[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Dragonstrike]

"The game of chess is heavily based on the Pawniard line. Both Keenglaive are slow, so Kings can only move one square. White always goes first in chess, because White Keenglaive gets Autotomize. Wonder Guard inspired the rule that you win the game when the King goes down, but they require the defenses of others to survive. And the concept of a Stalemate was inspired by Destiny Bond. We're not sure yet where the idea of the mighty Queen came from - it could be another Pokemon, like Bastiodon inspiring rooks, or it could be another variety of Keenglaive."

"I've not yet successfully evolved a Zorua. I've caught some wild Zoroark and trained them to be obedient. There was one Zorua I evolved when I was younger... but I won't talk about that."

Howl will spread Rock Smash liberally among his fully trained Pokemon. Most of them can learn it. He doesn't teach it to the young 'uns since they're not responsible enough yet.

*more scribbling of notes*  "...interesting...hmmmm...I wonder...whatever pokemon inspired the Queen, they must be incredibly fast and powerful...but given the Queen's relation to the Pawns, it must be incredibly difficult to evolve...well, anyways, I guess to officially end our battle, I have to say this: Checkmate!  Hehe."

I wonder if there might be more clues about the 'queenglaive' down in the deeper layers of the Skull Ruins...hmmm...

*Nods thoughtfully*  "...hmmmm...I see...well, thank you for the input on the evolution regardless. It's definitely some food for thought." Nathan also thinks to himself, '...I wonder if Larry's Zorua has evolved yet...'

Good on Howl!  I wasn't expecting any less.  No regrets!  "Just keep where you got access to it a secret for now, yeah?  Don't want word getting around that we have that HM.  Might attract the wrong kind of attention.  Captain Bridge himself entrusted it to us, and I don't intend to make him regret his decision.  It's kind of a long story...anyways, I'm sure you'll find it useful. Might get ya out of a few dangerous situations...like if you're ever a few days underground in Mt. Sentry and happen to run into Seikamater. Had to warn Tanuki about that. Again, long story."

[Iron]

The Elanor sunset is as picturesque as you could possibly imagine. All the flowers slowly turn their faces toward the sun as it sinks, then curl up a little and droop down for the night. While they're open, the orange light reflects off the glossy petals of the Elanor flower. White daisies take on every shifting color of the sunset.

At the climax of the sunset, Cottonee, in tune with nature, alights on the Sunstone in Shiva's hands. She glows the same changing color of the sunpainted sky, instead of the expected green. Shiva, too, is enveloped in the light streaming from her faithful startermon.

As Cottonee's light swells, and develops horns and a little stubby body, her cotton expands as well. It is the first thing to protrude from the light, and before her new form can be revealed, it suddenly kersplodes in a burst of little floating seeds right in Shiva's face! This mischief causes you to sputter a bit and you almost miss the moment when WHIMSICOTT floats down to land in your lap. Whimsicott looks pleased to have somewhat ruined this dramatic moment with a prank she couldn't have performed as a Cottonee.

Whimsicott's fluff is so voluminous that from your sitting position you can bury your face in her fluff and stay warm even as it grows dark.


Congrats on a long-awaited moment! I have something else that needs to happen when the group reunites. Shiva gets 4XP for a marvelous description of a very long awaited scene. Hope it was worth it!

[Iron]

Howl smiles and says he prefers to keep some secrets. He pats a thick notebook at his hip. If Terra doesn't already know that it's possible to fuse 10 Shards into one Stone, Howl will share that info.

Posei, like many sensitive Pokemon, can only gaze at the sky in stunned amazement, very attuned to the approaching comet.

[Iron]

The HM does contain a moving ball of light within the glass portion, almost like a marble that whizzes around a translucent track. Whenever it reaches certain areas, it blazes up more brightly. This doesn't appear to be a flint and steel reaction, but just a signal to release a burst of energy/Earthpower.
That's the only moving part, inside the glass portion. The rest looks like the other HMs you've seen, except some of the conduits have been replaced with modern experimental parts.

[Iron]

"The game of chess is heavily based on the Pawniard line. Both Keenglaive are slow, so Kings can only move one square. White always goes first in chess, because White Keenglaive gets Autotomize. Wonder Guard inspired the rule that you win the game when the King goes down, but they require the defenses of others to survive. And the concept of a Stalemate was inspired by Destiny Bond. We're not sure yet where the idea of the mighty Queen came from - it could be another Pokemon, like Bastiodon inspiring rooks, or it could be another variety of Keenglaive."

"I've not yet successfully evolved a Zorua. I've caught some wild Zoroark and trained them to be obedient. There was one Zorua I evolved when I was younger... but I won't talk about that."

Howl will spread Rock Smash liberally among his fully trained Pokemon. Most of them can learn it. He doesn't teach it to the young 'uns since they're not responsible enough yet.

*more scribbling of notes*  "...interesting...hmmmm...I wonder...whatever pokemon inspired the Queen, they must be incredibly fast and powerful...but given the Queen's relation to the Pawns, it must be incredibly difficult to evolve...well, anyways, I guess to officially end our battle, I have to say this: Checkmate!  Hehe."

I wonder if there might be more clues about the 'queenglaive' down in the deeper layers of the Skull Ruins...hmmm...

*Nods thoughtfully*  "...hmmmm...I see...well, thank you for the input on the evolution regardless.  It's definitely some food for thought."  Nathan also thinks to himself, '...I wonder if Larry's Zorua has evolved yet...'

Good on Howl!  I wasn't expecting any less.  No regrets!  "Just keep where you got access to it a secret for now, yeah?  Don't want word getting around that we have that HM.  Might attract the wrong kind of attention.  Captain Bridge himself entrusted it to us, and I don't intend to make him regret his decision.  It's kind of a long story...anyways, I'm sure you'll find it useful.  Might get ya out of a few dangerous situations...like if you're ever a few days underground in Mt. Sentry and happen to run into Seikamater.  Had to warn Tanuki about that.  Again, long story."

"Don't worry, I can keep a secret." He seems to already know who Captain Bridge is and not make any fuss about you receiving an item from a dead guy.

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Go ahead and type it out!  Nathan would still kinda recommend that they wait until they're out of the gym at least, but if there won't be any issues with telling it now, then it doesn't particularly matter when the story's told.

------------------------------------

I made a list for this very reason!  But if you'd rather hold off on teaching it to everyone you wish to and do it later, then very well.

Just waiting on Terra to initiate the next parts of the various conversations!

(The story isn't sensitive or have an particularly strong impact on the main plot at all, so he could tell the story anytime! If Nathan prefers the story be told a little later, though, then that will be the case!)

Respecting/somehow pick up Nathan's preference to hear his whale of a story later, Terra just gave them a nod of his and fell silent, letting them continue his conversation with Howl unabated. He was taking his own mental notes on the Keenglaive line, its relation to chess (A game he's play, but is just terrible at it) and its other hypothetical members, but didn't have anything to add.

Later on when both their business was done at the Gym (Timeline is a bit confusing, but I believe the exchange between Howl and Nathan takes place before Terra trade and his 2nd Encounter, so I guess they get back together before their 3rd Encounter), the mountain of a man heads over to the Pokemon Center with/to meets up with his friend and together they find a private room/their room (whichever is preferred) to introduce themselves to their Zorua. If Nathan was not with him during trade negotiations (As in he let Terra borrow the HM to let Howl teach their Pokemon), then he'd first inform them that he was able to get them his own furry little fox and wait for them to get them from his PC before continuing. If he was with him (Bit unclear on that if that's the case, but hey, I'm fine if they tagged along!), then I guess their's no delay in introductions! Well, almost no delay....

Within the hopefully isolated and secure confines of the room, Terra took a moment to gather his thoughts, eyes closed, before he looked at the boy with his usual calmly affable stoicism.

"Before we greet our Zorua, I will tell you my plan. But. ...But you must not tell anyone of it. Not even our Pokemon, and not the Zorua. For my plan to have best chance to work, it must be kept secret. Understand?"

(Story about Wailord can happen after this discussion, if that's fine with you?)

Spoiler

Howl smiles and says he prefers to keep some secrets. He pats a thick notebook at his hip. If Terra doesn't already know that it's possible to fuse 10 Shards into one Stone, Howl will share that info.

Posei, like many sensitive Pokemon, can only gaze at the sky in stunned amazement, very attuned to the approaching comet.

Those first comment from he black breeder earns a small frown from the sagely monk, but he just nods back in acceptance and learnt what they wished to share without complaint. His desire to learn more about the elemental shards was great, but if the man was not willing to share such Knowledge, he wouldn't begrudge them for it. Looks like he'd have to experiment with them on his own to obtain their secrets.....

I don't think made any request for Posei's reaction to The Comet, but Terra takes note of it none the less and rests a palm on their skin, staring up at it with them.

"I know. Can feel it, too. We'll take care of it, Posei, so don't worry."

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

(The story isn't sensitive or have an particularly strong impact on the main plot at all, so he could tell the story anytime! If Nathan prefers the story be told a little later, though, then that will be the case!)

Respecting/somehow pick up Nathan's preference to hear his whale of a story later, Terra just gave them a nod of his and fell silent, letting them continue his conversation with Howl unabated. He was taking his own mental notes on the Keenglaive line, its relation to chess (A game he's play, but is just terrible at it) and its other hypothetical members, but didn't have anything to add.

Later on when both their business was done at the Gym (Timeline is a bit confusing, but I believe the exchange between Howl and Nathan takes place before Terra trade and his 2nd Encounter, so I guess they get back together before their 3rd Encounter), the mountain of a man heads over to the Pokemon Center with/to meets up with his friend and together they find a private room/their room (whichever is preferred) to introduce themselves to their Zorua. If Nathan was not with him during trade negotiations (As in he let Terra borrow the HM to let Howl teach their Pokemon), then he'd first inform them that he was able to get them his own furry little fox and wait for them to get them from his PC before continuing. If he was with him (Bit unclear on that if that's the case, but hey, I'm fine if they tagged along!), then I guess their's no delay in introduction!

Within the hopefully isolated and secure confines of the room, Terra took a moment to gather his thoughts, eyes closed, before he looked at the boy with his usual calmly affable stoicism.

"Before we greet our Zorua, I will tell you my plan. But. ...But you must not tell anyone of it. Not even our Pokemon, and not Zorua. For my plan to have best chance to work, it must be kept secret. Understand?"

(Story about Wailord can happen after this discussion, if that's fine with you?)

(Wailord story being after this conversation is fine with me)

Now Nathan's even MORE curious about what the heck Terra's plan is.  "...okay...does Gallade need to be in his Premier Ball, then?  I can assure you that he can definitely keep a secret, but in the end, I suppose it depends on how much you trust him with the knowledge of whatever this plan is..."

Gallade won't be offended if Terra doesn't want him to hear the plan to ensure the integrity of its success.  He can tolerate being in his pokeball for short periods of time if absolutely necessary.

[Lord Windos]

[quote pid='61407' dateline='1555815297']

Spoiler

(Wailord story being after this conversation is fine with me)

Now Nathan's even MORE curious about what the heck Terra's plan is.  "...okay...does Gallade need to be in his Premier Ball, then?  I can assure you that he can definitely keep a secret, but in the end, I suppose it depends on how much you trust him with whatever this information is..."

Gallade won't be offended if Terra doesn't want him to hear the plan to ensure the integrity of its success.  He can tolerate being in his pokeball for short periods of time if absolutely necessary.

[/quote]

At that question the sagely monk is left pondering for half a minute, before he shakes his head.

"No. Gallade can learn plan too. Will not force you to keep secrets from your brother. Can trust him to keep it secret."

Then, without further ado, Terra begins.

"Have read up on Zorua. They are.....tricky Pokemon. Wilely, cunning, and mischievous. Troublemakers, at worst. But they are not bad Pokemon. Can be sweet, loving, and very dedicate to people they care lots about. Like almost all Pokemon Zoroark....."

A moment of hesitation, before he continues in a lower tone.

".....They are the same, yet different. Much different. Their tricks become crueler. Become more.....callous, and wicked. Trouble they cause is more wrong. Start taking.....joy or satisfaction in doing bad things for its own shake. Can still be loving, trusted partners. Become warm, and caring. 

He closes his eyes, looking slightly chagrined.

"....But at their core, they always will be Evil. Big, or small. No matter what. Because is a part of them. It made them Evolve. Made them become stronger and more. To try and take their Evil would be like to un-burn blacken toast. Impossible."

Silence took hold of the conversation at such Knowledge being aired out so bluntly, but it was soon broken when the sagely monk opened his eyes and stared at both Nathan and his empathetic paladin with a serious and determined conviction.

"So had an....idea. Idea that became my plan. If you can't remove Evil from them...then replace it. Make Zorua Evolve with a......different kind of Evil. Raise them with.......perspective that doing good, right things..... is  a type of Evil. Or that real Evil is only.....used as means to do good, or as last resort. Make Evil for them into......Good Evil?"

*Shakes head*

"Hard to explain, but.......want to change what Evil is to them, and Evolve them with that. Make catalyst good, so they stay good at core.  Or make the Evil bad for them too, something only done for greater good. Doing that......requires lots of work. Teaching them different right and wrongs. Keep others views from.......influencing them too much. Correcting bad behavior in different ways, and rewarding good differently too. All of that need lot of hard work and time to do, in right.....conditions."

*Inclines head decisively*

"That is why I need keep plan secret. If everyone knew it.....then it would......change reactions around my Zorua. Cause complications that could......ruin progress, or.....distort values and intended change. Need our group to react naturally to my Zorua and her.....behavior caused by teachings, and not interfere with own ideas."

*Crosses arms*

"And.....that is all. My plan. What do you think, Nathan, Gallade?"

Terra gazes at the pair with expectation, awaiting their response or criticisms.

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

At that question the sagely monk is left pondering for half a minute, before he shakes his head.

"No. Gallade can learn plan too. Will not force you to keep secrets from your brother. Can trust him to keep it secret."

Then, without further ado, Terra begins.

"Have read up on Zorua. They are.....tricky Pokemon. Wilely, cunning, and mischievous. Troublemakers, at worst. But they are not bad Pokemon. Can be sweet, loving, and very dedicate to people they care lots about. Like almost all Pokemon Zoroark....."

A moment of hesitation, before he continues in a lower tone.

".....They are the same, yet different. Much different. Their tricks become crueler. Become more.....callous, and wicked. Trouble they cause is more wrong. Start taking.....joy or satisfaction in doing bad things for its own shake. Can still be loving, trusted partners. Become warm, and caring. 

He closes his eyes, looking slightly chagrined.

"....But at their core, they always will be Evil. Big, or small. No matter what. Because is a part of them. It made them Evolve. Made them become stronger and more. To try and take their Evil would be like to un-burn blacken toast. Impossible."

Silence took hold of the conversation at such Knowledge being aired out so bluntly, but it was soon broken when the sagely monk opened his eyes and stared at both Nathan and his empathetic paladin with a serious and determined conviction.

"So had an....idea. Idea that became my plan. If you can't remove Evil from them...then replace it. Make Zorua Evolve with a......different kind of Evil. Raise them with.......perspective that doing good, right things..... is  a type of Evil. Or that real Evil is only.....used as means to do good, or as last resort. Make Evil for them into......Good Evil?"

*Shakes head*

"Hard to explain, but.......want to change what Evil is to them, and Evolve them with that. Make catalyst good, so they stay good at core.  Or make the Evil bad for them too, something only done for greater good. Doing that......requires lots of work. Teaching them different right and wrongs. Keep others views from.......influencing them too much. Correcting bad behavior in different ways, and rewarding good differently too. All of that need lot of hard work and time to do, in right.....conditions."

*Inclines head decisively*

"That is why I need keep plan secret. If everyone knew it.....then it would......change reactions around my Zorua. Cause complications that could......ruin progress, or.....distort values and intended change. Need our group to react naturally to my Zorua and her.....behavior caused by teachings, and not interfere with own ideas."

*Crosses arms*

"And.....that is all. My plan. What do you think, Nathan, Gallade?"

Terra gazes at the pair with expectation, awaiting their response or criticisms.

Nathan thinks for a moment.

"...so you want to try and redefine for them what Evil is for them....hmmmm...that's definitely going to be hard.  Though maybe...maybe Calam might be able to help with that, serve as a role model of sorts?  He's not afraid to do whatever it takes to bring down something or someone if he thinks it's for the right reasons, after all, even if the methods are generally frowned upon as a whole.  And he certainly won't shy away from getting a little personal revenge.  Heck, that wild Zoroark I met...they might even be proof that such methods could work in the first place.  I didn't really like getting deceived at the time, but...they primarily did it to protect their pups, not to poke fun at me just for the sake of it.  Definitely wasn't an entirely bad pokemon to the core when you consider that."

Whatcha think? Reasonable?

[Lord Windos]

[quote pid='61409' dateline='1555821704']

Spoiler

Nathan thinks for a moment.

"...so you want to try and redefine for them what Evil is for them....hmmmm...that's definitely going to be hard.  Though maybe...maybe Calam might be able to help with that, serve as a role model of sorts?  He's not afraid to do whatever it takes to bring down something or someone if he thinks it's for the right reasons, after all, even if the methods are generally frowned upon as a whole.  And he certainly won't shy away from getting a little personal revenge.  Heck, that wild Zoroark I met...they might even be proof that such methods could work in the first place.  I didn't really like getting deceived at the time, but...they primarily did it to protect their pups, not to poke fun at me just for the sake of it.  Definitely wasn't an entirely bad pokemon to the core when you consider that."

Whatcha think?  Reasonable?

[/quote]

Terra eyebrows were raised by his friend's suggestions, before he quickly looked down as he thought it over. Using Calam as an teacher for the Zorua? Hm....yes, that could very well work, given the Dark Prophet's own ingrained beliefs on goodness/justice and how well they served as a role model for Dizzy/their younger self, but....

"Hm.....sounds like good idea.....but would our Zorua trust Calam? Want to listen, or follow his example? He's part Fairy type and can be very scary, so his help could make teaching Zorua harder, maybe. Hm...or maybe not, if they think of him as Evil. Which means he could be an......anti-role model? Hm.....either way, Calam could help, but it is still big risk. Are you sure?"

(I think its a good idea myself, but Terra's a bit more paraniod about getting things 'right' , 'cause if he doesn't then either the Zorua will stay Zorua, or grow up into particularly bizarre Zoroark, for better or worse...)