[@Pirouette]

As Erika wandered towards the Frozen Cave, she found Joshua standing by the entrance. There was a hill going up to the entrance, and a cold wind spewed out through the hole in the mountain. The range of Mt. Chill above was steep and snow appeared pretty quickly above, even if they were still standing on grass, and this cave seemed to be spewing out cold at them. Joshua was fishing up a warmer jacket from his bag, when he saw her approach. Pikachu sat on the ground next to him, his ears rising as he turned to look at her.

[color=668570]‘Oh, hey, Erika!’[/color] Joshua waved to her through a half-pulled-on jacket. Pikachu also raised a hand and waved in unison. [color=668570]‘I’m going to be going in here looking for an ice-Pokémon to catch, but I’d also be more than happy to watch the princess of snow return to her kingdom~!’[/color] he said, grinning at her.

Ewan was still training on Route 5, they could get him if she wanted to.

Anyways. With the assumption that the cold was no obstacle to her, Erika could advance into the cave. At first it was rock, but the tunnel rose, going upwards. It never really got dark, because the light in and the light from further into the cave. Soon enough… there was bits of ice, and the Frozen Cave started showing the reason to its name, and then… the cave opened up.

[hider=Now Entering][center][h3]Frozen Cave, Mines[/h3][/center]

[center][url=https://i.imgur.com/gKgkizh.jpg][img]https://i.imgur.com/krB3poU.jpg[/img][/url][/center]

Less than a cave, it feels like you’ve entered the bottom of a great ravine of ice. Long corridors with cliff-like walls stretch on, moving far along the western Mt. Chill mountain range. A cold wind almost constantly blow through the cavern, and looking for the source of these winds will reveal that far above are occasional holes in the cave ceiling, which are letting in sunlight from above, and the light from there bounces on all the ice and brightens the entire cave in mystical light. This alone is a spectacle to witness.

However, perhaps the most curious detail is the fact these are, in fact, mines. Workers make their housing in tents, igloos and even properly constructed houses high in the mines. Human-made stairs, ladders and bridges spread across certain walls of the caverns where humans and Pokémon work to uncover the secrets frozen into the walls of the cave. For the most curious of both Pokémon and items are frozen into these walls, and these miners make a profit chopping them out. Perhaps you could join in, see what you might find?

… So, immediately upon Erika’s entrance, she’ll stand witness to a Pokémon frozen into the ice wall before her. It’s a giant, majestic creature…

[center][url=https://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/b/b9/321Wailord.png][img]https://i.imgur.com/VOomIuO.png[/img][/url]

[color=6ecff6][i]Pokédex Entry #321 – Wailord, the Float Whale Pokémon. Among the largest Pokémon ever to have been identified. It’s known to dive up to 10’000 feet deep with the air from a single breath. It herds its prey with the giant splashes from jumping and breaching the surface of the water, and can eat whole schools of fish in a single bite. The sight of one jumping is said to be breathtaking.[/i][/color][/center]

… It’s frozen into the wall. A sign besides it says, “The Lord of the Frozen Cave”. [sub][sub][sub]“don’t unfreeze!”[/sub][/sub][/sub]

He appears to have been left here on purpose, because most other walls this near the entrance are pretty well mined.
So, here and there inside the mines, small red birds are walking from miner to miner, handing out things. One of them saw Erika and Joshua and is coming over.

[center][url=https://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/3/3f/225Delibird.png][img]https://i.imgur.com/Krstkrz.png[/img][/url]

[color=6ecff6][i]Pokédex Entry #225 – Delibird, the Delivery Pokémon. The bag it carries its food with is actually its tail. It’s known to scourge up food all day to bring home to its chicks, but it also shares this food with anyone it comes across. There are plenty of tales of people lost in snowy mountains saved by the food of wandering Delibirds. However, sometimes said food is bugs.[/i][/color][/center]

[color=d4574e]‘Deli!’[/color] The bird reached into its bag-tail and handed Erika something.

[center][color=6ecff6][i]Erika received an Aspear Berry![/i][/color][/center]

The bird then wandered and handed Joshua a berry, and then Pikachu, then it simply wandered on.

[color=668570]‘Wo! Thank you, Delibird!’[/color] Joshua said with a happy tone, before walking in and inspecting the place further. Alright. So what does Erika do?

[hider=Suggestions to actions]1. Find Pokémon. [i]Note, there are more Pokémon in the tunnels than here. Unless you’re specifically searching the ice?[/i]
2. Talk. [i]This is basically a small settlement. They probably know a bit about mining in ice![/i]
3. Move along. [i]Either out of the cave, or deeper into it.[/i]
4. Specify. [i]If you specify what you want to do, the GM will take it into account and tell the result.[/i]
5. Trigger random event. [i]Force the GM to use his imagination to make a scenario for you.[/i]
6. Notable Buildings. [i]Not many, but there’s a small base here![/i]
	6.1. Miner’s Base. [i]For maps, getting info or tools and learning how to mine![/i]
	6.2. Miner’s Shop. [i]Skip all the hard work of actually mining and buy what the miners are selling! Varies every day![/i]
	6.3. Comfy Igloo. [i]If you just want to rest, have a chat, relax, restore health.[/i]
7. Area Specific: Mining. [i]People here mine the ice for items and Pokémon caught in the ice. You could too![/i][/hider]

[i]Connected areas: [/i]
Route 5. [i]Exit the mines and you’ll be right there.[/i]
Frozen Cave. [i]The Frozen Cave proper awaits beyond the mine.[/i]

[hider=Frozen Cave Mines, known Pokémon]Common:
#225 Delibird

Uncommon:

Rare:
#321 Wailord (Frozen)[/hider][/hider]

__________________________

[@Pikmin Eye] 

[color=63806a]‘Trubbi!’[/color] Trubbish called, relieved they weren’t going into the elevator. It eventually closed behind them, as elevators do.

Martin headed on, proceeding deeper into the cave. From here on, the cave was smoother, more friendly for human feet, but still no lights other than the occasional Heatmor. He kept going, until soon enough… the path split apart.

A six-way cross-road rested before him, and it didn’t feel completely natural, on account of the smoothness of the walls and the pillar in the center.

Forward was rough and untended, a decline down into darkness leading somewhere, sounds of water in the distance. Forward-left was very similar, but a single glance revealed water filling the cave, no going there unless he was sure of his underwater prowess. Back-right was notably an incline, the rough path taking a venture upwards, though there were distant sounds of impacts there, occasionally sounding out from far away or closer. Back-left was a dark, silent path that gave no indications of what might lie beyond.

Forward-right was an oddity, however. It looked intentionally dug-out, a road, straight where all other paths were curvy and mildly maze-like, it didn’t seem like it had been dug by Durants or Excadrills. Straight, as a path knowing exactly where it wanted to go.

What did Martin do now?

[hider=Vast Underground Progress][img]https://i.imgur.com/KQOrASs.png[/img][/hider]

__________________________

[@Rune_Alchemist]

The phone rang twice before contact was established.

[color=e04f4f]‘This is Anise,’[/color] Anise said on the other side, before Claire explained what the intention was. [color=e04f4f]‘Oh. Right. Yeah. I know where it is,’[/color] she confirmed and then finally accepted the invitation.

Running back, to nobody’s great surprise Claire’s significantly more fit than Yvonne, who’d definitely start spouting royal complaints about Claire running ahead of her at a pace she couldn’t follow. But, eventually they reached Redcoast City, Yvonne spouting annoyance as she breathed heavily, but they could meet up with Anise, who had already made it to the restaurant. Yvonne and Anise got to meet one another…

[color=e04f4f]‘Eh? Wait, aren’t you…’[/color] Anise said, peering at Yvonne.

[color=d6d2a9]‘Hm? You know me? Already?’[/color] Yvonne raised a chin, looking at Anise as if thinking that her fame already preceded her.

[color=e04f4f]‘Oh, yeah. That makes sense. The two of you are friends, so both of you challenged the Gym and got Challenge Badges on the same day,’[/color] Anise continued, looking back and forth between them. [color=e04f4f]‘… One with a significantly longer battle than the other.’[/color]

[color=d6d2a9]‘Ngh,’[/color] Yvonne looked away, looking a bit ill. [color=d6d2a9]‘Don’t remind me.’[/color]

[hider=If Claire asked][color=e04f4f]‘Apparently, I only heard from the others because I wasn’t there, but Yvonne here was standing outside the Gym challenging the kids trying to challenge the Gym, sending them back before they could have their Gym battles. Hector noticed, and had the rest carry her in for a battle. Because someone who takes away Hector’s challengers must certainly be willing challengers themselves, right?’[/color]

[color=d6d2a9]‘Spare me.’[/color] … Didn’t seem like Yvonne was fond of the memory.

[color=e04f4f]‘Hector decided on a challenge, as usual, and apparently he decided the challenge was “use your whole team and survive against all the Pokémon in the Gym for five seconds”.’[/color]

[color=d6d2a9]‘Guff.’[/color]

[color=e04f4f]‘So, your Snubbull managed to bite the arm of a Machoke and survived in the chaos even after all your other Pokémon fainted just about instantly, right? Then, to celebrate the win, all the fighting-type Pokémon picked you up and threw you into the air a couple of times on Hector’s command…’[/color]

[color=d6d2a9]‘They stunk. I felt ill. Then they grabbed me and added motion-sickness to that. I’m never going back there again.’[/color]

[color=e04f4f]‘Hector looked really happy when he recounted, though. Something about that he’d never seen anyone quite so insistent on looking good, and that had to take guts?’[/color]

[color=d6d2a9]‘Ugh.’[/color]

[color=e04f4f]‘Well done, Yvonne, and thank you. They all really enjoyed your visit,’[/color] Anise smiled as she said.

[color=d6d2a9]‘Gah.’[/color][/hider]

So, the three ate, with the view of the town, the river in town, the beach and sunset(?). Anise didn’t usually eat at places like this and was happy to have food bought for her, and Yvonne still felt the pain in her wallet after having bought Eugene’s ride here from Infested Woods and gladly let Claire pay.

Then, asking about fighting-types.

[color=e04f4f]‘Hm? Oh, where to find fighting-types? Mt. Strength is the big, famous place. Hector actually tried to set up his gym in there, but he was told he had to be registered to a town, and Redcoast City was the only nearby enough place that didn’t have a Gym Leader. The grass in the Mountain Valley, Route 4 as well as 11 have a couple rare ones, mostly due to proximity to the mountain. Otherwise, I suppose the only real big place around is Route 31 and Victory Road, on the northern landmass. If you go underground anywhere, like in Mt. Allmass, Chill, Edge or the Tunnel to Cooldome, there’s bound to be a few, but that’s the two big places.’[/color] So Anise shared, nodding while eating.

Now Yvonne and her contest-plans, and when asked specifically about her Pokémon.

[color=d6d2a9]‘I was planning on simply moving in and securing my place in history at the Contest Hall. Stefan is my cool and clever champion. Jeffrey’s my tough, and cute for now, but I plan on evolving him and he won’t be so cute after, I could use a new one. Not sure what, suppose I’ll go see I find something on Route 12 or in Silent Forest. Jeffrey’s my first Pokémon, mom got him for me because he could both serve as my bodyguard and was supposedly cute enough to match me. He’s a bit too protective, though. Meanwhile, Stefan was…[/color] She sighed a bit.

[color=d6d2a9]‘Okay, so my parents are a bit of the kind to spoil their kids rotten. I was always intending on getting an Absol, on account of them being so cool. I must have proclaimed so a bit loudly, because… they got me one. This to both my joy and shame, as I wanted to get one for myself. Regardless, Stefan is now my champion, and he’s the coolest. Though, after that, I went off on my own to get some independence. As for my beautiful… Oh, okay, then.’[/color] Yvonne smirked, choosing to give in to temptation.

[center][url=https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Tynamo_(Pok%C3%A9mon)][img]https://i.imgur.com/u9hDJFu.png[/img][/url]

[color=6ecff6][i]Pokédex Entry #321 – Tynamo, the EleFish Pokémon. They move in schools. While one alone is comparatively weak electrically, a group of them can cause shocks powerful as lightning which they discharge in response to threats. While being fish, they levitate using the electricity they generate in their bodies and make their home in caves.[/i][/color][/center]

[color=d6d2a9]‘A little someone from the Unforgiving Caverns close to home. This is Joline. She may not look like much, but the show she’ll give will be spectacular. Especially after she evolves. I did my research and went there specifically to get her, and she’s [i]excellent[/i],’[/color] Yvonne said, her smile and posture brimming with confidence.

[color=ebe8b5]‘Tyn-tyn!’[/color] Joline called happily, starting to excitedly fly in circles around Yvonne.

[color=d6d2a9]‘Suppose I’m going to need to train her to evolution,’[/color] Yvonne sighed a bit, looking at her third Pokémon. [color=d6d2a9]‘I’m not [i]really[/i] interested in getting that strong as a Pokémon Trainer, but suppose I should get myself a full team too just in case. I need more moves and options…’[/color] Yvonne frowned a bit as she considered.

[color=d6d2a9]‘How about you? What’s your plan?’[/color] Yvonne asked, looking to Claire.

Meanwhile, Anise is simply eating and listening, looking curious.

However, in case she heard Claire was heading east.

[color=e04f4f]‘Oh, are you heading towards the mountain? Do you want a guide? I need to train and get stronger, anyways, I could help?’[/color] Anise offered, looking interested, in case Claire’s direction and her most recent question were connected.

Yvonne wasn’t really interested in going anywhere just yet. Not while it was raining on Route 11, anyway.

…

Later on Route 11. It’s raining.

[hider=Route 11][center][h2]Route 11[/h2]

[img]http://i.imgur.com/RhTOFad.jpg[/img][/center]

Those heading to Route 11 by any other route than from Rainrock may receive a warning of the weather conditions by the clouds gathering overhead to release before climbing over Mt. Strength. Route 11 is comprised mainly of one big road leading in-between Rainrock City and Redcoast City, two cities with very close ties and bonds due to many reasons. Aside from the main road there are farmlands below as well as plenty of small patches of forests and plains around, all under the spotty clouds that sometimes shower the area in a blanket of light rain, sometimes shine down with a hopeful sun through the cracks in the sky but mostly both at the same time.

Route 11 is somewhat of a crossroad. To the east lies Rainrock City, and the path there leads on an incline to the high altitude of the mountain-laid city from the coastal Redcoast City in the west. Should one decide that one does not wish to head in either direction, the path north to Route 12 exists and is considered the main road to bigger places like Bigfjord or Worldedge City or perhaps out over the seas of Route 27. Route 11 is also fairly known for a high amount of abandoned buildings, as those who lived in them moved to neighboring cities in recent times. They stand, looming, free to explore for those who rejoices in emptiness. But, one famous building that perhaps isn’t as abandoned is the Pokéball Factory in the north-east, just off-road in the direction of Route 12.

The route is decently well-trafficked, with trainers and others coming down from Route 12 to Rainrock or Redcoast or onwards, and as such trainers might want to stay off the main road. Plenty of side-roads, though. Due to the rains many hurry past these terrains… but perhaps they’re missing out on a few rare Pokémon in the process?[/hider]

[i]Connected areas: [/i]
Redcoast City. [i]Right behind you.[/i]
Rainrock City. [i]Requires crossing Route 11, but it’s a pretty well-travelled and safe road.[/i]
Route 12. [i]Requires crossing Route 11 on the way north, also pretty well-travelled.[/i]
Pokéball Factory. [i]A turn east on the path north should bring you there.[/i]
Abandoned Shrine. [i]Claire knows where it is, she could get back.[/i]

[hider=Route 11, known Pokémon]Common:
#263 Zigzagoon
#406 Budew
#433 Chingling (Only at Abandoned Shrine)
#519 Pidove

Uncommon:

Rare: [/hider]

So, yeah. It’s raining, but apparently that wasn’t a problem for Claire. She got some training in, she knew what she’d find here, she’d trained here before. Zigzagoons, Budews and Pidoves.

Ralia had no problem against either of them. Due to Poison Point on Budews, Ritz might want to stick to fighting Zigzagoons to not get poisoned, as Pidove could do super-effective Gust-damage. Del didn’t have that problem due to part-poison typing, only Pidoves potentially being dangerous. Same with Lure, who could attack on a distance with Gust and didn’t need to touch the poison points.

[center][color=6ecff6][i]Ralia grew to Level 13![/i][/color][/center][center][color=6ecff6][i]Ritz grew to Level 13![/i][/color][/center][center][color=6ecff6][i]Lure grew to Level 11![/i][/color][/center][center][color=6ecff6][i]Del grew to Level 11![/i][/color][/center]

Regardless, no Pokémon on this route was on particularly high level and limited experience could be gained, especially after matching Hector’s Gym Battle.

Trainers, however, there were a few. Claire got to challenge two. One was a somewhat panicked young girl near Claire’s age who didn’t seem to entirely appreciate the rain.

[url=https://i.imgur.com/xNuB1GS.png][img]https://i.imgur.com/xNuB1GS.png[/img][/url]

[color=de9759]‘Awawawa! It’s raining! Let’s get this over with quickly so I can get to cover!’[/color]

Lass Jessica wants to battle!

[hider=Lass Pokémon][center][url=http://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/5/55/016Pidgey.png][img]https://i.imgur.com/iaBIvRl.png[/img][/url]

[color=6ecff6][i]Pokédex Entry #16 – Pidgey, the Tiny Bird Pokémon. They are docile Pokémon that avoid fighting, kicking up sand in an enemy’s face or using Whirlwind to avoid battles. They have sharp senses of direction, capable of finding their nest or destination from very large distances. They inhabit tall grass where they search and prey on small bugs.[/i][/color][/center]

May alternate between Gust and Sand Attack. Big Pecks prevents defense from being lowered!

[center][url=https://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/d/d8/285Shroomish.png][img]https://i.imgur.com/nocXtzD.png[/img][/url][/center]

[center][color=6ecff6][i]Pokédex Entry #285 – Shroomish, the Mushroom Pokémon. It lives deep in dark, damp forest where it eats the composted soil and fallen leaves. By day it remains still in the forest shade, by night it moves to eat. If it detects danger, it can spout highly toxic spores from the top of its head, strong enough to make trees wilt.[/i][/color][/center]

Will Stun Spore, then proceed to Leech Seed, finally just Absorb(Ralia)/Tackle(Bugs) until the enemy is hopefully defeated. Effect Spore may cause poison, paralyzation or sleep on contact!

[center][url=https://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/4/44/546Cottonee.png][img]https://i.imgur.com/gh7oLrn.png[/img][/url][/center]

[center][color=6ecff6][i]Pokédex Entry #546 – Cottonee, the Cotton Puff Pokémon. They’re extremely light and mostly go where the wind guide them. They’re known to feel more at ease in a group, so they stick together with others of its kind and resemble clouds floating about. If attacked, they shoot cotton at their attacker to distract them.[/i][/color][/center]

Will Stun Spore, then proceed to Leech Seed, then Growth, finally just Fairy Wind until the enemy is hopefully defeated.[/hider]

Claire could return to the Pokémon Center if the battle took too much out of her.

Another was a cyclist, cycling through the rain with a grin on his lips, who happily stopped when Claire got into his way.

[url=https://i.imgur.com/9KNDL6W.png][img]https://i.imgur.com/9KNDL6W.png[/img][/url]

[color=8880bf]‘You must be pretty hardcore to want to battle midst the rain! I like hardcore! Let’s do this!’[/color]

Cyclist Eric wants to battle!

[hider=Cyclist Pokémon][center][url=http://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/c/c3/519Pidove.png][img]http://i.imgur.com/URup6lm.png[/img][/url][/center]

[center][color=6ecff6][i]Pokédex Entry #519 – Pidove, the Tiny Pigeon Pokémon. They’re very accustomed to people and flock around cities and parks. They harbour no fear of people and can be very noisy. They’re very forgetful, and is one of few Pokémon that might not understand a trainer’s orders when given one.[/i][/color][/center]

Will mostly go with dodging attacks and Gusting, if it understands its trainer’s orders. Super Luck means it’s more likely to get Critical Hits!

[center][url=https://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/3/32/403Shinx.png][img]https://i.imgur.com/wE15E0B.png[/img][/url][/center]

[center][color=6ecff6][i]Pokédex Entry #403 – Shinx, the Flash Pokémon. When its muscles extend or contract, it generates electricity. When it senses danger, a Shinx will let the electricity run through it, causing it to glow. If threatened, it uses its muscles to flash a bright light to blind the predator while it flees.[/i][/color][/center]

Will Leer once and then Tackle the enemy. Rivalry means her attacks will be weaker against males and stronger against females!

[center][url=http://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/0/0e/543Venipede.png][img]http://i.imgur.com/4cnfsmQ.png[/img][/url][/center]

[center][color=6ecff6][i]Pokédex Entry #543 – Venipede, the Centipede Pokémon. It senses its surroundings using feelers on its head and tail through vibrations in the air. It is extremely aggressive, and its bite contains a powerful poison that can paralyze even large birds. [/i][/color][/center]

Will first Screech down an enemy’s Defense, then Rollout. Poison Point may poison on contact![/hider]

As the battles continue, lighting starts striking in the background (startling Jessica halfway to crying). All the lightning seem to strike at the same place, among the abandoned buildings.