[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

You wait for the soldiers to wander a little less, and then you slip away west. Soon you come to a point where the road decreases in width, losing the little statuettes and the rails. There are still signs of grandiosity, though, in the shadow of the peak. There are frequent guard towers with all kinds of silver-threaded banners, rare Pokemon, and big statues of royal figures with gems in them. And each has a Bronzong floating above it, draped in finery.

These Bronzong are also posted halfway between each tower. Nathan knows they can be run at any time by any one to summon assistance, though guards might be upset if you waste their time on unworthy obstacles.

That being said, there's plenty of road out of sight of either guard tower or Bronzong, and that's where the wild Pokemon remain. It's also possible to find items fallen out of carts, which run back and forth constantly even at night.

Beautiful wells are sunk into the ground, guarded by Conkeldurr. Certain tiles in the road have been laced with silver and mother of pearl - when the moon shines on them, they reflect the light in gorgeous patterns. Dizzy loves it.
Now and then, metallic arches stretch across the road, serving no practical function other than to display signposts in a more angular script than is used in 1925+.

You find a spot that seems rich in Pokemon life (and plant life too) where you can all go do your own thing while remaining in shouting distance.

Shiva passes the waiting time with observing the stars, playing with Dizzy and young Eevee and drinking more coffee, every now and then she takes cautious but subliminally still interested looks over to the camp of the ancient people. As soon as the coast was clear and they all could depart without worrying about being 'caught' or such she was quick to leave that place far behind herself however; she calmed a bit down from her fearful state upon Terra having packed away most of his scary armor.

She ends up lagging behind a little though, mostly because she is shepherding the family of Eevee to not wander off and due to observing the surrounding with care. The night was clear and beautiful, how could she not keep Umbreon, Dittumbreon and their son out of their Balls for some walk!~ The Soothe Bell precious Umbreon wears gives off faint chims at every step he takes.

These distant Bronzong on top of  and in between the guard towers are quite something to see, while their Steel Type worries the natural fae enthusiast a little, their skill and reputation as a bringer of rain and plentiful harvests makes her enjoy them - she feels like she can comprehend why these people here has chosen them as for this task. They too give her an uncomfortable feeling of being watched through time and space however and she quickly brings her attention back to the path.

These tiles laced with silver and mother of pearl are admired together with Dizzy, causing her to lagg a bit behind again. Some Noctowl and other, indefinable flying Pokemon darting through the starry sky above her head quickly make her catch up with the other again, only to find them split up a bit and investigating different things at this spot. An impercible sigh escapes her as she lets her gaze wander over this spot before gifting an encouraging look+smile to the family of Eevee. "Well, you three... Shall we just look a bit around ourselves and see what we end up finding?  Stay by my side please but feel free to tell me if something is of your interest so that we can investigate together again. Alright? That Everstone was a good find of you! You can come too if you wish, Dizzy." With that said, Shiva begins casually wandering through the area and Tall Grass with them, all in search for some useful plants growing around here. Eventually she'll stumble over a....

9. Name: Shuckle*
Cap: 1
Bid start: 2
Challenge: Defensive

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

"You sure Shiva? I remember I have give some raw material with the Cleanse Tags I guess? It was in Cress City I guess but it has been some time. But I guess you should have anyway these symbols with you. These write symbols might be useful if we someday enter on the Skull Ruins or have extra protection against evil ghosts." Heart give the pages with write symbols to Shiva hands. "Besides, they are more with you than me."

(I've checked my large inventory, didn't found any raw material for Cleanse Tags handed by Heart unfortunately. I remember you buying some in Arrowroot Village[?] but not that you've given them to me, I would have added that. Maybe you're still having them yourself? Though if you find the post where you handed them and link it, we can edit that.)


Humm, how Heart insists that he has handed her some raw material for these special tags causes Shiva to rummage through all her stuff, pulling out the large things from her backpack and carefully checking all the boxes and bag with smaller things. Cottonee is eager to 'help' and checks out everything she likes, like that fluff she shed, this Destiny Knot and used TM of her newest move.

Eventually she has to shake her head to the PUNisher. "N-no, I'm sorry - I can't find them, I likely would have known where I've put these raw materials if you'd have given them to me. Maybe you still have them by yourself?..." *takes the papers with the written symbols anyway and gazes at them with fascination* "I happily take these if you want me to, thank you!~ Will take good care of these pages." Once she has made a small note who, when and where has found these symbols Shiva stores the pages away into her own star-patterned hardcover journal and begins to pack all her stuff back again.

(I'm taking these symbols as the true name of a Pokemon Spirit, what it reads and what kind of spirit doesn't really matter at the moment unless it's a special one [then I'd like to know] - it will do though when we get to crafting a Cleanse Tag.)

"Thank you for the info on that." He leafs through the textbook again this time stopping at Pumpkaboo. "Huh apparently has been seen in four sizes, and is rather easy to train, until it evolves." "Do you happen to have any planters or anything like that to grow it on the go?"

Shiva find herself gazing curiously at that textbook, she carefully attempts to read the title and/or get an discreet insight what sort of book that is. A bit too timid to just ask though! Though she instantly likes it, reminds her a tad bit on that large book full of info she has brought from home.

"Uh, planters...." *thoughtful expression before lighting up with a small smile* "I think so." Once again she begins to rummage through all her stuff, shifts aside this and that while pulling out a boxes, bags and Pokeballs all filled with things. One of them contains utensils used for plant and herb care, from these Shiva selects a small black and shiny ceramic pot and hands it to him.

"Is.... is that one fine? You can have that one, really! Don't need it." ^^ After a small pause she speaks up once more. "But maybe, eh... If the plant grows many Eggs containing a Pumpkaboo, you'd be up to let me have one? Just one, these grassy ghosts are rather cute... The size is inheritable."

"Hmm, strange...let me take a look in my bag." Heart takes a quick search in his bag and found the three kind of Tag in his inventory: Wood, Metal and Cloth tags. "Ahh so iit was still with me! I must have forgot in gave to you. Sorry. Now you have anything you need." Heart then gave the three types of tags to Shiva.

[Mikaruge108]

You wait for the soldiers to wander a little less, and then you slip away west. Soon you come to a point where the road decreases in width, losing the little statuettes and the rails. There are still signs of grandiosity, though, in the shadow of the peak. There are frequent guard towers with all kinds of silver-threaded banners, rare Pokemon, and big statues of royal figures with gems in them. And each has a Bronzong floating above it, draped in finery.

These Bronzong are also posted halfway between each tower. Nathan knows they can be run at any time by any one to summon assistance, though guards might be upset if you waste their time on unworthy obstacles.

That being said, there's plenty of road out of sight of either guard tower or Bronzong, and that's where the wild Pokemon remain. It's also possible to find items fallen out of carts, which run back and forth constantly even at night.

Beautiful wells are sunk into the ground, guarded by Conkeldurr. Certain tiles in the road have been laced with silver and mother of pearl - when the moon shines on them, they reflect the light in gorgeous patterns. Dizzy loves it.
Now and then, metallic arches stretch across the road, serving no practical function other than to display signposts in a more angular script than is used in 1925+.

You find a spot that seems rich in Pokemon life (and plant life too) where you can all go do your own thing while remaining in shouting distance.

Spira is busy enjoying the night air and casually walking when he notices a

6. Name: Yanmega*
Cap: 1 (2)
Bid start: 2
Challenge: moderate

darting around in a nearby field, he goes over toward it to fight it.

[Dragonstrike]

2. Name: Artifact
Cap: 1
Bid start: 2

Don't have much to add as far as how Nathan stumbles across whatever this item is.  He is keeping a careful eye on those Flying type pokemon, though...

Charmeleon's been recalled by this point and Nathan still has the hood of his cloak drawn to avoid drawing too much attention, but Gallade and Dittolune both remain out.  Odd pokemon for a common traveler to have, but having them out helps Nathan feel a little more at ease with various safety concerns.

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

You wait for the soldiers to wander a little less, and then you slip away west. Soon you come to a point where the road decreases in width, losing the little statuettes and the rails. There are still signs of grandiosity, though, in the shadow of the peak. There are frequent guard towers with all kinds of silver-threaded banners, rare Pokemon, and big statues of royal figures with gems in them. And each has a Bronzong floating above it, draped in finery.

These Bronzong are also posted halfway between each tower. Nathan knows they can be run at any time by any one to summon assistance, though guards might be upset if you waste their time on unworthy obstacles.

That being said, there's plenty of road out of sight of either guard tower or Bronzong, and that's where the wild Pokemon remain. It's also possible to find items fallen out of carts, which run back and forth constantly even at night.

Beautiful wells are sunk into the ground, guarded by Conkeldurr. Certain tiles in the road have been laced with silver and mother of pearl - when the moon shines on them, they reflect the light in gorgeous patterns. Dizzy loves it.
Now and then, metallic arches stretch across the road, serving no practical function other than to display signposts in a more angular script than is used in 1925+.

You find a spot that seems rich in Pokemon life (and plant life too) where you can all go do your own thing while remaining in shouting distance.

Encounters Route 13 - 500 AD

1. Name: Army Engineer John
Cap: 1
Challenge: Somewhat easy
Bid start: 1
Notes: A fat man with brown hair, with streaks of red in it, is spreading concrete on a broken well. As soon as it is in place he spritzes it with a solution, and it hardens instantly. "Isn't technology incredible?" he grins.
He's willing to bet gold against goods he could use in his work, and it looks like he'll have helpful Pokemon rather than martial ones.

2. Name: Artifact
Cap: 1
Bid start: 2

3. Name: Flying Types
Cap: 2
Bid start: 1
Challenge: Somewhat easy
Notes: Nathan knows bird Pokemon would sometimes spy for Sarimanok's wizards. Or they could just be night birds.

4. Name: Valuable Items
Cap: 2
Bid start: 2

5. Name: Ancient trainer items
Cap: 1
Bid start: 1

6. Name: Yanmega*
Cap: 1 (2)
Bid start: 2
Challenge: moderate

7. Name: Deyo crater
Cap: 1 (2)
Bid start: 1
Challenge: Dunno if there is one

8. Name: Totodile*
Cap: 1 (2)
Bid start: 1
Challenge: Too easy, no XP
Notes: It's asleep!

9. Name: Shuckle*
Cap: 1
Bid start: 2
Challenge: Defensive

10. Name: Mawile*
Cap: 1
Bid start: 2
Challenge: Easy


Unlimited: Bronzor, Shellos, Spinarak, Ariados, Hoothoot, Noctowl, Wooper, Zubat, Golbat, Meowth, Persian, Venomoth

There is fishing possible in the wells or reservoirs (let me know which one).

While Heart was walking he have some strange item attach to sons kind of stone. He decided to approach to what is that items.

Action: Check encounter 5 of Ancient Trainer Items.

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

You wait for the soldiers to wander a little less, and then you slip away west. Soon you come to a point where the road decreases in width, losing the little statuettes and the rails. There are still signs of grandiosity, though, in the shadow of the peak. There are frequent guard towers with all kinds of silver-threaded banners, rare Pokemon, and big statues of royal figures with gems in them. And each has a Bronzong floating above it, draped in finery.

These Bronzong are also posted halfway between each tower. Nathan knows they can be run at any time by any one to summon assistance, though guards might be upset if you waste their time on unworthy obstacles.

(...)

You find a spot that seems rich in Pokemon life (and plant life too) where you can all go do your own thing while remaining in shouting distance.

Encounters Route 13 - 500 AD

10. Name: Mawile*
Cap: 1
Bid start: 2
Challenge: Easy

For the most part, Terra paid less attention to the finery and beautiful scenery of Route 13, and more to the frequent signs of Sammy's soldiers , in addition to being on Alert for any would be prowling problematic Pokemon that might wish to throw the group in mayhem. Outwardly, he appeared his regular old stoic self, but on the inside he was still quite tense from Nathan's full debriefing on the King's Era, and all the dangers that lay within. How could he not, when their were possible threats to his friend's + Spira's safety he could do almost literally nothing about? If the King or his soldiers had reason to closely investigate the group, or worse, pursue them in earnest..... 

Such dour thoughts were not the ones he wanted to dwell on, so he did his best to put them out of mind and focus on his given task/duty. Worry less about bleak, near hopeless future outcomes, and more on what could be done to ensure the well being of everyone now. 

One way he did so was asking Nathan about what were with all the Bronzong (He would know these from his battle with Dagny), and if there were anything else he needed to look out for. The boy demonstrated they had a cornucopia of Knowledge about the time period, so why not utilize that finely honed Skill of their's as much as possible? Better forewarn than not, as they say!

When the group decided to take a break from their travels and explore a small but densely populated area of wildlife, the rugged wanderer was somewhat reluctant to see everyone scatter, but he too was curious about what could be found here, and so did as the rest. Turns out that was a great decision, for he eventually caught glimpse of Pokemon in the undergrowth that nearly made him do a double take: a Mawile!  The rare, cute, but viciously tricky metallic fae found back in Hoen, and in Granite Cave by his home town at that! He'd been looking for AGES, but could never managed to find or obtain the Steel/Fairy type, so for one to appear out of nowhere.....it was like a wish come true!  

Before he could get a good look at moved away from his line of sight before he could tell for certain what was so unique about it, so he wasted no time in catching up to it. He wanted to catch that Mawile and become partners with them, and that meant he was not going to let it get away easily!

Order: Hopefully get an automatic infodump from Nathan about the Bronzong/Flying types + anything else that would be good to know, then Terra's off to hopefully catch a Mawile for his team! Here's hoping that endeavour turns out swell, rather than fell!

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

For the most part, Terra paid less attention to the finery and beautiful scenery of Route 13, and more to the frequent signs of Sammy's soldiers , in addition to being on Alert for any would be prowling problematic Pokemon that might wish to throw the group in mayhem. Outwardly, he appeared his regular old stoic self, but on the inside he was still quite tense from Nathan's full debriefing on the King's Era, and all the dangers that lay within. How could he not, when their were possible threats to his friend's + Spira's safety he could do almost literally nothing about? If the King or his soldiers had reason to closely investigate the group, or worse, pursue them in earnest..... 

Such dour thoughts were not the ones he wanted to dwell on, so he did his best to put them out of mind and focus on his given task/duty. Worry less about bleak, near hopeless future outcomes, and more on what could be done to ensure the well being of everyone now. 

One way he did so was asking Nathan about what were with all the Bronzong (He would know these from his battle with Dagny), and if there were anything else he needed to look out for. The boy demonstrated they had a cornucopia of Knowledge about the time period, so why not utilize that finely honed Skill of their's as much as possible? Better forewarn than not, as they say!

Sure thing!  IC infodump, go!

"...the Bronzong are used as a signal to nearby soldiers.  Anyone can ring the bell pokemon to call the soldiers, but if they do...usually, it better be for a good reason, or the soldiers will typically be...less than pleased.  Not really something to worry about so long as there isn't any trouble and they're left alone.  The Bronzong are effectively just decorations most of the time."

Nathan looks up at the Flying types as casually as he can, then back at Terra.  "...Sarimanok's wizards would also sometimes use Flying types for surveillance purposes.  Few would pay them any mind, and it was hard to tell them apart from the usual wild Flying type pokemon, so they were...quite good at doing what they were tasked with.  I'm not sure if those ones are wild or not.  Just one more way the King would keep an eye on anything and everything...but again, they're kinda in the same boat as the Bronzong.  Leave 'em alone, don't act suspicious, and don't cause a ruckus, and they'll probably leave you alone."

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Sure thing!  IC infodump, go!

"...the Bronzong are used as a signal to nearby soldiers.  Anyone can ring the bell pokemon to call the soldiers, but if they do...usually, it better be for a good reason, or the soldiers will typically be...less than pleased.  Not really something to worry about so long as there isn't any trouble and they're left alone.  The Bronzong are effectively just decorations most of the time."

Nathan looks up at the Flying types as casually as he can, then back at Terra.  "...Sarimanok's wizards would also sometimes use Flying types for surveillance purposes.  Few would pay them any mind, and it was hard to tell them apart from the usual wild Flying type pokemon, so they were...quite good at doing what they were tasked with.  I'm not sure if those ones are wild or not.  Just one more way the King would keep an eye on anything and everything...but again, they're kinda in the same boat as the Bronzong.  Leave 'em alone, don't act suspicious, and don't cause a ruckus, and they'll probably leave you alone."

(Huh.....didn't expect you to go to the trouble of actually doing this IC, but I appreciate the infodump all the more because of it. Thanks, mate!)

*Flashback!*

"Ah. So Bronzong......not to be worried about, unless big trouble happens? Hm....if it does......should we ring them? Or try to take care of problem.....on our own? You said we should avoid soldiers, but if something very bad happens......"

(....)

"Ah. Hm.....Sammy has lots of........creepy resources he can use. *Beat* ....He is King, so that should not be surprising. *Shakes head* Still creepy.... Will avoid birds, and try not to get their attention. If they cause group problem, though, Melly can zap them all and - "

As he speaks, Terra remembers Nathan's/most other Cheshirains......squeamishness towards Pokemon hunting, and cuts himself off abruptly, covering it up with a semi-awkward cough before continuing speaking smoothly as possible.

"....We can all run and hide, or catch them all. "

Whew, nice save! Hopefully so, anyway!

[Iron]

I'll roll for the number of Eggs when the vine finishes growing. I'll have to keep track of that amount of time from Spira's point of view.

Umbreon gains 1 Happiness after all this moon-chasing.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

"You sure Shiva? I remember I have give some raw material with the Cleanse Tags I guess? It was in Cress City I guess but it has been some time. But I guess you should have anyway these symbols with you. These write symbols might be useful if we someday enter on the Skull Ruins or have extra protection against evil ghosts." Heart give the pages with write symbols to Shiva hands. "Besides, they are more with you than me."

(...)
Humm, how Heart insists that he has handed her some raw material for these special tags causes Shiva to rummage through all her stuff, pulling out the large things from her backpack and carefully checking all the boxes and bag with smaller things. Cottonee is eager to 'help' and checks out everything she likes, like that fluff she shed, this Destiny Knot and used TM of her newest move.

Eventually she has to shake her head to the PUNisher. "N-no, I'm sorry - I can't find them, I likely would have known where I've put these raw materials if you'd have given them to me. Maybe you still have them by yourself?..." *takes the papers with the written symbols anyway and gazes at them with fascination* "I happily take these if you want me to, thank you!~ Will take good care of these pages." Once she has made a small note who, when and where has found these symbols Shiva stores the pages away into her own star-patterned hardcover journal and begins to pack all her stuff back again.
(...)

"Hmm, strange...let me take a look in my bag." Heart takes a quick search in his bag and found the three kind of Tag in his inventory: Wood, Metal and Cloth tags. "Ahh so iit was still with me! I must have forgot in gave to you. Sorry. Now you have anything you need." Heart then gave the three types of tags to Shiva.

She chuckles lightly to herself over this and gives Heart an amused look of 'Told you!~' and all carefully accepts the handed valuable raw material. Simply keeping three of these enchanted pieces in her cupped hands is giving her a strange feeling, it's almost like she can feel the magic these are radiating. "Oh, you... You sure you want to give me ALL of them? I only need one, these symbols are just enough for me making you one Tag. So, ehm, which one would you prefer? The 'stronger' the material the 'stronger' the Tag will be if all goes well, metal is stronger than wood and wood is stronger than cloth. Ah, you'd also need to choose a shrine which's name I'll paint onto the piece - the more related the Pokemon or concept is to your desired task, the 'stronger' the Tag will also be. Mine's dedicated to eerie and mighty Giratina itself... choose one shrine from this list."

Paging a little through her journal she eventually presents Heart a list of shrines scattered around Chreshire.

This is the list

• Em-Ri-Ti, Wineberry Town, dedicated to Mesprit.
  
• Shrines dedicated to Uxie and Azelf have been destroyed unfortunately, Uxie's during a rebellion against the King, Azelf's during a strorm near Lake Chicory.
  
• Em-Ri-Koko, represents Tapu Koko's influence. There's no history about the other Tapus, 'Tapu' = 'sacred' in Mamo. Mobile shrine on a ship which often docks in Corsage Port.
  
• Da-Ra-eki, wards off Darkrai, is buried somewhere.
  
• Kree-mor-kresh, dedicated to Cresselia. Buried within the Skull Ruins, sensitive Pkmn can still detect it. There's a legendary secret path connecting Cress City to this shrine.
  
• Kree-ra-eki, on Garlicburg and hails Cresselia.
  
• Gi-Go-Ti, sunken beneath the sea in southern Creshire, dedicated to Giratina.
  
• Na-in-ri, at the far western end of the Great Divide, dedicated to Landorus.
  
• Ra-ki-ki, located on a distant island that isn't visible from Creshire's coast. Regigigas.
  
• Ra-ki-ra, Regirock, appearantly hidden somewhere in the capital cities region. Regirock.
  
• Ra-in-ki, on the unnamed peak directly opposite Mt Sentry in the Great Divide. Regice.
  
• Ra-ki-ti, in Dagny's Gym after found during excavations in Stair City. Registeel.
  
• Piripono, Hog Potato Swamp. Shrine of Loyalty depicting a carved Vulpix on a leash that represents the blossoming of new loyalty, from devotion or love to a newfound friend.
  
• Tangiwhannauo, Safari Zone. Shrine of Care being a living sod sculpture of a Gardevoir facing down a Gothitelle.
  It represents care in times of greatest emotional turmoil, such as loss of a loved one.
  
• Tawniwhawha, Shrine of Protection found in the public square of Cress City. Made of tiles with engraved Ghost Pkmn that are probably trapped inside.
  
• Nywhi, modern shrine of Friendship built on the site of an old one. Depicts a holographic Sylveon.
  

(Crafting my own Cleanse Tag has not taken an Encounter for me, means I'll work that in somewhere when there's time. I just wish to have all needed info in one go please!)