[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

... ... ... "Nathan..."

Now there it was, that dangerously low tone of in Shiva's voice. Probably enough to catch his attention. If mentioned young Trainer would move his gaze to her, he might pick up that she didn't look like the sweet compassionate fae lady right now. In fact, with her gaze fixated on him like a predator fixates unaware prey, arms crossed and the neutrality/professionality of her business apparel, one may even say that she looks a tad bit...intimidating.

There was a faint trace of ice in her emotions, a lot of will, and something that whispered 'why'...

"Just now Dirctor North told me there was an incident where Rotom crossed the Gothitelle's line when he shouldn't. The result was him being plaqued with an attack of Magic Room by her. If you don't want the same from happening again, I'd strongly advice you to respect the bounderies of the Pokemon of my interest and recall Rotom for his and your own sake if he dares to come too close. "


Why... Why do I have the feeling that they're subliminally playing against me? Can you tell me? 
I'm afraid I cannot, my dear... I don't get it either.
*faint downcasted and dishearted sniffle*
Hey, don't fall into that. Remember, you need to visit a pharmacy anyway today.

Probably a good call for Director North to see that Shiva can be authoritative, like she won't allow Gothitelle to freely do what she wants under her care.

Nathan's not exactly amused by that (he's got six Will currently.  Intimidating him without a roll and 0 Intimidate isn't gonna work very well).  Why was he getting called out for something that he didn't even know?!  Kirlia gives Shiva a taste of her own stare (he's noticed Shiva's emotions and dual thought process, though, since he's got good reason to focus on her right now. Gotta make sure Nathan's not in any danger, and defend him if he is, after all).

"Look, I respect your opinion and boundaries and such, Shiva, but there's no reason to be so...cold about that.  If Gothitelle has personal space issues, fine.  I'll respect those boundaries, but I need to know about them first." (Nobody told him about the line, after all)

(OOC reminder that Gothitelle's line extends to all of the pokemon and people there, not just Rotom.  Rotom's just the one that we've heard actually crossed that line.  Also, Nathan's somewhat authoritative too, so...)

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

(Oh, no, she isn't trying actively to be intimidating. I feel it's more the contrast between how calm she usually is and how is right now what may be 'intimidating'. ^^)


If the Psychic Dancer thought he could give her a taste of her own medicine by mirroring her, that fails as Shiva simply has enough by now. Unaware or not of why she's reacting the way she does, she won't just back up or say that she's sorry here. Nothing will change for her in the future is she'd do so. But, what may be the prize she has to pay for development into a positive direction?

Still, after the most urgent displeasure has been spoken out and her point made, her voice thawes just a bit. "I have my reasons, and you of all people should know that I'm prone to overreact when feeling cornered. Maybe this a trait me and Gothitelle share, the trait that we have our strict boundaries? You've shown interest in that Gothitelle when I told you about it. Now, I wonder how you could have missed the line that she drew... Of course you cannot know that it was that particular Rotom that overstepped the line, but now you know and I simply warn you from such a thing happening again. Probably ever Pokemon that'd dare to corner the noble Psychic Type she is would get the same treatment, and I' will certainly NOT try to prevent her from defending her personal space. Even against me."

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

(Oh, no, she isn't trying actively to be intimidating. I feel it's more the contrast between how calm she usually is and how is right now what may be 'intimidating'. ^^)


If the Psychic Dancer thought he could give her a taste of her own medicine by mirroring her, that fails as Shiva simply has enough by now. Unaware or not of why she's reacting the way she does, she won't just back up or say that she's sorry here. Nothing will change for her in the future is she'd do so. But, what may be the prize she has to pay for development into a positive direction?

Still, after the most urgent displeasure has been spoken out and her point made, her voice thawes just a bit. "I have my reasons, and you of all people should know that I'm prone to overreact when feeling  cornered. Maybe this a trait me and Gothitelle share, the trait that we have our strict boundaries? You've shown interest in that Gothitelle when I told you about it. Now, I wonder how you could have missed the line that she drew... Of course you cannot know that it was that particular Rotom that overstepped the line, but now you know and I simply warn you from such a thing happening again. Probably ever Pokemon that'd dare to corner the noble Psychic Type she is would get the same treatment, and I' will certainly NOT try to prevent her from defending her personal space. Even against me."

Kirlia thaws a little himself once Shiva does...then gives her a worried look similar to the one he's been giving Nathan.  He knows Nathan doesn't want to hurt her, and yet that's what he's picking up right now...

Nathan looks rather tired again and somewhat sad now.

"In my defense, Gothitelle was drawing in the dirt when I walked into the inmate room.  I thought that line was a part of whatever thing she was doing.  And the only interest I have is because you said that vision she showed you involved those damn vines.  Gothitelle didn't even look at Kirlia and me when we entered the room, and I'm not going to raise a pokemon that's completely unwilling to join my team.  Ever.

"Look...Shiva...I'm not trying to 'corner' you.  I'm not trying to overstep any bounds on purpose.  And while I agree that Gothitelle's wishes should be respected...you shouldn't be careless with regard to your own safety.  Magic Room is fairly harmless, but if a more damaging attack was used..."

There's a lot of care and concern in that second part, and a passionate anger for a brief moment when he mentions the vines.  Shiva was really putting Nathan through an emotional wringer right now...

What had he done to deserve this kind of backlash?  Whatever it was, he wasn't trying to purposely hurt her...

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

"...Huh?" That first comment actually caught Shiva off guard. A little. After having thrown a quick glance between Nathan and Director North, she ended up facing the former from the side, with a slightly tilted head and faintly confused expression. "She didn't foce a vision onto you like she did with me and Ven? Weird..." *back to facing the Director of the Shelter* "If you allow me, please let me see her again before leaving the Shelter for today, Director. I'd also like to inform her about what we have discussed concerning the adoption to her, and make it a habit to see her for a few minutes during my working stint. She may have agreed to come with me - but I'd like to have her getting used to my presence a little before this day comes." Following this request was yet another respectful bow, one that was commonly see in everyday's business.

When she raised up from that one, she faced Nathan again, in an unusual neutral, pondering expression. A few moments later, she slowly looked away and half-opened her arms again, but maybe only to put a strand of her hair back into place. Or to have something to do, as she kept stroking that strand through her fingers. Deep inside, she was tired and still hurt. But she cannot go sulking and crying in bed forever. "Of course you are 'not trying to corner me'. Neither 'overstep any bounds on purpose'. None does." She's keeps a comment like 'Everyone says so' for herself in this case. "That doesn't change the fact that you already did so towards me. And at some point, it's simply enough. You said you care for me... I do to, but I won't do for a person who doesn't give me my freedoms. Lets me do things on my own. If I need help, I'll ask for it. I might prefer to look into things on my own first. I came to this region to gather practical experiences with my own Pokemon..." Again she's saving the comment 'You could have known if you'd care to get to know me better first' "...which I CANNOT when people throw stones in my path or try to help me with everything. I need to face and slay the Dragon on my own. It's not helping if anyone rides ahead to kill the Dragon with a well-placed Sacred Sword before I am getting my turn, saying 'It's too dangerous for you'. If I suffer bruises and burns from the fight with the Dragon - then I know it was a worthy fight in the end. If the Dragon bites off my hand - then I know I wasn't ready for the challenge yet and need to train harder."

Shiva said not a single word more on this, and prefered to sink into silence now. More to herself, a few more words came after a while: "...Magical Room may be more 'dangerous' than you might think, Nathan."

[Iron]

Insight 2 + Empathy: 
(4)(1)

Willpower:
(4)(4)(3)(3)(2) 

Nothing doing. Nidorino tramples right over the food and comes running at Heart!

"So its is how it will be. *Sigh*, give no choice." Heart expect this type of situation. Nidorino is very fierce like Poison-type pokemon, like Ventus say. He may need to prove he dont want to fight it. "Okay Nidorino, I have promised I will not hurt you, and thats what I going to do." Then Heart is prepared to avoid Nidorino attacks with no pokemon.

Action: Avoid Nidorino attacks and try to calm him. Perhaps a test of evation and knowledge about that since he is a Pokemon rare collector. Perhaps a test of Dexterity + Evasion + Alert + Insight + Survival?

One thing you'll need to do in situations like this is declare how many actions you intend to use. With a dice pool of 6, I'm going to assume 2 actions for now, since you can reasonably assume a 2nd stage Pokemon will have at least 2 actions.


Nidorino runs up and feints with his horn, then kicks out twice.

Double Kick
7 Brawl dice -2 actions = 5/4 dice
(6)(2)(3)(6)(1) - 2 successes
(4)(5)(4)(6) - 4 successes!

3 Str +2 power -3 vit (are humans Normal type? guess not). 

Evasion: 4 dice/3 dice
(5)(1)(3)(4)
(3)(3)(3)

Heart leaps out of the way of the first kick, but the feint fools him and he takes a hoof to the shoulder.
(4)(1). Heart takes 1 damage.

Nidorino looks a bit confused as Heart makes no rebuttal. You get +1 dice in calming it down.
Insight (4)(3)(2)
Will: (3)(5)(4)(3)(2)

It decides to wait for Heart to make the next move, eyeing him carefully.

[Iron]

Initiatives:
Helios (1) +5 = 6
Chansey: (1) +4 Dex +3 survival = 8

Director North Round 1

Double Edge
4 Dex + 1 Fight + 1 Brawl -2 actions = 4 dice
(4)(2)(4)(5) - 3 successes
Evasion: 5 dice -3 actions = 2 dice
(2)(1)
1 Str + 5 power +1 STAB -3 vit = 4d6, holding back
(4)(2)(2)(6) Helios takes 1 dmg
Recoil: (5) Chansey takes 1 dmg

Chansey comes barreling up, but Helios is too focused on his new move to dodge properly. Chansey stomps his toe. All the many copies of Helios clutch their foot.

Double Team
(6) +2 Evasion

"Excellent. Your Pokemon succeeded in using Double Team despite being surprised by Chansey's speed! That shows good control, as does the evolution to Kadabra. Now may I see an attacking move in response to Chansey's next move? Chansey, get under Kadabra's skin!"

Growl
(2)(4)(3) -1 str for Helios

Confusion
(4)(1)(4)
5 dice -4 Def = 1d6
(3)
Chance: (4)

"Great job. I'm happy with what I see. Chansey, used Softboiled and get ready for Ventus."

(Normally I'd replace the first move with Evasion, rather than the second, but I figured you'd be willing to accede to the Director's requests for moves that demonstrate difficulty. Since Double Team is new to him in combat, I picked that one.)

Director North Round 2

Initiative: (1) lol. Chansey goes first again.

Chansey is holding a Soothe Bell.

"Chansey, knock this Noibat around a bit until he sees sense! Or stars, as the case may be! Really rattle him! No need to hold back!"

Double Slap
(5)(6)(2)
(1)(3)
(1)

Just one hit. This can only do one dice per hit.
(3) No damage to the little tank, but Noibat is spun 90 degrees in the air. It does anger him, but Ventus is radiating control. The loyal dragonbat gives a very calm Screech, which is actually kind of a difficult feat!

Screech
(6)(1)(1)(5)(5)
-2 def for Chansey

Gust
(6)(3)(6)(3)
3 str +2 power +1 stab -4 vit = 2 dice
(1)(1)

Gust
(6)(6)(5)
(6)(3) Chansey takes 1 dmg.

"Ok! I'm more impressed with the careful Screech than the simple attack moves. That shows real skill! If you'll wait a few minutes, I'll put my offer in writing and you may sign it. This offer does not chain you to any obligation, but it will give you peace of mind that Gothitelle and Kingdra will be yours at the end of all your hard labor!"

The not-a-contract he gives each of you seems to be exactly what he said.

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

Insight 2 + Empathy: 
(4)(1)

Willpower:
(4)(4)(3)(3)(2) 

Nothing doing. Nidorino tramples right over the food and comes running at Heart!

"So its is how it will be. *Sigh*, give no choice." Heart expect this type of situation. Nidorino is very fierce like Poison-type pokemon, like Ventus say. He may need to prove he dont want to fight it. "Okay Nidorino, I have promised I will not hurt you, and thats what I going to do." Then Heart is prepared to avoid Nidorino attacks with no pokemon.

Action: Avoid Nidorino attacks and try to calm him. Perhaps a test of evation and knowledge about that since he is a Pokemon rare collector. Perhaps a test of Dexterity + Evasion + Alert + Insight + Survival?

One thing you'll need to do in situations like this is declare how many actions you intend to use. With a dice pool of 6, I'm going to assume 2 actions for now, since you can reasonably assume a 2nd stage Pokemon will have at least 2 actions.


Nidorino runs up and feints with his horn, then kicks out twice.

Double Kick
7 Brawl dice -2 actions = 5/4 dice
(6)(2)(3)(6)(1) - 2 successes
(4)(5)(4)(6) - 4 successes!

3 Str +2 power -3 vit (are humans Normal type? guess not). 

Evasion: 4 dice/3 dice
(5)(1)(3)(4)
(3)(3)(3)

Heart leaps out of the way of the first kick, but the feint fools him and he takes a hoof to the shoulder.
(4)(1). Heart takes 1 damage.

Nidorino looks a bit confused as Heart makes no rebuttal. You get +1 dice in calming it down.
Insight (4)(3)(2)
Will: (3)(5)(4)(3)(2)

It decides to wait for Heart to make the next move, eyeing him carefully.

"Calm down! I say I dont want to fight you!" Heart carefuly decided not to attack and bow a little to Nidorino level. "The names is Heart. I am a rare Pokemon collector. I travel the world to meet others species of Pokemons, making friends with them and have many adventures. If you want little one, you can travel with me. I will not force you if you dont, but you could meet others places different of this place. Others mons, and maybe, find a Nidorina to join with you." Heart dont think talk with work, but perhaps with the calm tone of voice, maybe Nidorino will undestand Heart dont want to fight. But in any case if Nidorino decided to attack again, Heart is prepared to dodge again.

Course of Action: Dodge Nidorino next two attacks when trying to calm him. Dodge two times.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

(It's fine to me what you did with the picking of moves, Iron~)


...Praise from the Director personally felt very sweet. Barely anything reminded on the unexpected strong reaction Shiva succumbed just before this Trial-Round of combat, and the fact that she and Ven were able to give a good enough impression only added to that, neatly restoring her outter calm. Whether this all will prevent her from falling down in mood this night, was another call that yet has to unfold itself.

Naturally Helios received even more appreciating strokes over the ears after his 'victory'. "Very well done, it's delightful to see that you are able to create such authentic copies of yourself even in a more dire situation. I value your skill - hone them even more, and you'll become my chessmaster of strategy, easing the path for your companions to hit them at their weakpoint. Now... You seem unharmed by that attack you had to endure. Pleasant to see! Still, rest a little for now." He's withdrawn into his Pokeball, but not before earning an faint smile of approval from his Master.

Yet another common-in-business-bow for the Director! "I do thank you for the change to prove ourselves in this Round as well. Glad that we...were able to impress you."

As soon as he's away to get those contracts, Shiva keeps neutral and silent for a little, waiting until Ventus has either withdrawn Lucifer or hid him away in his sweater (seems like fae lady was not the only one who enjoyed the touch of tweed) ... before directly puncing at him and wrapping her arms so tightly around his neck that he may have issues with breathing in the first moment. The smile she displayed while staying like this for a little may not compete with one of his own sweet dazzling smiles, but it may be a very shy try to do so nevertheless. Oh happy day, they made it... "Indeed, Ven... We made it, as it seems. Hehe... Thank you for all this..." What a neat display of a positive overreaction(?). What a neat display of a sudden change in mood as well.

The not-a-contract he gives each of you seems to be exactly what he said.

It was almost a small festivity as Shiva gave the signed contract back to Director North. "Thank you. Really, thank you for your time... Have a good day then and until we may see one another tomorrow. I'll pay Gothitelle a visit now, then pick up the pink Msytery Egg reserved to my OT and ID, before leaving the Shelter to return fresh romorrow morning then. Taking Tropius with me for today."

"Ehm... Just a quick question before you leave... What kind of work shall I expect roughly? Anything I should be aware or prepare myself for?"


(Since Gothitelle didn't pay attention to Nathan and Kirlia... How does she react to seeing her future Master again, Iron?)

[Iron]

Nidorino Round 2

Nidorino tests your resolve with a Horn Attack!

Horn Attack
(5)(6)(1)(5)(5)
Evasion: (6)(4)(5)(6) Heart puts his hands behind his back and sidesteps the committed attack! That one was impressive!

Still Heart does nothing but evade. Nidorino has one last test of Heart's commitment to his promises. There's no backing out now...

Toxic Spikes
(6)(2)(1)(4)

Heart is surrounded by a circle of toxic spikes!

Nidorino levels another attack.

Insight: (6)(5)(4)
Will: (4)(2)(2)(3)(4)

Nidorino is impressed when Heart still doesn't flinch.

He's willing to give Heart a trial run as trainer.

Heart gains 4XP.

Nidorino has 0 Loyalty and 3 Happiness and two Disobedience.
Moves: Peck, Leer, Double Kick, Poison Sting, Horn Attack, and Toxic Spikes.
Ability is Poison Point.

[Iron]

"The work you do will run the gamut from menial to fun. Just wear clothes that can get dirty. We have a breakroom with a shower and we have an employee bathroom where you can change. I'll try to find some fun things you can do that are useful to us, like exercising the Pokemon, but other times you'll have to do unpleasant tasks like cleaning up messes. We have a looot of messes."

I'll talk about Gothitelle more once I see Nathan's post.