[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

"As for the nightmares, I experience them too! I wasn't sure if others were having these strange dreams. I feel reluctant to bring it up - I wouldn't want to be thought mad!"

She fidgets with a big obsidian tiki head plucked from her garden.

"I would never have brought it up unless you had! Could this be the fur of whatever dreadful creature I hear slavering away in my dreams of late? Are they brazenly entering reality now? It's getting worse, I fear. I wonder...one of my clients missed his meetup with me, and I found out he has fallen catatonic. Is he locked in some eternal nightmare?"

It was lovely to see how even her favorite fluffball was enjoying the company of this Lady. Tiki Heads are a scary thing, though - even if her obsedian one was shining all nicely. If he wouldn't have before, now Ventus would definitiley dislike the company Shiva was enjoying here... While she herself was enjyoing it more and more~

"Hehe... Nope, neither of us is mad. At least, I believe I am still sane... But those insomnia and 'nightmares' are new and weird to me as well. But they macth this gloomy city Corsage is... Was it always like this or are those sleep issues somewhat new? I just find it strange, after all..."

Wait a moment... "You mentioned 'client', And 'meetup'. While it's bad what happend to them," Eternal Nightmare... *insert cold shivers here* "does that mean you deliver any services? What kind of services? ...If not tea reading?"

"Oh, right... I haven't even introduced myself to you didn't I? How disrepectful... Eh, Shiva is what they call me... Not hard to remember, actually. My namesake God destroys and creates." Or go and play Final Fantasy. "I'm not from here, but originate from Unova, just travelling through this region here hoping to gather elusive Pokemon and Fairies."

At the mentioning of Unova, she remembered a thing... Vivian. That female Scientist and her faible for dreams... She had a Musharna able to depict dreams to some degree. And she moved to Castelia City at some point, Shiva's mother ocassionally had tea with her during lunch break since her lab was in the same building as the Medal Office. Oh, how helpful she and her dreamy Pokemon were now....

[Iron]

Each of your Pokemon earn 4XP, and you two trainers earn 2XP.

"My dojo is open to all!"

He leads you inside. "As you can see, it's mostly set up for water type moves right now." The floors and walls are covered in sponges, some acting as mats, others acting as targets. There are also little games, like trying to fill a tube with water racing against the clock or against an opponent.

Above the sponges are lots of Eastern symbols, such as Yin and Yang (not Mutios though, just a normal one), or inscriptions from the Art of War. He's also got paintings of Sprout Tower, Saffron City Dojo, and, yes, Tsukinami Dojo surrounded by Frynai.

He chats with you about his herbal drink and all the potent ingredients: marigold for balance, peppermint for essential oils and zing, turmeric, rosemary, Salveyo for limberness, a pinch of Energy Root tempered by many sweet berries, and a sprinkle of Charcoal.

"I've done a lot of research on Honedge, mostly from my master's library. Reports of Honedge draining life force are greatly exaggerated, but it is true that Honedge only evolve when wielded by a worthy man. It's also true that they have an innate tendency toward violence and revenge, but I think there is some controversy over whether this Pokemon is really born of spirits. My master said Honedge is an ancient Pokemon and can live essentially forever. Did you know that Sarimanok himself had an Aegislash? For this reason, only the Champion is permitted to raise an Aegislash in Creshire! I don't think our current champ has one, though."

"Tell me of your own research, and we shall see if it lines up with my master's lore!"

[Iron]

(Amanita is actually the PC owner of Unova. She can sometimes be found in the Medal Office building. A mushroom name for your mother and father would be awesome though - what do you think of "Annula" and "Xanthodes"?)

"My clients are people looking to buy and sell treasures. Sometimes I will see if I can obtain a specific treasure for someone, like this gentleman who wanted old statues of Fire type Pokemon. This Tiki head is also something I'm looking to sell."

"Sometimes the things I find are broken, and very hard to sell while broken. They are quite a pain to repair."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

"Selling treasures... I see..." Well, that explains her name and reputation as Fortune Hunter.

Old statues of Fire Types - This reminded on the folkart of an elusive Fox-Pokemon in Fireweed Forest. Does the Lady mean those? Bet the price to buy this item is incredibly high...

"Eh, but nope, sorry, I barely have money I can spend and what I have shall be saved or emergencies or urgent buyings." Additionally, with an egg in incubator, a real Iron Ball and two not very small books apart from the usual needs for traveling Shiva had enough stuff to carry around. She wasn't here in Chreshire to gain lots of physical strenght by unconscious training, after all!

It began to get darker and darker meanwhile. If she remembers, Shiva wanted to pay the Aquarium a visit as well... But it'll lkely close for visitors soon enough. But it was fortune that she met such an interesting Lady instead. Being helpful, getting paid and gifted a shard of duskglass, having an overly sweet tea - there's still so much lavender in it, was this the Fortune Hunter's favorite? - and such an interesting conversation was surely something.

"Dear Lady... Too bad I have to leave soon. It'll get dark soon, and I prefer not to be caught by the creature with black fur hunting dreams of innocent people. But... You mentioned owning tresures from the Skull Ruins. May I see those, just out of curiosity? And what do you know of these Ruins?"


(Since you never came back to me on that, Iron, I believe it is indeed still possible for Ventus to run into me currently?)

[Lord Windos]

Ventus looked slightly impressed at the operation being run at the dojo, and makes a mental note: 'Come back with Ariel to train her usage of Bubblebean.' Going into a backroom with the master, the master first talked about the formula for his herbal drink, which the researcher eagerly copied down in his private journal. When the topic shifted to Honedge, he patiently listened to the own man's knowledge of the spectral blade, before he carefully though out his respone.

"You are most certainly right about it evolving in the hands of a worthy man, but there are also cases of these Pokémon evolving if they and their trainer reach a certain threshold of experience. Me and my fellow researchers hypothesis that Honedge evolution is tied to their master's spirit, and that the closer they are in sync, the higher likely hood of triggering the event. All Ghost Pokémon can drain the life out of their master, or can posses them if its suits their fancy, but Honedge lines life drain powers are rather notable given how fast they can channel that natural ability. However, if the ghostly blade has a master/trainer that it greatly respect and hold loyalty to, it will limit its passive effect to a far more tolerable levels. Given that you are able to wield the Pokémon so easily, I would say that the two of you share a increadily strong bond, so the Life Drain is limited to its bare minimum."

"Doublade gains the ability to feed on the emotion of their wield, and can bestow them with great strength and determination, but prolonged use of that function would leave the person a soulless husk that the Pokémon can puppet around. Aegislash further strengthens and enhances all of the natural abilities of its line, gain the power to negate damage towards its master with King's Shield, and acquire the power to trap the souls of People and Pokémon alike within itself. Because of the line's quite frightening powers, trainers who own these Pokémon are monitored closely in Kalos just in case they go rouge, so its not that unreasonable that a similar, if more draconian, system was in play here. As for Honedge's origins, researcher have (so far) agreed to two source for Ghost Pokémon: Either a spirit or supranatural entity from beyond the veil bonds with object and become a Pokémon, or ambient spiritual, emotional, and necrotic energy colest into an ethereal being that is eventually classified as one. So while debate is still out as to Honedge true spirit, its mostly falls in the latter category of Ghost Pokémon creation."

Taking a deep breath, Ventus took a small chug of the strong elixir provide to him, already feeling his flagging spirits being bolster even more. A thoughtful look passed across the researcher face for a moment, before he hesitantly ask a question to the master. "If you or the Honedge wouldn't mind, could I perhaps wield them for a moment? I always wanted to own one of the line for myself, but since they are primarily found in Kalos, I never got the chance to. I also want to know what the life drain property of a Ghost type feels like for myself, so I can make an accurate representation in my notes, so may I?"

[Iron]

"I have this golden keystone from an ancient arch deep within the ruins, or so I believe. I actually found it much closer to the surface. As you can see, it is painted with a pattern of eight dots. At first I thought those might be related to the legendary golems: Regirock, Registeel, and Regice. But they have seven dots."

"I have the tooth of a Charizard."

"I have three tiny gemstones, hopefully from the King's own treasury! But perhaps just one of his attendants."

"Oi, by the way, do you know anyone who knows anything about musical instruments? There's one I'd very much like to get fixed. I can feel the energy thrumming within it, but I have no idea what it does!"

[Iron]

"No, I'm afraid I could not let you wield my Honedge. They are a very disobedient Pokemon, and I wouldn't want to be responsible for anything that happens. Besides, I'm not sure what would happen to the bond between myself and the Sword Pokemon. I'm sorry, but my mind is quite made up."

"Your theory about ambient energy rings most true to me. I believe that is an accepted source for many unbreedable Pokemon or those without normal physical bodies. These Pokemon come into being directly from Nature herself."

[Lord Windos]

Ventus nods his head at the master firm denial, respecting their decision in its utmost. "Fair enough, sensei. The Honedge line is known for their unruliness, so I appreciate the concern you show towards a stranger such as myself. Thank you," he said, bowing his head at them. Looks like if he wants to collect more data on the spectral blade, he has to capture one himself.

"Pokemon formed from the energy from the world, better known as natural energy, used to be called elementals by ancient people, and were revered as guardian entities of the land or power they were associated with. The Legend or the Grim Reaper originated from the old Sinnohen people sighting and 'documentation' of Duskinoir activities, to name one topical example. Some say that Legendary Pokémon are the embodiment of their respective Types, but it more accepted that they are mearly extremely powerful beings that hold unique powers unlike others. Still, some like me hold true to the old beliefs, so not everyone is in agreement over the true status of such titans," the researcher said, before standing up and bowing to the master.

"While I would love to stay and chat with you further over this, I have guard duty at the aquarium tonight, so I must make my way their. I greatly enjoyed my conversation with you, and would love to do so again at a later date while I am here."

Order: Say good-bye to the Martial Artist, then make headway towards the aquarium. On the way, Ventus will just so happen to bump into Shiva, so that will hold him up some more!

[Dragonstrike]

The Dojo

Nathan listens to the conversation on the Honedge line quietly.  It's...interesting.  'Hmmmm...I wonder...but surely they would have thought of that answer, right?'

After Ventus leaves, that's when Nathan spends some time training his three pokemon.  They make it work somehow despite the current arena setup.  After that, thanking the sensei for his hospitalty, and some rest (the herbal drink wasn't too bad.  Not spectacular, but better than coffee.  Nathan asks if he can take some with him, in fact), he heads to the aquarium to meet Ventus and go over the plan with him and the staff.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

"I have this golden keystone from an ancient arch deep within the ruins, or so I believe. I actually found it much closer to the surface. As you can see, it is painted with a pattern of eight dots. At first I thought those might be related to the legendary golems: Regirock, Registeel, and Regice. But they have seven dots."

"I have the tooth of a Charizard."

"I have three tiny gemstones, hopefully from the King's own treasury! But perhaps just one of his attendants."

"Oi, by the way, do you know anyone who knows anything about musical instruments? There's one I'd very much like to get fixed. I can feel the energy thrumming within it, but I have no idea what it does!"

''Lovely treasures...“ Indeed, Shiva's favorite was definitely the tooth of a Charizard. It gave her shivers upon touching because it reminded on the King and his relation to skulls of Charizard... Cottonee was fascinated by the items as well, as far as Shiva noticed. The fluffball's favorite seem to be the tiny gemstones.

„Ah... Nope, sorry, I don't know such a person currently... But I'd glady be some sort of help! If you'd give me your number or a business card of yours, I'll make sure to contact you if I run across a person capable of fixing that one particular instrument of yours.“


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After thanking the Fortune Hunter Lady once again for all the time and pleasure meeting her, Shiva made her way back into town alongside Cottonee. Yes, she really did although she felt a little relucant to do so as dusk began to fall... The Aquarium will likely be closed for visitor by soon, if it hasn't already. Well, there's hopefully tomorrow time to pay it a visit! Azurill might enjoy the trip as well. The blue flowercrowned mouse showed quite an eager with her Water Gun, which was adorable to see!

There was something though that dimished her good and delighted mood aside from the nightmares and Corsage itself. It was the fact that she hasn't seen any of the other party members today yet... Wonder where they were and what they are doing...