Orasha's Rock Monotype! (Episode 16 Complete)

[Orasha]

On 7/20/2017 at 3:18 PM, RedAlert said:

Life first, my friend. Besides, you've been doing so well so far! I'm curious as to how you'll handle Kiki (but by that time you'll probably build up a resistance team). Lord Root has been great! And so have the other lords, of course

Kiki is going to be... interesting. I thiiiiink only about half of her Pokemon know fighting moves, though. Not really sure how I'm going to handle some of them  

[Orasha]

Chapter 5: Rocks Slide, Everyone Dies

Maybe I should save that one for later... oh well! 

 

Corey does what he always does, and Fern proves himself to be a supreme jackass. Grass types. You can never trust them. Except for Florinia, she's alright. I help out the police officers and my egg is!!!

Spoiler

I'm 99% sure that's a Larvesta. I've always wanted to try out Volcarona, but that's not something I can do this run. Instead, I generate myself a Rhyhorn, and like all other generated pokemon, he's a Shiny. After plenty of grinding, I'm proud to introduce a new member of our team, the strong, the powerful, RHINO KNIGHT. 

Rock/Ground is pretty good, and Rhyperior is an amazing Pokemon, especially for Rock teams. Rhino Knight is definitely going in rotation. 

 

With nowhere else to go, we slide over to the Lapis Ward to investigate the bombing of the staircase, and also to see... his body. There's a lot of gang activity up here, and I decide to join Aqua Gang. Sure, Water is one of the Five Fingers of the Enemy, but I'd prefer them to be on my side then to constantly have to face a type I'm weak to. 

 

I run into Victoria and the Lapis Ward leader, Shelly, over by Corey's...well... you know... what's left of him. Ground is super-effective to poison, after all  After some Meteor grunts spill the beans about who bombed the stairway, a spooky ghost appears! 

Apparently he's another gym leader. What a strange place this is... if only his spirit could know peace... Whatever it is, Shade takes Corey away, like he never existed in the first place, and Victoria and Shelly head into the gym to discuss things. Shelly is pretty freaked out, almost as much as I am, but Victoria and I need to forge ahead and stop Team Meteor. I head under the Grand Staircase, and into paradise. 

 

The caverns are...amazing. Crystals are everywhere! And maybe there will actually be more Rock Pokemon! I was so preoccupied with the cave's beauty that I almost didn't notice Aster and Eclipse capture Victoria.

*Sigh* Looks like we'll have to rescue her. But before that, I decide to catch myself a Geodude, and it takes a few tries to get one with Sturdy. After taking some time out of my day to train him up (I'm sure Victoria will be fine), I present the newest member of the team:

Spoiler

Another solid rock/ground type, the Boulder is also a professional wrestler. He's also arguably a better Stealth Rock setter then Onix, and certainly is once he evolves into Golem. 

I take some time out to admire the beauty of nature. After some training, this happens:

Spoiler

Lord Skull gets a crown, and a massive attack stat. Its a pity his other stats are all garbage, though. He's the definition of glass cannon. 

Bastiodon is a fantastic wall, though his stats are a bit deceiving since HP is so low. 

Some more cavern exploration leads me to some sort of constructed area, with polished floors and walls that glow with an otherworldly light. Of course, man would have to ruin the sanctity of the cave and build something here. Typical. Down there is a strange man, who tells us about Four Keys and a door to open them this totally isn't important. 

Are you sure? The gods I carry with me are apprehensive, and Lord Helix refuses to answer my questions about the place. Something has them spooked.. I wonder what it could be? The man departs, leaving me to confront Aster and Eclipse once again. At least Victoria helps out

 

VS ASTER AND ECLIPSE

Spoiler

I apparently didn't write down a summary of what happened. Aaaaa. Still, managed to beat them on the first try. I must have been in a hurry or something :/ 

Calm down, you were slated to lose to me anyway  

After getting out of the cave (just wait until I can use Rock Smash, then I'll be back), I follow Victoria to Shelly's gym again. Rather than show us any appreciation, she gives us an errand to run

Literally only doing this for Shelly, Victoria. 

The orphanage/doctor's office isn't a nice place, and the gut doktor tests our skills. Well, he would, except he sends out this dweeb instead: 

Spoiler

Orderly John is the true antagonist of this game. 

After proving my worth, Sigmund sends me home anyway. What a dick. Anna pushes us out, giving us advice to give to Shelly, and we head back. Why do I feel like I'm always the errand-person? 

 

Anna's advice cheers Shelly up and she's fine with battling, but Victoria is basically an antagonist at this point (at least in the literary use of the term, where the protagonist is someone who pushes the plot forward, and an antagonist is there to attempt to prevent them from doing that and cause conflict). It's rather fitting, considering she specializes in one of our Enemy types...

My team: 

Spoiler

VS VICTORIA 

Spoiler

Lord Claw brings the Fury and gets a critical, but is OHKOed by High Jump Kick. Bugger. I switch in Mimic Knight, who tanks a Brick Break and KOs with Low Kick. Victoria sends out Pignite. 

The firey pig scores four blows with Arm Thrust, KOing Sudowoodo. I'm a little desperate, so I send out Lord Helix. 

Pignite hits three times with Arm Thrust, but Lord Helix survives with 2 HP! A Briney blast takes Pignite to critical HP. Victoria uses her Super Potion, but its useless, since another Brine KOs. She sends out Kirlia. I bring out Lord Skull, who eats a Magical Leaf on the switch. His Assurance brings Kirlia to critical HP, while the fairy boosts with Calm mind. 

Victoria uses another Super Potion, and Assurance KOs (I'm assuming a healing item or switch also doubles Assurance's power? However, I think Kirlia traced Lord Helix's Weak Armor and was at -1 defense, so who knows). Hariyama comes out. 

Hariyama is a big ol tank, and I'm pretty worried. I pray that Lord Skull is faster, and use Endeavor, which takes Hariyama to 56 HP! The sumo takes Lord Skull out, but it was worth it. 

Lord Root is slower, but Force Palm isn't a KO. Hariyama gets confused, and hurts itself, allowing Lord Root to take him out with a Giga Drain. 

Do you have rocks in your head? Lemme get the badge! 

 

(Honestly not as annoying as our previous encounters, since I beat her on my first try this time)

One puzzle later, and we're ready to face Shelly, the master of bugs. She's almost as punny as I am: 

Spoiler

My team: 

Spoiler

 

VS SHELLY

Spoiler

Illumise uses Rain Dance flawlessly thanks to Prankster, while Lord Claw's speed, made even greater by Swift Swim, allows him to Smack masquerain Down, OHKOing him. That's one threat down. The Boulder sets Stealth Rocks, and Shelly sends out Wormadam.

 

Illumise hits Lord Claw with Confuse Ray thanks to Prankster, causing the Lord to hurt himself. The Boulder gets revenge for this by KOing Illumise with 4 blasts of rock. Wormadam almost revenge kills the Boulder with a field-boosted Giga Drain, but he hangs out with Sturdy. Shelly sends out Anorith for a slight mirror match.

 

Anorith takes the Boulder out before he can even move with Aqua Jet. You will be missed. Lord Claw continues to hurt himself, allowing Wormadam to take him to critical HP with another Giga Drain. I send out Lord Dome to get revenge. 

 

Lord Dome OHKOs Anorith with Aqua Jet, while Lord Claw KOs himself. Wow, you had three whole turns of being completely useless. Wormadam hits Lord Dome with Mirror Shot, bringing him to about half HP. Shelly sends out Yanmega, who is heavily damaged by Stealth Rocks, and I bring out Mimic Knight, master of type coverage. 

 

Lord Dome is probably going to go down this turn, so he uses Aqua Jet on Yanmega in an attempt to KO. Unfortunately, it only takes the dragonfly to critical HP, and Heather takes out Lord Dome with Giga Drain. Wormadam's Giga Drain deals a heavy blow to Mimic Knight, but she hits with Rock Slide, KOing Heather and doing good damage to Wormadam. I send out ShieldBearer, and Shelly brings out her Ace: Bugsy the Volbeat. 

 

Shelly uses an Ultra Potion on Wormadam while Bugsy boosts with Tail Glow, which allows ShieldBearer to hit with a critical Ancient Power, bringing Bugsy to low HP. 

Mimic Knight finishes off the Volbeat with Rock Slide, and does more damage to Wormadam. All alone, Wormadam is taken out by Ancient Power and Rock Slide, though she does almost KO Mimic Knight with a Mirror Shot. Too little too late, though. 

 

Don't dash your hopes on the rocks now! You became a gym leader at age 12! 

 

(Managed to defeat her on my first try too. I was expecting a little more trouble, since half of her team knew Super-Effective moves. It was very fortunate that Mimic Knight learned Rock Slide, and didn't miss, since it allowed me to KO some dangerous Pokemon who would have probably swept me if she healed them. All in all, a nice, fun battle) 

 

Alright, that's all for now! 

[Yagami]

Good gym battle.The shiny pokemons look so cool.

[St0mpa]

3 hours ago, Orasha said:

(Managed to defeat her on my first try too. I was expecting a little more trouble, since half of her team knew Super-Effective moves. It was very fortunate that Mimic Knight learned Rock Slide, and didn't miss, since it allowed me to KO some dangerous Pokemon who would have probably swept me if she healed them. All in all, a nice, fun battle)

At least someone had fun with Shelly I'm not going to.

[Jess]

On 7/15/2017 at 3:30 AM, Orasha said:

(I beat Florinia on my first try. So far the difficulty for this run hasn't been what I expected... like both PULSEgrowth and Florinia were way easier, but guys like Cain sweep my whole team. This is an interesting experience). 

I've experienced that in my Poison monotype too! 

Fern's Roserade? Orderly John? Victoria's Kirlia? They destroyed me.

 

Gym Leaders? They were all down in 2 tries tops! With the exception of Charlotte, who decided to burn my dreams and hopes to a crisp, before giving me the Badge...

 

On 7/16/2017 at 6:07 PM, Orasha said:

Nidorina knows Double Kick, and, if you remember how much of a hassle Cain was, has the possibility of really destroying me as well.

Pun intended for Nidorina's Hustle ability?  

 

And wow, Swagger came in handy vs Crobat! I've never really used it, mostly because the whole "swag" puns irritate me... But it IS an irritating mve to use and it really helps to check Special Attackers! 

Good job @Orasha  

Keep going!

[St0mpa]

2 hours ago, St0mpa said:

At least someone had fun with Shelly I'm not going to.

OK its done it was laughable.

[Orasha]

On 7/23/2017 at 9:43 AM, Jess said:

I've experienced that in my Poison monotype too! 

Fern's Roserade? Orderly John? Victoria's Kirlia? They destroyed me.

 

Gym Leaders? They were all down in 2 tries tops! With the exception of Charlotte, who decided to burn my dreams and hopes to a crisp, before giving me the Badge...

 

Pun intended for Nidorina's Hustle ability?  

 

And wow, Swagger came in handy vs Crobat! I've never really used it, mostly because the whole "swag" puns irritate me... But it IS an irritating mve to use and it really helps to check Special Attackers! 

Good job @Orasha  

Keep going!

Fern's Roserade is an absolute terror at this point in the game, its stats are just so high compared to anything else you can get at that point. And just like you, Gym Leaders have been fairly easy, though I expect that to change soon. 

 

Swagger is great, especially against Special Attackers, though I don't really understand why it was named that  

Thanks! 

[Orasha]

Chapter 6: I Will Trebuchet This Chandelure INTO THE SUN

That's not even a pun, I'm just bitter

 

Shelly tells me to report Corey's death, which is a little weird. Like, isn't there a news service? Surely the police would let her know about something like this, right? I'm still pretty shaken up about it, so I decide to explore the caves a little bit with my new Rock Smash machine. On my way there, I run into a vendor debuting the Link Stone, and I decide to pick one up and evolve The Boulder immediately: 

 

In the caves we get some Mining Tools, and find a lost Lunatone. After a short battle, it joins the team. I don't have a screenshot of it from this point in the game, but I name it Stargazer; fitting, I think, since Lunatones are supposedly from outer space. Lunatone is somewhat interesting and might see use, thanks to Psychic moves (and eventually Moonblast via Move Tutor), as well as access to Rock Polish. It may be my best Special Attacker for a while...

 

With Stargazer at my side, I feel strong enough to talk to Ame. Unfortunately, Fern has beaten us to it.

Spoiler

Better to be a lost puppy (like Rockruff or something) then an obnoxious weed.

As always, Fern decides that its time to d-d-d-d-d-d-d-d-duel battle. I can at least understand his anger: my team keeps beating his despite a type disadvantage. I would be a little unsure of myself too. 

 

VS FERN

Spoiler

First things first, I have to admit that this battle was excruciatingly difficult. Roserade is just incredible at this stage in the game, especially when your Pokemon lack Sp. Def. and are weak to Grass. Also, I'm like 90% sure the AI can read inputs, because Ludicolo always uses Water Gun, unless I decide to switch into Lord Root, in which case he uses Zen Headbutt. Anyways, onto the battle.

 

I lead with Vulcan, who outspeeds and easily OHKOs Ferroseed. Fern sends out Ludicolo. This is where I had problems under Set. Ludicolo would only use a water move if I switched to something other than Lileep. If I brought out Lord Root, it wouldn't use Water Gun. And this damage would be enough for Ludicolo to take out other Pokemon of mine, or at least deal heavy damage, leaving my team heavily damaged or low on party members, making them easy prey for Roserade. Thanks to Shift, I was simply able to counter with Lord Claw.

 

Lord Claw took out Ludicolo with two Fury Cutters, and tanked a hit from Roserade (likely an Extrasensory) to OHKO with Fury Cutter. Fern sent out Servine

 

What, am I eroding your self confidence?

who outsped Lord Claw to KO. I bring out Vulcan, who is able to take out Servine with Flame Burst spam. 

 

I... don't think I have a rock pun for that one. 

 

Ugh. I think if I had access to type berries at this point it would have at least been somewhat feasible, but Roserade is a monster... not to mention that Ludicolo is a cheater. 

 

Fern tells us he's going to challenge the new Poison leader, who apparently lives out in "the Wasteland." I'm sure that'll be pretty. He got the key from Cain, and is a dick, as always. I head to the Beryl Graveyard to get the key.

Spoiler

I'm not stalking you, I just want the key to your hou.... oh.

Cain also wants to battle us, and unlike Fern he's not a massive pain in my ass, so I'm back to using Set. 

 

VS CAIN

Spoiler

Lord Root takes a Night Slash and confuses Dewott. Giga Drain takes the otter to crtical HP, and Dewott KOs itself. 

 

Cain sends out Venomoth, so I have Lord Root use Ancient Power... well, that's what I planned, anyway. Venomoth outspeeds, and a critical Silver Wind OHKOs Lord Root.

 

 

I send out Stargazer, who is brought to critical HP by Silver Wind (and the moth gets the stat boost from it). Psychic brings Venomoth to low HP. I switch out Stargazer for ShieldBearer next turn, while Cain uses a potion. 

ShieldBearer gets Cain to use the rest of his potions and eventually KOs with Ancient Power. Cain brings out Nidoking (a bit prematurely IMO, since its usually his Ace). 

 

Rather than risk annihilation, I switch ShieldBearer out for The Boulder. I sort of regret not taking Lord Helix with me for this one... but its okay, because two Bulldozes take out Nidoking. The Boulder isn't conflicted. 

 

you know you like it

The Boulder's gonna win this... in a landslide Bulldoze. 

 

I was right, you do like it! 

After our battle, Heather swoops in and confronts Cain. They have an argument, and she flies off to the Lapis Ward's Gym-- Shelly! Cain takes off after her, and is in such a rush that he can't give me the key. Everyone keeps getting in my way...

 

Before we progress the plot head after him, I explore underneath the railway and catch a Skorupi. We can leave this little buddy in the Daycare Center until he's level 49 and knows Cross Poison, and ensure that he knows Knock Off, and breed them onto an Anorith. Certainly legal and feasible at this point in the game, though I'm using Sandbox mode to make it much less time consuming. I could also breed Anorith with Lord Dome to get one that knows Aqua Jet, but since I have good water coverage, I don't think its necessary (even though priority is really useful). After some breeding and waiting, I hatch the newest team member: 

Spoiler

Apparently shininess isn't heritable. That's unfortunate. Kusanagi is named after a legendary sword from Japanese folklore, and means "Grass Cutter." Rather appropriate, given his purpose. With that, Lord Root retires, allowing the next generation to take over. 

There is a ton of plot here and I'm not really going to cover it; suffice to say we grab some orphans and run into the underground railnet. Well, we would, except its closed. Anna offers a solution: 

Sounds easy enough. I was wrong. 

 

Before we get sp00ked, I do some grinding, and this happens!

Spoiler

He also learns Shell Smash, which is a great boosting move. You can bet that other team members will use it as well. 

 

VS SHADE

Spoiler

My team went through a ton of iterations trying to beat him, so here's the one that was finally successful: 

Spoiler

Lord Skull takes a Thunderbolt to OHKO Corey with Assurance. 

 

Shade sends out Doublade. Assurance takes it to critical HP, and Doublade KOs Lord SKull. I send out Vulcan and, knowing Shade will heal, get off a Shell Smash safely. 

 

+2 Lava Plume is an easy OHKO. Banette comes out, but is also outsped and OHKOed. 

 

Trevenant can't take the heat either and is outsped and KOed. Vulcan is doing some major damage here. Then Rotom OHKOs with Shadow Ball. You did good, Vulcan, you did good...

 

I send out ShieldBearer to stall him out with Swagger, but Rotom is really terrible and keeps no-selling my confusion. He went through two confusions without hurting himself!!! I hate RNG. Kusanagi faints at some point here because I switched him in, but Rotom didn't hurt itself and OHKOed him. ShieldBearer comes out again and uses Swagger, and switches to Mimic Knight. Sudowoodo is finally able to take him out with a combination of Faint Attacks, Sucker Punches, and Rotom hurting itself at +6 attack.

 

Chandelure... I hate her. She knows Energy Ball, and is fully capable of sweeping my entire team. Mimic Knight hits hard with Sucker Punch (though its somewhat neutered by Chandelure's Sitrus Berry), and is KOed. I send out Lord Root, who takes a Shadow Ball and confuses the evil chandelier. Honestly not sure why Shade didn't use Flame Burst, but hey, maybe that bit of luck makes up for Rotom hitting through confusion so much. Chandelure hurts itself and is hit hard by Ancient Power, and another turn of this takes it down. 

 

O....kay....

 

Ack, this one was possibly more difficult then any other. Here, I basically had the same problem as with Fern's Roserade: A Pokemon in its final evolution with stats far above mine that also happened to know a super-effective move. Rotom was also a massive pain in the ass, and I swear the AI was reading inputs again (any time Mimic Knight used Sucker Punch, Rotom would use Pain Split. Even when they were both at full HP). 

 

That's all for now! 

[St0mpa]

47 minutes ago, Orasha said:

Apparently shininess isn't heritable. That's unfortunate.

As you are using sandbox what I did on my sandbox run when I needed an egg move is I would use the daycare there run arround a bit but I would save infont of the guy every time I went to check for an egg and when he gives me one I went and instant hatched it. Then if it wasn't shiny I SR'ed and picked up a new egg as he had 1 ready and the IV's, nature and shinyness is determined once you pick it up so as long as you save right next to him when he has an egg ready and don't save afterwards (until its shiny) it lets you get shiny's with egg moves quite easily.

[Orasha]

9 hours ago, St0mpa said:

As you are using sandbox what I did on my sandbox run when I needed an egg move is I would use the daycare there run arround a bit but I would save infont of the guy every time I went to check for an egg and when he gives me one I went and instant hatched it. Then if it wasn't shiny I SR'ed and picked up a new egg as he had 1 ready and the IV's, nature and shinyness is determined once you pick it up so as long as you save right next to him when he has an egg ready and don't save afterwards (until its shiny) it lets you get shiny's with egg moves quite easily.

Ah, I didn't know that. Unfortunately I don't have much free time to play anymore, so I'm not sure if I'll do that for later breeding projects. Thanks for the info!  

[Orasha]

Chapter 7: The Beach Episode

 

After defeating Shade, he opens the doors as requested. He's surprisingly nice and compliant for a strange spirit entity. Unfortunately, things don't exactly go as planned: 

Spoiler

Cain manages to escape, but blocks off our way there. Honestly, I can't be too mad at him, and I appreciate any time Pokemon are used to effect the world outside of battle in this game. After the vision/security footage ends, Shade gives us some cryptic advice, whi ends with

Spoiler

I'm 90% sure that's not grammatically correct and that "to the poison" isn't a real phrase, but who am I to argue with a ghost?

 

With little else to do, we head underground to find Cain, but instead run into Victoria. She helpfully explains that our HM is in another castle and that we'll need both the Strength HM and the Gym Badge to use it, which is the Poison badge. It turns out that Victoria's sensei, Kiki, gives out the Machine but not the badge to use it, which is a little weird. (This plot contrivance has always bothered me, like couldn't we just talk to Ame and see if she'll bend the rules a little bit? Children have been kidnapped for the Lords' sake!) Victoria also reminds us that we still need the Wasteland key from Cain, so we follow him to the Coral Ward. 

 

Apparently HMs and the gym badges to use them don't really matter, since Cain just hops on his Muk and floats away. And he still didn't give me the key....

Spoiler

(This is simultaneously cool and infuriating. It implies that Pokemon can affect the real world outside of HMs, which we knew from Nidoking's Earthquake, but for this to come so quickly after Victoria explaining that we need the Strength HM and badges to use it really highlights how contrived this part of the plot is) 

 

After Cain leaves, I decide to head back to the Grand Hall, but we're stopped by Amaria. She wants our help to take out a factory presumably run by team Meteor. After getting imprisoned, we escape thanks to some caged Pokemon, and eventually make our way through, battling Meteor Knights and Dames along the way. This is our team for the upcoming battle: 

Spoiler

In the bowels of the Factory, we confront the mysterious leader and ZEL. There's some foreshadowing as Solaris attempts to kill us with Garchomp, but Amaria saves us. Thanks girl. While she takes on the threatening Meteor Leader, we have to contend with ZEL again, who is protecting the PULSE MUK. 

 

VS ZEL

Spoiler

Lord Helix does good damage with Ancient Power, but it isn't enough to KO, and he's taken out by Mirror Coat. 

 

I send out Vulcan, who Shell Smashes while Glaceon attempts Mirror Coat again, and proceeds to KO the ice fox with a heavily boosted Lava Plume. ZEL sends out Espeon, and Vulcan hits hard with Lava Plume again while it foresees an attack. ZEL uses a potion, and I capitalize by Shell Smashing again, and a Lava Plume at +4 KOs Espeon easily. Unfortunately, Future Sight KOs Vulcan at the end of that turn. 

 

Knowing ZEL will send out Umbreon next, I send out Kusanagi, who eventually KOs it with Fury Cutter spam. Next up is PULSE Muk, so I leave Kusanagi in to suicide and give me a safe switch. He does okay damage with Smack Down, but is KOed by Discharge. 

 

I send out Rhino Knight, and there's unintended cheese. You see, ZEL (or the AI, whatever) keeps using Muddy Water, but the field gives that move a partial electric typing, rendering Rhino Knight immune. Muk can't change the field back, either, since Rhino Knight is immune to Discharge. Now its just a matter of time, and Rhino Knight eventually takes it down with successive Drill Runs. 

You should have really used an attack other than Muddy Water, that's all I'm saying. 

 

(Sorry about the lack of screens, that battle was mildly annoying and for the last fight I just forgot to take screenshots. PULSE Muk was a real problem for my team thanks to Protean and Muddy Water, and it was kind of a fluke that it just kept on using Muddy Water despite it not being able to hit.) 

 

Solaris gives us the standard "you didn't foil our plans as much as you think you did" speech, and then has Tyranitar use Superpower...

Spoiler

 

The Meteors escape, and Amaria is clearly reeling from the attack. She perseveres, however, and gives us her boat! With it, we can make our way to Apophyll Island and progress the plot save the orphans. 

 

Before we deal with Kiki's school, there's a lot that we can do now, and plenty of new Rock Pokemon. Here's all the new additions: 

Spoiler

Barbaracle is an interesting Pokemon with the ability to deal huge amounts of damage thanks to Tough Claws and Shell Smash. That strategy doesn't come on line until we can talk to the Move Relearner, however. Barnacle Boy also faces competition from Lord Helix, who is also going to be Shell Smashing and who is a Special Attacker. Since most Rock types are Physical, I'm not sure if Barbaracle will see much use. Only time will tell. 

 

Shuckle is another interesting Pokemon, but she won't be of any use until she learns Sticky Web (either at level 53, or at the Move Relearner). Shuckle as a hazard-setting lead is definitely a viable strategy, but she won't be amazing until episode 16 content, since that's when I have access to a Move Tutor that teaches Stealth Rock. Sticky Web is still interesting, though, so Shuckle will probably end up in rotation once she learns it. 

 

Nosepass is kind of garbage, and won't be good until we can get Probopass, which is much later now. Probopass also has the option to be interesting thanks to Volt Switch and some electric moves, but until we can evolve it, Nosepass is staying boxed. 

 

Since weather is bugged (to my knowledge, at least) in Sandbox Mode as well, I went ahead and made myself a Corsola. Thanks to various trickery we can get it to learn Recover and Magic Coat (which would have been possible anyway), and breed it with a Lileep or Cradily to get an amazing wall. That's really all Corsola is here for. 

 

Since Kiki's Pokemon are around the level 40 range, I decide to just grind all my fossils up to level 40 (generally while I was running back and forth trying to get a Binacle with Tough Claws and a Nosepass). I also decided to breed and grind a Cradily with Mirror Coat and Recover, one of which will be instrumental in my strategy against Kiki. After a lot of time and effort, this happens: 

Spoiler

(Don't worry, I remember to change Cradily's name. And Shiny Kabutops looks amazing)

 

At Apophyll, we enroll in Kiki's school and run into Victoria again. Victoria explains what happened since we're mute, though she does give herself a little too much credit: 

Spoiler

Victoria, you've constantly stood in my way this entire time. Also, who got the boat? It was me, Victoria. Do I have to become Mr. Popo and tell you of the Pecking Order? 

 

Kiki doesn't let everyone challenge her, and normally facing her would require us to attend her school and then graduate. Despite being a hardass about the HM rules, she tells us that if we defeat her strongest pupil, Cal, she'll give us the privilege of battling her. We ascend through Pyrous Mountain, and reach the summit after using a guide easily. 

 

This is our team for Cal: 

Spoiler

 

VS CAL

Spoiler

I lead with the Boulder, who is basically here to suicide and set up Stealth Rocks. Close Combat may be a 2HKO, but the Boulder sets up Stealth Rocks before going down. I send out Lord Dome. 

 

Infernape is pretty fast, but he's at -2 defense and sp. defense, and Lord Dome has priority in Aqua Jet. Sure enough, Aqua Jet is a OHKO, even after being softened by the heat. 

 

Cal sends out Magmortar, which is understandable since I am a bit overleveled (oops). Aqua Jet brings Magmortar to low yellow, but Lord Dome is OHKOed by Focus Blast. 

I send out Lord Helix. 

 

Cal doesn't heal, allowing Lord Helix to KO with Brine. 

 

Brine is a OHKO. 

 

Brine once again manages to OHKO. 

 

Also, Charizard got OHKOed by Brine (after heavy Stealth Rock damage) somewhere in here, but I didn't get a screen. Welp. 

 

Feels pretty good to me. Sorry, you got rocked

Brine isn't a OHKO here, but it still manages to take Delphox out. 

 

Don't be rude, I'm just trying to save orphans. 

 

After defeating Cal, I remember to go back and give a nickname to my new Cradily. I present to you: 

Spoiler

I considered using Confuse Ray over Ancient Power, and I might change it at the Move Relearner eventually, but its good for now. 

 

Back at Apophyll academy, there's some serious foreshadowing

Spoiler

and Kiki decides to battle us. But, since Victoria's here, she's going to stand in our way. Look, I get it, you like your sensei a lot, but we have kids to save and also, she's a fighting specialist. I never trust a fighting specialist. 

Spoiler

Don't worry, I won't attack her Life Points directly. 

 

VS VICTORIA

Spoiler

Mimic Knight takes a High Jump Kick and survives with critical HP, and Rock Smash doesn't do nearly as much damage as I hoped. Brick Break takes her out next turn. 

 

I send out Root Jr., who takes a High Jump Kick and retaliates with Giga Drain.

Giga Drain spam + Recover bring Root Jr. back to full HP, and Victoria blows through her Ice Cream. Eventually, Scraggy goes down. 

 

Not a surprising counter. I switch to Lord Helix, who takes basically no damage from Heat Crash on the switch, and he gets a Weak Armor speed boost. It may not be enough to outspeed Emboar, though. I gamble and use Brine, and Emboat outspeeds to hit Lord Helix with Arm Thrust. The gods are merciful, as it only hits twice and leaves Lord Helix at critical HP. Brine does good damage, and being at +3 speed ensures that Lord Helix can outspeed Emboar. To my surprise, she switches Emboar out for Heracross, who takes hard damage from Brine. 

 

Lord Helix hits with Ancient Power, but it doesn't KO, and Heracross takes out the ammonite with Close Combat. 

 

I send out Kusanagi, who takes an Aerial Ace from Heracross to KO with Smack Down. 

 

Victoria brings out Emboar, and Kusanagi tanks a Heat Crash to KO with another Smack Down.

 

Gallade comes out and brings Kusanagi to critical HP with Night Slash, while Kusanagi hits back with Knock Off. 

Another Night Slash KOs. I send out Vulcan, who eats a Night Slash to KO with Lava Plume. 

 

Won't you think of the children?

Hariyama is faster than Vulcan, something I didn't expect, and Belly Drums. Lava Plume does very little damage (thanks to Thick Fat, I'm assuming), and Force Palm is an easy KO. 

 

I send out Stargazer, who outspeeds and KOs Hariyama with Psychic. 

I mean probably, since there's more of them than Kiki and Kiki is terminally ill anyway...

 

Speaking of, its time to take on the master of meditation herself. I haven't been looking forward to this...

 

VS KIKI

(I know its raining in the screen, but after leaving and coming back it stopped raining, and it was regular weather when I defeated her) 

Spoiler

This battle required some grinding and a TON of refights to eventually come up with a strategy capable of winning. I'll discuss more about that as we go on, though. For this battle, I trained Lord Skull to 43 so he learned Zen Headbutt, and then common candied him down to 40. My original plan was to try and sweep with Rock Polish Lunatone, but that didn't work out, necessitating Lord Skull as my lead.

 

Lord Skull can't outspeed any of Kiki's Pokemon other than Machamp, who is easily OHKOed by Zen Headbutt. 

 

He stays in for Lucario (thanks to Set Mode), and is OHKOed by Aura Sphere. 

 

Root Jr. tanks an Aura Sphere thanks to its impressive bulk (and EV training), and retaliates with Mirror Coat, which is a guaranteed OHKO on Lucario. 

 

Hitmonlee is a monster who can sweep my entire team with its monstrous speed and High Jump Kick. He takes out Root Jr. easily, so I send in my trump card. 

 

The Boulder tanks High Jump Kick with Sturdy and OHKOs Hitmonlee with Self Destruct. This is basically the only way I could reliably take it out. So far, I've traded three Pokemon for three of hers, which is pretty good all things considered. 

 

Stargazer's Psychic is boosted by the field, and thanks to its EV training it actually outspeeds Gallade without Rock Polish. They tank a Strength, and 2KHO Gallade with Psychic. 

 

For a while, Toxicroak wasn't using Sucker Punch for some reason, and that allowed Stargazer to reliably OHKO with Psychic. However, Kiki remembered to use super-effective moves eventually, and to stop Sucker Punch, Stargazer uses Future Sight instead. I forget what attack Toxicroak used, but in an amazing stroke of luck, Stargazer lives it with only 1 HP! Next turn, Toxicroak KOs with Sucker Punch as I try in vain to use Psychic. 

 

I bring out Lord Helix, who uses Protect, saving himself from an attack and allowing Future Sight to OHKO the frog menace. 

 

~It's not to late, it's never to laaaate~

Lord Helix is carrying a Ground Gem, since I was expecting to have to use Mud Shot on Toxicroak. Because of that, and the field, which boosts Mud Shot, I decide to use it even though its not a STAB move. Mud Shot brings Medicham to low yellow, though its Sitrus berry takes it out of potion range and back into green. It also lowers Medicham's speed, which is very important. Strength, however, is a OHKO. 

 

I bring out Kusanagi, who is faster than Medicham now that its speed is at -1. I put a Poison Gem on Kusanagi, since Cross Poison is the only move it has that does neutral damage against pure Fighting types. In retrospect, Metronome would have probably been more useful. However, the Gem-boosted Cross Poison scores a critical, KOing Medicham! Amazing luck! 

 

Except for the sounds of me rocking out thanks to my victory

That battle was INCREDIBLY difficult, as to be expected. Had I used Shift it would have been slightly easier and I wouldn't needed to sacrifice as many Pokemon as I did. And honestly, I probably won through luck anyway, since Stargazer surviving Toxicroak's attack with 1 HP was incredibly lucky and allowed Lord Helix to sustain no damage against it. The critical Cross Poison was also amazing and timely, and without it I may have had to reset. Just to give you an idea of how many iterations my team and strategy went through, take a look at this spoiler:

Spoiler

First I tried leading with Stargazer and trying Rock Polish (and eventually not boosting at all). Barnacle Boy was here because of Shadow Claw, but he was way too slow to use it effectively and was inevitably OHKOed without moving. 

 

Eventually I switched Vulcan for Lord Skull, who began to lead with Zen Headbutt. This would always bring Lucario out, allowing Root Jr. to take it out with Mirror Coat. 

 

At one point, I switched Lord Helix and Barnacle Boy out for Lord Dome and The Boulder. While the Boulder proved useful in eliminating Hitmonlee, it stopped raining when I refought her, and so Swift Swim Kabutops wasn't useful. 

 

Then I switched Lord Dome for Mimic Knight, since she knows Sucker Punch. Unfortunately, I couldn't take Toxicroak out reliably, and so I eventually took Mimic Knight out for Lord Helix. 

 

I'm not necessarily proud of how long it took me to develop a winning strategy, or proud that it relied so heavily on luck, but I was at a supreme disadvantage in that fight and think I did pretty well, all things considered. 

 

[HongaarseBeer]

2 hours ago, Orasha said:

Shiny Kabutops looks amazing

I can only agree with you! 

 

Well done on the Kiki fight! This must have been the toughest gym battle so far (and probably will be, until Samson?)

[Orasha]

1 hour ago, HongaarseBeer said:

I can only agree with you! 

 

Well done on the Kiki fight! This must have been the toughest gym battle so far (and probably will be, until Samson?)

Thanks! And yeah, I did a lot of soft-resetting. Eventually I fell into a good rhythm of predictable trades but Toxicroak and Medicham would both mess with me. Set didn't help, either  

 

Samson is gonna be difficult, but I'm cautiously optimistic. By then I'll have access to Archeops and be able to buy type berries and gems. Of course, he had several speed demons so who knows...

Edited August 1, 2017 by Orasha

[Jess]

Great job! @Orasha 

Perhaps I should try Set as well... My Poison mono felt much easier than I expected in Shift. All Gym Battles, apart from Julia and Charlotte were won in the first 3 tries.

 

By the way, Victoria and her hesitation to do what must be done is the most annoying part of this arc.

Also, yes, shiny Kabutops looks so badass and threatening in full black!

[Orasha]

3 hours ago, Jess said:

Great job! @Orasha 

Perhaps I should try Set as well... My Poison mono felt much easier than I expected in Shift. All Gym Battles, apart from Julia and Charlotte were won in the first 3 tries.

 

By the way, Victoria and her hesitation to do what must be done is the most annoying part of this arc.

Also, yes, shiny Kabutops looks so badass and threatening in full black!

 

This is my first time playing on Set ever and it's certainly more difficult, and it forces you to sacrifice or take damage on a switch more. IMO the biggest problem with Set is that the AI doesn't really switch their pokemon out, so you can't really predict switches like you can against a human opponent. 

 

It's possible that you found the Poison run easy because you had previously done Bug? I think Bug is harder to monorun. 

[Jess]

2 hours ago, Orasha said:

 

This is my first time playing on Set ever and it's certainly more difficult, and it forces you to sacrifice or take damage on a switch more. IMO the biggest problem with Set is that the AI doesn't really switch their pokemon out, so you can't really predict switches like you can against a human opponent. 

 

It's possible that you found the Poison run easy because you had previously done Bug? I think Bug is harder to monorun. 

I might give it a try the next time I do a run of Reborn!

 

Also, yes, that's probably it, Poison types are much bulkier, they are the second best Defensive typing in game (after Steel), have better base stats and inflict powerful statuses from way earlier in game compared to Bugs, so it is what made it smooth sailing probably.

On top of the experience I had gained in my first monorun!

[Orasha]

17 hours ago, Jess said:

I might give it a try the next time I do a run of Reborn!

 

Also, yes, that's probably it, Poison types are much bulkier, they are the second best Defensive typing in game (after Steel), have better base stats and inflict powerful statuses from way earlier in game compared to Bugs, so it is what made it smooth sailing probably.

On top of the experience I had gained in my first monorun!

I highly recommend it! Though I do use Shift for trainer battles to get EXP easier  

[Orasha]

Chapter 8: Stomping Solaris

 

After being defeated, Kiki collapses, and doesn't end up giving me the badge. Victoria brings up that Cain hasn't arrived yet, and that we should go look for him on an island. Speaking of which, how did Victoria get here? Maybe her Kirlia knows teleport, but that's all I can think of...

 

On Azurine island, I discover one of Cain's earrings. He is here! And after some exploration, we find a building, with Aster and Eclipse skulking around inside! And it looks like they'll get to team up on me this time...

 

VS ASTER AND ECLIPSE

Spoiler

My team:

Spoiler

Currently, most of Aster and and Eclipse's Pokemon are weak to Water, Rock, or Ground. Root Jr. is here for Milotic.

 

I lead with Barnacle Boy and Lord Dome, since they both need experience. Lord Dome hits Solrock with Aqua Jet while Lunatone hits him with Psywave. Solrock traps Barnacle Boy with Fire Spin (for basically no damage), and Barnacle boy Clamps Solrock, KOing it. Eclipse sends out Rhydon. 

 

Lord Dome strikes first with Aqua Jet, bringing Rhydon to critical HP, and Lunatone hits Lord Dome with another Psywave, bringing him to critical HP. Barnacle Boy Clamps Lunatone, and Rhydon hits with Bulldoze, doing heavy damage to Barnacle Boy and KOing Lord Dome. 

 

Aster and Eclipse potion Rhydon, and 

KOing Lunatone. Barnacle Boy Clamps Rhydon, and Aster brings out Electabuzz. 

 

Electabuzz KOs Barnacle Boy immediately with Cross Chop, and Lord Helix tries to get revenge with Mud Shot, but it only takes about half of Electabuzz's HP. Rhydon hits Lord Helix with Rock Blast three times, bringing him to low HP but increasing his speed dramatically. I bring out Rhino Knight. 

 

Aster switches Electabuzz for Milotic, and Lord Helix's Mud Shot doesn't do much damage to it (though it does lower Milotic's speed). Rhydon KOs Lord Helix with Rock Blast, and Rhino Knight hits Milotic with Smack Down. I bring out Root Jr. 

 

Root Jr. hits Milotic with Giga Drain, taking him to red, and Milotic attacks with Hyrdo Pump. Fortunately for me, Root Jr.'s Storm Drain makes that attack useless. Rhydon hits Rhino Knight with Iron Tail. I'm not sure what Rhino Knight did, but it didn't result in any KOs (it may have missed, I don't remember). Aster and Eclipse withdraw Milotic for Magmar and Potion Rhydon. Root Jr.'s Giga Drain does basically nothing to Magmar, and Rhydon laughs at Rhino Knight's Smack Down. 

 

Magmar hits Rhino Knight with Faint Attack, bringing him to like 1 HP, and Root Jr. hits Rhydon with Giga Drain

KOing it. Rhino Knight hits Magmar with Rock Blast, doing extreme damage but not KOing. The dangerous duo bring out Milotic. 

 

Magmar hits Rhino Knight with Fire Punch, KOing him. This makes Milotic hit Root Jr. with Hydro Pump, and a Giga Drain is an easy KO on Milotic. 

 

Electabuzz hits the Boulder with Cross Chop for heavy damage, and Magmar hits Root Jr. with Fire Punch. The Boulder wins this in a landslide, however, as Bulldoze KOs both of Aster and Eclipse's Pokemon. 

 

They escape (somehow), but there's a hidden entrance. Before I go in to face Taka, I decide to grind everyone a bit, and this happens: 

Spoiler

Black and silver looks great on Rhydon too.

Banter ensues before we fight Taka yet again. 

Spoiler

Glad to see someone doesn't take me for granite

 

VS TAKA

Spoiler

My team: 

Spoiler

Klefki sets spikes, allowing Vulcan to Smash his Shell safely. Considering that Taka prioritizes spikes, I could have probably Shell Smashed two more times, but I was worried and just used Lava Plume for an easy OHKO. 

 

Lava Plume hits hard, but doesn't KO (even at +2 sp. atk!), and Cradily responds with Ancient Power, bringing Vulcan to critical HP. Another Lava Plume KOs Cradily. 

 

Gligar outspeeds with Night Slash and KOs Vulcan, but the snail's Flame Body burns Gligar. 

 

I send out Lord Dome, who eats an Acrobatics after hitting with Aqua Jet. After getting Taka to use his potion thanks to Aqua Jet spam, Taka sends out Chatot instead. I bring Lord Dome back and send out Rhino Knight, who takes a Chatter on the switch.

 

Unfortunately, he hurts himself and is KOed. 

 

I bring out Kusanagi, who does good damage with Smack Down (I think he took a Heat Wave? I don't remember). 

Unfortunately, Chatter and hurting himself KO him as well. I hate confusion. 

 

I bring Lord Dome back out. Aqua Jet does OK damage, but it isn't enough to KO. Chatter confuses him, and he KOs himself while Taka potions. 

 

I bring out Lord Helix, and Chatot is merciful because it uses Heat Wave instead of Chatter (for very little damage). Ancient Power KOs the demon birb.

Gligar comes out, but is outsped and KOed by Brine. 

 

I beat that on my first try, but I'm not proud of it. Chatter and the confusion RNG absolutely tore through my team. Chatot is a super annoying menace in this part of the game. 

 

After being defeated, Taka retreats, but not before he spills the beans about Team Meteor's plans for Pyrous Mountain. Very coyly, he tries to convince us to stop the PULSE Camerupt. 

Spoiler

Cain and I rush back to Apophyll and start to ascend the mountain. I'm joined by a rather proactive Victoria. What, you didn't feel like standing in my way this time? I guess things only matter if they're the things you like...

 

After battling through Team Meteor grunts, knights, and dames, we reach the summit. Cain has his hands full taking on Taka (and presumably Cal? Or maybe just Cal, since Taka battles Victoria) by himself. Solaris is super smarmy

Spoiler

I'm gonna rock so hard you roll off the mountain, buddy.

and just a tad overconfident. 

Spoiler

If you used your whole team this really would be a landslide for you, but oh well. 

 

VS SOLARIS

Spoiler

I'd like to tell you that I came up with this strategy initially, but that would be a lie. It took some serious trial and error to be able to even have a fighting chance. First, I lead with Sudowoodo, who could Counter Garchomp's Earthquake thanks to Sturdy. Unfortunately, Counter only brough Garchomp to low red HP, and Solaris has 3 full restores. Clearly, something else was needed. 

 

Then I tried leading with Lord Dome with an Air Balloon, to Sand Attack Garchomp to low accuracy and then chip away (or let someone else chip away), bringing Garchomp to low enough HP to be KOed by Counter, but not so low that Solaris decided to use a full restore. Unfortunately, Garchomp's Leftovers recovery was a real pain, and I couldn't keep his health low enough for Mimic Knight to be able to KO. The need to eliminate Leftovers brought in the final part of this strategy. 

 

I decided to lead with Kusanagi, armed with my Focus Sash. His entire goal would be to hit Solaris with Knock Off, allowing Lord Dome to lower its accuracy and other Air Ballooned Pokemon to chip away at it before bringing out my nuke. 

 

The irony is, the first time Kusanagi stared down Garchomp, it missed twice, allowing the ancient bug to hit with Knock Off and Fury Cutter before being KOed. And thanks to Garchomp's rough skin, I didn't even break my Focus Sash  

 

It looked like low enough HP for Mimic Knight's Counter to KO. And, sure enough, Sturdy Counter took out the monster! 

 

Aw, you're pretending not to be surprised. How cute. 

That battle was... interesting, to say the least. I kind of feel cheap, but I'm pretty sure I could have won even if Garchomp didn't miss twice. To be honest, I wasn't sure if I would be able to defeat him when I first started this run, but Sturdy + Counter is a hilarious way to nuke your opponent. 

[HongaarseBeer]

16 minutes ago, Orasha said:

Glad to see someone doesn't take me for granite

How long did you wait for this?

[Jess]

1 hour ago, Orasha said:

That battle was... interesting, to say the least. I kind of feel cheap, but I'm pretty sure I could have won even if Garchomp didn't miss twice. To be honest, I wasn't sure if I would be able to defeat him when I first started this run, but Sturdy + Counter is a hilarious way to nuke your opponent. 

My shiny Sudowoodo, named Maple, OHKO'ed Garchomp with Counter-Sturdy combo in my shiny run (the 2nd run of mine in Reborn)  

I giggled happily when I saw you doing the same!

 

I had to invest 252 EVs in HP to be sure I'd OHKO it, but it was worth it!

And, all-in-all, HP and Attack is the best stuff to invest in at Sudowoodo  

 

Good job @Orasha! I bow down to Mimic Knight and to your rock puns. 

[Orasha]

1 hour ago, HongaarseBeer said:

How long did you wait for this?

Since the very beginning  

 

12 minutes ago, Jess said:

My shiny Sudowoodo, named Maple, OHKO'ed Garchomp with Counter-Sturdy combo in my shiny run (the 2nd run of mine in Reborn)  

I giggled happily when I saw you doing the same!

 

I had to invest 252 EVs in HP to be sure I'd OHKO it, but it was worth it!

And, all-in-all, HP and Attack is the best stuff to invest in at Sudowoodo  

 

Good job @Orasha! I bow down to Mimic Knight and to your rock puns. 

I think I had trained mine with 252 Atk and 252 sp def, and I didn't really want to go back and redo that (also, since I don't have access to friendship berries, that would sort of be breaking the rules anyway). I might retrain her in HP, since her main uses now are nuking with Counter and have priority with Sucker Punch.  

 

Thanks! I hope I don't run out of puns  

[Jess]

2 minutes ago, Orasha said:

I think I had trained mine with 252 Atk and 252 sp def, and I didn't really want to go back and redo that (also, since I don't have access to friendship berries, that would sort of be breaking the rules anyway). I might retrain her in HP, since her main uses now are nuking with Counter and have priority with Sucker Punch.  

 

Thanks! I hope I don't run out of puns  

Yep, I found it better to have 252 in HP instead of Sp.Defence, since Sudowoodo isn't gonna be able to tank anything Special (grass or water) anyways. Also, that Counter gets maximised potential and its too good!

 

Keep going! These puns rock! Had to do that.

[Orasha]

Chapter 9: Getting the Strength to Carry On

 

After we defeat Solaris, he's a little bit salty. 

Spoiler

Kiki comes in and things get bad, as Solaris does in fact, attack her Life Points directly. Cal and Victoria don't take it well. Oh yeah, Cal is a traitor. Huh. Cal destroys PULSE Camerupt, and Team Meteor retreats. Cal attempts to apologize, and Victoria really should have slapped him, but eventually he runs away too. Back at the dojo, Victoria finally hands over what's rightfully ours: 

Spoiler

IT'S ABOUT DAMN TIME

Victoria can't give us the badge, so it looks like we've been bamboozled again. Fortunately, Aya is only a stone's throw away... Victoria also tells us she's staying: 

Spoiler

And nothing of value was lost. 

So I head back to the Coral Ward and go North, where Cal wants to talk to us in secret. He tells me his side of the story, and asks if we believe him. I forget which one I picked  not that its too important... 

 

After changing my team around, its time to take on Cain and finally get this friggin key. 

Spoiler

Truer words have never been spoken.

 

VS CAIN

Spoiler

Pretty sure Venomoth has Giga Drain, so I lead with Kusanagi. Sure enough, the moth uses Giga Drain, but it doesn't do much damage, and Smack Down is a OHKO. 

 

Kusanagi won't do well against Samurott, so I switch to Root Jr. 

 

Root Jr. eats a Night Slash on the switch, but it doesn't do much. Giga Drain does a lot of damage, and Samurott tries to get Revenge, but its not a KO either. Another Giga Drain brings Samurott down. 

 

Root Jr. doesn't really stand a chance against Nidoking, so I switch him out. 

 

Lord Helix takes a Double Kick on the switch, activating his Weak Armor twice. Brine brings Nidoking to critical HP, but another Double Kick is a KO. 

 

I bring out Stargazer, who boosts with Rock Polish while Cain heals. Nidoking is outsped and KOed. 

 

Haunter doesn't stand a chance, and is outsped and OHKOed as well. 

 

Just gimme the key already! 

Muk has much better bulk, and is only brought to low yellow by Psychic, but its Sludge Bomb doesn't do much. Next turn, it loses to Psychic spam. 

 

GIVE. ME. THE KEY.

That one was pretty easy. Since we have better type coverage, and especially a good source of Psychic STABs, Cain went down easy. 

 

Trekking through the Byxbision wasteland is pretty simple by now (though I think I did get lost my first time), and we arrive just as Fern beats Aya. Wow Fern, you must have been lost forever, because you told us you had the key and were battling her after you reported Corey's death... that's like... in-game hours ago. 

 

After some careful consideration, this is my team for Fern: 

Spoiler

Before he challenges us, Fern talks smack, like usual. We're also introduced to a new character:

Spoiler

You better not make any puns, or I'll stone you to death. 

Without further ado, Fern acts as a gatekeeper.

 

VS FERN

Spoiler

Ferrothorn can't handle the heat, and is easily OHKOed by Lava Plume. 

 

I switch Vulcan out for Lord Helix.

 

Lord Helix eats a Crunch on the switch, which doesn't do much besides give him +1 speed and -1 defense. Brine is a OHKO.

 

Lord Helix stands no chance against Roserade, so I switch in Stargazer... who is immediately OHKOed by Giga Drain. I'm starting to get flashbacks to our earlier battle... so I bring out Vulcan.

 

Giga drain takes half his HP, and Lava Plume leaves Roserade at low yellow. I decide to Shell Smash, because Fern will either potion or outspeed me with a Giga Drain for a KO. Instead, he switches to Scyther, allowing Vulcan to Shell Smash safely. Scyther is speedy and hits with X-scissor, bring Vulcan to critical, but a boosted Ancient Power OHKOs the bug. 

 

Fern brings out Roserade again, and this time Fern potions, allowing Vulcan to hit with a +2 Lava Plume, KOing it easily. Fern brings out his ace, Serperior, and talks some smack that I didn't screenshot, so no sass this time. Serperior outspeeds and KOs Vulcan, unfortunately. 

 

I bring out Kusanagi, who gets hit with Iron Tail and attacks with Fury Cutter, scoring a critical. 

Fern uses another Ice Cream, but its not enough as a second Fury Cutter KOs. 

 

Just admit it, Fern, I got you down in the dirt and not in the way Cain would expect.

That one was much simpler. Fern breaking his monotype made it much easier for me, since I wasn't cripplingly weak to most of his moves anymore. Roserade did scare me, and could have been a large problem if Vulcan had been KOed, but I think Kusanagi would have still been able to tank it and take it out. All in all, not that bad. 

 

Aya comes back, but before I fight her I heal up and change my party around (and equip useful items). My team for the mistress of poison: 

Spoiler

Everyone's loadout is pretty self-explanatory, except for Vulcan's. Poison Barb is there because Nature Power turns into Gunk Shot on this field. It won't do too much, but it could at least do neutral damage. 

Before we face her, Hardy decides to annoy me:

Spoiler

I warned you, Hardy, that's strike 1. 

VS AYA

Spoiler

Lord Helix hits Nidoqueen with Brine, bringing her to low HP, and Stargazer uses Psychic, taking Tentacruel to critical HP as well. Tentacruel uses Toxic Spikes, while Nidoqueen Crunches Stargazer. Fortunately for me, Levitate and Air Balloons make the Poison Spikes miss. Aya Ultra Potions both her Pokemon, but Lord Helix and Stargazer KO them both regardless. 

 

Gengar KOs Stargazer with Shadow Ball, and Lord Helix hits Dragalge with Mud Shot. Even though its boosted by the field, it doesn't do much; I think the field gives it partial poison typing as well, which turned it into neutral damage instead of super-effective damage. Blast. Dragalge hits with Dragon Pulse, doing heavy damage and popping Lord Helix's Air Balloon. I bring out Rhino Knight. 

 

Gengar KOs Lord Helix with Focus Blast. Rhino Knight uses Drill Run, which KOs Dragalge since it was boosted by his Ground Gem. Aya brings out Drapion and, after some consideration, I bring out Root Jr. 

 

Gengar OHKOs Rhino Knight with another Focus Blast while Drapion hits Root Jr. with Poison Tail. Root Jr. tries and fails to use Mirror Coat (I was really hoping Gengar would attack him instead). I bring out Lord Skull. 

 

Gengar hits Lord Skull with Shadow Ball (thank the Lords), so Lord Skull OHKOs Gengar with Zen Headbutt. Drapion uses Poison Tail again, while Root Jr. recovers. Aya brings out Venusaur. Lord Skull uses headbutt, dealing heavy damage to Drapion thanks to his Normal Gem. Unfortunately, it doesn't KO. Drapion tries attacking Root Jr. with Aqua Tail, but Storm Drain just turns that into a special attack boost. Venusaur KOs Lord Skull with Power Whip. I bring out Vulcan.

 

Drapion tries and fails to use Aqua Tail on Root Jr. again (Storm Drain apparently really messes with the AI), while Venusaur's Power Whip hits Vulcan for about half HP. Root Jr. recovers and Vulcan uses Lava Plume (I was really hoping he would be faster than Root Jr. so the recover would get rid of the damage, but oh well), KOing Drapion and bringing Venusaur to critical HP. Venusaur KOs Vulcan with Power Whip, but Root Jr. takes it out with Giga Drain. 

 

I know other people have pointed this out, but isn't this like, your job now? 

Won that one on my first try too. My early strategy was really effective, but it almost fell apart since Gengar knows Focus Blast. If he had used it more liberally, I might have been defeated. The AI was really weird in this fight; Gengar didn't Focus Blast Lord Skull, and Drapion kept using Aqua Tail even though it would fail due to Storm Drain. I guess Aya really wanted to lose...

 

After the battle, Hardy continues to erode my patience. 

Spoiler

That's strike 2. I'm disappointed, Hardy. Your puns shale in comparison. 

With that, we get another badge, and can finally use Strength out of battle! Its time to save those kids! 

[Jess]

@Orasha I suspect that you'll have an easy time after you defeat Radomus (and get Trick Room).

Hell, you're going amazingly well already! Apart from the fact that you now have a pun competitor in the face of Hardy.

 

Good job again  

Keep going!

[Orasha]

12 hours ago, Jess said:

@Orasha I suspect that you'll have an easy time after you defeat Radomus (and get Trick Room).

Hell, you're going amazingly well already! Apart from the fact that you now have a pun competitor in the face of Hardy.

 

Good job again  

Keep going!

I was thinking of doing Sticky Web instead of Trick Room, since I've used Trick Room in Reborn already. It's unfortunate that Stealth Rock's tutor is in Episode 16, though... but I'll probably alternate between Golem and Shuckle as leads (or use neither and opt for type coverage). 

 

Im actually surprised at how many different Pokemon I want to use, since Rock is such a poor type defensively. 

 

Aw, thanks!