[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Hmmmm...not sure how gentle an opener a 6' tall, partially grumpy, very much aquatic dragon suddenly appearing is.

...it's certainly startling, though.

...after nearly falling out of his chair in surprise (Kirlia catches him once again), and Forthright hiding behind Nathan...

...it still takes him a moment to recognize this Kingdra as the same one from the Shelter...which means...

...yup, there's Ventus.

...

...Nathan casts a nervous glance Ventus's way...Kirlia looks ready to defend Nathan from this dragon if things start getting out of hand for some reason...they're being veeerrrrryyyy wary since this IS a highly disobedient dragon that just showed up without any prior warning...

Ventus is quick to pick up the boy's sudden spike in nervous focus onto him, and with a sort of casual ease and serenity he turned towards the boy with an apologetic smile on his face. "Ah, sorry for startling you all like that. I just wanted to greet my new brother this morning, and give him the chance to appreciate the rainy weather before we got moving along for the day. Since this is the first time you've formally meet each other, Nathan, this is my Kingdra Ao Guang. My lord, this is my friend Nathan, and his Pokémon Kirlia and Forthright the Castform. Hopefully we'll all get along well on together on our journey!" he said, his hand discretely cradling his Sealord Pokeball and ready to recall him if he decided he didn't very much like the young trainer and co. (An opinion Ven couldn't hardly fault, but that is another matter entirely).

"With introductions out of the way, may I ask how your yesterday and this morning has treated you thus far? I didn't get the chance to speak with you the other day, so I thought to inquire how you have been faring since. Oh, and do you have a pen and some paper on hand? Heart showed me a string of Old Unown the day before, and I wanted to give it to you just in case the Collector hasn't had a chance!" the empath continued with a smile, hoping that some light conversation and information about his Lore interests might draw him out of the funk he's in.

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

Day 46 begins!

Yesterday's clouds have become today's rain. The inhabitants call it a "ruster" and stay indoors as much as possible. But the stands of the battlefield have covers, so the Little Cup is good to go!

While the rise and rays of the sun was blocked by the drizzly weather this morning, that didn't stop Ventus from waking up with it, leaning up from his bed and stretching with a wide smile on his face as he savored his first day as being the brother of Ao Guang, before he leaned over and shook Shiva awake, as per promise. "Shiva my dear, its morning. I've notice that its raining today, so you best wear water proofed clothing or carrying an umbrella if you don't like being wet!" The researcher then got his pootis out of bed, conducted his morning ritual, and went down stairs to grab some breakfast for himself and his most blessed friend. On his way, though, he stopped at the PC to switch out Abaddon with his unique Drilbur, as he had plans for them today!

Hmmmm.... This night, again no bad dreams from Shiva's side. How lucky, as long as nothing triggers her fear and awokes sleeping monsters, she'll be fine. Or so it seemed.

When Ventus awoke her - Since yesterday, she has stopped setting an alarm clock as he was doing that job spectacularly and was even more relyable than the clock - she turned around in bed and attempted to hug that vivid alarm clock in a hope to persuade him staying in bed for a little longer, but that didn't turned out fruitful - means, she was somewhat forced to get up on that rainy day. Ugh... It's raining... Cottonee disliked this sight out of the window either and seeked comfort by cuddling up closer to her Master.

Normally, Shiva would be all up to stay inside and do a ton of other stuff at that rain, but that feeling rather soon made room for a joyful realization that the Pokepsychologist will come to the Shelter today! Wheeee! Shiva's been looking forward to catch a glimpse at a person following such an occupation, wonder how they will be able to help the Shelter? Maybe...maybe she will also get the chance to speak to that person about how her Azurill has changed from sad to overly happy, asking for advice on how to care for her own Pokemon even better? ...With that thought, the day quickly brightened up in her mind, so after morning routine Shiva ended heading down to the Lobby. Ventus said that they'll have breakfast there today - well, as long as there's qualitative coffee she was fine with that.


Oh, Shiva also noticed Nathan coldheartedly passing them. To be honest, she wasn't very pleased by that, neither did she wanted her very rare good mood in the morning be stained, so she ended up concentrating on pouring more sugar into her mug and slicing more fruit for her Pokemon and herself instead. She did feel a bit left-behind as Ventus left the table to follow Nathan though, but as long as this doesn't happen every morning and everytime she'll cope. Reminding herself on how close she and that oddball of researcher were helped to some degree.

She does desire to hear how Nathan has fulfilled the task she has given him though, but as long as he's occupied with his own things, that'll wait. She's not going to fetch things just for the sake.

Heart wake up earlier and looks to the rain weather of the day. "Well, its just like my mood I guess..." Heart then finally wake up. He dont know what to do in this situation. He decided to ask some help from someone. He find Shiva in the lobby in her tabble and talk with her. "Howdy Shiva. Good morning." Heart them make a worry face. "Can I...talk with you? I having a problem and I was thinking if you can help it."

[Dragonstrike]

Ventus is quick to pick up the boy's sudden spike in nervous focus onto him, and with a sort of casual ease and serenity he turned towards the boy with an apologetic smile on his face. "Ah, sorry for startling you all like that. I just wanted to greet my new brother this morning, and give him the chance to appreciate the rainy weather before we got moving along for the day. Since this is the first time you've formally meet each other, Nathan, this is my Kingdra Ao Guang. My lord, this is my friend Nathan, and his Pokémon Kirlia and Forthright the Castform. Hopefully we'll all get along well on together on our journey!" he said, his hand discretely cradling his Sealord Pokeball and ready to recall him if he decided he didn't very much like the young trainer and co. (An opinion Ven couldn't hardly fault, but that is another matter entirely).

"With introductions out of the way, may I ask how your yesterday and this morning has treated you thus far? I didn't get the chance to speak with you the other day, so I thought to inquire how you have been faring since. Oh, and do you have a pen and some paper on hand? Heart showed me a string of Old Unown the day before, and I wanted to give it to you just in case the Collector hasn't had a chance!" the empath continued with a smile, hoping that some light conversation and information about his Lore interests might draw him out of the funk he's in.

Kirlia narrows his eyes as he looks at Ventus.  Hmmm...there's all sorts of weird inconsistencies here...

He and Nathan simultaneously give Ao Guang some respectful nods, though, hoping that the dragon stays calm enough...

"...yesterday was fine...Shiva asked me to do some research on something...would have been easier if she'd just told me exactly why I was researching it, though..."

Nathan and Kirlia both very visibly glower when Heart's mentioned.

"...he had a chance yesterday.  And I've always got a pen and paper, thank you very much."

Forthright's not quite sure what's going on here, but the atmosphere is definitely a little more...charged than before.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Heart wake up earlier and looks to the rain weather of the day. "Well, its just like my mood I guess..." Heart then finally wake up. He dont know what to do in this situation. He decided to ask some help from someone. He find Shiva in the lobby in her tabble and talk with her. "Howdy Shiva. Good morning." Heart them make a worry face. "Can I...talk with you? I having a problem and I was thinking if you can help it."

(Huh, I was writting on a post to adress how Heart was knocking on the door of the dorm Shiva and Ventus share, but I guess you'll catch up on her in the Lobby then.)


When feeling semi-left-behind, someone familar coming to the table to speak and greet one was tasting incredibly sugary. Shiva appreciated that, she was still kinda tired though despite her good mood.

"Hm? Oh, well, good morning, Heart... You've been doing well in Lil' Cup so far, I saw your name on the scoreboard fo..." Further she didn't come, as even for not-yet empath like Shiva was that worry coming from Heart was clearly detectable for her. He was a person who was honest with emotions after all.

"My my, certainly you can talk with me... I'll be all ears if you desire." *checking time on cell* "I should have a little time before I'll depart to the Shelter for my working shift. But I'd prefer either staying here at the Lobby or heading up to the dorm me and Ven share, no backroom please." *coffee-sipping noise*

[Lord Windos]

Kirlia narrows his eyes as he looks at Ventus.  Hmmm...there's all sorts of weird inconsistencies here...

He and Nathan simultaneously give Ao Guang some respectful nods, though, hoping that the dragon stays calm enough...

"...yesterday was fine...Shiva asked me to do some research on something...would have been easier if she'd just told me exactly why I was researching it, though..."

Nathan and Kirlia both very visibly glower when Heart's mentioned.

"...he had a chance yesterday.  And I've always got a pen and paper, thank you very much."

Forthright's not quite sure what's going on here, but the atmosphere is definitely a little more...charged than before.

Ventus adeptly notices the young psychic scrutinizing him, and decides to pay no mind to it at all. If they wish to overanalyze his every motivation and lingering emotion tracing his words, let them. Its not as if they'll see anything different than just by plainly listening to him!

"Hmm, Shiva put you on a research assignment? Pray tell, what did she information did she ask you to collect for her? Whether or not I may be able to puzzle out what she wanted is an unknown right now, but two head thinking on a topic is better than one, correct?"

The researcher curiousity sparked when he saw how dismally the boy and Kirlia reacted when he named dropped the rare collector, but he kept it off his face and the front of his mind.

"......I take it he was uncooperative, for whatever reason? I won't pry if you don't want me to, but I can I ask what he did to offend you and Kirlia so?"

Presuming Nathan got out the pen and paper at some point, Ventus kindly asks for them, and neatly/precisely jots down the string of Old Unown from memory, before handing both back to them. "There! I couldn't comprehend much besides the fact that some of these symbols combine to form different meanings wholely different from the individual characters that make up their grouping. Given your interest in ancient history and Solomon's help, I know you'll have an easier time translating it then I ever will! "

"Speaking of, when would be a good chance for me to 'bone up' on this translation? Learning how to read Old Unown to some degree of fluidity would seem to be a prudent skill to invest in given how often our group encounter it, in my opinion!"

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

Heart wake up earlier and looks to the rain weather of the day. "Well, its just like my mood I guess..." Heart then finally wake up. He dont know what to do in this situation. He decided to ask some help from someone. He find Shiva in the lobby in her tabble and talk with her. "Howdy Shiva. Good morning." Heart them make a worry face. "Can I...talk with you? I having a problem and I was thinking if you can help it."

(Huh, I was writting on a post to adress how Heart was knocking on the door of the dorm Shiva and Ventus share, but I guess you'll catch up on her in the Lobby then.)


When feeling semi-left-behind, someone familar coming to the table to speak and greet one was tasting incredibly sugary. Shiva appreciated that, she was still kinda tired though despite her good mood.

"Hm? Oh, well, good morning, Heart... You've been doing well in Lil' Cup so far, I saw your name on the scoreboard fo..." Further she didn't come, as even for not-yet empath like Shiva was that worry coming from Heart was clearly detectable for her. He was a person who was honest with emotions after all.

"My my, certainly you can talk with me... I'll be all ears if you desire." *checking time on cell* "I should have a little time before I'll depart to the Shelter for my working shift. But I'd prefer either staying here at the Lobby or heading up to the dorm me and Ven share, no backroom please." *coffee-sipping noise*

"Thank you...And sorry to bother you." Then Heart join with Shiva in the tabble. He massage his head trying to find words about what to say. "I going to direct to the point. Me and Nathan since I join in the group we not...get along very much well, as you already notice until now. But since we return from the caverns when we meet the sage, the situation became more dired I guess. I was irate from Nathan decision from absent of the battle when we was battling that ground pokemon and see giving up and acting something like "Oh my Kirlia is frozen and my Deltadog is beat, I have pokemon to still continue the battle but instead I giving up from still fighting!" I was kinda irate about how much he left his guard down in that with the danger of another ambush."

"Yeah, we discover later it was some kinda of test, but if was not? What if it would be some danger who even might kill us in the first opportunity? I fight with him, trying to make him have a atitude, but because of the stress of life/deadly situation I call him onion and try to make him have some atitude. Then I try to courage him to have some atitude but instead he simple do nothing. I was disapointed and irate by this kinda of atitude. In that time I was beggining to respect him, but my respect for him fade away when he act the way he did, and with other atitudes."

"I even try to apologize him, but with no effect. Then the situation go worse and worse. When I invite you and Nathan, he was clealy umcofortable with my presence everytime. And I can see he is not acting the way he was normally acting when I joined with you guys. Yesterday after my pokemon battle in the Little Cup, when you was having your pokemon battle I try to talk with him, trying to fix our situation. But instead he simple ignore me like a statue, almost like he thinks he was superior to me. I was umpleased since I try to be polite, then I let go a comment like that: "Well, I know when my presence is not apreciated. I guess I have to keep this Old Unow notes with me and this information Dagny told to me. Welp I tried." Then I try to turn away and find another seat to watch your battle."

"But Kirlia simple teleport in my front trying to stop me. I imagined Nathan simple order his pokemon to try stop me and make me talk then I simple say: "IF Nathan want to talk with me, Nathan just need to talk with me. Otherwise I remain silent." Then I have trying to follow my path and Kirlia try again to stop me, and nothing about Nathan have any atitude, almost like he thinking I have own something to him and I the one to begin the talk. I was more infuriated like a Empirilla and say to Kirlia: "Look Kirlia, I say that before and I will say again: IF Nathan want speak with me, he just need just to speak with me. I will not talk unless he made his move, and talk about it. Otherwise I will remain silent. And he need learn something: Even friends sometimes give up trying in help when that person dont want to be help. You can have you blind loaylty as much you want Kirlia. I dont mind and I dont care. But dont expect me, Ventus or Shiva have the same blid loaylty. Now if you excuse me I have other things to do."

"This might be the reason why Nathan have some gloomy mood today. Nathan simple...ugh I dont know. I know I am wrong in many ways, but his atitude and actions sometimes me question if I really want to apologize such person like him. Sometimes I even think he dont care about anything, nor want to understand others or accept the opinion of anyone. And his past actions in the cavern make me question if Nathan have any moral left to boss anyone anymore. I simple want to give up in try resolve or fix the situation since he clearly stated in the beggining of our journey to Star City he doesnt even consider me a friend, so why I should try be friendly with someone who doesnt respect anyone and have any moral left with him?"

"Sorry Shiva to bother you with all of this, but I simple dont know what to do or how interact with such person like Nathan. He is like a wall filled with spikes. Everytime you try to understand, you hurt your hand and have your hand filled with spikes. This is the way I feel about Nathan."

[Iron]

Hmmm, that set for 0$ was just fine. As long as Shiva keeps that Skrelp close = away from others who might be not so careful and only touches it with gloves, there shouldn't be a need for more expensive gloves. However, she makes sure to grab several pairs (like, three or four) of the 0$-ones. (Will add them to Inventory)


Her fluffball and poisonous seahorse seemingly...getting along(?)...was enough to make Shiva question whether this was real and no lucid dream or wishful dreaming. Or has she kept Nymue too long on her hands that she was now suffering a poisonous delirium without having realized it? Eh... Nope, reality checks turned out she was right here, this was real. Seems like Cottonee loved and trusted her Master enough to not cause a scene for her having brought up a Poison Type... A young tiny and somewhat adorable one, but still Poison. Skrelp herself in return, must have somewhat understood that this vivid wad of cotton was very dear and close to her mother. This filled Shiva with delight, pride and a feeling like she can get through obstacles if given enough time and support when needed, similar like her fluffball...

As for Kyuu, since comprehensible reprimanding hasn't turned out fruitful, Shiva decided to simply take her psychic kitten away from their new possible-companion to sit on the bed with her instead. She could certainly feel these bursts of psychic energy though, now being close to her Espurr. This caused...mixxed feelings within her.

*carefull stroking over his forehead* "Sooo... How are your headaches doing, dear one? Would you feel like facing a foe in a battle, shall I ask you to do so? I've registered you for a special Tournament but...ehm...accidently missed out to ask you about your health before that, I'm sorry for this. Here, you can have the remains of these cookies as apology - plan vanilla, nothing extraordinary. But they're still very good."

Oh yes, Kyuu nods firmly! He'd like to practice for a battle/have a battle.

[Dragonstrike]

"Hmm, Shiva put you on a research assignment? Pray tell, what did she information did she ask you to collect for her? Whether or not I may be able to puzzle out what she wanted is an unknown right now, but two head thinking on a topic is better than one, correct?"

The researcher curiousity sparked when he saw how dismally the boy and Kirlia reacted when he named dropped the rare collector, but he kept it off his face and the front of his mind.

"......I take it he was uncooperative, for whatever reason? I won't pry if you don't want me to, but I can I ask what he did to offend you and Kirlia so?"

Presuming Nathan got out the pen and paper at some point, Ventus kindly asks for them, and neatly/precisely jots down the string of Old Unown from memory, before handing both back to them. "There! I couldn't comprehend much besides the fact that some of these symbols combine to form different meanings wholely different from the individual characters that make up their grouping. Given your interest in ancient history and Solomon's help, I know you'll have an easier time translating it then I ever will! "

"Speaking of, when would be a good chance for me to 'bone up' on this translation? Learning how to read Old Unown to some degree of fluidity would seem to be a prudent skill to invest in given how often our group encounter it, in my opinion!"

"...I figured it out.  Barely.  Don't know why she couldn't just be more straightforward with why she wanted the information in the first place..."

The fouler mood caused by mentioning Heart carries over slightly to that last statement, but only a little.  It returns in full force with the next one, though.

"...he insulted Kirlia.  That's all I'll say on the matter."

...nope, definitely not in the mood to talk about THAT in detail.

Nathan makes sure to put up the table's umbrella and dry the flat surface incredibly well before pulling out his journal and a pen for Ventus to record the symbols on.  There's a LOT of blue unown symbols on the page Nathan opens the journal to, some of them translated already, others incomplete (do tell me if Ventus takes a closer but brief look at them, and I'll tell ya what he glances over!)

"...the script is weird.  Some symbols match up with a single letter in the modern language, others seem to mean multiple things, and some symbols in certain combinations mean something else entirely than what they usually do.  And some of the translations don't even line up perfectly with the modern language.  Old Unown, or Elder if you're an academic or trying to sound fancy, takes time to understand, as I've discovered.  I still need a key to read it, and it's yet incomplete, but I can translate some messages.  I've got plenty of time today if you want to go over some of what I've learned so far, take some notes, but it's going to take some time (i.e. an encounter) to get ya caught up.  Going to try and get Forthright adjusted to her innate abilities today, otherwise.  Kinda fortunate that rain came so soon, really."

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

"...I figured it out.  Barely.  Don't know why she couldn't just be more straightforward with why she wanted the information in the first place..."

The fouler mood caused by mentioning Heart carries over slightly to that last statement, but only a little.  It returns in full force with the next one, though.

"...he insulted Kirlia.  That's all I'll say on the matter."

...nope, definitely not in the mood to talk about THAT in detail.

Nathan makes sure to put up the table's umbrella and dry the flat surface incredibly well before pulling out his journal and a pen for Ventus to record the symbols on.  There's a LOT of blue unown symbols on the page Nathan opens the journal to, some of them translated already, others incomplete (do tell me if Ventus takes a closer but brief look at them, and I'll tell ya what he glances over!)

"...the script is weird.  Some symbols match up with a single letter in the modern language, others seem to mean multiple things, and some symbols in certain combinations mean something else entirely than what they usually do.  And some of the translations don't even line up perfectly with the modern language.  Old Unown, or Elder if you're an academic or trying to sound fancy, takes time to understand, as I've discovered.  I still need a key to read it, and it's yet incomplete, but I can translate some messages.  I've got plenty of time today if you want to go over some of what I've learned so far, take some notes, but it's going to take some time (i.e. an encounter) to get ya caught up.  Going to try and get Forthright adjusted to her innate abilities today, otherwise.  Kinda fortunate that rain came so soon, really."

Ventus nodded his head at their initial rejoinder, and wisely kept his mouth shut when the boy curtly closed that line of inquiry with an almost audible *THUD!*

'......Oh dear, it appears they are both at it again. Admitidly it IS rather hard to deal with Nathan at times - to succiently understate it - but I see no reason WHY Heart would deliberately slight him and Kirlia, barring extraordinary circumstances. I'll have to talk with him later to get the full story, and determine how much of a scolding he deserves.......' the researcher thought, as he jotted down the Old Unown he memorized and taking the opportunity to see what progress/messages that Nathan has already deciphered/discovered.

He also raptly listened to their explaination of what limited Insight they had on the near incomprehensible script. "An odd way to structure a language, but at the same time it reminds me of the comparing the Modern English translation of The Caterberry Tales to the 'Old' English one, and some cryptophagry I studied/employed while working for my government and.....well, 'Them'. Rather fascinating overall, I must say! "

The researcher then looked over to the young trainer and gave them a rather excited and eager grin that belayed their next statement.

"Once you have completed a basic translation of the Old Unown Alphabet, you'll have completed a great undertaking that'll open up new avenues to exploring and learning of Cheshire's ancient past! I almost garentee you'll earn much praise and recognition from the anthropologist and historical acedmeic communities for such a discovery, and might be made offers by the big Universities in this region to come receive tutalige and eventually research for them! At the very least, you'll be remember as the person who decoded Old or 'Elder' Unown !"

When Nathan offered to catch him up on the translation process they uncovered thus far, Ventus almost immediately respond with an excited: "Yes, I would! I always enjoy learning new things that aren't taboo, especially something this mysterious! I might also be able to assist in the translation, as while my knowledge of Lore is wanting compared to yours, my own experience with cyphers and coding languages might be of some use!"

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

...as he jotted down the Old Unown he memorized and taking the opportunity to see what progress/messages that Nathan has already deciphered/discovered.

He also raptly listened to their explaination of what limited Insight they had on the near incomprehensible script. "An odd way to structure a language, but at the same time it reminds me of the comparing the Modern English translation of The Caterberry Tales to the 'Old' English one, and some cryptophagry I studied/employed while working for my government and.....well, 'Them'. Rather fascinating overall, I must say! "

The researcher then looked over to the young trainer and gave them a rather excited and eager grin that belayed their next statement.

"Once you have completed a basic translation of the Old Unown Alphabet, you'll have completed a great undertaking that'll open up new avenues to exploring and learning of Cheshire's ancient past! I almost garentee you'll earn much praise and recognition from the anthropologist and historical acedmeic communities for such a discovery, and might be made offers by the big Universities in this region to come receive tutalige and eventually research for them! At the very least, you'll be remember as the person who decoded Old or 'Elder' Unown !"

When Nathan offered to catch him up on the translation process they uncovered thus far, Ventus almost immediately respond with an excited: "Yes, I would! I always enjoy learning new things that aren't taboo, especially something this mysterious! I might also be able to assist in the translation, as while my knowledge of Lore is wanting compared to yours, my own experience with cyphers and coding languages might be of some use!"

What Ventus sees in the journal

This is the right page of the journal.  The left page has the alphabet and combinations listed on it, but Ventus wasn't looking at that in detail at the time before handing the journal back.

Every Old Unown message seen so far is listed on this page.  Lots of Blue Unown symbols, with translations underneath them.  The translations are as follows (and to the letter):

SHEER FORSE NITE SLASH

TO GO FORWARD KIRLIA MUST FIRST GO BAK

EA _ _ _ METAL (Nathan's made a note concerning the E as it pertains to the last two symbols in the first word.)

BRAILLE (Ventus will recognize this one from Solomon's Hidden Power two days ago.  Weird, no?)

"It's a language that's hundreds of years old at least.  Languages change, just as people and pokemon do."

Nathan doesn't really comment on the recognition part.  He knows that, and it's not really that exciting for him.  He's just happy enough with enjoying his own hobby/obsession on his own terms.

"...well, just tell me when ya want to do it then.  Got until this evening, since that's when the Little Cup is going on."