The Legend Run: (Rising_Dusk | TravelLog) Timeless Tower [Completed]

Challengers:

Rising_Dusk:

Items:
5 Heal Balls
5 Great Balls
10 Ultra Balls
5 Sport Balls

TravelLog:


Items:
5 Heal Balls
5 Great Balls
10 Ultra Balls
5 Sport Balls

Timeless Tower (Bonus Play)

Timeless Tower is an unfathomably large structure seated on an impregnable cliffside. The tower's main spire looms over its entrance hundreds of feet into the air. Bridges extend from the main tower to three separate spires, each on an island pillar of immense density. The ocean roars violently below, beckoning you to stay away.

The bridge to the east leads to a tower frozen over in a massive pillar of ice. The sunlight glistens against its reflective surface, yet no melt can be shown. You look cold just staring at it.

The bridge to the west leads to a craggy pillar that seems to be etched from the very earth itself, impossibly dense and immovable.

A third tower can be seen behind the structure on your map, but it is eclipsed by the sheer enormity of the main spire. It is made of the sturdiest looking metal you have ever seen, an unnaturally purely refined solidity that shares the brilliant sheen of the icy tower and the sheer density of the crag.

As you go up to the entrance, the drawbridge on the main gate opens and falls with a loud crash onto the only access to the mainland. On either side of the bridge are statues of Golurk holding up massive spears. As you enter the main atrium, a massive statue of Golem rolled up into a ball takes the center of the arena. You look around the room and see exits your east and west going to the towers, stairs built into the floor going down presumably to the tower behind the main spire, and a massive door with 3 slots in the gate. Depictions of the gate are on the left and right, and show 3 stones being placed in the gate. Both mosaics are completely sand-colored except for the stones. One is an azure blue, one is a dull brown, and the other a shimmering silver. You attempt to push the gate, but it is so massively heavy you feel tired just pushing on it. It will not budge.

What could this all mean? And where do you go from here?

Player Options:

Enter Ice Spire
Enter Rock Crag
Enter Iron Dungeon
(Locked: Enter Heaven's Ascent)

Ingram solemnly approaches the island and its atrium. He had spent days approaching this island riding on Milotic. With him, he had a couple dozen Poke Balls, and he hoped to leave this island with his ultimate prize. He steeled himself and approached one of the gates, the one leading to the crag, a tower of elemental rock.

With slow, even steps Vance approached the main entryway. It's quiet here. He nodded with a strange approval at the solemnity of the place.
Truly magnificent.
Ever since he had found a map of the place, Vance had followed the hints, culling what information he could from the various storytellers and scholars. It was time to find out what lay within.

Smiling, with what might have been amusement, but equally might have been sorrow, Vance approached the tower of steel.

You cross the bridge and enter the rocky crag, and immediately look on to a barren, desolate hollow. You might have thought construction equipment moved in here from the looks of it, but even then what inspires you most is that this desolation appears unnaturally natural.

It seems impossible that there could be life here in such an unforgiving place, but you hear rumblings up ahead. Even as you crossed the bridge you couldn't help but feel you were getting smaller as you approached. Whoever built this, and for what purpose escapes you, but nonetheless it stands here, laughing in the face of time.

There's little to do here but go forward. The designers must have thought the warm, cheery welcome at the door was sufficient. As you enter the next area you notice a few Pokemon stirring. Looks like you invaded their territory.

There's no water around, but the area is open to sunlight. Anywhere this sturdy probably looks at collateral damage as an improvement.


As you descend the staircase to cross the bridge to Iron Dungeon, one thing immediately grasps you: This place is hidden behind Timeless Tower because the very view of it is depressing. It has a stainless efficiency that is both marvelous and alien.

The porticulis opens and inside the dungeon only gets more sparse. Whether this is from non-use or sheer impenetrability escapes you, but one thing is certain: the cheery light you left behind won't be an issue any longer.

You descend still further down into a blank, nondescript room. You hear no signs of organic life, only clicks, creaks, and grinding machinery. Even now you long for something soft just to contrast the starkness before you.

No matter, you came here for a reason, and you must press on. This place seems built to drain your will with its obstinance. Take care.

As you make a final turn around a corner you see a pathway shrouded by an iron curtain. Well, it's iron colored anyway, but you wouldn't be surprised if the sadist who built this place used actual iron. More importantly, those clicks you heard earlier are getting loud. Very loud.

Vance smiled, this time with real enjoyment. Life had been a bit boring recently, and he was feeling the urge to liven things up.
Well boys, looks like we have company.
He grabbed his pokeballs and released his companions, nodding to each one and receiving like nods in turn.
I know this isn't quite what we're here for, but let's get some exercise shall we?

Chandelure:
Confuse Ray (Klink #1)~Heat Wave

Empoleon:
Mud Sport~Brick Break (Klink #2)

Syclant:
Earth Power (Klink #2)~Focus Blast (Klink #2)

Ingram liked the scenery. The sheer desolation that existed here was refreshing; sometimes nature focused too hard on being beautiful that it forgot that beauty is often in the simplest of constructs. Two Pokemon, Rock-types, looked angry as he approached. His Pokemon were already released from their Poke Balls for the journey, and they looked on at the newcomers casually. Roselia emerges first from the corner and engages the Pokemon, but begins to glow as soon as she does! Ingram smirks as she evolves on the spot, making her an even better contributor to the team.
"Go, deal with these. I have no desire to waste my precious Poke Balls here. These will be good experience for you." Ingram's right hand lifts and points menacingly at the territorial Pokemon. They wouldn't stand a chance.

Milotic:
Rain Dance ~ Scald Roggenrola
IF (Roserade's Sleep Powder misses) THEN (Switch the order of Rain Dance and Scald)

Dusknoir:
Will-O-Wisp Bonsly ~ Shadow Punch Roggenrola

Roserade:
Sleep Powder Roggenrola ~ Energy Ball Roggenrola

The battle commences:


_____


The battle commences:

Ingram smiles at how easy this really is. He has no intention of trying to catch these silly little things, so he's just trying to KO them with as little energy expenditure as possible. He ponders for a split moment and issues actions at his party.

"Milotic, end this Roggenrola! Roserade, hold back and try to regenerate yourself from evolution! Dusknoir, keep the pressure up, but don't overextend!"

Milotic:
Brine Roggenrola ~ Scald Bonsly

Dusknoir:
Focus Blast Bonsly ~ Chill

Roserade:
Chill ~ Energy Ball Bonsly

Despite himself, Vance laughed. This was nothing like the challenge he had been looking for, and certainly not worth using his pokeballs on. Time to move on. With a relaxed gesture, Vance raised his hand and languidly snapped his fingers, the sound reverberating off the steel corridors.

Gentlemen, end this.

Chandelure:
Heat Wave~chill

Empoleon:
Chill~Brick Break (K1)

Syclant:
Chill~Earth Power (K1)

The battle continues:
The battle continues:

Ingram crosses his arms at how dumb these Pokemon are being, but decides not to let it get to him. This whole thing is ridiculous anyway. "Just kill something, I don't even care what you do." The Pokemon, sensing Ingram's frustration and general lack of care for how the job gets done, decide to order sensibly for themselves.

Milotic:
Recover ~ Chill

Dusknoir:
Shadow Punch Bonsly ~ Shadow Sneak Roggenrola

Roserade:
Chill ~ Mega Drain Roggenrola

Looks like we underestimated those gearheads.

Vance's eyes were no longer light. They were cold, frozen, as lifeless as the surrounding steel walls. It was long past time for this to be over. He had charged in recklessly and paid the price, but Vance didn't make the same mistake twice.

Do it.

Chandelure:
Flamethrower (K1)~Protect (Empoleon)
If you were paralyzed A1, try the same action for A2

Empoleon:
Protect (Scylant)~Brick Break (K1)
If you can't protect Syclant, Bodyblock A1 instead

Syclant:
Earth Power (K2)~Focus Blast(K1)

The battle continues:
The battle continues:

Ingram surveys the two options and considers for a moment. Surely the path less traveled would have greater Pokemon to face upon it, the likes he might want to catch for use later in this dungeon. However, the path more traveled would likely have items dropped from those who had attempted this dungeon before and failed in their quest. These items, perhaps even Poke Balls, would help him the most in capturing his final quarry. For this reason, his mind was made.

He beckoned to his Pokemon and pointed ahead down the well-worn path. "Come. We'll go this way."

Nodding in satisfaction at the defeat of their enemies, Vance strode forward and surveyed the forked path. Which way to go? Without any hint of difference, the decision wasn't exactly straightforward.

When it comes down to it, one is as good as the other under the circumstances.

With a nod to the left, Vance directed his pokemon down the left corridor, pausing only to point at the nearby wall.

Mark it, Danse Macabre. Burn it a bit so we can tell which way we've gone in case we end up back here.

With mischievious glee, the Chandelure did as ordered, releasing a bit of flame and some wax, which it dutifully imprinted with one of its appendages. Taking note, Syclant and Empoleon do likewise, such that the left corridor's entrance is marked with a circle of singed metal, inside of which lie three wax seals, each with the imprint of one of Vance's three companions.

He nodded, satisfied.

On we go.

You come across an area of the crag that is more unstable than the others. Earthquakes seem to randomly average this area, causing you to lose your footing, but aside from physical movement, the area seems entirely unscathed. It's entirely possible this could be the work of a Pokemon rather than an actual feature of the area. In any case you can see down two paths, one where a few small rocks rumble visibly, while the other is calm.You surmise the quakes are coming from that area.

a) enter towards the quakes and inspect what is going on.
b) continue onward and ignore the quakes.
c) stay and see if something happens.



While the rest of the area seem bland for the most part, a very intricate design has been placed here. A massive humanoid contraption stands at the center of the room. What this represents you have no clue. It doesn't really resemble any person or Pokemon you know of. In any case the room has no apparent exit, but the gear golem has several levers in front of it. Upon review, the room looks a bit round on the edges, not like the square steel structures you've been used to. There are 3 levers, left, right, and center placed about 5 feet in front on the golem. You hear clanging behind you, forward seems like the best path.

a) pull the left lever
b) pull the center lever
c) pull the right lever

Unable to help himself, Vance laughed. Yet again, he was faced with a choice and had nothing to go on. If it weren't for the importance of the choice, he might have closed his eyes and picked at random. Luckily, he had a bit of a trump card.

Pengwin, use your steel-affinity to figure out what the levers do. Once you find out, inform me.

After a brief moment, Pengwin approached the levers, then relayed his findings with his usual diligence.

Interesting. Thanks old friend.

We'll be taking the right path gentlemen. Like before, I want you all to mark it carefully. We can't afford to make mistakes here, and even the choice of routes is no exception.

...

Once his pokemon had done as ordered, the four strode onward, further into the steel dungeon.


_______________
Edit@Below: Should holding briefly and having Empoleon use his steel-affinity to examine the levers for hints be an option, Vance endorses that plan.

Ingram's one to take action at a moment's notice, but he also prides himself on not being an idiot. Throwing one's Pokemon blindly into tremors is never a good idea, especially with rocks piled everywhere nearby. Still, curious as to what could be the cause of these quakes, he decides to bide his time with his team. Lifting a hand to signal this to his Pokemon, he dropped to his knees and focused on the path from which the quakes originated.

Inside you find the quakes were not being generated by a wild Pokemon, but rather the only piece of machinery you've yet to find in this place. It looks like they tried to excavate the area, and got approximately nowhere. Their base camp remains, and you find Hard Stone among the remnants. You have no idea where they went, but apparently the machine was expendable. It looks like it still has a Cell Battery attached as well.

Inventory: (Can be attached to or used on Pokemon before the next action sequence of an RP starts)
Hard Stone
Cell Battery


You double back and continue on the path.


You come to a beautiful vista that overlooks Timeless Tower. You can spot the bridge you came here in, and you still look up at the massive height of the main tower. You can spot the Iron Dungeon from here as well. There is some room to move up and get a better view, though there might be wild Pokemon here.

Do you

a) approach the edge of the Vista

b) stay close to the wall and move on.


The gear golem shifts to the right, revealing a cache of items on pedestals. They could be booby-trapped. A faint electric glow surrounds them, suggesting grabbing an item will help release the lever. Unfortunately the golem has stopped moving, and there's still two other levers. You try them, but they are stuck. Looks like you'll need to chance it.

The items are Ether (20 EN), Silk Scarf, and Steel Gem.

Which items will you grab?

Elated at the find, Ingram pockets the items. He ponders on whether he wants to give Milotic the Cell Battery yet or not, but decides for the moment to avoid it. It'll be most valuable if we can hold onto it for a goodly while. As he thinks, his team and he approach a vista of sorts. He ponders for a moment, shrugs his shoulders, and strides up toward the vista to see what he can from the perch. Pokemon or no, he has no issues taking what comes in stride.

Smirking with pleasure, Vance looked at the items for a moment. After thinking briefly about the possibilities, he decided that the potions would be the most useful, with the steel gem and scarf coming in second and third respectively. Knowing that trouble would almost certainly result, but welcoming it nonetheless, Vance grabbed the potions (and, if possible, the Steel Gem as well).

As you approach, your worst fears come true, as you are flanked by a Solrock. It bursts down from its place in the sky where it was absorbing Solar Rays, and traps Roserade with a Fire Spin (-4EN, 2 DMG) that cuts off pursuit and traps Roserade along with it. Your other Pokemon won't be able to join the battle to help it for two rounds. Additionally, the sun starts glowing brightly (-10EN Solrock for Sunny Day)


You grab the Ether (20 EN) cautiously to no ill effects, and feeling confident go after the Steel Gem. Nothing happens for about 10 seconds. You contemplate going for the third item, but then a massive spark explodes from the two pedestals. Your Pokemon guard you, each taking five (5) damage each in the process.


Inventory:
Ether (20 EN)
Steel Gem

The Gear Golem reactivates, and you find the levers loose to the touch again.

Do you grab

a) the left lever
b) the center lever

Ingram leaps back from the sudden eruption of flames. Milotic and Dusknoir rear up, wanting to jump in, but are unable due to the nature of the trap. Ingram contemplates for a moment, considers the environmental shifts about, and yells orders at Roserade over the flames. He risks losing a Pokemon this early in the game if he doesn't play against this Solrock perfectly, and so maintains his cool absolutely.

Roserade:
Water Sport ~ Synthesis ~ Sleep Powder

That's what we get for being greedy, I suppose. In any case, the fact that we got the items at all is good. We'll start by giving that Steel Gem to Empoleon, then we'll continue forward by trying the center lever.

After glancing at his pokemon, Vance strode forward, items safely tucked away for later, and grasped the center lever. With a wink at Chandelure, he pulled.

As you approach, your worst fears come true, as you are flanked by a Solrock. It bursts down from its place in the sky where it was absorbing Solar Rays, and traps Roserade with a Fire Spin (-4EN, 2 DMG) that cuts off pursuit and traps Roserade along with it. Your other Pokemon won't be able to join the battle to help it for two rounds. Additionally, the sun starts glowing brightly (-10EN Solrock for Sunny Day)


As you pull the center lever, the Gear Golem moves backward and locks into place, revealing a stairwell that will allow you to move on. The Gear Golem appears inactive now, so it looks like you won't have a chance to pull the other levers. You continue.

Scrapyard


You come to an abandoned scrapyard. As you look around there seems to be little of value, however you imagine there's a few abandoned appliances here. You spot an array of broken down appliances. You could probably take one with you, it seems a Rotom used to inhabit it and it has enough energy to fit in one of your Pokeballs, at least until you leave.



a) grab an appliance

b) move onward