[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

++ Uh... Recton. ++


To keep things straight to the point, Shiva does place the HM into Nathan's open arms as he suggested that having the other's Pokemon learn it as soon as possible would be best. "That's alright, but I unfortunately don't have the time to meet up with everyone today, busy. Busy in this beautiful town, must.... explore it! >o< If you want to have this done, you gotta reach out for the others in person yourself, I won't. I'm sorry for that, but... you're also faster. PLEASE return this machine to me tomorrow morning, okay?" A hint of sad puppy eyes glances over her as she expresses that. "There is one or two other of my dear companions who I'd like to know this capable technique, but no time to run to Bill's PC now."

"I will send a text message to everyone so that they know beforehand. That's all then, in case we don't happen to see one another today, have a fine rest later on, okay? Take care." Then she waves to her Pokemon currently out, and leaves quickly in the way I described already.


Said text message says the following, and it is adressed to Terra/@Lord Windos, Spira/@Mikaruge108 and Heart/@Spiritmon.

Spoiler

Hi!~ (^_^)/ Elanor is so incredibly beauuutiful, I'm loving it here.

Ehm, got news! Professor Mallorn ordered me and Nathan to meet up with him, said the persmission to enter the creepy ruins will be ready.....

...TOMORROW.

He also burrowed something that'll help us down there, it's legendary and rare HM Flash! It'd be good if everyone of us will have at least one Pokemon at hand with this move when we'll venture down there. Unfortunately, I don't have time to meet you all today, so I just gave this machine to Nathan. He will come to you whenever for teaching it, and I wish to carry this machine in my stuff once that's done. Is that...okay for you? You see, all of you are more brave, more forward and somewhat stronger than I am, maybe.... Maybe I'll be less of a harm to all these ghosts down there.

That's all. Sleep well and we'll likely see one another tomorrow morning.


Pixilated greetings!~☆*:・ﾟ

Once having hit the 'Send'-button, she is swift to pack cell away and follow her own business again, determined to not think about how she would have enjoyed to get a bit of deserved(?) spotlight by presenting the HM to the others in person. Maybe this would have mend her disappointment over not having received a single word of thanks for having asked Keni's dad after Lucky Eggs, and by now she has lost hope that there'll be some.


-----------------
Mechanics:
I hope that settles things now and for all and is fine for all parties?

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

They'd definitely prefer to stay in the Grove than the PC. 

"My children will help look after them. This will help everyone get used to their new home. Fortune favor you in your quest, mortal hero."

Yayyyy! This is very relieving and delighting for the natural fae enthusiast and allures yet another very deep bow to this extraordinaire  orchid mantis. "I thank thee, I thank thee honestly for your agreement and benelovence, oh noble guardian of this grove. I have full trust in the gentle unicorn and delicate flower fae being in safe hands here. I'm also happy about your wishing well." .... "If I am allowed and welcome, please let me stay here for a bit longer, let me energize and calm down here, have a bit of peaceful safety before things will go straight the opposite direction tomorrow. I promise I act as a welcome guest. ....We will see one another again, noble guardian. We WILL, and I look forward to."



With that, Shiva waves Primal Lurantis goodbye, She is fine to head back into the trees now. Once She's out of sight, Shiva searches for a fine place where she is allowed to settle for a bit, somewhere where she's no distrurbance and no nuisance to all the Formantis. There, she'll release her sweet Clefairy from the Conditional Ball, greeting it with a kind smile. "Hello, my dear moon fae!~ You're doing good, still having this Yellow Apricorn I've gifted to you? Say, if you give it to me, I'll turn it into a real and lovely Moon Ball just for you; and register you to that one instead! Shall we...?" ^_^

(This takes up the second Encounter Slot. There's probably no roll needed for her crafting? If so, it is 13d6. -1 unit of MSC, she still got 2. Does the freshly crafted Moon Ball come with any effect too like that Friend Ball? Curious!~)


Oh, and while still being here, Shiva will also draw that Will Power Orchid Primal Lurantis has distributed. She musters it with interest. 'What did She say, just twist the stem -' Like this? ' - and inhale the scent, right?' *takes a deep sniff*

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Gym Leader Howl vs Nathan Round 3

While the combatants are getting ready, Terra challenges himself to meet Keenglaive's eyes willingly. Immediately, your will is not your own. (not enough Insight to resist)


You feel commanded to leap over the barrier and interpose yourself between attacks targeting Keenglaive.

Rock Smash 1
(5)(1)(4)(2)(1)(5) (6)(1)(5)(1) Just short of a critical.
(6)(4)(2)(1)  Keenglaive takes 4 dmg 2/6hp -1 pain.

"Keenglaive, the only option is to use the power of your hypnotic gaze! "


Obedience: (3)(3)(4)(4) v (3)(6)(4)(4)(4)

Keenglaive refuses to use Hypnosis, and instead reaches out toward Terra. Terra instinctively raises his own hand to mirror the gesture, but Keenglaive doesn't move.

"NATHAN, STAND DOWN!" orders Howl. "KEENGLAIVE-"

Calam skids to a halt inches away from Keenglaive... who has swapped places with Terra. Gallade also enters the battlefield, prepared to haul Terra out of the way, and three Mightyena have also leapt over the barrier to assist as needed. 

Parting Shot/Ally Switch 1
(1)(1)(5)(2)(1)(5) (2)(4)

Howl recalls Keenglaive into a Dusk Ball that wriggles alarmingly. He rounds on Terra. "What manner of fool are you? Did I not warn it was dangerous to look into Keenglaive's eyes? Do you think Pokemon are toys? A Gym Battle is an extremely serious event. If Nathan hadn't already proven himself the victor, I'd have you thrown out. You won't be observing any more battles in my Gym, and if you want to challenge me you'll need to prove you've learned your lesson first."

He collects himself a little.

"Now. Let's make of this a learning experience. Keenglaive is the lord of the chessboard. His dark mind works on a level of strategy surpassing most humans, and he doesn't hesitate to think outside the box when attempting to win a battle in which he's outmatched. That's why my apprentices and I always keep a lot of Pokemon on hand to deal with any fallout where Keenglaive is involved. Like a Vespiquen or the dreaded Seikamater, he has a measure of control over those he considers underlings. What you experienced, Terra, was called Castling, where the king decides to swap positions with a defender to increase his own defense, or ruin the offense of the foe. These abilities make Keenglaive very dangerous, and so I don't blame you for falling victim to his gaze. I do, however, blame you for not heeding my warning. I hope this teaches you that brawn is not always enough to meet a challenge, and I hope you forgive me for my stern words."

"Nathan, in the Skull Ruins you will find many kingly traps. Tanuki, Dagny, and myself are the only gym leaders who dare venture there, and we always come prepared and wary no matter how confident we may feel. Rock Smash will help you.
Here is your badge and winnings. I'm sorry our battle was cut short, but I was going to need to forfeit soon anyway. I try not to let Keenglaive get cornered. He's not too dangerous until he obtains allies..."

The battle is worth 20XP, $1500, and a Brandy! (Lemonade). And you earn the Hornblende badge! Congratulations!



Observing a gym battle does not count as an Encounter. I'm going to give Terra 2XP for learning something, though.

(Out of curiosity, how much Insight did Terra have to possess to avoid getting Castled? Also, could he tell what B.K. thought of him during being mindcontrolled? Or perhaps the other way around...?)

The moment his locked eyes with the menacing leader, his mind went blank, without only one thought remaining, bold and imposing:

SERVE AND OBEY.

So he shall.

In an instant the steely brawler headed his liege's command to replace him out on the field, and he squared off against Calam with dull brown eyes, a hand reaching into his pants to unsethed his cold Steel sword to flay the impudent fae feline for daring to oppose his -

Then B.K. is recalled, and Terra snaps out of it instantly, light returning to his eyes as he blinked, dazed, before suddenly closing his eyes and jerking his head as his full cogitative faculties returned to him, visibly shuddering as he crossed his arms defensively. What.....what. That.....they......they took control of him. Just like Deoxys, but far less alien yet somehow so much colder than it....

Before he could fully process what happened to him, Howl's vitriolic tongue lashing caused him to real from them, his sense of vulnerability and being so unbalanced preventing him from responding back ASAP (Though he does look offended at their comment concerning treating Pokemon as toys - he'd NEVER did that in his life, EVER.). By the end of it, the poor man is shrinking away from the Gym Leader looking supremely disquieted - dire straights, for the normally intimidating and stoic wilderness expert trainer.

Thankfully, the bipolar Gym Leader calmed down long enough for Terra to at least regain a semblance of his regular calm.....while also now appearing deeply ashamed and totally foolish for what happened, head bowed to the ground and his expression downcast and shadowed. Because of his Delcatty curiosity running amok yet again, he became a thrall of his lieg- B.K., interrupted his friend Gym Battle and nearly caused them to inadvertently break the LAW, and managed to earn the Gym Leader's ire and scorn and blacklist status by ignoring their explicit orders and causing this mess in the first place. By the Hoen stock exchanges, what a complete and utter idiot he was. Their weren't many moments he could recall that he acted this boneheaded, but this one has definitely called top spot among them from the time being. 

What was he thinking?

When the literally shady man started to lecture him again in a much calmer voice, the sagely monk lifted his head and paid avid attention, his expression heavily shaded rueful and chagrined as he nodded and took mental note. 

Briefly, he was tempted to point out that they made no mention as to why everyone should avoid Keensglaive's dominating gaze, but he was too sufficiently cowed, humiliated, and full of self admonishment to actually say it. That, and he really didn't want to piss them off again by acting like the fool he was.

By the end, the mountain of the man had recovered enough to muster up the Will to look into Howl's eyes and slowly nod his head, the gesture and his whole posture bellowing his remorse and shame about what happen and nearly came to pass.

"......The biggest. Not very smart, or wise. Know how to battle, Survive in wild, put on good show, and cook, but...that is all. Sometime get too curious for own good. Gets me into trouble. A lot. Flaw of mine that I worked on, but.....still fail controlling myself...."

He gets bows his head once more and gets down one knee.

"Wise Darkness Master Howl, I am sorry. Deeply, deeply regret my choice. You are right. Words are harsh, but very true. No need to for you to ask forgiveness. I do. Tell me what I can do to repay you for the trouble caused by my foolishness, Darkness Master. Will do anything in my power...."

If Howl's Insightful as I think he is, he should be able to tell just how bad Terra feels about everything, and that his remorse/words are completely genuine. If not, then him pulling out his only Torchic Tooth, explaining what it does, and offering it to them on top of his current plea should make it pretty clear regardless. The Gym Leader pretty much has a blank check for this incident, so its up to them as to how they'll cash it in....

[Mikaruge108]

Spoiler

Hi!~ (^_^)/ Elanor is so incredibly beauuutiful, I'm loving it here.

Ehm, got news! Professor Mallorn ordered me and Nathan to meet up with him, said the persmission to enter the creepy ruins will be ready.....

...TOMORROW.

He also burrowed something that'll help us down there, it's legendary and rare HM Flash! It'd be good if everyone of us will have at least one Pokemon at hand with this move when we'll venture down there. Unfortunately, I don't have time to meet you all today, so I just gave this machine to Nathan. He will come to you whenever for teaching it, and I wish to carry this machine in my stuff once that's done. Is that...okay for you? You see, all of you are more brave, more forward and somewhat stronger than I am, maybe.... Maybe I'll be less of a harm to all these ghosts down there.

That's all. Sleep well and we'll likely see one another tomorrow morning.


Pixilated greetings!~☆*:・ﾟ

When Spira receives the message (the timing he gets it is irrelevant to me OOC.) from Shiva, he reads it over and sends one back saying, more or less, "Before we head to the ruins there's something I'd like to talk to you about. Something important"

[Iron]

"Truth is, I was holding back a bit, time for my full strength!" With that, Spira tosses his next two Pokeballs.

Toya the Dusknoir and Yanma are next!


Yanma: (6) = 13
Honchkrow: (4) + 8 = 12
Honedge: (1) + 8 = 9
Toya: (2) = 9

[Iron]

Shiva gains 1 Will point from the orchid! It smells heavenly, and you can sense the Earthpower in it. The flower begins wilting immediately, but with a little water you are able to coax it to stay intact for another few hours. All the virtue is gone from it though.

The Moon Ball isn't explicitly like a Friendship Ball, but it does give +1 Happiness to Clefairy.

[Iron]

It's Insight -2, 1 success needed, so Terra didn't even have a chance. Even the strongest will could possibly be subsumed by Keenglaive's commands (or maybe they'd spend a Will point).

Black Keenglaive is pretty uninterested in you or your thoughts. He just assumed you would obey.



"I don't need you to do me a favor. Just be safe in the future. You did rouse these three Mightyena from their rest, though, so perhaps you'd like to take them on a walk to repay them for saving you?" (That would take an Encounter and will be a training session for them).

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

It's Insight -2, 1 success needed, so Terra didn't even have a chance. Even the strongest will could possibly be subsumed by Keenglaive's commands (or maybe they'd spend a Will point).

Black Keenglaive is pretty uninterested in you or your thoughts. He just assumed you would obey.



"I don't need you to do me a favor. Just be safe in the future. You did rouse these three Mightyena from their rest, though, so perhaps you'd like to take them on a walk to repay them for saving you?" (That would take an Encounter and will be a training session for them).

(Welp, I don't mind the outcome regardless, but at least it gives me more incentive to make Terra's Insight less of a dump stat. I'd think Keenglaive would be at least a little interested in Mr. Steel Man/perhaps detect Deoxys mark on them, but hey, nobles can overlook the darnest things.)

Terra gives Howl gives a swift nod to his offer, his expression already firming back up with resolve and determination to repay the Gym Leader for his recklessness and redeem himself in their eyes.

"Can do that, Darkness Master. Will do good job of it, too. Make sure they get good exercise and.....stimulation. Own a doggie myself, so not inexperience in handling them. "

*Hesitant Beat*

"....Wish to talk with you later today. Heard you are a Breeder (If I am wrong, correct me!), and I am looking for a specific Dark type of good pedigree: a Zoura. Will have prepared list of qualities of what I am looking for in one when I come back.....if you agree, sir."

His tone is somewhat meek as he finishes speaking, as asking to do business with a man you recently pissed off was not a great idea (to be blunt), but hey, better to try and fail than not try at all.

Orders: Take Howl's Mightyena's for a nice brisk jog around town, followed by some playful wrestling with them if they are up for that! He'll also be sure to offer them plenty of marshmallows and other treats that don't have chocolate in them too, as added thanks for saving his bacon!

Speaking of chocolate and treats, have a couple of other things that Terra needs done before he meets up with Howl (Well, if they agree, anyway): Going to the fanciest/most upscale liquor store in town and buy an expensive and refined bottle of liquor for the Gym Leader (Specifically asking the people for high quality and which spirits are Howl's favorite), and bake him a dark chocolate cake with double dark chocolate frosting as additional gifts for the meeting! Price limit on alcohol is $5000 Poke, so go wild with ideas if you want, Iron! Terra will also have a list with him, listing off things he's looking for in a Zoura, which is thus:

- Young and impressionable, but is willing to listen to command/open to odd opinions (At least 1-2 Loyalty, and has an Empathy Surprise/bonus of some sort).
- Intelligent, creative, and having flexible thinking (+ 1 Insight)
- Moderately Trained (Not a hard requirement, but having a fox with some experience would be nice)
- Adaptable, quick on their feet, and tenacious (DEX, Fight, and/or Survival Bonus)
- Has Extrasensory as an Egg Move
- Female!

Terra's willing to put up a lot for a good Zoura, so come up with a price you think is most fair for what I/he is asking for

That should be it! Time to go for a nice walk, before talking shop, or so I hope!

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

Gym Leader Howl vs Nathan Round 3

While the combatants are getting ready, Terra challenges himself to meet Keenglaive's eyes willingly. Immediately, your will is not your own. (not enough Insight to resist)

You feel commanded to leap over the barrier and interpose yourself between attacks targeting Keenglaive.

Rock Smash 1
(5)(1)(4)(2)(1)(5) (6)(1)(5)(1) Just short of a critical.
(6)(4)(2)(1)  Keenglaive takes 4 dmg 2/6hp -1 pain.

"Keenglaive, the only option is to use the power of your hypnotic gaze! "


Obedience: (3)(3)(4)(4) v (3)(6)(4)(4)(4)

Keenglaive refuses to use Hypnosis, and instead reaches out toward Terra. Terra instinctively raises his own hand to mirror the gesture, but Keenglaive doesn't move.

"NATHAN, STAND DOWN!" orders Howl. "KEENGLAIVE-"

Calam skids to a halt inches away from Keenglaive... who has swapped places with Terra. Gallade also enters the battlefield, prepared to haul Terra out of the way, and three Mightyena have also leapt over the barrier to assist as needed.

Parting Shot/Ally Switch 1
(1)(1)(5)(2)(1)(5) (2)(4)

Howl recalls Keenglaive into a Dusk Ball that wriggles alarmingly. He rounds on Terra. "What manner of fool are you? Did I not warn it was dangerous to look into Keenglaive's eyes? Do you think Pokemon are toys? A Gym Battle is an extremely serious event. If Nathan hadn't already proven himself the victor, I'd have you thrown out. You won't be observing any more battles in my Gym, and if you want to challenge me you'll need to prove you've learned your lesson first."

He collects himself a little.

"Now. Let's make of this a learning experience. Keenglaive is the lord of the chessboard. His dark mind works on a level of strategy surpassing most humans, and he doesn't hesitate to think outside the box when attempting to win a battle in which he's outmatched. That's why my apprentices and I always keep a lot of Pokemon on hand to deal with any fallout where Keenglaive is involved. Like a Vespiquen or the dreaded Seikamater, he has a measure of control over those he considers underlings. What you experienced, Terra, was called Castling, where the king decides to swap positions with a defender to increase his own defense, or ruin the offense of the foe. These abilities make Keenglaive very dangerous, and so I don't blame you for falling victim to his gaze. I do, however, blame you for not heeding my warning. I hope this teaches you that brawn is not always enough to meet a challenge, and I hope you forgive me for my stern words."

"Nathan, in the Skull Ruins you will find many kingly traps. Tanuki, Dagny, and myself are the only gym leaders who dare venture there, and we always come prepared and wary no matter how confident we may feel. Rock Smash will help you.
Here is your badge and winnings. I'm sorry our battle was cut short, but I was going to need to forfeit soon anyway. I try not to let Keenglaive get cornered. He's not too dangerous until he obtains allies..."

The battle is worth 20XP, $1500, and a Brandy! (Lemonade). And you earn the Hornblende badge! Congratulations!



Observing a gym battle does not count as an Encounter. I'm going to give Terra 2XP for learning something, though.

Victory against the Leader!: Victory VS Gym Leader - Pokemon Firered and Leafgreen

Lol at the brandy.  I was wondering if Nathan was going to get that at all, tbh...

Gallade had his blades unsheathed and was totally ready to duel Terra if he had to.  There would have been no way that Terra would have been able to outmatch Gallade's graceful blade swings.  Once the threat has passed, Gallade breathes a sigh of relief and sheathes his blades, followed by shuddering slightly.  He may not have been able to fully read what Black Keenglaive had been intending to do, but it disturbed him nonetheless.  They acted like a tyrant in some ways, just like the bug queens they've encountered in the past...the Black variant was definitely the opposite of the White in many ways...

Nathan looks a little disappointed in Terra.  "...you had us all worried the first time something like that happened, Terra.  Heck, I'm still a little worried about that first time, to be honest.  Please don't let that happen again.  You don't have to be physically damaged to lose a battle, and where we're going, that's going to be especially true moving forward."  No additional tongue lashings since Howl's done a good enough job of that already, but plenty of expressed concern at what happened.

Nathan turns to Howl.  "Don't worry about it too much.  Thank you for the battle, Howl.  If you're still wondering why I brought an Absol to a Dark gym, it's not because he has a Fighting move.  No, it's actually because..."

Nathan points to Calam's glowing horn now that the shadows are beginning to return to the gym.

"...he's part Fairy type!  Hehe.  Doesn't do much good against a Steel type with Wonder Guard, obviously, but he's got a versatile enough moveset to adapt to most situations.  He threw Angela for a loop as well!"

That badge increases Nathan's Insight to 4 now that it's paired with the Staurolite Badge!  Woohoo!

"...how'd you learn about Seikamater, by the way?  I really only know about her because I've had the dubious 'honor' of being in her presence before.  It was NOT pleasant, and I definitely don't want to repeat it."

[Iron]

"Very well. I do have some Zorua pups who could benefit from a new home."

Lemonade is $300, brandy would be more like $900. If you spend more than $2000, you're getting into crazy territory. They import a nice gin made from mountainous, shade-tolerant juniper berries that would run you $2000.

With that and a dark choco cake, Howl can sell you either of these three female Zorua:

Zorua A - $16,000
1/1/2 after being traded, Illusion
+1 Insight, +1 Fight, +1 Dex, +1 Survival
Extrasensory, Sucker Punch, Nasty Plot, Taunt, Feint Attack, Fake Tears, Pursuit
Most of that price is the Surprises.

Zorua B - $7000
1/1/2 after trade, Illusion
+1 Insight
Extrasensory, Feint Attack, Fake Tears, Pursuit

Zorua C, newborn pup - $7000
Zorua B - $7000
2/2/2 after trade, Illusion
+1 Insight, +1 Dex, +1 Survival, -1 HP, -1 Str
Extrasensory, Fake Tears, Pursuit, 5 XP



The Mightyena enjoy being able to venture anywhere, since Terra can handle any place nearby. They have a good time and come back tired. Howl seems pleased that you wore them out. "They will sleep well. This gin smells delicious - Oh, it is a negotiation gift rather than an apology! Very well - let's talk shop!"