmm." He goes silent for a bit, fiddling with his clay, making many sound effects.
"Yes. The crown may imply it has something to do with old Sarimanok. He knew all the secrets of the earth, that sly knave. Delved too deep, yes, but he had the understanding that is simply lacking today. Psychics and Ancient Powers, they were his allies whenever he could swing it. Lordly Pokemon, if he could command their respect. And setting events into play, even should his plans not bear fruit for centuries. Tsk, tsk. The dead should stay beneath the ground where they belong, or in their ancient crypts. Present company excluded, Phantump." He bows to the little Pokemon.

"The same questions as her, and another one: Why did you send your pokemon to "test" us. Why you interest in testing us? Strengh or something? And how you know our names?"

"Eh, eh, eh, I already answered these questions, young trainer. I don't blame you for being cross though. Respect for your elders is no longer taught, they tell me. Give me unique questions instead, angry or not!"

"Now, these vines. They draw an unusual amount of sustenance from the earth. If that vitality were removed, the Tangrowth would cease to breed so rapidly, cease shepherding a neverending herd of vines. It wouldn't directly help with this Claydol, but it should put a damper on his plans. The valiant defenders of Stair City should have an easy victory after that. Removing that vitality is something I can help with, if I decide to. I haven't yet made up my mind. It seems not all of you are in agreement that my intervention is warranted. I don't want to meddle in human affairs without their say so. Please, let me know why I should help, if indeed you believe I should! Eh, eh, eh!"