[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Spiritmon]

The Pokemon League violently overthrew King Sarimanok, and that was the end of the monarchy in Creshire. That's when the Skull Ruins was created from the destruction of his palace. That's when Stair City was built, and when the Pokemon League became the rulers of Creshire.

This library doesn't say what became of the prince in Unova. Unova was brewing for naval war with Creshire in response to a minor technological revolution introduced by Sarimanok. (It doesn't say what technology it was). Sarimanok successfully negotiated peace before the war even began. To seal the bargain, a very important hostage was sent from Opelucid City, and Sarimanok sent his own son in return. Trivia: That hostage from Opelucid was a cousin of Gym Leader Drayden.

It is thought that Vigil had residences in Mt. Molten and in what is now Forb City. Bearing a trove of stolen palace supplies, Vigil fled to the Trientalis Caldera and trained there, absorbing so much firepower that the volcano became extinct. Today it is grassed over, and the Pokemon League has its headquarters there. It's also where the Championships are held.

So the mountain still exists, although it is changed. Mt. Molten is still active to this day, and Nathan actually lived at the base of it his whole life.

"Hmm, I think this all the information I shall get for now." Say Heart after finishing the read, and taking all the notes he did about what he search. At least he get some cool information about the city and the king Sarimanok. Hear suspects all this vines incidents its might conect to that King, but for now he must go. "Well, better begin to train my team. After all, if we going to fight that vines we must grown stronger. Lets go Koa." Then Heart decided to step out the library and decided to go to the fountain. He heard there good battles there and perhaps he could train threre. Perhaps a good battle to train Koa, Gustav and Rose

(How about a good battle? 300 Pokedollar on the fectch Iroh.)

[Lord Windos]

"That was really fun! Did you know that in Little Cup battles you're limited to just three moves per round? Thought you deserved to know that, since you won."

You collect your money and your XP! 13Xp to distribute among your Pokemon, and 7 for Shiva.

Ventus, ever curious and affable as he tended to be, spent quite a long time chattering with Firestone, inquiring about the various sights and attraction of Stair City, where he could go to quickly buy common trainer provision without venturing into the Department Store, and actual gave a bit of his own advice on how to train/handle Disobediant Fire types as well! Once he was done gleaning/sharing info from the hot tempered Ace, he politely asked for his number so that he could keep in touch and inform them if he catches any rare Fire types, and then departed from their company and went looking for Shiva....well, after making a quick stop at a vendor to purchase 2 Pokeballs, 2 Potions, and a Super Potion for $1500 Poke! He needed to be able to properly look after the health of his own Pokémon, after all, and he couldn't do that without medical supplies!

Eventually, the empath was able to track down his blessed friend with his keen Insight, investigative skills, and his...well, empathy, coming just in time to bear witness to her victory over a trainer and his Makuhita! A cheerful smile appeared on Ven's face at the realization, and he just about to go over their and give Shiva a surprise Bewear hug of pure delight when he spotted the Winged Poocheyena, and almost tripped over his feet in equally unsullied surprise. His smile, now lost to his nameshake, was instead replaced by a boggled eyed look of complete and utter befuddlement, as the normally well composed researcher was caught off guard by such a perplexing and baffling sight.

'....Does that Dark pup possess wings like a Butterfree, or perhaps Firestone's Flareon accidently gave me some form of halicinatory form of heat stroke during their blazing hot match with my sister? .....Oh by Reshirim tits, it DOES. I'm....I'm am a honestly lacking sufficient terms to address how bizaare such a variant of Poocheyena is. My empathy tells me it doesn't have a hint of Fairy typing in it, and that its quite dissimilar from its nearest contempary that first comes to mind (Delta Houndour), but still everything else about it is an unknown. ....For now, I suppose I'll not jump to perilous conclusion about the pup and keep a close eye on their activity, as reacting negatively about Shiva's latest addition without ample proof or justifaction for doing so is ill advised for both our short and long term happiness....'

With that somewhat unnerved yet resolute chain of thoughts in mind, Ventus stopped his gawking over Poocheyena, hastily regained his composure, before placing a small, happy smile on his face as he went over to congradulate the mystical lass! "Well now, its rather apparent that you've been waging a hard for battle while I've been away in the midst of my own, and in a stroke of blessed fortune and cunning skills on our part we both have managed to emerge victorious! While I only caught the tale end of your match, base on what I saw I believe you did a spectacular job throughout it all! Though I couldn't help but notice your newest companion in your lineup, and can't but....marvel at its uniqueness. Perhaps you would care to inform me about how you managed to come across them while we head towards the Disobediance Shelter, while I inform you what I've learned of the city while I was away? It would certainly be an excellent way to pass the time, in my opinion!"

Order: Start line of conversation with Shiva about Yena, while both Ven and her are heading towards the Shelter. During that time, he'll automatically tell them ALL about what Firestone (Except the Training Grounds/Sensitive Info, of course). Let's get a move on to new locals AND increasing my character's tolerance levels towards the weird/uncanny!

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

How splendid to see that despite that ace up in sleeve from Makuhita and Paralysis on her psychic cat, victory was still on her side! Psychic power is a rather awesome thing, especially if it comes from her innocent looking yet fickle Espurr. As promised, he received some appreciating strokes through his grey fur (not touching his ears) and and adjustment of his Master's scarf that he's still wearing. "Very welll done! Did you notice how your foe all suddenly attacked and flinched you before you were able to react? With a little bit more Training, I think you can learn to do this too. Now, take a litte rest in your Pokeball, we'll get that paralysis healed up in no time." *recalling Kyuu after receiving an appreciating silent 'meow'*

After packing away the Pokeball, Shiva came over to that PokeFan and couldn't help but to coyly but honestly shake his hand (if he accepts) for such a fruitful and fun battle. "Great challenge! Bet you'll do great in Little Cup. I'll look into the rules before applying, but thank you for informing me about that restriction of only three moves per Round! I never did more than three anyway. Also, bet you bred that rolypoly Makuhita on your own too? That's quite cool..." ... "So, ehm, I don't want to hold you up any longer. See you then, and until we may meet again on a battlefield!" *waving as he leaves*


Now, she needed to find Ventus back... Too bad she accidently lost track of him due to that photo of Azurill's former Master and the battle... Last time she saw him, he was sending out his Arbok against a cute Flareon, so can't have gone too far away, can he? Well, before she could even consider what would be the best solution, he already came to her on her own, earning a warm delighted feeling over seeing him again and a carefully flattered smile over his congrats for being victorious in her battle. She was just about to thank him, as... all warmth in her expression vanished, just like when the sun gets covered by a massice cloudfront. She still had that Poochyena outside of his Pokeball, right there beside her looking up to that person that came to his Master in all serenity.
That was bad... Very bad... How could she be so foolish?! Instinctively, Shiva got into a protective stance and kept Yena behind her in a bare hope to stave off any lashing out on her butterwolfly.

...A lashing out that didn't came. Instead, when Ven expressed wonder about that creature and even asked to know more about, Shiva didn't get that first. He wasn't put off by labeling that Poochyena as 'magical'...? "Ehm... Well, sure I can... tell you... Wait, do you mind if we make a quick stop-by at the Center? I just want to give those Pokemon of mine that received hits into one of the many Nurse Joy's care..."

If he agrees:

*recalling Poochyena before stepping into the GPC to not arise unwanted attention, then handing Kyuu and Nightshade to Nurse Joy with the plea to restore their health via the Healing Machine* Tropius is withdrawn from Bill's PC to take one of the now free spots in Shiva's party, the other spot remains free.

*outside again* "Okay, that Poochyena of mine... Hehe... It leaped onto the main road in front of me on Route 4, just when I was on the way to meet up with you people at the camp. It took some food right out of my hands, then leaped away out of sight... Later at the camp after you already went to sleep an I was alone stargazing, it came to me again. We played a little, and eventually it stayed in a Pokeball I rolled towards him..." ... "I have no real idea about how that wings came onto his back... Only thing I know for sure that it is NOT one of these weird Delta Pokemon. You know, from Holon. This Poochyena seemed wary of Cottonee and as I checked his Status on PC, I got confirmed that it's a normal Dark Type, but has a unique ability." There was still a careful, hesitant undertone in her voice.


--------------
Mechanics:
With a -1 Pain Penality, can I still interact relatively normal with Poochyena? Or is using a half Potion to restore 2HP possible, or does the Center have single sprays available? Because "the Shelter has a few resources that can help gain the trust of those hidden gems (the Pokemon helld there)". Wonder if these resources are free to use with one's own Pokemon?

[Lord Windos]

The sociologist eyebrows shot up in both concern and alarm as the joyous exuberance that Shiva was enjoying post victory did an instant U-turn towards fearful wariness after she saw him come forward and speak about her highly abnormal Poocheyena, though the her protectively hovering over the afformentioned Dark type gave him a pretty good explaination as to why. "Be calm, my dear friend! I harbor no malice nor desire to...remove your fae like Poocheyena from your care and good companionship, Shiva. I'm just....mystified as to how such a odd variant came to be in your possession, let alone conceived in nature, so I only want to avail myself of your knowledge on the matter to sate my own curiousity. Ah, and yes, let's head to the Center first. Apsis herself could use a little respite after her scorching hot match, so let us depart their effective immediantly," Ventus said, taking a half step back and holding his hands in a palicating gesture towards the riled up lass to try and ease her down to a more pleasant emotional state.

Once that had been taken care of and they were well on their way to the Shelter, the mystical witch like woman that was his dear friend opened up to him about their VERY mixed breed dog and what she knew of it, which he listened intently to, not wanting to miss even the slightest detail. The explaination actually ended up putting him more at ease with the pooch, as besides having butterfly wings and an equally abnormal ability, it behaved exactly like a typical member of its species AND didn't feel as if it was up to any mischief towards the lass/their master. 'Still....how in Reshirim's name did such a mutation or hybrid came about in the first place? Even accounting for abnormality of Cheshire's Pokémon species, even this is stretching the limits of my credibility! Oh well, at least it'll make an interesting entry in my research notes for later on perusail...if anyone believe its factual in the first,' the sociologist thought, chin cupped in his head as he absorbed/processed the information provided, before turned towards Shiva and gave a slight nod of his head to her.

"Well, I see nothing particularly agregous about this Poocheyena, besides the...well, wings and unique ability, so I have even less of a reason to subject it to further scrutiny, unless said Dark type give me a reason to do so. Though, I do believe sharing news of its existence to Dr. Mallorn and the others might shed some more light on how or why the dog obtained or was born with wings of a Butterfree. Your thoughts, dear?"

Order: Have Apsis get healed then returned to his possession, before continuing onwards to the Shelter! Let's see what it holds for all of us!

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

It was indeed like this, contrary to what Shiva actually expected - and feared - Ventus seemed to share her mystification towards that elusive Poochyena. Very relieving to hear it directly from him, and something told her that he meant what he said. The palisading gesture also was helpful and underlined that there is actually nothing to fear from his side... In the end, Shiva felt confident enough to let go off that protective stance, gently took Ven's hand again and very carefully pick up Yena to carry him in the other arm to the Center (if he is fine with that, that is?), all for reasons to shield him from any people along the way who'd want collect the falling Shield Dust, to express to not only to Ventus that this dog-hyena belongs to her and she wants to keep it and to show to the Pokemon itself that she cares about it. Yena didn't take much harm in the battle, but she still deserved a short break. Somewhere along the way, Shiva would face the empathic researcher directly from the side, only to give him a whispered yet honest "Thank you...", before falling into non-threatening silence and continuing to watch the pattern of the path the followed while processing the fact that he was fine with her and the Poochyena. (As said, Yena is withdrawn just before stepping into GPC)



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


"It's just as you say, Ven, there is nothing horrendous about that particular Poochyena... I even feel that it's relatively fine with people. For example, it obeyed me without problems during battle. It took food right out of my hand when I offered it. It has the strength in its biting that's typical for the species. And Dark Types... They're not automatically malicious. You know about the loyalty of a Mightyena to a Trainer they see as the Alpha Leader? I like that aspect of these Pokemon... They look so scary and their teeth are vicious, but they'd never harm people just because they can." A bioluminescent Mightyena with tiny Butterfree-wings was weird, yet interesting image. "Oh, ehm, sorry... I've been thinking about informing Professor Mallorn about that particular Pochyena, yes. And show Yena to the whole party, now that you accidently got to know about him..." True, actually Shiva saw no reason to fear issues with the party about that dog-hyena, now to think about it. If even Ventus with his fear of the fae was unprejudiced with the creature... Only slight worry was that Heart as a Collector of rare Pokemon could show much interest in her catch.

"Wait... We want to head to the Shelter for Disobediant Pokemon now, do we? Gladly! I think we need to take the Subway to it, as it's not too nearby. Line No.5, if I'm not mistaken. Besides... How, uhm, was your battle against that cute Flareon? "

[Lord Windos]

[quote='PhantomUnderYourDesk' pid='28950' dateline='1508608247']
(...)
(He is okay with that! If he can cart around Togepi and Lucifer in his arms, Shiva can do the same with Yena!)

"Agreed, dear. My empathy and cursary observation of its behavior didn't suggest that it was planning anything unbecoming for you, but its still nice hear you ally my suspicions about the pup regardless. I also am aware that Dark type are not pure evil and unreliable to trust, but the type is typically more Disobediant and beguiling/mischevious than most other Pokémon, save perhaps the more treacherous Fairies themselves. The Mightyena line superb Loyalty does prove that a Pokémon's typing doesn't completely influence a given species behavior, but rather the nature/instincts and individual experiences of each being. Hmm..." Ventus replied, reconfirming Shiva's logic about Yena and offering a few tidbits of his own knowledge about the topic.

His own reasoning, the topic of discussion, and its faint ties towards another strange and arcane hound that a 'friend' of his owns, and for a moment he considered applying his own reasoning to it as well....before they dismissed such an insane notion entirely. Still, the seed of reflection was now there, ready to re-emerge at any given moment... When his blessed friend pointed out they needed to take a subway to reach the Shelter expediately, he gave them a smile and a quick nod of his head, before heading on over to the nearest one available, regaling them about his battle with the fierce fire fox along the way (Essentially he tells her all about the battle, and most of his conversation with Firestone!)

Order: Ready to head to the Shelter now, unless Phantom has something in mind to do before then!

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

(Nothing in mind besides maybe what has been asked conserning the fruits Tropius produces - he was in the party from when the day started to the point where Shiva swapped her party after Nathan has been teleported by Helios, I'm not sure whether this is enough to sell the fruits of this day right away + collect today's Nanab Berry - , so I'm down to head to the Shelter as well.)

[Iron]

"Something in the Skull Ruins has been disturbed by something.  Some sort of ancient power.  And now that it's awake, it's going to attempt to cover the whole region in vines.  With the help of those Tangrowth, which I expect are effectively near limitless in number, it might even manage it.  I don't know what this power is exactly, but there are apparently key figures related to it that I'm referring to as 'manikin kings.'  One of which I believe my party encountered yesterday just before we arrived in Stair City.  We were attacked by Tangrowth, but they were being lead by a Claydol.  Wearing a crown.  The Claydol attempted to steal my Kirlia's item by ordering the Tangrowth to use Knock Off and the vines to drag it away, towards the Ruins.  His item is a rare and powerful Clamperl Pearl that can boost the power of Psychic attacks.  I believe Claydol's interest in it might relate to its status as a 'king,' as the ancient kings, particularly Sarimanok, were interested in amassing both power and wealth, and the Pearl falls under both categories effortlessly.

"So, as for fighting these vines...beating the Tangrowth is only a way to delay the inevitable.  If we want to make a dent in the vines' advance, we need to stop the things commanding those Tangrowth.  The manikin kings, and whatever might be leading or manipulating them from the depths of the Ruins.  Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like that's going to be easy...the Claydol Teleported away when the Tangrowth it was commanding were defeated, and the Ruins are mostly inaccessible currently from what I've seen.  During the battle, Claydol was keeping its distance, pelting us with rocks and psychic attacks while giving orders from atop a cliff where only long range attacks would even have a chance of hitting it.

"As for how I know all this...it's rather sensitive information...I pieced some of it together after seeing a few of Kirlia's visions, but most of it came from...a different source.  I don't think it's information you'd want getting out, and it's certainly not common knowledge...you might want to consider turning the recording off...or at least limiting what others hear of this recording."

He pauses there. He summons Calam, pulls out his journal, and continues once Dagny's decided whether to turn the recording off.

Spoiler

"Dagny, this is Calam.  I met him at the Running almost a week ago, and that meeting was recorded on video from what my mom told me.  He was rather keen on showing me something at the time.  You know the stories behind his species, I'm sure.  Well, that Run was filled with Absol, and Calam here lead the charge, looking for me and Kirlia specifically.  We followed him, and he lead us to something rather...disturbing.  The Legendary pokemon Mesprit, sleeping behind an impenetrable barrier of psychic energy in a hidden cavern, with a message written in Unown lettering meant to be shown to me and Kirlia also being located in that very same cavern.  I have it written down in my journal right...here (he points to the first part of the message).  This message is where I got the term 'manikin kings' from, and it warns of both the vines and a 'disaster of stone.'  Three days after reading the message, Kirlia had a vision of a vine sprouting in the Skull Ruins.  That occurred just before the vines were first noticed covering the Ruins, from what I've been told, so those vines seem to grow incredibly quickly when they're both unimpeded and aided by Tangrowth.

"Anyways...the first part of the message mentions only a 'sharer of unselfish love' can stop the manikin kings for good.  And what puzzled me more was the second part of the message, which I've written down here (he turns to the last page of the journal)...it suggests that 'sharer' is my Kirlia.  I'm trying to work out what needs to be done to wake up Mesprit and stop these vines, but it's been...difficult.  The message is a bit vague...I looked a little into the Lake Trio's history here to try and find out if Uxie and Azelf might be in similar conditions, but Uxie apparently left the region right after Sarimanok was dethroned, and Azelf was headed to the east of Chicory Lake in some sort of rush before it disappeared for unknown reasons.  Mesprit, when it was last seen, was described as looking physically tired, which seems to indicate it's been sleeping in that hidden location for a long time...

"I've not told anyone else this information so far.  Creshire seems to be in deep, deep water if the might of Legendary pokemon is going to be required to stop this madness for good...but I think targeting the commanders when possible should slow the vines' advance more significantly than just KOing the Tangrowth."

Nathan pauses again.  That was probably a lot for even Dagny to take in...

Dagny efficiently keeps silent, only speaking when there is a nice break for her to do so.

"The recordings are secure. Proceed."

"Tell me, were the Unown blue and spiky, or black and smooth?"

"You were wise to keep this information to yourself. I thank you for sharing it with me, as I may actually be able to do something about it. My Pokemon can get into the Skull Ruins and deal with the threat of these commanders or mannikin kings. Psychic powers will not work on my Pokemon."

"Nathan, it seems you were given a choice by the Legendary Pokemon. I, too, have a mind that has been touched by the power of a Legendary, as do many of the prime movers in this world. So, the question is - can Kirlia become the "sharer of unselfish love," or must you "journey to the ends of the earth" ? It won't be a question of simply changing your behavior. The Legendaries of Creshire are deeper than that. It will be a fundamental, visible, tangible change in Kirlia, I think. I can look into it more if you require. But Kirlia cannot be how he is and still awaken Mesprit."

"As for the other alternative, it's not the journey part that intrigues me. 'The beginning of the land.' What does that mean? Is it the same as the ends of the earth? Intriguing. Nathan, if you decide to pursue either of these alternatives, I will assist you and any materiel aid you choose to bring along. Perhaps you are the prime mover in this situation. This is how a boy becomes a man: by working hard and sacrificing to do what others are unwilling to do or incapable of doing."

[Iron]

Heart meets a trainer with a pair of Diglett. He's riding the impromptu Dugduo as they race around and around the base of the Tournament Plateau, in imitation of one of the many moving stairs.

"You there! With the mighty Dragon Pokemon! Help me evolve these Diglett!"

You inform him you want a 3v3 battle, and he agrees. "Diglett, Diglett, and then a final surprise Pokemon!"


Diglett A: (2) + 3 Dex + 3 Survival = 8
Koa: (3) + 3 = 6

[Iron]

--------------
Mechanics:
With a -1 Pain Penality, can I still interact relatively normal with Poochyena? Or is using a half Potion to restore 2HP possible, or does the Center have single sprays available? Because "the Shelter has a few resources that can help gain the trust of those hidden gems (the Pokemon helld there)". Wonder if these resources are free to use with one's own Pokemon?

At -1 Poochyena isn't bothered to be out and about. Can't use a half Potion in my game, although that was a complicated thing in the original rules.

Pokemon don't usually limp or hesitate until they are at -2. That's when they're "bloodied", the first blow that actually hurts them, rather than just slowing them down. Hopefully they don't bleed much in a friendly match though.



You absolutely NAILED what Poochyena looks like. Fantastic job. +1 Xp.