[Game Thread] Pokerole: Mount Coronet Mystery

[Dragonstrike]

Question now is, who else will join Ran and Kogeki in chase after Blue Steelix while also searching for the Stairs?

Lucas steps forward.  "If we're going to split up, and you guys are going after that Steelix, then I'm coming.  That definitely wasn't a normal Steelix, and I have a feeling you're going to need my help if we catch up to it."

"So I guess that means Karen and me are going to be sticking with Kee, then."

"...th-that's fine.  Perfectly fine..."

"Are you okay, Karen?  Is something wrong?"

"...n-no.  I'll be a-alright.  Let's j-just keep going."

"...okay, if you say so..."

Rui looks puzzled at Karen's sudden timidity, but she drops the subject at Karen's insistence.  They do indeed have bigger problems right now, after all.

Just to confirm:
- Randolph, Kogeki, and Lucas will be heading to the tile to the left, following the strange Steelix
- Kee, Karen, and Rui will be going to the tile to the right, in the opposite direction of the strange Steelix

Is that correct?

[Dragonstrike]

Before I forget, Espeon also spends some Will Points to heal himself up with Morning Sun, as Rui doesn't have any Potions on her person on account of not being a Pokemon Trainer.

Morning Sun
4 + 4 + 4 - 2 + 2 = 12
(4)(1)(2)(2)(3)(4)(6)(4)(2)(5)(1)(2)
(4)(5)(1)(3) Espeon recovers 2 HP 5/8 -1 Pain

(6)(3)(1)(1)(5)(2)(2)(5)(4)(6)(2)(1)(1)
(6)(4)(4)(3) Espeon recovers 3 HP! 8/8

Espeon spends a total of 2 Will Points.

Strangely, despite clearly being in a cave, the effects of Morning Sun don't seem to be hindered in any way.  Maybe it's got something to do with the area being a Mystery Dungeon?

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

(...) And finally, once all that is done and dealt with, he offers a hand and an encouraging smile towards Karen: "So, how 'bout we get goin' then as well?~ I've sent the Lycanroc to a PC Box of mine for proper treatment at a Center, they're not with me right now. I'm the least one ya'd have to fear anythin' from, and I'm making DAMN SURE that it'll stay that way."[/spoiler]

(...)
"...o-okay..."  Karen follows, not seeming to be fully paying attention.  She's still a little shocked that her Mightyena decided to listen to her for once.

Ah... Karen being so absent-minded makes both Kee and Octavia gently nudge her in an attempt to either cheer her up or get her mind back to the current planet. At best both. The blue faeeveelution even carefully dares to wrap a ribbon of hers around Karen's wrist just to see what may be wrong with her while said faeeveelution's owner and caretaker tries to speak up to her in a gentle and mellifluous voice: "You're...sure that ya're okay? Ya're still a lil' pale 'n shaky. Why so shocked 'n shaken by your Mightyena havin'..LISTENED to ya this time, isn't that more of a...success 'n reason to be joyous?"

Just to confirm:
- Randolph, Kogeki, and Lucas will be heading to the tile to the left, following the strange Steelix
- Kee, Karen, and Rui will be going to the tile to the right, in the opposite direction of the strange Steelix

Is that correct?

Yes, that sounds about correct.

For a moment Kee's all calm and down to earth, his dearest Sylveon loyally by his side - and the next one he has become incredibly timid and nervous, and a massive blush has made its way up to his face. It's looks REALLY out of place on him. "No, no no NO, Ran, Kogeki, Lucas, are ya REALLY gonna leave me ALONE with a bunch of precious 'n innocent ladies?! Bein' fully aware that this will make me the only Blaziken in the yard AND fully responsible for their safety, well-bein' and... Did I mention SAFETY !?"

He seems very embarassed by the sole thought of being made some sort of leader for Karen, Ruin and naturally the precious telepathic Milotic, but actually not against it per se - he just needs a few moments to get used to that idea. Octavia mimics facepalming and joyous chuckling, being well aware that behind his charm and ladies'-man-attitude lies an awkward and shy personality when actually being left ALONE with them. She conveys towards the others that he'll be doing just fine - and that he'll be VERY serious about keeping them safe and sound given his strong protective instinct.

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Beethoven understands, though he's still not particularly happy about it.  He won't make a racket though, as he's been trained to not make excessive noise in a mine without good reason.

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

Zorn licks his lips.  Moments later, he's torn into 3 of the Modrille and made a bloody mess of the scene.  I won't go into detail since I believe leaving it up to the imagination would be far more effective, but let's just say it isn't a very pretty sight.

3 of the Modrille are untouched once Zorn's had his fill.  He gives Randolph a thumbs up, some blood staining his jaws and a bone sticking out of his mouth like an old fashioned cigarette.

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

Lucas steps forward.  "If we're going to split up, and you guys are going after that Steelix, then I'm coming.  That definitely wasn't a normal Steelix, and I have a feeling you're going to need my help if we catch up to it."

"So I guess that means Karen and me are going to be sticking with Kee, then."

"...th-that's fine.  Perfectly fine..."

"Are you okay, Karen?  Is something wrong?"

"...n-no.  I'll be a-alright.  Let's j-just keep going."

"...okay, if you say so..."

Rui looks puzzled at Karen's sudden timidity, but she drops the subject at Karen's insistence.  They do indeed have bigger problems right now, after all.

Just to confirm:
- Randolph, Kogeki, and Lucas will be heading to the tile to the left, following the strange Steelix
- Kee, Karen, and Rui will be going to the tile to the right, in the opposite direction of the strange Steelix

Is that correct?

Well, so long as they understand, things can be worked out between them, Ran, and Paula later. Maybe getting them some tasty millet seed as a treat, once this job is over and done....

-----

Yeah.....the scene of Zorn literally digging and tearing into the mob of moles is a nauseating and stomach turning sight for Ran, but he hold firm, standing witness to it all with a pale and grim, grim expression. No matter how much he'd like to avert his gaze, he won't, as he can't let himself ignore the reality of him condemning their lives to feed his hungry Dragon. To do so would be a disservice to the moles sacrifices, Zorn's nature, and himself as a person, as if he can't stand it all he shouldn't have made that bloody promise to his draconic partner, let alone have them around in the first place, if that makes any sense.

Still, doesn't mean he has to like it any, or make such a.....occasion habitual. A promise is a promise, though, and he always keeps his word.

".....*Nods* Glad ya enjoyed your fresh meat, Zorn. Don't expect it often, though. Now, clean yourself up and get over here. I'm going to be summoning and introducing myself to a new partner of mine that shares a lot in common with ya. Predatory nature, about as ornery as a Gyarados, fiercely savage, the works. 'Cause of that, I'd like to have ya on hand just in case things goes pear shaped. *Looks thoughtful* That, and I'd like to see if she and you get along as fellow predator or something. You don't have a lot of buddies among our partners, so having one you like and work well with would be nice, I think. *Pause* ....If you don't mind, that is. If you do, then just ignore them unless they start causing trouble, alright?"

And all that said and done (and Zorn has a chance to respond, if he wishes), Ran would take a few paces back from the remaining Modrille and summon his Aerodactyl, quickly and briefly introducing himself to the prehistoric glider.

"Hello. Name's Ran, and I your friend and partner. I'll take care of you, and you take care of me."

He'd then point to the Fainted mammals, diverting her attention to them.

"To prove it, here ya go. Some prey, ripe for the picking, in ya hungry."

Reactions from Aerodactyl (and Zorn)?

-----

Ran gives Lucas a firm nod at their insistent request to join up with him and Kogeki, perfectly fine with having them along with him. Despite the uncomfortable conversation he had with them last night, he's still willing and able to work with them seemlessly, like one well oiled cog turning against another! 

He's similarly concerned about Karen's ressurgance of timidity, but he too gives her a nod - but not without giving them a look that hopefully conveys the notion they can talk with him later about it, if they wish. After he shared his troubles with them a couple times (albiet at her own insistence), the least he can do is return the favor.

Finallly, yes, those are the correct groups , headings, and objectives of said groups. Whenever everyone's ready, let's begin the hunt for the Stairs and/or the Blue Steelix!

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

For a moment Kee's all calm and down to earth, his dearest Sylveon loyally by his side - and the next one he has become incredibly timid and nervous, and a massive blush has made its way up to his face. It's looks REALLY out of place on him. "No, no no NO, Ran, Kogeki, Lucas, are ya REALLY gonna leave me ALONE with a bunch of precious 'n innocent ladies?! Bein' fully aware that this will make me the only Blaziken in the yard AND fully responsible for their safety, well-bein' and... Did I mention SAFETY !?"

He seems very embarassed by the sole thought of being made some sort of leader for Karen, Ruin and naturally the precious telepathic Milotic, but actually not against it per se - he just needs a few moments to get used to that idea. Octavia mimics facepalming and joyous chuckling, being well aware that behind his charm and ladies'-man-attitude lies an awkward and shy personality when actually being left ALONE with them. She conveys towards the others that he'll be doing just fine - and that he'll be VERY serious about keeping them safe and sound given his strong protective instinct.

To Kee's panic at his realization of being in charge of the two ladies of the group, Ran lets out the most wry chuckles imaginable and shoots them a toothy grin riff with self satisfaction. Time for some revenge, after all the teasing they've done to him!

"Yes, we are, 'cause we trust their safety and innocence are in good, talented hands of a compassionate punk star like yourself. I have the highest hopes you'll take good care of them, and I fail to see how ya can disappoint them or anyone else with your own talent and skill. Wish ya the best of luck, Kee."

How on earth could Ran manage to make such a loaded statement to the colorful dandy is a mystery, but manage it he did! Diam is giggling along with her partner, giving Kee a smart salute and sardonic grin that nicely matches Ran's. Perhaps those two were more alike that many would think.....

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Oh dear. OH DEAR. Ran's revenge was enough to make Kee blush even MORE (if that's possible at all), drive him even MORE frantic than he already is and staaaaare at the midget miner as if he just asked him the impossible, Ran seems to have hit a sensitive nerve right on the head. Now Octavia begins to really worry for him. "RAAAAAAAN, you 'n your fu-*cough* damn innuendos, WHICH 'talent' 'n WHICH 'skill', tha simple thought sickens me 'n ya know that, yet I HAVE mah V-Card 'n I'll be DAMN HAPPEH to take it 'nto mah grave, I DON'T wanna do anythin' lewd...!!!"

And after having taken a deep breath which unfortunately doesn't reduce his blush: "So YES their innocence IS in 'good hands', in hands that'll make DAMN SURE that it'll STAY that wae!! Octavia, Karen, Rui, we're LEAVIN'!!" And off he is in a huff and an awkward embarassment, in direction opposite of that crystal-y blue Steelix AND opposite any gross stuff. Octavia makes sure to go ┐(￣ω￣;)┌ at Diam and Ran before quickly following her most beloved person in the world, seemingly meant as some sort of her saying sorry for that scene; and then gives an apologizing look and chuckle at Karen and Rui likewise: Her gaze seems to tell them 'Yes he's sensitive towards that topic'.

[Dragonstrike]

Rui's face also starts to turn red again as well after that string of comments from Randolph, before quickly following after Kee in an exasperated huff.  "...not again..."

Karen just looks confused at some of the things that were said.  "...what the heck is a v-card?  Huh?  Hey, where'd everyone go?  Wait for me, guys!!!"

And thus, the party splits once again, the search for the stairs started anew.

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

Kee, Karen, and Rui, traveling in the direction the weird Steelix came from, find a series of tunnels that it seems to have dug.  The diamond dust that Randolph found traces of on prior floors lines the edges of the tunnels (though I don't think he informed anyone except Lucas about what exactly it is).  The three travelers hear the steady dripping of water echoing through the passages.  It's getting louder.

The tunnels look odd, though, and it's not just because of the diamond dust lining them.  Where the ground slopes downwards slightly and the tunnels all meet, the darker stone and coal veins of the mine seem to intermingle with and transition into a much lighter colored stone, and the coal veins all but disappear entirely after wandering far enough from the darker stone.  It actually looks a lot like a cave that would belong in Mt. Coronet.

Karen's looking around, partially nervous, partially awestruck.  "...whoa...look at all that sparkly dust...do you think that Steelix left that trail?"

Rui's taking deep breaths, trying to calm herself.  "...okay, this isn't so bad so far.  This cave is really weird, though...it's quiet...a little too quiet, honestly..."

   

Eventually, though, the sound of dripping water is briefly interrupted by a splash!  And then everything goes quiet again...try as everyone might, however, they can't quite determine which direction the splash came from.  Did it come from the path straight ahead, or the turn into another passage?  The sound echoes through the caves in such a way that it's impossible to tell which path would lead to the water...

Karen looks at Kee, asking the ever relevant question:  "So...which way are we going?"

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

Randolph, Lucas, and Kogeki also encounter tunnels left behind in the wake of the Steelix.  However, these ones don't look freshly dug, and they most certainly still look exactly like a coal mine.  This group of three doesn't hear any water dripping now, either.

   

Diamond dust coats the path to the group's right (the one leading to the upper right of the tile), and they clearly hear what sounds like combat coming from that direction!  The cave walls shake slightly, a grating roar is heard, and a voice calls out!

"Get the hell out of here, while you still have the chance!  I'll buy you some time!"

Randolph and Lucas would recognize that voice anywhere.  Lucas can't believe it at first.

"...is that who I think it is?  That can't be right, though...he's supposed to be holding down the fort in Canalave..."

It very much sounds exactly like Byron, however.  And it sounds like he...and someone else(?)...has either found trouble, or it's found him.

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

*the map has been updated*

Nothing happens on either of these tiles.  A bit boring, yes, but there is a (small) chance of that occurring when exploring Mystery Dungeons.  Can't be exciting adventures and treasure finding all the time, after all.

Given the situation, this is also a good time to try and make preparations for what might be ahead.  No pre-fight buffing still please, but swapping pokemon, attempting to stealth to the next tile, healing pokemon, etc. is all fair game.

Oh, and as for Aspido's Sitrus Berry...

(3)

...no, it hasn't regrown yet.

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

Randolph, Lucas, and Kogeki also encounter tunnels left behind in the wake of the Steelix.  However, these ones don't look freshly dug, and they most certainly still look exactly like a coal mine.  This group of three doesn't hear any water dripping now, either.

Diamond dust coats the path to the group's right (the one leading to the upper right of the tile), and they clearly hear what sounds like combat coming from that direction!  The cave walls shake slightly, a grating roar is heard, and a voice calls out!

"Get the hell out of here, while you still have the chance!  I'll buy you some time!"

Randolph and Lucas would recognize that voice anywhere.  Lucas can't believe it at first.

"...is that who I think it is?  That can't be right, though...he's supposed to be holding down the fort in Canalave..."

It very much sounds exactly like Byron, however.  And it sounds like he...and someone else(?)...has either found trouble, or it's found him.

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

*the map has been updated*

Nothing happens on either of these tiles.  A bit boring, yes, but there is a (small) chance of that occurring when exploring Mystery Dungeons.  Can't be exciting adventures and treasure finding all the time, after all.

Given the situation, this is also a good time to try and make preparations for what might be ahead.  No pre-fight buffing still please, but swapping pokemon, attempting to stealth to the next tile, healing pokemon, etc. is all fair game.

Oh, and as for Aspido's Sitrus Berry...

(3)

...no, it hasn't regrown yet.

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Rui's face also starts to turn red again as well after that string of comments from Randolph, before quickly following after Kee in an exasperated huff.  "...not again..."

Karen just looks confused at some of the things that were said.  "...what the heck is a v-card?  Huh?  Hey, where'd everyone go?  Wait for me, guys!!!"

And thus, the party splits once again, the search for the stairs started anew.

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

Randolph, Lucas, and Kogeki also encounter tunnels left behind in the wake of the Steelix.  However, these ones don't look freshly dug, and they most certainly still look exactly like a coal mine.  This group of three doesn't hear any water dripping now, either.



Diamond dust coats the path to the group's right (the one leading to the upper right of the tile), and they clearly hear what sounds like combat coming from that direction!  The cave walls shake slightly, a grating roar is heard, and a voice calls out!

"Get the hell out of here, while you still have the chance!  I'll buy you some time!"

Randolph and Lucas would recognize that voice anywhere.  Lucas can't believe it at first.

"...is that who I think it is?  That can't be right, though...he's supposed to be holding down the fort in Canalave..."

It very much sounds exactly like Byron, however.  And it sounds like he...and someone else(?)...has either found trouble, or it's found him.

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

Ran has the decency to look a apologetic as Rui took flustered offense at the good o' ribbing he gave Kee , while giving Karen a somewhat dry look that oft comes to older and/or wise people that clearly conveyed the message 'Tell ya when your older.' No need to crack open that can of worms for the wee lass!

The dwarven craftsman was in fairly decent spirits after that and the group split up (which still chagrined him greatly, but in a Mystery Dungeon, do as Explorers do....) , looking only mildly serious as he kept his eyes and ears out for that Blue Steelix. He also eyes the walls and the coal lined seems in them warily, on guard for that diamonized snake or any other burrowing pest making a unexpect visit or trying to bring the house down on them. They're wouldn't be another near fatal accident with the Pokemon in this mountain turned Dungeon. Not on his watch.

All thought about the present situation ceases when he hears the roar of a terrible beast and their voice ringing out. His expression goes from agitated alarm to blank shock, before it transformed into one of cold hard graveness. At the boy hero's disbelief, Randolph only had this to say, his tone severe and flinty: " 'Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, is the truth.' And in strange and wicked times as we are in, nothing is out of the realm of possibility. Byron is here, and I'm going to rescue him." 

Saying that, Randolph takes only the briefest moment to switch out his Aerodactyl for Sekmet into his main party , and then he's off, racing towards the sounds of the struggle between Gym Leader and the terrible foe they face.....

[Dragonstrike]

Oh yeah, forgot about the Aerodactyl thing with the Modrille encounter.  Whoops.  Well, flashbacking to that...

Aerodactyl almost completely ignores Randolph as they viciously and relentlessly tear into the remaining Modrille.  It makes Zorn's snack look neat by comparison.  Maybe that's because Zorn's a bit more used to being around humans than a semi recently revived Aerodactyl is...

Zorn's watching the carnage with a rather neutral expression on his face the entire time.