[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

"Shiva, this is Nurse Joy. Professor Mallorn remembered something he needed to say to your group, but he said Nathan's mom would leave the message with him. Sorry to bother you; I didn't realize you weren't in the center."

"Oh, NoNoNo, no bother at all! I didn't need any of my Pokemon healed up and was more busy with the PC anyway, so it's no actual wonder you might have missed me or my party leaving. Thank you for telling me though, I - we - will ask Nathan about this. See you then~" *click*

He forgot something...? Wonder what... Hopefully nothing too crucial; but if it where, he's either tell during their call in the Center, or would call them in person instead of leaving things to Nathan's Mum. Well, anyway, that's just another reason to not make a little haste and reunite with Nathan to move on together. She and Ventus will likely arrive when/shortly after he has finished his call with his Mum. Since we're also exiting Fireweed Forest, Braixen will be withdrawn to enjoy some rest.

Alongside the way, Shiva finally found the time or took the time to send that reply/thank-you-message to the Fortune Hunter Lady.

It reads the following:

Me again. I wanted to say Thank you for both the Oddish (of course it counts) and the book! I greatly enjoy both, and never ever would I sell that book it carried. Too precious. Do tell me as soon as you got that flute repaired to full functionality, alright? Until then, take care and sleep well! Last time I remember, the sleep issues in Corsage have been diminished greatly for some reason.

[Lord Windos]

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Nothing really changed about the spot, Shiva had no problems to find that spot back. Ven followed her, since he still felt like he needed to protect her from too much magic or feared the energy that dwells there might have a bad influence, while Shiva herself was actually quite delighted to visit the spot she met her magical fox. And subliminally showing Ven that there's nothing to fear in this case!

(...)

She nudged Ventus on the should before he could leave to search for berries and herbs to draw his attention on this. Her voice had quite a fascinated tone. "Ven... Look at that... It's almost certainly that Pokemon made this. Without any humans, I fear. Isn't that...quite a thing? I feel it these stones and rocks create a pattern, and the roots aren't interwined at random or out of a whim, but on purpose. This all must have a meaning." Since he was a Pokemon Sociologist in the first place, maybe this will catch his interest? "Besides, can you feel that...specialness and freshness that seemingly dwells here? I surely can somehow, maybe you as the empath can do even stronger... At night, when I sat just here to find dear Fennekin coming and taking food of my hand, it was a little more intense. There is nothing to fear about this place. It's peaceful."


(Refering to the desciption of the spot given here.)

The moment he stepped into the magical clearing/spot, Ventus did NOT feel at ease or serene here, but instead a growing sense of dread and discontent the longer he remained in the area, similar to the meteorite spots and the Nightmare World he visited. 'The fateful atmosphere surrounding this local, the quiet elusive energy that suffuses every inch of this Pokémon Contruct, the sense of whismy and magic in the air...it reminds of the flower field my mother used to visit. I hate it.' the researcher thought, silently seething the longer he remained in the place that Shiva first meet her magical fox. Still, he managed to keep his icy cold hatred under extremely tight wraps from her and Braixen, as he didn't want to freak them out or spoil the camaradence they held for this despicable place (To him.).

His mood (Already slightly peeved from being vetoed by Nathan's big picture/pessimistic objections ruining his previous plan) only grew worse when the fox mage bared him from examing some of the object at the site in greater detail AND dening him entrance to the place, but his dear friend's interjection distracted them from getting too incesed by this....yet. Silently thinking over just how to answer her WITHOUT revealing his inner wrath, Ventus eventually spoke in a completely calm, collected, and somewhat neutral tone of voice to her about the subject.

"Its rare, but not unheard of, that certain species or specific packs of Pokémon have the capacity and predilection to build their own contructs for specific uses. I suppose that certain individuals first fabricated this place to take advantage of this focal point's natural abundance of energy, but the reason why is lost on me. While the creation of this place interests me as to how and why certain Pokémon species came to know about this local's  power, first learned to utilize it, and the reverence they hold towards it, I'm primary interested in direct or indirect interactions between Pokémon or Pokémon and humans, so I am not interested in the place itself. As for feeling things....I can to an extent, but this place holds no particular appeal or draw to me. I'm an Empath of the Mind, not a naturalist that shares a bond with nature itself, so I can not derive little more than I can naturally sense, unless this place is some form of Genuis Loci that is shrouding its thoughts from us."

When Shiva had her fill of the wretched (to him) location, she made to depart away, but Ventus choose to stay behind for the time being, saying to her that 'I want to pay my own respects to this mystical place, since you have done so yourself, and I don't want to be stingy. I'll catch up with you in a bit, so don't tally or delay on my part!" When she was safely gone and out of ear, eye, and empathetic range, he released Haneal and calmly relayed a calm, simple command to her. "My sister, I need you to do something for me in regards of this Pokémon Construct: destroy it. Burn down all the plant matter that makes up this den with Ember, and then completely burry the place with a well place Magnitude. I want nothing to remain of this construct, so complete this task for me and I'll greatly reward you for the hard effort, " Ventus said to her, crossing his arms as he glared balefully at the place. It may be a naturally magical location that means a great to his dear friend, it was a total affront to all his senses and beliefs, so he desired nothing more than its complete and utter annihlations.
(Need your Input if destroying/desecrating this location causes anything to happen, or if Haneal even does it in the first place @Iron)

Once that situation was resolved, Ventus conveniently received the text about the Running, which quickly elevated his current mood out of the pits of negativity/righteous bitterness of that (Hopefully former) magical spot. 'Well this is certainly spectacular news indeed! While Nathan holds no small measure of reservation and disdain for the event, I find such a phenomina both exciting and fascinating, so of course I'll participate in it, and perhaps see and/or capture a particularly elusive species of Pokémon! Oh, I'm not going to miss this event, no matter if or how much Nate drags his feet on this,' the researcher though, continuing on his way out of Fireweed Woods, and back to the main group.

Order: Have Ventus remain at the power point/mystical location while Shiva goes along ahead towards Winesberry Pokémon until they are out of range/distracted by the conversation, then have him destroy it (The location) with Hanael, using liberal application of Magnitude and Ember WHILE his mask is on. Afterwards, he'll depart from the razed and obliterated spot and receive/become aware of the Running Text, and get hyped about the event while making his way towards the town/Center. What shockwaves will this decision generate for my character...?

[Iron]

Haneal doesn't care, but I am going to roll Insight + natural alertness for Braixen. He is a psychically inclined Pokemon, after all, and this is where he is most powerful.

(5)(5)(2)(4)(1)
Ventus' Insight:
(4)(1)(4)(5)

As Shiva turns to go, Braixen lets out a suspicious Howl and turns back to face the den where Ventus is standing. He doesn't want to go.

Ventus' Insight+Alertness:

(6)(5)(1)(5)

Ventus senses that other Pokemon are around, watching.

[Lord Windos]

Haneal doesn't care, but I am going to roll Insight + natural alertness for Braixen. He is a psychically inclined Pokemon, after all, and this is where he is most powerful.

(5)(5)(2)(4)(1)
Ventus' Insight:
(4)(1)(4)(5)

As Shiva turns to go, Braixen lets out a suspicious Howl and turns back to face the den where Ventus is standing. He doesn't want to go.

Ventus' Insight+Alertness:

(6)(5)(1)(5)

Ventus senses that other Pokemon are around, watching.

Ventus empathy immedianyl alerts him of being watched by SOMETHING , causing him to let out a silent curse and retreat deeper in the wood , far away from the creature 's range of detection . He then patiently waits for the unknown creature to leave , donning his mask and Scimitar clock during that time ' I will wait all night if Have to , for I will NOT leave Fireweed without that place eradicated or I am driven out by force ! ' he thought , binding his time for the moment to strike...

Order : Retreat deeper into fireweed Until out of effective range of detection of Braixen , and put on Mask and Diguise while waiting them out for as long as possible Once they leave and are gone for more than 30 minutes to an hour , Disguised ! Ventus will go back to the site and raze / burry the location again. He will not be so easilyddissuaded !

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

As Shiva turns to go, Braixen lets out a suspicious Howl and turns back to face the den where Ventus is standing. He doesn't want to go.

She was just out of eyesight of the den and began to type up the message to the Fortune Hunter, when Braixen... Something was wrong. Something was very wrong.

Quickly packing cell away, she turned to her fox and just faced him with a worried look. Where was that peacefulness that dwelled just before? Washed away by that Howl... The forest seemed to reflect this.

"Braixen... My dear... What...has happened? What IS happening? We need to go."

Wait. Should have known. "You don't trust Ventus remaining there alone, do you? You felt he wanted to snatch that shiny rock you showed us, do you? I see.. However, I do trust him. He's no maniac. He wouldn't hurt me. ... I'll get going then, do follow me if you like or return to the den to face him; while I am your Master and caretaker, I cannot and will not ignore your personal desires and feelings. Protect and fight your den if you feel the need, you have my permission to do so."

[Iron]

OK, the watchers don't attack you. They'll gladly wait for you to make the first move.

Shiva, you get all the way back to Wineberry. Ventus does not catch up with you after three hours. (Ventus, you'll be waiting AT LEAST that long - we'll catch up the timelines once I know what Shiva is doing.)

Flipping a coin for Braixen: (6) Braixen goes ahead and comes with Shiva, perhaps a little sadly.

[Lord Windos]

OK, the watchers don't attack you. They'll gladly wait for you to make the first move.

Shiva, you get all the way back to Wineberry. Ventus does not catch up with you after three hours. (Ventus, you'll be waiting AT LEAST that long - we'll catch up the timelines once I know what Shiva is doing.)

Flipping a coin for Braixen: (6) Braixen goes ahead and comes with Shiva, perhaps a little sadly.

It was quickly becoming apparent after awhile that the mystic den's guardians are and will NOT budging from thier vigil, Ventus let out a frustrated *Sigh*, before he releases Apsis right by his right side ( Hanael on the other ) with a flick of his wrist, and approaches the blasted location once more. The empath eyes were hard and cold as diamonds as he pointed at the cursed location, and ordered his Pokémon to start tearing it down while being vigilant for potential (and highly probable) incoming threats.

"Hanael, use Magnitude directly on that Pokemon Construct, and prepare to use Ember soon after if wild Pokemon come out to defend to this place . Apsis, use Leer the moment Pokemon start rushing in , if any , then Acid Spray in the toughest target nin range . Oh , and you can eat any Pokemon you knock out , preferably in the most graphic way possible," he said, voicing the last part of his commands in a louder volume. Might as well warn them of their final fate in an attempt to dissuade some or all of the watchers, if they dare interfere in his self appointed task of utterly annilating the place...

Order : Ready the assault, Iron, for Ventus is raring to search and destroy all that oppose him!

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

(I believe I can count myself very lucky that this doesn't affect Disobedience, do I...? Another try because of sad fox eyes.)

Contrary to Shiva's believe, Braixen didn't go. He made haste to catch up with his Master instead. However, he looked...not pleased to follow her. Shiva noticed this.

"Hey, dear one, you don't agree with me leaving you alone on this, do you? I'd be a horrible Master if I wouldn't care. You are free to go back to the den and see what may be wrong, alright? While I trust Ven, I cannot force you to do the same. You'll be a capable mage once you reach next and final stage in evolution, and while he said he accepted my fondness in magic and fae, this doesn't auto-include you as my witches' familiar, does it? I have to go, the others (Nathan) are waiting for me."

[Iron]

Alrighty, that means Ventus' attack falls before any rescuers can possibly arrive. With Shiva well ahead of Ventus, there's no way she'd notice even at Magnitude 6 (which is 10).

Magnitude
2 + 3 + 2
(2)(4)(3)(3)(2)(1)(5)
Power: (2)
The ripples of quaking earth radiate out from the camel, before the wild defenders even know what is happening.
2 Str +1 STAB + 2 power = 5 dice
(4)(5)(6)(1)(1)

The massive tree stump holding the base together wobbles alarmingly, but does not fall. Inside the den, Ventus can hear talismans falling and cracking, and a big cloud of dust comes out of the cave.

The woods erupt with Pokemon. Coming from the other side of the small clearing containing the den, a Granbull and a Stantler come charging out. Nearer you, where they were keeping watch, comes a Hypno and a (normal) Houndour. And an Abra Teleports in from who knows where to help. He arrives in a tree above your hiding place, clutching an armful of stones.

These are the Fireweed Forest's protectors. This is who Ventus will have to deal with if he wants to make good on his paranoid impulses. Together, they represent all the facets of the Fireweed Forest.

Initiatives:
Arbok (6) + 6 = 12
Stantler (5) + 3 Dex + 3 survival = 11
Hypno (3) + 2 Dex + 3 survival = 8
Abra (2) + 2 Dex + 3 survival = 7
Numel (1) + 6 = 7
Houndour (1) + 2 dex + 3 survival = 6
Granbull (1) +2

Stantler's Intimidate lowers Ventus and his team's strength by 1 as the mystical eyes in his horns stare him down.

[Lord Windos]

Initiatives:
Arbok (6) + 6 = 12
Stantler (5) + 3 Dex + 3 survival = 11
Hypno (3) + 2 Dex  + 3 survival = 8
Abra (2) + 2 Dex + 3 survival = 7
Numel (1) + 6 = 7
Houndour (1) + 2 dex + 3 survival = 6
Granbull (1) +2

Stantler's Intimidate lowers Ventus and his team's strength by 1 as the mystical eyes in his horns stare him down.

(Oh hello there, Granbull! Guess its time for another part of the prophecy to come true....)

Ventus eyes narrow at the formidable army that stand before him and his goal, before he cracks his neck side to side, and gives them a death stare that would put Gendo Ikari to shame. "So be it then. Time for all of you to be laid to rest today, or for me to meet that ultimate fate. Apsis, maul that Hypno with Bite, and then use Acid Spray on Granbull and Stantler, in that order.. Hanael, Use Amenisa and then Magnitude twice on Hypno, Stantler, Granbull, and Houndour. Fortify, and then Attack my sister, and show no mercy."

Order: Bite on Hypno first, then use Acid Spray on Granbull first, then Stantler. Hanael will use Amensia to bolster its Defense by 3 (Due to Simple) , and then use Ember on the specified targets. Will use Lum Berry on Apsis if they are put to sleep by either Stantler OR Hypno (He'll wait until after they have used their moves to use the Lum Berry), and switch to Raphael if Haneal is put to Sleep instead of/at the same time as Apsis. Let's do this, mate!

Moves:

Bite (On Hypno)
Accuracy: DEX (2) + Fight (3) + Channel (2) + - 3 Actions = 4D6 Dice
Damage: STR (2) + 2 + SE - Vitality (2) = 2D6 + 1 Damage
Effect: *Flitch 3*

Acid Spray (On Stantler 1st, then on Granbull 2nd)
Accuracy: DEX (2) + Fight (3) + Channel (3 [Level Up Channel for 12 XP!]) - 4/5 Actions = 5/4 Dice
Damage: STR (2) + 2 + STAB + SE (For Granbull) - Vitality (2) = 3D6 Damage (+ 1 for Granbull)
Effect: STR decreases by 2

Amensia
Accuracy: DEX (2) + Fight (3) + Channel (3) - 3 Actions = 5D6 Dice
Effect: Raise Defense by 3 (Due to Simple)

Magnitude
Accuracy: 8D6 - 4/5 Actions = 4/3 Dice
Damage: STR + Random + STAB - Vitality (2 for all targets except for Houndour, which is one) + SE (Houndour) = Random Damage (+1 on Houndour)