[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Lord Windos]

Alright, so Windos' characters are heading toward the Genesect fossil, and Shiva is scouting for islands. Anyone else can join whichever adventure they like.


DIVE
You DIVE below the waves and head toward the coastline. It's pocked with caves and tunnels, but you have pretty good info about where to go. You pop up inside one cave and find that it's occupied! It's full of Poliwrath, hard at work moving driftwood, barrels, chests, food, and GOLD around inside the cave.

To the rear of their sea cave is another rocky dive spot, with two Poliwrath guards posted. They seem to be mostly involved in knocking the Anorith who climb out of it back into the water.

(...)

Well, as I stated, Terra and Ventus were essentially going to do some scouting of the DIVE site and sit tight, but now that they've discovered that the place is inhabited/guarded by what seems to be pirate-like gang of Poliwrath their objective suddenly become a lot more complicated. Do they retreat and hide out nearby, waiting for their friends to join up with them later? Do they approach the muscular frogs, gather information, and potentially head off any issues with their (the group's) search for the Genesect Fossil? Or do they just go 'Heck with it! , forgo diplomacy and peace entirely, and just stage an assault against the frogs to neutralize their threat and seize all their loot for themselves?

Several minutes of hushed conversation passed between the eccentric researcher and sagely monk as they deliberated on that, until they settled on a semi-cautious approach: Terra would remain hidden/stay where he was at the undersea cave's entrance (if the Poliwarth know they're there, which should be easy for Ven to pick up on) as emergency back-up, while Ventus would approach what looked like the most leader-like Poliwrath riding/beside his Kingdra Ao Guang along with Lapis Lazuli and Sari to chat, size up, and possibly negotiate with them and the gang as whole. The rugged wanderer, though improving in that area and growing more confidant in it, was still all that well suited or inclined 'speaking softly'  unless he it was absolutely necessary or the matter concerned business, and on the other end the orange hared charmer was not confidant in his own abilities to tackle a whole cave of tough and burly looking Pokemon just himself and Terra (and he had a feeling doing so would piss off their friends if they didn't try the friendly approached....), so they compromised and decided to play to their own strengths.

 Having three strong Water Pokemon back up Ventus served both as added protection and supporting him in negotiations, as the Poliwarth were a lot more likely to take him seriously and try anything rash with them around. That, and perhaps their own individual and uniquely 'regal' natures and demeanor would help in smoozing up to the gang of frogs - it worked with Lovely for the Staryus, Sari's whole nature REVOLVED around being a royal authority figure (Heck, she even has a minor Plot Device to summon up a random Water Pokemon to appear before her!), and Ao Guang was a Kingdra, whose's rule over the deep seas were only contested by overly LARGE Water Pokemon and the great Kyorge itself. Combined together it made for a pretty formidable force in the physical and philosophical sense, so it SHOULD help Ven out.....hopefully.

Plan decided upon, the paranoid rationalist proceeded to enact it, going forth to the 'Leader' / who looked the most in charge and haled them with a friendly and curtious smile, with each of his regal entourage giving their own polite/formal introductions.

"Greetings, Poliwarth! I come here in peace, and only wish to speak with you and perhaps engage in some trade or cooperation of sorts, if you are amenable to it. What do you say?"

[Iron]

The Poli immediately energize their fists for attacks, but they wait and see what you have to offer.

[Lord Windos]

The Poli immediately energize their fists for attacks, but they wait and see what you have to offer.

Ven's smile was unwavering, even though underneath it he was this close to scuttling diplomacy and summoning Lucifer to slice them up, along with the rest of his 'honor guard's ' slew of devastating attacks.. Now in days, he didn't take any form of violence lightly, no matter 'justified' or not it may be, so he was rather twitchy about them going almost straight to it.

"Good, good! No need for things to devolve into a Whirlpool of violence, hmm? Since you all seem to be of the actionable sort, I'll cut to the chase: Me and four other human associates of ours want safe harbor and fair and just treatment in your domains, as well as access to the undersea passage you are guarding over there and your promise not to meddle in our affairs beyond that point. In exchange you'll be amply compensated for your troubles, be it in supplies, treasure, teaching you all powerful Moves (such as Terra's Infinite TM of Alloy) and/or dealing any particularly turbid problems you're reluctant to dirtying your hands with. Choose to ignore our offer....well, let me say thus: you have probably bore witness to that nigh-immortal Legendary alien being that ravaged these lands and waters, and nearly turned it into their personal playground, yes? My associates killed it. Mull that over while you think of my deal, If you would. I have hopes for your decision, Poliwarths."

A generous deal for the Poliwarth in exchange for free passage and protection, and an equally generous threat if they choose to be belligerent. What do they think of that....?

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

COCANCER

You explore as fast as you can, hoping to find a good spot before Cocancer can change its mind. Your recon spots three possibilities: a huge shimmering coral shelf that Cocancer could dock on, an island similar to Garlicburg except much taller and warm to the touch, and an unexplained shallow area where Cocancer could bury itself, surrounded by waterfalls.

Which are you checking out first?

This nice shallow area surrounded by waterfalls sounds interesting and pleasant, so let's check out that one first. "Look at that, Cocancer!~ The water seems to be shallow here despite being surrounded by waterfalls. Isn't that... curious?"

[Iron]

The Poli immediately energize their fists for attacks, but they wait and see what you have to offer.

Ven's smile was unwavering, even though underneath it he was this close to scuttling diplomacy and summoning Lucifer to slice them up, along with the rest of his 'honor guard's ' slew of devastating attacks.. Now in days, he didn't take any form of violence lightly, no matter 'justified' or not it may be, so he was rather twitchy about them going almost straight to it.

"Good, good! No need for things to devolve into a Whirlpool of violence, hmm? Since you all seem to be of the actionable sort, I'll cut to the chase: Me and four other human associates of ours want safe harbor and fair and just treatment in your domains, as well as access to the undersea passage you are guarding over there and your promise not to meddle in our affairs beyond that point. In exchange you'll be amply compensated for your troubles, be it in supplies, treasure, teaching you all powerful Moves (such as Terra's Infinite TM of Alloy) and/or dealing any particularly turbid problems you're reluctant to dirtying your hands with. Choose to ignore our offer....well, let me say thus: you have probably bore witness to that nigh-immortal Legendary alien being that ravaged these lands and waters, and nearly turned it into their personal playground, yes? My associates killed it. Mull that over while you think of my deal, If you would. I have hopes for your decision, Poliwarths."

A generous deal for the Poliwarth in exchange for free passage and protection, and an equally generous threat if they choose to be belligerent. What do they think of that....?

That is generous indeed. I was going to suggest that they might want some TMs - (could be a flavor way to liquidate TMs from the haul earlier). 
They have to do just about nothing to win in this deal, so they accept, and the two guards on the undewater passage part.

The way they are treating the Anorith makes you think they wouldn't be averse to you knocking out a few of them. This turns out to be a good thing, because you're attacked by some savage Armaldo who scuttle along the undersea roof of the cavern and drop down on you with slashing claws. There's nothing special about them other than numbers, though, so you progress without much trouble.

You're also seeing other fossils, mostly imprinted in the walls, but a few being living fossils such as Lileep and a shy Relicanth. 

Finally, you reach the end of that tunnel and see before you a nasty gelatinous mass of long sticky pink-and-white strands, being something like seaweed in shape, but far less organized or firm. It pulses slightly in the waves. As it drifts to one side, a bright ruby like a red insectoid eye is revealed. You can see more shadowy mass within the globby goop.

[Iron]

There seems to be some kind of intriguing chasm under the shallow area - the sea is constantly rushing in and being refilled from over the surrounding rocks. It's about the right diameter for Cocancer to dock in, and there's a constant shifting bed of silt. There's juuuuust enough of the Oversizing Kelp here to live on, but Cocancer's growth will almost certainly cease if he lives here.

Cocancer himself is interested in investigating the chasm. It seems to smell unusual. Even your human senses catch a whiff of some kind of undersea gas.

While Cocancer's face is buried in the chasm, you sense that you are not alone. To your dismay, there is a huge fleet of Scimitars floating just above the waves, surfacing in a sudden spray of very hot steam. Each one is concealing something in their huge Gauntlets. They see you just when you see them.

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

That is generous indeed. I was going to suggest that they might want some TMs - (could be a flavor way to liquidate TMs from the haul earlier). 
They have to do just about nothing to win in this deal, so they accept, and the two guards on the undewater passage part.

The way they are treating the Anorith makes you think they wouldn't be averse to you knocking out a few of them. This turns out to be a good thing, because you're attacked by some savage Armaldo who scuttle along the undersea roof of the cavern and drop down on you with slashing claws. There's nothing special about them other than numbers, though, so you progress without much trouble.

You're also seeing other fossils, mostly imprinted in the walls, but a few being living fossils such as Lileep and a shy Relicanth. 

Finally, you reach the end of that tunnel and see before you a nasty gelatinous mass of long sticky pink-and-white strands, being something like seaweed in shape, but far less organized or firm. It pulses slightly in the waves. As it drifts to one side, a bright ruby like a red insectoid eye is revealed. You can see more shadowy mass within the globby goop.

Ven internally sighs in relief as they agreed to his terms, glad that he and his hired hand didn't have to risk a all out war with the gang of frogs. The less that can possibly go wrong (and the less reasons to disappoint/angry Shiva and Nathan), the better off literally everyone would be!

"*Claps hands* Excellent! Very glad you proved my hopes right, my new friends! Now, let's see to our end of the bargain first, shall we? *Raises voice* Terra, come on out now. All's well and we now have an accord with the Poliwrath, and I believe they'd have much they wish much of what you can share with them now...."

And like that the rugged wanderer joins the gathering and, after having having the whole deal explained to him, proceeds to teach every Poliwrath willing his personal Move Alloy from his infinite TM (after explain it essentially gives - 1 Damage reduction for a few Actions/a Round - need to review my notes on it, if I still have'm) , giving them an offering of some of the treasure he collected from the Skull Ruins ($2500's worth, or $4000 if they think that amount is too stingy), as well as leaving them with a handwritten note (with vocal instructions to them to keep it dry) to give to the others (Nathan in particular) explaining the deal to them and the expectation they teach their own infinite TM Moves/HM Moves (since I don't think Terra is holding one of them) to them too. If they request healing supplies, just take them an appropriate amount of them (any kind) from Terra's inventory - he can afford to get more later between all the Poke and RP wealth options he has. Hopefully that'll MORE than satisfy them into not trying to beat the researchers up!

When the primal sea dwellers try to ambush the two men, Ventus and Terra has them promptly taken out and bowled with a SURF from Ao Guang and Lapis, both having very little patience with would be threats stalling them. The paranoid rationalist is halfway tempted to kill them afterwards for their brutish impudence, but the sagely monk managed to persuade them otherwise by offering to Catch them instead to 'get them out of the way' for their friends. Lapis Lazuli himself is relieved by the lack of bloodshed, while Ao Guang and Sari are a bit upset they couldn't fully meet out some justice to those undersea curs. Terra would also be interested in getting a Lileep (or Cradily, if there is one) to tag along with him (outside of a Pokeball for now; he wants to get to know them first before deciding to catch them), if either he or Ventus could convince them to do so. More Ancient Pokemon is great for his research, and he's gained a similar appreciation that Heart has towards Rare Pokemon due to all the other wild and unique Ancients / Primals the group has Encountered!

Seeing that familiar red eye beyond that sticky, nebulous, and sinister looking neopolitan mass caused Ven's breath to catch in his throat, while Terra's eyebrows raised in marked interest and excitement. Was that what they think it was....? Of course, the aforementioned blobby mass made such an assessment difficult in more ways than one. It blocked direct visual and personal inspection, and its mere presence represented an unknown factor that could do anything for all they knew.

Paranoid and cautious as always, Ventus would attempt to use his own brand of empathy to try and suss anything out about that weird plant-like mess, while Terra humbly requests that Sari do her best to help with her Future Sight and some light Psychic power to try and push some of that sticky mass out of the way, with Ao Guang and Lapis Lazuli floating beside their respective trainers as their first defenders. Both men were ready for the worst or most disruptive things to happen, though, as both have come to expect that nothing ever came simple or easy when it comes to discoveries, investigations, and all things even remotely Legendary.

[Iron]

You can grab a Cradily if you expend an Ultra Ball.

The sticky mass is too sticky to be shifted with an instantaneous force like any Psychic one. When bludgeoned, it mostly just absorbs the blow, and it doesn't respond much to Psychic-type damage. By this you can deduce that the mass is mindless.

[Lord Windos]

You can grab a Cradily if you expend an Ultra Ball.

The sticky mass is too sticky to be shifted with an instantaneous force like any Psychic one. When bludgeoned, it mostly just absorbs the blow, and it doesn't respond much to Psychic-type damage. By this you can deduce that the mass is mindless.

Alright, Terra will expend an Ultra Ball to get a Cradily later then! I'll also assume he managed to Capture at least 1 Armaldo and had L.L.L. hide the rest he couldn't catch away from Ventus when he went on ahead (so as to not incite any murderous urges from them over the prehistoric crustaceans), since you didn't say anything about it. I'll deduct the $2500 Poke amount from Terra's 'bank account' later too, since you also didn't highlight that point. 

Hmm....well, Ven's not about to go directly investigate it yet, despite those promising results. His next test on the neopolitan mass will involve summoning Apsis for a brief time to bombard it with her newly acquired Gunk Shot until it's Poisoned, which should be an easy task thanks to her Necklace of Serenity (Changes her Ability to Serene Grace, in case anyone forgot), which she still wears proudly (and vainly) to this very day. If brute force won't do much to it, how about some chemical warfare instead?

[Iron]

Yeah 2500 is fine.

How's this for a diceless mechanic? Auto-catch a mon based on its rarity/difficulty, mapped to a ball. Armaldo is somewhat rare, so a Great Ball. Cradily quite rare, so an Ultra Ball. And the little shrimps would autocatch in a Pokeball.

Gunk Shot or even better an Acid move would start eating away at the goop. The only difficulty is that the water makes the acid spray diffuse, so it's hard to focus it properly. Maybe Ao Guang can use a whirlpool to direct it properly or something.

Anyway, this will start Poisoning and etching away at the goop, so I'll wait to see if Nathan has any prep now.