Pumpkasaur's Perplexing Patch

[lilboocorsola]

Originally Posted by Sandaa

~~~Updates~~~

lilboocorsola: You head north from the maze’s entrance as the path quickly turns east and then north again. After a short walk, you come up on another split in the path…

~~~Locations~~~

Spooky Tree: (lilboocorsola)

As you enter the clearing, you are greeted by a rather sinister looking tree. Your options are East, West, or South back the way you came. It almost feels as if the tree is watching you, waiting to see your decision.

West once more.

[ChrisClark13]

Originally Posted by Sandaa

~~~Updates~~~

ChrisClark13: Deciding to tempt fate, you and your small army of Pokemon approach the well and toss in 1x TM Return, 1x Magical Party Popper, 1x TR Throat Chop, 1x TR Wild Charge, 1x Mysterious Gummi, 1x Skull Ball (Blue), and 1x Wereball. A dark cloud swirls within the well and an eerie wave of energy begins to emanate from it. A low moaning sound echoes from its depths, and you’re unsure whether that sound is some kind of wind or something more sinister. A putrid green cloud rises out of the well as the assortment of items didn’t seem to mix too well. The Pokemon run for cover as the cloud begins to circle the clearing, but Poochyena was caught in the mist. All of his fur begins to fall out, leaving him completely hairless as is suddenly filled with a sense of envy and desire. Poochyena now knows the Egg Move Covet. The well falls silent to its previous tranquil state. With little else to do here, your only option is to leave north, back the way you came.

Spoiler: show

~~~Locations~~~

Creepy Well: (ChrisClark13, Raves)

A small clearing at a dead end with an ancient and ominous looking well sitting in the middle. It looks really creepy, as if you’d expect a black-haired girl to climb out of it at any moment. A rotten, scratched out wooden sign is barely legible, but you’re able to read the words, “SACRIFICE”, “BLESSING”, and “POKEMON”. Dare you make an offering to the well or exit to the North?

A spooky cloud swirls within the well as it powers up! The entire pack plus Trainer stands back, morbidly curious as what's about to happen next!

There's a ominous low moan (groan?) from the well!

And then! And then... a putrid green cloud comes out that assaults the noses of everyone gathered.

"Oh gods!" Curtis exclaims, "I think we- I made it sick! Everyone, get back! GET BACK!" He stands his ground for a moment, but then runs as the cloud comes his way!

Benny runs away, diving into the hedges making up the maze for a moment as the cloud passes him by.

Sasha claws her way up onto Curtis's shoulder as her Trainer runs.

Alexander finds purchase on their Trainer as well- clinging to his leg.

Jin gets scooped up under one of Curtis's arms.

Helena smartly already made a run for it as soon as the cloud came out of the well.

Mika, who crept closer to the well when no one was paying attention to him earlier, tries to make a run for it too but he trips on his paws and falls to the ground!

Everyone watches in horror as the green cloud passes over him.

"Mika! Mika!" Curtis screams out, worried for the pup.

Eventually the cloud vanishes, leaving a disoriented and now completely hairless Poochyena in it's wake. The poor dog rises to his feet, only to start gagging which shortly leads to him throwing up.

Though considering how after that he immediately starts sniffing at the barf as if he's thinking about eating it again- he seems otherwise fine (aside from you know, the hair loss).

Curtis shakes the clingy Riolu off of his foot before running over and scooping up Mika. "No, Mika. No eating your own bark. That's disgusting." Curtis setsJin back on his shoulder so he can dig through his backpack, "Now com'on, let's get you wrapped up in a blanket before you get chilly..."

In short order the Pooch is swaddled up in one of the camping blankets Curtis brings along for his Pokemon.

"Let's get out of here yeah, let's not make the well any more angry at us..." Curtis mutters on the way out. The rest of the pack just silently follows, though Sasha takes a moment to sniff at the now hairless Mika who thankfully doesn't seem to have any of the cloud's stink sticking to him.

He spots another trainer that's showed up as making his way out and decides to spare a word of advice, "So um, don't throw in things that don't mix. You saw most of what just happened right? Right. Yeah..."

>Go North

[Pearl's Perap]

Originally Posted by Sandaa

~~~Updates~~~

Pearl’s Perap: You venture north from the discarded furniture, making a slight diversion east before heading north once more. You then make a u-turn south and head that direction for a short while until you come across another clearing.

~~~Locations~~~

Dilapidated Shed: (Pearl’s Perap)

A clearing with an old decrepit gardening shed. Most of the old gardening tools are in a pile outside of it, rusted over. Your options are South, East, or North.

Going to be retracing my steps South from the shed

[Missingno. Master]

Originally Posted by Sandaa

~~~Updates~~~

Missingno. Master: You head west from the pile of feathers, immediately turning south and heading that direction for a short while until you reach… a dead end. As you sit there and contemplate the Murkrow’s betrayal, you can hear some cawing laughing at you coming from the other side of the wall. Your only option is to turn back.

With one of the two paths ending in a dead end, then surely the other path was the way to go, right? It was the only way to continue following the Murkrow's directions, and surely the promise of another Sitrus Berry would be sufficient to ensure the Murkrow wouldn't steer them wrong, right?

Nope.

"...another dead end," sighed Keith.

"So Murkrow lied to us," frowned Willa. "I'm sorry, sweetie, but this was always a possibility," she added to Maribel.

"...I know," Maribel said quietly, stowing the second Sitrus Berry firmly back in her bag. "Well... Murkrow's not getting that other berry, then," she said.

"That was so mean of Murkrow," frowned Phantump. "Even when Maribel was so nice to it, even offered it more food if it didn't trick us, it still tricked us."

"Murkrow are known for getting people lost," stated Keith. "I'm not usually one to buy right into the worst stereotypes about Pokémon, but that thing's a perfect example of why the stereotype exists in the first place."

"Pumpka, Pumpkasaur," Autumn nodded in agreement.

"Come on," Maribel said, already starting to lead the way back. Once they returned to the feather-laden intersection, she led them South, back towards the Murkrow perch. Maribel sounded calm enough, but Keith and Willa knew their daughter well enough to know Murkrow wasn't necessarily gonna get off so easily. Indeed, there was a fire burning in her eyes- Maribel was not pleased, and already she was thinking about what to do to get back at that conniving crow.

And very soon, she got an idea. "Dad, can I see that expired Pokéblock you carry around?" she asked quietly.

Keith looked surprised. "Uh... sure, sweetie, but why?" he asked, digging the offending cube out of his backpack and handing it over.

Maribel gave a devious smile. "Follow my lead," she said. She said nothing more until they got closer to Murkrow, at which point she spoke up, just loud enough for Murkrow to overhear. "It's really a shame Murkrow tricked us like that," she said. "I was gonna surprise it with this Pokéblock along with that second Sitrus Berry. But, oh, well- it doesn't get it now."

"Oh- oh, that's a shame," Phantump said, catching on. "But good for us- that Pokéblock looks delicious. Like it's been made with the best berries it's possible to grow. In fact, since Murkrow doesn't get it, can I have it instead, Maribel?" he asked.

"Once we get out of this maze, sure, as long as nothing happens to it by then," Maribel replied.

"Oh, I would hate that," Phantump shook his head. "I'm really looking forward to it."

As this went on, Keith made a valiant effort to not grin and laugh- he saw what Maribel was doing, and he for one was very interested to see if Murkrow would take the bait- Maribel was carrying the Pokéblock in her hand and not keeping a tight grip on it at all- Murkrow would definitely see an opportunity to swipe it, which was exactly what Maribel was counting on.

[Zorchic]

Originally Posted by Sandaa

~~~Updates~~~

Zorchic: You head south from the defaced statue and head in that direction for a short ways until the path makes an abrupt u-turn and heads north for quite some distance. The trail then makes a quick east then west diversion before turning back north into another clearing…

~~~Locations~~~

The Perch: (Maskerade, Zorchic)

A lone Murkrow sits on an old manmade perch in the middle of a clearing. Your options are East, West, or South back the way you came. “EAST,” the bird squawks as it gazes down at you.

After a few twists and turns, Jake and his Pokémon made their way to a intersection with west and east as options. In the middle was a Murkrow perched calmly on a wooden bar. "EAST," it cawed.

Jake narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "Murkrow are known for getting people lost," he recalled. "if you're lying, Murkrow, I swear..." The Aura Guardian crossed his arms.

"You jealous of us Trainer-owned Pokémon, of my cool blue plumage?" Staravia cawed to the Murkrow in a no-nonsense tone. "Well, I'm sorry, if you're going to fool us with your 'east', you certainly won't gain any respect."

Buizel piped up with an idea. "Might it be a good idea to aura-scan—" The Sea Weasel Pokémon stopped talking and resorted completely to silent aura-driven communication— for any nefarious plans?

In progress right now, Lucario responded with telepathy so that Murkrow couldn't "hear". The Aura Pokémon's four head appendages rose and he emanated a faint blue glow as he searched the Darkness Pokémon's aura for dastardly deeds. After a few seconds, the glow faded. This Murkrow was, ahem, bribed into giving the correct way out of the maze just a few minutes ago, explained Lucario. It ate one Sitrus Berry and was promised another one if it cawed the right direction. Unfortunately for the maze goers, Murkrow decided one Sitrus Berry was enough, and pointed them in the wrong direction—east.

"Ha, there goes any chance of us listening to you, you selfish brat," Jake snapped angrily at the Dark/Flying-type, having "heard" Lucario's analysis. Much like Lucario, Jake hated these kinds of tricksters who defied others purely for amusement. He didn't understand why they would do such things; he just didn't. Why amuse yourself when doing so would leave you with a sense of guilt, tricking some perfectly innocent and trusting people and/or Pokémon, with no reason not to repay their kindness? It was vile, evil, and completely dishonorable. Not that Dark-type Pokémon cared about honor, but still. It was an extremely spiteful and senseless act—you get the idea by now, surely? We're not here to listen to me ramble about the wrongness of Murkrow's deed, we're here to record the adventure of the maze goers in the Maze of Shrubbery.

Ahem. Anyway, Jake gave one last glare with all he could muster at the Murkrow, before marching silently towards the west path, the only sounds in the intersection coming from the stomping of his shoes. He waved his Pokémon along, who made sure to keep watch for any other sneaky things and any intersections, also heightening their aura senses if applicable.

(This post's roleplay I especially enjoyed writing, even getting to vent a bit.)

[Connor]

Mentally grumbling to himself, Sweeney decides to take option 2.

[Raves]

Originally Posted by Sandaa

~~~Updates~~~

Raves: You press onward, ignoring the uneasy feeling in your stomach. The trail spirals from north to south, leading you into a clearing with a dead end, but something ominous rests in the middle…

~~~Locations~~~

Creepy Well: (ChrisClark13, Raves)

A small clearing at a dead end with an ancient and ominous looking well sitting in the middle. It looks really creepy, as if you’d expect a black-haired girl to climb out of it at any moment. A rotten, scratched out wooden sign is barely legible, but you’re able to read the words, “SACRIFICE”, “BLESSING”, and “POKEMON”. Dare you make an offering to the well or exit to the North?

The trio's wandering through the maze had brought them to a tree, then to a statue of an armoured figure, and now the group had just emerged from a thicket of miasma into a clearing when some crazed person in a fox suit carrying a shellshocked canine in a bundle barreled past them, raving about some sort of curse and not to throw in things that don't mix. To an ordinary human, they would have taken the hint and left it alone, turning back.

However, the trainer hadn't came to realise that the Swampert, Abomasnow and Buneary were on their own, and indeed were approaching the well at a quickened pace. All the trio heard was the words "well" and "throw stuff in" and that was enough to garner their attention. On reaching said creepy well, the Swampert lumbered over to it and peered into its depths, scrutinising said abyss. Mistilteinn meanwhile had noticed the odd looking sign, and was attempting to make heads or tails of it, while the Buneary brightened up at the sight of "blessing" and "pokemon."

With a hop, Kris bounded over to the Swampert and began to chatter excitedly as the walking tree simply stood back, and on realising what the fools were up to simply shrugged and pulled out a satchel of supples and trinkets. Taking a step back, the water and normal types began to fish in the satchel, pulling out numerous objects. The Buneary slapped on a pair of safety goggles, while the Swampert pulled out two escape ropes (2 of 10) and with one of them began to tie and wrap it around some other trinkets: a clutch of gleaming eggs, one silver, three of them golden, while the other wasn't an egg but merely an egg-shaped capsule containing some shoal salt from a faroff locale. The other rope was firmly tied to the Buneary, who grinned as she held two items in her paws: a ball with a pumpkin appearance and a rare black rose in a bell jar, capable of imbuing magical properties. The pair felt that this was an ideal offering, but they had different plans.

Tying the egg garland to the rope that Kris was attached to, the Swampert took a solid hold of the Buneary's rope as she stood on the edge of the well, and as the Mud Fish hunkered down, the rabbit gave the skeptical Abomasnow a knowing nod before promptly hopping into the well with the goodies to have a good look around down there. In the event something went south, Mjolnir would promptly haul on that rope and pull her out.

[Sandaa]

~~~Updates~~~

Emi: You kneel at the statue but nothing happens.


TheKnightsFury: You head west from the crowned statue for a short ways with no twists or turns. You spot an old broken pillar up ahead, and as you approach it, you hear some rustling in the hedges. “Garrr,” you hear something whisper as you round a corner, heading north then east then north then east again as you make some jagged turns. You walk straight for a short distance and then turn north for a short while before arriving at another clearing…


Pearl’s Perap: You head south from the dilapidated shed for a short distance before turning west. Soon enough, you arrive at another clearing…


lilboocorsola: You head west from the spooky tree in what appears to be a very short walk before coming across another clearing…


ChrisClark13: Deciding to not tempt fate with the well demon anymore, you leave the creepy clearing at its northern exit. It’s a bit of a walk as you loop back and forth down the trails you came, but eventually you arrive back at the armored statue once more.


Zorchic, Maskerade: You head down the western path from the Murkrow’s perch. You turn north and then west again, walking in that direction for quite some time before making a u-turn east for an equal distance. You turn north, then east again, then u-turn west and move in that direction until you become completely disoriented which direction you’re actually facing. Your vision blurs and as you spin around you can only make out three options; the first, the second, and the third, each one looking the same.


Connor: Completely disoriented, you pick a random option. As you’re about to start walking, something taps on your shoulder and you turn around to find nothing there. However, the distraction was able to make you completely lose your bearings once again. You head down one pathway, unsure if this was the one you originally wanted to go down or not…


Connor: Walking down the pathway, you immediately make a sharp turn before heading straight for a short ways. Up ahead you see an archway leading to a clearing… it can’t be… the Maze’s Entrance? No way, do you move closer to find out?


Missingno. Master: With no other options, you turn back from the dead end, making your way north back up to the pile of feathers. As you walk, you can’t help but get this sinking feeling that you’re being watched, but from where, you have no clue. Back at the pile of feathers, your options are east, and south back towards the perch.


myahoo, King Ghidorah: As you passed by the fountain and made your way towards an exit, a small pair of tentacles rose out of the water. Whatever they belonged to rapidly shot out of the fountain and a blur of disorienting lights muddled your head as things became Topsy-Turvy. Without realizing it, you began to embark down a different path instead…


myahoo: Confused as to how you ended up going this way, you embarked down the western path, which was an abrupt northern turn and an immediate dead end. You head back into the fountain area, frustrated as a shrill laugh bubbled out of the depths of the murky water.


King Ghidorah: Confused as to how you ended up going this way, you walk down the trail south of the fountain. It is a straight shot for the most part, with a short bend to the east followed by an immediate corner to the west, and then resumes its north-south track. At the end of the trail you find yourself in a familiar clearing…


Raves: Ignoring all warnings whatsoever, you and your Pokemon approach the well and toss in 1x Silver Egg, 3x Gold Eggs, 1x Shoal Salt, 1x Pumpkin Ball, 1x Magical Black Glass Rose, 2x Escape Ropes, 1x Safety Goggles, and 1x lv.15 female Buneary. A dark cloud swirls within the well and an eerie wave of energy begins to emanate from it. An eardrum-blasting scream pierces through the air for a few seconds as an eruption of black mist billows out of the well. As the commotion finally subsides, you pull on the rope attached to Buneary, but the rope has been severed. You look around for Buneary, but it is nowhere to be found. Where it could be is anyone’s guess, but it’s certainly not here. With little else to do here, your only option is to leave north, back the way you came.

~~~Locations~~~

Armored Statue: (lilboocorsola, King Ghidorah, ChrisClark13)

You come across a rather large clearing that is highlighted by a prominent statue in the middle of a soldier with a shield in one hand and a sword in the other. Your options are South, West, North, North East, or East in the direction of the spooky tree. The sword seems to be pointing towards the east…

Fountain: (myahoo)

A rather unremarkable clearing that’s sole feature is an old fountain. The water jets have long since ceased their functioning, but the basin is still filled with a murky water. Your options are North, East, West, or South.

Defaced Statue: (Emp, TheKnightsFury)

A dirty and dingy clearing that looks like it’s seen better days. There’s an old bust of a man smashed into several pieces on the ground, unrecognizable as it’s been vandalized and scribbled over with a marker. Your options are North back towards the fountain, South, South West, West, or North West.

Crown Statue: (Emi, Pearl’s Perap)

A small clearing that’s only feature is a small regal-looking statue of a pointed crown. Your options are West, East, or South.

Creepy Well: (Raves)

A small clearing at a dead end with an ancient and ominous looking well sitting in the middle. It looks really creepy, as if you’d expect a black-haired girl to climb out of it at any moment. A rotten, scratched out wooden sign is barely legible, but you’re able to read the words, “SACRIFICE”, “BLESSING”, and “POKEMON”. Dare you make an offering to the well or exit to the North?

[Princess Ana]

Originally Posted by Sandaa

~~~Updates~~~

Emi: You kneel at the statue but nothing happens.

~~~Locations~~~

Crown Statue: (Emi, Pearl’s Perap)

A small clearing that’s only feature is a small regal-looking statue of a pointed crown. Your options are West, East, or South.

>Head West

[Connor]

At this point the entrance would be merciful. Sweeney decides to push on, whatever his fate may be.

[King Ghidorah]

Take the damn shield.

[Missingno. Master]

Originally Posted by Sandaa

~~~Updates~~~

Missingno. Master: With no other options, you turn back from the dead end, making your way north back up to the pile of feathers. As you walk, you can’t help but get this sinking feeling that you’re being watched, but from where, you have no clue. Back at the pile of feathers, your options are east, and south back towards the perch.

The family turned South to head back to the perch. This was decided upon the moment they reached the second consecutive dead end, for what other way was there even to go? Back down the first dead end? Maybe walking back and forth along the path they were on, going between the feather-flecked intersection and the dead end? Digging underground somehow? Trying to climb the walls? Somehow, nobody present seemed especially convinced that such things would work.

The plan, however, did not remain the same. Maribel might not have liked Murkrow's antics, but after taking a minute to think about it, she gave a small sigh and returned the expired Passion Pokéblock to her dad, who returned it to its usual spot in his bag. Maribel decided against trying to exact revenge on the Murkrow- there was no telling how much things could escalate from there, and she didn't want to be the one to be responsible for Murkrow doing something even worse than giving misleading directions. Keith and Willa smiled at each other- Maribel was making the mature, responsible decision here, and they were both proud of their daughter for it. Even Phantump gave a small smile, silently agreeing that this was probably the better idea.

Autumn silently surveyed her surroundings as she walked with the others. Exactly what the Pumpkasaur was thinking as she did this was unclear, but it was clear that she'd long since stopped trying to take the lead here. If she had once known this maze like the back of her pumpkin, that didn't seem to be the case anymore.

[Zorchic]

Originally Posted by Sandaa

~~~Updates~~~

Zorchic, Maskerade: You head down the western path from the Murkrow’s perch. You turn north and then west again, walking in that direction for quite some time before making a u-turn east for an equal distance. You turn north, then east again, then u-turn west and move in that direction until you become completely disoriented which direction you’re actually facing. Your vision blurs and as you spin around you can only make out three options; the first, the second, and the third, each one looking the same.

The first option we'll be going down, whether or not the exit'll be found~

[sixdragons_in_atrenchcoat]

Originally Posted by Sandaa

~~~Updates~~~

sixdragons: You head south from the crowned statue, turning west and travelling in that direction for quite some time. The trail then makes a u-turn east and goes in that direction for even longer until you turn north into a dead end. Just as you’re about to turn back, a yellow clawed hand rests on you and your Pokemon’s shoulders and before you know it, everything goes white for a moment…


sixdragons: Your vision clears as you stand in another dead end, but this one is definitely different from where you were before. That being said, your only exit is to the north…

Wurmple felt the aura approaching him again, and shut down his mental connection. His eyes stuttered blue and back to yellow, but he was not experienced enough in the mental realm and the aura whisked his barrier away easily. He resigned himself as he was transported again.

Cy was not nearly as surprised this time to find Wurmple blip off his shoulder. The hand curled claws around his shoulder again, and he shot it a nasty glare before everything went white. He growled as he came to, seeing that Wurmple was still awake this time. Wurmple wobbled on his feet, but the headache was fading already. Cy set him back on his shoulder and gave the hedges around them a scathing look. "I am getting sick of this stupid maze. Screw you, maze, I'm not following your rules!" Wurmple glanced up at his Trainer amusedly. You are quite a bit like your brother when frustrated, my Trainer. he mused to himself. Cy patted Wurmple and set his jaw grimly. "Hold on to me, Wurmple. We're going to get somewhere, whether this maze likes it or not." Wurmple dug his tiny claws into Cy's jacket and sent a few mental lines out through the maze, searching for any threats. Cy spun on his heel to face the hedge behind them, and ran straight at it, diving through the leaves and vines. Wurmple braced himself as branches scraped past them and darkness enfolded all around...

If the only option is North, then we'll make some options. Going South into the maze.

[Raves]

Originally Posted by Sandaa

~~~Updates~~~

Raves: Ignoring all warnings whatsoever, you and your Pokemon approach the well and toss in 1x Silver Egg, 3x Gold Eggs, 1x Shoal Salt, 1x Pumpkin Ball, 1x Magical Black Glass Rose, 2x Escape Ropes, 1x Safety Goggles, and 1x lv.15 female Buneary. A dark cloud swirls within the well and an eerie wave of energy begins to emanate from it. An eardrum-blasting scream pierces through the air for a few seconds as an eruption of black mist billows out of the well. As the commotion finally subsides, you pull on the rope attached to Buneary, but the rope has been severed. You look around for Buneary, but it is nowhere to be found. Where it could be is anyone’s guess, but it’s certainly not here. With little else to do here, your only option is to leave north, back the way you came.

~~~Locations~~~

Creepy Well: (Raves)

A small clearing at a dead end with an ancient and ominous looking well sitting in the middle. It looks really creepy, as if you’d expect a black-haired girl to climb out of it at any moment. A rotten, scratched out wooden sign is barely legible, but you’re able to read the words, “SACRIFICE”, “BLESSING”, and “POKEMON”. Dare you make an offering to the well or exit to the North?

To absolutely no surprise, things went immediately awry the instant Kris hopped into the well, and as black smoke began to plume out of the eerie structure, a mighty shriek escaped the well as Mjolnir held braced onto the rope, waiting for the signal from the Buneary to pull...and after a few seconds, the Swampert gritted his teeth and pulled.

The rope had been severed.

Very quickly the Abomasnow shook his head in disappointment as the mud fish looked around the well, then in the well, but no sign of their companion could be seen. A brief moment passed by before the Swampert looked at Mist, and the pair shrugged. Nothing more doing here, and what was one more missing pokemon to a group whose trainer had vanished months ago? If asked, they could always argue that the bunny had gotten lost in the maze.

With little else to do, and no idea whether Kris was around or not, the pair merely went to head north back to where they came from, and hoped that the Buneary would eventually climb her way out of the well. It was her dumb idea, she could get herself out of this mess.

[TheKnightsFury]

Head South

[myahoo]

Originally Posted by Sandaa

~~~Updates~~~

myahoo, King Ghidorah: As you passed by the fountain and made your way towards an exit, a small pair of tentacles rose out of the water. Whatever they belonged to rapidly shot out of the fountain and a blur of disorienting lights muddled your head as things became Topsy-Turvy. Without realizing it, you began to embark down a different path instead…


myahoo: Confused as to how you ended up going this way, you embarked down the western path, which was an abrupt northern turn and an immediate dead end. You head back into the fountain area, frustrated as a shrill laugh bubbled out of the depths of the murky water.

~~~Locations~~~

Fountain: (myahoo)

A rather unremarkable clearing that’s sole feature is an old fountain. The water jets have long since ceased their functioning, but the basin is still filled with a murky water. Your options are North, East, West, or South.

...well, that's annoying. And, unfortunately, neither Wildfire or Spirit have Shockwave and I don't really wanna try to break the fountain, so...I guess we're trying to go East again.

[Maskerade]

A sudden migraine assaults Ray, clouding his vision and his judgment. His only power of choice seems reduced to an arbitrary decision between three identical roads. Try as he might, he cannot sharpen his senses to make any sort of informed decision. For someone who prides himself of being a trickster in his own right, it's positively infuriating, but some part of him feels, for some reason, that he should be thankful for being here. Unquestionably, he was at the mercy of the Maze, not the other way around. The faster he accepted that, and adapted to its rules, the faster he'd make it out. Hopefully.

"Zoroark... you take this one."

The black fox seems equally lost, but it seems to sense its Trainer's faltering strength. Trying its best to sound reassuring, it points forward.

"... Path 2 it is."

[Ironthunder]

Originally Posted by Sandaa

~~~Updates~~~

Ironthunder: You turn back the way you just came, arriving at the dead end once more. Your only option is to go east from here. A cheeky laugh echoes from within the hedges two times before falling silent.

Unnerved by the cackling, Liawe backed away from the dead-end slowly. This couldn't be... How did she end up back here? Was this the maze's revenge for Hope's assault on the beast in the fountain? Was this another twisted part of its sick designs? The armies of paranoia marched behind her eyes as she frantically looked around, the walls seemingly closing in on her as whispers of deceit and destruction echoed in her mind. Her mind slipped into a frenzied panic, as she ran from the dead end, the haunting whispers echoing in her shattered mind with every ringing step, hallucinations of laughter ringing in her ears.

[Pearl's Perap]

Originally Posted by Sandaa

~~~Updates~~~

Pearl’s Perap: You head south from the dilapidated shed for a short distance before turning west. Soon enough, you arrive at another clearing…

~~~Locations~~~

Crown Statue: (Emi, Pearl’s Perap)

A small clearing that’s only feature is a small regal-looking statue of a pointed crown. Your options are West, East, or South.

Going to take a moment to examine the clearing for anything that could be a clue, paying particular attention to the statue itself

[lilboocorsola]

Originally Posted by Sandaa

~~~Updates~~~

lilboocorsola: You head west from the spooky tree in what appears to be a very short walk before coming across another clearing…

~~~Locations~~~

Armored Statue: (lilboocorsola, King Ghidorah, ChrisClark13)

You come across a rather large clearing that is highlighted by a prominent statue in the middle of a soldier with a shield in one hand and a sword in the other. Your options are South, West, North, North East, or East in the direction of the spooky tree. The sword seems to be pointing towards the east…

*whilst Jess and try to figure out which way to go next, and - upon seeing another trainer messing with the shield - attempt to steal borrow the sword as well*

[ChrisClark13]

>Go South

rp maybe later

[Emp]

Heading South

[Sandaa]

~~~Updates~~~

TheKnightsFury, Emp: You head south from the defaced statue and head in that direction for a short ways until the path makes an abrupt u-turn and heads north for quite some distance. The trail then makes a quick east then west diversion before turning back north into another clearing…


Emi: You head west from the crowned statue for a short ways with no twists or turns. You spot an old broken pillar up ahead, and as you approach it, you hear some rustling in the hedges. “Garrr,” you hear something whisper as you round a corner, heading north then east then north then east again as you make some jagged turns. You walk straight for a short distance and then turn north for a short while before arriving at another clearing…


Pearl’s Perap: You examine the crown statue, taking in its ancient stone features that are covered in moss, but there is nothing too unique about it.


Ironthunder: You head east from the dead end that you had been dragged into, and a short walk later you turn north to arrive at a small clearing.


King Ghidorah, lilboocorsola: You approach the armored statue and attempt to steal both the sword and the shield, but find yourself instantly repelled as the shield raises up and knocks you on your rear as it takes a defensive stance. You can feel some of the strength leave your body as you struggle to get back to your feet. The seemingly sentient armor does not seem happy about the turn in events as it then lowers its shield and raises its sword to take an aggressive stance. It would be best to get out of there before it physically removed you from the area.


ChrisClark13: You head south from the armored statue, and the trail almost immediately turns east. After a short while of walking, the path makes a u-turn and points west for a short while. The trail then turns north again and them immediately u-turns south. As you make your way through the maze you begin to wonder if you’ve gone down a path where you might never be found again. The trail turns east and immediately u-turns west before turning north for another long stretch of eventless adventure. The trail then u-turns south, then east, then south again, and you come across… a dead end. All of that walking for nothing. Just as you’re about to turn back, a yellow clawed hand rests on you and your Pokemon’s shoulders and before you know it, everything goes white for a moment…


sixdragons: You ignore the only possible pathway and run headfirst into a wall of hedges, getting scratched up by branches and a mouthful of leaves. You fall back on your rear, and while you sit there and contemplate your decision making, a yellow clawed hand rests on you and your Pokemon’s shoulders and before you know it, everything goes white for a moment…


ChrisClark13, sixdragons: Your vision clears as you stand in another dead end, but this one is definitely different from where you were before. That being said, your only exit is to the south…


Connor: Unsure if you’re at the entrance or exit or wherever, you press onward towards the passageway. However, as you are about to cross the threshold, you bounce off of something hard and leafy, falling on your rear. Your vision begins to clear and you realize that you’ve actually been in a dead end all along. No choice but to turn back.


Zorchic: Walking down the pathway, you immediately make a sharp turn before heading straight for a short ways. Up ahead you see an archway leading to a clearing… it can’t be… the Maze’s Entrance? No way, do you move closer to find out?


Maskerade: You choose one of the pathways and immediately make a sharp turn and approach a clearing with an archway… it can’t be… the Maze’s Entrance? No way, do you move closer to find out?


Missingno. Master: It was a short walk south before an abrupt turn west to arrive back at the perch. Murkrow stares down at you and smirks.


myahoo: As you passed by the fountain and made your way towards an exit, a small pair of tentacles rose out of the water. Whatever they belonged to rapidly shot out of the fountain and a blur of disorienting lights muddled your head as things became Topsy-Turvy. Without realizing it, you began to embark down a different path instead…


myahoo: Confused as to how you ended up going this way, you embarked down the eastern path, walking forward for a short distance before the trail quickly turns north and then east once more. After another short distance, the trail turns jagged, going from south to east to south to east and then south once more. Soon enough, you arrive at another clearing…


Raves: Deciding to not tempt fate with the well demon anymore, you leave the creepy clearing at its northern exit. It’s a bit of a walk as you loop back and forth down the trails you came, but eventually you arrive back at the armored statue once more.

~~~Locations~~~

Armored Statue: (lilboocorsola, King Ghidorah, Raves)

You come across a rather large clearing that is highlighted by a prominent statue in the middle of a soldier with a shield in one hand and a sword in the other. Your options are South, West, North, North East, or East in the direction of the spooky tree. The statue seems to be taking an aggressive stance…

Defaced Statue: (myahoo, Emi)

A dirty and dingy clearing that looks like it’s seen better days. There’s an old bust of a man smashed into several pieces on the ground, unrecognizable as it’s been vandalized and scribbled over with a marker. Your options are North back towards the fountain, South, South West, West, or North West.

Crown Statue: (Pearl’s Perap)

A small clearing that’s only feature is a small regal-looking statue of a pointed crown. Your options are West, East, or South.

Discarded Furniture: (Ironthunder)

A small resting area littered with some discarded garden furniture. There is a rusty bench next to an old table that has a leg that looks like it’s about to fall off if you feel like taking a rest. Your options are West, North, or South.

The Perch: (Emp, TheKnightsFury, Missingno. Master)

A lone Murkrow sits on an old manmade perch in the middle of a clearing. Your options are East, West, or South back the way you came. “EAST,” the bird squawks as it gazes down at you.

[Princess Ana]

Originally Posted by Sandaa

~~~Updates~~~

Emi: You head west from the crowned statue for a short ways with no twists or turns. You spot an old broken pillar up ahead, and as you approach it, you hear some rustling in the hedges. “Garrr,” you hear something whisper as you round a corner, heading north then east then north then east again as you make some jagged turns. You walk straight for a short distance and then turn north for a short while before arriving at another clearing…

~~~Locations~~~

Defaced Statue: (myahoo, Emi)

A dirty and dingy clearing that looks like it’s seen better days. There’s an old bust of a man smashed into several pieces on the ground, unrecognizable as it’s been vandalized and scribbled over with a marker. Your options are North back towards the fountain, South, South West, West, or North West.

>Move North