[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Iron]

"Baashaun wool is a luxury. Enough to make an item of clothing is $800. Enough to make a small craft is $300. The wool is great for sneaking! A Baashaun cloak lets you blend into the night. Baashaun boots makes your footfalls as silent as a Persian."

The text is implying that the South Wind and the other legends live at opposite "ends." Creshire is indeed in the Southern Hemisphere.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

(Oh! That means, Chresire's unique stars as usually visible as long as one stays in Chresire, but it's impossible that Shiva got a glimpse on them from stargazing in Unova? I'll keep that in mind, thanks!)

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Luxury... It was more the mentioning of sneaking that caught her. She already had that Ranger's Cloak to keep herself warm during trips through forests, mountains and nights - Boots that add a silent footfall sounded so matching to it. She could also make a small Mareep Figurine out of that balack wool, just for fun...

...Looks like in the end Shiva spent more money in this Department Store than she imagined, since "I'm not sure when, but I'm certain there will be a moment where I'll think back to standing here at the counter and paying 800$ for Wool from a Pokemon that I don't even know the look of... I'll take a batch then, please, to make my walks as soft and silent as a Persian."


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It was indeed one in many ways interesting shopping trip to this local Department Store... But now, back on the street with fresh air, a magical fox enjoying his new collar/jewellery, and bagpack full of new things, it certainly had something refreshing to it. A glance on the digital clock of cell revealed that was relatively early yet. She wasn't even sure whether Ventus would have finished work at the Shelter already... Probably not yet. Also probably, is she's lucky, Shiva will catch up a few students at the Extension of Telperion University, but it mostly dragged her to their library...


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Turns our Professor Quickbeam isn't at this extension. Well then... Guess the mystery of the blacks-potted egg a noble and non-random Pancham hatched from will stay a mystery until reaching Botanville and the real University. Already the thought of this raises a curious anticipation in her as well as ... Wait a moment... If she'll obtain that Gothitelle, she'll likely be more busy with... That's when a sudden downcasted feeling strikes her like a lightning. Neither would she want to give her sweet young panda away, nor had she enough energy resources to care for both Pokemon without having to put her other firm Team Members into the background... Struggles with choices due to wanting to train more Pokemon that one could handle, was such an experience neccessary for those that call themselves 'Trainer' as well...?

A-anyway, there was enough time to ponder and worry about that later... For now, she kept an eye open for any pamphlets telling about the offered courses of study at this Extension, before heading down to the underground library.


There are two things she's looking into/researching in this library.

- First, any experience reports or written documentation from people who visited the Skull Ruins (including the depths). Which she probably won't find since people returned from theri with either their mind corrupted or not at all - But since she might stumble over the fact that Ghost Types and 'Ghosts' dwell down there, she moves on to the Crafting of Spell Tags to prevent possesssion/ward these Ghosts and Ghost Types off.

- Second is how to properly bond and care for a Pokemon with strong Psychic Power. These certainly require some extra care that Shiva would like to provide to them. This isn't only for Gothitelle directly, but also for Kyuu (both Espurr and Meowstic emit strong psychic power!), Helios if he ever becomes an Alakazam and when Braixen's become a mature Delphox.

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

Heart was quite interesting about that Holon book so It decides to buy It. "I wonder how It is going Nathan, Ventus, Shiva and Valder...I hope they are ok..." Then Heart decides to wander a little in the bookstore, If he find anything interesting. (This bookstore Shiva is too or It is another one?)

Heart finds a homemade cookbook for nice and cheap. The recipes are all vegetarian, as is common in Creshire. Most interesting thing about this book is the flower pressed into the cover: a flower with geometric petals and a shiny/holographic coloring.

"Hmm, a vegetarian recipe would be cool to help the group in days we might not find meat. And that cover is pretty good." Then Heart buy that last book. Then leaving the bookstore, Heart decide to find a battle to heat the blood.

Action: Find a double battle with 6x6 Pokémon each side. Since I have six Pokémon this would might be interesting to test the power. 300 pokedollar.

[Iron]

The Telperion Extension offers two types of courses: Your core staples like Math, History, Engineering, Pokemon Bio, and Competitive Pokemon Battling. Also, things unique to Stair City: advanced Engineering, Political Science, architecture, archaology, earth science, Steel Type, Electric Type, Nuclear Type, and Ancient Civilizations.

The main Uni in Botanville offers darn near everything, with focuses on natural things like Herbology, Pokemon Breeding, Astronomical Science, classes on every single Pokemon type (especially Ornithology, Entomology, etc), forestry, fossils, aquatic science. They have self-help courses like "Careers in Pokemon", "Trainer Confidence and Centering", and "Exploring Creshire" which is for foreigners or residents alike.

There are lots and lots of books on the Skull Ruins! We haven't explored much of it, but we know from the history books what some of the layers must have been.

The top layer is the Barrow Downs, great tombs of those fallen in battle. It doubled in size during the bloody revolution. It's guarded by ghost types, including hordes of Gastly, Duskull, Misdreavus, Shuppet, and Yamask. Other ghost types are rarer, and darker guardians may also be encountered.

Below that is the "modern" ruins, which is a lot like the Ruins of Alph. At the depths of this layer is the legendary Throne of Charizard Skulls and the rest of the palace. Unown are found here, in two styles: one that has been decoded, and one that hasn't. In these dark depths, you find Sableye who lurk around corners, waiting for explorers, and consuming the riches of King Sarimanok.

Below that, sonar reveals a big aquatic cavern. Life exists down there, but we don't know what yet.

A Cleanse Tag is the item to ward off Ghost types. Successfully crafting one of these, if each person present holds one, can drastically reduce the amount of ghost types you'll encounter. To make one, you need to research the true name of a Pokemon spirit. Each spirit performed a certain role - guarding a clan or bloodline, a certain forest, an important long-lived tree, a pool of lava, etc. It relates to the Pokemon's type and species. The exact nature of the Pokemon spirit you choose will affect the Cleanse Tag's difficulty and power, in ways that are not yet understood.

A Lore roll is necessary.

Then you also need the name of one of the shrines scattered all over Creshire. There's one for every Legendary. These names can be found in any big library. Having 2 points in Lore creates an automatic success on this one. The more common legendary are even easier to find (Legendary Dogs, Legendary Birds, Legendary Golems).

These names must be scribed on a specially prepared piece of paper ($300), cloth ($600), wood ($900), or metal ($1200).

Every element going into the Cleanse Tag increases its power and specialty. Only the metal Cleanse Tags can completely shield you from random Ghost encounters, and even it doesn't work on the strongest Ghost types.




This library does indeed have some books on raising each type, including strong psychics.

[Iron]

Heart meets at the Tournament Plateau for a battle with Smokestack, a spritely man with a full team of Pokemon.

Which 2 Pokemon will you choose?

[Spiritmon]

"Finnaly a good Challenger." Heart smirk. "Go! Gustav! Viktor!" Say Heart summoning his Clauncher and Phantump ready to fight that battle.

[Lord Windos]

Yep, Orthros fears Ventus. His first instinct is to leap behind Nathan. He doesn't even make aggressive motions such as snarling or growling or snapping. Tail between legs, brain throbbing in fear. All the Pokemon here have been well briefed on their role, and none of them move to attack.

A Tense Moment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1po1hbAwALc

Nathan immediately turns his attention back to Orthros, trying to calm him down...

...though it's not very successful.

He turns back to Ventus.

"There.  Happy now?  He's terrified of you, and his first reaction is to hide behind me instead of running off on his own or returning to the Dream World.  I think that says a lot, don't you?"

Nathan's surely comment didn't phase the empath at all as he continued to Stare at Orthros, squeezing his hands crossed and clasped in front on them with such force that most cause bruises in most others. "Honestly, Nathan? Yes," Ventus said, the confirmation hissing out into the air with tangible force and thinly concel contempt for the cowering creature in front of him. Pathetic. "It means that this dog learned from happened to its kin when they dared to hunt myself and Shiva through its wretched domain, and now know the consequences should it ever cross me or the ones I care about in such a way again," he continue, still staring the animialistic abomination as he suddenly tightened both his hands immediantly at it. The meaning of such a gesture would be lost on their trainer, but it should all to well remember what those hands of his were capable of doing to its ilk...

The researcher stared at the dog for another minute, before he looked over to archangel (who was hovering over him protectively by his side and frowning intensely at Orthros) and attracted their gaze and held it, an unspoken conversation passing between father and child in but an instant. Raphael mulled over what was 'said' for a few seconds, before they nodded their head at him, giving them a reassuring smile for their decision. Receiving permission, Ventus turned to face the young, foolish trainer, flick his wrist to produce his child's Pokeball, before tossing it at them and forcing them to catch it. "I've decided to leave Raphael here with you while you introduce Orthros to Shiva, as they will provide a soothing, comforting presence for her and act her guardian angel since I was not permitted to attend. If the dog harms even one hair on her, their judgement shall be meted out with Extreme Speed and prejudice on my child's part; if its does not, they will do naught as well. I expect to have them back in my care later tonight or tomorrow morning once this 'showcasing' of your is finished."

With that said, the stoically irate sociologist face towards the exits of the room and made his way towards it, Apsis covering his rear and casting a baleful glare at the boy and his Pokémon to dissuade them of the notion of stopping him. If they had their duty to protect and uphold the will of their master, than so to did she, *Hisss*! Just before he opened the door and began to make his trip towards the Secret Training Grounds, Ventus called out to Nathan without turning to face them in an almost abscent minded manner, saying: "Oh, and I suppose you were correct about Orthros Loyalty, Nathan. Keep it on a short leash and away from me and my own, and I think we'll get coexist spectacularly. Good night."

Order: Leave Raphael with Nathan to act as a soothing presence for Shiva (And only Shiva, if possible), with standing orders to ES spam Orthros if it tries to harm or malicious and intentionally threaten her. Ven will now make his way towards the STGs, Apsis will choose to fight an Robo Pikachu specifically, as its about time she avenges the lose of her fellow might snake! Afterwards, he'll head back to the Center and wait in his/her room together for Shiva. Tonight is still young, and very much lengthy...

[Dragonstrike]

Nathan does catch the pokeball.  With surprising speed.  And when Ventus leaves, he looks at Raphael, a sad expression on his face.

"Well?  Are you going to try and get along with Orthros, actually give him a chance?  I assure you that he won't be trying anything, that he's different from the ones we encountered a couple weeks ago, however slight that difference is.  And quite frankly, I trust you to believe me more than Ventus right now.  Just between you and me, I didn't tell Orthros to do anything in particular.  I trust he's not going to intentionally get into any trouble.  If he does, that's what Calam and Starmie are for.  Well, part of what they're here for.  I think you can guess what the other reason they're here for is."

Orthros is still behind Nathan, still very much scared.

What does Raphael really think of this, I wonder...

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

How suprising that Copetitive Pokemon Battling is an own course... Well, actually not, if Shiva rethought this a second time, as people who want to climb the ladder way up high or otherwise have reasons to apply to that sourse will sourely appreciate it ans know what they're doing. However... What was a Nuclear Type? At this phrase, something deep inside shivered coldly and giving her spooks - it sounds a level more toxic than Poison Type, and certainly anything from healthy at all. Is that another mutation? Did innocent Pokemon got corrupted into having such a 'Type' by a nuclear accident in/near their natural habitat? What a scary thought...

Better reasing on to what the main Uni provides... And they indeed offer 'Pokemon Breeding'... The real thing... Wonder if it'd be possible to take either Herbology or Astronomical Science as minor, if the don't offer anything about Pokemon Care? Wait, the Care of Pokemon is likely a big part of Pokemon Breeding... Sweet. It couldn't be denied that Shiva now looked a little more forward to see Botanville and its university, as well as had a small hope that in the end, she'll be able to do something for her future in Chresire... Even if it'd only be visiting a self-help course about Careers in Pokemon and maybe the one about Trainer Confidence and Centering. She's still young, and the possibilities are vast.



After feeling relieved that Ghost Types seem to guard/roam only the top layer is the Barrow Downs (though she knew that doesn't have to mean a thing - none would likely prevent these Ghosts from following humans if they feel like doing so), moving on to the crafting of these Cleanse Tags... It was as Shiva expected it to be - anything than easy and something that could be done with only half-knowledge. Yet, she certainly was interested in it and felt like it's something she could suceed on if she puts a bit of effort and  inquiring mind into it - besides, she'd appreciate exploring Earthstar Forest alongside her magical fox and butterwolfly without having to worry too much about Ghost Types pestering her. Or the group. Might bring up the idea at some appropriate point, but for now she carefully notes down in her famliar star-patterned hardcover journal what she found out about the Ruins and the Tags for later referance. Braixen beside her patiently waited and observed her Master, occassionally also other people in the library.


Next topic...

This library does indeed have some books on raising each type, including strong psychics.

Sweet. That's something Shiva looked for, but only a second and more closer look into the details will reveal whether these books about the raisng of strong Psychic Types will prove valuable or not. She looked up from rummaging through the books as her magical fox gently nudged her shoulder before giving her a questioning, almost asking expression. Shiva could only smile gently on this. "Now, you have barely eaten a thing since breakfast, now have you?~ Dining is premitted inside this library though, as I fear... However -" From bagpack, the packed piece of lasagna from Heart is drawn! It sill looks good and edible, so it's handed to Braixen. " - if you like, you can head upstairs to the gazebo already to enjoy your food. I'll make sure to follow you soon."

This earned her a thankful look from Braixen, before he eagerly heads upstairs.

Shiva remains at the table she occupied, with journal still open, pens ready and the pile of books about Psychic Type beside her. She was carefully turning the pages and reading through the several tables of contents, hoping to find anything about what could further be done to improve the wellbeing of a Psychic Type aside from what her father adviced her (Note: How they are stronger around other Psychic Types, how particlularly their abilities outside of battle are affected, and how their evolution may even speed up), as well as experience reports from Psychics (the Trainer Class) and Hex Maniacs. Maybe, although that felt too early yet for her, how to awake own lingering abilities or see if there's a predisposition at all. Caitlin, one of the Elite Four in Unova, is known to have some sort of psychic abilities that she honed on her own, and she's around Shiva's age or a tad bit older...


(Details for a 2vs2 Battle as third Encounter of the Day follow when this is resolved and Shiva meets up with Braixen again, if you're fine to roll it out alongside Heart's Full Team-Battle)

[Iron]

Shiva's research into Psychic types reveals astonishingly few examples of proven human psychic powers. Essentially all mages or psychics were eventually revealed to be using Pokemon. There's one exception: sometimes a primal force can awaken supernatural abilities in a human who has the right predisposition.