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2nd Anniversary edition

>What is this?
"The Mystery Dungeons 2e" is a text-based role-playing game created to expand on the setting created by the spinoff series, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon. This has no story relation to the first quest, and is its own new story. Players still isekai themselves into the world and become Pokémon, going on adventures with their newfound guild mates! SFW ONLY

A deeper explanation of rules, related pages, and whatnot can be found here:
https://rentry.org/tmd2many_rules

>I'd like to participate!
Currently, we're at full capacity as far as threads on /qst/ are concerned. However, there's always the chance that space for another player may grow in the future, or that you simply wish to play outside of /qst/ and the quests hosted here. There are other ways to participate, about which you can learn and do here: https://matrix.to/#/#the-mystery-dungeons-2nd-edition:matrix.org

>Okay, now what?
After you've read up and familiarized yourself with the rules and setting, be sure to hop into the Element: https://matrix.to/#/#the-mystery-dungeons-2nd-edition:matrix.org. Everything that doesn't involve Main Quests occurs here and is helpful for coordination.

Character sheets and the guide to making them can be found here: https://rentry.org/tmd2many_characters

If you feel you might need help, feel free to ask!

Previous threads and summaries can be found here:
https://rentry.org/tmd2many_days

Our LIVE main adventures start on Tuesdays/Saturdays around 6:30PM CST in this thread!

Namefag as your character, with your item and level!
e.g. Sparks, Lv. 56 Pikachu
e.g. Sparks L.56 (Sneak Scarf/Team Shock)
>>
>>5893347
Thread claimed for the glory of the Clan Councils
>>
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>>5893347
>>5893356
Not if the Feds have anything to say about it.
>>
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>>5893347
>>5893356
>>5893365
...
>>
It's been a long day...You've awoken after that dreadfully fruitless disease investigation with an attempted infanticide and trekked and battled your way through the heart of Air Continent's cultural identity with that massive offering...only to find your home set ablaze. Very few of you may recall any time you've been so exhausted, save that walk from the forest. With any luck, this will be the last anyone has to deal with fire for a long time. Out of the corners of your views, you catch well organized Pawniards and Bisharp battling other Pokemon terrorizing Baram and protecting/herding innocents. The activity and panic isn't roaring quite like it was when you first enterred town, so it seems like for once a rare moment of peace is upon you all.

It would be an understatement to say you've all gone above and beyond your limitations to enact all three rescues from the burning Château. It's hard to say you've felt so alive and so dead at the same time-to reflect your efforts...

All participarts in the last three sessions will receive Experience equal to their current level x 10!
Plus 33%, for those at or under level 9.

Having witnessed the spectacle of Oceanic Operetta as some of you regroup, a few Pokemon are on their way over to you all as you catch your breaths...
>>
>>5893376
"Jesus. That was a mess."
>Kaz sits down against a rock, catching his breath.
>>
>>5893376
>Evan has leveled up!
"That was... yeah, that sucked."
>>
>>5893376
Matchia, only slightly scuffed, seems to be only really able to just look at the aftermath.
>>
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>>5893376
Lying in the grass and beneath the dual-canopy of trees a little way from the others is Espurr. Recently having regained consciousness, they've yet been able to get up on their own, too beaten to want to move. They're in no unstable condition, able to take a few hits by virtue of being a Pokemon, but the damage dealt to them wasn't all physical.

So they rest in the shade until they've recuperated some, or one decides to assist them.

The scent of burning wood and grass still lingers in their nose, in spite of otherwise fresh air.
>Espurr grew stronger! (Level 12)
>>
Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>5893376
Katherine feels stronger (Lvl up)
"Uh oh, is that the police?" She comments, noticing the mons rushing to them
(Also vibes)
>>
There's a lot to understand...
>What happened here, you may want to discuss amongst yourselves...
>The Pawniard and Bisharp approaching from the bridge to the center of town to check on you all
That Krookodile from the Dragonhymn Peak is walking around, putting out more minor wildfires and battling ghosts. He's making his way towards your corner of the terrace now. Is he a Clan Elder?
>Primarina is slumped over, too spent from his execution to even see if his partner was rescued. He's awake, but still going through it...
>Hey, it wasn't everyone who left the Château before it got extinguished. Where are Sagira and the bunnies?
>>
>>5893401
Katherine makes a quick head count
"Spike, me, Jen is probably dead... where's Cress?"
>Hey, it wasn't everyone who left the Château before it got extinguished. Where are Sagira and the bunnies?
>>
>>5893401
>Evan looks around as he wraps up his prisoner, a shuppet
"W-wait, where's Ishmael? Or Cress, or Sagira?"
>>
>>5893380
>Updating level

>>5893399
"Ah great, the fuzz. Just what we needed..."

>>5893401
"Uh, I'm not seein' Ish. Or Cress. Or Sag- DID YOU GUYS LEAVE 'EM INSIDE?!"

>Kaz bolts for the chateau looking for a way in!
>>
Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>5893401
>>5893404
"Didn't she escape with you?" Spike asks, before his eyes widen and he immediately whips around to run towards the wreckage.

"Darius! You know Dig! Come help me!" he barks, elongating his claws and trying to scrape through the rubble.
>>
>>5893376
>Orner is Level 11!
The snake gets up from the ground wetter than before. "Uhhgg- Alright, sstatuss report gentlemon! Letsss sssee- uh-huh..."
>>5893393
"Hey Dusssk! Had a bad type matchup eh?" Orner wraps her tail around the cat, bringing it back to the crowd. "Anyone got healing?!"
>>
Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>5893376
>>5893401
Wallis senses the Krookodile following her escape. It seems she can hold off on helping fight fires with her own Surf and focus on the Woobat she's carrying. Best to leave him to his work.
"Barely made it..."
She pushed Surf's limits at the last moment, feeling stronger for her efforts.

>>5893416
"H-Hey!"
Wallis shtomps over to Orner.
"Here, take it!"
She removes the Sitrus Leaves from Woobat's wings and shoves them to Orner, technically not touching her.
"I don't need more debt on top of Primarina for bed & board, least of all to you! Have these back!"

>>5893408
"Y-You're right! I passed Cress on the way out!"
She tries to listen for Cress with her headfins as she cradles Woobat without fear.
She tries to listen for them with her headfins.
>>
>>5893376
>>5893393
>Skitty leveled up!

Allowing herself to rest for a moment, Skitty only really accomplishes a few coughs from breathing in the smoke before retracing her steps, looking for and then approaching the fallen Espurr. She holds back a gasp; unable to tell Espurr has regained consciousness, she assumes they're still out and rushes to her teammate's side. Her legs hurt.
>>
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>>5893376
>>5893401
Cubone is simply staring idly at the wreckage, and where a ghost previously was. The recent happenings have certainly forced him to improve his competence, and he somehow avoided taking any damage the entire scuffle at the Chateau, but, well... he's pretty clearly not doing so hot elsewhere.
>Cubone is Level 10 now!
He isn't really sure what to do now, and doesn't seem to have it in him to try and go for a head count, either. For now, Cubone's stuck in his own headspace.
>>
>>5893401
Angus just lies down to the ground and is still recalling the moment that he got caught in a blast seed explosion. "Ugh". Also he leveled up, horray!
>>
>>5893417
"Oh, fisshead, great timing! Ssurprissed you aren't under the rubble..." Orner forcefeed >>5893393 Espurr the leaves, which is a +10 HP. "Good asss new!"
>>
>>5893423
"Hmph!"
She doesn't dignify Orner with a response, resuming her search for the missing.
>>
Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>5893415
Darius finally snaps awake, shooting to his feet.
"On it!"
The Larvitar bolts over to the rubble, Digging through it for his fallen friends.
>>
>>5893376
>Dustin wakes up dazed and confused.
>Dustin leveled up!
>Dustin looks around...
>!
"Where's that cat?"
>>5893423
"Have you seen like a leaf cat?"
>>
>>5893415
>>5893409
>>5893404
The house groans as a load crash can be heard, followed by a raspy and frustrated bellowing. On the bright side, 'injured' is only half how you would describe it. Unfortunately, it sounds equally frustrated. It came from the dorms...

>>5893403
Straight to business, for once. "Heyyy, I've heard worse...Did we do it? Is she okay...?" His voice is weak, but otherwise it seems he isn't suffering from more than exhaustion.
>>
>>5893429
"Nnnnope?" Orner wasn't paying attention to Dustin. That's probably on purpose.
>>
>>5893431
>As much as Evan would like to go in and check if someone needs help, he's afraid of catching on fire.
>He also has a prisoner
>>
>>5893408
The Shuppet wiggles in his grasp, clearly uncomfortable. It's too weak to fight your grip or use any moves, though...
Your partner, there's no sign of, but you catch a streak of orange sailing onto the cliff overlooking the building just before that ball of water collapsed...
>>
>>5893416
>>5893423
Espurr certainly did have a bad Type matchup against their opponent, and nobody was around to help them. They look up, tilting their head slightly to spot Orner, and then Skitty soon after. Seems like their assistance has come a bit late.
They would appreciate healing. How gracious of Orner to make such a declaration. And the offer of Oran Leaves is quite satisfying. They're a lot better off than before.
(11/21 HP)
There's a peculiar look in their eyes as they consume the Leaves.

>>5893418
Then they look towards Skitty. What a coincidence. She hadn't seemed very interested in them when they first woke up. If their memory isn't failing them, Skitty had gotten further from them after they were injured.
Though, it's difficult to blame her...

Espurr seems alright now. They won't suffer any lasting damages. A dark but slight stain of blood above their eye has already begun to fade as rub their head. The Berry Leaves have helped significantly.
>>
>>5893435
>Evan goes to investigate!
>>
Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>5893432
>Dustin gives Orner a long look in the eyes...
>>
>>5893401
(14/22)

Sagira takes a shuddering breath as her body adjusts to being back on dry land and inhaling actual air. There's a residual jittery shock traveling through her body, but eventually, she forces herself up. Despite the chill blowing over her soaked frame, she takes a moment to stare blankly at the inn.

"No other stragglers and I'm still... alive," she comments, to an audience of none. Her eyes flick briefly to her right, as if searching for someone. Her next words take a minute's gap to materialize. "That's grounds for success."
>>
>>5893439
(SUCCESS)
"Alright, just let me know when you find someone like that.
>Dustin walks off...
"KITTY?!"
>>
Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>5893431
Katherine rolls to the noise
"Cress? Is that you? Are you alive or one of those ghosts? If you're a ghost can i keep your stuff?"
She spins down, trying to break the debris over the noise
>>
>>5893419
Matchia's decided to join Cubone in the silent contemplation corner as she slowly crouches down, cap tilted downwards.
>>
Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>5893431
"Hang on we're comin' ta get you!"
>Kaz uses Rock Smash, in as precise an application as he can to avoid collapse, to break his way to the voice!
>>
Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>5893431
"Cress! Can you hear us! We're coming!" Spike let's out a psychic shout for his teammate.

He follows behind Darius, trying to clear out rumble and bee line for the source of the sound.
>>
>>5893431
"I heard Cress toward the dorms!"
She signals as she cradles the Woobat, who is clearly her top priority.

>>5893440
"We're still missing Ishmael. Was he with you? Also, uh... Good you made it out."
>>
>>5893376
>Mohka has reached Level 11 (by the skin of his teeth)!
>HP 14/21

>>5893401
As much as Mohka would like to check on his friends, he's still carrying the VIP rescuee from the Chateau, and has caught sight of a certain seal...

>>5893431
And seemingly in answer to Primarina's question, Mohka arrives, depositing Drifting Leaves at the inkeeper's feet(?). "I'd say she's quite alright."
>>
>>5893431
"That was amazing, I didn't imagine you would be capable of something like that...no offense."

>hearing the exhaustion in his voice Brook re-offers the Candied Cakes from earlier
"It's probably not the most healthy, but it's better than nothing. So do you want them? It must've taken a lot to pull that off."
>>
>>5893423
Skitty trails behind Orner, deeply unhappy at the treatment of her teammate. Despite it being objectively pretty alright. "Could you put Espurr down?!" She says in the absolute nicest way she can muster. Her body language makes it seem like she wants to talk to Espurr, but the problem is mainly that there is an Orner.
>>
>>5893447
"Ishmael? Did he not leave with you?" Sagira asks, confused. "I thought I was the last. When the water was flooding the upper levels, I was still checking the second floor."
>>
>>5893376
>>5893431
>a second voice, quieter. is coming from the bar. sounding like a determined but pained attempt to grab something, followed by an nearly imperceptable drop of an item
>he's also, coincidentally leveled up. but that doesn't matter here.
>>
>>5893446
>>5893445
>>5893447
>>5893458
The rooms are left in pretty strange order. With the water flowing from that mass in highly concentrated directions, most of the destroying furnishings and water damage is focused in one specific spot of each room. Somewhere behind you is a stirring indicating the presence of your missing Clover Force member, while you've already mostly freed Cress from her bed/desk melange. You can only tell she's conscious by the grit teeth. "...You came for me."
>>
>>5893439
>>5893442
Orner doesn't really meet Dustin's gaze. "Uh-huh, bye..."
>>5893436
>>5893450
"Yeah yeah, be free little pal." Orner puts the cat on the other cat. "Hey, wasssn't that Fennekin one of your team? You sshould probably check on her or sssomething..." Orner slithers away to meet her teammates.
>>
Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>5893460
"We never abandon our own Cress, now let's go, the other ghosts may still be around"
Katherine forgets about Ish, trying to take Cress out by... biting her ankle to drag her out
>>
>>5893456
"No, it was everything I could do just to barely escape myself with her. I passed Cress near the dorms while I was escaping, too."

>>5893458
"There!"
Wallis points as her headfins twitch. She's not in a position to help more than that currently.

>>5893460
"Mmph..."
She rests on her knees, approaching the wreckage.
"It had to be Twilight Syndrome... Is that what the dream invader was worried about...?"
>>
>>5893466
Her face betrays no emotions, but her words are quite sharp. "Do they lack an instinct for survival?" she mutters, already hauling herself to go scrounging through the damaged inn. "...I'm going back in."
>>
>>5893460
"'Course we did! Wouldn't just leave you behind!"
>>
>>5893461
"Well, I can't TELEPORT, you know. At least--" You know what? Never mind. No more talking to Orner.
>>
>>5893461
Espurr looks at Orner as she leaves. Hm.
They'll remember this point in time.

Now...

>>5893450
>>5893472
...They're left with their teammate. What to do, what to say..?
How about this? Espurr will remain quiet, for now, and see what she does? This is an unusual situation, and Espurr's demeanor is a little different. Uniquely full of eye contact. Is this a good or bad sign? Probably good. Mostly.

How long were they out, they can't help but wonder.
>>
>>5893444
Matchia's presence has snapped Cubone out of it, slightly, though he doesn't speak for a while. He isn't even sure how to process this, and he hadn't even yet checked to see if everyone was still present. It seemed like he'd just gotten stability with his new appointment, and it more than literally fell apart in front of him. He can only figure that Matchia, who'd spent longer among the group, had it worse. It made him feel obligated to speak up, but Cubone wasn't sure what to say.
"...What happens now?" he asks, unsure himself. He had more to fall back on, but the others..?
>>
>>5893466
>>5893470
>the small rabbit can hear Wallis ans Sagira, trying and failing to get loose.
>not an easy task, considering he's stijll at -20 or something, and dropped his reviver
"Hey... did Cress make it..?"
>>
>>5893448
>>5893449
A halfhearted chuckle. "Not too shabby, little guys. Not too shabby...urgh."
He considers the treat for a moment, making sure it's not something more helpful for his partner. He shrugs and downs the cakes with a voraciousness you wouldn't expect from a Primarina. "Big Drake! Zorua!...Remind me I owe you guys a favor...as big a favor as they get. On'a you guy helped me get back in shape over there, where did he go..." Me mutters before cradling his partner and singing some other type of type of move to her. He sits down and leans back, smiling at the sky despite all the ash in the air and broken home. "I'll check and see if anything survived I can pass you guys, yeah? We'll be golden."
>>
>>5893460
"You're hurt. Here," he takes out an Oran Berry and holds it to her mouth.
"Eat this. We're leaving-" Spike's ear twitches as he hears someone else.

"Darius, go find whoever that is, me and Katherine will help Cress out of here."
>>
>>5893477
"Yeah, I got it. Go get Cress outta here."
Darius moves towards the sound of Ish's awakening.
(1/21)
>>
>>5893466
>>5893470
>>5893465
"I-I don't...?"
She seems unsure until she glances at Katherine.
"Over there, maybe...? Gah... I got attacked by two of those Shuppet from the night after I met you and had to use my Oran Berry."
She checks her possessions... nothing else to heal Ishmael. She could ask Orner, but... She refuses to seek Orner's aid on principle.
>>
>>5893474
Matchia blinks at Cubone speaking up.
"Dunno."
>>
>>5893480
Meant for >>5893475.
>>
>>5893480
"Here!" Spike tosses Wallis another Oran Berry. "Go heal them!"
>>
Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>5893458
>>5893460
"Hold on Ish! Keep makin' noise!"
>Kaz continues Rock Smashing his way to his rival in speed!
>>
>>5893448
>>5893476
"Mohka! Nice work big guy! I'll be expecting thisss type of initiative on the field ya' hear me?"
>>
>>5893473
"Um. Hi."

Skitty shakes her head. "I didn't have anything to get you back up and moving, and nobody near did either... I had to get moving if I wanted to get anything done. Took down the guy that got you, if that counts for anything, but... those are excuses. I'm sorry I left you there."
>>
>>5893480
>>5893485
"Good... didn't want to leave anyone behind."
>Ish is catching his breath while trying to get loose still. trying to shrug off what happened earlier.
>>
>>5893483
>>5893491
It pegs her in the head. Without a splatter, fortunately.
"S-Spike?! But...!"
She looks surprised for a moment, perhaps not expecting Spike's generosity.
"R-right... Here, Ish. Are you ok?"
She offers it to Ishmael.
>>
>>5893442
"Present! Golly, you're broke alla that glass in one hit! It woulda taken me all day to get out that way!
...I'dda burned!"
"...Oww." She's still hurt pretty badly. Doesn't seem too pressured by what's going on, though...?

>>5893465
>>5893471
>>5893483
"Just being back in here is-" She drops the train of thought. Littering the room are novels' worth of paper scraps, all soaked to uselessness and filled to the margins with unreadable text. If getting dragged around the rubble is painful, she doesn't say so. "We have so much work to do..." Cress's face is buried in her hands, however little she can move them with her injuries.

>>5893470
>>5893475
The two conversations indoors around Cress and Ish aren't hard to make out, one could hear them both despite the different rooms.
>>
>>5893476
>he hops back in surprise at how quickly the seal managed to devour the cakes
"I don't know, it feels weird taking more from you after you already helped us so much and then..."
>he gives a brief glance over to Mohka before turning back toward the inn
"Anyway if you can't find anything don't worry about it. I'm glad you two are safe, but I haven't seen my team mates yet."

>>5893448
"Mohka, have you seen Ish? You both went in."
>>
>>5893481
"...I see." he answers after a pause. He... expected as much, frankly, but it wasn't promising to hear. It was probably less so for the individual saying as much. He can't afford to dwell on this, anyway, and forces it to the back of the mind. "...Forgive my intrusion. I should check on the others." he says. dismissing himself as he checks around, first heading to the source of the Oceanic Operetta, Primarina.
>>
>>5893492
>Ishmael takes the oran without second thought. call it instinct, maybe? but he's doing better with it.
"I've seen better days, but as long as the others are okay, I'm okay."
>>
Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>5893494
"Mmh mhmhmhm m mhmmhm"
Cress (And no one) can't understand that but she probably said 'we will do cress'
>>
>>5893499
>>5893494
"Ugh, that's not how it works and you know it!"
She'd fold her arms if she wasn't cradling Woobat, so Ish gets a pout instead. Wallis steams as she looks out for more ghosts.
"I'd drown those ghosts if I didn't have my hands full! Wait can ghosts drown? Whatever, just be happy you don't get to test that today!"
>>
Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>5893499
>>5893491
"Everyone's okay, I think."
Darius moves to help Ish get free.
"Glad you are too."
>>
>>5893488
Interesting. They wonder how to proceed from here.
Or at least, they would, but they had plenty of time to think before just moments ago when Orner and Skitty came to them. Skitty can tell with relative ease that something is on their mind waiting to be addressed, but it'd be a strange sight to see them reveal much of anything to anyone.
Espurr tries to stand, doing so without much effort. Electing for a four-legged stance, they brush against and past Skitty before standing upright and looking on at the smoke in the air just beginning to dissipate. This attack wasn't on the Chateau alone, but they don't care all too much for how the others in town are faring.

The Chateau, meanwhile...
It's troubling, but Espurr isn't certain as to if the group will be able to remain here for much longer. Then again, they haven't seen the inside...
What are your thoughts on this?
>>
>>5893494
"Listen to me, Cress," he says.

Spike slips underneath Cress and with newfound- if little, strength he carries her out of the wreck. (Atttack 1)

"We're going to make it out of this in one piece. You're going to make it home. Take a breath, there's still tomorrow and the day after that."
>>
>>5893498
Matchia watches Cubone walk off, remaining at her spot.
>>
>>5893503
>>5893504
>rabbit, off the fucking wall. he stumbles before picking the tiny reviver he tried using earlier back up
"look, the important thing isn't just if I'd need a breather... though I would appreciate that. it's that we're all in this together and by god I'm not letting anyone be left behind."
>Ish tries to smile, desperate to not show wjhat that Z-move reminded him of.
"now, should we regroup?"
>>
>>5893494
>>5893499
"Whatcha' doin' under all'a this rubble?
>Kaz offers a hand to pull Ishmael off the ground
>>
>>5893476
"Seein' everyone alive an' well's reward enough... though I s'pose if you were to offer, I wouldn't turn my nose up..."

>>5893486
"Of course - we need someone *useful* on the team beyond ol' Sail... Glad to see ya made it out."

>>5893495
"Nope, but I'm sure he's fine."
>>
>>5893477
>>5893501
>>5893506
Cress's despairful musings are cut cut off by the Oran Berry in her mouth. "Oka-HUAGH"
It does a lot to kill the dour atmosphere she's exuding.
"...Once I am recovered enough, Team Stylish will venture as a group, and nothing like this will happen to us again[choke]. If you can hold yourselves in a time like this, there may be hope for you yet...oww..."
Her body's still battered to paralysis, for now, but the oran's effects are tangible.
>>5893519
>>5893495
>>5893498
He shakes his head. "I needed your help here today more than any I've gotten as long as I can remember. It's times like these when goodwill finds its way back to us all, y'see? Would you have been here to save my little Drifter if we kicked you out into the wilderness that one night?"
He sighs and leans back.
"...or D'you think I coulda saved myself this trouble if I made Drakloak and his friends leave this morning...?"
That part seemed more directed at Cubone than Brook or Mohka...
>>
>Evan is just kinda standing there with his captive
>>
>>5893517
"was trying to get to cress, couldn't leave anyone in there."
>>
>>5893522
"Oy vey, why do berries help people in this world?"
"Anyway, I had to save you because you're a kid!"
>...
"Or at least I assume so."
>Dustin scratches his head.
>>
>>5893529
"Mighty kind of you, but next time, make sure you don't make yerself another cave in victim, all right?"
>Kaz pats his back
"Let's get you outta here. Place reeks a smoke."
>>
>>5893515
"I think we already have..?"

>>5893526
She notices Evan unattended.
"Hey, you got one! Now... YOU!"
She shtomps over, still steaming.
"You're lucky I don't want others in the crossfire... Can you even hear me?!"
She addresses the Shuppet in Evan's grasp.
>>
>>5893519
"You're probably right, but still I think I'm gonna try to look for him. He should be somewhere around here."

>>5893522
"I suppose... thank you."
>after saying his thanks he leaves, looking around the outside of the inn for the other three Clover team members
>>
Sail look to the sea for a moment. Then headed toward the Château and the surrounding. Looking on what remain.
>>
>>5893505
"...well, it could have been worse, I think. That dragon guy was trying to, like, add more kindling to the fire. It's lucky we're sort-of okay now... we should go meet up with the rest, I think."

"...I just want to know why, really."
>>
>>5893533
"Nice to see you too, Wallis."
>>
>>5893531
>>5893533
"Yeah... let's hdead out."
>ish returns to the outside group not in great condition but in good-enough condition for his own thoughts
>>
>>5893494
The Fennekin climbs back inside, minding the wreckage. She makes note of the two survivors as she moves around the building, diverting her attention. They're alive and already being attended to. Now she's just looking at the internal damage.
>>
>>5893522
Spike helps Cress out of the wrecked inn, passing Ishmael, and lays her down with the rest of the group.

". . ." He sits down and grasps his hair. His shadow darkens and spasms. "Dammit. . . Dammit it all. . . If we had only fled when I said to. . ."

He looks up, searching for the Draklok from the previous battle.
>>
>>5893522
Cubone seems to register this as a dig, wincing. He feels he could have done more-any result from him that wasn't quite literally perfect in preventing damage to teh chateau was a failing on his part. This just felt like insult to injury to him, even if it wasn't the intent. Cubone doesn't seem intent on letting that show, though. "..It is possible this may have been avoided, though I cannot shake the feeling that this was more coordinated than it appears... It may have occurred regardless."
>>
>>5893541
"I got ambushed by two of them on the way out, and they resembled the Greninja from by the Volcano. I'm not stepping in to look for the two of them in the wreckage."
She examines the Shuppet, careful to shield Woobat in her arms.
"Looks like you got the same treatment, Evan."
>>
>>5893547
"In a sense, I guess. Is Ishmael with you now? I saw you walk off with Sagira like a minute ago..."
>>
>>5893542
>Kaz nods as they walk out

>>5893526
>>5893533
"What's the commotion over here?"
>Kaz peeks over Wallis' shoulder

>>5893548
"Yeah we got him out. A little worse for wear but he's fine."
>>
>>5893544
>Dustin takes a good look at Spike's shadow and takes a good step away from him.
"You... got a Peter Pan problem?"
>>
>>5893549
"Okay, good, good. Uh... so now what?"
>>
>>5893539
The fire could've easily gotten worse and taken the lives of three Pokemon today, if not more. But it didn't, luckily. Skitty played no small part in ensuring this didn't happen. She made the right call, at a slight cost.

Espurr nods. That would be wise.

'Why,' huh?

Just want to know why... Hm.

Espurr does, too. They'll ask her later.
>>
>>5893544
Darius leaves the wrecked chateuae, taking a seat next to Spike.
"You good, Spike?"
>>
>>5893548
>>5893547
>seeing half of the team not far he picks up the pace as he approaches
"Hey! Are you two okay?"
>>
>>5893551
"Maybe we can see if the ghosts are gettin' hit by the Twilight stuff? I dunno."
>Kaz tries to poke the specter, seeing if he can make contact
>>
>>5893555
"Brook! I'm fine... sort of. Ish took a beating though, apparently. What about you?"
>>
>>5893555
"Huh? Oh, it's Brook. Should've figured you'd be okay if there's ghosts involved. I barely made it out... Ish, well, didn't before the collapse..."

>>5893548
>>5893542
>>5893548
>>5893549
>>5893551
She gestures to Ish as he leaves the wreckage.
"Just attending to the wounded. Another thing in common, I guess."
She withdraws as Kaz almost touches her.
"Gah! Evan's got one of these homewreckers on a leash and I'm waiting to let 'em have it!"
She shakes her head.
"I'm not... sure where we go from here. The ship, maybe? That or how you all got by at the volcano.
>>
>>5893548
>ish waves to Evan
>>5893549
>before nodding back to Kaz, and just... lying down
>>5893559
>>5893555
>and trying to wave to Brook, he needs a moment still.
"we mostly walked from where we woke up, though had to make shelter during that eruption."
>>
>>5893550
Spike glances at Dustin with a raised brow.
"What's that?" he asks.

>>5893553
". . ." Spike closes his eyes for a moment, the shadow roiling underneath him calms.

"I'm fine, Darius. I'm just. . . thinking, about everything," he admits, turning to him with a smile.

"We're going to be alright. We've just got to figure out what to do, there's still tomorrow."
>>
>>5893561
>Evan looks to Ishmael
>>5893559
>And then back to Wallis
"How the hell is he still alive after that? Dude looks like he argued with a steamroller!"
>>
>>5893562
>Dustin sighs.
"I can't believe I'm saying this, but your shadow is acting up."
>He puts his hand to his face.
"Please make it stop... my sanity is already low enough."
>>
>>5893544
Kath nudges at Spike
"Calm down, calm down, this ain't the end yet, so calm down and listen to the world, it's a calm time so might as well enjoy it"
>>
>>5893564
"the fire inside... oh who am I kidding, I don't know either."
>ish responds
>>
>>5893558
>>5893559
"What! Did he get pulled out? Is he okay?"
>he didn't answer the question, but just a look makes it clear he took little if any damage at all

>>5893561
>His eyes widen and he waves back
"Phew I'm... glad everyone's okay."
>>
>>5893569
Spike turns to his shadow, and true to Dustin's words, it darkens and spasms, roiling as if the darkness could be solid.

"That's. . . That's Shadow Sneak, Dustin. Don't worry, it's just a move," he says, looking away as the shadow subsides and returns to normal shade.
>>
>>5893530
"Heh, don't-ack-oww...don't underestimate me! I'm twenty four-and-a-half seasons old! I'm only the nineteenth youngest of my bros and sisses!"
Whether you understand what seasons are or how to translate human to plant-cat years, only a child would bother adding 'and-a-half' to their age to sound older.
"Sis says they're full of energy! Berries make your body go overtime! Don't eat the peels though. Then you just look weird."

>>5893543
>>5893536
Most of the wreckage some of the ceiling structure has collapsed into highly focused corners of each room. The jetstreams look to have forced all the furniture and foods into the walls at their direction of pressure when Oceanic Operetta gave way. The entire building is significantly damaged compared to when the ghosts turned their attention to Primarina, but it may or may not strike you that saving the Château wasn't the point of that Z move, seeing the pair of seals on the way in/out.
The building is...arguably stable, but with all of this water damage it may need rebuilding anyway.

>>5893546
>>5893544
>>5893526
>>5893533
While the rest of you reconvene, Primarina points Cubone to the side of the building, where most of the un-KOed others lie. "I've heard all kinds of things of how much thinking they do, but they're still around if you wanna...ask." He coughs. "Pardon me if ah, I'm a little more interested in safety right now." He scooches toward the seafront, his shiny partner in tow.

Where Prim pointed, are Surface Skipper, an immobilized Shuppet or two, and Ludicolo wandering aimlessly around a still sleeping Drakloak. Evan's passenger is trying to drift towards the others and away from Wallis's yelling, but his vines still have a solid grip. Drak'll awaken soon, but he's still doused in water and Scrappy powder. Skipper's still walking towards everyone...

"Don't get infected-" Prim calls out.
>>
>>5893562
" 'Course we will. Haven't lost everythin', y'know?"
Darius looks skywards, the mud beneath his stone soothing the aching beneath the rock.
"So, why's the chateua all wet?"
>>
>>5893571
"You're right," he nods, putting on a small smile. It seems more to reassure everyone else than himself.
>>
>>5893574
"Eh, just stay alive, would ya? I'm not losing anyone."
>>5893580
"Oh-ho-ho no, you're not goin' anywhere you little bastard."
>Evan keeps his grip up
>>
>>5893580
Katherine takes a quick glance
"... this is probably fixable, the structural beams somehow didn't ignite, so consider this a mere forced renovation on the way, we can help morally, because we're flat-out broke" Kath tells to the blonde Prim
>>
>>5893561
"I got a good account of that... Reminds me of something I was putting off..."

>>5893564
>>5893575
She shrugs.
"You be the judge. He's one Oran Berry better, though. Pokemon durability is one of the things of this world I'm struggling to wrap my head around."
She points to Evan's stomach for emphasis.

>>5893580
Wallis darts back while shielding Woobat.
"Hey! Stay back!"
She shouts to Surface Skipper. She recognizes those mannerisms.
>>
>>5893580
>Dustin would have just said that he thinks she's just 6 years old but that might just offend her.
"Ah okay big girl, where's your mom and dad, furthermore what were you doing in that building?"
>>
>>5893582
"Prim used a powerful move to soak the entire building and put the fire out," Spike explains, standing up slowly and making his way towards the Drakloak.

"I'm going to get some answers, come if you want, but be careful," he warns.
>>
>>5893591
"Don't worry, I can take him!"
(1/21)
He absolutely cannot take him.
He stills hops up and follows the phantasmal fox.
>>
>>5893588
>Evan covers his scar with his scar-f
"Honestly I'm not doing too well either. I just think not getting clobbered like that again is a win..."
>>5893580
"Hey wait, are they..?"
>>
>>5893580
Matchia gets up and gets nearer to Drakloak. Just in case someone needs to be punched.
>>
Rolled 11 (1d20)

>while resting, ish attempts kicking the floor... it feels like he's learned something, but can't tell quite what until he gets a grasp on that new feeling.
>>5893585
"Neither am I. nobody left behind, right?"
>>5893588
"may I inquire?"
>>
>>5893588
"I hope I didn't give Ish something like that, it was...kinda me that convinced Prim to do that."

>>5893595
"I kinda did just leave you hanging, sorry. I did try to punch one of the ghosts though!"
>>
>>5893597
"...Don't do anything crazy."
She's stretched too thin to try to stop him. She also can't touch him.
>>
>>5893579
"You're going to need to eat berry either way because that doesn't sound healthy."
>>
>>5893580
"Heya Skip."
>Kaz gives the pokemon a wave
"Had a bit of a house fire! Not sure if there's much left for you ta put out though."
>>
>>5893603
"Hey, as long as you tried."
>>5893597
"You know it."
>>
>>5893580
Cubone looks over at the Drakloak and Shuppet... he'd rather not, thanks. He obfuscates that lack of desire poorly rather simply: "I do not believe they will wish to converse with me even if they could."
>>
>>5893605
"I won't, don't worry."
>that looks almost like the motions to spring around. someone from the pokemon world would recognise it as a fighting type technique
>>5893603
"eh, I don't mind as long as we all make it through."
>>
Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>5893588
Spike's ears twitch as Wallis shouts.

He pauses, turning to the most immediate threat.

"Halt," he commands, but instead of projecting some compulsion like before, his shadow roils and darts across the ground to try and hold the buizel in place.

"What are you. Who are you. Tell me," Spike demands, walking up to the infected, staring it dead in its eyes as if banging against the windows to its soul for answers or some kind of response.

>Rolling for insight, some answers. (Hex Maniac, Empath- Phantasm and Telepath if those apply)
>>
>>5893580
Skitty stalks towards the main group, looking concerned, tired, and annoyed all at once. Strange combo. "Do we have a head count? Everyone's good enough... right?"
>>
>>5893614
frokie* not buizel. That's another one.
>>
>>5893613
"I should still apologize."

>>5893610
"Yeah...tried...."
>he looks at the floor where he notices a resting Ish kicking with his legs

>>5893597
"Sorry about getting you hurt like that, if I stuck with Evan or just asked him to hold his attack until you guys were finished that wouldn't have happened."
>>
>>5893614
"Spike, that's the one with the Greninja as a mom."
He tilts his head.
"You sure you're good?"
>>
>>5893618
"again, it's all good, couldn't hold back any longer without risking more damage."
>>
>>5893580
Espurr leers at the Drakloak wearily, keeping their distance. There's a sense of dread looking at him even while he's unconscious. It's not so easy to gain this cat's trust, even when there's no immediate threat.
>>
>>5893607
"Speaking of berries, is there a berry that stops aging? I'd like to see that!"
>>
Mohka has been standing awkwardly in roughly the same spot he dropped Drifting Leaves at for a few minutes now. He shakes his head to clear the mind fog and heads over to the group congregating around the Drakolak. He keeps a healthy distance; he doesn't want to catch the Twilight Syndrome. There are far better love stories out there.
>>
Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>5893585
The ghost hisses, swiftly getting more agitated than it was when being attacked.

>>5893590
"Psh. They ain't around anymore. It's just us lookin' out for eachother now! I have it on good word that Big Sis wants me to wait with you guys until we meet up again! SoI've been sleepin' under your beds!"
She was s'posed to steal something from that Gen'ral Razor Guy's Temple, but I dunno where she wanted to go after that..." She licks a wound and blanches. Tastes like ash.

>>5893587
Primarina looks back at the building, genuinely surprised. His shiny partner isn't too responsive, but perks up negligibly after having something whispered whispered to her.
Prim giggles and thanks you with a little Life Dew before returning his attention to the shiny.

>>5893588
>>5893595
>>5893609
Seemingly shocked by his friend's presence, Ludicolo backs away and uses...Grassy Terrain, shielding his face and...not saying anything.
It might be his only move.
Moreover, Skipper cringes upon hearing Kaz's voice. He flicks a stick Kaz's way with a growl!

>>5893614
Within Surface Skipper is...

>>5893627
>>5893596
Drakloak's eyes flutter a bit, and he shows the same disorientation as many of the Pokemon your friends have seen over the last few days...

A small band of Pawniard are coming down to fend off the remaining ghosts, but it seems all the other troubles have escaped their attention for now...
>>
>>5893632
"What-what'd I sa- oh."
>Realization
"Ah no kid...Not you too?"
>>
>>5893632
Wallis backs up as the Grassy Terrain marks the Ludicolo's attacking range. She knows Grass is her greatest weakness and puts a Rock Throw rock barricade between her and Surface Skipper with a shtomp.
>>
Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>5893632
"No."
Darius used Payback!
>>
>>5893632
Matchia seems to be fully locked on to the most prominent task of keeping Drakloak from possibly going wild, going into a trance.
Matchia used Detect!
>>
>>5893638
(14 damage)
>>
>>5893626
"Thanks, but I still can't help but feel like I messed up."
>Brook sits down and looks over to the wreckage...
>>5893632
>until he finally notices the captured ghost
"Uhh Evan what's your plan for this guy?"
>>
Rolled 2 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>5893632
>Kaz tries to position himself so that Skipper cant leave the area
> +3 Speed

"Someone wanna help me corral Skipper?"
>>
>>5893632
"Thanks! Also i can help, i have some knowledge on how to build and design if you want to expand now that you have a... rather clear frame to do it, if you want of course"
>>
>>5893641
"No clue. I guess hand him over to a cop or doctor or something. If nothing else I'm sure Sagira's got some bright idea for him."
>>5893632
"Damn... poor kid's gone. Someone else do this, I can't."
>He turns to his captive
"Hiss hiss hiss, that's all I ever hear from you! Why can't you just chill out for once?"
>>
>>5893632
"Kid, I shouldn't have to be the one that says stealing is bad!"
>Dustin notices the ghost hissing.
"Okay, we shouldn't be here. RUN LIKE HELL or... HECK! DON'T USE HELL!"
>>
>>5893629
>>5893632
As Mohka makes his way over to the larger group, he takes in the surrounding dregs of former chaos. He spots Dustin standing off to the side, talking with... oh.

Oh no.

HER.

That cat. That damn cat. It's here, it's still here. WHY is it still here? WHY is Dustin chatting so...casually with it? He stiffens up at the sight. Maybe he can sneak by unnoticed...?
>>
>>5893653
"Alright."
>While on the ground his eyes drift back to his right foreleg
"Well in that case want me to try and knock it out?"
>>
>>5893632
Espurr takes note of the situation. It seems there's not enough blood and sweat in the world to truly take a moment to breathe.
They step back. They have enough problems to deal with.

They instead elect to approach the Subsumed Chateau to see if it's able to be safely entered now. They'd like to at least get an idea of what happened inside, to see if they'll need to sleep elsewhere tonight...
>>
>>5893659
"Nah, I don't want it doing that phasey thing the rest of them did. Thanks for the offer, though."
>>
>>5893664
>he just nods and returns to gazing out over the aftermath of the battle, mentally replaying the whole thing start to finish
>>
>>5893641
"Well... I can't entirely stop that, but try not to worry, okay?"
>Ish is still recovering
>>
Kaz is pricked for 3 damage.

There's a storm of emotion brewing in the Froakie. He's still reeling from the second sight of his mother attacking him; it's the only discernible thought in his mind among the raw feeling. You get rather little from the dive, because they become overwhelming almost as soon as you identify them. What you feel through him is a torrent of ever present pinpricks, as if your nerves have been opened and can feel a distinct jolt from every blade of grass or gust of wind on your fur. The sensation blots out your vision, scrambling it into something not unlike a milk painting, or a screensaver you've stared into for far too long in a dark room. Every trace of perception demands your full attention until another sense steals it away only a fraction of a second later, each with its own unpredictable sting or jab. The only thing you're certain of is that any of it could be hazardous...in fact, it feels like the very ground you stand on is rearing up to attack you.
Am I alone here? No...
Spike takes 4 damage.

>>5893638
>>5893646
Froakie, between his youth and the fall he took earlier isn't prepared for anything resembling a strong hit. He's down for the count.

>>5893653
>>5893639
Shuppet's crying now. Not uncommon for Pokemon, but this is a little uncanny...
Drakloak, still coated in powder can't move at all. Not even enough for a basic attack, and he looks more than incensed by this. These Pokemon really don't like being detained.
There may be enough Pokemon infected here to call some outside force in...

>>5893655
>>5893654
"I don't know Hell!"
Hell is not a move.
She snaps to look over her shoulder directly at the sneaking musical instrument. "Do you?"
>>
>>5893675
"Ow!"
HP:18/21
"Watch it Dare! Don't hurt the kid!"
>>
Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>5893671
"Okay, and you get some rest."
>he forces a smile and stands up
"I think I'll go look for something I can use to help you heal, there were some leaves I didn't have enough time to grab from one of those barrels."
"Maybe they're still around somewhere."
>>5893675
>with that he walks around, eyes glued to the floor looking for any signs of something he can use to help Ish recover
>>
>>5893675
Spike blinks rapidly, stumbling back and clutching his jaw tightly.

"Gah!" he screams, clutching his eyes.
>>
>>5893675
Headcount's good, it looks like.

"Ugh," Skitty spits as she notices the Drakloak's fury and strolls up to him. "You don't know when to quit, do you? I could just put you back down if I wanted." She knows he basically can't understand what she's saying, but it's also a little cathartic considering what he did to Espurr.
>>
>>5893675
Despite the lack of mobility from Drakloak, Matchia remains somewhat close to stop it from doing anything tricky. She Meditates on this... +1 attack.
>>
>>5893679
"Yeah Darius, don't touch the child!"
>>5893675
>Dustin turns over to see Mohka.
"Hello again monster thrower or am I misremembering?"
>>
>>5893675
Does Mohka know Hell? Yeah, and it's looking right at him.
The attention from the Sprigatito is as equally unexpected as it was unwanted, causing Mohka to just about jump out of his scales in a panic, letting out a noise that, if asked, he would insist was a draconic roar to establish dominance, but almost assuredly sounds anything but.

>>5893692
Mohka is too busy being jumpscared to answer.
>>
>>5893675
>Evan looks for some strong looking pokemon to wave over.
>He settles on a gang of Pawniard and a Bisharp that seem to be heading this way anyway.
>>
>>5893704
"OKAY RUN NOW KITTY!"
>>
>>5893704
Cubone looks over in the general direction of the Comically Loud Noise, somewhat startled. "What was..?" he wonders, to nobody in particular.
>>
>>5893680
>rabbit, take that order and get to sleep
>probably not great to do so outside but oh well
>>
>>5893704
"Heh, that'ss our brave hero right here!"
>>
>>5893680
It looks like most of the valuables are already being moved. A lot of the civilians have returned to town to either defend their residences or help clean up. Most of the public space, like that Primarina's containers were blown into is being managed by Elder Seven Leaves.

>>5893682
The thing plastering your(Skipper's?) body shifts again with your step, all but the floor beneath you suddenly turning unrecognizable again. Something beyond the veil is poising to attack again...
Spike takes 6 damage.

>>5893684
>>5893689
His paralysis a few minutes old, the water is starting to flow and evaporate. Of course, he's still injured and mostly incapacitated, but a free head is a free firestarter...

>>5893716
"Got it!!" The Sprig limps away for a good four feet before her leg gives and drops her to her face. It's slower than Mohka's powerwalk.
"Oomp."

Ludicolo seems content with Wallis's barrier between themselves after spending an inordinate amount of time confirming that it won't move.
So he continues cowering.
>>
>>5893735
Wallis throws up a Wide Guard for good measure, extending a free arm as a pink barrier surrounds all allies.
"It'd be great if you told us what gave you Twilight Syndrome!"
She passive-aggressively inquires as she backs up further.
>>
Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>5893735
“OY VEY, KITTY!”
>Dustin rushes back, attempts to pick her up and run off with her.
>>
Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>5893735
"Spike!"
>Kaz tries to slap Spike out of whatever connection he's in with Skipper!
"Whatever you're doin', stop it!"
>>
Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>5893735
Matchia slams her hands together vertically with the Drakloak's head inbetween with a Fake Out!
>>
>>5893747
4+2+3 damage for first attack. Drakloak is flinching!
>>
Rolled 18 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>5893735
>>5893747
>>5893684
Espurr steps out from the Chateau, not bothering to look into it any further. That's when they see their teammates surrounding the Drakloak. Hm.

Espurr steps over to the Drakloak Skitty and Matchia are harassing. They get a little closer this time. It would be a shame if this Drakloak got back up and hurt someone. Perhaps he would use U-Turn or something of that sort, knocking out some unsuspecting bystander.
Who knows what would result if that happened.

>Espurr used Gravity!
>They want to make things uncomfortable for him as possible, simultaneously making it safer for everyone else.
>Gravitational Potential III
>>
>>5893735
>Responding to the commotion, a group of Pawniard led by a Bisharp rush over.
The Bisharp speaks in a commanding tone; "Squad, contain the afflicted!"
>The Pawniard rush towards the Twilighted Pokemon, using ropes or other restraints to capture them. A few Foongus are also present, blowing Spores on any Twighlighted Pokemon to put them to sleep.
The Bisharp turns to the group, adopting a barely-softer tone as he questions you; "Report: What happened here? Is anyone badly injured?"
>>
>>5893735
>>5893747
"...I was just gonna make him go back to sleep, but... violence, sure. That's fair."

She looks sincere, despite the sarcastic phrasing.
>>
>>5893735
>He's searched up and down, but couldn't find anything that looks like a healing item
>sighing he slowly walks back to Ish
"Guess everything was already been picked up, couldn't really find any-"
>his stops talking when he gets close enough to notice the rabbit sleeping
>with nothing else to really do, he sits down nearby in part to watch over him and to get some rest himself
>>
Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>5893735
>>5893746
"It's in my head!" he growls, trying to stand up.

"It won't get the best of me- I REFUSE." Spike says, trying to hold himself together.

He's died before. He's been in the throes of panic before, he can surpass it.
>>
>>5893760
Spike's HP: 12/22
>>
>>5893755
"That thing over there officers, go get'em"
She points (?) at the Drakloak
>>
>>5893763
*She also faints (HP 2/25)
>>
>>5893760
Skitty whips around, reasonably construing that Spike used his shiny new psychic powers to ascertain something about the Twilight Syndrome. "Idiot! You watched me do the same thing! Learn!!" She abandons the Drakloak and Matchia and marches over to the Zorua, but her motive, whether to chew him out more or to check if he's alright, is unclear.
>>
>>5893763
>The Bisharp nods at a few Pawniard that stood near him, dispersing them to deal with the Drakloak.
>>
>>5893754
>>5893755
Drakloak wriggles and thrashes his neck. It's almost mesmerizing, the way his ghostly body is restrained by the blended water as if it were a solid coat over him. When gravity activates, it flows off of him as runoff, and he starts phasing through the floor...until he's put to sleep by Spore. as is the Shuppet in Evan's possession, but he himself and Ludicolo are unaffected. Ludicolo evokes his most powerful Grassy Terrain yet against the approaching Pawniard.
They're having some trouble getting a hold of Buizel, though...

>>5893760
The being, what, wherever it is, approaches Spike yet again. He can hear it, even though Surface Skipper is knocked out...
I'm going to die here. No, I'll make it...
Spike takes 8 damage.
partly, from the sound of his own voice. He can feel it echoing through his skull as he makes it, distractingly.
Skitty hears...a garbled message of incomprehensible mutterings from Spike.
>>
Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>5893781
Spike curls up tight, scrunching his eyes and gritting his teeth.
"This is. . . temporary. . . There is tomorrow. . . " he says through pained grunts.

He can't give in.

A memory of the desert appears in his mind. Burning sand, blinding blue skies, nothing for miles.

Except for two familiar faces. Two reasons why he is everything he is.
>>
Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>5893781
>Some of the Pawniard approaching Ludicolo look at each other questioningly.
>One of them uses Scary Face as the others creep around it, ready to restrain it the second its speed lowers.
>>
>>5893781
Matchia's work with Drakloak is handled. She begins to move to help handle Buizel next.
>>
Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>5893781
"Spike! Get out of his mind!"
Katherine helps... by Razor leafing Spike from affar to cut any possible physical link
>>
>>5893726
"Sh-shut up."

>>5893735
Mohka sheds no tears for the injured cat.

>>5893781
Being closer to the Pawniard group now, and with the weedcat no longer posing an immediate threat, he intends to help wrangle the Buizel... Until he sees Spike seemingly having a stroke. Can ghosts have strokes? Well, better go secure him so he doesn't injure himself. He moves with haste.
>>
Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>5893781
Espurr clutches their skull and Gravity ends. Why did they do that? Spite? Now there's a headache coming on... At least it's dealt with.

They take a deep breath. Sagira taught them that helps sometimes...

...but with everything that's happened, and with how long it's been since the last one, they might not be able to avoid another migraine.

>Espurr tries to keep a clear head with their Own Tempo and strength of mind, but thinking too hard only makes it worse, and so on, and so on.
>>
>>5893781
>>5893784
"...fuck," Skitty says as she realizes Spike got more than just a trivial sting. "Guys? Things aren't going too good over here!" she calls before focusing back on Spike. What had helped her, during her encounter? Orner stabbing her, technically, but this wasn't the dream world. "Umm... Breathe, Spike, br-"

>>5893788
You cannot be serious. Skitty recoils– the Orner method it is, she supposes, but she can't bring herself to– it only added to the trauma for her.

Also the HP issue. No telling what knocking Spike out in this state would do, and he's already looking rough.
>>
>>5893781
>>5893784
Wallis maintains Wide Guard to the best of her ability, hoping it may relieve Spike some. She won't tell him that, though. Wouldn't it be crazy if it blocked >>5893788 though?
>>
>>5893788
>>5893784
It takes all of your willpower to focus on those memories for more than a second-or even separate those thoughts from the Others stirring within you-
The last thing you hear before you snap back to reality is...
" No. I'm going to live. No matter what. If anyone's out there, listen to me."
Suddenly, there's a break in the sensory overload. For a moment, all you can think of is your old home and those close to you...and you're back to normal. In fact, you haven't even taken any damage...?
Well? Did you learn anything?

>>5893799
>>5893786
A Razor Leaf is suspended in midair by a flah-wall of clay rising from the ground. Ludicolo crashes into a portion near him, giving the Hematite Pawniard ever so slightly more work to do...until their scowls frighten him into tripping.

>>5893787
Buizel may have secured an escape rout into the ocean...until it's blocked by a Mienfoo. She could be safely detained by anyone, now...
>>
Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>5893805
Matchia approaches the Buizel, before immediately command-grabbing it and throws it at the ground like a judo-throw to restrain it! It's Reversal!
If effective, 2+2+1 damage. If that matters at all in a matter of restraining.
>>
>>5893805
". . ."
Spike lays on the ground, wide eyed and panting.

After a long moment, his body returns to it's cold stillness as he rises up from the ground.

". . . I'm not ready. . . Not yet," Spike says.
>>
>>5893805
>Pawniards descend onto the Ludicolo, tying him up as the Bisharp oversees them.
>>5893806
>Others try to assist Matchia in restraining the Buizel with some ropes.

>Evan hands off his prisoner to the mercies of the Hematite clan.
>>
Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>5893805
Kath looks at the razor leaf wondering if she can still control it, targetting one of the twilighted pokemon (Roll to see if she can target it) before
>>5893809
"Good one, Spike, you're a real stylish"
She forcefeeds him an oran leaf
>>
>>5893809
Mohka arrives and slav squats to get closer to eye level with Spike.

"You good?"
>>
>>5893809
"You moron! How long has it been since I tried the same thing? Oddly, she looks hurt. "What were you expecting to happen? That you could just tell the shadow demons to halt?!"

She sounds protective, yet royally pissed. "Are you even okay???"
>>
>>5893805
>>5893809
"Phew... Well, I hope that was worth it, Spike."

>>5893806
Wallis backs up Matchia, taking a position closer to the water to complicate escaping. She also drops Wide Guard for now.
"Just stay down, already!"
>>
>>5893812
>>5893815
>>5893809
"Lord in the sssky, why are ssso many of you increassingly sssuicidal?" Orner seems to have followed after Mohka. "You better not ssstart ssspreading that thing with your telepathy, Ssspike..."
>>
>>5893809
>>5893811
>>5893812
>>5893817
>>5893819
Espurr watches and listens to the others berate Spike for his laughably foolish and thoughtless decision. Any more of those decisions would put everyone at risk.
>>
>>5893812
Spike nods slowly, his eyes drifting around before landing on Mohka's. His brow harden and he nods affirmatively. "I'm fine. I'm. . . just . . . I just need some rest-"

>>5893815
"I-" He pauses, before hanging his head down. "I was expecting to get answers. I thought that I could handle it. . ."

>>5893817
He shakes his head. "I'm sorry, Wallis. I wouldn't have made it without you."

>>5893819
Spike doesn't say anything in response.
>>
>>5893822
"Good. Not sure who I'd clean out in blackjack if you bit the big one."
>>
>>5893822
"That's what I thought too! Didn't we have a talk about this?? God..." Skitty relents, though. She's experienced the same herself, after all. "Okay, he gets it was stupid. Let him have some space to calm down now, alright?" She backs off slowly, nodding to herself.
>>
>>5893822
"I'm still not sure what 'it' is, but we've got another one here!"
She's eyeing Buizel, not that she's expecting Spike to hop into the fray after whatever he just did.
>>
>>5893838
>>5893831
>>5893828
Spike gives Mohka a look before nodding to the other two. "I'm going to. . . lay down."
>>
>>5893810
>>5893806
Buizel is on its back before it can get any momentum going three able combatants are on her in an instant...
It starts a curve before relodging itself in Wallis's Wide Guard...Hey, maybe this could be a talent to hone...

>>5893810
The rest of the ghosts fade into the ground when KOed. They're liable to scatter and cause more trouble whenever they wake up, so your gesture carries a little more weight than you might imagine...

And on that note, Your actions will grow to be greatly appreciated in the coming days, no matter how well or poorly Baram Town takes the Twilight Syndrome outbreak occurring within itself. To maintain peace, some of the other Clan Elders might spend a little more time in town, now. Who's to say for sure, though?
Take 55 Rank Experience points for your exploits this afternoon. That'll be all for tonight.
>>
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You've given yourself some time to recover since the events of the Chateau's destruction and have set forth to set your mind to other things. A creeping feeling of paranoia does settle within your minds. Had the warnings been true? Was that truly it? Was there more to come? They bubble into your head like worms.

Regardless, you've been given a task in order to get a "favor," from the Guild League affiliated Sneasel. It has you trekking far out and long from your normal confines within the boundaries of Baram Town, following a simple highway. It's a cobbled path, maintained by the clans, you assume. This must be a popular route, since occasionally you can see other travelers meandering along at their own paces.

As a handful of days pass and nights fade, you find an entrance to a strange little crossroads of a town. From what you can see, it's no bigger than Baram Town. Checking your wonder maps, it doesn't look like it's entirely relevant to your quest other than a simple rest stop. In fact, it's telling you to go the other way. You look for a name, eventually settling on a printrune signpost... "Pokémon Square." She said to meet here when you were done...

You make a mental note and continue on.

Chapter 9: Old Stories

Stumbling upon the cave isn't too difficult. From what you can see, someone had been here before, although their time was brief and dated. It only appears as if they chose to mark the place and move on.
>>
Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>5897873
>Evan peers into the cave
>>
>>5897873
Espurr, having elected to go on this journey, is waddling along with the rest of the group when they suddenly stop at the sight of the town not far before them.

They wonder if entering would be a good idea. Or perhaps patience is the key to this one.
Well, Espurr, your judgment's never led you astray before. Right?

They continue along to the cave entrance. Yes, this is almost certainly it. The gray cat and their antics will be useful here. They take a step towards the darkened entrance and prepare a snap of light to get a glimpse of the inside.

>Espurr used Flash!
>>
Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>5897873
Wallis can't read Printrune.
"That has to be the Pokemon Square I heard about... I wonder if they have a Recycling shop for my TM."
She says as they pass to head to the cave objective.
"Let's see what we're working with."
She peers through the dark like murky water and listens closely.
>>
Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>5897873
(Test)
>>
>>5897873
>>5897887
"Is this the place?" (Previous post vibe roll)
>>
>>5897873
>Brook follows along behind, his steps nearly inaudible as he smoothly continues forward
>had he not been curious enough to eavesdrop when the mission was discussed there's no doubt he would've been left behind due to not currently staying with everyone else on the ship
>>
>>5897880
>>5897884
>>5897886
Evan looks a bit hopelessly into the dark of the cave, before having his unadjusted eyesight splashed by the burst of light emanating from Espurr's sudden flash of light! The cave is illuminated, revealing a simple entrance descending into the unknown. Actually... you think you can already see a path from here.

Wallis can hear many things, this near-jungle-like surroundings mess with her ability to properly hear, but it must be some kind of "wet" down there. The sound of dripping water is the loudest thing she can hear.

>>5897893
Katherine vibes. She seems to almost be in her tropical element here.
>>
>>5897873
"Alright, that wass easssy. Come on fellasss, thisss sshould't take long."
Orner leads the way and enters while the others dilly-dally.
>>
>>5897900
>>5897880
Espurr turns to look at Evan after the Flash.
They aren't responsible for any possible vision damage this may have caused.

They follow Orner >>5897901 closely. She knows what to do, probably. She's also quite large and a good wall from danger.
There's no other reason they decide to follow her, sporadically using Flash to reignite the light in the cave.
>>
>>5897900
"Hey guys, there's a path down this way!"
>>5897903
>Evan is blinking a bit more, but he seems fine otherwise. At the very least, he's not upset with you.
>>
>>5897873
Cubone seems less than pleased to be entering a dark, musty, damp cave. "...I had hoped our destination would be more... welcoming, but I suppose wishful thinking alone gets us nowhere." he muses, tagging along the back. If anyone's going to be mildly inconvenienced by cobwebs, he'd rather it not be him.
>>
Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>5897873
“All right! Lets scope this place out!”
>Kaz searches the cave entrance
>>
>>5897900
Angus wanders further into the cave.
>>
>>5897873
"Another cave... y'know what, I think I actually kinda like these." He follows his teammate and de-facto team captain into the breach. >>5897901
>>
Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>5897900
>>5897908
"Maybe this other way"
She goea the other way
>>
Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>5897900
>While he waits for everyone else to head inside so that he may take a position in the rear, Brook takes a moment to scope out the outside surroundings
>>
>>5897900
Sail enjoyed the damp atmosphere of the cave. At well following along.
>>
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>>5897908
Kaz makes the astute observation that the cave entrance is quite possibly the most cave of all time. It truly is an entrance to a cave... it has some moss and vines to it, you suppose.

>>5897906
>>5897907
>>5897903
>>5897901
>>5897909
>>5897911
>>5897917
Anyway, after allowing the Kubfu to absorb such detailed information, the little group meanders down the single path, arriving at a sharp turn heading to the right. The ground beneath you is mushy and slick, no doubt from collecting the outside's rainwash. Sagira has joined you wordlessly.

With the illumination, you can actually spot a gash and crack in the wall. There's no way you could fit into this if you were too big. Even then, it would really need you to inhale your gut...
>Attempt to enter the crack in the cave wall. (Small size required)
>Inspect the narrow opening further.
>Proceed on the right path.

>>5897912
>>5897915
You choose not to go through the entrance, instead looking around the outside. There's not really much else out here, aside from a steep drop off a cliffside. Katherine can see a scratched marking indicating something inside from whoever had been previously here, but not much else.

There probably only exists one way in.
>>
>>5897900
>>5897907
"Ech." Skitty agrees. "It'd better be worth it..." She's high-stepping, careful where she places her paws in this grimy place.
>>
Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>5897928
"Well, might as well try..."
>Evan tries snaking his way through. He is a snake, after all...

>Attempt to enter the crack in the cave wall. (Small size required)
>>
Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>5897928
>Inspect the narrow opening further.
Mohka approaches the crack in the wall, and places a hand on it. "Mmm... no, not my hole. Sail, you could prob'ly slip through. Give it a go?"
>>
Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>5897928
>Inspect the narrow opening further.
“Nice cave!”
>Kaz moves with the rest to find the crack in the wall
> He moves to break it open further with Rock Smash before realizing a cave in may not be a good idea

>Kaz inspects the opening. Is it stable?
>>
>>5897928
"Hmm... Hey, >>5897917 Sssail! You can totally fit through, right? Sssee what'ss in there, come on!"
>>
>>5897928
>There's clearly nothing of interest outside
>Seems everyone has already headed inside, with nothing else to do out here he follows in after and upon seeing his team mate go in, he follows after inside the crack in the wall
>>5897935
"Evan wait up!"
>>
>>5897928
>Dustin looks at the narrow opening
>He thinks to himself...
>"I don't know if I can shimmy through that."
>>
>>5897941
"Egh... little harder than I thought, be careful!"
>>
Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>5897900
>>5897928
Wallis opts to follow the sounds of water, specialized for the moist ground.
"There's probably a place the rainwater pools further in."
>Inspect the narrow opening further.
She waits for her smaller allies while she looks for a way she could meet them on the other side.
>>
Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>5897946
>>5897928
"Uhh right, and you too!"
>pausing a moment to look at the dark hole, he glances backwards toward the entrance before trying to squeeze inside himself
>>
Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>5897928
>Attempt to enter the crack in the cave wall. (Small size required)
"I wonder if I can go through here..."
>>
Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>5897940
"Probabl'y"
>>5897928
>Sail liquifies his body and try slid into crack.
>>
>>5897928
Seeing the members of the group entering the small crack, Espurr decides they'd rather not get trapped between their, by comparison, much fatter compatriots, and thus, they remain where they are.

>>5897940
They are standing just a little too close to Orner and staring at Sail as she eggs him into squeezing through the crack in the wall.
Do they want something, or..?
>>
Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>5897928
Kath keeps looking around, trying to will an entrance
>>
>>5897928
Cubone is the sixth shortest individual when accounting for the entirety of the group. He could very likely enter the crack in the cave wall.
However, that would be gross, so he's not doing it.
>Proceed on the right path.
>>5897952
>>5897954
>>5897961
>>5897935
He does waste absolutely no time judging people willing to get familiar with a grimy cave's walls, though, silently turning his nose up at them.
>>
>>5897928
Up until now Spike had elected to stay quiet and follow the group in the cave- with the options presented though.

>>5897935
>>5897941
>>5897954
>>5897961
"All of you be careful!" he shouts, turning to the others who had chosen to stay here.

"Let's keep moving. It's unlikely that whoever built this place made such a narrow squeeze the main entrance."

>Proceed on the right path.
>>
>>5897970
"Yes, you too!" while hoping that he didn't jinxed it.
>>
>>5897970
>>5897968
Espurr stares at Spike and Cubone while the two keep moving. They don't actually do anything or intend to say anything, so this is only a casual glance that could be mistaken for a formal glance, an informal glance (which it is), or a serious one.
>>
>>5897962
Orner notices the scaredy cat doubling as flashlight that's sticking to her. It's almost cute. "Hey, Dusssk. You don't wanna sssee what'ss in there? You won't make it far jussst by playing it sssafe! Where'ss your sssensse of adventure, hmm?" Maybe they could use a little push.
>>
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>>5897935
>>5897952
>>5897954
It's slow at best, and the slick feeling of whatever damp thing had been growing between this gap is getting to you. Gross! Meanwhile, Brook joins up with Evan and can feel that this is deceptively smaller than he'd hoped. His fur quickly loses its natural volume and sticks to his body. However, he's not thrown off by the uneasy feelings. His speed is limited only by Evan's own. Angus joins in, finding that his own naturally water-resistant feathers help, but they get damp and soaked very quickly due to the compact conditions.

Sail keeps amazing pace with the other three in the crack, almost as if his body lacks bones.

There are four members currently shimmying their way through here. After a couple of minutes of claustrophobia-inducing fear, the four of you stumble into a dark cubby. It's pitch black.

>>5897936
>>5897937
Mohka can see that no light is slipping through this crack. Kaz, meanwhile, can recognize that punching it to make it larger definitely won't help anyone. It would require a very precise tool to chip out, rather than blunt-force. It's probably also a good idea to not do that while someone has already entered.

>>5897967
Looking around, there are no other entrances, no matter how much you can hope you might find one, just out of sheer luck.

>>5897968
>>5897970
You skip past the small crack in the wall, not entirely interested in heading in. Turning right, your source of illumination still with you, you can see four pillars holding up the ceiling of a deliberately designed hallway. This must be the real way in, but, there's a giant hole where the path would be. Erosion must have claimed it.
>>
>>5897928
Matchia has always been here. She's just quietly looking around.
>>5897962
She just stands around Espurr, watching the group go through.
>>
Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>5897980
Undeterred, Kath keeps looking around, actually the other way where the only entrance is
>>
>>5897980
"Damn! Can't see a way ta make it bigger."
>Kaz kicks at a pebble
"Anyone see another way in?"
>>
>>5897976
Kick the cat, lose the light. Would Orner prefer that?
Though they could be convinced to take bigger risks if her serpentine charm is worth anything. They point to the right path, giving their suggestion.

>>5897981
That suggestion goes for Matchia as well. Right path, how about it? Work together on this, come on!

>>5897980
Espurr takes the right path, trying to nudge the two of their choice party members in the same direction. They'll keep the flashing light going for as long as they can or need it.
>>
>>5897980
>>5897988
>Seeing some others start to take the other path, Kaz follows
"Don't like splittin' up like this."

>Proceed on the right path.
>>
Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>5897980
>Evan squints, trying to see in the dark
>>
Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>5897980
Wallis looks around after following the split group down the right path.
"Guess we'll have to climb the walls to get ahead."
Wallis uses Mud Shot to try and make some footholds on the wall.
>>
>>5897980
"Well, we made it through but umm... do you guys have anything to light up with?" Angus says this as he blindly wanders around.
>>
>>5897988
"Yeah, let's just go to the right... Not like we can do much with that opening."
Matchia begins to go to the right.
>>
>>5897985
"Blowing it up maybe?"
>>
Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>5897980
>Sail look into the darkness, using his horn if he able to sense anything near.
>>
>>5897980
>>5897988
>>5897992
"Shouldn't we be waitin' for the others...?" Mohka looks back at the crack and thinks for a second. "Ah hell, I'm sure they'll be fine. Wait up!"
>Mohka proceeds down the right path.
>>
>>5897988
Orner can tell this will be a battle of attrition. She will concede this round to the cat. "Okay buddy, we'll do it your way."
>>5897980
"Hey guysss! We'll meet you on the other ssside!"
>Orner follows the right path, up to where the hole is.
"Well, what now?"
>>
>>5898001
"Dustin you knuckle head, that'd make it worse!"
"Come on! We're meet up with 'em later."
"I hope."

>>5898004
"We'll we can either stay here and wait for 'em, or try and meet up with 'em further in."
>>
>>5897999
Skitty follows her, casting Orner a rather disgusted look as she goes.

>>5897992
"Worst case, we just try and meet up back where we started. Too late now..."
>>
>>5897980
"Well. It appears deadly pitfalls are an exploration staple." Cubone dryly remarks.
>>5897996

"I believe that may be more... context sensitive." Cubone notes that very few Pokemon actually have direct wall-scaling capabilities, even assisted.
>>5898004
Mohka's arrival gives him an idea, though. Dragon Tail knocks things around, so maybe it could knock things over. "Ah. Sir Mohka. Do you believe you or Matchia could knock down one of the pillars to serve as a bridge?"
>>
Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>5897980
"It looks like part of the path is missing," he inspects a nearby pillar to check both it's and the ceiling stability.

"We could knock down one of these pillars, or just try to jump across. I can scale it with my hone claws." Spike says- and he does just that, elongating his claws and trying to scale across.
>>
>>5897980
>wanting to follow after Evan was the original reason he went inside, but he had not expected it to take so long
>the further he continues he more and more he just wants to turn back, but whoever followed in behind ensures that won't be happening, not to mention Evan is still further ahead
>eventually the disgusting feeling of whatever clings to his fur begins to fade as he takes deeper and deeper breaths the longer it takes to reach the end
>closing his eyes he imagines himself back in the little shelter he made for himself as he forces his body onward
>finally once they reach the end, he practically bursts out of the small crack and into the dark little room
>with his chest rising and falling and his limbs shivering after going through something like that, he forces his eyes open to search for anything that looks like a way out...that doesn't involve re-entering that crevice

(Rolled a 10)
>>
>>5897999
>>5898008
>>5897992
Mission success, for now. They are glad to see their suggestion taken seriously. The path ahead is potentially perilous but no large challenge for now. Whatever obstacles faced can be conquered with a bit of effort. They carry themselves to the place they need to be and try to provide proper illumination. Watch your step.

>>5898004
Espurr doesn't really care, but they also only share 1/3 of the burden of responsibility for leaving them.
>>
>>5898009
>Dustin thinks...
"Well shouldn't we wait here just in case if they..."
"Ah fine..."
>Dustin heads down the right path.
>>
>>5898010
"I'm sure they'll be fine."

>>5898021
"Hey, worse comes ta worse, we head back and meet them at the front."
>>
>>5897985
"I'd rather keep as much integrity intact as possible. This is not the time to be testing how sturdy ancient sites can be," Sagira comments.

>>5897988
>>5897992
>>5897996
>>5897999
>>5898004
>>5898008
>>5898010
>>5898014
>>5898021
Espurr, Kaz, Wallis, Matchia, Mohka, Orner, Skitty, Dustin also join the others trying to figure out a way across the gap. All of you can see that the dripping water from above takes some time to fall before hitting some kind of body of water below.

Wallis' mud slaps against the walls, however, the atmosphere of the cave doesn't necessitate the best conditions for footholds or grips. At the most, these are fragile to the point that carelessness would definitely break them apart during crossing.
>You can now climb across! Rolls lower than 7 will cause them to break.

The pillars are old, you can tell that much. You're not much of an architect or engineer, so your mind can only blindly guess that maybe you could try knocking it down. Probably.

>>5897994
>>5897997
>>5898003
>>5898015
No matter how hard Evan squints, there is an actual absence of light in here. They'd need to make their own or rely on something else. Angus, wandering around blindly, can feel himself jabbed by something pointy. Ow.

Brook forces his eyes open... or does he? It's so dark in here that the only way he can tell his eyes are actually open is the feeling of his eyelids.

Sail's basic echo-sense can detect that there are three other things in here with him, along with some kind of pointy thing jutting out of the wall. There is also some... ramp? It goes somewhere, but it might be slippery.

>>5897983
Katherine is able to identify, with certainty unlike any other, that this is the only viable entrance to the ruins.
>>
Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>5898034
>>5898014
The mud provides a better stick than expected and Spike redoubles his efforts to climb across.
>>
>>5898013
>>5898034
"I mean... I prob'ly COULD, but I'd rather not be on the hook for damagin' archeological sites.
>>
Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>5898034
Skitty is a cat– she's built for this. Light, too– the footholds might be less likely to fall apart at her touch.

She nods to Wallis, then hops onto the wall. She's had more difficult climbing endeavors than this.
>>
Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>5898034
"Agh, I can't see a thing in this darkness. Anyone got a light?"
>Evan fumbles around in the dark, searching for something to help him here
>>
Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>5898034
"...Hmmm?" Angus curiously inspects that pointy object (?).
>>
>>5898034
"I didn't think ceiling droplets have to go through a PhD program to be able to dive into the abyss because they are REALLY taking their time."
>>
Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>5898034
"Evan? Can you see anything!?"
>it's a bit difficult to control his volume as jumpy as he is not helped by the realization it's pitch black in here
>eyes closed again he stands up on his hinds and uses a Hone Claws hoping the small flash of red energy that comes with it will allow at least a small glimpse of the room
>>
>>5898047
Orner looks straight at the cat with full intent to not miss what's about to happen, etching the next few seconds in her memory forevermore.
>>
Rolled 19 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>5898034
>>5898043
Cubone, his solution rejected, looks at the alternative. A gross, muddy, cave wall. ...no thanks.
"...I see... If you will excuse me." Cubone turns around, and starts walking out... until he re-180s and makes a running leap of faith across the gap. The risk of pain is better than having to engage with mud again.
>>
Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>5898034
>>5898047
"H-Hey!"
Wallis tries to save Skitty with a quick Mud Shot beneath her.
>>
Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>5898034
"Yeah, yeah I got ya."
>Kaz replies to Sagira glumly


>Kaz looks at the gap
>Then Looks at the pillars
"One bridge, comin' up!"
"Or down!"

>Kaz uses Rock Smash to knock a pillar to the other side!
>>
Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>5898034
"Seemed t' be a slippery ramp lendin' somewhere 'n some pointed thing nigh the wall." Sail went toward the ramp thing.
>Sail try to climb up the ramp thing.
>>
>>5898034
>>5898063
>>5898047
Espurr's watching, too.

They decide to try and push a pillar over. But... You know... They're only the third smallest Pokemon in the entire cast. Help Espurr out, why don't you? Skitty falling to her death doesn't take an entire turn to watch.

>>5898072
Kaz has the right idea. They... help... but Gravity isn't a good idea at the moment.

>Espurr supports Kaz. Barely.
>>
Rolled 6 (1d20)

(Test again)
>>
Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>5898034
Kath follows everyone cloaely behind
>>
Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>5898072
"Could I join in with you?"
>>
>>5898072
"I see some of us don't care much for archeological integrity. Well, s'long as we're at it..."
>Mohka assists Kaz.
>>
>>5898078
>Kaz notes the odd energy on the pillar and nods a thanks to Espurr

>>5898085
"Sure thing! Get ta whackin'!"

>>5898094
"Its just one pillar! The place has plenty!"
>>
>>5898105
>Dustin goes a gets ta whackin'
>>
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>>5898042
Spike takes the opportunity and carefully climbs across, making sure not to put too much pressure on the freshly created holds. He lands on the other side.

>>5898047
>>5898069
At least she'll land upright! Skitty might have cat-like reflexes, but the touch of humanity is still strong. Her misplaced weight causes the mud to slip off the wall, along with her. There's the sensation of sudden gravity as she begins to plummet. Wallis manages to blast Skitty with a Mud Shot, trapping the cat by the tip of her pink tail.

While it hurts, falling down any further definitely is not much better. Skitty precariously dangles four feet from the pathway's level.

>>5898068
Cubone manages a great running start, his footfalls fighting against the wet cave floor. With a hopeful leap, he barely manages to cross the gap and scrambles for a grip as he strikes the lip of the broken hall. Huffing, he climbs over, successfully making it across.

>>5898072
>>5898094
>>5898106
Sagira sighs.

Kaz strikes the pillar at its base, causing it to crack further, and Dustin just... punches it. A jet of dust covers the area as it slips from its foundation, rolling and pinning a way across. The mossy stone doesn't look easy to use, but if you're slow, you should be fine. Mohka holds the pillar in place. Everyone holds their breath to see if the cave decides that was reckless...

Nothing happens, thankfully.

>>5898051
>>5898055
>>5898061
>>5898075
The darkness is not helping either of them. Angus can only inspect the object as much as he can get a feel for it. It seems to be bumpy like stone, with a layer of moisture on its surface. It seems... smooth in other parts. The object is firmly embedded in the wall.

Brook gets a small glimpse of their surroundings with the weak red light, which he deduces that there must be some kind of growth covering the walls. It goes out shortly.

Sail can find that the ramp has been worn by water, and it's almost like a slide. Thankfully, he can get up. Closer, his horn senses that there might be a crawlspace out here to escape.

Meanwhile, there are two rooms ahead for Cubone and Spike to inspect.
>>
>>5898107
>...
"Hey! I didn't say I wouldn't do a good job!"
>>
>>5898107
"See? Bridge!"

>Kaz looks down
"Now anyone got some rope? I could try throwin' it ta Skitty."
>>
>>5898107
"Hah... Close one. Can one of you get Skitty onto the pillar?"
She grimaces at the fallen pillar and slowly attempts to cross, wary of a ceiling collapse. It seems like there's an attempt to bring a ceiling down on her every outing now.
>>
Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>5898107
Katherine also feels around, trying to make a sense of depth or at least know where she's going (She goes side to side touching the wallz while walking hoping to not fall)
>>
>>5898107
"Oh, for fuck... Can someone grab Skitty? I'd do it but I'm rather occupied at the moment." He taps the pillar bridge for emphasis.
>>
>>5898107
"Uuuuh, hey! Sagira! Can't you open one a them portal thingies? I saw you using some before! Can ya make one big enough for Skitty?"
>>
>>5898107
"...fun," she gasps from her hanging place. "Um... Thanks? A little help??"

>>5898120
"It's not my fault!!"
>>
Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>5898107
Angus figures that this object might be a lever switch, and he tries to move it by pushing it up (or down)
>>
>>5898112
"Well is anyone here light weight? They could probably make it..."
"Wait on second thought, no let's not make any sacrifices or korbanot here espically since we're in y'know?"
>>
Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>5898107
"Damn..."
>he whispers as the faint light dims until he's once again swallowed up by darkness but at least he was able to get a small peek at what's in here and what covers the walls...
>not exactly eager to try out his sharpened nails on the mysterious thing covering the walls, he instead backs away toward the voice of whoever it was that followed in after him and tries to use his claws as cleats to follow them up the ramp
"Guys there's something really gross on the walls, try not to touch them!"
>>
>>5898123
Sagira shakes her head. "If that were possible, I would be performing it regularly. I cannot." She holds her hand up. "Non-living objects are the easiest by far."
>>
>>5898126
"I was thinkin' most a us would go across then hold it steady for Mohka."

>>5898128
"Shoot!"
>>
>>5898107
"Oh, come on..." Dissapointed that Skitty's fall has been delayed, Orner slithers her way halfway through the pillar.
>>5898120
"Let her get up hersself, ssshe doesss thisss all the time!"
>>
>>5898107
"Well, we're not all dead from a cave-in, thankfully..."
Matchia looks at the pillar, then at Skitty, shrugging slightly helplessly.
>>5898124
"...Good luck."
>>
>>5898130
"Oh I thought you were thinking of dropping down. My apologies!"
>>
>>5898107
"Come on, lets get closer! Maybe we can...link together or somethin'! Make a rope outta us!"

>Kaz crosses to the other side
>>
>>5898141
"The thought was there! Now come on!"
>>
Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>5898107
>>5898120
>>5898124
Spike looks behind him and then down into the pit to see Skitty hanging by her tale.

"Don't worry, Skitty!" Spike attaches his claws to the wall and climbs down to grab Skitty.
>>
>>5898143
>Dustin smiles
"Ladies first."
>>
>>5898107
Considering that the pillar is quite large and Espurr is quite small, they have little issue making their way past the gap by walking across the pillar. They have to wait for Wallis >>5898117 to get across first, then they make it.
They observe Skitty >>5898124 making a close call and wonder if she'll be okay. Considering the circumstances, that isn't clear, but there's nothing Espurr can do, unfortunately. Their presence would only serve to decrease her odds of escaping the hole alive. One poorly-timed headache and she's gone.

They walk forward and... remain near. Something tells them they shouldn't just ignore her, even if they can't help. They keep the room illuminated.
>>
>>5898149
"Yeah, yeah eat my dust!"
>>
>>5898153
>Dustin crosses the bridge.
>>
>>5898139
"Wow, thanks for the assist. Uh huh." Skitty pouts.

>>5898144
Skitty sort of just stares at him and hopes he doesn't fall in the exact same way she just did a minute ago.
>>
Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>5898107
"Seem another way one out of here" Sail sense for the entrance of the spawlspace.
>>5898127
"Seem like moss or plant matter I guessin'"
>>
>>5898107
Cubone cannot help but feel especially slighted turning around and seeing everyone took his suggestion... after he'd already made his leap of faith, and after he'd already been shut down and made no protests to preserving archaeological integrity.
With no immediate solution to assist Skitty, and no obligations to keep the room lit, Cubone offers only a vacant stare before he leaves to check out the room to the side.
>>
>>5898117
>>5898134
>>5898142
>>5898150
>>5898154
Wallis waddles her way past the gap with the pillar bridge, hopping down on the other side. Joined shortly by the rest, everyone carefully walking on the makeshift path.

>>5898118
Katherine chooses to investigate the walls. Light has already been provided by Espurr. Regardless, she can tell that some parts had been chipped off and filled in with different materials to smooth the entrance. Plant life covers the hall, covering and wearing away what had been once intricate work on the interior.

>>5898144
Spike can feel his ghostly heart beating as he awkwardly and slowly slides down closer to Skitty's troublesome level. He's down here now... but how to get both himself and the cat in question back up?

>>5898156
Sagira crosses and looks over the ledge. "Can you maneuver your tail?" she asks. "Or is not prehensile?"

>>5898125
>>5898127
>>5898159
Either it's been jammed shut by the years left without use, or it's not actually a lever. Trying to grasp the whole thing makes you think it wasn't ergonomically designed to be one. If you had any kind of light, it would be easier to identify... did it just make a cracking noise?

Brook manages to get a good grip as he climbs up. There's a very slight breeze coming from up here. Perhaps this could be a way out.

Sail is able to determine that it's nearby, somewhere at the top of the ramp. This is a compact hole, but it doesn't quite compare to the one you used to enter.

>>5898164
Cubone peers into the side room, to find it devoid of anything... helpful. It's a small space, hollowed out for something. Creeping inside, you can see that there are remnants here. Broken chips of something. Perhaps it might be of interest to this mystery researcher.
>Collect the chips? (+Quest Item: Broken Unidentified Shards)
>>
Rolled 13 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>5898180
She drops a sweet tear as she tries to figure out the materials used in the walls for a timeline of it's fixings
>>
>>5898156
"What do you want me to do?"
Matchia goes to cross the pillar.
>>
>>5898180
"Guys, I got an idea!"
"Orner, you got the length, Mohka, you got the muscles. Mohka can lower Orner down, maybe with one a us at her end, and haul Skitty..."
>Kaz sees Spike down there now
"...and Spike, up."
>>
>>5898180
"Can someone stabilize this thing so I can cross?"
>>
>>5898180
"Oh, yeah, need Mohka first."
>Kaz holds the pillar steady for Mohka to cross
>>
Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>5898180
Although curious about what that thing is, Angus has to move on and look somewhere else.
>>
>>5898180
>Dustin looks around the other room
>>
>>5898180
"Alright, Skitty, grab on and I'll carry you back up," he says, getting in position for her to climb on his back.
>>
>>5898180
"I can move it around, yeah," Skitty replies. "Why?"

>>5898185
"...forget it."

>>5898187
Skitty shakes her head immediately. "Can we try any other way, please? Even if she agrees to that, I'm not going to. Sorry."
>>
>>5898180
>Collect the chips (+Quest Item: Broken Unidentified Shards)
Not immediately useful, but worth taking regardless-it is pretty much an archaeology dig in here. He steps back out to check on the others. Skitty's still dangling, but the rest of the party's made it across, it looks like.
>>
>>5898187
"Uh-huh, I don't know about that. I can get Ssspike up on my own alright!"
The height is barely half her full length. It'd be no problem at all.
>>
Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>5898180
>The feeling of a breeze against ears as he makes his way up is a big help in calming him down not to mention make him even more determined to reach the top
>With the hope for escape in mind he continues taking careful steps upwards, the shakiness of his limbs after his earlier experience beginning to fade away
>>5898159
"Yeah! You're probably right. I was just a little on edge."
>>
Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>5898180
>Evan climbs up after Brook using his vines
>>
>>5898196
"Correct your current position and right yourself, so at the very least you have more points of contact than... just your tail," she responds.
>>
Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>5898180
>Sail go up the ramp toward the entrance of the hole
>Stop and wait for the other to climb up the ramp.
>>
>>5898180
Espurr decides to leave Skitty for now, seeing that she has help.

They meet Cubone >>5898200 at the crossroads as he's leaving the side room. They observe what he's found and glance at him respectfully before then continuing to walk to the other room at the end of the hall.

>Espurr gives the new room an extra Flash to see inside.
>>
>>5898190
"Thank you kindly." Mohka crosses.
>>
Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>5898207
"Rgh..."

Skitty tries her best to push off the wall and swing into a position where she can dig her claws into the wall, despite her tail already aching from the hanging period.
>>
>>5898196
"Do you want us ta leave you there!?"

>>5898201
"Well we can't just leave her!"
"Look, I got a move called Endure. I can hold the bot h of 'em, as long as you can hold onto me"
>>
>>5898196
Matchia makes an annoyed noise at the response, but does nothing else.
>>
>>5898180
>>5898195
>>5898196
>>5898218
Wallis can't blame her for refusing Orner. She sighs.
"J-Just don't fall again!"
She sticks close for a possible save.
>>
>>5898214
"Hey, letss jusst leave thesse losserss to help themssselvess."
>>5898180
Orner follows the cat >>5898212 an butler >>5898200 to wherever this leads.
"Come on, I wanna be at the Sssquare before itss night!"
>>
>>5898225
"I'm open to literally any other option not involving Orner. Like... Wallis could try to give me more mud to climb up on, maybe? Right?" >>5898231

>>5898237
"Welp, there she goes. Problem solved."
>>
>>5898239
>>5898218
Spike just follows behind Skitty to make sure he can catch her if she falls.

>>5898237
"Thanks Orner!"
>>
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>>5898183
Sneasel's information about it pre-dating the kingdoms of today might be true. The materials are smoothed stone from this cave, assembled into the wall. Once, there had been some designs, but they are too far gone to identify.

>>5898192
>>5898203
>>5898204
>>5898211
There's not much else to see around here, not like you could in the first place. It feels uncomfortable bumping around in here. Angus can hear his friends clambering up and the words they're exchanging. The space clearly doesn't align with the internal composition of a slime, and Sail can feel dizzy in the head.
>Sail's next roll will have a penalty of -2.

All four of you can exit and rejoin the others, bypassing the gap in the floor. If there's nothing else you would like to do, you can leave.

>>5898212
With a bright flash, the room is illuminated to reveal paintings slathered across the walls. Despite bearing a faded appearance, it seems to be telling a story. Perhaps a great adventure? The illumination reveals a gap off to the left side, with light pouring in from somewhere else. A rusted metal fixture is attached to the center of the room. It's not perfectly symmetrical.
>Head down to the doorway heading left.
>Inspect the paintings.
>Inspect the strange metal thing.

>>5898218
Skitty manages just enough strength to right herself, now clinging to the wall instead of using her poor tail as a rope. That's going to be sore for a while...
>>
>>5898239
>Kaz slaps his face
>>
>>5898243
>Angus leaves, rejoin the others, and head down to the doorway heading left.
>>
>>5898243
>Inspect the strange metal thing.
"What'sss thisss ssupossed to be?"
>>
>>5898243
"Oh it is a way out, thank you thank you."
>after showing appropriate gratitude for the escape hole, he wastes no time in diving in and making his escape
>>
>>5898237
Mohka stays behind long enough to make sure Skitty makes it back up ok. He reaches down to grab her if close enough.
>>
>>5898243
With that, Katherine pushes forward, unaware of the hanging cat
>>
Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>5898243
>Kaz finds a rock near the edge and wedges his foot under it, anchoring himself.
>He lowers himself as far as he can go
>Kaz used Endure to hold as long as possible for Skitty to get close so he can pull her up!

"Just...climb up already then!"
>>
>>5898243
"Ahh'r, a bit dizz'y up thar." Sail left and rejoin the others. Looking at the painting.
>Inspect the paintings.
>>
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>>5898243
Espurr tilts their head as they look at the inscriptions. In such a dark room they look like...

...Espurr remains where they stand, Flashing every few seconds to get another look at the details written onto the walls. What's on them means nothing to them, but the familiar environment is reminding them of something they can't imagine but can remember. They want to see it again, but they can't, it's gone. The closest thing they have to it is this room, archaic depictions of potentially-historic battles lain everywhere they look, and the metal fixture which could so easily be something else, something they'd rather be looking at. They wish what they were seeing was planets instead. They wish their head would stop hurting. They wish things were different.

They do nothing, continuing to Flash intermittently as they get lost in the atmosphere of the room, allowing Orner >>5898250, Sail >>5898266, and anyone else present to inspect whatever they want.
Espurr is still.
>>
>>5898267
"Is that bear good?"
>>
Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>5898239
>>5898243
Wallis sees Skitty still secured by the tail from her mud.
"Alright, haven't done this since Rub-A-Dub River..."
Wallis forms a water table beneath her with Surf. She makes the wave emerge beneath Skitty and Spike to flow upwards, aiming to wash the mud away and carry them up.
>>
>>5898269
"Thanks!" Spike says, using his claws and the water to crawl out of the pit. He waits however to make sure Skitty makes it.
>>
Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>5898243
>>5898260
>>5898269
Skitty waits for the Surf to hit the mud pinning her tail, then kicks up the wall and lunges for Kaz; hopefully Mohka can get Spike, or catch them if they fall, and it'll all be over.
>>
>>5898243
>>5898251
>Once outside he takes a moment to fill his lungs with fresh (relatively speaking) air examining the strange metal thing from the opposite side of Orner
>>
>>5898243
>Inspect the paintings
It's not difficult to see Cubone is rather enthralled with the paintings. He stares up at them... they clearly speak to him more than he lets on, his soured mood vanishing briefly. Though he scans the rightmost end of the painting with far more detail, he looks around at anyone else. "...Do you recognize any of these Pokemon?" he asks, feeling he may have an idea if nobody else does.
>>
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>>5898249
Angus, having escaped a tiny room of darkness, immediately is immersed by light. Covering his eyes as he adjusted to his sudden flashbang of surroundings, he deduces that this entire area used to be something greater. A running gash opens up to the outside, allowing light to flood in. Boxy shapes with identifiable entrances... a settlement?

>>5898250
>>5898277
The metal, in the dark, could easily be mistaken for some kind of ceremonial ceiling fixture. However, with Espurr's Flash, you can quickly tell that it's shaped purposefully to do something. You're not sure what. It does seem to align with that gap off to the left.

Brook can see that, from a different perspective, it might be angling to grab the light and project it somewhere in the room. It must be too rusted to do that, however.

>>5898266
The paintings detail the adventure of two heroes, recording many different events and triumphs or failures. The largest of all the paintings feature strange creatures of old, found across far-flung places. From right to left, it ends with a massive painting of a great golem holding up something huge, with the same two heroes waiting below.

>>5898252
>>5898260
>>5898269
>>5898275
Kaz holds himself perilously over the edge, willing to act as a living rope to get the two back up. Mohka stands nearby, holding and acting as the anchor for the Kubfu. Wallis concentrates on causing what water can be manipulated. A slight jolt allows the mud to weaken and for the two to get a boost as they leap on up, grappling with Kaz.

With a sense of relief, everyone's managed to get back up.

Sagira nods. "How do you feel?"

>>5898267
If you're staring at Espurr, this might get distracting.
>>
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>>5898266
>>5898285
They're not Pokemon one might easily recognize, although some of their features seem... familiar. Had they been incorporated into printrune? At the very beginning of the story, you can see a cracked image of... something. The wall is crumbling, but you can still make it out.

This one is completely unfamiliar.
>>
>>5898287
>Dustin starts to become severely worried over Espurr.
"Hey Kaz? Shouldn't we do something about this bear right here?"
>>
>>5898287
"Uuuuugh..."
>Kaz presses his temples from the stress

>>5898291
"What bear? You mean Espurr? They're...a cat, or somethin'. What about 'em?"
>>
>>5898293
Espurr is just staring and lighting up the room with Flash, as seen in >>5898267.

They're fine.

Probably.

We all have our moments.
>>
Rolled 15 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>5898290
"Interesting shape... probably either ancient or whoever made it sucks at shapes and was making something like a Lucario"
Also rolling for guessing how old is the place i guess
>>
>>5898287
>>5898290
>>5898274
>>5898275
"G-Glad that mess is over with."
Satisfied with her efforts, she turns to the room ahead. The paintings look foreign, but something about that hominid figure makes her fixate her gaze.
>>5898285
"Not any of these pokemon... That creature there, though."
She points at it and catches herself. How does she associate it with not being a pokemon?
>>
Rolled 20 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>5898287
"Hmmm, could we fix thisss thing?"
>>5898285
"Cubone, help me out here!"

>Orner attempts to use Aqua Tail in a different, going for length instead of density she makes a thin stream of water aimed at the fixture, perhaps to wash it?
>+1 Sea Snake
>>
>>5898287
>>5898290
"Thanks guys," Spike says, washing his paw in a fresh puddle.
"Are the others up ahead?" he asks, heading into the chamber with the others.
>>
>>5898294
"Oh! Uh... nevermind?"
>Dustin starts to slowly walk away from it.
"Can anyone keep an eye on that?"
>He starts to approach the paintings at >>5898290
"Looky here, that looks like me!"
>He points to the stick figure.
"Well before... y'know."
>>
>>5898287
"Thanks, everybody. Tail's a bit sore, but... yeah. I'll try not to take such... risks, I guess? It looked pretty sound to me."

Also, she's probably gonna go back on the risk thing. They're just more fun.

She shakes herself; composure is key. Which means she just struts off into the chamber behind Spike. At least she didn't leave first.
>>
Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>5898287
"Someone's here...?" Angus looks around and shouts, "Hello! Is anyone around...?"
>>
>>5898287
>>5898290

With Skitty safe, Mohka heads to the others and immediately inspects the paintings.
"Well, look at these funky lookin' fellas."
>>
>>5898309
>Kaz shakes his head and walks off wherever the rest of the group is heading
>>
>>5898287
>>5898302
"I think it's supposed to catch the light but I don't think there's a way for me to help repair it."
>seeing as Orner and presumably Cubone are going to take care of this, he abandons the metal fixture and heads off into the room on the left
>>
Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>5898301
"...Fascinating." Cubone lets that thought linger before his attention is called elsewhere.
>>5898302
"I cannot say I understand, but very well." Cubone is, of course, willing to assist now that he has something... not actually of his element, but of one of his moves' elements. Some more pressurized water from a Water Gun, however piddly, might prove an effective addition to Orner's apparent cleansing attempt.
>>
>>5898298
You're no archaeologist, but you can guess that it's well within centuries old.

>>5898302
>>5898317
It doesn't manage to turn into a thin cleaning stream, it does become some kind of water-infused brush, buzzing away as it cleans enough of the metal fixture to return some of its original sheen. Cubone quickly finishes it off and removes the last of the rust. The metal has had some parts eaten and destroyed... but...

With most of it cleaned now, a majority of the light reflects and bounces around its specific shape, aimed directly at the first painting of the two heroes and the strange creature. You can see the wall looks ready to crumble with how many spider-webbing cracks dance around it.

>>5898310
There isn't anyone around here. No one has stepped foot in this structure for many, many years. Your voice echoes around the large cavern.

>>5898311
>>5898312
>>5898306
Mohka also looks at the paintings. It's filled with a recollection of many adventures.

Spike and Kaz both step in to watch the metal being cleaned and to the sight of an ancient mural illuminated by the glittering fixture. It looks like a broken disco ball with how it manipulates the light. Strange.
>>
Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>5898322
"What'd we walk into now? A Disco?"
>Kaz looks for objects of interest besides the colorful sphere
>>
>>5898313
>Evan follows Brook.
>>
Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>5898322
"Hrm... it's just us around here there." Angus searches around and see if he can find anything interesting.
>>
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>>5898322
Espurr almost gasps at the sight of the ball of light reflection and refraction. Is it really what they hoped it was? It's like a big sun in the center of a planetarium, its shine gifting light to the universe and thousands of stars. But why here? What is so significant about this location? They don't dare take their eyes off of the sight in fear that they'd never see it again.
>>
>>5898322
"Am I the only one here who identified that as a human?"
>>
Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>5898322
Wallis opts for the room on the left. While she gathers her thoughts and the others take a closer look at the painting room, she inspects the left room for traits of note.
>>
Rolled 6 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>5898290
"Mm... a interest o' a tale or legends o' ole, t' wha' in speak. I be unfamiliar wit' this symbol." Sail looking at the stick figure.
>>5898322
>Sail Inspect what left of the metal sheen describing,
>>
>>5898322
Orner looks at the painting that's put in the spotlight.
"Hmmm, I can't grasssp what thisss thing isss trying to tell. I don't recognize mossst of thesse sshapess. Well, thisss might be a busst. Maybe another angle? Dussk..."
>>5898329
She notices the cat is a bit... off. ""Hey. Are you ssstill with usss?"
>>
Rolled 15 + 3 (1d20 + 3)

>>5898322
Spike glances at the light and then metal object in the middle of the room.
"Maybe the positioning of these are on purpose. . . Here, let me help," Spike uses his tail as a scrub to clean the metal item to a shine.

While doing so he glances at the paintings, they seem to depict various legendaries- he recognizes some of the pokemon like charmander, bulbasaur, regigigas, a few others he's unsure of and then. . . a human? No- Gardevoir?

>Spike tries to gleam insight from the paintings. (Hex Maniac + Phantasm 3)
>>
>>5898334
They are most certainly not with you. They're reaching up to grab at the air between them and the lights. Seems like it's desirable or significant to them somehow.
It's not much of a visible difference, but Orner gets the impression they look surprised, something she's only seen once before, while knocking Espurr into a body of water at the bathhouse.
>>
>>5898322
>>5898329
Cubone seems similarly lost. There is a significance to all of this he can't put a name to, either, though he seems to be more into the artistic merit of such a display. He does seem to note it's in disrepair, a heavy degree of it, too.
"It's... it must have been magnificent before the ravages of time."
>>
>>5898329
Skitty walks up beside Espurr to let them know she's alright. Nonverbally, though, seeing as Espurr is so occupied. A nice break, at least.
>>
>>5898322
"Kinda reminds me of the Granite Cave mural..."
Matchia muses.
>>
>>5898325
"I think Angus went over here? I would help clean up that metal thing but..."
>one look at both of them and it's obvious they're still dripping with that disgusting slime from their spelunking trip
>>
>>5898334
"I think you need to contact the nearest dimension to even get to that thing's voicemail. Also, that's supposed to be a cat?"
>>5898341
>Dustin scratches his head.
"Is this like a special person? Uhh... go get the light... I believe in you champ?
>>5898322
>He sighes and speaks to himself softly...
"I don't even realize if you're even listening..."
>He heads back to the hieroglyphs when they are suddenly starting to crack away.
"HEY WAIT! I THINK I'M THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN HELP YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT THAT STICK FIGURE IS!"
>>
>>5898349
"Yeah, I don't blame you, this stuff is nasty. Figure I'll be snagging a bath once we're outta here."
>>
>>5898345
Espurr couldn't agree more. There may have been a point in time in which thousands came and went, amazed by this same attraction. How many lives has it touched, if any at all? Would others appreciate it as much as they seem to?

>>5898347
They'll be relieved to know Skitty's okay once this sight can no longer be seen. There's a sound coming from them as they gaze upon the lights, almost like purring.
>>
>>5898330
Sagira frowns as she looks around. "No. It's distinct enough to recognize, but why? Why now?"

>>5898324
>>5898327
>>5898331
There's not much else in the spherical room, so you follow your way into another entrance, heading left. Here, you find a large chamber containing crumbling structures.

A lot of the rooms no longer bear anything useful, aside from the tales of crumbling stones and places where you might deduce had been seen more traffic.

All three of you end up at the most intact structure, containing a painting scrubbed almost entirely away by the unceasing march of time. It implies that you would want to do something to where the light touches... but nothing more identifiable than that.

>>5898333
The sheet looks to have been a shedding from some Pokémon from long ago. You can't really tell now what it came from, with how badly it's been rusted and rapidly cleaned.

>>5898337
Any spiritual presence has long since departed this area, forgotten and left to wither away from history. You can feel brief pops of uncertainty. The tiniest bit of fear... and a dash of hope. Had this been painted as the story unfolded? It's hard to tell. The emotions just could be the painter losing themselves to the work.
>>
Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>5898354
"Kaz stares at the faded painting for a bit, before feeling around on the light touched areas
>Maybe he can clear some dust?

"Man, this thing's seen better days."
>>
>>5898354
"That's like who I am. A human is like a monkey but with a few extra steps. They talk like we do, they're taller then us, they're as intelligent as us, and best of all most rely on hands to get the work done not unlike that snake over there!"
>>
>>5898354
>Nothing else to do, Brook follows after the trio leaving slimy tracks as he goes
>>
Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>5898354
"What were we looking for again?"
(Vibes again cuz why not)
>>
>>5898354
>>5898358
>Evan trails Brook, trying desperately to wipe the slime from his body
>>
>>5898354
"Do you think we could take the painting and had someone expert handle this?"
>>
>>5898354
Mohka shrugs. "Why not? Makes about as much sense as anything else."

>>5898361
"No, I'm fairly certain this thing would crumble into dust at the slightest breeze."
>>
>>5898354
". . . That last painting looks like a human. . . or a gardevoir," Spike mentions, tapping his chin.

"She did bring us here. . . Perhaps she brought others before to deal with things?" Spike shakes his head.
>>
>>5898355
Cleaning the painting, you can feel some of the grooves where it had been pressed in. It's quite faint. If you're reading it right... it wants you to smash where the light touches? Huh?

>>5898358
>>5898360
The two arrive in the next room, catching all three of them pondering the meaning behind the painting.

>>5898363
"I can only be left to wonder," Sagira responds.
>>
>>5898354
>>5898372
"Oh, the cracks!"
She turns to Kaz
>>5898355
"Well, you've been working on your Rock Smash sculpt, right?"
>>
>>5898360
"Evan, you got any ideas?"
>>
>>5898363
"I suppose... though it might contain something of importance here..."
>>
>>5898354
>>5898373
Cubone eventually snaps back in. He holds up some shards he picked up: that Quest Item from before.
"...Before we commit more needless destruction, perhaps we could see if these are relevant?"
>>
Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>5898376
>>5898372
"I... no. Whatever's going on here, it apparently involves a human, a Charmander, and a Bulbasaur. Maybe. Or it's a metaphor. I... I don't know..."
>Evan tries to figure out what it all means. Probably isn't gonna work, but a man can try.
>>
Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>5898372
"..."
>Kaz raises a fist
"Well, Lord strike me if my feelin' is wrong."

>>5898373
"You're damn right."

>Kaz used Rock Smash on the painting!
>>
>>5898381
"I don't think I have any way to really help out here either hmmm."

>>5898372
>The dark fox finds a safe spot in the room away from any potential rock smashing and watches
>>
>>5898379
>>5898382
>>5898381
Wallis watches with maximum smug and her arms folded.
>>
>>5898382
>>5898386
"...I should have known better than to reason with idiots." Cubone sighs. Structural instability and archaeological integrity are clearly not a priority here. He's frankly expecting to have to deal with yet another cave collapse.
>>
>>5898366
>>5898372
>>5898379
"What are those?" Spike asks, reaching a paw out for them. "Did you find them here?"
>>
>>5898390
"They appear to be remnants of something around here that was broken. Given the.. previously empty space, I had the idea to perhaps compare them." Cubone explains. He does not even pretend he's not being passive aggressive, despite reverting to nerd-mode almost immediately. "...Unfortunately, the study of archaeology and structural stability are apparently things to be insulted."
>>
>>5898392
"Well, since we're here let's examine what we can," Spike offers, turning to the still intact paintings. "Perhaps they reveal something. You're a competent archeologist."
>>
>>5898389
"Oh relax Cubone, we got this!"
>>
>>5898379
You hold the pieces up, and travel around the room. They don't look like they fit anywhere in the paintings or gaps. It is possible they're just unrelated entirely.

>>5898381
He manages to get a brainwave. All of this... all of it leads to the beginning of the painting. A story of something more hidden behind the start!

>>5898382
With a punch with the perfect amount of force, the cracked wall shudders backward, falling over. It lands loudly with a thunk, revealing a hidden room right behind it. The stench of stale air and old materials strikes you as quickly as the dust settles. It wanted you to attack this part of the mural...

Bonus points, the painting containing the stick figure and two heroes remains surprisingly intact.

>>5898392
Sagira stares blankly at the development before turning to glance briefly at Cubone. "If a friend of mine discovered this was the solution, I would never hear the end of it."
>>
Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>5898403
"That painting is intact, what a coincidence"
Katherine rushes the loot area
>>
Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>5898403
"Alright, that's gotta be new grounds! What have we got...?"
Wallis holds her nose and pokes her head in where Kaz excavated to look around.
>>
Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>5898403
"Oh, no shit?" Mohka explores the hidden chamber.
>>
>>5898403
"WOO!"
>Kaz pumps his fist up in the air in victory!

"Let's check it out!"
>Kaz heads into the new room
>>
>>5898353
>>5898341
Orner has just been watching Espurr stare at the ceiling. Its getting old.
>>5898403
"Huh, lookie-look. The light wasss actually important."
She enters the secret room with the rest.
>>
>>5898403
>Brook follows along with everyone else into the revealed room
>>
>>5898403
>>5898409
>Evan was about to speak up, but Kaz's demolition skills cut him off. Poor Evan.
>He sighs deeply and enters the new room, wilted.
>>
>>5898406
"Looks like they were right," Spike comments, following behind the others into the secret room. "I wonder who thought to do this. . ."
>>
>>5898397
"I am not the Professor, but if you wish, you may look at them." Cubone offers Spike the Quest Item: Broken Unidentified Shards... until he's interrupted by the thud.
>>5898403
Despite the apparently correct answer, Cubone is still not impressed in the slightest. He's doing a bad job of hiding his barely restrained irritation. "You shouldn't hear the end of it regardless. I had thought it would be more appropriate to not desecrate historical sites, especially after I'd been told not to myself."
Lecture given, he actually refuses to enter the secret room.
>>
>>5898403
>Sail enter the hidden room that was reveal.
>>
>>5898410
Now she gets to see them do this.

>>5898382
Espurr rapidly shifts their gaze over to Kaz as he prepares to deface their memory of this one-of-a-kind glimpse into something meaningful to them. They hold their paws together and harness building static electricity for a Shock Wave, but...

>>5898403
...the impulsive behavior is for naught as Kaz's attack lands. The energy fizzles out and Espurr looks around at the pretty sight which they fear is about to fade away. Yet, that never comes. They fall backwards into a sitting position. Seems like they overreacted big time. At least they restrained themselves before going through with anything.

It would be best if nobody saw that.

>>5898417
They agree with Cubone and Sagira, but at least the consequences weren't as dire as Espurr anticipated.
>>
>>5898417
"That's what they were counting on to keep it from the natives. Score one more for human ingenuity!"
Wallis is clearly getting used to the constant threat of the ceiling on her head. Apparently her confusion at this world's culture was the stronger emotion.
>>
>>5898421
Skitty clears her throat– what exactly was Espurr trying to do? They could have objected before – right, zoned out. Skitty makes a mental note to watch her teammate if they happen to come across more things like this...

She takes a few hesitant steps past Espurr toward the secret room, then commits and enters.
>>
>>5898421
Orner saw. "...buddy, if you really want a polisshed metal ball hanging from the ceiling we can get that arranged. Mohka here is a walking glaring-thing."
>>
The hidden chamber doesn't have much contained within it. It's sparsely decorated, in relation to being sealed for who-knows-how-long behind a painted mural. Light trickles in from behind all of you as you inspect the find. There are tablets here, written in... ancient printrune? Even for the natives, this might be hard to read, interspersed with symbols wholly unfamiliar to both sides...

There are stone vases here, crumbling, but still mostly together. Peering through one of them reveals two strange little objects settled at the bottom.

Objects of interest:
>Quest Item, Ancient Tablet pile
>Quest Item, Wooden Carving... Revavroom?
>Quest Item, Wooden Carving... Cycloptic Voltorb?

>>5898417
"They were... unique," Sagira says, slowly, as she dredges up a memory. "Thinking was never their first thought."
>>
>>5898421
Despite having Lightning Rod for an ability, Espurr's Shock Wave has... somehow completely eluded him, or perhaps Cubone was willing to look the other way had it actually amounted to anything.
>>5898438
Cubone is, however, entertained by the description, going from his usual stern frown to a slight chuckle. "I see some things are consistent for you, then."
>>
>>5898431
Espurr only slightly turns their head as she makes herself known and walks by them. Hm. Maybe they'll have something to discuss later, but do they really need to explain themselves? Cubone agrees with them, and a less tempered version of him would've done the same as they.

>>5898433
Of course she did. Orner never misses anything, especially not of or relating to cats.
They aren't certain they could explain it to her, even if they spoke. Maybe it'd be wise to take her up on the sarcastic offer... but it wouldn't be the same.
Maybe they really were just being entirely unreasonable for once. It's good to have someone to keep yourself in check, isn't it?

>>5898438
Espurr passively listens to Sagira speak. What an intriguing history she must have...
>>
>>5898438
". . I guess I was right. . . I recognize these," Spike sighs, stepping out of the chamber to look at the last painting with the chamander, bulbasaur, and. . . what must be gardevoir.
>>
>>5898438
Wallis inspects the Revavroom? carving.
"Oh yeah, there was a pokemon like this wasn't there?"
She ignores the printrune- no way she's making sense of that.
>>
>>5898438
"Thisss isss sssome ssstrange writing..." She picks up one of the tablets. "Everyone, grab one, we'll take them to the Sssquare."
>>
>>5898438
>Brook examines the item that catches his eye once he gets close enough, the funny little sphere
"is it some kinda toy?"
>>
Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>5898438
"Ancient texts? How cool is this?!"
>Evan looks over some ancient tablets. What secrets might they hold? (Pokeglot, if applicable)
>Quest Item, Ancient Tablet pile
>>
>>5898438
"It looks like a car, but how? I don't think that i've seen a single car so far'
>>
>>5898433
"I'll have you know I resent that."

>>5898438
"I... hm. How peculiar. If I didn't know any better, I'd say these were..."

>>5898445
"It sure looks the part."
>>
>>5898438
"Huh. Kids toys."
>Kaz looks them over
"My sis had some like these. I think..."
>>
>>5898445
"That looks like a Pokeball... but how the hell'd anyone know what those are here? Or that car?"
>>
Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>5898442
Spike stares at the painting of the three, tapping them for a moment. . .

He moves to the side and elongates one of his claws and begins carving another painting.
>>
>>5898449
"Do you sorta just roll it around? Or maybe fetch it?"

>>5898451
"A what?"
>he gives Evan a look that's a mixture of confusion and surprise to know the snake actually knows what this strange thing is
>>
>>5898456
"What what? Which one are you whatting?"
>>
>>5898457
"What's a poe-key-ball?"
>he sounds out each word as he idly spins the sphere around on the stone floor
>>
Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>5898438
Sail take a look at some of the ancient tablet. If he able to interpret any old printrune that may related to the glimpse that mostly in ruin now.
>>
>>5898459
"A pokeball is... something you use to catch pokemon, keep them safe in travel, and sort of a... I dunno, I guess like a collar all in one? Trainers and pretty much everyone else who had Pokemon used these. Though there was that group a while back, said it was 'evil' to do it or something... then again they turned into a terrorist gang so they're probably being dishonest. Besides, the vast majority of Pokemon don't mind going in the ball once you catch them. Maybe it's comfy inside or something."
>>
>>5898462
Wallis listens intently.
"That sounds familiar, but... Why would they need to be kept safe when they're the ones with the powers?"
>>
>>5898447
Oddly enough, your expanded capability of learning catches that some of these are vaguely familiar, actually. Now it's a problem of remembering what exactly this is supposed to be.

>>5898460
Sail crawls over to peer at the tablets Evan is holding. Even with his own colored history, he's struggling to make sense of it. Even if there are some symbols he does notice, none of them are placed in the right parts of the run to form a cohesive sentence.

>>5898454
Spike decides to leave a mark of their own presence by carving into the wall with his claw. He's quick to realize that the medium of claws and stones aren't exactly the most conducive to the uninitiated artist. At best, he manages to get the idea across that their group is part of this cycle. Kinda. They look misshapen.

Total Quest Items:
>Quest Item, Ancient Tablet pile
>Quest Item, Wooden Carving... Revavroom?
>Quest Item, Wooden Carving... Cycloptic Voltorb?
>Quest Item, Broken Unidentified Shards
>Quest Item?, Door Slab with Stick Figure (This one is cumbersome!)

Oddly enough, your experience here has either been strange or enlightening. There's more to this whole thing then you'd understand in a single day...

+40EXP
>>
>>5898465
"Well, think of it like this: some Pokemon get really freakin' heavy, or have open flames all over them, or breathe pure poison, or can accidentally make electronic stuff go berserk if they're in 100 feet of it. Do you want that going around the street, or on a plane, or in a hospital?"
>>5898467
"Hmm... I think... I need my notes again. Darn. Guess I oughta take my homework with me everywhere."
>>
>>5898467
Espurr is strangely reluctant to leave once it's time to go. They've never been attached to much of anything, never stubborn of set in their ways, or at least they've yet been given a chance to show it, until now.
They want to make sure they remember this sight.

They won't.
>>
>>5898467
"...I'm gonna have to carry that slab, aren't I?"
>>
>>5898467
". . . Is everyone ready?" Spike unsatisfied with his skill, but fine that those that come after will know they're not alone.

"We'll see what we can leverage out of Sneasel," he says.
>>
>>5898462
"That doesn't sound very nice... I don't know about anyone else but after what happened earlier I wouldn't want anyone to be stuck inside something so small.

>>5898467
>he takes the strange sphere with him for now, a small feeling of pride? Welling up in his chest at how he didn't completely freak out in the dark as he goes along
>Brook LEVELS UP
>>
File: 259[1].png (38 KB, 250x250)
38 KB
38 KB PNG
>>5898469
Wallis stares blankly, a sign she doesn't remember most of the things Evan is referencing.
>>
>>5898474
"You're the big one. If you want, I can use some vines to try helping you."
>>5898467
"Though I will be taking some of these stone things. I oughta see if I can figure some of this out."
>Evan takes the Ancient Tablet pile to study
>>
>>5898467
>>5898469
"Ease of transport was a big thing when it was invented, yes."
>>5898481
"Don't worry about it. All you need to know is that you could carry Pokemon around anywhere without trouble when they were in Pokeballs."
>>
>>5898480
"It's not like that, it's like... the balls made them shrink or something. So even a really big Pokémon would have lots of room in there, and apparently there's some special balls that cater to different types of Pokémon, or if you just really wanna spoil them you buy this luxury pokeball that they really love."
>>5898481
"...Are you feeling alright, Wallis? You're kinda... vacant."
>>
>>5898467
"Thisss wasss definitely a good find. Sssneassel better give usss a BIG favor!"
>>5898472
"Let it go kitty, we'll find ssshinier thingsss eventually!"
>>5898474
"Do we need it though? It doessnt got much in it..."
>>
>>5898486
"it can shrink you, really?"
>he looks at the wooden ball with a hint of surprise
"I guess if that's the case then it's probably okay?"

"I don't know, maybe it's just after what we went through today that's making me feel that it's a bit weird."

>>5898481
"You alright Wallis? How was things on your end?"
>>
>>5898497
"Well, if it was a real one it could. This looks like a homemade toy replica or something. Still, I don't get why it's even here, or why the cave painting has a human on it, or the car... this place is just bizarre, like it doesn't really belong here, you know what I mean?"
>>
>>5898499
"I don't know but you're definitely right about this being bizarre."
>putting the toy away for now, he follows along with everyone else toward the exit
>>
>>5898467
>Quest Item, Wooden Carving... Revavroom?
>Kaz picks up the improvised vehicle
"Too bad it wasn't a motor bike..."
>He says before pocketing it
>>
It's been almost a full week since the Subsumed Château's burning, and you've all since returned from your outing to Sneasel's ruins. Baram has mostly returned to normal function. The air about the place seems...different, however. Fewer shoppers bustle in the main square, conversants are quicker to return to their business and retreat home, and it's not uncommon to see pedestrians looking over their shoulder despite uneventful evenings.

That all being said, news of the strange travelers' intention to revive innkeeper Primarina's place of business to its former glory has somehow spread, and is making waves. After all the sympathy he's shown, it simply doesn't sit right with (most of) you to turn tail and leave him to solve his homelessness. He's a popular Pokemon, so Favor for the endeavor is universal-except among some of your friends. This may be quicker and easier than you thought, if the discourse turns into volunteering...

Apparel Shop, Pokemon Sun & Moon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWstn_FscaY&t

But of course, this shack of brittle, water damaged wood and ruined food in its place needs to come down. Today is the first day you agreed to come together and work, so now it's just a matter of figuring out how to go about each step. Take down the building's remains with...

>Help from the carpentry. Everything will be cleared out fully and properly, that's for sure.
>We'll do it ourselves. We might get hurt or mess up, but maybe there's something worth salvaging?
>>
>>5901563
>Help from the carpentry. Everything will be cleared out fully and properly, that's for sure.
"I don't think we're gonna be finding anything worth keeping, it's either burnt to a crisp or super water-damaged."
>>
>>5901563
>Ishmael is still worse for wear, but somewhat better having rested instead of going ruin splunking.
"I've been testing my new move along the treeline, but I doubt I can get out the busted wood on my own. still willing to try snap chunks off though!"
>Help from the carpentry. Everything will be cleared out fully and properly, that's for sure.
>>
>>5901563
>We'll do it ourselves. We might get hurt or mess up, but maybe there's something worth salvaging?
"Might asss well get sssomething out of thisss! I can totally take on a bit of rubble."
>>
>>5901563
>Help from the carpentry. Everything will be cleared out fully and properly, that's for sure.
"It's not like we're gatekeeping any help we can get... I just want to pay Primarina back for what we put him through..."
Wallis folds her arms, apprehensive about Surfing the debris away.
>>
Rolled 4 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>5901563
Katherine is already barking orders at the wood area, also helping
>Help from the carpentry. Everything will be cleared out fully and properly, that's for sure.
>>
>>5901563
>Help from the carpentry. Everything will be cleared out fully and properly, that's for sure.

"That place looked like it was barely holding together, if we just go breaking down walls the whole thing could fall on our heads".
"Better leave it to the professionals."
>>
>>5901563
>Help from the carpentry. Everything will be cleared out fully and properly, that's for sure.
"I don't wanna mess this up."
>>
>>5901563
>Help from the carpentry. Everything will be cleared out fully and properly, that's for sure.
Angus thinks that there's nothing worth taking. "I think we needed assistance; you know, something might go wrong if we do it ourselves."
>>
Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>5901563
>>We'll do it ourselves. We might get hurt or mess up, but maybe there's something worth salvaging?

"All right!"
>Kaz cracks his knuckles
"Let's bring the house down!"
>Kaz looks for the best spot to punch to bring most of it down
>>
>>5901563
>Help from the carpentry. Everything will be cleared out fully and properly, that's for sure.
"Other than Orner, I don't think anyone here is a carpenter," Spike comments- despite being one of the few opposed to helping rebuild the inn so soon, he's here and ready to help.
>>
"We didn't put him through anything. We could take the rooms handed to us, or struggle away in the wilderness. Nobody in their right mind would choose the latter."
>We'll do it ourselves. We might get hurt or mess up, but maybe there's something worth salvaging?
>>
>>5901563
>Help from the carpentry.
Matchia has no life experience with demolition. She'd rather not fuck things up.
"Let's just get help."
>>
>>5901563
>We'll do it ourselves. We might get hurt or mess up, but maybe there's something worth salvaging?
Mohka observes the mess. "...Y'know, I'm fairly certain we could do this ourselves. It'd prob'ly be pretty fun too."
>>
>>5901592
"Yeah, Mohka gets it!"
>Kaz hops out an open palm
"Gimme five, big guy!"
>>
>>5901563
>Help from the carpentry. Everything will be cleared out fully and properly, that's for sure.
Less... immediately irritable today, from what you can see on the guy past his weird little skull-hat,
...Of course, he joins in on the conversation with yet another snide remark, so maybe he just hides it well, or maybe he's just kind of mean past his polite exterior. Both seem equally plausible.
>>5901583
"How lamentable that collective sanity is an uncommon thing, then." he says, throwing shade at... nobody in particular? Still, he seems to agree with the practical sentiment Cress has espoused, even if he thinks having professional help is a better idea.
>>
>>5901583
"He had every right to refuse to 'hand it to' me and the rest of us. It's his inn. But he didn't and has collateral damage to show for it. I'm not throwing someone else under the Revavroom for this when that dream invader said something like this might happen."
She seems to feel indebted, having been introduced to Primarina on her own terms.
>>
>>5901592
>>5901594
"While I agree it'd be fun, getting more hands on deck would make it go by a decent bit faster right?"
>>
Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>5901594
"Put 'er there!"
>roll for how hard he high fives
>>
>>5901607
>Kaz appreciates the (unintentional) lesser force
"Heck yeah!"

>>5901603
"Oh pa-lease! Have you seen us? We'll tear it down no time flat!"
>>
>>5901563
>Dustin approaches Primarina
"Hey I don't know how much times you heard this and if so, just add this to the pile. I'm sorry that the inn burned."
>>
>>5901563
Espurr doesn't need to put themselves in harm's way when it isn't necessary, nor do they want to. They're in agreement with most of the others.

>Espurr chooses to help from the carpentry. Everything will be cleared out fully and properly, that's for sure.
>>
>>5901563
>Help from the carpentry. Everything will be cleared out fully and properly, that's for sure.
"I have not known it for long, but there is always something to lose from a shelter's farewell." Sagira looks at the fallen appearance of the Chateau. "I feel that this is an undertaking to be done personally, but enough has been risked entering while it still burned. If they're going to help, I won't shy away from it."
>>
It's agreed on that professionals are better left to their craft-and undisturbed.That leaves you all free to work on building materials...Where to source from? Cress explains...
"There are viable expanses of both hard and softwoods upshore. Some Pokemon from town are willing to supply stone and...adhesive to build with, though there may be a catch, if we aren't the ones paying for them...oh, there's one of them right now."

Cress points out an ash-gray Haxorus, leveling the remains of your old home. His execution is almost as quick as the go-ahead order; it's less like he's in the middle of a careful demolition operation and more like he's clearing the space just by walking through it, with his tusks and tail. The structure loudly buckles and folds like a sand castle with multiple others carrying loads of waste, but he's clearly the star of the show. It's already down to half its original height! "Elm Chopper, I think it was..."
So...What to build this new place from?

>Softwood. It'll be smooth, sleek, light, and adaptable. Easy to haul in, too!
>Hardwood. It'll be sturdier and prettier. We could make another two-story with it!
>Brick. You mean we can get Townies to bring all that heavy stuff in for us?!
>Other...?

The mon of the hour himself slides up behind you from Baram's seafront terrace.
"Looks pretty calm for another mob! What're you all doing up here...?"
Primarina is sipping from a little hollowed out gourd.
>>5901618
"Oh, don't fret about it. All that matters is that everyone made it out. Which means I can keep working towards a cure! Everything worked out, see?"
>>
>>5901663
>Brick. You mean we can get Townies to bring all that heavy stuff in for us?!
"At the very least, we shouldn't make it outta stuff that burns."
>>
>>5901663
>>Hardwood. It'll be sturdier and prettier. We could make another two-story with it!
"We're buildin' this thing bigger and better! Hard wood is what we need."

>Kaz turns towards Primarina
"Oh hey there! Just helpin' put stuff back together."
>>
>>5901663
>Brick. You mean we can get Townies to bring all that heavy stuff in for us?!
"We can at least ask about it before we commit to wood. I'm tired of fire cleanup..."
>>
>>5901663
"A cure? A cure for what?"
>>
>>5901663
>Brick. You mean we can get Townies to bring all that heavy stuff in for us?!
"At least we should be sure the ground level is fireproof. but do we have some grade of cement here to bind it all together?"
>>
Rolled 12 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>5901663
"We should use wood, easier to manufacture, and who knows? Maybe some bricks too as the structure, i bet that i can make three floors with those"
Is her background enough to be convincing?
>Hardwood. It'll be sturdier and prettier. We could make another two-story with it!
>>
>>5901663
>Brick. You mean we can get Townies to bring all that heavy stuff in for us?!
"I would say bricks if it wasn't much of a hassle to do, as this material would not catch fire unlike the previous one, and it's sturdy too!"
>>
>>5901675
"I wonder if you could get some clay or something, then toast it to be like cement."
>>
>>5901663
>Hardwood. It'll be sturdier and prettier. We could make another two-story with it!

"This is a restoration project, isn't it?" Skitty is here all of a sudden. "Hardwood seems like a good middle ground, right?"
>>
>>5901663
>Hardwood. It'll be sturdier and prettier. We could make another two-story with it!

"I think rebuilding it the way it was will be easier, faster, and I'm sure the owner will be happy to see his Inn back to the way it was.
>>
>>5901663
>Hardwood. It'll be sturdier and prettier. We could make another two-story with it!
"I say we rebuild it as close to how it was before, but maybe we can spice things up with some brick?"
>>
>>5901663
>>5901687
Espurr wants things to be like how they were before. They agree with Skitty. What is this want to over-complicate things at every step of the way? Espurr will never understand that.

>Espurr would prefer hardwood. It'll be sturdier and prettier. We could make another two-story with it!
>>
>>5901687
Cubone turns to her as she arrives. "I find that sounds agreeable, though..." He glances over at the arriving Primarina, then at the cartoonishly effective demolition project. "...materials are far from my area of expertise. I believe I would fare better at precision tasks."
You suppose that's a vote for
>Hardwood. It'll be sturdier and prettier. We could make another two-story with it!
>>
>>5901687
>>5901694
>>5901696
>>5901697
>>5901698
>Looking to the group, Ish changes his vote to Hardwood. he still wants a brick foundation though.
>gonna have to be careful hauling it though.
>>
>>5901663
>Hardwood. It'll be sturdier and prettier. We could make another two-story with it!
Spike taps his chin. "I think that hardwood would be best- the brick might certainly prevent more fire damage, but it would take on a completely different aesthetic," he comments.

While the others decide on what materials to use, Spike notes the ash-gray Haxorus, Elm Chopper, and approaches him.

"Amazing- are you a lumberjack?" Spike asks.
>>
>>5901663
>Hardwood. It'll be sturdier and prettier. We could make another two-story with it!

>>5901687
"Assumedly. Nothing radical or departing from the original design. It should be as if it never left."

>>5901696
Sagira's attention briefly turns at Mohka's suggestion. "Although I am not against remodeling an interior to better suit new needs," she comments.
>>
>>5901663
>Hardwood. It'll be sturdier and prettier. We could make another two-story with it!
>>
>>5901702
Espurr agrees, nodding to Sagira, though for different reasons. They have a sharp distaste for the removal of things from existence permanently.
>>
>>5901663
While the wrecking crew are doing the heavy lifting, there would seem two young ones are a bit distracted.
"-it out?" A Scraggy is taking five, chatting with Orner of all mons. "Eventually! Sssome monsss we pulled out from the rubble but look at them, ssstill on-""MOVE YOUR ASSES! Goshdarn, I swear you lazy little worm-" A Scrafty cuts the conversation short, urging the little one to grab some more rubble and Orner to go back to the group. Seems the reunion will have to wait.
>Hardwood. It'll be sturdier and prettier. We could make another two-story with it!
"Aessstheticss are everything for an inn!"
>>5901701
The old mon nods gruffly "...lumberjack, carpenter, wood carver... Same as my pa' and his before him..." He doesn't turn to Spike while talking, the dragon keeps focused on the work. Seems like a few words kinda guy. Boring.
>>
>>5901663
>Hardwood.
It's a perfect middleground.
>>
>>5901671
>>5901674
"Ooh! Isn't that cute! I've been working on a little concoction. A real, bona-fide cure-all for my darling Drifter and this nasty disease making everyone panic! She was working with someone to find the source of this Twilight Syndrome, and supposedly they were on the verge of a breakthrough...but I haven't caught her awake enough to speak since she told me." He waves a flipper. "As long as she's alive though, I have a chance to get her back to health and clear this whole mess up! If I can get money coming in again, I might be able to fund an exploration like those fancy Mist Continent nobles!

Primarina is more than close enough to make out your conversation, but doesn't have much of a preference for structure. It seems the bar is a means to and end-if a vitally important one.
'Just make sure it's cozy and friendly!' was his only request.

It's well agreed upon that the Château should be made from hardwood...but said source is a fair ways out of town, and a lot heavier than softwood. Who should go? Should those staying behind work on securing something else about this new building?
Cress and Ish are suffering from halved endurance (HP) and limited access to their abilities after that failed escape...
>>
>>5901725
"I'm probably not gonna be much help on trees. You guys have fun, I'll figure out what I can do here."
>Evan is staying
>>
>>5901725
"I'll go get the wood. Who's coming with me?"
>Matchia's going to go out.
>>
Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>5901719
Spike nods, although he doesn't expect Elm Chopper to see that.

He glances over at the work force and how they follow behind the dragon readily- a thing he's seen with Salamance.

He follows behind him to try and catch a glimpse of his eyes so he can gleam insight from him.
>>
>>5901725
>>5901728
"Given my size, I s'pose I'll be a lumberjack for a day."
>Mohka is going
>>
>>5901725
"I... I'm not certain going out that far is a great idea admittedly. at least in this state."
>Ish is staying back
"if there's anything we need handling while ysll are out thoughj, I can try with it!"
>>
>>5901725
>>5901728
"I think I'll come too if you don't mind, I just discovered a new way to use my claws."
>>
>>5901725
"Hey, a fix for this Twilight stuff would be pretty nifty!"

"Oh! Don't leave without me!"
>Kaz joins the wood pickup crew
>>
>>5901725
Wallis, outvoted, shrugs.
"Oh, good... trees..."
She looks around.
>Wallis is staying.
>>
>>5901725
>>5901734
>Brook is going to gather wood
>>
Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>5901725
Katherine is in the wood cutting crew now
(Also vibes i forgor)
>>
>>5901725
"Weight lifting isn't my strongest suit so I think I'll stick around. Good luck to who is going fetch the wood."
>>
>>5901725
Cubone can't help with trees in any capacity. He's not large, he's certainly not strong, and he has no way to fell the trees. Instead, he gets to work coming up with something better to do. "...Do we have adequate adhesives available to us?"
>>
>>5901725
"Alright, ssseemss like a job for the real meat of the group! Ah, the burden of the ssstrong..." Orner doesn't really wanna do grunt work but it can't be helped.
>>5901729
There's nothing to be gathered to the eye that you couldn't tell already. Strong, focused, imposing, but if you look through other means-
>Empath
His heart is still as an oak tree. Anything under the surface you just can't parse.
>Hex Maniac
From his aura you feel-Hmmn, what? No, nothing. He's just a regular mon?
>>
>>5901725
"And... you're okay with us essentially ripping apart your remains of a luxury inn because..?"
>>
>>5901725
Skitty doesn't feel she can really help much with heavy work. She's kind of small, so she'll have to figure out some other way. Staying for now.
>>
>>5901747
"Not only that, you're throwing away 50K if you continue this to happen."
>>
>>5901725
"My over-all physical skills have never been the best. I usually left that to... others. However, if the environment permits it, I might be able to contribute to sourcing the material," Sagira offers. She's not entirely decided on whether to stay or go.
>>
>>5901750
Espurr sits next to Skitty.

They're a little closer than necessary. They could learn some personal space sometime, maybe. It might be useful.
>>
>>5901745
Spike hums, impressed by the quality of his character by what he can tell.

He could continue to pursue information on this dragon, but the others seem to be discussing something important. Spike returns to the group.
>>
>>5901757
Skitty doesn't seem to mind, honestly. Cat things.
>>
"Not that I will be of use afterward, but I need to show the way..."
Cress is going.
The collective strength of those heading out can be summed up in 7 attack points. Cress, unable to bear weight for such a long travel is only leading, as well. You've been supplied with a wagon so the number of trips you'll be making isn't truly torturous, but it sure is an endeavor.
You're not experts, so it won't be true timber you're bringing back until Elm Chopper and his crew can get to it, but your labors bear fruit. Kaz, Cress, Matchia, Mohka, Brook, and Katherine will all be returning with a stack of two sticks each on top of their wood-hauls.

>>5901747
"It's not an inn anymore, just a safety hazard. And I don't really have the money or power to rebuild all of this myself...So it's real cool that you can take time offa your club to help me out. Thank you." He bows.

He's pulled from that thought when he sees one last cask being carried away from the sight of destruction. No freebies in this one, save a grassy Orb. it's just full of more powder.
"Oh, Drifting Leaves was working with a partner from out of town-if they really learned something about the disease, you might be able to get it off of him. I think he was a...Croagunk? Oooh, hold on." He squirms over to some of the help toting it off. "Don't throw this away, I need as much as possible!"
Well, that's a nugget of information. Seen a Croagunk around?

Anyway, if there's something new you'd like to see installed in your base of operations, now's the time to discuss...
>>
>>5901774
>Evan turns to the remaining crew
"So... should we have rooms on the top floor or the ground?"
>>
>>5901774
Her headfins twitch.
"Oh, a Croagunk?"
She scratches her head.
"The purple guy with bandage-looking stuff, right?"
>>5901776
"I don't even know if we're staying here after we rebuild..."
>>
>>5901777
"I guess, but that doesn't mean we can't be comfortable in temporary homes."
>>
>>5901776
"Top floor sounds good, I feel like there should be a sauna installed maybe a mezuzah as well if I may add."
>Dustin thinks...
"Also a home theater."
>>
>>5901776
"You'll want the rooms on the upper floors so they can't hear the traffic above them," Spike comments.

>>5901774
>>5901777
"We shouldn't, but in the case that we do I suggest setting up a meeting room that potentially double as something else."
>>
>>5901768
Cat behavior it is. Good thing, too. Espurr acting strange would be wacky and uncharacteristic for them.

Quietly and just as tonelessly as their first conversation, "we lack the proficiency to contribute here. It is not inspiring to be inadequate." Espurr is a manageable forager but they lack the size to carry hunks of wood and stone around with them.
The world is racist against felines.
Also was that an attempt at quiet smalltalk to pass the time or were they insinuating something?

>>5901774
Espurr glances around to see if there are any nice-looking twigs or sticks which would have any place in the construction of the Subsumed Chatwo.

>Foraging II
>>
>>5901774
>>5901776
"I'd put the rooms top floor, even if we aren't staying around. That's how it usually is."
>>
>>5901774
>>5901782
"How about a room to put all of our loot in? That'sss more ussseful than jussst a living room."
>>
>>5901774
"So... what about two floors, first one is mostly rooms but the middle area doubles as a lobby and the mess hall? Second floor is all rooms to the side, leaving the center empty for the looks, and i call dibs on the attic, to cap the building, we can make the roof in such a way it moves the water through bamboo or bark cann-"
Katherine gives ideas
>>
>>5901774
>>5901782
"Astute observation." Cubone approves of Spike's comment on the rooms' placement. "Might I also suggest a safe room, in the event of another calamity? Ideally, underground, or composed of brick, should we use any. It would also make ideal grounds for storing valuables."
>>5901788
Cubone does not seem to view their words as unusual in nature... oddly. "...I am well accustomed to inadequacy. It is merely knowledge of where to improve."
>>
>>5901788
"I'm waiting for something that needs more precision, I suppose. Or, like, being bossy. I'm okay at that," she replies. What's the implication there from Espurr, exactly? She'll find a way to be useful because she has to.
>>
>>5901774
"We should make a game room or somethin'."
>Kaz leans against a nearby rock
"We could play darts!"
>>
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>>5901804
>>5901800
They remain quiet after that. They still aren't particularly talkative, and if they don't have to go out of their way for it, they might find remaining the 'mute' of the group to be desirable. Less getting spoken to. They'll say what they want when they need to.

But for what it's worth, they seem to agree on both counts. Wise and transparent words from two dissimilar individuals.
>>
>>5901797
"That's how hoarders are made."
>>
>>5901777
>>5901782
>>5901796
>>5901797
>>5901800
"How about a nice balcony? You could sit out there, have some umbrellas to keep the sun off of you as you relax..."
>Evan seems to have an idea of what he wants...
>>
>>5901774
"I don't really have anything else but I second Kaz's idea."
"They did say they wanted a friendly atmosphere."
>>
>>5901774
"I suggest at the very least we're gonna need some improvements to safety."
>>5901817
"a patio out front could work for that too, maybe some tables for mons who want to chat out on a sunny day?"
>>
>>5901811
>Dustin immediately jumped up
"YEAH YEAH SOMETHIN' LIKE THAT!"
>>
>>5901797
>>5901800
>>5901817
"I think we can combine these suggestions by having a meeting room room on the top floor with a balcony, and potentially a shoot or a dummy waiter that leads down to a safe room," Spike suggests, casting an illusion onto the ground of what he's imagining.

"Now, we could save time by just creating combining the storage, safe room, and meeting room, but it would have to be on the ground level or beneath- so no balcony."
>>
>>5901825
"Easy there, spyboy. We gotta think about how Primarina's gonna be able to use the place when we're not here instead of taking his real estate for ourselves."
>>
>>5901828
"Storage room could be used by guests at least."
>>
>>5901812
There is a silent understanding. Cubone, despite what his eloquent speech may imply, is not one to speak more than he feels is necessary, either.
>>5901825
"I did not take you for an architect." Cubone is somewhat impressed, but feels the need to state the obvious. "...though I see no reason why the balcony would have to be attached. If anything, the other guests would appreciate it more than most of us."
>>
>>5901828
>>5901829
Spike gestures towards Matchia's suggestion. "Exactly, worst case is that Primarina has an extra room to store equipment in."

>>5901830
>>5901811
>>5901819
"I was thinking about our use, but that's very true, and along those lines a game room would be an excellent addition."
>>
>>5901798
"We would meet resistance and have to wait on clearance to reroute the fountain from the top of town to us...It would take time I refuse to spend on this.
"None of the rest of you need to rest, do you? We have at least another round trip to make..."

>>5901788
The fires and waters really did a number on everything. All of the wood is either too large or compromised to function as well as a Stick, and most of the other things are just ruined. Enough material is leaking from that cask to gather a sizeable portion to use on...something. Probably not yourself, given your movepool.

So it's agreed that the second floor should be reserved for rooms, while those on the first floor could be eschewed for other pleasures and utilities. Space for a main lobby, more for a recreational room, yet more for storage, a private meeting room will demand soundproofing, stone to seat heating mechanisms for a sauna, and a more hidden space for emergencies. It can all be managed thanks to that side building attached to the bar's first floor. Yes, most of your interests are relayed to those working at the remains swiftly enough, but there are still details to work out.

>How should a lower saferoom be accessed?
>Which floor will that private meeting room be on?
>Home Theater? Should you really give Umber a dedicated space to inflict himself on the visitors?
You get the feeling that for convenience, a balcony will invariably be placed on the eastern face of the building. Which from the outside, will look identical to the old one. Please understand.
>>
>>5901843
"Could we have a door sort of like a tornado shelter? Opens upwards for access to the safe room, or stairs to it?" Skitty questions. "Seems practical."
>>
>>5901843
"I was talking more about this saferoom stuff. Besides, a storage room would be more for the owners than the customers. Anyway, if we're gonna have a private meeting room then the obvious place is in a basement. Then it can double as your safehouse or whatever."
>>
>>5901843
"We can still make an attic that can have the meeting room, and also something heavy to cover the saferoom, maybe hardwood too, and also the scenario i guess in the mess hall"
>>
>>5901843
>Which floor will that private meeting room be on?
"For the sake of privacy, we should place the meeting room away from public spaces, so perhaps on the first floor away from the main floor," Spike suggests.
>>
>>5901843
>>5901844
>>5901845
"I would just advise being mindful of the coastal conditions. Ocean front and basements are typically incompatible," Sagira adds in.
>>
>>5901844
"Away from the main floor? Isn't the first floor the main floor?"
>>
>>5901843
>How should a lower saferoom be accessed?
>Which floor will that private meeting room be on?
Wallis has no strong feelings one way or the other. Interior design doesn't seem to be a hobby of hers.
>Home Theater? Should you really give Umber a dedicated space to inflict himself on the visitors?
"Never again..."
She mutters without context.
>>
>>5901840
"We do stay here for free, something to draw in customers is the least we could do, and it's good for us if the Inn has enough money for food."

>>5901843
"Should we make the saferoom accessible from all the rooms? Wouldn't seem like a safe room if there were that many ways to get in..."
>>
>>5901856
"Well, our rooms used to be down there, I don't imagine we'll have too much trouble." Evan shrugs
>>
>>5901843
>>5901859
"if we're setting a meeting hall up, I'd say first floor, to keep it away from where one would sleep"
>>
>>5901852
"We can still sound proof them perhaps..."
>Dustin thinks...
"Any dialogue on what sort of architecture style we should go for? I was thinking a combination of Churrigueresque and Egyptian Revival."
>>
>>5901843
>>5901844
>How should a lower saferoom be accessed?
Espurr believes minimalism is key. A loose floorboard would do all the work at no cost. They communicate as much to Skitty and perhaps Cubone if he can still hear with that thick skull of his. They wouldn't mind Skitty's idea either, even if they don't quite understand it.

>Which floor will that private meeting room be on?
The underground rooms previously made for an excellent place to be if you wished to convey private information to someone or other. As such, any potential underground area would be wise. Yet...

>Should you really give Umber a dedicated space to inflict himself on the visitors?
if that's NOT possible, having a meeting room BEHIND a potential stage for Umber would ensure that any noise coming from it would surely be drowned out by the cacophony of canine screaming.
>>
>>5901860
"I think a game room or home theater for Umber- and other musicians, would be a good way to attract patrons." Spike replies.

>>5901865
". . ." Spike blinks, turning to Skitty, Wallis, and Brook for answers on these human words. "What is egyptian revial?"
>>
>>5901843
>>5901871
Meanwhile, Espurr tries to contain some of the powder in their Leaf Pouch. They knew such an innovation would be a useful application and allocation of resources.
>>
>>5901872
"Like pyramids, pillars, and giant statues in the front. Maybe have like really expressive details on the front!"
>>
>>5901872
Wallis shrugs.
"The pattern says more things I can't remember. Giving an inn for this world human design choices... Not a good idea!"
>>
>>5901872
>Brook shrugs and shakes his head, just as confused as Spike
"I don't think I would've known even if I didn't have amnesia."
>>
>>5901865
>>5901872
"I know egypt as a desert area by africa, but I've never heard of egyptisn revial before"
>Ish is equally confused as the others
>>
>>5901875
"Like ruins?" Spike looks down at the illusion he had cast of his plans, and changes them to a more 'egyptian' style.

"This would be more appropriate for a Dusclop," he murmurs.
>>
>>5901884
>Dustin sighs
"Fine let's replace Egypt with Art Deco but I still want to add on the Churrigueresque style."
>>
>>5901892
Spike closes his eyes tight and sighs. "What I would do for art deco in this world," he lets out a shuddering sigh.
>>
>>5901843
>>5901871
>Should you really give Umber a dedicated space to inflict himself on the visitors?
"A dedicated section for a performer is strange for an establishment such as this, especially when they're meant to... provide the ambiance and mood," Sagira says, almost as if she was maneuvering around a sensitive topic.
>>
>>5901899
Espurr hasn't been to a bar or inn prior to this point, so neither have they gone to a barinn. They aren't an expert to consult on soothing ambience when the closest they could get to soothing would be hitting their head against the wall to relieve pressure from a bad headache. It actually works quite well, you should try it sometime.
>>
>>5901871
"...we could just leave a floorboard loose for access to the lower room, also," Skitty says, flicking her tail in Espurr's direction to make the source for the idea clear. "Doesn't need to be fancy if we're going for privacy."
>>
>>5901843
>>5901899
Though he has little to say, Cubone has caught on to that last point. A home theater..? With... hm. Now he had to shoot the idea down as politely as possible. "...I... cannot condone using that much space that would be better served accommodating patrons for a performance in an area of rest."
>>
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All suggestions point toward the saferoom being located under a horizontal door-one nobody would find without prior knowledge. The meeting room, all have agreed to or settled on being placed in the first floor.
A dedicated theater wouldn't be without its niches, and would even pull in more customers for little building expense!...It's forgone anyway to spare the world from the Château's most prominent "performer". You've done a good thing, but made a certain Mightyena very sad.

Over the next few days, the gatherers alternate spending their time in the woods a daypart's trek away and in Baram dropping their deliveries. Meanwhile, all get used to the sound of Katherine barking orders or an occasional helping hand from the locals or...Clan Elders? Should they still be here so long after that prayer ritual? And it sounds like you could find a lead if you get access to that Croagunk or Drifting Leaves.

Days pass swiftly, and the small talk reaching you improves passively without any reason, seemingly. Townfolk are happy or thankful seeing you all work so hard, the Syndrome's infection rate, while slowing down after the fire ended seems to have stopped completely in Baram starting a few days ago, and your new home is coming together without a hitch. Before you know it, the foundation and structure is all in place, and two weeks have passed. There are even days on which Elder Elm Chopper's mons can take over fully while you all endeavor on missions. All that's left now is to furnish the place with utilities and features, though those may not come so quickly. Goodwill can only buy so much that money cannot, so for the time being you're still sleeping at the Shore Thing. You can't help but notice a little extra pomp in Primarina's step though, not to mention how much more time he spends outside that infirmary between the piers and hotel...

The work itself is long and tiring, but not so strenuous as to impede your rest. All participants tonight may recover 9 HP and take 5 EXP, whether their contributions were labor or otherwise.

There's still so much work ahead of you, but something about being able to take the time for this passion project feels like a victory before it's even complete. Baram feels just a little more lively, at least.
>>
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>>5898467
In between the weeks of the Château being reconstructed, you realize there's quite a bit of downtime where your presence isn't particularly efficient. With a group decision, you decide to make the trip across the Air Continent's main highway once more. A few days pass during the short journey, and your group makes the turn toward the crossroad town. It's an idyllic place resting near the water, but much smaller than Baram's windy slopes. That doesn't mean it isn't a hotspot for weary travelers on their journey across the vast stretches of clan-controlled and wild territory. All things considered, Pokémon Square isn't all that square.

You find many traveling carts and bag-wielding 'mons, all looking for their own slice of rest. A lot of conversation to overhear... and probably ignore.

"...many Orans do we have left?"
"Might need to stock up."
"so... yeah... looking for two more of them, right? We can probably..."
"Legs are killing me! Their elder said we could sleep on that open space... the weather should be great for it."
"Awww, c'mon, kec-guys. Reeeally can't do a lil' fish gremlin a solid? You have to have it in the back, right?"
"Did you hear about what happened in Baram Town?"
"A big fight or something? Do you think it was an outlaw?"
"If it's an outlaw..."
"...could we take them on?"
"I'll get this mail sent, and then we can go foraging for dinner."
"Bruh. Shipments delayed? I'm this close to constructing the pinnacle of beverage innovation! The Baj-"
"Kip, not in front of everyone again. We have a request."
"I heard there's going to be a huge coronation festival soon."
"Oh, really? Where?
"Weird shipment delay, you'll rue the day! I curse your name! I curse you!"
"Qula, Ava-lu's capital. There's not telling a time just yet, but my friend's friends say that everyone is buzzing about."
"I'm going to faint from embarrassment..."
"We should go! It would be a great time."

You are here to find that elusive Sneasel, however... where would she be?

Locations you can visit:
>Kecleon Shop
>Felicity Bank
>Vespiquen Vacations
>Kangaskhan Storage
>Whiscash Pond
>Pelipper Post Office
>Makuhita Dojo
>Houses around Pokemon Square
>>
>>5905693
>Evan takes a look around the Post Office
"What a cute little town this is! I wonder if I can get a vacation home here."
>>
>>5905693
>with how busy everyone seems to be, maybe nobody will notice the terrible red and white paint job covering the usually dark fox as he strolls into town
>wanting to check out a place more familiar he goes toward the
>Keckleon Shop
>>
>>5905693
>>Makuhita Dojo
"Looks like fun!"
>Kaz says to himself as he walks over to the dojo
>After a luckily close training match with Evan, he's looking to get stronger!
>>
>>5905693
>Kecleon shop
"'tis so many people here... hope this isn't too bad"
>>
>>5905693
>Houses around Pokemon Square
Spike decides that since he has no cash on him and that it's likely that the post office will have anything of note, he decides to check the community and their. . . strange headhouses.
>>
>>5905693
>Whiscash Pond
Cubone is not one for large crowds. In fact, he hates them. Evidently, because half the time when he WAS in the Chateau, he'd usually just stand around awkwardly or stay holed up in his room. A nice, peaceful pond, however? That's very much up his alley. Perhaps he'll find some inspiration at a place of relative peace and quiet... despite his Ground-typing, calm waters remained a soothing sight.
>>
>>5905693
>>5905708
"You know what a dojo is, Kaz?"
>Makuhita Dojo
>>
>>5905693
Espurr waddles over to the lizards. They wish to sell something and then head to the pond,
>Kecleon Shop
>>
>>5905693
"Fuckin'... ssshould have sssaid a meeting ssspot-ah, whatever."
>Kecleon Shop
Orner is feeling up for some impulse-purchases.
>>
>>5905714
"Well sure! Its a place for all a that martial arts stuff!"
"I need ta get stronger, and learnin' a few moves might help me out."
>>
>>5905693
>Pelipper Post Office

Not a terrible place to look, Skitty supposes. Surely someone like Sneasel would need to send mail sometime.
>>
Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>5905693
Katherine has mony (Also vibes)
>Kecleon shop
>>
>>5905693
>Felicity Bank
Mohka heads to the bank. He's curious if it's in the same system as the one in Baram. If it is, he wants to check his balance.
>>
>>5905693
>Whiscash Pond
Sail seem interested in listening to some tale. To what he hear for the locals.
>>
>>5905693
>Dustin is still a bit unsatisfied with the architecture.
>He decides to pay a visit to the Kecleon Shop
>>
>>5905693
>Kecleon Shop
Wallis has two interests with Pokemon Square's Kecleons: their wares and asking them if there's a Recycling service nearby.
>>
>>5905699
>>5905725
You leave the main premises of the square, heading off to the cliffside where a Pelipper-shaped building resides. You can see a Pelipper departing just now, taking off and away into the vast sky above the ocean. There's a board here, with requests, along with some statues of (what you can only assume) prominent 'mons from the area.

Someone familiar is already waiting for you there, checking her claws. "Heh. Got something for me?" she asks. "Thought you all got, 'heh', lost."

>>5905702
>>5905710
>>5905716
>>5905721
>>5905726
>>5905737
>>5905752
You watch a Pikachu and Mudkip depart somewhere... but no Sneasel.

"Always great to see new faces!" Purple exclaims.

"Looking to buy? Of course, you are! Or sell. Sometimes it's that," Green mentions. These two sound different from the only other pair you've met.

You take a look at the wares and items available to you...

Kecleon's Items:
>Vibrant Herb - 750P
>Renewal Herb - 500P
>Spicy Seed - 450P
>Sitrus Leaf x4 - 100P ea
>Huge Apple - 100P

Kecleon's Wares:
>TM65 - 3,400P
>TM227 - 1,850P
>Slumber Wand - 1,600P
>Clear Orb - 880P

>>5905708
>>5905714
Makuhita's Dojo is further from the main path that cuts through the village, so it takes you a moment to check out the point of interest. You can hear the sounds of training contained within the walls, followed by boisterous words of encouragement.

>>5905727
"Welcome, welcome. Felicity Bank is here to jealously guard all the things you value. How may I help you, stranger?" the Persian asks, smiling.

>>5905711
The houses are quaint, built simply and out of wood and dried plant material. It's not as ornate as the homes back at Baram, most likely because the square might not be as huge of a traveling hub. There are headhouses here, dotted around and some, you can spy just outside the perimeter of the village. No Sneasel, though.

>>5905712
>>5905731
With a rush of calming water, you can see a small crowd gathered around a Whiscash, listening to a tale of old. Or something. With the dramatic flair and movements, you suspect they might be embellished to impress the younger audience.
>>
>>5905762
"Oh hey, here you are. Yeah, I think this is the stuff you wanted."
>Evan hands over artifacts gained last quest
>>
>>5905762
"Howdy. Just curious, are y'all part of the same system as the bank in Baram? If so, can I check my balance? Should be under this."
>Mohka draws out a printrune of a kommo-o, followed by a printrune of a slowbro tail.
>>
>>5905762
"Hello! I was wondering how much do you think I could get for this?"
>he raises up a stick (Confuse Wand) towards the two salesmons
"I was told when I got it that it was magic so I hope it's worth something."
>>
>>5905762
"Well, I sure don't. Everyone else scattered. Should I go round 'em up? That might be annoying..."
>>
>>5905762
Espurr stands as tall as they can and holds a Shattered Shock Wave TM up to the Kecleons. Their blank expression says 'give me money please.'
>Espurr wants to sell Shattered Shock Wave TM.
>>
>>5905762
"Good day!"
>Angus places a Sitrus Leaf, a Heal Seed, an Abstain Seed, and a Heal Seed on the counter
"How much are these worth selling?"
>>
>>5905767
"Well, they'll either take a couple hours to wander over or you could wait in the middle of town to tell them as you see them. That'd be quicker."
>>
>>5905725
>>5905762
Matchia wanders into the post office, following her teammate.
"...Hi Sneasel."
>>
>>5905762
Katherine takes a big apple, leaving 100p in the table
>>
>>5905762
Cubone joins the others listening to the tale. Mythology? Yes, please! It's better than idle chatter... and he's not large enough to stick out like a sore thumb around younger Pokemon, a fact that would probably irritate him if pointed out.
>>
>>5905762
"Place sounds lively!"
>Kaz walks in / knocks on the outside of the place, looking for the owner
"Hey! Anybody own this joint?"
>>