[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Shieldmaiden Brazen Round 5

(...)

Twister 3
(1)(2)(5)
(5)(4)(6)(4) Goodra faints! Too many super effective attacks in 12 seconds have really worn this Dragon out. Goodra's final Outrage simple beams right up into the sky, causing a crowd to gather around just in time to watch Goodra faint and for Brazen to throw you a salute!

Defeating those two Pokemon was worth 40XP! 20 to Michael and Lapis and Terra.

Random guy in crowd: "That quiet guy just beat Brazen! She fought off my entire family in a row."
"She once caught three Nidoking in one day in the Safari Zone, without losing a Pokemon."
"She could bench press a Slaking!"
"A town gets safer the moment Brazen walks in...who is this guy?"

She ignores them and focuses on qualifying what she's learned. "I think we're very similar trainers, Terra."

Smile.

"The biggest difference is our Pokemon's mass, so I may want to bulk up more. Both matchups were interesting - a Fighting type couldn't penetrate a Steel type's clever defenses and unusual typing, and a mighty Dragon - for such is Goodra - fell to a Water type's draconic moves. Goodra's big weakness is that it only has one type of move - offensive! There's no chance for a setup, like your competitive, coiling sea serpent. By the way, if you had used a Water move on Goodra, all status problems would have been healed."

"Klefki is an urban Pokemon. Very mischievous, with a big arsenal of pranks and status moves. Really, there was more Klefki could have set up, but I didn't want to neglect offense either. If your Michael had stayed out for another round after those Mach Punches...maybe."

The battle between his Lovely Lapis Lazuli and their deceptively draconic Goodra was short but fierce affair, with each of them liberally throwing their Draconic Might at each other with almost reckless abandon. Out of the bulky pair, the slimy drake was perhaps the most foreboding and threatening, as despite its unusual, chubby, and friendly character it displayed a raging, powerful ferocity that undoubtably marked it as a Dragon.

Never the less, the 'huggable' dragon's potent Outraging faltered and fell before the calm yet Competitive flurry of Twisters, and so he emerged from the titanic struggle, thoroughly battered and bruised from his Fights, but wearing his injuries with pride and holding his head very high in triumph. He fought and practically soloed the most metalsome Fairy and unassuming Dragon that went all out to make him flounder, yet still he persevered, gave more than he got, and laid his foes low with his own beautiful and versatile power. Once more and with the help of his partner, he proved to the world all his growth and grandness as a Milotic, so let him be proud and rejoice!

For his part, Terra lets out the breath he was holding as the battle concluded and held a tiny smile for his coiling competitive sea serpent (I'll be nicking this nickname for me own use, if you would allow!). While the odds were in his and Lovely's favor throughout the match, he had long since learned to never underestimate what a Dragon was capable of, least they take you brutally and/or cunningly unawares (As his Genie well taught him with her antics), and so he hedged his bets with a Hyper Potion. Goodra's appearance may have beguiled and mislead him once, but not twice!

In fact, this entire battle against the Shieldmaidan's seemingly-but-not-really innocent Pokemon had reminded him of an important proverb: that you shouldn't ever judge a book by its cover. 

'.....Have to keep that in mind for now on, or my partner will.....suffer for it. Hm.....also, note to self: read through Pokemon Pokedex entries more in free time. Or get Nathan and Shiva to teach me. Lots of Pokemon in Cheshire I do not know about, so I need to.......learn more about them to prepare myself.....'

His train of thought paused when he caught Brazen waving at him, and at this point he finally noticed the inquisitive crowd that had gathered to witness the end of their Fight, which left him momentarily surprised but ultimately unbothered. Given his background as a former Contest Superstar and people's general reactions to him back at home, he was used to this sort of attention, so he must have automatically tuned out the gathering until now.

With regards to that, he smiled back and gave her a stage bow (Something like this , only Terra has one arm crossed on his chest) to both show her the respect she deserves and play up the crowd a bit. He then released Mikey to get their share of the spotlight with Lapis + let Poison Heal work its magic before he approached Brazen, cracking a grin and letting a chuckle at her statement, then offered a handshake.

"Heh.....you are right. We are tough, we are strong, and we fight until we cannot. Good match, Brazen. Will remember it for a long time, and am....glad to meet you."

(...)

"*Listens carefully to her, then nods* Good plan and.....look over of our Fight. Did not expect Klefki to be so tricky and part Fairy type, and Goodra to be a strong Dragon. Mikey was trying to Paralyze little key to.....limit its actions and endure with Drain Punch, but you.....outplayed me. ....I think. Had to send out Lovely to.....take care of Klefki and.....stall out Heal Block so Mikey could come out safely later.... *Shrugs* ....But he won whole Fight for me without too much trouble. Goodra Outrages made me.....worried, but he still....succeeded with a little help. This Fight has taught me much, and I thank you for that."

"*Looks thoughtful* Hm....have some advice to......make Goodra a better battler, if you want to hear it. If not, *Shrugs* I understand. Everyone has own way of training their Pokemon."

Meanwhile, the Lovely Lapis Lazuli and the mushroom of champions were each enjoying the gathering's attention and celebrating their victory in their own ways. The former was slowly twisting and turning his gorgeous body to the crowd to showcase his splendor and triumph, smiling at the all beatifically and crooning out a melodious tune, as per usual in this sort of scenario. 

Until one of his bruised spots scrapped against a sharp rock, that is, which broke his revere and cause him to flinch and momentarily hiss out in Pain as he was pointedly reminded of his numerous injuries. He then decided to more closely inspect his body, frowning to himself as he realized just how battered he was and just how long it would take for him to heal from it all. Such was the double edge price of his immense bulk: it provided him an almost unrivaled bulwark against just about anything, but when it was depleted it would take forever for him to recover it.

Such thoughts reminded the marvelous masterpiece of his mushroom partner - prompting him to glance over at them and notice how fast they were recovering from his injuries due to the innate regeneration his Ability provided them - and caused him to sigh despondently. Oh, how he wished could do the same as them......

Then, as if to answer his desire, his body suddenly kicked into high gear, his biological processes and inner reserve of Strength attempting to rapidly undo the Damage inflicted to it! Lapis Lazuli learns Recover for 31 XP, and promptly + accidentally uses it! Cue the Recover Roll and his reaction to it!

With Michael, he simply plant his claws on his hips and puffed himself up with a confidant smirk, striking a macho pose for all to witness. Sure, he hardly contributed to the overall outcome of his partner's match against Brazen, but that didn't mean he was not a force to be reckoned, nor that his own martial prowess shouldn't be recognized! In fact, if it wasn't for that Klefki's dirty Heal Block and Silver Powder shenanigans, he would have really shown his opponents just how tough he could be. Hmpt, stupid Fairy....

Of course, given his own penchant for underhandedness with Spore, Stun Spore, Leech Seed etc.., he doesn't have that much right to complain about such trickery, but that didn't stop him from being greatly irked by the key bearer's antics!

Still, he wouldn't let that little fiend or his own inadequacy in the fight get him down, and so pushed those thoughts to the side and pumped himself up for the crowd. He got so pumped, in fact, that he couldn't contain his gusto for any longer, his muscle flexing and coiling from his own sheer FIGHTING SPIRIT AND EGO, until..........*Sproing!* He leapt into high into the sky, one fist held up toward it, as if to knock it silly! Michael learns Sky Uppercut for 33 XP! The open air is no longer a safe haven, for the kick boxing shroom MIGHTY BOTANICAL FISTS CAN NOW PIERCE THE VERY HEAVENS! ORAH, ORAH, ORAAAAAAH!!!

(And with that, one of Michael's oldest dreams has been fulfilled....)

[Mikaruge108]

Spoiler

Mellow Mel Round 4

I think you forgot to include the stat increases from Ominous Wind, though it didn't end up making a ton of difference.

Water Gun 1
(2)(2)(3)(1)(1)
Misss, Slowbro is too lazy to really take aim properly. Then suddenly he's Astonished by Luna attacking with all Spira's might.

Astonish 1
(2)(3)(5)(3)(4) (6*)
(2)(4)(1) Slowbro takes 2 dmg 5/7hp -1 pain, it's a little smaller than usual for a Slowbro.
CD: (6)(6)(6) Slowbro flinches 2

Using Will to get a critical hit chance is potentially a good tactic if you need to finish your opponent quickly.

"Well that's not very mellow."

Astonish 2
(5)(6)(2)(4) (6*)
(6)(1)(3) Slowbro takes 2 dmg 3/7hp -2 pain
Flinch: (3)(2)(4)

Water Gun 3
(1)(2)(1) Miss

Ominous Wind 3
(5)(1)(2)(3)(2)(4) (6)(1)
(6)(2)(2)(5) Slowbro faints!

"C'mon Slowbro, you didn't even get one hit in, but oh well. Most trainers here are stronger than me. I've come to accept that. That's how life is, you know?"

Mellow Mel was worth 12XP. Spread that among your Pokemon who fought, and take 6XP for yourself.

(whoops, you're right)
I'll spend that 6 immediately to increase Spira's Stealth to 1, should help Astonish and Shadow Sneak some ^v^.

Spira's a little exhausted from that battle, but manages to smirk at how fast the Slowbro went down, but still tries to be kind to Mel; "Despite that, we still had fun, right? That's what counts." With that done, Spira gets ready for the Safari

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

The hostels are very cheap, not worth keeping track of. Their services are very minimal though - most people replace the coarse sheets with sleeping bags. The hostel has a kitchen, but doesn't provide meals. You have to cook your own.
They have coin-operated showers and laundry.
Mostly, the service they provide is social: There is music every night as explorers gather with their instruments! Those who are musically inclined, or their Pokemon, are welcome to join a jam session!
The folks behind the counter, and the other guests, are also likely to be knowledgeable about the area.

Oh, Shiva won't really mind that service in the 'traditional' way is more a secondary thing for the hostels, she'll adapt quickly and can cook well enough to get along herself. There's also the Pokemon Center for meals if necessary, or the party can just meet up and eat together like they do when traveling Routes! It's more gender-segregated showers and a warm place to sleep with a proper roof (= no tent) she was seeking. Her Pokemon are also there for cuddles and coziness during the night, she'll likely catch herself missing Ven though as with him by her side any coarse sheet could be comfortable!

It's also certain that the natural fae enthusiast will join the jam sessions with the other guests, her gaze intuitively turns to Delphox when hearing about that. Him letting a melodic yelp hear already says it all, Raphael and Azu might enjoy that as well given the archangels newest move and the fae rabbit's stage-magician traits.

Since they're knowledgable about the area it'll be those behind the counter Shiva will ask one or two things about the Safari Zone then, they'll be stated after the mechanical things asked here are clarified as it'll influence the exact questions.

Everyone is open on Sunday because people need to buy things for the Cup on Monday!
You can trade Berries for another Berry of the same tier: common, uncommon, rare, or non-stat.
They have rarer fruits, like a type of orange that always tastes refreshingly cold no matter the weather, or gigantic watermelons that could fill up a Munchlax.
They have fresh herbs for cooking, and even live herbs you can plant.
They have a sort of fruit leather/fruit preserve made from fresh fruit, that maintains the incredible flavor of fresh fruit! This is a very difficult food to make, almost paradoxical, and it's a favorite of Safari Zone goers.
The most luxurious item of all is Chansey egg - just one hefty slice for cooking or eating costs $750. An entire egg is $3000! One slice will serve as a Full Heal, and an entire egg can cure even human diseases like the flu. This is not quite the same as a Lucky Egg, nor is it a Chansey Egg that would bear a Happiny/Chansey.

That Chansey Egg for eating and cooking is eyed with lots of interest and amazement, may that mean that elusive Chansey are native to the Safari Zone?! She can only guess, but if it's true she can understand why this precious Egg is even more expensive than those neat Enigma Berries from Violet Tent. She's not buying a slice yet, maybe later.

What Shiva's buying happily though are three of these curious fruit with the refreshingly cold taste no matter what, she thinks her Ice Types might enjoy sharing such snacks with her - she lets Primal Glaceon sniff on them.

The outfitters sell camping gear, digging gear, guidebooks, rations, collapsible Bikes of several varieties, maps of the Safari Zone, Fishing Rods of all kinds, saddles, pepper spray, matches, drinks, Leaf Stone. All these items are available in Pokemon versions - you can get a little tent for your Pokemon, for example.

These, and a map of the Safari Zone can't be wrong! She'll select one that covers the WHOLE Zone if available and takes care that it's made of durable paper as Shiva will likely take notes right on the map during explorations or VolunteerRanger-duties. That's all she's buying from the outfitter, but she finds it very amusing that fishing rods and stuff are available for Pokemon too: She lets young Eevee explore the smallest tent they offer and chuckles amusingly as Delphox displays how he doesn't need something like those strange 'matches' the humans use. ^^

[Iron]

Milotic heals 7 hp (out of a potential 13.)

"I'm very interested in hearing your advice, Terra. ESPECIALLY 'cause you bested me."

As for Michael, he has been looking forward to this moment forever. Since the moment he evolved if not earlier. Michael's Loyalty and Happiness become 3!!

He goes leaping into the sky and takes down an innocent Pidgey and proudly bears it to Terra. In some ways, you have surpassed his old master.

He's going to use that move as often as he can get away with!

[Iron]

Spoiler

Mellow Mel Round 4

I think you forgot to include the stat increases from Ominous Wind, though it didn't end up making a ton of difference.

Water Gun 1
(2)(2)(3)(1)(1)
Misss, Slowbro is too lazy to really take aim properly. Then suddenly he's Astonished by Luna attacking with all Spira's might.

Astonish 1
(2)(3)(5)(3)(4) (6*)
(2)(4)(1) Slowbro takes 2 dmg 5/7hp -1 pain, it's a little smaller than usual for a Slowbro.
CD: (6)(6)(6) Slowbro flinches 2

Using Will to get a critical hit chance is potentially a good tactic if you need to finish your opponent quickly.

"Well that's not very mellow."

Astonish 2
(5)(6)(2)(4) (6*)
(6)(1)(3) Slowbro takes 2 dmg 3/7hp -2 pain
Flinch: (3)(2)(4)

Water Gun 3
(1)(2)(1) Miss

Ominous Wind 3
(5)(1)(2)(3)(2)(4) (6)(1)
(6)(2)(2)(5) Slowbro faints!

"C'mon Slowbro, you didn't even get one hit in, but oh well. Most trainers here are stronger than me. I've come to accept that. That's how life is, you know?"

Mellow Mel was worth 12XP. Spread that among your Pokemon who fought, and take 6XP for yourself.

(whoops, you're right)
I'll spend that 6 immediately to increase Spira's Stealth to 1, should help Astonish and Shadow Sneak some ^v^.

Spira's a little exhausted from that battle, but manages to smirk at how fast the Slowbro went down, but still tries to be kind to Mel; "Despite that, we still had fun, right? That's what counts." With that done, Spira gets ready for the Safari

"You're so right, man. Good battle."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

While booking her room at the hostel and picking up the keys Shiva asks the housemaster behind the counter something concerning the Safari Zone. "Uh, excuse me, but... Given you run a hostel here in the Valley you probably can help me out on something please?" *gets approval and an open ear* "Ah, great! So, I... heard that the local Safari Zone has several 'Levels', six in total. But what does distinguish the Levels from one another, are they maybe something like different biotops? Are they modeled after different enviomental conditions, like Level 1 being a desert and Level 3 a forest or such? And can I start in any Level or do I have to get through Level 1 and 2 first to reach Level 3 for example?"

This will determine to a degree which two Levels Shiva will visit today during remaining Encounter Slots.

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

Woad Round 6

Flamethrower 1
(5)(5)(5)(1)(1)(4)
(4)(4)(3) Patrat takes 2 dmg 6/8hp no pain
Burn: (6) Patrat was burned

Work Up 1
(6)(3)(3)(4)(5)(4)
+1 Str for Patrat

Flamethrower 2
(4)(3)(4)(5)(6)
(5)(4)(2) Patrat takes 2 dmg 4/8hp no pain

Super Fang 2
(3)(5)(2)(5)(4)(3)
Charmeleon takes 4 dmg  4/8hp -2 pain

Flamethrower 3
(2)(5)
(5)(2)(4) Patrat takes 2 dmg 2/8hp. A potion brings him to 6/8hp.

Slam 3
(1)(6)(1)(2) Miss

Flamethrower 4
(3) Also miss.

Slam 4
(4)(5)(6)
(6)(4)(2)(3) Charmeleon takes 2 dmg 2/8hp -2 pain

Slam 5
(2)(2) Miss.

Burn 2 resist: (6) Patrat takes 1 dmg 5/8hp

"We must beat this here and now Patrat. Again use Slam and then go with 3 Tackle!"

Slam Accuracy: Dex (5) + Fight (4) + Brawl (3) - Pain (1) - Accuracy (3) - Actions (4) = 4D6
Damage: Power (3) + STR (4*) + STAB (1) + Silk Scarf (1) - Burn (1) = 8D6
Effect: None.

Tackle Accuracy: Dex (5) + Fight (4) + Brawl (3) - Pain (1) - Actions (5/6/7) = 6D6/5D6/4D6
Damage: Power (2) + STR (4*) + STAB (1) + Silk Scarf (1) - Burn (1) = 7D6
Effect: Also none.

[Iron]

While booking her room at the hostel and picking up the keys Shiva asks the housemaster behind the counter something concerning the Safari Zone. "Uh, excuse me, but... Given you run a hostel here in the Valley you probably can help me out on something please?" *gets approval and an open ear* "Ah, great! So, I... heard that the local Safari Zone has several 'Levels', six in total. But what does distinguish the Levels from one another, are they maybe something like different biotops? Are they modeled after different enviomental conditions, like Level 1 being a desert and Level 3 a forest or such? And can I start in any Level or do I have to get through Level 1 and 2 first to reach Level 3 for example?"

This will determine to a degree which two Levels Shiva will visit today during remaining Encounter Slots.

"I sure can! Each Level is distinguished by how remote it is. The less humans they're exposed to, the more wild the Pokemon become. And rarer Pokemon are more likely to appear in a higher Level. The catch is, they're a lot stronger, so you have to be a more skilled trainer to try and tame one."

"All six Levels are similar biomes, but they do get more rugged as you go. Level 6 has the foothills of the mountains, deeper pools, longer Long Grass, and even a couple caves. Level 1 is pure Long Grass, but water begins appearing at the border between 1 and 2. Do you have a map? I can show you on there how they're connected."

Essentially, you can get to any Level from any other, but you must pass through Level 1 at the beginning, and Level 6 is completely surrounded by Level 5. Level 1 is easily bypassed, but when going through Level 5 you may get a surprise encounter.

[Iron]

Woad Round 7

Flamethrower 1
(2)(6)(5)(4)(3)
(5)(6)(2)(3)(4) Patrat takes 3 dmg 2/8hp

Slam 1
(6)(2)(6)(3)
Burn doesn't reduce damage in this game.
(2)(1)(6)(3)(4) Charmeleon faints!

Patrat starts glowing with inner light! With a small leap, he lands as a longer, taller Pokemon! He makes a fist and thrusts it up into the air.
Congratulations! Your Patrat evolved into Watchog!

"Gutsy, attacking instead of putting out the fires in Patrat's fur. Looks like that evolution put the fires out. But I don't know. That isn't very kind to the Pokemon, especially with a severe burn."

Evolution also healed the lethality of the lethal damage. It didn't restore any HP though.

"We have one more match. Are you ready?"

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

'You have to be a more skilled Trainer...' These words echo within Shiva's mind and cause a strange mixture of downcasted, timid and confident feelings within her. Delphox by her side puts on a reassured and knowing smile as Shiva catches herself exchanging gazes with her magical-fox-Familiar, he seems to not question in the slightest that the woman that came to his den that one night was skilled in so many ways. "I... I do have four Gym Badges and a Mightyena that considers me his alpha leader", Shiva explains to the housemaster a bit shyly, "If I'll, well...bring some particular Pokemon of mine I should be good, I guess...? Are there any Types of Pokemon you'd recommend bringing along? Or some that serve a selected role, like a flyer or such?"

Oh and Shiva does have a map, freshly bought from the outfitter, she fishes it out of her stuff and unfolds it on the counter so that the housemaster can show her how the Levels are connected.