[Game Thread] Pokerole: Mount Coronet Mystery

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

(AHHHHHH I was so hoping that the Vulpix-with-one-white-tail quirk's going to be applied, and there's even artwork for it! (>▽<) Lacked time to create my own yet unfortunately)


Kee makes a waving handgesture of 'It's no big deal' 'I'm sorry for that'. "Oh... Well, never mind the wrong assumption about the Snover belonging to you then. I just....thought they'd do. You actually just explained why they are so loud however..." He shudders massively despite it's so nice and warm at this place, as the simple thought of a horse Snover being completely soundproof is giving him icy chills that run down his whole body. Now he's even more glad that they did not have to fight THAT group of Snover and instead passed them peacefully, knowing he'd be so screwed if facing them in a battle.

All further talking about some ruins and a stage(!!!) only allures a confused look from him. "Sinjoh...what? Eh, Gene, could you repeat that in Common again so that I can follow ya better? Never heard about them, neither of that Mystri-thing. What kind of places are they? Are they relatet to Shinto, the religion? If they DID tell about in high school, you have to forgive me for either missing that class, or writing melodies through it. ( -_-);" He pauses for more cocoa before adding something/thinking aloud. "Though, some Unown writing ACTIVELY asked us to 'find the stage' when we entered the floor of the Temple we were in b'fore arriving here, so that much be the stage they've been hinting, does it? It HAS to! Too weird and wrong if not so. These Abomasnow give of an impresson to me like they don't want anyone or anything come near this stage if they're keeping up a halistorm that firecely, as if they are protecting that place. Or, protecting anything that's there that should not be there and needs to be protected. Eh...."


He's rather lost in these thoughts and ponderings, so that cracking sound comes so vividly and suddenly that it causes him to choke heavily on the cocoa. He was expecting the smol fox to hatch soon indeed, but the suddenness of it still got him good in the end. By the tie recovered, that smol Vulpix was already sitting right there in his lap, and the sheer realization of this in combination with all the childhood memories awoken by this place causes Kee to (figuratively) trip and mercilessly fall down that pit he ventured too close to, which in reality means that he's becoming a sappy and sentimental mess that is unable to hold even a single tear back, that was just too much for him to handle. It's just as surreal to see him like that like having ended up here from the Temple is, but a soft side suits him suprisingly not-so-badly. Octavia's chiping in by patting his shoulder with her ribbons (っ´ω`)ﾉ(╥ω╥), startled by that outburst but delighted that it's not an aggressive outburst.  

He lets the kitsune nuzzle the blanket as much as she wishes, even wraps her comfortably into it. "Well, hi there, young one...." *massive sob* "I'm sorry that she...can't be with you in person, but she's safe and well. The owner and caretaker of your mother personally tested me b'fore allowing me to a....ad.... *cough*adopt you *moar sobbing*, so be calm that you're in safe hands, will you?" He lets the smol Vulpix sniff on his hand before proceeding to gently stroke her back and head, causing him to melt because it's such a nice feeling, such nice cuddly fur♡. "Y'also need a name, yes you do! You'll be called 'Stella'. Why? 'Cuz I say so!~~" (No deeper meaning apart from being named after a chara from my current visual novel that a Vulpix reminds me on. It's music-related to keep Kee's nicknaming-trend in such a way that the soundtrack's a great one.)

He proceeds to give her more (gentle) cuddles and pets and lets her get familiar with his scent and presence and generally is acting like the young boy he feels like at the moment. She's also staying in his party and out of her Pokeball for now.

[Dragonstrike]

All further talking about some ruins and a stage(!!!) only allures a confused look from him. "Sinjoh...what? Eh, Gene, could you repeat that in Common again so that I can follow ya better? Never heard about them, neither of that Mystri-thing. What kind of places are they? Are they relatet to Shinto, the religion? If they DID tell about in high school, you have to forgive me for either missing that class, or writing melodies through it. ( -_-);" He pauses for more cocoa before adding something/thinking aloud. "Though, some Unown writing ACTIVELY asked us to 'find the stage' when we entered the floor of the Temple we were in b'fore arriving here, so that much be the stage they've been hinting, does it? It HAS to! Too weird and wrong if not so. These Abomasnow give of an impresson to me like they don't want anyone or anything come near this stage if they're keeping up a halistorm that firecely, as if they are protecting that place. Or, protecting anything that's there that should not be there and needs to be protected. Eh...."

"Sinjoh.  That is actually already in the Common tongue, Kee, as it is a combination of the names of the Sinnoh and Johto regions, in respect to the two ancient peoples who came together to create this place.  The teachings of Arceus are a major influence for this place, though, yes.  After all, the Mystri Stage is where the world began.  Until Arceus alighted upon it and willed everything into being as They desired it to be, this world was little more than a barren rock.  Whenever Arceus needs to do a major creationary act of Divine Intervention, They must stand on the Mystri Stage or a similarly powerful pedestal to perform it.  They have little need to do so these days, however, and mostly remain hidden and ever watchful in Their realm.  I do not know why the Unown would wish to direct you there, however..."

Kogeki speaks up at this point.  "I actually faced some Unown while we were in the Temple.  Their Hidden Power spelled messages in braille.  Maybe they were trying to tell us something?"

"Ah, yes, they told me about that encounter as well.  Quite foolish of you to provoke them like that."

"...*ahem*...that aside, maybe those messages have some kind of clue in them?"

"Let me see them.  I've spent a long time practicing how to read braille, in an effort to better understand the small groups of Unown that often pay this stage a visit."

Kogeki shows Gene his notes on the braille messages that the Unown left behind.

⠋⠊⠝⠙ ⠞⠓⠑ ⠃⠑⠛⠊⠝⠝⠊⠝⠛

⠎⠊⠭ ⠙⠕⠞⠎ ⠕⠏⠑⠝ ⠞⠓⠗⠑⠑ ⠙⠕⠕⠗⠎

⠃⠑⠊⠝⠛ ⠺⠁⠊⠞⠎ ⠁⠞ ⠞⠓⠑ ⠃⠑⠛⠊⠝⠝⠊⠝⠛

⠋⠗⠑⠑ ⠃⠑⠊⠝⠛

"Hmmmm...find the beginning...six dots open three doors...being waits at the beginning...free being..."

Gene thinks about it for a moment.

"...yes, it sounds like the Abomasnow are guarding something that's at the Mystri Stage...some kind of individual, from the sound of things...I do not know exactly what the Unown mean, enigmatic as they are, but if they are guiding you to the Mystri Stage, then that's all the more reason for you to try and reach it."

[Dragonstrike]

Concerning the stew being offered, which 4 pokemon are being fully healed (including resetting Potion effectiveness) with it?

Kogeki is fully healing Gama with his portion, as the frog has taken quite the beating today and would highly benefit from it.

And which teams of 6 pokemon are everyone bringing to this battle? Kogeki will bring Gama (Shell bell), Susano'o (Daikatunite), Ralts (Exp. Share), Nami (Quick Claw), Nagi (Leftovers), and Heracross (King's Rock).

[Mikaruge108]

And which 6 pokemon is everyone bringing to this battle?

No healing on Karen's side (for now)
Karen is bringing Scorupi, Magneton, Aspid, Lopunny, Mightyena, and Nidorina.

[Dragonstrike]

No healing on Karen's side (for now)

Gene makes a special note about the stew: "For it to be restorative, you have to consume it while it's warm, as well as take the time to enjoy it.  It's similar to those energy drinks you young folk like to drink in the cities.  Or Moomoo Milk, I suppose.  I doubt it will stay warm for very long in that blizzard, and I'd be impressed if you managed to find the time to sit down and eat a good meal in the middle of battle."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Concerning the stew being offered, which 4 pokemon are being fully healed (including resetting Potion effectiveness) with it?
And which teams of 6 pokemon are everyone bringing to this battle?

Kee's a vegetarian. One wouldn't know this until asking or paying attention for a prolonged time. But his Pokemon can eat what they like and enjoy, which means everything that's healthy and/or within their nature!~ This includes this stew of course. "Say, Gene......" he's adressing them carefully, "Eating anything that's not a Berry in the middle of a battle is messy and impolite, but how about afterwards? Y'know, reheating it should be no problem with a nice Fire Type~-" He cuddles Stella obiously, "-and some revitalizing food after a stressful fight is the best thing. Unless....said act of reheating destroys that restoring effect? (￣～￣; )" (If it does, then it'll be nom'd by Core now to restore that 1HP he's missing.)

His current Team for that upcoming fight will be Octavia/Sylveon, Yurei/Oricorio Sensu, Juhani/Delta Grotle, Stella/Vulpix, Core/Paraudio and Draven/Minyan. The Shell Bell moves from Octavia to Stella, unless that cozy blankets counts as a Held Item if she's wrapped in it? I wouldn't think so??

Dear Vulpix's Ability today will be Drought, it's a female exemplar, and it's having a quirky nature if it's fine that I pick one: Feels fitting for the kitsune. Boosted SA will be Cute to melt Kee's heart even more.

[Dragonstrike]

Kee's a vegetarian. One wouldn't know this until asking or paying attention for a prolonged time. But his Pokemon can eat what they like and enjoy, which means everything that's healthy and/or within their nature!~ This includes this stew of course. "Say, Gene......" he's adressing them carefully, "Eating anything that's not a Berry in the middle of a battle is messy and impolite, but how about afterwards? Y'know, reheating it should be no problem with a nice Fire Type~-" He cuddles Stella obiously, "-and some revitalizing food after a stressful fight is the best thing. Unless....said act of reheating destroys that restoring effect? (￣～￣; )" (If it does, then it'll be nom'd by Core now to restore that 1HP he's missing.)

His current Team for that upcoming fight will be Octavia/Sylveon, Yurei/Oricorio Sensu, Juhani/Delta Grotle, Stella/Vulpix, Core/Paraudio and Draven/Minyan. The Shell Bell moves from Octavia to Stella, unless that cozy blankets counts as a Held Item if she's wrapped in it? I wouldn't think so??

Dear Vulpix's Ability today will be Drought, it's a female exemplar, and it's having a quirky nature if it's fine that I pick one: Feels fitting for the kitsune. Boosted SA will be Cute to melt Kee's heart even more.

"As long as it is heated up and you have the time to enjoy it, it should work as intended.  It's a special recipe of mine.  If the stew is not to your liking, though, I can quickly whip up something else for you with a similar effect."

The blanket doesn't count as a held item, no.  Yes, you can choose a nature for Vulpix.

Keep in mind the stew also resets Potion effectiveness.

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

(AHHHHHH I was so hoping that the Vulpix-with-one-white-tail quirk's going to be applied, and there's even artwork for it! (>▽<) Lacked time to create my own yet unfortunately)


Kee makes a waving handgesture of 'It's no big deal' 'I'm sorry for that'. "Oh... Well, never mind the wrong assumption about the Snover belonging to you then. I just....thought they'd do. You actually just explained why they are so loud however..." He shudders massively despite it's so nice and warm at this place, as the simple thought of a horse Snover being completely soundproof is giving him icy chills that run down his whole body. Now he's even more glad that they did not have to fight THAT group of Snover and instead passed them peacefully, knowing he'd be so screwed if facing them in a battle.

All further talking about some ruins and a stage(!!!) only allures a confused look from him. "Sinjoh...what? Eh, Gene, could you repeat that in Common again so that I can follow ya better? Never heard about them, neither of that Mystri-thing. What kind of places are they? Are they relatet to Shinto, the religion? If they DID tell about in high school, you have to forgive me for either missing that class, or writing melodies through it. ( -_-);" He pauses for more cocoa before adding something/thinking aloud. "Though, some Unown writing ACTIVELY asked us to 'find the stage' when we entered the floor of the Temple we were in b'fore arriving here, so that much be the stage they've been hinting, does it? It HAS to! Too weird and wrong if not so. These Abomasnow give of an impresson to me like they don't want anyone or anything come near this stage if they're keeping up a halistorm that firecely, as if they are protecting that place. Or, protecting anything that's there that should not be there and needs to be protected. Eh...."



He's rather lost in these thoughts and ponderings, so that cracking sound comes so vividly and suddenly that it causes him to choke heavily on the cocoa. He was expecting the smol fox to hatch soon indeed, but the suddenness of it still got him good in the end. By the tie recovered, that smol Vulpix was already sitting right there in his lap, and the sheer realization of this in combination with all the childhood memories awoken by this place causes Kee to (figuratively) trip and mercilessly fall down that pit he ventured too close to, which in reality means that he's becoming a sappy and sentimental mess that is unable to hold even a single tear back, that was just too much for him to handle. It's just as surreal to see him like that like having ended up here from the Temple is, but a soft side suits him suprisingly not-so-badly. Octavia's chiping in by patting his shoulder with her ribbons (っ´ω`)ﾉ(╥ω╥), startled by that outburst but delighted that it's not an aggressive outburst.  


He lets the kitsune nuzzle the blanket as much as she wishes, even wraps her comfortably into it. "Well, hi there, young one...." *massive sob* "I'm sorry that she...can't be with you in person, but she's safe and well. The owner and caretaker of your mother personally tested me b'fore allowing me to a....ad.... *cough*adopt you *moar sobbing*, so be calm that you're in safe hands, will you?" He lets the smol Vulpix sniff on his hand before proceeding to gently stroke her back and head, causing him to melt because it's such a nice feeling, such nice cuddly fur♡. "Y'also need a name, yes you do! You'll be called 'Stella'. Why? 'Cuz I say so!~~" (No deeper meaning apart from being named after a chara from my current visual novel that a Vulpix reminds me on. It's music-related to keep Kee's nicknaming-trend in such a way that the soundtrack's a great one.)

He proceeds to give her more (gentle) cuddles and pets and lets her get familiar with his scent and presence and generally is acting like the young boy he feels like at the moment. She's also staying in his party and out of her Pokeball for now.

Ran couldn't help but roll his eyes at the sour dandy's presumptuousness, conveniently forgetting about his own aimless questioning he'd subjected the elder caretaker to in the process. He wouldn't see the hiprocracy in his gesture, since he believe at the time to have reasonable doubt to pester Gene for the information he desire and questioning people was often a natural part of investigations, but it should still be noted none the less.

At their befuddle inquiry about the Sinjoh Ruins and Msytri Stage, Ran let 'Gene' answer them and listening too, as while he was a pretty smart and well read guy, Lore, religion , and archaeology were not his Specialties of interest or education. Smithing, Crafting, paleontology, classic and romantic literature , and other subjects he could talk your ear off all day long if you were actually interested in learning about them from him, but like with any expert he can't teach or make an informed opinion on stuff outside his sphere of Knowledge and experience. 

Kee's conjuncture about the Stage did warrant some raised eyebrows of interest from him, as despite his current disgruntled feelings towards the colourful musician he wouldn't dismiss their claims out of hand. Sure, it was a bit of a leap to assume the Unown were referring to Mystri Stage, but on the whole he found their hypothesis to be perfectly logical and probable to hold some truth. He didn't say or hint at such, though, as he absolutely did not want to give them even the slightest ounce of positive reinforcement at the moment for their rash, foolish, and over idealistic peacemaking ploys from earlier. That would totally send the wrong message about and likely make them more insufferably smug about their luck break, and he didn't much want to talk with them until later, so his lips are zips!

Hearing the old man's explanation in full, the bristly blacksmith ponder it for a moment and compares it to what he knows about the topic, before grunting in approval and giving a firm nod.

"Sounds about right, thought I've always been skeptical of the lofty claims subscribed to o'  Arceas myself. Never been one to take a Legendary's.....well, legends more than a spoonful of salt and pepper, but after what Team Galactic tried to pull.....I suppose nothing ain't beyond a shadow of a doubt anymore. *Sighs* Especially now in days, and that's not even counting this whole mystery screwing around with my home region and the rest of the world....."

Vulpix's Egg hatching was a big grenade of surprise for Ran, reeling back in his seat as it blew open in a shower of shell fragments and light, nearly tipping it (his seat) over and spilling onto the floor where it not for Brigid acting quickly the keep his chair rooted. When he recovered, he spotted the wee little kitsune curled up in Kee's lap, and this is all he really had to say about it as he looked at it for few seconds, and then at their now surrogate father.

"Huh. Well, how about that. *Shifts look* Congratulation on the kitsune, Kee. Raise it right, and it'll be one of the best partners you'll ever have."

His expression shifted into marked surprise and bewilderment when the sour dandy suddenly broke down in tears over his Vulpix hatching, not a little taken aback by the way were acting, both uncharacteristically and in general. Personally, he honestly didn't see what was the big deal a Egg hatching was in any case, and didn't  really consider how or why anyone would get overly emotional about it (Save for the actual Pokemon's mother/father) the way Kee was. A little excited and/or proud, yes, and maybe a wee bit haughty about it, but not teary eyed and sentimental. 

On the whole, he was just confused and a little frustrated that he just didn't get it. Insightful as he was, Ran wasn't nearly as Empathetic or in touch with his sympathetic side (let alone anyone elses), so stuff like that could and probably would pass him by. 

Still, though he couldn't fully get on-board with the whole display Kee was putting on for their Vulpix, he did at least understood it was significant to them, and so respectfully turned his head away from the pair and let them have their moment, a thoughtful frown on his lips the whole time as he glanced at the two from the corner of his eyes.

Brigid, on the other hand, had a wholly different reaction to the fiery fox's hatching, instantly perking up and trudging over to the colourful musician, stretching her neck up to both closely examine and gently smile down upon them. Hello there, little flame. How are you doing?

She then gazed up at Kee, sharing with them the same smile and a certain special camaraderie. A precious new flame has been ignited in this cold world,  so much like this one's but different in their own special and wonderful way. One that must be nurtured and cared for, until she can sustain her Fire all by herself. This one hopes her trainer is fully prepared for such a responsibility, but if not, then their aid would be happily and freely given.

Spoiler

(...)

Kogeki speaks up at this point.  "I actually faced some Unown while we were in the Temple.  Their Hidden Power spelled messages in braille.  Maybe they were trying to tell us something?"

"Ah, yes, they told me about that encounter as well.  Quite foolish of you to provoke them like that."

"...*ahem*...that aside, maybe those messages have some kind of clue in them?"

(...)

"...yes, it sounds like the Abomasnow are guarding something that's at the Mystri Stage...some kind of individual, from the sound of things...I do not know exactly what the Unown mean, enigmatic as they are, but if they are guiding you to the Mystri Stage, then that's all the more reason for you to try and reach it."

The one - armed ninja gets an incredulous stare at them saying they deliberately aggravated a group of Unown, but soon gives them an admonishing frown.

"Not the brightest move you made there, Kogeki. Thought you'd be sly enough not to be messing with them alphabetical enigmas, but at the very least it turned out well for ya, and now us."

(...)

"*Nods* Completely agree with ya. Guess I better get a move on pruning those unruly evergreens soon then, so we can solve both our problems and get on with our jobs and lives. *Looks at the rest of the group* Anyone want to join me? Can handle them myself just fine, but I won't say no the help."

Ran's team will be Diam (Holding Mega Stone), Stymph (Metal Coat), Puck (Leftovers), Brigid (Fire Gem), Catherine (Fairy Gem), and Mystery Pokemon #2 (Life Orb), and his first pair of Pokemon will be Catherine and Brigid. Ready to begin the freezing confrontation, mates!

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Actually... For simplicity and because I remembered I DID use a Potion on him today, let's have Core nom it now; or rather assume that he has done so the whole time people talked. He's none to deny free food of any kind, and now he's fully healed again!~ Yay.

[Dragonstrike]

Alright, everybody seems to be ready.  I'll assume Randolph and Karen are saving their portions of the stew for later.

Gene urges everyone to be careful.  "These Abomasnow are powerful, and I fear they've only become more powerful since this blizzard started.  Make your way to the Sinjoh Ruins with all the caution in the world."

Gene opens the front door, and the sound of the Howling Snowstorm can be heard immediately, drowning out almost all other sound.  Once again, though, Gene can somehow be heard over the snowstorm, clear as day.  "Once this blizzard clears up, I'll begin making my way to the Ruins.  Until then, good luck to you all!"

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

The path leading to the Sinjoh Ruins is a long, straight path through the wide chasm.  Nowhere to run.  Nowhere to hide.  Just a single path.

As everyone approaches the barely visible building that's apparently the Sinjoh Ruins, the structure that houses the mysterious Mystri Stage, the blizzard gets worse and worse, louder and louder.  It becomes almost impossible to hear anything, barely possible to make yourself heard over the din of the frigid, howling wind.  While the Howling Snowstorm weather is in effect, Sound based moves will fail.

Large ice crystals decorate the tops of the cliffs above, looming ominously over the small chasm that the Sinjoh Ruins call home.

Stealth A: (5)(3)(3)(3)(3)(5) +1 = 3 successes
Stealth B: (6)(6)(6)(3)(2)(6) +1 = 5 successes

Alert:
Kogeki: (6)(5)(5)(4)(3)(1)(6)(3)(2) 5 successes
Randolph: (4)(3)(2)(3)(3)(4)(1)(2) 2 successes
Karen: (5)(1)(5)(6)(2) 3 successes
Kee: (5)(2)(1)(1)(2)(4)(1)(2) 1 success

Kogeki, despite the blizzard impeding sight and sound alike, barely manages to just catch two of those sets of ice crystals moving and warn the party as they're about to pass them!  They shift, they rise, and looming over the edges of the cliffs are two massive, ominous shadows, decorated with large ice crystals...

Then the two shadowy figures land in front of the party with a loud THUD!! that sprays snow everywhere and blocks the path to the Sinjoh Ruins, and the group is finally face to face with the cause of this unnatural snowstorm.  Not one, not two Abomasnow...



...but two MEGA Abomasnow (one male, one female), both twice their normal size (they're currently each 16 feet tall), the wind and snow whipping around them as their Abilities work in conjunction to fuel the most powerful, most deafening snowstorm known to man and pokemon alike.

And with the way they're looking at the party menacingly, they do not look sane.  That look in their eyes...it's like they've gone almost completely feral, like they're being driven by age old, Primal urges...but there's still a spark of some intelligence in their eyes that can be seen as well...

...but that intelligence is hardly the dominant force right now.

Primal Rampage: Decisive Battle I - Octopath Traveler (for added effect, play this music on top of the howling blizzard sound effects!)

The two Mega Primal Abomasnow bellow in unison and prepare to attack.  The time for battle, for survival, has come.