Adventures in Helnith: Assault on the Town of Ash (OoC)

[Kareeah_Indaga]

Oh no, not the computer! D:

I think you might have missed my first response, though. (I responded to the last update/ the gym trainer, and then again to Less so that we could just trade without needing to worry about waiting another full update cycle before we could throw our rods at each other. :smalltongue:)

Should be fixed now.

[Feathersnow]

Sorry I've been unengaged. I'm having trouble following, have little to say, and, irl, my brother just died. I will try to check in more, forum permitting.

[Kareeah_Indaga]

Sorry I've been unengaged. I'm having trouble following, have little to say, and, irl, my brother just died. I will try to check in more, forum permitting.

I’m sorry to hear about your brother. 😢

But for having trouble following, in future feel free to speak up with questions, in or out of character. I’ll clarify as best I can.

The tl:dr version is that Less found out his daughter, who is also a member of the Elite Four, may be trapped in the Spectral Dimension, but we need to do some prep before we can go in after her.

[essCee]

I'm sorry for your loss, Feathersnow.

[Kareeah_Indaga]

Putting together comp tonight and possibly tomorrow, don’t expect a post until Wednesday Thursday, because of course some of the basic pieces of the old rig aren’t compatible with the new one. :smallannoyed:

[Lord Ruby34]

Sorry I've been unengaged. I'm having trouble following, have little to say, and, irl, my brother just died. I will try to check in more, forum permitting.

My condolences. I'm so sorry.

[Feathersnow]

Sorry, I meant to check this sooner, but the forum kept being down.

[Kareeah_Indaga]

Sorry, I meant to check this sooner, but the forum kept being down.

No problem. As I mentioned earlier, my comp died and I’ve been spending most of the last week putting together the new pieces, so you haven’t been the only one who hasn’t been around much.

EDIT: Skybreak City Map is now in the shiny new Town Maps tab!

1 - Department Store
2 - Silph Co. Helnith Headquarters
3 - Gym
4 - Pokémon Center
5 - University of Helnith
5A - University Museum
5B - University Science Department
5C - University Library
6 - Dormitories
7 - Park
7A - Playground
8 - Human Hospital
9 - Fire Department
10 - Newspaper
11 - Police Station
12 - Ranger Base
13 - Hall of Elders
14 - Gas Station

[Gnomes2169]

Oh hey, fancy new town map! :D I'm guessing this is more in the center of the city, and a lot of the residential buildings just aren't on the map because 50 bajillion boxes don't help anyone. :smalltongue:

[Kareeah_Indaga]

Oh hey, fancy new town map! :D I'm guessing this is more in the center of the city, and a lot of the residential buildings just aren't on the map because 50 bajillion boxes don't help anyone. :smalltongue:

That’s true of all the towns to some extent, there will be people who live within the territorial boundaries of the city but don’t live in the city. Also some of the unmarked boxes are residential buildings or businesses too.

EDIT: Also Gnomes, I mentioned in the narrative but forgot to list it in the battle effects, Sunny Day is in effect from the local weather. Let me know if you still want Fisher out with that in mind, if you don’t feel free to edit. (But let me know either way, so I can finish the post for the round.)

[Gnomes2169]

EDIT: Also Gnomes, I mentioned in the narrative but forgot to list it in the battle effects, Sunny Day is in effect from the local weather. Let me know if you still want Fisher out with that in mind, if you don’t feel free to edit. (But let me know either way, so I can finish the post for the round.)

I'm fine with Fisher being out anyway. Thanks for letting me know, though!

[Kareeah_Indaga]

I think I have all the inventory updates from while my comp was dead complete. (+14 Nilla Berries!, Fresh Water for Mark and Mina, Berries planted and watered, I think that was it?) Let me know if I missed anything!

Now hopefully I can sit down and get the new character tabs finished off and rolled out without anything else dying. :smallyuk:

[Gnomes2169]

Ooooo, new character tabs! Fancy. :o

And it's nice to hear that you hope Mark will stay alive. At least for the next week or so. :smalltongue:

[Feathersnow]

I am back, for real, and will endeavor to check back daily

[Lord Ruby34]

Fair warning, work has been a lot lately, hence the shorter posts.

[Kareeah_Indaga]

I am back, for real, and will endeavor to check back daily

Glad to have you back! :smallsmile:


Fair warning, work has been a lot lately, hence the shorter posts.

No problem.

[Feathersnow]

Akio is just trying to beat the heat, atm.

[essCee]

Apologies for the late posting - something went wrong in some way with email reminders. Gonna stop relying on those and just check daily now. :smalltongue:

As for the EVs, I don't remember anything about how many just-caught Pokémon get - is it one per level past level 5? I checked my current mons to try to figure it out but I think I've been neglecting picking EVs for them too...

[Kareeah_Indaga]

As for the EVs, I don't remember anything about how many just-caught Pokémon get - is it one per level past level 5? I checked my current mons to try to figure it out but I think I've been neglecting picking EVs for them too...

Yes so, for example, Tress being level 20 she has 15 EVs to allocate.

[essCee]

Alright, going through both my new mons without EVs and older ones I neglected to give EVs as they levelled up:

Poliwhirl Croaky: +1 Attack
Cosmas Tress: +10 HP, +5 Attack
Luxray Blast Bolt: +5 HP, +15 Attack, +5 Speed
Hitmonchan Sport: +3 Attack
Skiploom Leapsy: +2 Speed
Dunsparce Dundundun: +11 Attack, +10 Sp. Def
Dustox Bigbug: +1 Sp. Atk

[Lord Ruby34]

New thread! Congratulations on 50 pages everyone!

Question: Exactly how long ago was it that Emilia went missing? Or more specifically, when was the last time Less spoke with her/first time she missed a check in.

[Kareeah_Indaga]

Alright, going through both my new mons without EVs and older ones I neglected to give EVs as they levelled up:

Poliwhirl Croaky: +1 Attack
Cosmas Tress: +10 HP, +5 Attack
Luxray Blast Bolt: +5 HP, +15 Attack, +5 Speed
Hitmonchan Sport: +3 Attack
Skiploom Leapsy: +2 Speed
Dunsparce Dundundun: +11 Attack, +10 Sp. Def
Dustox Bigbug: +1 Sp. Atk

Updated everyone but Croaky, who will get it after the battle. (I have a 'no sudden EV allocations in the middle of a fight' policy. I don't expect it to make a difference in this case, but so you're aware.)

Pokémon: Cosmas (Tress)
Type: Dark/Spectral
Ability: Magic Guard
Gender: Female
Level: 20
Held Item: NONE
Stats--
HP: 52 +10
Attack: 35 +5
Def: 27
Sp. Attack: 33
Sp. Def: 31
Speed: 35
Moves:
Sing
Bash*
Pursuit
Flash
Faint Attack
Haze

Pokémon: Luxray (Blast Bolt)
Type: Electric
Ability: Rivalry
Gender: Male
Level: 30
Held Item: Leppa Berry
Stats--
HP: 97 +5
Attack: 86 +15
Def: 61
Sp. Attack: 71
Sp. Def: 61
Speed: 56 +5
Moves:
Leer
Charge
Bite
Spark
Superpower
Swagger

Pokémon: Hitmonchan (Sport)
Type: Fighting
Ability: Iron Fist
Gender: Male
Level: 23
Held Item: NONE
Stats--
HP: 63
Attack: 60 +6
Def: 48 +12
Sp. Attack: 28
Sp. Def: 62
Speed: 47
Moves:
Tackle
Helping Hand
Fake Out
Foresight (tutor)
Feint
Drain Punch

Pokémon: Skiploom (Leapsy)
Type: Grass/Flying
Ability: Chlorophyll
Gender: Female
Level: 27
Held Item: NONE
Stats--
HP: 75
Attack: 37
Def: 40 +4
Sp. Attack: 37
Sp. Def: 48
Speed: 56 +18
Moves:
Poison Powder
Stun Spore
Bullet Seed
Synthesis
Tackle
Sleep Powder

Pokémon: Dunsparce (Dundundun)
Type: Normal
Ability: Run Away
Gender: Female
Level: 26
Held Item: NONE
Stats--
HP: 96
Attack: 49 +11
Def: 49
Sp. Attack: 46
Sp. Def: 46 +10
Speed: 36
Moves:
Defense Curl
Yawn
Glare
Rollout
Spite
Pursuit

Pokémon: Dustox (Bigbug)
Type: Bug/Poison
Ability: Compoundeyes
Gender: Female
Level: 26
Held Item: NONE
Stats--
HP: 75
Attack: 39
Def: 49
Sp. Attack: 39 +13
Sp. Def: 59 +4
Speed: 46 +4
Moves:
Poison Sting
Gust
Psybeam
Protect
Moonlight
Harden


Question: Exactly how long ago was it that Emilia went missing? Or more specifically, when was the last time Less spoke with her/first time she missed a check in.

She's been missing about six weeks now.

Although Less will know the first check-in miss was intentional; Emilia was looking into Bandra operations down near Shadowbeach and planned to go dark. (Shadowbeach has a Battle Frontier facility that Bandra took control of and (according to rumor and scattered reports) was/is using to force prisoners to fight for their entertainment, test out Pokémon they've modified, etc.) That was only supposed to be a week at most though.

[Kareeah_Indaga]

Updated everyone but Croaky, who will get it after the battle.

As promised:

Pokémon: Poliwhirl (Croaky)
Type: Water
Ability: Water Absorb
Gender: Female
Level: 26
Held Item: NONE
Stats--
HP: 77
Attack: 46 +13
Def: 46
Sp. Attack: 39 +4
Sp. Def: 39
Speed: 59 +4
Moves:
Bubblebeam
Body Slam
Rain Dance
Hypnosis
Water Sport
Double Slap

[Gnomes2169]

So I looked at Lum berries on Bulbapedia and noticed that they are supremely good pokeblock material. I'm guessing that we're using the version without any Sweet (so no speed in those pokeblocks), but I think I know why our resident poffin brewer was as excited as she was about finding this. :smalltongue:

Which brings up a question, I suppose. We'll want lots of these. So which kind of mulch would be better to pick up for them? Growth or boost is what I'm thinking, to either churn out crops faster or make the crops bigger, but I'm not sure which one to go for in this situation...

[essCee]

Thank you for the EV adjustments!

[Kareeah_Indaga]

So I looked at Lum berries on Bulbapedia and noticed that they are supremely good pokeblock material. I'm guessing that we're using the version without any Sweet (so no speed in those pokeblocks), but I think I know why our resident poffin brewer was as excited as she was about finding this. :smalltongue:

Remember that we’re making Poffin not Pokeblocks.


Which brings up a question, I suppose. We'll want lots of these. So which kind of mulch would be better to pick up for them? Growth or boost is what I'm thinking, to either churn out crops faster or make the crops bigger, but I'm not sure which one to go for in this situation...

If it helps their normal growth period is two days. So with the Growth Mulch it would be 36 hours, and you would have to squeeze in an extra watering somewhere because it will dry out faster.


Thank you for the EV adjustments!

You are most welcome!

[Gnomes2169]

Remember that we’re making Poffin not Pokeblocks.

Poffins are just pokeblocks with extra steps. And increased fire hazard. :smalltongue:


If it helps their normal growth period is two days. So with the Growth Mulch it would be 36 hours, and you would have to squeeze in an extra watering somewhere because it will dry out faster.

And Boost mulch lets you water once every 4 hours, so it can have a large watering-boost to the yield... if Mark gets to it on time. That also means that he'll be able to water his current crops at least two more times before bed, so I'll have to keep that in mind. But with that factored in, I think that Boost mulch is the way to go? Even if we jump into the spectral dimension at the earliest possible time (4 days from the current IC date), that should still give 2 full crops and a lot of Lum berries, while the Growth mulch would only give us 2.6 crops with smaller yields.

Boost mulch here we gooooooo

[Kareeah_Indaga]

And Boost mulch lets you water once every 4 hours, so it can have a large watering-boost to the yield... if Mark gets to it on time. That also means that he'll be able to water his current crops at least two more times before bed, so I'll have to keep that in mind.

I think you’re confusing the X and Y version of Boost Mulch for the homebrew version. Homebrew version just bumps up the harvest amount (although I probably should add in a requirement for an extra watering). X and Y used entirely different Berry growing mechanics.

[Gnomes2169]

I think you’re confusing the X and Y version of Boost Mulch for the homebrew version. Homebrew version just bumps up the harvest amount (although I probably should add in a requirement for an extra watering). X and Y used entirely different Berry growing mechanics.

Hmmm... does it work like Rich mulch (which was a set +2 berries), then, or more of a ratio thing? (Like, increases yield by 25-33% (rounded down)) Either way, it's still probably the better one to go with given our time scale.

Note: I'm assuming that Less won't want to delay going to the Spectral dimension for long enough to really get the benefits of multiple extra crops over just having bigger ones. Also that Mark doesn't have the charisma to convince the group grandpa to wait a bit for gardening. :smalltongue:

[Lord Ruby34]

Hmmm... does it work like Rich mulch (which was a set +2 berries), then, or more of a ratio thing? (Like, increases yield by 25-33% (rounded down)) Either way, it's still probably the better one to go with given our time scale.

Note: I'm assuming that Less won't want to delay going to the Spectral dimension for long enough to really get the benefits of multiple extra crops over just having bigger ones. Also that Mark doesn't have the charisma to convince the group grandpa to wait a bit for gardening. :smalltongue:

You whippersnappers better stop gardening and go fight some eldritch horrors. Bah, kids these days. :smalltongue:

It looks like it might be near a week in game before we can even go. There's no way we're getting to Moontear by tonight, and the next question is do we want to enter by Ternai, or near Coastmarch. I think Coastmarch is closer to our goal, but we would have to wait extra days. Ternai is Bandra controlled, right? Having to battle our way in could be extra dangerous.

[Kareeah_Indaga]

Hmmm... does it work like Rich mulch (which was a set +2 berries), then, or more of a ratio thing? (Like, increases yield by 25-33% (rounded down)) Either way, it's still probably the better one to go with given our time scale.

25% increase.


You whippersnappers better stop gardening and go fight some eldritch horrors. Bah, kids these days. :smalltongue:

We already did that, and Mark caught it. You need to catch up, old codger. 😉


It looks like it might be near a week in game before we can even go. There's no way we're getting to Moontear by tonight, and the next question is do we want to enter by Ternai, or near Coastmarch. I think Coastmarch is closer to our goal, but we would have to wait extra days. Ternai is Bandra controlled, right? Having to battle our way in could be extra dangerous.

Yes Ternai is Bandra controlled.

[Gnomes2169]

We already did that, and Mark caught it. You need to catch up, old codger. 😉

It's a baby Yog-Sothoth! It's got too much clock to be Cthulu, can't be Shub-Nigurath due to lack of goat hooves, and isn't Nyarlathotep because Mark and Mina aren't part of a death cult now (... I think.) Might be a baby King in Yellow, but Hastur usually wears that robe and we didn't perform the play that summons him...


Yes Ternai is Bandra controlled.

To be fair Coastmarch seems to be too, but we haven't been kicking the hornet's nest in that direction. :smalltongue:

[Lord Ruby34]

We already did that, and Mark caught it. You need to catch up, old codger. 😉


Whippersnappers running ahead again, no concern for our arthritis. *grumble grumble*

[Gnomes2169]

Whippersnappers running ahead again, no concern for our arthritis. *grumble grumble*

Don't worry old man, Mark is definitely going to trip over his own feet and/or eat both of his shoes, which should give you a chance to catch up with your walker. Or maybe he'll just be back from the store before you get your shoes on, and save you the whole trip! :smalltongue:

Edit: Also... technically Mina wasn't the one that set fire to the blender. She didn't stop it from igniting, though, and was hospitalized for smoke inhalation...

[Kareeah_Indaga]

To be clear, Miles will wager an item if Less wagers an item, otherwise it’s money for both of you.



Edit: Also... technically Mina wasn't the one that set fire to the blender. She didn't stop it from igniting, though, and was hospitalized for smoke inhalation...

Miles doesn’t care, he was inconvenienced by the inexpertise, and therefore everyone gets some blame! 😝

[Gnomes2169]

Mark used Flirt! It's not very effective. He hurt himself in his confusion...

[Lord Ruby34]

Don't worry old man, Mark is definitely going to trip over his own feet and/or eat both of his shoes, which should give you a chance to catch up with your walker. Or maybe he'll just be back from the store before you get your shoes on, and save you the whole trip! :smalltongue:

Edit: Also... technically Mina wasn't the one that set fire to the blender. She didn't stop it from igniting, though, and was hospitalized for smoke inhalation...

I think Mark is eating foot, not shoe, for his dinner tonight. :smalltongue:


To be clear, Miles will wager an item if Less wagers an item, otherwise it’s money for both of you.

Miles doesn’t care, he was inconvenienced by the inexpertise, and therefore everyone gets some blame! 😝

Good thing Less isn't in the business of name dropping.

Now, the real question , , , does Less have a chance in this battle against the poffin-boosted Pokemon?

[Kareeah_Indaga]

You can pick any three, and duplicates are fine:

Razz
Bluk
Nanab
Wepear
Pinap
Ebet
Niptir
Ekon
Weidsei
Lery
Cheri
Chesto
Pecha
Rawst
Aspear
Leppa
Oran
Persim
Aktus
Nilla
Pepi
Noini
Nopei
Occli
Cumbir
Figy
Wiki
Mago
Aguav
Iapapa
Cornn
Magost
Rabuta
Nomel
Ashion
Chahal
Tareen
Ikel
Kwash
Sitrus
Pomeg
Kelpsy
Qualot
Hondew
Grepa
Tamato
Rinka
Lum
Spelon
Pamtre
Watmel
Durin
Belue
Occa
Passho
Wacan
Rindo
Yache
Chople
Kebia
Shuca
Coba
Payapa
Tanga
Charti
Kasib
Haban
Colbur
Babiri
Chilan
Roseli
Veira
Apicot




Good thing Less isn't in the business of name dropping.

Now, the real question , , , does Less have a chance in this battle against the poffin-boosted Pokemon?

They're mostly in the high 20's to low thirties, and since he's got them out with their book-and-cup 'hats' you can see what they are:

Delcatty
Dewgong
Angerazm (Helnith Pokémon. Grass/Flying. Less remembers they're fond of sun and positive emotions. They're mostly found around Hillsbreak.)
Swablu
Kirlia
Grovyle

[Gnomes2169]

I think Mark is eating foot, not shoe, for his dinner tonight. :smalltongue:

He's certainly going to try, at this rate. :smalltongue:

Edit: Yes, Mark's kid nickname was Markers. Do with that what you will. I've been waiting on an excuse to use this nickname for 12 YEARS :smalltongue:

[Lord Ruby34]

Hey KI is the damage for that snarl correct? If so, ouch. I was hoping for more at +2.

[Kareeah_Indaga]

Hey KI is the damage for that snarl correct? If so, ouch. I was hoping for more at +2.

I’ll double check against the old Battle Tab.

EDIT:
Tentatively, it looks like STAB got broken at some point.

Lord Ruby, esscee, ignore the last round until I give the all clear and I’ll redo them.

Okay, I believe everything has been sorted. What was happening was that the new tab was only checking one of the type columns, so about half the attacks that should have been getting STAB weren't. Yell if anything still looks off.

[Lord Ruby34]

I’ll double check against the old Battle Tab.

EDIT:
Tentatively, it looks like STAB got broken at some point.

Lord Ruby, esscee, ignore the last round until I give the all clear and I’ll redo them.

Okay, I believe everything has been sorted. What was happening was that the new tab was only checking one of the type columns, so about half the attacks that should have been getting STAB weren't. Yell if anything still looks off.

Gotcha! I thought (hoped, at least) that that damage looked a little low. These poffin boosted Pokemon are tough.

[Kareeah_Indaga]

Lord Ruby I hope you’ve got a solid plan or you’re going to lose this.

Tangent, since the Expert Belt gives a 20% boost I probably should have used the Gen V implementation of the Metronome. 🤔 Maybe for next time!

[Lord Ruby34]

Lord Ruby I hope you’ve got a solid plan or you’re going to lose this.

Tangent, since the Expert Belt gives a 20% boost I probably should have used the Gen V implementation of the Metronome. 🤔 Maybe for next time!

Well, I have a plan, I'm not sure that I would call it solid though.

In furtherance of said plan, two questions.

1. Can Less tell what ability this Dewgong has by scanning with his Pokedex? If I need to spend a turn doing that Less will have Buck protect while he figures out that information. If not that's okay too. I've been assuming it has Thick Fat, but that's not necessarily true.

2. Is there a damage formula I can run through? I'm trying to figure out what the chance that a Fire Fang actually KO's here is. I don't mind doing the math by hand if needed. (I can see the Gen IV bulbapedia formula, but I was wondering if there were any changes.) (If there are no changes and Dew Gong isn't Thick Fat, I think Buck has a chance to KO based on the damage roll. I should have checked if it was Thick Fat before this, ugh.)

As an aside, was there something that I could have done differently to gain an edge here? Any mistakes? I'm trying to get better at actually playing. It might also just be that Miles has the stronger Pokemon, and there wasn't much I could have done differently. Not complaining, just curious. I've watched competitive Pokemon before, but I've never actually tried to play it.

[Gnomes2169]

Dang it, I've been trying so hard to find the youtube short of Lucario singing the chorus of Wake Me Up Inside that inspired my current characterization of Elijah, but it seems so have melted off of the face of the internet. It was so dorky and I loved it, but it's GONE, so I can't share it augh. :smallmad: :smallfrown:

[Lord Ruby34]

Dang it, I've been trying so hard to find the youtube short of Lucario singing the chorus of Wake Me Up Inside that inspired my current characterization of Elijah, but it seems so have melted off of the face of the internet. It was so dorky and I loved it, but it's GONE, so I can't share it augh. :smallmad: :smallfrown:

That is a true tragedy. Maybe the Wayback machine can provide answers?"

[Gnomes2169]

Only if I remembered the name of the video or the channel I watched it on. Which, sadly, is not the case. :smallfrown:

[Lord Ruby34]

Only if I remembered the name of the video or the channel I hosted it on. Which, sadly, is not the case. :smallfrown:

Oof.

Well, while you're on Gnomes, do you think Less made any mistakes this battle? (Other than not knowing some of Mile's tutored moves.)

[Kareeah_Indaga]

Well, I have a plan, I'm not sure that I would call it solid though.

In furtherance of said plan, two questions.

1. Can Less tell what ability this Dewgong has by scanning with his Pokedex? If I need to spend a turn doing that Less will have Buck protect while he figures out that information. If not that's okay too. I've been assuming it has Thick Fat, but that's not necessarily true.

We can pretend Less has already done that, he’s had plenty of opportunity. Yes it has Thick Fat.


2. Is there a damage formula I can run through? I'm trying to figure out what the chance that a Fire Fang actually KO's here is. I don't mind doing the math by hand if needed.

I think Bulbapedia has it listed.



As an aside, was there something that I could have done differently to gain an edge here? Any mistakes? I'm trying to get better at actually playing. It might also just be that Miles has the stronger Pokemon, and there wasn't much I could have done differently. Not complaining, just curious. I've watched competitive Pokemon before, but I've never actually tried to play it.

To answer that I’d need to know how much of the information I gave that you made note of. Was Photobarrier a surprise? I know you did that archive binge a while back, but am unsure how deep you went with your binge. (The ‘likes sunlight’ comment was supposed to be a reminder.) I made sure to describe Miles’ Pokémon as beautiful (Beauty -> Special Attack) and tough (Tough -> Defense) in their overall description. (And the HP boost that goes with any other boost is noted in the house rules.) Also Miles’ general arrogance was meant to be a warning that he’s been in circulation as a trainer for a while and knows what he’s doing, and of course he told you outright that Contests have a battle segment.

For what it’s worth, I was just going to use the encounter to throw a side quest at you to make some Poffin and not bother with a battle at all…but once it got to that point the fight was intended to be difficult but winnable. Some of the problem might just be you’re used to squashing hordes of Bandra Grunts, who are by and large incompetent with very little variation in Pokémon and movesets.

[Lord Ruby34]

We can pretend Less has already done that, he’s had plenty of opportunity. Yes it has Thick Fat.

Oof. Does the Pokedex scan show the moves it knows? (Specifically, if it has Ice shard or another priority move.)




I think Bulbapedia has it listed.

Same formula then.



To answer that I’d need to know how much of the information I gave that you made note of. Was Photobarrier a surprise? I know you did that archive binge a while back, but am unsure how deep you went with your binge. (The ‘likes sunlight’ comment was supposed to be a reminder.) I made sure to describe Miles’ Pokémon as beautiful (Beauty -> Special Attack) and tough (Tough -> Defense) in their overall description. (And the HP boost that goes with any other boost is noted in the house rules.) Also Miles’ general arrogance was meant to be a warning that he’s been in circulation as a trainer for a while and knows what he’s doing, and of course he told you outright that Contests have a battle segment.

Photobarrier was a surprise. For some reason I got it in my head that he was going to use his Delcatty as Pokemon number 3. I think I saw that his other Pokemon were grass and psychic types and didn't think about it anymore.

I did pick up on the tough and beautiful, but I couldn't do too much about it. I think the play that I could have made differently was U-turning Connie into Buck after that first hit, but I don't know if that would have been enough to save me. Basically every move everyone other than Connie has is physical. The other thing I could have tried was using Leo instead of Connie, but that felt like a bad idea in the sun.


For what it’s worth, I was just going to use the encounter to throw a side quest at you to make some Poffin and not bother with a battle at all…but once it got to that point the fight was intended to be difficult but winnable. Some of the problem might just be you’re used to squashing hordes of Bandra Grunts, who are by and large incompetent with very little variation in Pokémon and movesets.

:p Fair. He was being rude and arrogant enough that I don't think Less thought about learning from him too much. I wasn't surprised the battle was hard, either I thought it would be based on everything above. It's still winnable, I think, but Less will have to get pretty lucky from this point.

[Gnomes2169]

Well, while you're on Gnomes, do you think Less made any mistakes this battle? (Other than not knowing some of Mile's tutored moves.)

You mean other than picking a fight with an obviously experienced and at the very least well-poffin'd trainer because he was a bit rude? Miles isn't the only arrogant one here, old man. :smalltongue: I would have done it too, tbf. See a trainer, fight a trainer. Pokemon fight club rules.

[Lord Ruby34]

You mean other than picking a fight with an obviously experienced and at the very least well-poffin'd trainer because he was a bit rude? Miles isn't the only arrogant one here, old man. :smalltongue: I would have done it too, tbf. See a trainer, fight a trainer. Pokemon fight club rules.

What, Less never gets overconfident and gets in way above his competency level. That's definitely not a character trait of his, no sir.

[Gnomes2169]

Well, I haven't found the Lucario video, but I have been reliving through this album. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buOz6-bSTpQ&list=PLD033022B56A44FBD) It's from a group called The Protomen and is a rock-opera with its story set in a dark-timeline Megaman fanfic and no wait hear me out Act 2 is amazing. These songs can stand on their own, and make a fantastic story even if you don't know the source material, and the little details the band put into these songs are brilliant. (For example, the closer the villain comes to total victory, the more the songs fade from rock into synthetic tones.) Keep Quiet and Light Up the Night have even featured in multiple video games and shows, which has completely caught me off guard.

Brilliant music. Lives rent-free in my head forever. Act 3 will never come out (I've been waiting 13 years for it) and I am forever sad. Join me in my sorrow.

[Lord Ruby34]

Well, I haven't found the Lucario video, but I have been reliving through this album. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buOz6-bSTpQ&list=PLD033022B56A44FBD) It's from a group called The Protomen and is a rock-opera with its story set in a dark-timeline Megaman fanfic and no wait hear me out Act 2 is amazing. These songs can stand on their own, and make a fantastic story even if you don't know the source material, and the little details the band put into these songs are brilliant. (For example, the closer the villain comes to total victory, the more the songs fade from rock into synthetic tones.) Keep Quiet and Light Up the Night have even featured in multiple video games and shows, which has completely caught me off guard.

Brilliant music. Lives rent-free in my head forever. Act 3 will never come out (I've been waiting 13 years for it) and I am forever sad. Join me in my sorrow.

My best friend in high school loved The Protomen. It was his favorite band. It's sad to hear that they've not finished. I know he was really looking forward to that.

But, similar idea, has anyone ever listened to Epic the Musical? The most recent songs just came out, and it's half done. It follows the story of the Odyssey, and it's amazing.

[Gnomes2169]

My best friend in high school loved The Protomen. It was his favorite band. It's sad to hear that they've not finished. I know he was really looking forward to that.

But, similar idea, has anyone ever listened to Epic the Musical? The most recent songs just came out, and it's half done. It follows the story of the Odyssey, and it's amazing.

They've released a new song in Act 3 as of 2022 (which I actually just learned about yesterday,) so there's still hope! That makes 5 new songs released since Act 2 came out, though apparently 2 of those are 'intermission' songs so they won't feature in the 3rd album (They're part of the "This City Built Us" collection, which... IDK if it's going to be folded into Act 3 or it's own stand-alone thing.) But they're still together and performing live, so hope still exists! *Inhales a copious amount of copium*

I've heard of Epic, but haven't been following it. Should check that out too. But it reminds me of a game called Stray Gods, which is a choose your own adventure about members of the Greek pantheon in modern times. And it's a musical, because you're playing as one of the Muses. It's very well done, and filled with ennui and pretty and sad boys (who are also pretty sad boys) and girls, so I can heartily recommend checking that one out too if it sounds like your kind of thing. :smallsmile:

[Lord Ruby34]

They've released a new song in Act 3 as of 2022 (which I actually just learned about yesterday,) so there's still hope! That makes 5 new songs released since Act 2 came out, though apparently 2 of those are 'intermission' songs so they won't feature in the 3rd album (They're part of the "This City Built Us" collection, which... IDK if it's going to be folded into Act 3 or it's own stand-alone thing.) But they're still together and performing live, so hope still exists! *Inhales a copious amount of copium*

I've heard of Epic, but haven't been following it. Should check that out too. But it reminds me of a game called Stray Gods, which is a choose your own adventure about members of the Greek pantheon in modern times. And it's a musical, because you're playing as one of the Muses. It's very well done, and filled with ennui and pretty and sad boys (who are also pretty sad boys) and girls, so I can heartily recommend checking that one out too if it sounds like your kind of thing. :smallsmile:

I've played Stray Gods actually, though I haven't finished it yet. It's on my wife's PC. I've really enjoyed the parts I've played so far. I really need to get back to that soon . . .

Also, I really think you'd like Epic. I know it's currently one of my favorite things. Link (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_3joQiQGmw&list=PLTs1gCDJMwHSjorLXqyaVF4b1OSLhGIuT).

You know what, if the Protomen release another song this year I'll check them out. I hate getting into projects that never finish. Rothfuss and Martin have already burned me enough.

[Lord Ruby34]

Double post for visibility

Whew, I was hoping that playing to Miles arrogance was going to work. Thank you, kind DM.

The other plan was to let Princess take an attack on the chin to feed Connie a super potion, take out Nautilous, and then try to Swagger Angerzm, and I hate how risky that move is. I don't know if there are any moves that can backfire quite so spectacularly as Swaggering the opposing Pokemon and then having confusion fail for one of a million reasons.

Also, I'm definitely still interested in feedback about the battle. Do you think with what Less knew that switching into Buck after that first Dazzling Gleam would have been better?

[Gnomes2169]

Yes, I do take a terrible pleasure in making every interaction Mark and Mina have as awkward as possible. :smallbiggrin:


Also, I really think you'd like Epic. I know it's currently one of my favorite things. Link (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_3joQiQGmw&list=PLTs1gCDJMwHSjorLXqyaVF4b1OSLhGIuT).

You know what, if the Protomen release another song this year I'll check them out. I hate getting into projects that never finish. Rothfuss and Martin have already burned me enough.

I'll check that out, and also keep you posted! Though Act 2 is still just a good one to check out, purely as a stand-along rock opera.

[Kareeah_Indaga]

Double post for visibility

Whew, I was hoping that playing to Miles arrogance was going to work. Thank you, kind DM.

I’m sorry it didn’t end up making any difference. Connie would have survived if not for the Expert Belt. 😢



Also, I'm definitely still interested in feedback about the battle.

Without doing an in-depth number crunch…Princess was always going to have a hard time due to her low speed, the sun nerfing her only Special move, and a third of Miles’ team being Grass Pokémon, even without knowing about Dazzling Gleam and Signal Beam. And you knew Miles’ Pokémon had a Special Attack boost, and her Special Defense isn’t her best defense stat, and that’s on top of Miles’ Pokémon having a Defense boost against her Physical attacks. Giving her a Rock Berry wasn’t a bad idea, but it was never going to carry the day by itself.

Insofar as it matters at this point, Miles was not committed to using any particular Pokémon at the onset of the fight except the Swablu he opened with. If you’d managed to force him to commit three other Pokémon early on you might have managed to avoid the Angerazm all together (although for obvious reasons, it was wildly unlikely you’d have fought the Grovyle), and might have managed some better matchups. But once Buck came out, if there was the option the Angerazm was coming out too, because it was an obvious counter in the sun.

Mostly, when the trainer with two Grass types wanted to initiate a wager against you when you knew he knew you have a powerful Fire type because you rode in on it…that should have triggered a few warning bells. It’s not uncommon for trainers in Helnith to have counters for Fire type Pokémon since one of the more common Grunt-used species is a Fire type. (Ditto for Rock and Ground.)

And for future reference, for friendly matches, if someone offers a wager on the outcome generally speaking you’re allowed to turn them down - this isn’t the handhelds.

[Lord Ruby34]

I’m sorry it didn’t end up making any difference. Connie would have survived if not for the Expert Belt. 😢

Yeah, that one was a bit rough. I'm still really happy all the way around. That fight was a ton of fun, even if I wish Less had managed to come out on top. I love coming up with plans for victory and strategizing. I think Less wins that fight most of the time after the super potion, though I don't know if Miles had any tricks still up his sleeve.

That expert belt was rough though. That Dewgong had a supereffective move for every Pokemon on my team. Without that belt I think Buck would have lasted another turn too.




Without doing an in-depth number crunch…Princess was always going to have a hard time due to her low speed, the sun nerfing her only Special move, and a third of Miles’ team being Grass Pokémon, even without knowing about Dazzling Gleam and Signal Beam. And you knew Miles’ Pokémon had a Special Attack boost, and her Special Defense isn’t her best defense stat, and that’s on top of Miles’ Pokémon having a Defense boost against her Physical attacks. Giving her a Rock Berry wasn’t a bad idea, but it was never going to carry the day by itself.

Fair. I'm not sure who to use instead though. Hero and Dancer are both pretty weak, and Leo is really bad in the sun. I was hoping that Princess would counter the Dewgong. If it didn't have a bug move, I think she would have, both it's stabs would have been not very effective, and between knock off and the rock berry she would have done good damage. That signal beam was really rough there.



Insofar as it matters at this point, Miles was not committed to using any particular Pokémon at the onset of the fight except the Swablu he opened with. If you’d managed to force him to commit three other Pokémon early on you might have managed to avoid the Angerazm all together (although for obvious reasons, it was wildly unlikely you’d have fought the Grovyle), and might have managed some better matchups. But once Buck came out, if there was the option the Angerazm was coming out too, because it was an obvious counter in the sun.

Mostly, when the trainer with two Grass types wanted to initiate a wager against you when you knew he knew you have a powerful Fire type because you rode in on it…that should have triggered a few warning bells. It’s not uncommon for trainers in Helnith to have counters for Fire type Pokémon since one of the more common Grunt-used species is a Fire type. (Ditto for Rock and Ground.)

That makes sense. I had totally forgotten about the photobarrier. I didn't even consider the possibility, I thought it would have something like that ability that boosts speed in the sun. It got me pretty good too.

Question: If Buck had used roar at the beginning of the fight, would that have dragged out a random Pokemon?


And for future reference, for friendly matches, if someone offers a wager on the outcome generally speaking you’re allowed to turn them down - this isn’t the handhelds.

Yeah, but I wanted those berries. We're so close to getting the right Poffin mixture.

[Gnomes2169]

Oooo, in Gen 5 Aggron was ale to learn Hone Claws from TM... need to get Marick that one. Make Rockslide accurate and hit stupidly hard.

[Lord Ruby34]

Oooo, in Gen 5 Aggron was ale to learn Hone Claws from TM... need to get Marick that one. Make Rockslide accurate and hit stupidly hard.

Ooh, that would be good.

Right now I really want a Pokemon that can do more than just hit things. I didn't realize how important that would be when selecting Pokemon for this game.

KI, who would I have to bribe to get access to a Fairy Type Clefairy? Or Togatic?

Basically, Less needs a few new team members.

[Kareeah_Indaga]

Fair warning: this week is very busy for me and I'm going to be AFK this weekend.

Also, Feathersnow, are you still with us?


Yeah, that one was a bit rough. I'm still really happy all the way around. That fight was a ton of fun, even if I wish Less had managed to come out on top. I love coming up with plans for victory and strategizing. I think Less wins that fight most of the time after the super potion, though I don't know if Miles had any tricks still up his sleeve.

That expert belt was rough though. That Dewgong had a supereffective move for every Pokemon on my team. Without that belt I think Buck would have lasted another turn too.

Glad to hear you had fun at least. :smallsmile:



Question: If Buck had used roar at the beginning of the fight, would that have dragged out a random Pokemon?

Yes, up until his three were selected and then it would have been one of those (as you saw) as long as one was available.


Yeah, but I wanted those berries. We're so close to getting the right Poffin mixture.

Luckily, those are still on the table if you can manage it. :smallwink: You got his contact information, you can hit him up again later.

EDIT:



KI, who would I have to bribe to get access to a Fairy Type Clefairy? Or Togatic?

Basically, Less needs a few new team members.

Sorry, missed this. Overseas variants you’d need to find a trainer who had the Pokémon you wanted and was willing to trade, or find a Breeder raising them.

[Feathersnow]

Yeah, I'm here. Akio is still in the library, reading up on the spectral dimension. Every few days I see if time caught up yet.

[Lord Ruby34]

Yes, up until his three were selected and then it would have been one of those (as you saw) as long as one was available.

Very interesting. I'll have to remember that . . . and make sure it doesn't happen to Less.




Luckily, those are still on the table if you can manage it. :smallwink: You got his contact information, you can hit him up again later.

Yeah, I think that's definitely going to happen in the future. Less is probably going to want a rematch at some point anyway.


Sorry, missed this. Overseas variants you’d need to find a trainer who had the Pokémon you wanted and was willing to trade, or find a Breeder raising them.

Does Less know of any breeders in non-occupied territory? (I know there's the one Mark and Mina talked to, but does Less know?)

Edit: Hope your busy week is the good kind of busy!

[Kareeah_Indaga]

Yeah, I'm here. Akio is still in the library, reading up on the spectral dimension. Every few days I see if time caught up yet.

Akio is at 6 PM when he finishes with the newspapers, Mark and Mina are at about 7-7:30 PM, Pinklady is around midnight. Less is a little earlier in the day at 1 PM.

I’d been waiting for you, speak up next time that happens. 🙃



Does Less know of any breeders in non-occupied territory? (I know there's the one Mark and Mina talked to, but does Less know?)

Edit: Hope your busy week is the good kind of busy!

Yes Less knows about Spencer. Even if he’s not following Pokémon breeding in general (Spencer is widely considered one of the best Breeders in Helnith, so the bar for knowing about him is fairly low), Spencer was in the news recently because he and the Heroes of Helnith rescued his father, Elder Roden of Hillsbreak, from the Spectral Dimension.

Thank you!

[Lord Ruby34]

Yes Less knows about Spencer. Even if he’s not following Pokémon breeding in general (Spencer is widely considered one of the best Breeders in Helnith, so the bar for knowing about him is fairly low), Spencer was in the news recently because he and the Heroes of Helnith rescued his father, Elder Roden of Hillsbreak, from the Spectral Dimension.


Someone else Less should probably go talk too...

Also, Gnomes, Less would be really proud of Mark right about now.

[Gnomes2169]

Also, Gnomes, Less would be really proud of Mark right about now.

Mark is tripping and fumbling his way there! :smalltongue:

... Also, now I have an idea for an anniversary pic which parodies this iconic How to Train your Dragon scene (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCHoWsMt0LY), with:
Less standing in the background, giving Mark a Hiccup-style thumbs-up.
Mina just looking at Mark confused, aloof and vaguely even more confused.
Mark wincing, blushing and saying something dumb like, "Sooooo Mina. Your face... looks... nice?"
Tattersail face-palming next to Less.
Xatu cackling on the ground, covering his face with a wing.



Mark isn’t the only one who can make things awkward, MWAHAHA! 😁

Oh, KI, you've been making it awkward the whole conversation. We know. :smalltongue:

[Kareeah_Indaga]

I am returned! Significantly less mosquito-bitten than expected.

Also, Mina's tactlessness strikes again! :smallbiggrin:

[Lord Ruby34]

I am returned! Significantly less mosquito-bitten than expected.

Also, Mina's tactlessness strikes again! :smallbiggrin:

Congratulations on avoiding the devil-bugs!

[Gnomes2169]

Also, Mina's tactlessness strikes again! :smallbiggrin:

Tactless? Maybe. But she's not wrong. Which seems to be her general vibe. :smalltongue: Welcome back!

Meanwhile, I've started really clearing out the trees and bushes growing in my garden and... I've lost 2 liters of blood to the buzzing menace. It's too late for me. Save yourselves.

Edit: Ladies and Gentlemen, after 13 years Mark finally has... *Drumroll* A DATE! Now we need to see if he actually gets to go on it before he becomes 17 IRL. :smalltongue:

[Lord Ruby34]

Tactless? Maybe. But she's not wrong. Which seems to be her general vibe. :smalltongue: Welcome back!

Meanwhile, I've started really clearing out the trees and bushes growing in my garden and... I've lost 2 liters of blood to the buzzing menace. It's too late for me. Save yourselves.

Edit: Ladies and Gentlemen, after 13 years Mark finally has... *Drumroll* A DATE! Now we need to see if he actually gets to go on it before he becomes 17 IRL. :smalltongue:

Congratulations, kids. I knew you too had it in you. :p

[Gnomes2169]

Congratulations, kids. I knew you too had it in you. :p

Oh, don't count those chickens just yet. There are at least four IRL months between now and the earliest time the date can occur. I'm certain that there's a way that Mark and Mina can find to mess this up between now and then. :smalltongue:

[Kareeah_Indaga]

Oh, don't count those chickens just yet. There are at least four IRL months between now and the earliest time the date can occur. I'm certain that there's a way that Mark and Mina can find to mess this up between now and then. :smalltongue:

Oh absolutely. 😁

[Gnomes2169]

Howdy y'all, I've been running a playtest of a game system I've been designing for a little while and just realized that I've never invited any of you to join my Discord server (https://discord.gg/VNNtnBAB). You don't need to join the playtest or anything if you do want to join the server, but I figure you're some good peeps to keep around, and it's a bit easier to update people on stuff that comes up than an OoC thread. At least, it's easier for me because I'm logged into Discord on my phone, but not GitP.

Sooooo yeah! Go head and click the link if you want to. Open invite for any of y'all in this here poketmans gaem.

Edit: Also, THE BAAAAAAAAAABY BIIIIIIIIIRB!!! :thog:

[Lord Ruby34]

Oh, don't count those chickens just yet. There are at least four IRL months between now and the earliest time the date can occur. I'm certain that there's a way that Mark and Mina can find to mess this up between now and then. :smalltongue:

Please, you'll mess ot up at the date itself, obviously. :p


Howdy y'all, I've been running a playtest of a game system I've been designing for a little while and just realized that I've never invited any of you to join my Discord server (https://discord.gg/VNNtnBAB). You don't need to join the playtest or anything if you do want to join the server, but I figure you're some good peeps to keep around, and it's a bit easier to update people on stuff that comes up than an OoC thread. At least, it's easier for me because I'm logged into Discord on my phone, but not GitP.

Sooooo yeah! Go head and click the link if you want to. Open invite for any of y'all in this here poketmans gaem.

Edit: Also, THE BAAAAAAAAAABY BIIIIIIIIIRB!!! :thog:

Joined.

Exciting!!! I bet it's a Helnith starter pokemon.

[Kareeah_Indaga]

Exciting!!! I bet it's a Helnith starter pokemon.

I bet it’s not. 😉

[Gnomes2169]

Exciting!!! I bet it's a Helnith starter pokemon.

Signs point to no. So maybe that pack wasn't the Prof's, and maybe he's still alive! Maybe.

But THE BABY DEEEEEEEEEEERG!!! :thog: Gonna need to drop her off at the daycare for a few days. Or at least pick up some baby dragon food from there.

[Lord Ruby34]

I bet it’s not. 😉


Signs point to no. So maybe that pack wasn't the Prof's, and maybe he's still alive! Maybe.

But THE BABY DEEEEEEEEEEERG!!! :thog: Gonna need to drop her off at the daycare for a few days. Or at least pick up some baby dragon food from there.

And this is why we don't bet against the house, ladies and gentlemen.

Two more things though:
Serious about getting that Fairy type Clefairy. Less is going to start asking around in Tidepath, though the breeder is probably a better bet.

What are the chances at Less actually succeeding in figuring out how to tutor some moves himself? If it's a game-balance issue I'll stop beating on that particular drum.

[Kareeah_Indaga]

Two more things though:
Serious about getting that Fairy type Clefairy. Less is going to start asking around in Tidepath, though the breeder is probably a better bet.

Go for it.


What are the chances at Less actually succeeding in figuring out how to tutor some moves himself? If it's a game-balance issue I'll stop beating on that particular drum.

You can try it, but it’s going to take longer and with more difficulty than just hopping over to the existing Move Tutor. We’re talking at least a few days of dedicated effort, and much more limited scope - if Less figures out Morning Sun that won’t let him tutor Flamethrower or any other moves, for example. Because remember, any options available to you are also available to Bandra. And if Less could tutor all his Pokémon with every move available to them in a single afternoon just by wishing for it very hard, Bandra could absolutely spare a Taskmaster to do the same thing. They have more manpower, more resources, and fewer scruples.

Also, I do want to spell out that Less only got banned from the Move Tutor for a day. If he’s avoiding the Move Tutor as a pride thing, that’s fine, as long as you the player are aware.

[Lord Ruby34]

Go for it.



You can try it, but it’s going to take longer and with more difficulty than just hopping over to the existing Move Tutor. We’re talking at least a few days of dedicated effort, and much more limited scope - if Less figures out Morning Sun that won’t let him tutor Flamethrower or any other moves, for example. Because remember, any options available to you are also available to Bandra. And if Less could tutor all his Pokémon with every move available to them in a single afternoon just by wishing for it very hard, Bandra could absolutely spare a Taskmaster to do the same thing. They have more manpower, more resources, and fewer scruples.

Also, I do want to spell out that Less only got banned from the Move Tutor for a day. If he’s avoiding the Move Tutor as a pride thing, that’s fine, as long as you the player are aware.

That makes sense, I just wanted to double check that it was possible. It's not in the games themselves, so I wanted to double check.

Yup! It's partially a pride thing, but also Less hasn't had a chance to get back yet and cool down.

[Kareeah_Indaga]

Minor note, I forgot Opdra's Egg Move (Dragonbreath), so that was added to her hatching post.


That makes sense, I just wanted to double check that it was possible. It's not in the games themselves, so I wanted to double check.

IIRC there were a couple move tutors who only taught a few moves in previous Generations of the games. I consider that sufficient precedent. And if I'm misremembering, I'm letting you do it anyway. :smallwink:

[Gnomes2169]

Minor note, I forgot Opdra's Egg Move (Dragonbreath), so that was added to her hatching post.

Ah, so she was born with bad breath. I see, I see. :smalltongue:

Edit: Also, don't know if this was posted anywhere, but what do Vanish, Power Up and Prism Beam do?