Makai flings a stone at the angry Meteorite Pokemon. It arcs through the air before smacking with a dull plonk off the hovering creature's armored face.
Before the projectile can hit the ground, the Solrock's eyes glow with a faint, flickering light and the stone ceases falling, enveloped in a similar glow. The pebble swiftly flies back up to the Solrock, which glares at it through its half-lidded red eyes.
WHO THREW THIS?
WHO'S THE DUMB COWARD THAT THREW THIS?
It's worth noting that absolutely nothing about the Solrock's appearance outwardly shows how loud and angry it is. The group's Pokemon can obviously hear it shouting but all the trainers are getting from this is a general sense of immense piss-offedness that seems a little strange considering the thing's immaculate poker face.
Anyway,
Solrock was Tested!
The Solrock's stony carapace and telekinetic powers mark it as a Rock/Psychic Type. Its Drought Ability seems to create an area of extreme heat, brightness, and solar activity. Makai reckons that Types that benefit from dry conditions and the availability of solar energy would find their attacks more effective, whereas those that prefer to work in cool or wet environments would have trouble dealing damage with their elements. Notably, this Ability doesn't look like it would differentiate between friend or foe, it may be that Solrock can only vent his excess energy, not control who takes advantage of it.
Drought As long as this Pokemon is active, Grass and Fire Types in its Arena receive +1 Attack and +1 Special Attack, and Water and Ice Types receive -1 Attack and -1 Special Attack.
While the Solrock remains distracted by the mystery missile, Iktomi leaps on one of the Lileep, gnawing repeatedly on its juicy, plantlike sprouts before leaping away to potential safety.
Iktomi used Bug Bite!
Lileep A took 4 Stamina and 1 Defense Damage!
It's Super Effective!
~Arenas~ Rocky Tunnel
Creatures: None Stalagmite Field
Trainers: Elise, Makai
Pokemon: Zeal, Gigen, Clefairy
Opponents: Roggenrola C Murky Pools
Trainers: Tanaka
Pokemon: Iktomi
Opponents: Solrock, Lileep A, Lileep B
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Iktomi and Makai are first up in initiative anyway, so I figured I'd get that posted since I had it all typed.
Tanaka leaps away from the unstable ground (-1 Voltage), avoiding the stone pillars sent to crush him. "Hey, what the heck, man?" He says to the Lileep, "What are you doing?"
Gigen, meanwhile, turns to the fool stone that tried to eat him. He stalks toward it slowly, allowing it ample time to realize the gravity of its mistake before snatching it, lifting it up, and smashing it's back into his knee. The spectre's strength is savage, and the Roggenrola's armor crumbles like old clay.
Makai looks from the floating rock to the weird tree things from the pool. Hmmm. Better take advantage of that before those weird guys that hopped out of the muck do.
"Iktomi! Great job." He says while returning the spiderling back to the safety of her apricorn. There are far too many rocks flying around for her to last long in this fight.
"Fenrir, it's your turn. Hit that one with a Flame Tackle!" The Houndour materializes on the other side of the Murky Pool. The Fire-Type doesn't need to be told to avoid the water, as it runs over dry ground building up speed. It ignites and then clumsily barrels into Lileep B, sending both of them tumbling into the out of Solrock's glare and into the Stalagmite Field.
Fenrir uses FLAME TACKLE on Lileep B!
Fenrir attempts to shift them to Stalagmite Field.
While Gigen sidles towards his prey, Elise takes a moment to jab repeatedly at the Roggenrola, the hardened steel of her weapon throwing up sparks as it skips and skitters over the tough Pokemon's armored surface.
Elise Attacked Roggenrola C!
Roggenrola C took 2 Stamina Damage!
While his chosen foe may have remained blissfully unaware of the Ghost Type's approach while the noblewoman harassed it, Gigen can perhaps be consoled by the fact that creeping horror has been replaced by shocked terror, as the Roggenrola spins away from a stab only to come face-to-face with irritated Sableye, who promptly places a terrifyingly crushing stroke against the battered Rock Type.
Gigen used Brick Break!
Roggenrola C took 8 Stamina and 2 Defense Damage!
It's Super Effective!
The Roggenrola has fallen victim to one of the classic blunders, the most famous of which is "return books borrowed from the Malachite library promptly" - but only slightly less well-known is this: "Never get in melee combat with Gigen".
Roggenrola C Fainted!
Gigen's Moxie activated!
While his Pokemon basks in the well-earned glow of excessive victory, Tanaka puts his hard-earned reflexes into play by firmly stepping out of and away from the Lileep's enclosing cage of rock, allowing the pillars to harmlessly crash into the ground and shatter.
While small shards of rock skitter across the ground and bounce off the edge of his sandals, Tanaka delivers his mild rebuke, earning him what can probably be best described as confusion from the Lileep. While it may not have fully comprehended his words, it seems like a gentle answer does indeed turn away wrath. For the moment, at least.
Tanaka dodged Lileep B's attack!
WHAT ARE YOU DOING?
The Solrock furiously demands when it notices the hesitating Lileep.
DON'T JUST STAND THERE! DEFEAT THE INTERLOPERS!
Turning away from its minion, the glittering Psychic draws an ocular bead on the distant, preening Ghost Type. The air shimmers with a concussive power as the Solrock shoots forth a line of telekinetic might, blasting away chips of stone from the intervening stalagmites and sending loose dust spiraling into the air as Tanaka's Sableye is seized and shaken with disorienting force.
Solrock used Psybeam!
Gigen took 5 Stamina and 1 Special Defense Damage!
While the Sableye hogs the spotlight (if you want to call a Psybeam that), Zeal takes a moment to seek cover from the whizzing chips of stone, roiling elemental energy, and harsh light of the battle. A few deep breaths and a moment of meditation and the Vespiquen feels rejuvenated, ready to once again take lead.
Zeal used Roost!
Zeal Recovered!
Taking heed of its leader's example, the Lileep Iktomi struck puts its own sights on the stalagmite field, flipping its head to fling a glob of bubbling solar energy to splash against a posing, spectal enemy.
Having taking a thorough pummeling already, Gigen suffers a near direct hit from the flying ball, immediately sprouting a thin coating of icky cave moss where the attack struck him. He'll probably want to have a scrub after this fight, lucky thing those pools are close by...
Lileep A used Energy Ball!
Gigen took 3 Stamina and 1 Special Defense Damage!:whistle:
Though still briefly baffled by Tanaka's approach, the second Lileep seems to have decided to continue fighting, albeit with a more immediately threatening target than the Bell Bonze. Shuffling sideways so as not to inadvertently strike the monk with its payload, it gives what might almost be mistaken for an apologetic chirp before hurling a sphere of radiant energy into the stalagmites at its crouching target.
Still taking advantage of partial cover, and benefiting from her sturdy resistance to plant-based attacks, Zeal manages to shake off the worst of the attack, suffering only a little hint of green here and there on her chitin carapace.
Lileep B used Energy Ball!
Zeal took 2 Stamina Damage!
It's not very effective...
While Iktomi departs the fight for her Apricorn, job done for the time being, Fenrir is given his rein over the battlefield.
Murky Pools is harshly lit!
Fenrir's offense was Boosted!
Responding with equal pleasure to his trainer's order to attack and an environment ever so conducive to fiery destruction, the Dark Pokemon violently tackles the hesitant Lileep into a barely controlled tustle, driving the both of them past Tanaka and into the field of rocky pillars, several of which the Fire Type manages to smash the fragile Pokemon through before throwing it to the ground and dousing his unfortunate victim with another hearty spray of liquid fire.
Fenrir used Flame Tackle!
Lileep B took 5 Stamina and 1 Defense Damage!
It's Super Effective!
Fenrir and Lileep B shifted to the Stalagmite Field!
Battered and fried, the Lileep promptly abandons its physical form, departing in a cloud of wispy motes that scatter and flee from the lingering flames.
Lileep B Fainted!
UGH, USELESS!
~Arenas~ Rocky Tunnel
Creatures: None Stalagmite Field
Trainers: Elise, Makai
Pokemon: Fenrir, Zeal, Gigen, Clefairy
Opponents: Roggenrola C, Lileep B Murky Pools
Trainers: Tanaka
Opponents: Solrock, Lileep A
The Vespiquen and her agile retinue surge through the stalagmites, swarming across the murky pools and assaulting the Solrock's sole remaining minion. Their superior manuevering and aerial positioning give the clumsy Lileep little recourse with which to defend itself.
Zeal used Aerial Ace!
Lileep A took 3 Stamina Damage!
Overwhelmed under a cloud of tiny Combee, the Lileep inevitably expires.
Lileep A fainted!
Left with no more underlings to call upon, the Solrock gently hovers in the middle of its aura of radiance.
A THOUSAND YEARS AND MORE I'VE WAITED
BEWARE!
The Pokemon mentally screams, leveling its gaze like a spear.
I LIVE!
The Solrock's focus spirals outward, ignoring the waiting Combee to strike out at their queen. The Meteorite Pokemon's will hammers down on Zeal's mental defenses, clawing fruitlessly at the smooth surface of her thoughts as it tries to break into her mind.
Solrock used Extrasensory!
Zeal took 3 Stamina Damage!
It wasn't very effective...
The psychic siege is lifted when Fenrir pounces out of the darkness, his teeth crunching deep into the stony hide of the Solrock and dragging it earthwards.
Fenrir used Crunch!
Solrock took 2 Stamina and 1 Defense Damage!
The Solrock attempts to break the hold, jerking itself away from the Dark Type's jaws with little effect
A switch deep in Gigen's psyche flips when the meteorite pokemon says 'god'. His toothy grin turns down at the corners, and he advances toward the sun.
"I'd warn you against hubris, friend. The mighty tend to fall around us." Says Tanaka, who nonetheless makes an effort to keep a stalagmite between him and the Solrock.
His point is hopefully demonstrated when Gigen finds his target. Wrapped in waves of fear and darkness, he flashes into Solrock's vision, a terror made of pointed teeth and sharp claws. He digs both into the meteor's body as far as the will go before he is shaken off.
Gigen shifts to MURKY POOLS! Gigen used SHADOW SNEAK on SOLROCK!
Some formatting stuff: When I use pokemon avatars for pokemon chatter, the pokemon is speaking purely in pokemon language and probably isn't intelligible to the Trainers. When the pokemon is using the normal dialogue structure, it's speaking 'human', or at least something a human can understand (and pokemon may or may not, Intuit allowing).
~Mt. Meteo~
The Solrock's impassive face turns toward Tanaka, and the monk finds words appearing unbidden in his mind's ear. YOUR CONCERN IS COMMENDABLE, BUT UNNECCESARY, the foriegn voice roars in muted tones, as though screaming from a distance. I AM FAR MORE THAN MERELY 'MIGHTY', HUMAN., it continues, apparently missing the incredible irony of its response.
Zeal's chastisement garners a significantly less civil response.
LECTURE ME NOT, PRETENDER! WE WILL TALK TERMS AFTER I CRUSH YOU AND YOUR CONTEMPTIBLE MINIONS.
The Solrock spits, facing its imminent Combee encirclement with its signature inscrutability.
While Zeal and her cohorts close in, Gigen makes his move. The harsh light of the Solrock creates equally harsh shadows, the depths of which the Sableye is able to navigate at the speed of thought. Circumventing the Bug Type blockade and attacking with a suddenness and strength that defies all defense, Gigen strikes with the full majesty of his spectral heritage.
Gigen used Shadow Sneak!
Solrock took 9 Stamina and 1 Defense Damage!
It's Super Effective!
The Solrock's stony surface crackles with energy as Gigen's darkness-limned claws rend devastating fissures, the critically wounded Meteorite Pokemon howling with shock and outrage.
DEMON!
YOU WILL BURN FOR THIS!
With a rapid rotation, the hovering Psychic flings Gigen off and towards the cavern floor, suicidally spinning after the Ghost Type in literal hot pursuit as the lingering cloud of bleeding essence from its injuries ignite into an explosive conflagration.
Solrock used Flame Wheel!
Gigen took 4 Stamina and 1 Special Defense Damage!
Before Zeal and her retinue can intervene, the two direly wounded Pokemon are engaged in pitched close-quarters melee, fighting spine against claw and fire against shadow. Braving the scything talons and billowing flames, the Vespiquen and Combee drag the two opponents apart, shielding Gigen from further harm and heaping yet more damage into the Solrock's apparently bottomless tolerance for punishment.
Zeal used Defend Order!
Solrock took 2 Stamina Damage!
However, the twin nemeses are both staggered and fading fast, kept conscious only by adrenaline and the drive to fight to the bitter end. Separated from his foe, the scorched Gigen is beyond Zeal's ability to help, the Ghost Type hemorrhaging energy almost as badly as the crippled Solrock.
Gigen Fainted! Solrock Fainted!
Collapsing under the weight of its injuries, the Solrock offers one final uttered rebuke,
RUN, COWARDS...
I LIVE...
before dissolving into a maelstrom of brilliant, swirling energy.
- Elise received 10 Trainer Exp!
- Zeal received 9 Exp!
- Makai received 6 Trainer Exp
- Iktomi received 6 Exp!
- Fenrir received 6 Exp!
With the coast finally clear, the Clefairy from earlier steps out from behind its stalagmite hiding spot, waving sheepishly at its unexpected rescuers.
I wonder if it's a good or bad thing that in a Pokemon system where catching something is as easy as saying it, folks are relatively picky about what they actually catch.
I guess there isn't the excitement of the "wiggle... wiggle... wiggle... CLICK".
That and a caught Pokemon is generally a pretty big responsibility.
Trivia of the Day: "Catch/Caught" and "Capture/Captured" are separate concepts in Pokemon, being the functions of Pokeballs and Capture Stylers, respectively.
Happy 3rd Anniversary. Praise be to whatever dark forces compel this thread shamble ever onward.
~Mt. Meteo~
With no apricorn drawn forth to seize its fleeting essence, the eddying remains of the Solrock eventually fade from view. The fainted Pokemon will be of no further trouble this day.
The departure of the luminous creature's remains thrusts the cavern once more into near total darkness, allowing the easy spotting of a faint glimmer nestled in the muck and rubble of the puddled floor where the Solrock was defeated.
Should anyone choose to investigate, they discover a fist-sized rock, spiky and orange, gently glowing with an inner light roughly equal to a hot piece of coal.
Makai frowns. "Hmm, maybe we shouldn''t have taken that guy out. He'd make an excellent torch in this dark cave." He holds out and captures the remaining essence of the Solrock.
"Having a pokemon that can talk sounds will probably prove useful."
Catching the Solrock and getting the Sun Stone were supposed to be mutually exclusive events, but I can roll with this.
Score another point for Makai sundering causality.
~Mt. Meteo~
Elise finds the Sun Stone Zeal handed her to have relatively little heft for its size, and it's comfortably warm to the touch. Its edges are a little sharp, so it would be wise to pack it carefully if she plans on stowing it for later.
Before the Solrock can completely drift away, Makai catches it in an empty Apricorn.
Solrock was caught!
...Loyalty: Hostile
The Clefairy seems a little concerned about the ninja's Solrock capture, but shrugs it off. Elise's questions merit a slightly bewildered glance from the Pokemon. It appears that it must be a far less proficient communicator than the one that the noble conversed with earlier. A translator might be helpful at this juncture...
...
!!!
???
...or perhaps not. It doesn't seem like the group's Pokemon can understand what the Clefairy is trying to say either.
How odd. Maybe just words and gestures aren't going to be enough.
Like a bad scent on the breeze, the merchant servant arrives on the scene much later than expected, but too soon and suddenly for escape. Wheezing badly under the combined weight of the group's excess gear, she plods into the cavern and takes a seat on a big, flat rock.
After regaining her breath, she glances around. Did she miss something, or something? Everybody else seems tired. Weird.
I guess I've had these buried in my Voltage pics folder from way back. If you ever wanted to know what I imagine the scenery of the Voltage setting looks like, here you go.
With the current communication conundrum unsolved, the Clefairy eventually decides it has better things to do than stand around being grateful. It begins making a shuffling departure towards the rocky tunnel from which the trainers first emerged on the scene.
With no further pressing arrangements beyond the eventual hope to emerge on the other side of the mountain, and situated as they are in the currently rather pacified cavern, the group may wish to...
Stop the Clefairy from leaving You're not done with him yet. However, with the communication barrier this might seem a little threatening
Follow the Clefairy Though this would mean backtracking, at least until you potentially reach a turn you didn't take the first time around
Rest and recuperate Some of your pokemon have taken notable damage, and Gigen has fainted. It may be wise to take some time to recover
Have it out with Solrock Now that you've captured the curious and powerful creature, there may be no time like the present to figure out its deal
Some other stuff Or do whatever you want. I'm a GM, not a video game
While Alice is busy feeling old and out of shape, Lucea trots on over to the Clefairy. She's not particularly interested in making friends, but a challenge that she alone can overcome is more interesting.
[so,] she greets the pink creature by forcing her own thoughts into its general brain area, [you know any way out of this forsaken rockhole?]
[what was that idiot's deal, anyways?] she adds, after a second.
Lucea makes tentative psychic contact with the Pokemon. Though no real connoisseur of the mind's architecture, there's something slightly disconcerting about how her broadcasted thoughts filter into what little mental machinery she can make out.
The Clefairy, however, brightens considerably. [For sake of knowledge? A holy rock! I think I understand the day you purchased.]
Okay yeah, Lucea's seen more lucid responses from Pokemon she's used Confusion on. There's something wrong with this Pokemon.
[An idiot's head trading territory for god. Even exaggeration shattered Pokemon understanding.] The Clefairy continues, cryptically. [If you are heading sideways, I have accomplished a correct path. Do you like me in order to be shown?]
Lucea stares down the pink lumpy creature. Well, it seems happy with its current state of mind.
That being said, so do a lot of people who don't know better. She circles around the jolly little...thing from a few steps back, giving it the once-over for any kind of more obvious, physical oddities she might have missed at first glance.
"So I uhh guess we're following this guy?" Makai scratches his chin. "I don't wanna be underground any longer than I have to but, ehh, I mean, we went to the trouble of saving it, so maybe he has a reward of totally rocking treasures?" Makai shrugs.
The Clefairy remains composed while Lucea examines it. The munchkin-esque build doesn't seem unusual, the floofy tail and hair-tuft are natural enough, the vestigial wings are entirely nominal for Pokemon physique.
Lucea may [Watch] the Clefairy if she likes.
The Clefairy gestures, this one at least clearly a beckon to follow, and takes off once more towards the rocky tunnel in its curiously light-stepped, waddling hops.
The Espeon waits a few seconds before giving the mental equivalent of a shrug. [Right. Thanks. Lead the way.]
That being said (in a manner of speech),Lucea continues to watch the new guide carefully while she communicates the results of her nonsensical chat to Alice.
Alice scratches her head. Sideways, huh? Most of it has some meaning after a fashion, but the "idiot's head" stuff is just incomprehensible. "Sounds like it might know a good way through? Might be safer to take a known path, th-" and there goes the boss. Alice struggles back to her feet. Well, she should probably get moving too. Don't want to get lost down here again.
The Clefairy leads the party onward through the rocky tunnels of Mt. Meteo, maintaining a near constant chatter of incomprehensible gibberish. The low-level muttering seems to consistently waver between conversational tones, marching tunes, meandering songs, and muted chants. It's pleasant noise, all told, and detracts little from the group's darkened trek through winding corridors.
As often as her patience permits, Lucea may tune her mental dials to radio Clefairy. Such an act reveals that the impression the tiny Pokemon is giving appears entirely correct, the Clefairy murmuring to itself scraps of stories, half-remembered lyrics, and other seemingly random conglomerations of verbal flotsam.
Recognizing it for what it is is a far cry from understanding it, however, and even psychically translated the leading Pokemon's speech continues to be a disjointed mess of unfamiliar euphemisms, terminology, and references bound together with dream logic and fairy tale narratives.
After some hours of travel, the party's exhaustion begins to mount, and the Clefairy's pace slows to match the lagging Trainers'. After stopping to allow the others to catch up a few times, the Clefairy about faces, turning its head questioningly.
...?
[Deceleration. You affect a nest for consuming?] the Fairy Pokemon asks.
...!
[Best of regards isn't to be spotted here, but mentioned strength could be sufficient.] it continues with a shrug.
A couple of rounds of telephone later, Alice gets the gist of things. Probably. "Uh. Sounds like there's trouble ahead? Maybe we could try and avoid this one, or scout it out, or something," she adds, hopelessly. She glances over at Makai meaningfully. He's sneaky, right? If he wants to be?
"Oh yeah." Makai replies to Alices suggestion. He was honestly in kind of in a daze considering the probabilities of the weird shouty pokemon. Maybe he'd call him Mr. Shouty.
"I'll handle the scouting you guys. Hang back, just in case shit is mad crazy."
Tanaka's calls fall into the hungry darkness with nary an echo, the sound as stifled by shadow and splash as his own senses, of sight and sound, time and motion. Leaving the wayward monk with only the numbing chill of the cavern's damp air and water's white noise. He is alone.
This place, Tanaka senses, will kill him if it can, but in that sense it is no different from the Spore Caverns. The distant memory of that hellishly hot, poisonous place brings with it a small measure of reassurance. Tanaka braved that virulent place with naught but a berry and a blindfold. The same can be done here.
Something seems to have stopped the Clefairy. Maybe it's scared? Makai calls out Roscoe. Of the team, Roscoe seems the most diplomatic. Maybe he can banish their Clefairy guide's fears.
The Trubbish approaches the Clefairy with his typical jovial manner, the two Pokemon exchanging greetings and then having a short conversation. Though to the other Pokemon, the Clefairy still seems to be communicating in gibberish, Roscoe seems to be following along well enough.
Uh huh...
Yeah...
You don't say?
The Trubbish says encouragingly while the Clefairy airs its views in what appears to be a very long run-on sentence complete with complicated gestures.
Posts
~Mt. Meteo~ :whistle:
Makai flings a stone at the angry Meteorite Pokemon. It arcs through the air before smacking with a dull plonk off the hovering creature's armored face.
Before the projectile can hit the ground, the Solrock's eyes glow with a faint, flickering light and the stone ceases falling, enveloped in a similar glow. The pebble swiftly flies back up to the Solrock, which glares at it through its half-lidded red eyes.
It's worth noting that absolutely nothing about the Solrock's appearance outwardly shows how loud and angry it is. The group's Pokemon can obviously hear it shouting but all the trainers are getting from this is a general sense of immense piss-offedness that seems a little strange considering the thing's immaculate poker face.
Anyway,
Solrock was Tested!
The Solrock's stony carapace and telekinetic powers mark it as a Rock/Psychic Type. Its Drought Ability seems to create an area of extreme heat, brightness, and solar activity. Makai reckons that Types that benefit from dry conditions and the availability of solar energy would find their attacks more effective, whereas those that prefer to work in cool or wet environments would have trouble dealing damage with their elements. Notably, this Ability doesn't look like it would differentiate between friend or foe, it may be that Solrock can only vent his excess energy, not control who takes advantage of it.
While the Solrock remains distracted by the mystery missile, Iktomi leaps on one of the Lileep, gnawing repeatedly on its juicy, plantlike sprouts before leaping away to potential safety.
Iktomi used Bug Bite!
Lileep A took 4 Stamina and 1 Defense Damage!
It's Super Effective!
~Arenas~
Rocky Tunnel
Creatures: None
Stalagmite Field
Trainers: Elise, Makai
Pokemon: Zeal, Gigen, Clefairy
Opponents: Roggenrola C
Murky Pools
Trainers: Tanaka
Pokemon: Iktomi
Opponents: Solrock, Lileep A, Lileep B
Iktomi and Makai are first up in initiative anyway, so I figured I'd get that posted since I had it all typed.
Tanaka, Gigen & Numel ACRONYM="4"]P[/ACRONYM][ACRONYM="0"]K[/ACRONYM][ACRONYM="0"]M[/ACRONYM][ACRONYM="2"]N[/ACRONYM
[Bell Bonze] ~ [Shakuhachi] ~ [Badling of Lotad] - [Well Supplied] ~ Volt: 4
Tanaka leaps away from the unstable ground (-1 Voltage), avoiding the stone pillars sent to crush him. "Hey, what the heck, man?" He says to the Lileep, "What are you doing?"
Gigen, meanwhile, turns to the fool stone that tried to eat him. He stalks toward it slowly, allowing it ample time to realize the gravity of its mistake before snatching it, lifting it up, and smashing it's back into his knee. The spectre's strength is savage, and the Roggenrola's armor crumbles like old clay.
Tanaka makes a Physical Check (4+2)!
Gigen uses BRICK BREAK on ROGGENROLA C!
Steam
[PKMN] [Shieldmaiden] [Carapace Brigandine] [Cobalt Springs Tradition]
Zeal lets Gigen handle the battle for the time being, taking the chance to recover her wounds.
Zeal used Roost!
Meanwhile Elise joins Gigen on the assault, assailing the roggenrolla with a flurry of spear-pokes.
Trainer Attack on Roggenrolla C!
ACRONYM="3"]P[/ACRONYM][ACRONYM="0"]K[/ACRONYM][ACRONYM="3"]M[/ACRONYM][ACRONYM="0"]N[/ACRONYM [Newly Sharpened Kunais] [Caving Kit]
Iktomi | Fenrir | Roscoe
Mt. Meteo
Makai looks from the floating rock to the weird tree things from the pool. Hmmm. Better take advantage of that before those weird guys that hopped out of the muck do.
"Iktomi! Great job." He says while returning the spiderling back to the safety of her apricorn. There are far too many rocks flying around for her to last long in this fight.
"Fenrir, it's your turn. Hit that one with a Flame Tackle!" The Houndour materializes on the other side of the Murky Pool. The Fire-Type doesn't need to be told to avoid the water, as it runs over dry ground building up speed. It ignites and then clumsily barrels into Lileep B, sending both of them tumbling into the out of Solrock's glare and into the Stalagmite Field.
Fenrir uses FLAME TACKLE on Lileep B!
Fenrir attempts to shift them to Stalagmite Field.
While Gigen sidles towards his prey, Elise takes a moment to jab repeatedly at the Roggenrola, the hardened steel of her weapon throwing up sparks as it skips and skitters over the tough Pokemon's armored surface.
Elise Attacked Roggenrola C!
Roggenrola C took 2 Stamina Damage!
While his chosen foe may have remained blissfully unaware of the Ghost Type's approach while the noblewoman harassed it, Gigen can perhaps be consoled by the fact that creeping horror has been replaced by shocked terror, as the Roggenrola spins away from a stab only to come face-to-face with irritated Sableye, who promptly places a terrifyingly crushing stroke against the battered Rock Type.
Gigen used Brick Break!
Roggenrola C took 8 Stamina and 2 Defense Damage!
It's Super Effective!
The Roggenrola has fallen victim to one of the classic blunders, the most famous of which is "return books borrowed from the Malachite library promptly" - but only slightly less well-known is this: "Never get in melee combat with Gigen".
Roggenrola C Fainted!
Gigen's Moxie activated!
While his Pokemon basks in the well-earned glow of excessive victory, Tanaka puts his hard-earned reflexes into play by firmly stepping out of and away from the Lileep's enclosing cage of rock, allowing the pillars to harmlessly crash into the ground and shatter.
While small shards of rock skitter across the ground and bounce off the edge of his sandals, Tanaka delivers his mild rebuke, earning him what can probably be best described as confusion from the Lileep. While it may not have fully comprehended his words, it seems like a gentle answer does indeed turn away wrath. For the moment, at least.
Tanaka dodged Lileep B's attack!
The Solrock furiously demands when it notices the hesitating Lileep.
Turning away from its minion, the glittering Psychic draws an ocular bead on the distant, preening Ghost Type. The air shimmers with a concussive power as the Solrock shoots forth a line of telekinetic might, blasting away chips of stone from the intervening stalagmites and sending loose dust spiraling into the air as Tanaka's Sableye is seized and shaken with disorienting force.
Solrock used Psybeam!
Gigen took 5 Stamina and 1 Special Defense Damage!
While the Sableye hogs the spotlight (if you want to call a Psybeam that), Zeal takes a moment to seek cover from the whizzing chips of stone, roiling elemental energy, and harsh light of the battle. A few deep breaths and a moment of meditation and the Vespiquen feels rejuvenated, ready to once again take lead.
Zeal used Roost!
Zeal Recovered!
Taking heed of its leader's example, the Lileep Iktomi struck puts its own sights on the stalagmite field, flipping its head to fling a glob of bubbling solar energy to splash against a posing, spectal enemy.
Having taking a thorough pummeling already, Gigen suffers a near direct hit from the flying ball, immediately sprouting a thin coating of icky cave moss where the attack struck him. He'll probably want to have a scrub after this fight, lucky thing those pools are close by...
Lileep A used Energy Ball!
Gigen took 3 Stamina and 1 Special Defense Damage! :whistle:
Though still briefly baffled by Tanaka's approach, the second Lileep seems to have decided to continue fighting, albeit with a more immediately threatening target than the Bell Bonze. Shuffling sideways so as not to inadvertently strike the monk with its payload, it gives what might almost be mistaken for an apologetic chirp before hurling a sphere of radiant energy into the stalagmites at its crouching target.
Still taking advantage of partial cover, and benefiting from her sturdy resistance to plant-based attacks, Zeal manages to shake off the worst of the attack, suffering only a little hint of green here and there on her chitin carapace.
Lileep B used Energy Ball!
Zeal took 2 Stamina Damage!
It's not very effective...
While Iktomi departs the fight for her Apricorn, job done for the time being, Fenrir is given his rein over the battlefield.
Murky Pools is harshly lit!
Fenrir's offense was Boosted!
Responding with equal pleasure to his trainer's order to attack and an environment ever so conducive to fiery destruction, the Dark Pokemon violently tackles the hesitant Lileep into a barely controlled tustle, driving the both of them past Tanaka and into the field of rocky pillars, several of which the Fire Type manages to smash the fragile Pokemon through before throwing it to the ground and dousing his unfortunate victim with another hearty spray of liquid fire.
Fenrir used Flame Tackle!
Lileep B took 5 Stamina and 1 Defense Damage!
It's Super Effective!
Fenrir and Lileep B shifted to the Stalagmite Field!
Battered and fried, the Lileep promptly abandons its physical form, departing in a cloud of wispy motes that scatter and flee from the lingering flames.
Lileep B Fainted!
~Arenas~
Rocky Tunnel
Creatures: None
Stalagmite Field
Trainers: Elise, Makai
Pokemon: Fenrir, Zeal, Gigen, Clefairy
Opponents: Roggenrola C, Lileep B
Murky Pools
Trainers: Tanaka
Opponents: Solrock, Lileep A
[PKMN] [Shieldmaiden] [Carapace Brigandine] [Cobalt Springs Tradition]
Zeal and a cloud of combees roar onto the battlefield, assailing the remaining Lileep.
Zeal used Aerial Ace on Lileep A! Shifted to Murky Pools!
Elise hangs back, not wanting to provoke the Solrock's ire just yet.
ACRONYM="3"]P[/ACRONYM][ACRONYM="0"]K[/ACRONYM][ACRONYM="3"]M[/ACRONYM][ACRONYM="0"]N[/ACRONYM [Newly Sharpened Kunais] [Caving Kit]
Iktomi | Fenrir | Roscoe
Mt. Meteo
Fenrir leaps off a stalagmite into the air and bites down hard on the floating Solrock.
Fenrir uses CRUNCH on Solrock!.
If anything, Zeal's statement manages to infuriate the stoic-faced Solrock even further.
:whistle:
The Vespiquen and her agile retinue surge through the stalagmites, swarming across the murky pools and assaulting the Solrock's sole remaining minion. Their superior manuevering and aerial positioning give the clumsy Lileep little recourse with which to defend itself.
Zeal used Aerial Ace!
Lileep A took 3 Stamina Damage!
Overwhelmed under a cloud of tiny Combee, the Lileep inevitably expires.
Lileep A fainted!
Left with no more underlings to call upon, the Solrock gently hovers in the middle of its aura of radiance.
The Pokemon mentally screams, leveling its gaze like a spear.
The Solrock's focus spirals outward, ignoring the waiting Combee to strike out at their queen. The Meteorite Pokemon's will hammers down on Zeal's mental defenses, clawing fruitlessly at the smooth surface of her thoughts as it tries to break into her mind.
Solrock used Extrasensory!
Zeal took 3 Stamina Damage!
It wasn't very effective...
The psychic siege is lifted when Fenrir pounces out of the darkness, his teeth crunching deep into the stony hide of the Solrock and dragging it earthwards.
Fenrir used Crunch!
Solrock took 2 Stamina and 1 Defense Damage!
The Solrock attempts to break the hold, jerking itself away from the Dark Type's jaws with little effect
Solrock was Trapped!
~Arenas~
Rocky Tunnel
Creatures: None
Stalagmite Field
Trainers: Elise, Makai
Pokemon: Gigen, Clefairy
Murky Pools
Trainers: Tanaka
Pokemon: Fenrir, Zeal
Opponents: Solrock, Lileep A
[Bell Bonze] ~ [Shakuhachi] ~ [Badling of Lotad] - [Well Supplied] ~ Volt: 4
A switch deep in Gigen's psyche flips when the meteorite pokemon says 'god'. His toothy grin turns down at the corners, and he advances toward the sun.
"I'd warn you against hubris, friend. The mighty tend to fall around us." Says Tanaka, who nonetheless makes an effort to keep a stalagmite between him and the Solrock.
His point is hopefully demonstrated when Gigen finds his target. Wrapped in waves of fear and darkness, he flashes into Solrock's vision, a terror made of pointed teeth and sharp claws. He digs both into the meteor's body as far as the will go before he is shaken off.
Gigen shifts to MURKY POOLS! Gigen used SHADOW SNEAK on SOLROCK!
Steam
[PKMN] [Shieldmaiden] [Carapace Brigandine] [Cobalt Springs Tradition]
Zeal and combees go mano a mano with the Solorock, giving Gigen time to avoid what's coming.
Zeal used Defend Order on Solrock!
Zeal is covering Gigen!
Elise advances forth, a bit fascinated by the creature's strange imperiousness, but more focused on Zeal's faltering condition.
Elise shifted to Murky Pools!
~Mt. Meteo~
The Solrock's impassive face turns toward Tanaka, and the monk finds words appearing unbidden in his mind's ear. YOUR CONCERN IS COMMENDABLE, BUT UNNECCESARY, the foriegn voice roars in muted tones, as though screaming from a distance. I AM FAR MORE THAN MERELY 'MIGHTY', HUMAN., it continues, apparently missing the incredible irony of its response.
Zeal's chastisement garners a significantly less civil response.
The Solrock spits, facing its imminent Combee encirclement with its signature inscrutability.
While Zeal and her cohorts close in, Gigen makes his move. The harsh light of the Solrock creates equally harsh shadows, the depths of which the Sableye is able to navigate at the speed of thought. Circumventing the Bug Type blockade and attacking with a suddenness and strength that defies all defense, Gigen strikes with the full majesty of his spectral heritage.
Gigen used Shadow Sneak!
Solrock took 9 Stamina and 1 Defense Damage!
It's Super Effective!
The Solrock's stony surface crackles with energy as Gigen's darkness-limned claws rend devastating fissures, the critically wounded Meteorite Pokemon howling with shock and outrage.
With a rapid rotation, the hovering Psychic flings Gigen off and towards the cavern floor, suicidally spinning after the Ghost Type in literal hot pursuit as the lingering cloud of bleeding essence from its injuries ignite into an explosive conflagration.
Solrock used Flame Wheel!
Gigen took 4 Stamina and 1 Special Defense Damage!
Before Zeal and her retinue can intervene, the two direly wounded Pokemon are engaged in pitched close-quarters melee, fighting spine against claw and fire against shadow. Braving the scything talons and billowing flames, the Vespiquen and Combee drag the two opponents apart, shielding Gigen from further harm and heaping yet more damage into the Solrock's apparently bottomless tolerance for punishment.
Zeal used Defend Order!
Solrock took 2 Stamina Damage!
However, the twin nemeses are both staggered and fading fast, kept conscious only by adrenaline and the drive to fight to the bitter end. Separated from his foe, the scorched Gigen is beyond Zeal's ability to help, the Ghost Type hemorrhaging energy almost as badly as the crippled Solrock.
Gigen Fainted!
Solrock Fainted!
Collapsing under the weight of its injuries, the Solrock offers one final uttered rebuke,
before dissolving into a maelstrom of brilliant, swirling energy.
Solrock and Friends was Defeated!
- Tanaka recieved 8 Trainer Exp!
- Gigen recieved 12 Exp!
- Elise received 10 Trainer Exp!
- Zeal received 9 Exp!
- Makai received 6 Trainer Exp
- Iktomi received 6 Exp!
- Fenrir received 6 Exp!
With the coast finally clear, the Clefairy from earlier steps out from behind its stalagmite hiding spot, waving sheepishly at its unexpected rescuers.
What do you do?
Elise could take it to boost fenrir and numel, but I dunno. Not really my style.
I guess there isn't the excitement of the "wiggle... wiggle... wiggle... CLICK".
That and a caught Pokemon is generally a pretty big responsibility.
Trivia of the Day: "Catch/Caught" and "Capture/Captured" are separate concepts in Pokemon, being the functions of Pokeballs and Capture Stylers, respectively.
who would want one of those
~Mt. Meteo~
With no apricorn drawn forth to seize its fleeting essence, the eddying remains of the Solrock eventually fade from view. The fainted Pokemon will be of no further trouble this day.
The departure of the luminous creature's remains thrusts the cavern once more into near total darkness, allowing the easy spotting of a faint glimmer nestled in the muck and rubble of the puddled floor where the Solrock was defeated.
Should anyone choose to investigate, they discover a fist-sized rock, spiky and orange, gently glowing with an inner light roughly equal to a hot piece of coal.
Sun Stone
[PKMN] [Shieldmaiden] [Carapace Brigandine] [Cobalt Springs Tradition]
Zeal picks up the sun stone and hands it off to Elise, thinking it may prove useful for her.
Elise then walks over to the clefairy. "What exactly went on there? Can you tell us anything about the path up ahead?"
I'd almost think a moon stone would be a better fit for Schala, with the fairy type shenanigans going on. But still!
ACRONYM="3"]P[/ACRONYM][ACRONYM="0"]K[/ACRONYM][ACRONYM="3"]M[/ACRONYM][ACRONYM="0"]N[/ACRONYM [Newly Sharpened Kunais] [Caving Kit]
Iktomi | Fenrir | Roscoe
Mt. Meteo
Makai frowns. "Hmm, maybe we shouldn''t have taken that guy out. He'd make an excellent torch in this dark cave." He holds out and captures the remaining essence of the Solrock.
"Having a pokemon that can talk sounds will probably prove useful."
Score another point for Makai sundering causality.
~Mt. Meteo~
Elise finds the Sun Stone Zeal handed her to have relatively little heft for its size, and it's comfortably warm to the touch. Its edges are a little sharp, so it would be wise to pack it carefully if she plans on stowing it for later.
Before the Solrock can completely drift away, Makai catches it in an empty Apricorn.
Solrock was caught!
...Loyalty: Hostile
The Clefairy seems a little concerned about the ninja's Solrock capture, but shrugs it off. Elise's questions merit a slightly bewildered glance from the Pokemon. It appears that it must be a far less proficient communicator than the one that the noble conversed with earlier. A translator might be helpful at this juncture...
...or perhaps not. It doesn't seem like the group's Pokemon can understand what the Clefairy is trying to say either.
How odd. Maybe just words and gestures aren't going to be enough.
Like a bad scent on the breeze, the merchant servant arrives on the scene much later than expected, but too soon and suddenly for escape. Wheezing badly under the combined weight of the group's excess gear, she plods into the cavern and takes a seat on a big, flat rock.
After regaining her breath, she glances around. Did she miss something, or something? Everybody else seems tired. Weird.
Southern Malachite City (Occupied)
Malachite's Pokemon Temple
Path to Slate Village
Hero's Road (Pass To Johto)
Malachite Forest (Outskirts)
Malachite Forest (Ranger Footpath)
Malachite Forest (Amaranth's Meeting Spot)
Malachite Scar (Scalding River)
Malachite Scar (Rock Formations)
Polluted Cremini River
Hills Near Mt. Meteo
Meteo Caves
Old Quartz
With the current communication conundrum unsolved, the Clefairy eventually decides it has better things to do than stand around being grateful. It begins making a shuffling departure towards the rocky tunnel from which the trainers first emerged on the scene.
With no further pressing arrangements beyond the eventual hope to emerge on the other side of the mountain, and situated as they are in the currently rather pacified cavern, the group may wish to...
Stop the Clefairy from leaving
You're not done with him yet. However, with the communication barrier this might seem a little threatening
Follow the Clefairy
Though this would mean backtracking, at least until you potentially reach a turn you didn't take the first time around
Rest and recuperate
Some of your pokemon have taken notable damage, and Gigen has fainted. It may be wise to take some time to recover
Have it out with Solrock
Now that you've captured the curious and powerful creature, there may be no time like the present to figure out its deal
Some other stuff
Or do whatever you want. I'm a GM, not a video game
While Alice is busy feeling old and out of shape, Lucea trots on over to the Clefairy. She's not particularly interested in making friends, but a challenge that she alone can overcome is more interesting.
[so,] she greets the pink creature by forcing her own thoughts into its general brain area, [you know any way out of this forsaken rockhole?]
[what was that idiot's deal, anyways?] she adds, after a second.
Lucea makes tentative psychic contact with the Pokemon. Though no real connoisseur of the mind's architecture, there's something slightly disconcerting about how her broadcasted thoughts filter into what little mental machinery she can make out.
The Clefairy, however, brightens considerably. [For sake of knowledge? A holy rock! I think I understand the day you purchased.]
Okay yeah, Lucea's seen more lucid responses from Pokemon she's used Confusion on. There's something wrong with this Pokemon.
[An idiot's head trading territory for god. Even exaggeration shattered Pokemon understanding.] The Clefairy continues, cryptically. [If you are heading sideways, I have accomplished a correct path. Do you like me in order to be shown?]
Lucea stares down the pink lumpy creature. Well, it seems happy with its current state of mind.
That being said, so do a lot of people who don't know better. She circles around the jolly little...thing from a few steps back, giving it the once-over for any kind of more obvious, physical oddities she might have missed at first glance.
ACRONYM="3"]P[/ACRONYM][ACRONYM="0"]K[/ACRONYM][ACRONYM="3"]M[/ACRONYM][ACRONYM="0"]N[/ACRONYM [Newly Sharpened Kunais] [Caving Kit]
Iktomi | Fenrir | Roscoe
Mt. Meteo
"So I uhh guess we're following this guy?" Makai scratches his chin. "I don't wanna be underground any longer than I have to but, ehh, I mean, we went to the trouble of saving it, so maybe he has a reward of totally rocking treasures?" Makai shrugs.
The Clefairy remains composed while Lucea examines it. The munchkin-esque build doesn't seem unusual, the floofy tail and hair-tuft are natural enough, the vestigial wings are entirely nominal for Pokemon physique.
Lucea may [Watch] the Clefairy if she likes.
The Clefairy gestures, this one at least clearly a beckon to follow, and takes off once more towards the rocky tunnel in its curiously light-stepped, waddling hops.
[PKMN] [Shieldmaiden] [Carapace Brigandine] [Cobalt Springs Tradition]
Elise and Zeal follow that clefairy! What adventures await them?!
The Espeon waits a few seconds before giving the mental equivalent of a shrug. [Right. Thanks. Lead the way.]
That being said (in a manner of speech),Lucea continues to watch the new guide carefully while she communicates the results of her nonsensical chat to Alice.
Alice scratches her head. Sideways, huh? Most of it has some meaning after a fashion, but the "idiot's head" stuff is just incomprehensible. "Sounds like it might know a good way through? Might be safer to take a known path, th-" and there goes the boss. Alice struggles back to her feet. Well, she should probably get moving too. Don't want to get lost down here again.
~Mt. Meteo~
The Clefairy leads the party onward through the rocky tunnels of Mt. Meteo, maintaining a near constant chatter of incomprehensible gibberish. The low-level muttering seems to consistently waver between conversational tones, marching tunes, meandering songs, and muted chants. It's pleasant noise, all told, and detracts little from the group's darkened trek through winding corridors.
As often as her patience permits, Lucea may tune her mental dials to radio Clefairy. Such an act reveals that the impression the tiny Pokemon is giving appears entirely correct, the Clefairy murmuring to itself scraps of stories, half-remembered lyrics, and other seemingly random conglomerations of verbal flotsam.
Recognizing it for what it is is a far cry from understanding it, however, and even psychically translated the leading Pokemon's speech continues to be a disjointed mess of unfamiliar euphemisms, terminology, and references bound together with dream logic and fairy tale narratives.
After some hours of travel, the party's exhaustion begins to mount, and the Clefairy's pace slows to match the lagging Trainers'. After stopping to allow the others to catch up a few times, the Clefairy about faces, turning its head questioningly.
[Deceleration. You affect a nest for consuming?] the Fairy Pokemon asks.
[Best of regards isn't to be spotted here, but mentioned strength could be sufficient.] it continues with a shrug.
A couple of rounds of telephone later, Alice gets the gist of things. Probably. "Uh. Sounds like there's trouble ahead? Maybe we could try and avoid this one, or scout it out, or something," she adds, hopelessly. She glances over at Makai meaningfully. He's sneaky, right? If he wants to be?
ACRONYM="3"]P[/ACRONYM][ACRONYM="0"]K[/ACRONYM][ACRONYM="3"]M[/ACRONYM][ACRONYM="0"]N[/ACRONYM [Newly Sharpened Kunais] [Caving Kit]
Iktomi | Fenrir | Roscoe
Mt. Meteo
"Oh yeah." Makai replies to Alices suggestion. He was honestly in kind of in a daze considering the probabilities of the weird shouty pokemon. Maybe he'd call him Mr. Shouty.
"I'll handle the scouting you guys. Hang back, just in case shit is mad crazy."
[Bell Bonze] ~ [Shakuhachi] ~ [Badling of Lotad] - [Well Supplied] ~ Volt: 4
Tanaka stops zoning out. He looks around and finds his only companions to be empty darkness, and the forlorn sound of water smacking against rock.
"Uh, guys?" Drip, drop. "Where'd you go?" Drip. Drip. Drip.
"Oh. This is bad."
He scurries around the cave, trying to find any sign of where his friends got off to.
Steam
~???~ :whistle:
Tanaka's calls fall into the hungry darkness with nary an echo, the sound as stifled by shadow and splash as his own senses, of sight and sound, time and motion. Leaving the wayward monk with only the numbing chill of the cavern's damp air and water's white noise. He is alone.
This place, Tanaka senses, will kill him if it can, but in that sense it is no different from the Spore Caverns. The distant memory of that hellishly hot, poisonous place brings with it a small measure of reassurance. Tanaka braved that virulent place with naught but a berry and a blindfold. The same can be done here.
He just needs to find his center.
ACRONYM="3"]P[/ACRONYM][ACRONYM="0"]K[/ACRONYM][ACRONYM="3"]M[/ACRONYM][ACRONYM="0"]N[/ACRONYM [Newly Sharpened Kunais] [Caving Kit]
Iktomi | Fenrir | Roscoe
Mt. Meteo
Something seems to have stopped the Clefairy. Maybe it's scared? Makai calls out Roscoe. Of the team, Roscoe seems the most diplomatic. Maybe he can banish their Clefairy guide's fears.
The Trubbish approaches the Clefairy with his typical jovial manner, the two Pokemon exchanging greetings and then having a short conversation. Though to the other Pokemon, the Clefairy still seems to be communicating in gibberish, Roscoe seems to be following along well enough.
The Trubbish says encouragingly while the Clefairy airs its views in what appears to be a very long run-on sentence complete with complicated gestures.
Roscoe turns to everyone else.