[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Dragonstrike]

"No, we don't want the fighting to escalate further.  I won't deny that you helped us do a great service to Creshire, Cosh, but it's time you faced the music for what you did to get there in the first place."

Nathan might not be willing to let Cosh go, but he's a bit more open minded with the grunts...so long as they're willing to reform, that is.  Kelda was a good example of that.  Arachnautilus, probably not so much.  That's a problem for another day, though.

Once Cosh is hauled away, Nathan shakes his head a serious look on his face initially as he says some of his thoughts to Terra.  "...you're toeing a fine line there, Terra.  You could potentially be charged with obstruction of justice or similar, trying to pull a stunt like that.  I wouldn't want to see you get a black mark on your record, friend.  Oh, and you forgot one more thing: Blocking moves usually only last as long as their user is conscious and present on the battlefield."  Nathan chuckles, suddenly a bit more lighthearted.  That last part was said jokingly.  Partly.

Well, at least this hasn't totally soured the relationship.  Nathan found something to laugh about, anyways, and seems to still have Terra's best interests in mind.  Tough love can be rough sometimes, both to give and receive...

Oh, and Calam's popped out of his Ultra Ball now (sitting next to a meditating Gallade), and is 100% staaaaaaaarrrrrrriiiiiinnnnngggg at Terra unblinkingly.  It's almost a little unnerving, even without considering the fact that the gaze is scarred.

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In response to Marco:  "League or no, I made a promise to my pokemon friends.  Woe be me if I don't at least make an attempt to help them.  I...had to be certain.  Cosh has harried us almost since day one of my adventure, after all...I'll have to tell you about that...and everything else...later, I guess."

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In response to Mallorn:  "...yeah, no kidding.  The Safari Zone wouldn't exist as it is today were it not for Deoxys."  Nathan sighs.  "...so much power, and it could have done so much good with it if it had gone about things differently...worked with us instead of against us..."

Killing a Legendary is no small feat, either...like it or not, Nathan's now got that blood on his hands (metaphorically speaking).  A heavy burden to bear, for sure...

"Towns can always be rebuilt.  Lives, not so much.  I just hope that what I did will prevent more people and pokemon from being hurt and have a positive impact in the long term."  Nathan isn't just talking about fighting Deoxys, either.  Though the exact nature of it is still a secret, he is the main reason the Scimitars and Almanac are under fire right now from the League...


As for the Sword...well, "...this is a lot of power to wield.  In the wrong hands, it could destroy everything we hold dear.  I don't want to let it fall into those of ill intent, but I don't want to use it unless it's absolutely necessary, either.  I said I'd wield it in the name of peace and justice, after all.  I'd honestly prefer to keep hold of the Sword for now, to keep an eye on it.  And just in case I might need it again.  I have a feeling my adventures aren't quite over yet...I might return it to where we found it when this is all finally over, though, if there isn't any reason to think it might be needed in the future..."

"...oh, and speaking of the Artifacts...any idea what might be done with the Hauberk?  It should unbond from Cosh if his gauntlet is removed or destroyed, assuming confiscating the pokemon he had on him didn't do that already."

"...and what of the CUT HM that Deoxys got from Mt. Molten?  That should be around here somewhere, right?"

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Speaking of Golde...does Calam have anything to contribute to that?  Nathan would encourage him to do so.  It'd be the first time in three years(?) that Calam would be able to properly say hello, after all.

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Nathan doesn't particularly want to stand for too much longer, to be honest.  He spent a LOT of effort to get to this point.  He and his pokemon have almost been killed several times, they spent a massive amount of willpower to pull off some incredible feats, they spent almost a week in the company of the people they were directly conflicting with for most of the journey...

...now, it's hopefully, finally time to get some proper rest.

He gives his mom a very earnest hug when she comes over, tears in his eyes.  "...I'm so glad you're okay.  I never wanted you to be directly involved in any of this crazy danger...you worry enough for all of us as it is..."

He pulls away when he asks his mom the next question.  "...how are Max and the horses?  Do you know if they all get out unharmed?"

[Iron]

"Max and all the horses are alive. They all need medical attention. Oskar is actually looking after them. Wh...where should we go?" More directed at Marco than Nathan at this point.
"Cress City is available. Lots of space for the horses."

Calam keeps his cool until he can be alone with Golde, but you help ensure they get that opportunity.
This is something Shiva can help shape if you want.


Nathan does see the CUT HM in the crater where Deoxys' smoking ruins are now.


"We're going to consult Dagny as to the Hauberk. Any ideas what we should do with it? I'll take your suggestions into account."

[Dragonstrike]

"Max and all the horses are alive. They all need medical attention. Oskar is actually looking after them. Wh...where should we go?" More directed at Marco than Nathan at this point.
"Cress City is available. Lots of space for the horses."

Calam keeps his cool until he can be alone with Golde, but you help ensure they get that opportunity.
This is something Shiva can help shape if you want.


Nathan does see the CUT HM in the crater where Deoxys' smoking ruins are now.


"We're going to consult Dagny as to the Hauberk. Any ideas what we should do with it? I'll take your suggestions into account."

Nathan's relieved the horses are doing relatively fine, but seems surprised at the news concerning Uncle Oscar.  "...really?  Uncle Oscar's good with horses?  Huh...never would have guessed that, to be honest..."  Nathan doesn't have any input about where they should settle down next.  It doesn't particularly matter to him, so long as they're all together again. He does have another question for his mom, though. "...sooo...what's up with the MSC crystal you're holding?"

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Perfect.  Let's pick that CUT HM up (I'll do my usual list in the meta thread!).  Can't leave something like that just laying around, after all.  We can figure out what we're doing with it and/or who's holding on to it later.  'Course, the League might also have something to say about the HMs we've found (though I doubt they'll take them away from us)

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Shiva's definitely free to help shape Calam's reunion with Golde.  Dizzy was her responsibility for a long time too, after all.

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Hmmmm...what to do about the Hauberk...?  "...well, it's a rather significant historical artifact, and a powerful one at that.  I mean, the dang thing WAS forged to help bring down Deoxys specifically...something like the Four could be justifiably locked away somewhere safe...but again, I feel like we might need the Artifacts again in the future...still a few disturbing prophecies from Gallade here and there that have been left unresolved...and the Four are at their strongest when they're working together..."  Going to need the whole group's input on what to do about the Hauberk, guys.

[Iron]

"Haha! Oh, Nathan, he's terrible with them. Max doesn't listen to a thing he says. But it's enough."

"These crystals are what Deoxys had us captured in. Mallorn thought they might be useful in some way, maybe for Pokeball research?"

The CUT HM has 5 power and that's it. But the great thing about CUT is it deals typeless damage, like a Strike. It can even cut through ethereal flesh, or steel.

[Mikaruge108]

As for exp, Spira will spend 56 of his one-shy of 70 exp to raise Survival from 3 to 5!
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Spira is still reeling from the adrenaline rush brought on by the battle and is mostly silent during the discussion. He's still taking in what happened with the Helm.
--
In response to the question about the hauberk, Spira responds, "I think, for the time being, it be trusted with one of us." its barely noticeable, but Spira glances over toward Heart.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Let's seeeeeee...... From those neat 60 chara-XP I'll be spending 24 on a 4th point in Fight Skill - Shiva totally deserves this, her style of battling is still more of a tai-chi-like style than the standard battling on the average Pokemon Trainer - as well as 32 on 5th point in Knowledge Skill, which is long overdue on her. Her Skills feel finalized now!~

About the Pokemon-XP, I'll take a closer look on those later.


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(...) Healing items are brought forth, but even before those reach you, Martha Warren and Professor Mallorn reach you. Each is holding an MSC crystal. Martha heads straight to her family, while Mallorn approaches the group as a whole.

"Well, boss, my town is gone, along with most of my business! But I have other offices, and all my Pokemon are OK, so can't complain too much! Oh, and my competitors are under investigation by the Creshire Intelligence Service! Ohohoho! I have a lot to say to you all. Oh, and I was hired to provide an armed escort for a very special package from HQ. It'll be filled with goodies and wealth from the League, once they work out exactly how much they owe you. The consensus is clear, though - you saved at LEAST Creshire, if not the world! And these are strange times. Deoxys has been defeated before, but always fled and its race returned on subsequent comets. This will have a big effect on the ecology of Creshire in geologic time." (...)

Whimsicott and Pangoro are thankful over the brought Healing Supplies - I'll just assume they'll bring them back to full HP for simplicity's sake unless GM says something different - though they won't accept them form anyonelse than Shiva herself, so she takes a hold of them and then hands them to her beloved fluffball and trusted panda. The latter's a little reluctant about admitting that he needs them, but Shiva makes it to tickle out his soft side and appreciate being patched up without any fear that this may harm his pride.

Shiva, letting out a startled screech upon Prof. Mallorn approaching them, immediately leaps forward to him to grab him by the hands, no holding back in this moment. "Professooooooorrrr!!! I... I, eh, I'm sososososoooo glad to see you being fine and okay!! ( ╥ω╥ ) Is really everything okay with you? You're not feeling weird or bad from being trapped within that MSC Crystal for a while? PleasepleasePLEASE take good care of you, we don't know whether there'll be any late side-effects from this, eeeeehhhhhh!!"

She catches herself a bit, finally letting go of him and looking a little sorry. "Well, it's good to hear that your Pokemon are fine, but I'm...sorry for what happened to your lab. If... if we can help you in any way rebuilding it, please let us know, I at least would gladly help! ( >o<) Oh, and 'under investigation by the Creshire Intelligence Service'.... That's nice to hear!" Shiva conceals it skillfully, but she can't help but to feel a bit bad for Almanac - of course saying this to the Professor would be mean and tactless, but she's at least hoping that BEFORE the cooporation is brought down(?), she'll make it to snatch one or two of their products... They're still not illegal to own and use, after all. Unless that'll be changed now, which she doesn't hope for.

Eh, she decides to change the topic. "Hehehehehe... 'Big effect on the ecology of Chreshire'.... But, Deoxs's.....dead now.... Don't you think that this will have negative concequences as well? It called itself 'hands that feed' and stuff, maybe..... Arrrrgghhh, maybe I'm just overthinking!! D-different question: What's with the Pokemon Center, do you know whether it's still standing, professor? How are things in Elanor, are you updated on the situation there? I'd like to...get there and help if I can when I can, maybe...?"

(...)"What will you do with the Artifacts now? Yeah, Dagny filled me in."(...)

"Oh has she?~" Shiva can't help but to chuckle about this, sounds totally like something Dagny would do. "That's...that's nice of her, yes!" She involuntarily tightens her grip on the Shield then and becomes a little meek overall. "I, well, I think I'd like to keep this Shield for now if that's alright.... If I may! I really like it, and it's super-useful, and I felt so vulnerable when Deoxys wrenched it away from me...." She shivers over thinking back to that, hasn't really gotten over that.

"It'll be illegal in official battles though, for certain it'll be as it will grant me an unfair advantage - but it'll be handy to have to explore the parts of the region I haven't yet; you see, professor? But, ehm, won't it be too flashy and prominent if we'll wander around with these Artifacts in tow, will we be know through the media as those who s...saved the region? People will likely recognize us, eeeekkkkk! Do I look good enough to appear on tomorrow's newspaper's cover??" (⁄ ⁄>⁄o⁄<⁄ ⁄) Shiva starts to look around frantically, as if she fears to be photographed any moment.

(...) And for Shiva, someone else is here to see her - Golda arrives to interrogate the captured Scimitars and hand out freshly baked cookies. (...)

Before there'll be any Abols-related moments, Shiva wants to have hers, and so she straightly and fondly rushes over to FLING her arms around Golda and pull her into warm hug; and she starts to sob and become teary-eyed again. ""Golda, GOLDAAAA, I'm so happy to see you!! It's been so long, c-can you remember how I arrived at your and Wir's Daycare? A-and how I was too scared to watch the Running and prefered to stay with you two indoors? I do, and look at me now, I really helped saving the region, the Mistlord called me a hero!!! I can hardly believe that still.... How's the Daycare doing, is it still standing, did nothing happen to it or you, do you need my help in anything?"

Shiva gladly takes some cookies too! "S...so tasty, awwwwww, thank youuu!" ｡･ﾟﾟ*(>д<)*ﾟﾟ･｡*nonomnom*

[Iron]

Trillium's Pokecenter is only half-standing. The Healing Machine thankfully still works.

"There's no question that the total defeat of Deoxys will have significant negative effects, at least from some perspectives. The Millennium Comet is ultimately the source of all diversity on Creshire, from Jirachi to Staryu to Voltorb."

"Oh, there's no hiding this!! Your blurry faces already made international news after the clone fight. And here, where the entire League was waiting? Your time of privacy is over!"




"The Daycare is better than ever! We're actually opening up to refugee Pokemon from Elanor and now Trillium, though it's a long journey. Our... side job is doing well too. Thanks to the Infiltrator, there'll be no trouble convicting Cosh."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Shiva doesn't need the Healing Machine, she needs a PC to access her PC Boxes full of Pokemon because she wishes to take a flyer into her party.


She's starting to feel a little guilty again due to significant negative effects, and questions whether not just defeating but killing Deoxys Prime really was the right thing to do. Thankfully she wasn't directly involved in this particular gruesome act, otherwise she'd now feel worse - but, and that's a point her inner voice emphasizes, that alien invader themselves did horrible things and may not deserve any mercy, and they are responsible for countless deaths of Pokemon and people. Hmpf, serves you right, abomination from space!!

her blush and frantic manner only increase over the news that they made international news already. "Is....is that true?! Oh dear, professor, that's...that both so flattering and embarassing, eeeeehhhhh! That means my parents over in Castelia will likely know before I can tell them!!!! They'll be so proud of me... (⁄ ⁄>⁄ ▽ ⁄<⁄ ⁄)"

Another thought comes to her. "*gasp* Professor, have you heard anything from Ventus actually? Is he...doing fine, is he safe and sound?" (Don't want to meet him in person, but Windos allowed me call him if desired [not now])


About Golda's news, Shiva's being super-happy to hear them. "For real?! That's so dear and kind of you two, and great to hear!" She tightens the hug once more, then eventually lets go, rubs her eyes and takes a serious stance and expression, which Whimsicott by her side mirrors just because. She also lowers her voice. "Oh yes, that side job...." She looks around, "Now where is he.... Oh, there, come over here, you!~" She waves towards a very particular Absol, beckons him to come to her and Golda. "Hehehe.... Look how big and strong the Infiltrator has become! (^0^)♡ Nathan raised him so well." If privacy is needed between the Infiltrator and Golda, Shiva will of course grant it.

What time of the day is it actually by now? Shiva's exhausted, probably won't do anything significant anymore this in-game Day. The only thing she'd like to do is talk to a Leage Representative who's free, wishes to request two things, but it can happen in the morning if they're all busy now. Can Shiva sleep over at the Daycare, or at least in the Pokemon Center of Ginger Town?

About the Hauberk, she'd feel best if it is given into the League's hands for preservation.

[Dragonstrike]

"Haha! Oh, Nathan, he's terrible with them. Max doesn't listen to a thing he says. But it's enough."

"These crystals are what Deoxys had us captured in. Mallorn thought they might be useful in some way, maybe for Pokeball research?"

Nathan can't help but chuckle at that thought.  "I'll have to drop by and say hi to them when I've got some time.  No doubt I'm gonna be busy trying to get some privacy in the near future."

"...well, pokeball research might benefit from it, yeah.  Though from what I've seen of those crystals, they should be monitored carefully.  They don't just have the ability to capture humans.  They also sloooowwwwly turn humans they've captured into pokemon.  We found a bunch of MSC crystals in the Kadabra Chambers, where we found dad.  Guess they were leftover from one of Deoxys's experiments. Don't know if they only worked like that due to external factors or not, but I couldn't ignore that they definitely changed people into Kadabra.  I've got a list of names I need to show to Dagny.  Dad wasn't the only one who was trapped there."

[Spiritmon]

As for XP, it's hard to award an amount that's fitting for what you've accomplished. Bo sends word that you are welcome to challenge the Elite Four at any time, regardless of how many badges you have, and you may FLY to bypass Victory Road at your option.

The haul for this encounter is 80XP, divided evenly among any Pokemon that participated. Human heroes get 60 instead of 40. The roleplay during this portion was awesome. I saw great contributions from everyone, even those who felt mechanically hamstrung. Like Heart standing guard over those who needed it most, and Terra's willingness to sacrifice himself. And Luna saving the day at the last second. And then there were those who could have just swung sword and board, but instead made their actions emotional and relevant. Showed us what your characters thought about as they answered the call.


In a few days we'll have a discussion about how to prepare for the E4 for those who want to do that.

With now 95 XP Heart finally have enough XP to get his last point in Earthpower. This battle make him learn more about the secrets of Earthpower. His connection with Moltres also help with that. He also had his instincts of survive be even more sharp then ever, so I gonna increase Survive too. Now he have a base Initiative of 10, compare to Nathan himself.

With the 80 XP, I gonna give all to Doublade. Time to finally unlock some of the surprises of wielding I wanted so much.

Could someone take the list of surprises I wanted for Doublade just to make sure what I gonna get first. Doublade pratically have 194 XP in total, I can totally buy the upgrades and even get any neat move.

Heart also search for a Joy nurse who anyone to give his Pokemon medic treatment, since some of them receive Lethal Damage @Iron.

Post about the react to everything else will come soon.