[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

In walks Spira with a giant Sneasel following him. The Sneasel immediately dumps his backpack on the ground in the middle of your group and starts talking in a rambling voice. "Make way, make a little room, please and thanks. Spira here told me, he said he'd show me where some sunken treasure is, which he did and I'm grateful. I'll go look for, I'll search for that soon. First I have to show you where the Sword is. Meanwhile, I heard you have some coin of your own? Here's what I have to trade:" (Insert lota Items here)

...When THAT happens, Shiva just as immediately screeches and hides behind the Ancient Shield, it also causes Azu to summon herself and take a bold and protective stance, ready to give that mean black feline a draining smooch that they won't forget so easily. She (Shiva) was also just about to call out to Spira for there's a huuuge Sneasel behind him, but as she doesn't happen to pick up any hint of hostility from said Sneasel (???????!!!!???), she peeks from the rim of the Shield to take a look at it.

Huh, that Sneasel talks. Fluently. And it knows how to say please and thankyou.

Eh, what? (¯ . ¯٥) That catches her attention and curiosity efficiently, but she only dares to come out of her hide AFTER Spira has explained things and AFTER Sneasel himself has offered some stuff to trade. Azu stays by her side, constantly wary and eyes that feline because she doesn't trust that Dark Type, dare doing something funny, you....!

After Terra's done with his trading for the Heavy Ball, Shiva would all carefully approach that Sneasel herself, not too close to be within range of his claws. "May I.... May see that Apricorn for a moment please? Just to get a better look at it, you know?" It's a normal Black Apricorn that can be crafted in a Heavy Ball to her, nothing more and nothing less, right? Still holding it in her hand, she adresses Sneasel with a "And you want 'coins' for it, right? Well.... You've got one behind the feather decorating your ear." With a sly smile Azu shows her, and hands that fresh 50$-coin to him with a wink, then leaps back to Shiva. "Keep it, that's a gift for not attacking us." (This reminds me that I have missed to add several 50$ from Prof.Mallorn for caught Pokemon, I've added 200$ to me because I must have missed at least 3 or 4 new Pokemon)

"So, Sneasel, you're going to stick around with us to the Sword, the next Artifact, will you? Even stick with us when heading outta the Ruins again if I heard you correctly, right? ....Do you, well, think you'll find more stuff like that along the way, more things you'd trade to us for coins? I like this Apricorn a lot - but I need time and effort to craft it (an Encounter), BUT it'd also be useful for me when I'm out of the Ruins."

A bit more hesitantly she adds "May I also ask you something.... something that's not having to do with your Items but rather with you yourself?"

[Iron]

In walks Spira with a giant Sneasel following him. The Sneasel immediately dumps his backpack on the ground in the middle of your group and starts talking in a rambling voice. "Make way, make a little room, please and thanks. Spira here told me, he said he'd show me where some sunken treasure is, which he did and I'm grateful. I'll go look for, I'll search for that soon. First I have to show you where the Sword is. Meanwhile, I heard you have some coin of your own? Here's what I have to trade:" (Insert lota Items here)

...When THAT happens, Shiva just as immediately screeches and hides behind the Ancient Shield, it also causes Azu to summon herself and take a bold and protective stance, ready to give that mean black feline a draining smooch that they won't forget so easily. She (Shiva) was also just about to call out to Spira for there's a huuuge Sneasel behind him, but as she doesn't happen to pick up any hint of hostility from said Sneasel (???????!!!!???), she peeks from the rim of the Shield to take a look at it.

Huh, that Sneasel talks. Fluently. And it knows how to say please and thankyou.

Eh, what? (¯ . ¯٥) That catches her attention and curiosity efficiently, but she only dares to come out of her hide AFTER Spira has explained things and AFTER Sneasel himself has offered some stuff to trade. Azu stays by her side, constantly wary and eyes that feline because she doesn't trust that Dark Type, dare doing something funny, you....!

After Terra's done with his trading for the Heavy Ball, Shiva would all carefully approach that Sneasel herself, not too close to be within range of his claws. "May I.... May see that Apricorn for a moment please? Just to get a better look at it, you know?" It's a normal Black Apricorn that can be crafted in a Heavy Ball to her, nothing more and nothing less, right? Still holding it in her hand, she adresses Sneasel with a "And you want 'coins' for it, right? Well.... You've got one behind the feather decorating your ear." With a sly smile Azu shows her, and hands that fresh 50$-coin to him with a wink, then leaps back to Shiva. "Keep it, that's a gift for not attacking us." (This reminds me that I have missed to add several 50$ from Prof.Mallorn for caught Pokemon, I've added 200$ to me because I must have missed at least 3 or 4 new Pokemon)

"So, Sneasel, you're going to stick around with us to the Sword, the next Artifact, will you? Even stick with us when heading outta the Ruins again if I heard you correctly, right? ....Do you, well, think you'll find more stuff like that along the way, more things you'd trade to us for coins? I like this Apricorn a lot - but I need time and effort to craft it (an Encounter), BUT it'd also be useful for me when I'm out of the Ruins."

A bit more hesitantly she adds "May I also ask you something.... something that's not having to do with your Items but rather with you yourself?"

Yep, it's a normal Black Apricorn, but those are quite rare here in Creshire.

"Oh, you did one of those tricks, a magician's... sleight of hand. I've heard about that. Does it really make a coin or is it, you know, is the coin just re-purposed or something. Thank you. If I find anything I'll be sure to offer it for trade. Are you looking for anything in particular that could be, that I might, you know, find down here in the, that would be in the Ruins here?"

"Ask away, tiny one!"

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

(...)

It's a very close failure but a failure nonetheless. Do you want to describe what you cook?

Sneasel eats it with his claws, disregarding any silverware provided. "Oh, that's surprisingly, it's, you know, better than I expected." Sneasel's never had a prepared meal before and didn't really know what to expect. "I won't charge you any extra, but it's not the greatest thing I've ever eaten, either. You have my, that is, I appreciate the effort, and I'd like to try more. Swing by on your way out of the Ruins, if you're still, you know, if you survived."

He sells you the Heavy Ball at his first asking price.


Shiva, are you buying the Apricorn?

Yes, I do: Its a huge platter of Tataki (Fish caught/bought offscreen, if that matters), lightly seasonsed with soy sause, sesame seeds, ginger, and lemon grass. Simple but tasty fish fair, which for a Wild Cat Pokemon would have been perfect if Apsis Luck would have been more sparing for my chara. Oh well!

*Bows* Thank you for your compliments, Mr. Merchant Cat. I apologize it was not completely up to your standards, but I am happy you were still able to enjoy it regardless, and I would be proud to serve you again. Right now, even, if you desire."

Well, if the Sneasel isn't offended by the meal, then Terra wouldn't mind paying base value for the Heavy Ball, but he would still offer to cook them another meal for free. If they want another round of his Tataki, he'd be more than willing to give it another go, but if they want something different, Terra would probably quickly bake them some Tres Leche Cake or Marble Cake (Which ever is more feasible down in the Skull Ruins).

Since you didn't get back on me about the partnership thing, I assume they just declined, which is fine with Terra. He so wants them as a friend, but he'll respect their right to freedom.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

"That's an all normal coin you'd find in the wallet of every teenager up on the surface, and it's a real one." Shiva'd bite it just to show that this is true. "But HOW Azu's doing that, is something she's not even telling me, and I don't want to disenchant it by knowing the trick actually." Said faerabbit displays a smug smile.

Hehehe, 'tiny one'. Very well then: "....Have you ever been to the 'surface', have you had a Trainer before dwelling down here? I'm sorry if I hit a sensitive nerve within you, but....." She takes a deep breath, "...You're giving off a faint impression to me that you're positive on both, the former more than the latter." She pauses here to let that sink in. "Pokemon up there don't usually talk, despites some species are DEFINITELY smart enough to do so. Do tell me, has that skill of yours to do with the power that makes Pokemon huge and tough by chance? Do you know anything about this power that we should be aware of before moving onwards?"

At the question whether Shiva's looking for anything in particular, she thinks for a moment. "Actually, yes and no. Any loot is fine to me, but something that's natural or useful for Grass and Fairy Types is most desired. Anything's that not available on the surface. Also shards of any kind. A Thunderstone even. ...Let's make a deal, big and dark Sneasel, if you happen to find nothing that sparks my interest along the way I'll take that Apricorn, alright?" (Read, 50/50 chance that she'll buy it, would like to see what more things Sneasel can bring up along the way)

[Dragonstrike]

Nathan's actually not as interested in purchasing stuff from the Sneasel (which he blinks in surprise at seeing at first, but quickly recovers since this is far from the first talking pokemon they've encountered). He might still buy stuff, but probably not right now. Maybe. (Depends on several factors)

Instead, Nathan has questions for Sneasel.

"You've been to the old palace?  How deep down have you gone?"

[Iron]

Spoiler

(...)

It's a very close failure but a failure nonetheless. Do you want to describe what you cook?

Sneasel eats it with his claws, disregarding any silverware provided. "Oh, that's surprisingly, it's, you know, better than I expected." Sneasel's never had a prepared meal before and didn't really know what to expect. "I won't charge you any extra, but it's not the greatest thing I've ever eaten, either. You have my, that is, I appreciate the effort, and I'd like to try more. Swing by on your way out of the Ruins, if you're still, you know, if you survived."

He sells you the Heavy Ball at his first asking price.


Shiva, are you buying the Apricorn?

Yes, I do: Its a huge platter of Tataki (Fish caught/bought offscreen, if that matters), lightly seasonsed with soy sause, sesame seeds, ginger, and lemon grass. Simple but tasty fish fair, which for a Wild Cat Pokemon would have been perfect if Apsis Luck would have been more sparing for my chara. Oh well!

*Bows* Thank you for your compliments, Mr. Merchant Cat. I apologize it was not completely up to your standards, but I am happy you were still able to enjoy it regardless, and I would be proud to serve you again. Right now, even, if you desire."

Well, if the Sneasel isn't offended by the meal, then Terra wouldn't mind paying base value for the Heavy Ball, but he would still offer to cook them another meal for free. If they want another round of his Tataki, he'd be more than willing to give it another go, but if they want something different, Terra would probably quickly bake them some Tres Leche Cake or Marble Cake (Which ever is more feasible down in the Skull Ruins).

Since you didn't get back on me about the partnership thing, I assume they just declined, which is fine with Terra. He so wants them as a friend, but he'll respect their right to freedom.

He'll discuss partnership on your way out of the Ruins.

[Iron]

"No, I've never had a trainer and I've never been up, I've never been to the surface. My impressive skill with speech, I can speak Common, is quite the opposite of the Eye that causes these Pokemon to fight and fight and eat until they are huge. I do my share of that too but being, but since I was small to begin with, I didn't get quite as, I'm not as large as the fighters. And I don't know as many moves, you know. Any Pokemon could learn Common if they tried hard enough, not fighting but practicing Common. It was our language first, you know; it belonged to the Pokemon."

"Oh, you don't want to, you're not interested in buying it just yet? Well, you're already planning to see me on the way out, so I suppose that's, I guess that'll be OK. I'll hold onto it unless I meet someone else with coins."


"I've been to the top of the old palace. It pokes up through the mud and sedimentary, through the layers of solidified rock. Lots of weird machines there, and strong Pokemon. The sword I saw is, it was a bit above that. It's extremely hard to get into the actual heart of the palace. Only Sarimanok's living keys, not his Klefki but his strongest Pokemon of all, only those could get you in now."

[Dragonstrike]

"I've been to the top of the old palace. It pokes up through the mud and sedimentary, through the layers of solidified rock. Lots of weird machines there, and strong Pokemon. The sword I saw is, it was a bit above that. It's extremely hard to get into the actual heart of the palace. Only Sarimanok's living keys, not his Klefki but his strongest Pokemon of all, only those could get you in now."

"...just to be clear, do you mean the actual pokemon individuals that Sarimanok used to own?  No substitutes allowed?  And while you were scavenging, did you happen to see or hear anything about a helm?"

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

"No, I've never had a trainer and I've never been up, I've never been to the surface. My impressive skill with speech, I can speak Common, is quite the opposite of the Eye that causes these Pokemon to fight and fight and eat until they are huge. I do my share of that too but being, but since I was small to begin with, I didn't get quite as, I'm not as large as the fighters. And I don't know as many moves, you know. Any Pokemon could learn Common if they tried hard enough, not fighting but practicing Common. It was our language first, you know; it belonged to the Pokemon."

"Oh, you don't want to, you're not interested in buying it just yet? Well, you're already planning to see me on the way out, so I suppose that's, I guess that'll be OK. I'll hold onto it unless I meet someone else with coins."

Ah. Guess she overintrepreted things in this instance. "I see. Please excuse my bold assumption then, I didn't ask that in any mean  intention. You say that Common is - was? - the language of the Pokemon first - that sounds like the Pokemon regressed upon being with human more and more: Still able to understand Common, but having lost the knowledge how to speak it to us. How curious....." Shiva ends up wondering how she'd feel if Whimsicott or - better - Lilith would speak fluently to her, and comes to the conclusion that she'd be not sure how she'd feel.

Yes, that sounds like just the thing Shiva gently asked for!~ The bows to the dark feline to express her thankfulness, Azu doesn't however. "Agreed, dark and icy Sneasel, I agree indeed and whole-heartedly! Please hold onto it for me, I'll keep my word. You see, I really like this Apricorn - it'll have little to no use to me down here, BUT it could be just the perfect thing for a situation on the surface." She's positive that she'll survive and return there.

[Iron]

"I've been to the top of the old palace. It pokes up through the mud and sedimentary, through the layers of solidified rock. Lots of weird machines there, and strong Pokemon. The sword I saw is, it was a bit above that. It's extremely hard to get into the actual heart of the palace. Only Sarimanok's living keys, not his Klefki but his strongest Pokemon of all, only those could get you in now."

"...just to be clear, do you mean the actual pokemon individuals that Sarimanok used to own?  No substitutes allowed?  And while you were scavenging, did you happen to see or hear anything about a helm?"

"How should I, why would I know the answer to that? I'm saying you'd need, you'd have to have the uh, the Pokemon Sarimanok used to lock his palace. Royalty, Knighthood, Kingdom - He had three, they say, plus the Eye. And She's down there already, so she doesn't count. They're saying this Ghost trainer knows a bit about that, right? That's what Mismagius told me. Um, I've heard the Kingdom key, that Pokemon, lives in a mountain high above us."

"I don't even know what a helm is." After this is explained, he still hasn't heard anything about it, but promises to keep an eye out if he's ever back.