[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Iron]

Nod!

"...was it...a vision of you as a Kirlia having a vision of me holding a sword and pointing southwest with it?"

If it is indeed the same vision, I wonder if Gallade is surprised that Nathan was able to accurately describe it...

Nope! *head shake*

BUT Gallade does seem to find that vision familiar, and he's surprised Nathan can describe it.

[Iron]

Spoiler

Spoiler

Nathan startles a little, but does his best to keep his response smooth.  No need to worry Terra about this quite yet.

"Hm?  Oh, uh...no, don't really have anything else to talk about right now, no.  Except...well, here."

Nathan tosses Terra 2 unused Pokeballs.

"Thanks for helping.  Use those to catch yourself a nice friend too, alright?"

Even if Terra caught on to Nathan trying to keep something quiet, that should hopefully serve as a decent enough distraction, right?
(…)

Terra isn't actually too concerned/interested about whatever Nathan and Gallade are discussing, as he assumed it was a private conversation between the two(judging by how hush hush the boy was acting about it), and so politely refrained from paying attention/ignored it completely by thinking of other stuff (Like Ray/Duskull). His gut tells him that whatever the clever trainer and his knight were discussing, it wasn't THAT important, and so he didn't worry about it. If they want/need him to know about their conversation, they'll tell him at some point. Simple.

Talk about an casual attitude!

(Unlike Ven or Shiva, Terra isn't bothered by others keeping stuff secret/private about most things (Group Rewards and stuff that affects the party/party members are some promenient exceptions to this), as he figures if someone is keeping stuff from him/the rest of the group, they have a good reason to do so. He's curious, naturally, but he's not a nosy/insecure/paranoid enough person to start 'spying'/hounding people for info he may or may not need (which may or may not even concern him anyway)! )

(Of course, if he found out if they or anyone else WAS keeping something particularly critical and/or nasty as a secret that affects him/the group without good reason.....well, he'd tried to be understanding about it, but he'd also be.....displeased. Just FYI!)

He catches both Pokeballs without much effort, giving the scholarly boy a mildly surprised look for the unexpected gift, before smiling and nodding his head.

"You are welcome, Nathan. I will put these to good use. Thank you."

Saying that, the simple monk pocketed the balls, before departing to the Training Room. Once there, he did the following things before summoning Duskull:

- He goes into Serious Mode, looking as Intimidating and forboding as possible
- He summons Shiranui and Melly, and has the later Paralyze the former to activate Guts.
- If there's room, return Melly and summon Lapis Lazuli in her place, and have them use Coil while encircling a space big enough to hold Terra, Shiranui, and Duskull (When they are released).
- If the isn't room, Melly will be kept out, and she'll use Howl to buff herself.
- Shiranui will be given orders to use one restrained Knock Off on Duskull if they get too onery/Disobedient to get them to stop that (IE: They try to escape and/or attack Terra + Co), while Lovely/Melly will keep watch for any shady behavior from the spooky specter, and back up Shiranui with a un restrained Water Gun/Fire Fangs (3 Each) if they persist in being violently mulish. All of them are told to look serious/Intimidating as possible, too.

After all the above is accomplished, only then will Terra release Duskull. What they see upon getting their bearings is his trainer looking more grave than them, their expression hard and stony liked chiseled marble, Shiranui squared off in a battle ready sumo pose with absolutely zero of his normal jollity/levity, and Lovely encircling the small group and looming menacingly over him/Melly glaring daggers at him, sparks and arcs of electricity popping across her body. All were starring at him.

"Duskull."

His tone was grim, deep, and charged with displeasure, like a rumbling thundercloud ready to let loose a both of lightning.

"You are in trouble. For leaving the Big Hunt...…and for trying to leave me, your Trainer. "

*Beat*

"....That is not allowed."

...


"I want to make you strong. Better. I want to be your friend. To be your partner."

"But."

" …Can't do that if you don't.....try. To work with me. With my partners. Your partners. We can only get stronger working together, and helping each other. Not alone. Never alone. You should know that. If not.....you will."

…

"...Do you understand, Duskull?"

Order: Use Intimidation (With or without a Roll) to impress the severity of what Duskull did/tried to do with Terra/his Pokemon, and also as a means to hopefully prevent them from getting up to trouble + get them listen/seriously consider what he has to say. If they DO decide to be a serious threat, then Shiranui and Lovely/Melly are ready to stamp down on that HARD. Let's see how this goes....

Duskull doesn't care about any of that. He crosses his sleeves and huffs. After you dragged him from his home and put him in a ball, he doesn't feel he owes you anything, least of all friendship.

He is intimidated by Terra, so he doesn't try anything, but he's far from having any respect for Terra.

Terra does gain 1XP for a great description though.

[Iron]

Spritzee is very enamored by the scent of the Enigma Berry. She tries to eat it! Of course, Shiva doesn't let her. Spritzee does naturally like the rain's scent.

Chi begins a Lucky Chant, perching over the edge of the table. She squees "Mmmm!!!" as she eats her portion of the berry - a surprise to Shiva, because her third tastes the way a Poochyena smells.

(4)(3) = 7, average. That's actually what you want, as Zigzagoon is the most common Pokemon in Cress City!

Nothing happens right away, but as Shiva waits two hours near the picnic table, here comes a wandering Zigzagoon! It zigs over to the BBQ pit, zags over to a dropped sammich under a leaf - both of which disappears into its exceptionally soft-looking fur - then ambles over to the picnic table near Shiva! Oh, it looks so soft, except for the spiky endings to each clump of that luxurious hair. And under its belly, no zigzags at all, just fluff! He's picking up a lot of dew as he goes.

[Dragonstrike]

Nope! *head shake*

BUT Gallade does seem to find that vision familiar, and he's surprised Nathan can describe it.

"...so, you felt a lurch, had a brief vision, Terra didn't feel anything, and at the same time, I..."

This is totally mind blowing for Nathan.

He'd thought he'd maybe been sharing a vision with Gallade...

...but it turns out he simply just had a vision almost entirely separate from what Gallade had experienced?!  How in the...

"...the vision you saw, Gallade...was it a location of some kind?"

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Duskull doesn't care about any of that. He crosses his sleeves and huffs. After you dragged him from his home and put him in a ball, he doesn't feel he owes you anything, least of all friendship.

He is intimidated by Terra, so he doesn't try anything, but he's far from having any respect for Terra.

Terra does gain 1XP for a great description though.

The great lumbing man expression doesn't change from Duskull blatant contempt for his authority/genuine offer of friendship, but he does close his eyes and shakes his head.

"I am your Trainer. You are my partner.....and will be my friend. Not now, not soon....but someday. Will work hard to make that happen. Never stop trying, until I earn it. Until you want accept it. Freely. *Pauses for effect* ….You may not like or respect me now....but you will. [u]Promise.[/u]"

Terra say this with utmost conviction, his words and tone infused with his absolute belief....no, absolute certainty in his statement. The spooky specter will become a trusted, Loyal partner and friend, even if he has to go through hell and highwater to make it happen. He didn't let Genie's or Basteele's naturally impish and/or unruly attitudes stop him from becoming close to them, so he most definitately won't falter to Duskull's either!

He pause to let that all sink in for the ghoulish Ghost and to think of what next to say, before picking up without missing a beat.

"....So what will it take for you to respect me, Duskull? Took you hunting, but that did not work. So what will? If I can do it, I will try. For us...and for you."

Order: Emphasize Terra's unwavering belief that they WILL be friends/true partner, and that he will do whatever is necessary in order to both achieve AND earn that. Depending on the outcome, it will determine what exactly my chara. does to punish Duskull. Hopefully we can make some tiny progress with it....for its shake.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Spritzee is very enamored by the scent of the Enigma Berry. She tries to eat it! Of course, Shiva doesn't let her. Spritzee does naturally like the rain's scent.

Chi begins a Lucky Chant, perching over the edge of the table. She squees "Mmmm!!!" as she eats her portion of the berry - a surprise to Shiva, because her third tastes the way a Poochyena smells.

Actually if Spritzee does enjoy the smell of the enigmatic Berry THAT much, Shiva gladly lets her have a slice to snack it, but not the whole Berry. It's probably just as big as tiny Spritzee to begin with!

I don't really get what the sentence I marked in green italic means though, can you rephrase that a little? Or does it simply mean that my Luxi's taste is very selective and sensitive?


Oh, and you roll for the species of Pokemon but not for what is rare about it? Huh, I've believed both will be rolled out from the given detailed mechanics here. But it's fine, a *Zigzagoon appearing was all I asked for!

Nothing happens right away, but as Shiva waits two hours near the picnic table, here comes a wandering Zigzagoon! It zigs over to the BBQ pit, zags over to a dropped sammich under a leaf - both of which disappears into its exceptionally soft-looking fur - then ambles over to the picnic table near Shiva! Oh, it looks so soft, except for the spiky endings to each clump of that luxurious hair. And under its belly, no zigzags at all, just fluff! He's picking up a lot of dew as he goes.

Le message:
Hey everyone! Heart here. Just to ask how you guys are doing? Any news to tell? I dont have much to say: I strengh my bonds with Alphonse, my Hypno, and caugh a nice Ambipom. With some nice strong moves. The Silk Scarf gonna be useful later. And teach a new strong Dragon Move for Koa, Dragon Claw![

Also Shiva, I hope you dont mind I have make something to light the mood later Shiva. I prepare some snacks since I suspect its gonna be serious. I make Mind Tea Punch. Good thing to make someone relax and heal the stress. And some Salad Fruits with cream. Nothing to much fancy, just enough to be a light dinner when we meet. If you want join Terra, you should come. There is much food for everyone! Human and Pokemon.

Shiva's definitely content enough to indeed linger at that picnic table for two hours, waiting for anything being lured by the smell of the Berry in excited anticipitation. She's passing the time by casually playing with Chi and Dizzy, stroking through Spritzee's soft pink featherly fluff and browing her Almanac a little (she doesn't dare to start playing Pokemon Tetris however, as she fears to miss something around her if she does) and simply chillaxing after that tirering battle against dear Tanuki. After roughly one hour most of her eager excitement has faded and got replaced with patient calmness, though she keeps an eye open for any Pokemon appearing non-stop.

She notices a new message on her cell as she checks time and weather forecast at some point, this time she's not dissappointed over seeing 'ArcHeart' as the sender as she knows that Ven's busy with his research. This doesn't prevent her from thinking of him though with a mildly wishful smile.

The reply she sends to Heart reads the following.

Nice to hear from you, Heart; and nice that you wer able to spend the day well.

I don't mind snacks at all, and would never say no to a decent tea. Good thinking! Yes, please them to the meeting in my current dorm, as I'm feeling coming together to snack afterwards will be difficult.

Until later then; greetings!~ o/

(What salad fruits with cream are though, Shiva has no idea, but fruits sound fine and good on its own already.)

---------------------------------------------------------------
Though when that Zigzagoon appeared - ALL attention the empathic fae enthusiast can scratch together gets focused on it. With a radient smile of joy and 'I knew it!' she watches its steps, blatantly failed to hide that squeal of delight that escaped her as the ziggy racoon came into her direction. Eeeee!

"Well, hello furry one!" she greets it as it was within reach, "Or should I say fluffy one?" With utmost care she extends one hand to allow Zigzagoon sniff on it, probably smells like a mixture of Enigma Berry and Pokemon. She's also taking care that none of her currently present Pokemon (just Chi and Spritzee) nor Dizzy nor she herself accidently scare that Zigzagoon away by sudden movements. "You've came just to the right time, I was just about to share some sweet fruit one of my Pokemon grows between us all. You'd like to join us for a snack? You can also dry your...SPLENDIDLY looking fur a little on this towel." *strokes over the one spread out on the picnic table as an improvised tea cloath*

Shiva does not openly or directly show it, but this Zigzagoon interests and fascinates her GREATLY, it's so adorable!! So.... So... She actually didn't know how to describe it, but there's a strong desire within her to stroke that fine fur and get her OT and ID on this particular Zigzagoon, similar like it was in Yena's case. So strong that she is paying extra caution to whatever it does, making sure to not miss a clue on the furry-fluffy Ziggy in order to react/respond accordingly - she gains her 3rd point in Empathy Speciality now for 12xp. One day she'll be just as intimidating and alluring, but for now the sentiments of deeper and more successful interactions come first for her.

[Iron]

Spritzee is very enamored by the scent of the Enigma Berry. She tries to eat it! Of course, Shiva doesn't let her. Spritzee does naturally like the rain's scent.

Chi begins a Lucky Chant, perching over the edge of the table. She squees "Mmmm!!!" as she eats her portion of the berry - a surprise to Shiva, because her third tastes the way a Poochyena smells.

Actually if Spritzee does enjoy the smell of the enigmatic Berry THAT much, Shiva gladly lets her have a slice to snack it, but not the whole Berry. It's probably just as big as tiny Spritzee to begin with!

I don't really get what the sentence I marked in green italic means though, can you rephrase that a little? Or does it simply mean that my Luxi's taste is very selective and sensitive?

Shiva's Berry tastes bad. Luxi's Berry seems to taste good! So Shiva is surprised to see the same berry tastes different for different characters.

Spritzee doesn't react as much to eating it, but she's mostly savoring it.

Spoiler

Oh, and you roll for the species of Pokemon but not for what is rare about it? Huh, I've believed both will be rolled out from the given detailed mechanics here. But it's fine, a *Zigzagoon appearing was all I asked for!

Nothing happens right away, but as Shiva waits two hours near the picnic table, here comes a wandering Zigzagoon! It zigs over to the BBQ pit, zags over to a dropped sammich under a leaf - both of which disappears into its exceptionally soft-looking fur - then ambles over to the picnic table near Shiva! Oh, it looks so soft, except for the spiky endings to each clump of that luxurious hair. And under its belly, no zigzags at all, just fluff! He's picking up a lot of dew as he goes.

Le message:
Hey everyone! Heart here. Just to ask how you guys are doing? Any news to tell? I dont have much to say: I strengh my bonds with Alphonse, my Hypno, and caugh a nice Ambipom. With some nice strong moves. The Silk Scarf gonna be useful later. And teach a new strong Dragon Move for Koa, Dragon Claw![

Also Shiva, I hope you dont mind I have make something to light the mood later Shiva. I prepare some snacks since I suspect its gonna be serious. I make Mind Tea Punch. Good thing to make someone relax and heal the stress. And some Salad Fruits with cream. Nothing to much fancy, just enough to be a light dinner when we meet. If you want join Terra, you should come. There is much food for everyone! Human and Pokemon.

Shiva's definitely content enough to indeed linger at that picnic table for two hours, waiting for anything being lured by the smell of the Berry in excited anticipitation. She's passing the time by casually playing with Chi and Dizzy, stroking through Spritzee's soft pink featherly fluff and browing her Almanac a little (she doesn't dare to start playing Pokemon Tetris however, as she fears to miss something around her if she does) and simply chillaxing after that tirering battle against dear Tanuki. After roughly one hour most of her eager excitement has faded and got replaced with patient calmness, though she keeps an eye open for any Pokemon appearing non-stop.

She notices a new message on her cell as she checks time and weather forecast at some point, this time she's not dissappointed over seeing 'ArcHeart' as the sender as she knows that Ven's busy with his research. This doesn't prevent her from thinking of him though with a mildly wishful smile.

The reply she sends to Heart reads the following.

Nice to hear from you, Heart; and nice that you wer able to spend the day well.

I don't mind snacks at all, and would never say no to a decent tea. Good thinking! Yes, please them to the meeting in my current dorm, as I'm feeling coming together to snack afterwards will be difficult.

Until later then; greetings!~ o/

(What salad fruits with cream are though, Shiva has no idea, but fruits sound fine and good on its own already.)

---------------------------------------------------------------
Though when that Zigzagoon appeared - ALL attention the empathic fae enthusiast can scratch together gets focused on it. With a radient smile of joy and 'I knew it!' she watches its steps, blatantly failed to hide that squeal of delight that escaped her as the ziggy racoon came into her direction. Eeeee!

"Well, hello furry one!" she greets it as it was within reach, "Or should I say fluffy one?" With utmost care she extends one hand to allow Zigzagoon sniff on it, probably smells like a mixture of Enigma Berry and Pokemon. She's also taking care that none of her currently present Pokemon (just Chi and Spritzee) nor Dizzy nor she herself accidently scare that Zigzagoon away by sudden movements. "You've came just to the right time, I was just about to share some sweet fruit one of my Pokemon grows between us all. You'd like to join us for a snack? You can also dry your...SPLENDIDLY looking fur a little on this towel." *strokes over the one spread out on the picnic table as an improvised tea cloath*

Shiva does not openly or directly show it, but this Zigzagoon interests and fascinates her GREATLY, it's so adorable!! So.... So... She actually didn't know how to describe it, but there's a strong desire within her to stroke that fine fur and get her OT and ID on this particular Zigzagoon, similar like it was in Yena's case. So strong that she is paying extra caution to whatever it does, making sure to not miss a clue on the furry-fluffy Ziggy in order to react/respond accordingly - she gains her 3rd point in Empathy Speciality now for 12xp. One day she'll be just as intimidating and alluring, but for now the sentiments of deeper and more successful interactions come first for her.

Insight+Empathy: (6)(4)(2)(1)(2)(1*) (6)(4)(2) = 4 successes
Will is only 4: (2)(6)(5)(2)

The little goon rolls over and over on the towel, connecting a bunch of his (?) fur to it. He startles off into the woods, towel still attached with static cling!

Shiva calls out to it, and it runs back...this time, bearing a new towel in addition to the original! Guess Zigzagoon celebrates towel day.

What fruit do you have to share? You sense Zigzagoon is hoping for a specific fruit, but he's going to be pleased no matter what fruit you share.

[Iron]

Nope! *head shake*

BUT Gallade does seem to find that vision familiar, and he's surprised Nathan can describe it.

"...so, you felt a lurch, had a brief vision, Terra didn't feel anything, and at the same time, I..."

This is totally mind blowing for Nathan.

He'd thought he'd maybe been sharing a vision with Gallade...

...but it turns out he simply just had a vision almost entirely separate from what Gallade had experienced?!  How in the...

"...the vision you saw, Gallade...was it a location of some kind?"

Gallade nods, and gestures around at the Pokemon Center! He had a vision...of the place he's in now?

[Iron]

Spoiler

Duskull doesn't care about any of that. He crosses his sleeves and huffs. After you dragged him from his home and put him in a ball, he doesn't feel he owes you anything, least of all friendship.

He is intimidated by Terra, so he doesn't try anything, but he's far from having any respect for Terra.

Terra does gain 1XP for a great description though.

The great lumbing man expression doesn't change from Duskull blatant contempt for his authority/genuine offer of friendship, but he does close his eyes and shakes his head.

"I am your Trainer. You are my partner.....and will be my friend. Not now, not soon....but someday. Will work hard to make that happen. Never stop trying, until I earn it. Until you want accept it. Freely. *Pauses for effect* ….You may not like or respect me now....but you will. [u]Promise.[/u]"

Terra say this with utmost conviction, his words and tone infused with his absolute belief....no, absolute certainty in his statement. The spooky specter will become a trusted, Loyal partner and friend, even if he has to go through hell and highwater to make it happen. He didn't let Genie's or Basteele's naturally impish and/or unruly attitudes stop him from becoming close to them, so he most definitately won't falter to Duskull's either!

He pause to let that all sink in for the ghoulish Ghost and to think of what next to say, before picking up without missing a beat.

"....So what will it take for you to respect me, Duskull? Took you hunting, but that did not work. So what will? If I can do it, I will try. For us...and for you."

Order: Emphasize Terra's unwavering belief that they WILL be friends/true partner, and that he will do whatever is necessary in order to both achieve AND earn that. Depending on the outcome, it will determine what exactly my chara. does to punish Duskull. Hopefully we can make some tiny progress with it....for its shake.

Duskull puts a hand under his chin. Hmm...

After a moment's pondering, he holds his arms out in opposite directions, a dramatic pose. Duskull definitely has something in mind, but it's going to take a man of more insight than Terra has to understand these charades. (Maybe a Ghost expert?)

[Dragonstrike]

Gallade nods, and gestures around at the Pokemon Center! He had a vision...of the place he's in now?

Nathan's definitely not sure what to make of that...

"...okay...well, maybe why that happened will be clearer given enough time...hmmm...well, I think it's almost time for Shiva's...meeting...guess we better wait for her in the lobby...come on, Ray.  Let's get going."

Welp, off to the lobby we go to wait for everyone to gather for that meeting.  Gallade is going to be the only pokemon Nathan has out while waiting.