[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Dragonstrike]

The researcher looked quite apologetic for unintentionally startling his friend, and back a few steps away to give him some much needed space. "My sincerest apologies, Nate. I just noticed the intense amount of effort you were conducting this research project of yours, and honestly curious as to how it was progressing. You told me before that your quite a bibliophile in certain areas, but I didn't expect to see studying like I used to do all the time. Tell me, what has caught your interest so? As a researcher myself, I find myself curious as to what you discovered...." Ventus said, hands clasped together in front of him as he gave Nathan a inquisitive look and a slight smile on his face. If he knew what the boy was investigating, perhaps he could lend his own Insight into the matter....

Nathan looks around a little nervously.  Is Shiva nearby?  

...

Yup, there she is...better do this carefully and not draw her attention...

Nathan starts typing on the laptop PC, bringing up a few pictures, then minimizing them after Ventus looks at them.





Then he types out a very short summary of what he wants to say in a notepad program, then minimizes that too after Ventus has read it.

Delta Pokemon.  Holon.  Rather obscure and small region you probably haven't heard of.  Don't tell Shiva.

Nathan also closes the book with the information on Delta Species and Holon and puts it on the bottom of the pile of books on the table, just in case...

(Credit to the WAAPT wiki for the nice picture of what Holon might look like)

[Lord Windos]

The smile on his face was wiped away at the revelation of his research topic, and a grave, serious look took its place as he slowly nodded his head at him. Taking a blank sheet of paper and flicking his wrist to conjure up a pen from...somewhere, Ventus quickly and fluidly responded , before pushing it towards him:

Have not heard of Holon, but I'm familiar with the concept of Delta Pokémon. I learned of the genetic or forced abnormality from my time working on Genesect, which is considered a borderline case of this phenomena by me and my associates on the project, and did some follow up research to fully educate myself about it. Do you suppose that demonic  (That part was scribbled out, making it impossible to read) Houndour of yours is an example of a Delta mutation? What other information have you gathered on the topic? Oh, and of course we won't tell Shiva, that would just make things exponentially worse.

[Dragonstrike]

Have not heard of Holon, but I'm familiar with the concept of Delta Pokémon. I learned of the genetic or forced abnormality from my time working on Genesect, which is considered a borderline case of this phenomena by me and my associates on the project, and did some follow up research to fully educate myself about it. Do you suppose that demonic  (That part was scribbled out, making it impossible to read) Houndour of yours is an example of a Delta mutation? What other information have you gathered on the topic? Oh, and of course we won't tell Shiva, that would just make things exponentially worse.

Another typed out response.

Pokedex mentioned both Holon and Delta Pokemon when I brought up Orthros's data.  According to what I found, Holon's a rather...uneventful region.  The only major events there in the past 10 years have been countless failed searches for Mew and the accidental creation and discovery of many, many different species of Delta Pokemon.  There's apparently both unnatural variants, caused by things like Holon City's electromagnetic generator or experimentation, and natural ones from a process more akin to natural selection.  I think Orthros is of the second variety, but I can't be entirely sure considering Almanac seems to have at least a small interest in Delta species.  Porygon2 found a single line mentioning them, their movepool variety, and breeding research in an electronic copy of  Almanac's book.

The strange part is that Holon's Delta species are...well, almost all of the unnatural ones eventually become part Steel type, probably due to the electromagnetic waves from the generator.  And very, very few of Holon's Deltas look significantly different compared to their normal counterparts, unlike Orthros.  Over the past 10 years, though, Delta is a term that's been used to describe any pokemon with an unusual type, so the definition of what makes a pokemon Delta is a little looser than you might expect.

Also, not sure if Genesect counts or not since there's only one variant of it in existence currently as far as we know.

Nathan's trying to subtly keep an eye on what Shiva's doing while explaining this to Ventus.  He really hoped she didn't decide to come over here to ask about what was so interesting...

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Shiva still had the feeling that Ven wasn't believing her that the Power Spot where she encountered an elusive Fennekin was no harm, but this only increased the eager to revisit this place with Braixen and show him first-hand. Even if they wouldn't encounter a Pokemon the time they're there, she was looking forward to it and hoped that he won't be too much on edge. He wished to protect her, which was very noble and appreciated, but what's the point of it if there is nothing to protect her from?

Since she actually had no real plans for what to do in Wineberry, she was fine to follow Ventus on his errands after swapping Braixen and the black-spotted egg for her faithful Electric rodents. They also received each one Oran Berry to hold. If they would indeed head down to the Base of Water Scimitars, it'd be a better idea to have Electric STAB on hand instead of Fire and and egg of that worth that not even Professor Mallorn nor her father had any idea what could hatch from it. Thinking of that, Shiva could not deny that the concept of Elemental Magic that the Scimitars seemingly engage in ...fascinated her just a little. However, she would be capable to hide that securely from both Ventus' empathy and Kirlia. The latter wasn't paying much attention to her lately anyway, which she held nothing against. Water Magic... Wonder how that might look like? The Scimitars of Earth were rather scary powerful persons, when they were able to create a swamp where there wasn't one and mess with them on Route 1... Ah, memories.

At the local market, she purchased three packages of what the vendor praised as Gourmet Food as he noticed how she showed an interest in the offered supply of Pokemon Food. If it's indeed that good and more enjoyable for Pokemon, Azurill might rejoice? She also got the idea of trying to get the dear blue used to the same meds Shiva was taking, but she RATHER QUICKLY threw that thought far away. She couldn't estimate what effect it may have, and she held Azu way too dear to risk anything.

At the library, Shiva left the others alone to search for desired information, while she herself was walking through the bookshelves without any particular aim. Maybe one book would catch her interest beside that hard copy of the Pokedex she found there, but she somewhat doubted to find anything that would match her taste in this small library. She hoped that if she would meet up with Professor Quickbeam at Telperion University to show that black-spotted egg/the hatchling to them, they'd allow her to pay the library of the University a visit as well inform herself about what kind of classes they teach there. Beginning to refresh existing knowledge to take on the exam for the Breeder's Lisence was relucant when she was able to do that in all peace and more efficient with the owners of the Daycare in Ginger Town.

So eventually, she placed herself at a table that was two tables in front of the spot where Nathan resided, and got herself comfy there with back turned to him for both not disturbing him and herself. First thing she did was plug cell to one of the free power sockets there to charge battery level again. Oh, civilation... She'll call the Fortune Hunter tomorrow because it was late meanwhile and she didn't wanted to disturb her unwillingly. Too keep herself occupied, Shiva drew that mythical book about Earth Lore she of course still had and carried with her, and began calculations whether there is an special Pokemon nearby. She had no real intentions to go and see by herself if it turn out that there should be due to the result of calculations, it mas more out of curious interest. Afterwards, she would rummage through that Guidebook to see what it had to say about Earthstar Forest, remebering that the Skald mentioned this place. Maybe at that forest, depending what habitat it provided and how the climate there is, it hosted special Pokemon to see, even Morelull? Somehow she doubted that though, and even if, this species is only encounterable at night. (That's your call, @Iron! What does the Guidebook tell me about the place?)

Cottonee was resting next to her beloved Master on the table. While Shiva did not noticed that Nathan and Ventus seemed rather occupied and acted somewhat...suspicious, Cottonee did and was constantly glancing over to them curiously. It was only a matter of time untill Shiva would notice this or Cottonee would alert her Master.

[Iron]

Cottonee doesn't understand concepts like "researching" but she does know all about suspicious behavior, being a prankster species.

It looks like the only power spot open tonight is halfway across the region, near Liverwort Town. A rare unnamed plant is blooming there. The Fennekin lair should definitely be unoccupied.

The Hitmonchan's Guide to Creshire has this to say about Earthstar Forest:

"A place of darkness and dankness of little value to tourists. Fungi are commonplace, including Shroomish and Amoonguss." (no mention of Morellul) "The Exeggcutor here reach great heights on lanky legs. They can be hostile. It's possible to find Leaf Stones and petalglass if you don't mind searching in the dark. Some visitors experience allergies to the spores or dust. This is one of the few places in Creshire with Ghost Pokemon - Sableye - most of the others being drawn to the Skull Ruins except in times of distress there, when they are wont to wander Creshire. Beware, Sableye will eat petalglass if it can."

"The paths can be hard to follow. Make sure to bring a light source and some Repels or Pepper Spray. Visitors are advised not to use Pepper Spray on the wild Teddiursa and Ursaring there. Unlike in the Fireweed Forest, metal and wood decays too quickly for there to be many human constructions, so don't expect any folk art or treehouses. There are several caves."

"All that being said, Earthstar Forest is not a place of evil, and it is utterly crowded with Pokemon. It can be a good place to rake in quite a haul. It's simply a bit inimical to human comfort."

[Iron]

Heatmor offers:

1. A Soothe Bell +$100 from Flower Lady Martha. She wants a Heatmor to help "with weeds." >: ]
2. A Numel from Mountain Climber Scree. He would use Heatmor to delve into the Durant Tunnels of Mt. Molten.
3. Three Sunkern from Bug Catcher Cardinal. He would use Heatmor to KO Sunkerns.

Ventus learns of a cinnamon alternative, of a way to make coffee from the Chicory plant, and finds another reference to Purple Coral fungi to confirm his ID.

Nothing new on medicinal Corsola Horns, but he finds a book by a local artist who carves them into landscapes.

Ventus gets a few tips on Dragon Types, such as how they need to respect power. Some dragon types live a long time: if this is the case, you can actually gain respect from them by crafting and wearing the ceremonial Tohil Headband out of brightly colored feathers, fireglass, Heat Rock, and King's Rock mineral. They will remember seeing bold figures of the Bloodline wearing such finery. This is not applicable to young Noibat, but moreso to the pure Dragon types. It's a fact specific to the Creshire region so he would not know it yet.

If that fails, winning unexpected battles can help.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Cottonee found that supicious behaviour of Nathan and Ven rather interesting and kept on watching, although she didn't quite understood what they were doing there with piles of books and stuff. A view to her Master showed that she was doing a similar thing, ocassionally halting to provide some pets to her fluffball. How weird... But it doesn't seem to be anything dangerous, in fact, the quietness currently was enjoyable.

By checking the map in the Guidebook, Shiva discovered that Liverport Town was way too far away from Wineberry, although a rare unnamed plant did surely catch her interest...

Concerning the entry about Earthstar Forest, Shiva's initiate idea was that this place was serious business, but definitely worth a visit. A search in the dark sounded rather exiting, and she had Braixen that could light her the way and even ward off wild Pokemon by Ember or future Flamethrower. She was eager to get more shards into her hands, and while she disliked Sableye, she wasn't THAT afraid of them by having Fairies on her side.

Also, the others might need to know that there are Ghost-Pokemon in this area, especially Ventus, since she remembered him expressing exhaustion and being vexed quite hard by the Gym Battle against Chuckles.

Lucky for them that she didn't turn around now.

[Lord Windos]

Calmly reading over Nathan text, Ventus couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at Holon main claim to fame, as the thought of Mew being lured in by artificial means was rather...extraoridinarily asinine to him. 'What gave scientist, engineers, and the region's government the baffling idea that a ultra powerful generator emitting hug quantities of mutagenic electromagnetic waves would attract a Mew? The sheer amount elemental radiation bathing a region of even that size would be more likely to ward of any chance arrival of the empathetic Legendary, not draw it like they desired. Even if their idea was sound conceptly, the unintended consequence of unnaturally transforming the region's native Pokémon into abnormally Type varients would certainly make Mew rethink coming to a place that could so radically alter them. This whole idea just seems idiotic to me, so what made them think it was a good idea?' the researcher though, transcribing his own insight on the matter, along with his own response to Nathan:

Interesting. The research I studied only indicated that man-made or influenced Delta transformations were possible, but the phenomena also being a entirely natural process does make sense. After all, all living creatures on this planet have been slowly evolving and diverging into a variety of unique and fascinating species through the process of natural selection and environmental pressure, and Pokémon are no exception to this slow and steady change.  Natural Delta Pokémon seem to me like a transition state to a brand new species of Pokémon, while Unnatural Deltas is akin to forced domestication and animal husbandry that humanity has conducted over our history. Orthos being the a Natural Delta would explain a lot of the strange qualities of the species, if their ancestor where trapped in the Dream World and they were forced to adapt to survive. Still doesn't absolve the abominable species actions against us, and Corsage but it at least explains just why they behaved as they did.

However, if Almaniac has been experimenting on producing Delta Pokémon for their own ends...this could have drastic consequence for everyone not only in Cheshire, but the entire world. If the Cinnaber Incident and my time with Genesect taught me anything, its that man-made or modified Pokémon have the great potential for wide spread destruction and militant/criminal appilication. If those amoral scientist are experimenting with creating their own brands of Pokémon....one shudders to think what they are planning to do with them. We need to start gathering more information relating to this shady organizations activites, if they are dabbling and experimenting in a field ripe for catastrophe like Delta-ing Pokémon unnaturally...

Ventus empathy suddenly was pinged with the distinct feeling of Curiosity, and he glanced over in the direction it came from to find that Shiva's Cottenee was overlooking their activites, becoming more and more interested in exactly what they were doing. Slowly turning his attention back to Nathan, he penned another line of text to alert him of this development:

Shiva's Cottenee is growing curious of our exchange, so we should wrap this up before they alert Shiva and she comes investigating. The last thing we need is her discovering Orthus and Alamaniac's activities...

[Lord Windos]

Heatmor offers:

1. A Soothe Bell +$100 from Flower Lady Martha. She wants a Heatmor to help "with weeds." >: ]
2. A Numel from Mountain Climber Scree. He would use Heatmor to delve into the Durant Tunnels of Mt. Molten.
3. Three Sunkern from Bug Catcher Cardinal. He would use Heatmor to KO Sunkerns.

(Flash Back time!)

Ventus is intrigued by both the offer of the Soothe Bell and the Numel for different reason. The first offer puts a bit of coin in his pocket and give him an item that would facilitate in the formation and strengthing of the bonds between his family members and all the future Pokémon he acquire. The second gives him a useful Pokémon that would nicely fill out the weakness of his current team composition, and a Fire type himself if he need the ability to raze object of interest. Thinking things over for a bit, he sends a voice message to Mountain Climber Scree, asking what moves and ability his Numel has. Since he listed out what Heatmor had, its only fair that he can see what the prospective camel was capable of!

(Flashback will resume later!)

[Dragonstrike]

One last typed out message:

Alright, we can continue this at a later point.  The little bit I typed is just a brief summary missing some important details.

And once that's been read, he closes everything and leaves the PC on its default search window for the library.  Then starts putting away the books he'd pulled out, starting with the one on Holon.

Blegh.  He didn't like keeping all this from Shiva, even though Ventus insisted that this would be better for her in the long run...