[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Iron]

Spoiler

Spira'll go to the volcano and maybe collect soot, but he'll definitely be spending time there with Hida.

Hida is a simple Pokemon. He enjoys doing simple tasks with Spira. He doesn't stay on task very well, opting instead to leave trails through the soot.

Survival: (4)(3) You collect one unit of soot. It's nice and thick here.

There are other Slugma living on the slopes of the volcano, as well as Torkoal, Heatmor, and Numel. You also see Magmar tracks.

For Rock types, you see all the Roggenrola line, a Rhydon, and some strange fire-adapted Shuckle and Crustle with obsidian carapaces. Looks like humans have been hunting the obsidian Pokes.

Spira finds something to put the soot in, "This handkerchief ought to do." Then Spira sees the other Slugma and a plan begins to hatch, a plan to evolve Hida, that is. "Hida, for now, I'd like you to stay with these other wild Slugma, I'll be back for you soon, that I can promise." Spira then takes particular notice to the obsidian-laced Shuckle, he goes over to observe the variant Pokemon. Not going to engage it in a battle, though.

Hida shrugs and explores a little with the other Slugma.

Shuckle's shell is shiny and black, with little white snowflake patterns. The Pokemon only extrudes the barest nubs of head and legs, waddling along like a Shelgon to avoid the heat. Instead of berries, it seems to be roasting various nuts. A really good smell emanates from the Shuckle.

With that done Spira leaves the volcano, and Hida, then rejoins the group in the nearby rainforest.

Hida gives you the googly eyes as you leave, then gives a sluggish shrug and heads to play with his new Slugma pals. He trusts you.