[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Iron]

"The Sitars will come upon me in the night, and drag me away! They'll set a trap and destroy us with magic! They'll burn down the Library and all the books it contains!"

[Dragonstrike]

"The Sitars will come upon me in the night, and drag me away! They'll set a trap and destroy us with magic! They'll burn down the Library and all the books it contains!"

"That's why we've set up a watch and have not one, but two Absol to act as an early warning system.  And if they wanted us gone, they would have done so already since they've been tailing us and we didn't even know they were until now.  And they aren't looking to destroy the library, they want what's contained in it.  Which is why we need to find it first.  Or drive them away so we don't have to worry about them tailing us.  They aren't invincible.  I've faced a couple Scimitars already, and they don't rely on their pokemon very much.  We KO them, and their gauntlets explode.  Or if they don't, we take them away.  If they don't have their gauntlets, they can't use their 'magic', and aren't nearly as threatening."

...

"...look, we said we'd protect you, and we will.  There's 5 of us with 6 strong pokemon each.  We can take them.  They'd be fools to try taking us all down.  Until we reach the library or actually confront them, they aren't likely to even touch us."

...

"...and if you still doubt we'll protect you, just look at what happened earlier.  You made it out of there fine, right?  Don't worry, we've got your back.  We know it's dangerous down here.  That's why we're working together.  Stick close to us, and  you'll be fine, alright?"

[Iron]

"Alright. You smell like you believe what you're saying. I hope you're right. Sleep well." He summons Growlithe to keep him warm in his sleeping bag.

[Dragonstrike]

"Alright. You smell like you believe what you're saying. I hope you're right. Sleep well." He summons Growlithe to keep him warm in his sleeping bag.

Once everyone's left, Nathan coments to himself, "...I have to believe I'm right about that, to be honest..."

...*sigh*...it'd be nice to have a warm fire dog right about now...that's not gonna happen, though...well, at least Swiftfire is still warm, even if she's not quite as cuddly...it is nice to be spending so much time with her again, though...like having a little piece of home with him...

Nathan resumes his watch until completion or something else gets his, Calam, or Ralts' attention.  When it's Heart's turn, he bids the collector a good night.  He makes some notes in his journal with Solomon observing and Swiftfire providing warmth and some light, but his train of thought has been quite derailed by what just resulted from catching that Solosis spying on them.

And after his watch, it's time for some well deserved rest. He'd deal with...Solosis..in the..morn...zzzzzzz.....

[Iron]

It is now Day 58. Everyone is finally refreshed, and not exhausted! A little cold, though, in this cavern. The tunnel toward the Atheneum feels a mite chilly, too.

[Dragonstrike]

It is now Day 58. Everyone is finally refreshed, and not exhausted! A little cold, though, in this cavern. The tunnel toward the Atheneum feels a mite chilly, too.

(And everyone [except Solosis] is fully healed on the HP front, too thanks to the +5 overnight recovery! Woohoo!)

Brrrrrrrrr.  Nathan's making sure to stay close to Swiftfire.  That sweater and his jacket only help so much.  He's also got Calam and Ralts out for obvious reasons.

And they're waiting for Solosis to come to in addition to all the usual reasons.  Should be soon...Nathan has a tight grip on the little guy.  And if the blob does somehow squirm out, Calam's pursuit and the raw speed of Swiftfire and Calam when using Quick Attack should make it a simple matter to catch up to and/or KO it before it gets away.

Solosis isn't going anywhere unless Nathan lets it.

[Lord Windos]

It is now Day 58. Everyone is finally refreshed, and not exhausted! A little cold, though, in this cavern. The tunnel toward the Atheneum feels a mite chilly, too.

Turns out that eventually Ventus DID obtain some precious sleep after last night's events (albeit it was uncomfortable), so he awoken refreshed - well, more like no longer worn down to the bone - and ready to greet the day with an icily determined frown and plenty of cold hard grit. After last night's reveal that the Scimitars had/have them under survalence and could summon themselves and cast their black sorcerories upon them at any given time , the empath's paranioa, Alertness, and vigilance was at an all time high while his normally comfortable, sociable, kind, pleasing, and affable charming/charismatic/genial manner were the polar opposite. Gone were those soft feelings, and in their place place was an almost abrasive severity and a no-nonsense attitude, faintly (for now) underlined by a harsh pragmatism for his much scorn and accursed enemies and the now all to apparent danger he and his group was in......

This Ventus Zackarieh, while far from unhinged, vengeful, or Unfettered, clearly meant business in whatever he set out to do from this day forward, and he would take no prisoners as he marched through the depths of Mt. Sentry and to Antheneum, save those unworthy or undeserving of such treatment.

After a small portion of his rations and 1/3 bottle of tea for breakfast, the hardened researcher exited the tent with Malphena hovering faithfully by his side, walking over to Nathan and standing beside him with arms crossed, choosing not to directly address him right now and instead stare at their surroundings with seriousness and wariness. Since they were in charge of the Solosis, he would wait to see what would they do with them this day/not before voicing his own ideas, as he very well knew if he rushed them or choose his words without care they'd become standoffish and difficult to work with. Patience was a virtue with the boy, as it was with many a thing.....

The wailing banshee on the other hand gave Nathan an aloof, superior *Hmpt* upon catching them in her gaze, but stay well clear of him and Ralts, as that blasted Dark beast was lurking by their side. She couldn't damn well get near them with THAT creature overcautiously defending their every step and breath, so it looks like she wouldn't be teasing her dear Ralts for awhile. What a shame THAT would be, ho hum..... At least they seemed more chipper than yesterday, so she could be content with that much.

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

Turns out that eventually Ventus DID obtain some precious sleep after last night's events (albeit it was uncomfortable), so he awoken refreshed - well, more like no longer worn down to the bone - and ready to greet the day with an icily determined frown and plenty of cold hard grit. After last night's reveal that the Scimitars had/have them under survalence and could summon themselves and cast their black sorcerories upon them at any given time , the empath's paranioa, Alertness, and vigilance was at an all time high while his normally comfortable, sociable, kind, pleasing, and affable charming/charismatic/genial manner were the polar opposite. Gone were those soft feelings, and in their place place was an almost abrasive severity and a no-nonsense attitude, faintly (for now) underlined by a harsh pragmatism for his much scorn and accursed enemies and the now all to apparent danger he and his group was in......

This Ventus Zackarieh, while far from unhinged, vengeful, or Unfettered, clearly meant business in whatever he set out to do from this day forward, and he would take no prisoners as he marched through the depths of Mt. Sentry and to Antheneum, save those unworthy or undeserving of such treatment.

After a small portion of his rations and 1/3 bottle of tea for breakfast, the hardened researcher exited the tent with Malphena hovering faithfully by his side, walking over to Nathan and standing beside him with arms crossed, choosing not to directly address him right now and instead stare at their surroundings with seriousness and wariness. Since they were in charge of the Solosis, he would wait to see what would they do with them this day/not before voicing his own ideas, as he very well knew if he rushed them or choose his words without care they'd become standoffish and difficult to work with. Patience was a virtue with the boy, as it was with many a thing.....

The wailing banshee on the other hand gave Nathan an aloof, superior *Hmpt* upon catching them in her gaze, but stay well clear of him and Ralts, as that blasted Dark beast was lurking by their side. She couldn't damn well get near them with THAT creature overcautiously defending their every step and breath, so it looks like she wouldn't be teasing her dear Ralts for awhile. What a shame THAT would be, ho hum..... At least they seemed more chipper than yesterday, so she could be content with that much.

Unfortunately, 'standoffish and difficult to work with' is the name of the game right now before Ventus has even begun.

"...did you need something, Ventus?  I'd appreciate a little space.  I'll be scaring Solosis enough as it is when it wakes, so I don't need any help in that area if that's what you're here for.  And Ralts and I would highly appreciate it if you turned down the dour mood a little, too.  We're on edge enough due to our own fears and worries, thank you very much."

Nathan and Ralts ignore Malphena (almost) entirely.  'Chipper' isn't really the word I'd use to describe Nathan, Ralts, and Calam right now.  'Grim' is a bit closer to what I had in mind.  Ralts and Calam have a much more serious attitude than they usually do, one that Nathan is mirroring with good reason...

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Unfortunately, 'standoffish and difficult to work with' is the name of the game right now before Ventus has even begun.

"...did you need something, Ventus?  I'd appreciate a little space.  I'll be scaring Solosis enough as it is when it wakes, so I don't need any help in that area if that's what you're here for.  And Ralts and I would highly appreciate it if you turned down the dour mood a little, too.  We're on edge enough due to our own fears and worries, thank you very much."

Nathan and Ralts ignore Malphena (almost) entirely.  'Chipper' isn't really the word I'd use to describe Nathan, Ralts, and Calam right now.  'Grim' is a bit closer to what I had in mind.  Ralts and Calam have a much more serious attitude than they usuually do, one that Nathan is mirroring with good reason...

A sigh escapes Ventus at Nathan terse response, as he looks at them out of the corner of their eye.

"I suppose we are both without pleasantries this morning, but it is to be expected. I don't need anything from you presently, but I would like to know what you plan on doing with Solosis going forward. Are you going to use them to lead us to its masters, or are you going to hold them for ransom until further notice as we continue our journey towards Antheneum? Killing them is not an option you wish to indulge this time, so its one or the other choice, and I'd like to know which so I can prepare myself accordingly."

The hardened researcher then closes his eyes and slowly shakes his head, as if he already expected their sass and accepted it with resignation.

"Right now Nathan, I have no interest myself in ending Solosis' life, though the desire is there as you and Ralts are no doubt well aware by now. Just because I the inclination doesn't mean I will act on it, however. They are your responsibility now, and I will not get myself dragged down fighting you over its final fate. Beyond that, they'll serve a purpose besides being depriaved from their masters by leading us to them later or the reverse, so menacing them is the very last thing I'll do, much less bring harm to it. Rest assured I'll do nothing to jeapordize its safety, so long as that is what you wish for it. Whatever happens to it and because of it falls squarely upon you now. "

He says everything in an calm, even tone, in such a way that it lended an undeniable truth to his words. He then turns their head towards the boy and regards them fully, his manner disspassonate , reserved, and 'dour' as they so helpfully termed.

"As for my mood......we'll, you put it well yourself. 'We're on edge due to our own fears and worries.' If you can't accept and work with that, then all I can hope for is that you grow more tolerant and master yourself the longer we travel these tunnels. Its a long trip, and I rather not you be miserable and demoralized on my account when its ultimately preventable."

Malphena had to revise her opinion now that it became apparent that nope, Ralt's is gloom and doom as both his AND her master was, causing her to grimace in distaste as she floated out of Calam's range. Bah, were was the fun and lively spirit that was present in the beginning of their journey, huh?! *Sigh* Something tells her this is going to be a loooooong trip from here on out.....

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

A sigh escapes Ventus at Nathan terse response, as he looks at them out of the corner of their eye.

"I suppose we are both without pleasantries this morning, but it is to be expected. I don't need anything from you presently, but I would like to know what you plan on doing with Solosis going forward. Are you going to use them to lead us to its masters, or are you going to hold them for ransom until further notice as we continue our journey towards Antheneum? Killing them is not an option you wish to indulge this time, so its one or the other choice, and I'd like to know which so I can prepare myself accordingly."

The hardened researcher then closes his eyes and slowly shakes his head, as if he already expected their sass and accepted it with resignation.

"Right now Nathan, I have no interest myself in ending Solosis' life, though the desire is there as you and Ralts are no doubt well aware by now. Just because I the inclination doesn't mean I will act on it, however. They are your responsibility now, and I will not get myself dragged down fighting you over its final fate. Beyond that, they'll serve a purpose besides being depriaved from their masters by leading us to them later or the reverse, so menacing them is the very last thing I'll do, much less bring harm to it. Rest assured I'll do nothing to jeapordize its safety, so long as that is what you wish for it. Whatever happens to it and because of it falls squarely upon you now. "

He says everything in an calm, even tone, in such a way that it lended an undeniable truth to his words. He then turns their head towards the boy and regards them fully, his manner disspassonate , reserved, and 'dour' as they so helpfully termed.

"As for my mood......we'll, you put it well yourself. 'We're on edge due to our own fears and worries.' If you can't accept and work with that, then all I can hope for is that you grow more tolerant and master yourself the longer we travel these tunnels. Its a long trip, and I rather not you be miserable and demoralized on my account when its ultimately preventable."

Malphena had to revise her opinion now that it became apparent that nope, Ralt's is gloom and doom as both his AND her master was, causing her to grimace in distaste as she floated out of Calam's range. Bah, were was the fun and lively spirit that was present in the beginning of their journey, huh?! *Sigh* Something tells her this is going to be a loooooong trip from here on out.....

"...ransom only works if they care enough about the pokemon to make extra effort to get it back.  They've threatened to steal my pokemon before, so I can't be certain they'd care about the loss of one pokemon.  I need to ask Solosis some questions, and then we'll probably have Mr. Finder use it to track the Scimitars.  Whether we engage them before we reach Atheneum is another matter."

Nathan's still rather annoyed that he's being bothered about this right now, even if it does make sense for Ventus to be asking these questions.