- Pokédex No.
- 147
- Caught
- Jun 26, 2019
- Messages
- 941
- Location
- Zion National Park
- Nature
- Sassy
- Pronouns
- They/Them
- Pokémon Type
- Bug, Clever
- Pokédex Entry
- A regular writer of fanfics and other works, this pokemon loves puns, bugs, and the outdoors.
Welcome to…
A Chesslocke of Sword version, DLC included! This is my first-ever Chesslocke run (though not my first-ever run of SwSh) and will more or less just be a fun, casual written log to chronicle my journey. (I'm including some screenshots here and there, but this isn't a full screenshot run--and just so you know, my screenshots are just phone pics :p)
What’s a Chesslocke? It’s a custom ruleset based on the rules of chess, of course! The original was invented by @Zaazaa0 way back in 2012; since this is my maiden voyage, I’m going to have a slightly modified version of the ruleset as typical, though broadly it should be very much recognizable as what it is!
With all that out of the way... let's get started!
GRANDMASTER
A Chesslocke of Sword version, DLC included! This is my first-ever Chesslocke run (though not my first-ever run of SwSh) and will more or less just be a fun, casual written log to chronicle my journey. (I'm including some screenshots here and there, but this isn't a full screenshot run--and just so you know, my screenshots are just phone pics :p)
What’s a Chesslocke? It’s a custom ruleset based on the rules of chess, of course! The original was invented by @Zaazaa0 way back in 2012; since this is my maiden voyage, I’m going to have a slightly modified version of the ruleset as typical, though broadly it should be very much recognizable as what it is!
- Only the first encountered pokemon in any given route or area may be captured.
- DUPES CLAUSE: Pokemon belonging to an evolutionary family of one you’ve already captured are ineligible as a first encounter and are skipped.
- MANDATORY CATCH CLAUSE: Pokemon which must be captured to progress the story can still be captured for that purpose, but not used unless they meet all other criteria. A mandatory catch that is not used or added to the team does not count as the “first encounter” of an area.
- GIFT CLAUSE: Gift pokemon are freebies and do not count as the “encounter” for a given area, though they must still adhere to the Chesslocke rules as described in rule #5. Alolan Diglett rewards in Isle of Armor may be accepted and permaboxed if not used in order to open future gift availability.
- IN-GAME TRADES: In-game trades are valid provided the pokemon being traded away was caught legally.
- PINWHEEL CLAUSE: Route 2 counts as two separate areas: the initial path, and the lake and small area beyond it.
- All pokemon must be nicknamed (I will be using a simple name scheme based on chess to keep everyone’s roles in mind.)
- Fainting = death; the pokemon must be permaboxed if it faints.
- The run ends when each of the following criteria have been met:
- Victory in the Championship battle against Leon.
- Final postgame fight against Hop (where he has Zamazenta) is complete.
- Calyrex is caught.
- Mustard’s final fight successfully defeated.
- CHESSLOCKE RULES: Only 16 pokemon can be caught and used in the entire run. Each pokemon will be assigned a chess role. There is one king, one queen, two each of rooks, knights, and bishops, and eight pawns. In-game trades inherit the role of the pokemon that was traded away. If a piece exceeds its level restriction, it must be benched until the restriction no longer applies. This rule does not take effect until a battle is over, so mid-battle level-ups cannot bench a piece. If there are no available roles left to assign catches other than ones with restrictions, and the first encountered pokemon in an area does not meet those restrictions, that encounter does not count as a first encounter. The roles are as follows:
- KING: The king has no level restrictions, no moveset restrictions, and can evolve. The king is my starter and must be male (in the unlikely event I get a female, I will reset.) The king must be on the team at all times. The king can Dynamax.
- CHECKMATE CLAUSE: Under normal Chesslocke rules, if the king faints, the run ends. To avoid this happening, this clause protects the king’s death from perma-ending the run. If the king faints, another living pokemon will be sacrificed in his stead to keep the run going. If there are any living queens, one of them will be sacrificed first; then rooks; then bishops; then knights; and finally pawns. Promoted pawns are counted as the rank they were promoted to. If there are multiple pokemon in the rank the sacrifice is to be drawn from, a random number generator or a coinflip will be used to determine who is killed. The sacrificed piece is killed at the same moment the king is; the king cannot be resuscitated until the battle is over.
- QUEEN: The queen has no moveset restrictions and can evolve. She can match, but not exceed, the king in level. The queen must be female and her final evolution must share at least one type or egg group with the king’s final evolution. She can Dynamax.
- ROOKS: Rooks can evolve. They cannot match or exceed the king in level. Rooks can Dynamax. Rooks cannot learn any offensive moves which inflict, or have the chance of inflicting, a secondary effect on the opponent (such as initiating a status condition, causing a flinch, or modifying/lowering the enemy’s stats.) Moves such as Revenge, Night Slash, or Quick Attack are allowed, as their effects do not impact the opponent. They can learn normal status moves just fine.
- BISHOPS: Bishops can evolve. They cannot match or exceed the king in level. Bishops can Dynamax. Bishops cannot learn more than two damaging moves at any given time. (If a bishop is caught with three or more damaging moves, then TMs, TRs, or the Move Reminder must be used as soon as possible to remedy the situation.)
- KNIGHTS: Knights can evolve. They cannot match or exceed the king in level. Knights can Dynamax. Knights cannot learn any offensive move that exceeds 60 base power. Multi-hit moves like Triple Kick, Fury Swipes, or Bonemarang are calculated by the virtue of the strongest single hit. Moves whose base power is based on stats, weight, or other things that vary from pokemon to pokmeon such as Eruption, Low Kick, Heat Crash, and Gyro Ball are not allowed.
- PAWNS: Pawns cannot evolve. Pawns’s levels can go no higher than two less than the king. Pawns have no moveset restrictions. Pawns cannot Dynamax. Fully-evolved pokemon and single-stage pokemon cannot be pawns. (Middle evolutions are okay.)
- PROMOTION CLAUSE: If a Pawn defeats the ace pokemon of a boss—defined as: rival battles like Bede, Marnie, Klara, or Hop; Gym Leaders, including League finals; Chairman Rose and Oleana; Leon; legendary pokemon battles that are not cheesed with a Master Ball; Swordley and Shielbert; Peony; the forced encounter with the Dynamax Vespiquen in Isle of Armor; and any battle with Mustard—without being switched in or out, then it can be promoted to a rank other than king. A pawn must otherwise meet the criteria for being a queen to be promoted to queen.
With all that out of the way... let's get started!
Welcome to the world of Galar! My name? Kasparov, of course! If we’re going full chess, who better than the man who spent longer than anyone in history as the World Champion? Let’s see if Kasparov can reclaim the title—not only of chess champion, but pokemon champion as well!
After an intro featuring everyone’s faaaaaaaaaaaaaavorite corporate overlord, we begin our journey in the sleepy town of…
Postwick
We meet Hop, our bestie, and then it’s time to pack up! You know, home sweet home isn’t that bad a place, but I do have one question…
Why doesn’t my bedroom have a door, mom? What the hell?! You know, maybe there’s a reason why you have a Budew and a Munchlax—two pokemon who evolve by friendship—and they’re stuck the same way all game!
—ahem. Regardless. After picking up our bag and beanie, it’s time to head out!
And Hop has the audacity to mock the size of our bag. At least we can fit something bigger than a thermos in there, buddy!
Just look at that thing! Pathetic! You’re gonna tromp all over Galar with that? How you gonna fit a tent in there, Hop? Where’s your curry gonna go? Do you even have a change of clothes? “Oh, I’m Hop! I think that function should be secondary to having a tiny-ass bag that matches my weird bomber jacket whose sleeves barely make it past my elbows. Don't forget the skin-tight pants that show off my skinny ankles!” Pictured below: the face of a boy who knows nothing about roughing it.
Embarrassing!
After Hop “takes care” of a Wooloo trying to break down a fence by failing to stop it from doing that in any way, it’s time to run off to meet Leon, whom I’ve apparently never met—despite growing up next to his family and being best friends with his younger brother? I suppose I was stuck indoors doing chess all my childhood, never to see the light of day until I learned how to properly execute en passant
Actually, before we go, let’s explore. Apparently not giving your children privacy is a Postwick cultural thing, since neither Hop nor his brother get doors either. And speaking of Leon’s room…
Holy moly, how many snapbacks does one guy need? I count 38 total, which is insane!
…actually, given my penchant for playing virtual paper doll in newer pokemon games, I doubt I’ll have room to throw stones once this run is over. Still, though.
Route 1
Nothing to do but take a straight shot until…
Wedgehurst
I do like the names of Galar’s towns. They have a lot of character.
Anyway, Leon’s here and is taller than his Charizard, once again reminding me that the Pokedex is bullshit and official sizes are nonsense. Charizard should be big enough for an adult to ride and I refuse to believe otherwise.
Seriously, check out this nonsense:
I refuse. I refuse.
(Fun fact: the music that plays during this scene is a slightly less intense remix of… the theme that plays when you fight Eternatus with the wolves? Wild!)
Thankfully, Hop is here to stop Leon from getting lost on the walk back to his house… which requires him to merely walk down a straight path… without taking any turns.
God bless this perpetually-lost, fashion-blind himbo. I love him. Still gonna kick his ass, though. And his brother’s ass. And his mentor’s. And—
Postwick
Uhhhh, anyway, here we are—back once more! In a scene I really like, the Champion shows off our starter choices, with us getting a look at their personalities and typings. The starter I pick is going to be our king, so we must pick wisely! I’ve decided to go with… Grookey!
** Name: KING **
Male Lv. 5 Grookey (GRS). Ability: Overgrow.
Careful nature (+Sp. Def, -Sp. Atk) “It’s mischievous!”
ASSIGNED CHESS RANK: King
But no time to focus on that. Immediately, we get thrown into our first battle of the game!
BOSS: Hop
Time for the first of many times I will crush this smol boi’s hopes and dreams. King wins a simple damage race against Wooloo, taking a little bit of damage in the process, and levels up mid-battle to level 6, learning Branch Poke! And speaking of Branch Poke, Hop is flabbergasted that I already know about type advantages. I’m aiming to be a grandmaster here, Hop! Get it together! Two Branch Pokes take out Sobble without King ever leaving the green, bringing him up to level 7 in the process. Victory!
Defeat doesn’t dampen Hop’s spirits too much (yet). He wants to take the Gym Challenge, so Leon kicks us forward to get a Pokedex!
But wait, the Wooloo broke through the fence by my house! (Was it… was it tackling the fence all night long? Now that’s dedication!) Naturally, we have to step in and rescue it. But not before we learn some harrowing info…
You know, I don't think the game ever revisits this... which is a real shame, because this is killer backstory fodder. Anyway, with Hop dragging me along, off we go!
Slumbering Weald
I love, love, love the look and aesthetic of this place… and the music too. Wolves are the best instrument
After some forced encounters against Skwovet and Rookidee, we press further, with Hop and Kasparov expressing concern as to the fact that the fog is so soupy they can’t see in front of their faces. Don’t be so melodramatic, we all know that’s the default state of being for the British Isles~
Anyway, time for a wolf to kick my ass.
BOSS: Mysterious pokemon that definitely isn’t Zacian lmao
This “mysterious pokemon” glares menacingly at me, thinking mad thoughts, until King and I pass out. Must have locked our knees or something.
This match was rigged, I tell ya! It better not affect my FIDE ranking >:(
Leon swoops in to save the day while his Charizard ponders whether to have roast mutton for dinner:
Postwick
Not much here to do except say farewell to mom. Bye! Maybe you can invest in, I don’t know, a bedroom door while I’m gone?!
I suppose I can’t be too mad. She does give me 30k pokedollars after all, telling me to spend it on potions.
Yeah right, mom. We all know I’m gonna blow it all on what really matters:
LOOKIN’ STYLIN’
Route 1
We are barred from progressing by what may be the most adorable roadblock in video game history:
…actually, scratch that. This is the second most adorable roadblock. The GBA classic Golden Sun has it beat:
LOOKIT THE CUTE LITTLE PUPPIES
THEY’RE PLAYING ;w;
So now it’s on to encounter times! Galar actually has decent early-game mons: Wooloo, Skwovet, Blipbug, and Rookidee all have some noteworthy evolutions! But since I’m limited to only 16 catches all game, I have to be careful. My encounter for Route 1 is a Wooloo; I considered catching it, but since it was male and therefore unable to be a queen, I ultimately decided against it. Sorry, Wooloo! Enjoy being adorable... over there. Away from me.
Wedgehurst
After picking up some extra medicine from the mart, it’s time to meet… best girl!
BEST GIRL!!!!
Seriously, I love her design, her personality, her arc. It’s aces all the way down. She is the best
And look at Yamper, being a big help and helping to guide Leon out of the door… he just… came in……
………
Bless this himbo, I love him.
Not really, Sonia—but I can notate the Evergreen Game from start to finish!
Anyway, we pick up a dex and leave the lab, and I indulge Hop by pretending I don’t already know what a Pokemon Center is.
If I’m going to shame him in battle and destroy his hopes and dreams, I can at least give him this. Go ahead buddy, lay it on me.
After he gives his spiel, I run into something that makes my American ass want to lay down and weep…
Oh, to not bankrupt yourself in health care… the dream…
cries in cheeseburger
Not much to do in town—wait, what am I saying? There’s only the most important thing on earth:
Buy.
More.
CLOTHES.
Ah, the conundrum! Drop all my money on that rockin’ Arcanine tee, or save it for later and pick up the smaller stuff? Alas, I think I have no choice but the latter. One shopping spree later, and I’m borderline bankrupt. (I’m not going to change my look this update for consistency’s sake, but expect a new outfit next time—and probably a unique style of dress for every update!)
And with that, we truly are off.
Route 2
It’s that time of every pokemon game you just love—
mAnDaToRy TuToRiAlS
Afterwards, Leon at least has the decency to load us up with poke balls—and then he runs ahead, all by himself! You’re a big boy now, Leon!
And hey, you know what? After he gave us such a delightful speech on the importance of finding new teammates… I think I’m going to take him up on it! Who could Route 2’s encounter be? Who will be the first teammate to join us?
** NAME: P1 **
Female Lv. 7 Galarian Zigzagoon (DRK/NRM). Ability: Gluttony.
Sassy nature (+Sp. Def, -Speed) “It’s somewhat vain!”
ASSIGNED CHESS RANK: Pawn
HEAVY METAL BADGER LET’S GOOOOO
I’m really glad I caught her! I’ve never had a chance to use this line in its Galarian form, but I’m sure it’ll be exciting. And the best part? She’s in the Field egg group, which makes her a queen in the making… once I get her to beat a boss’s ace, that is! But for now she’s the first of my pawns, designation P1. Don’t worry, she’ll gain a more appropriate name once she promotes. Sadly, she’s only one level behind King—so she’s got to stay benched until he gains one more.
Anyway, it’s time to go further down the Route! Sadly, the company here doesn’t seem to be up to snuff when it comes to improving my chess game.
Anyway, let’s continue further. A trainer on this route has something interesting to say!
Holy smokes, someone introduce this girl to Hop stat. This is a trainer who has mastered type matchups.
Anyway, a couple more shmuck trainer battles and we meet the professor, snagging the Payback TM from behind her house on the way. That’s a move P1 will appreciate! Yeah, I know you want me to complete the pokedex, professor, but have you considered instead: a chess grandmaster pokemon master? Food for thought!
Hop rushes outside, and I can do naught but follow! I have no regrets as to the ensuing beatdown.
BOSS: Hop
Right away, it’s King vs Wooloo! King outlevels by a significant amount (he’s lv. 9 while Wooloo is only lv. 6) so there’s little the sheep can do lmao. Both King and P1 level up thanks to the EXP, bringing them to lv. 10 and lv. 8 respectively!
Speaking of P1, it’s her turn to shine against Hop’s Rookidee! P1 outspeeds, so Payback can’t be used to its full potential—but two uses still takes Rookidee to the red while she sits comfortably in the green! A Tackle spells the end of Hop’s bird. King comes back to take on Sobble, and it’s barely even a contest.
Afterwards, Hop talks about how the two of us will need to become acquainted with both victory and defeat to grow… sorry buddy, but only one of us is gonna ever taste defeat, and he's done it twice already. Please accept this now, you'll be happier in the long run.
In all seriousness, Leon gives us both endorsement and we bear witness to what is perhaps the most understated meteor impact in all of fiction. Wishing stars go twinkle plip~
The next morning, Sonia wants to know about the mysterious pokemon we saw in the Weald! Well, Sonia, it was large, cyan, definitely canine, and was surprisingly nonaggressive—
Hop: “it was like super weird idk lmao”
This kid... I do love him, I swear, but Sonia is me rn...
But with that… I think we’re good to call it! Thanks for taking a peek at my Chesslocke, and who knows? Perhaps we might just manage to sculpt the legend of a true chess wizard! See you soon :>
KING
P1
After an intro featuring everyone’s faaaaaaaaaaaaaavorite corporate overlord, we begin our journey in the sleepy town of…
Postwick
We meet Hop, our bestie, and then it’s time to pack up! You know, home sweet home isn’t that bad a place, but I do have one question…
Why doesn’t my bedroom have a door, mom? What the hell?! You know, maybe there’s a reason why you have a Budew and a Munchlax—two pokemon who evolve by friendship—and they’re stuck the same way all game!
—ahem. Regardless. After picking up our bag and beanie, it’s time to head out!
And Hop has the audacity to mock the size of our bag. At least we can fit something bigger than a thermos in there, buddy!
Just look at that thing! Pathetic! You’re gonna tromp all over Galar with that? How you gonna fit a tent in there, Hop? Where’s your curry gonna go? Do you even have a change of clothes? “Oh, I’m Hop! I think that function should be secondary to having a tiny-ass bag that matches my weird bomber jacket whose sleeves barely make it past my elbows. Don't forget the skin-tight pants that show off my skinny ankles!” Pictured below: the face of a boy who knows nothing about roughing it.
Embarrassing!
After Hop “takes care” of a Wooloo trying to break down a fence by failing to stop it from doing that in any way, it’s time to run off to meet Leon, whom I’ve apparently never met—despite growing up next to his family and being best friends with his younger brother? I suppose I was stuck indoors doing chess all my childhood, never to see the light of day until I learned how to properly execute en passant
Actually, before we go, let’s explore. Apparently not giving your children privacy is a Postwick cultural thing, since neither Hop nor his brother get doors either. And speaking of Leon’s room…
Holy moly, how many snapbacks does one guy need? I count 38 total, which is insane!
…actually, given my penchant for playing virtual paper doll in newer pokemon games, I doubt I’ll have room to throw stones once this run is over. Still, though.
Route 1
Nothing to do but take a straight shot until…
Wedgehurst
I do like the names of Galar’s towns. They have a lot of character.
Anyway, Leon’s here and is taller than his Charizard, once again reminding me that the Pokedex is bullshit and official sizes are nonsense. Charizard should be big enough for an adult to ride and I refuse to believe otherwise.
Seriously, check out this nonsense:
I refuse. I refuse.
(Fun fact: the music that plays during this scene is a slightly less intense remix of… the theme that plays when you fight Eternatus with the wolves? Wild!)
Thankfully, Hop is here to stop Leon from getting lost on the walk back to his house… which requires him to merely walk down a straight path… without taking any turns.
God bless this perpetually-lost, fashion-blind himbo. I love him. Still gonna kick his ass, though. And his brother’s ass. And his mentor’s. And—
Postwick
Uhhhh, anyway, here we are—back once more! In a scene I really like, the Champion shows off our starter choices, with us getting a look at their personalities and typings. The starter I pick is going to be our king, so we must pick wisely! I’ve decided to go with… Grookey!
** Name: KING **
Male Lv. 5 Grookey (GRS). Ability: Overgrow.
Careful nature (+Sp. Def, -Sp. Atk) “It’s mischievous!”
ASSIGNED CHESS RANK: King
But no time to focus on that. Immediately, we get thrown into our first battle of the game!
BOSS: Hop
Time for the first of many times I will crush this smol boi’s hopes and dreams. King wins a simple damage race against Wooloo, taking a little bit of damage in the process, and levels up mid-battle to level 6, learning Branch Poke! And speaking of Branch Poke, Hop is flabbergasted that I already know about type advantages. I’m aiming to be a grandmaster here, Hop! Get it together! Two Branch Pokes take out Sobble without King ever leaving the green, bringing him up to level 7 in the process. Victory!
Defeat doesn’t dampen Hop’s spirits too much (yet). He wants to take the Gym Challenge, so Leon kicks us forward to get a Pokedex!
But wait, the Wooloo broke through the fence by my house! (Was it… was it tackling the fence all night long? Now that’s dedication!) Naturally, we have to step in and rescue it. But not before we learn some harrowing info…
You know, I don't think the game ever revisits this... which is a real shame, because this is killer backstory fodder. Anyway, with Hop dragging me along, off we go!
Slumbering Weald
I love, love, love the look and aesthetic of this place… and the music too. Wolves are the best instrument
After some forced encounters against Skwovet and Rookidee, we press further, with Hop and Kasparov expressing concern as to the fact that the fog is so soupy they can’t see in front of their faces. Don’t be so melodramatic, we all know that’s the default state of being for the British Isles~
Anyway, time for a wolf to kick my ass.
BOSS: Mysterious pokemon that definitely isn’t Zacian lmao
This “mysterious pokemon” glares menacingly at me, thinking mad thoughts, until King and I pass out. Must have locked our knees or something.
This match was rigged, I tell ya! It better not affect my FIDE ranking >:(
Leon swoops in to save the day while his Charizard ponders whether to have roast mutton for dinner:
Postwick
Not much here to do except say farewell to mom. Bye! Maybe you can invest in, I don’t know, a bedroom door while I’m gone?!
I suppose I can’t be too mad. She does give me 30k pokedollars after all, telling me to spend it on potions.
Yeah right, mom. We all know I’m gonna blow it all on what really matters:
LOOKIN’ STYLIN’
Route 1
We are barred from progressing by what may be the most adorable roadblock in video game history:
…actually, scratch that. This is the second most adorable roadblock. The GBA classic Golden Sun has it beat:
LOOKIT THE CUTE LITTLE PUPPIES
THEY’RE PLAYING ;w;
So now it’s on to encounter times! Galar actually has decent early-game mons: Wooloo, Skwovet, Blipbug, and Rookidee all have some noteworthy evolutions! But since I’m limited to only 16 catches all game, I have to be careful. My encounter for Route 1 is a Wooloo; I considered catching it, but since it was male and therefore unable to be a queen, I ultimately decided against it. Sorry, Wooloo! Enjoy being adorable... over there. Away from me.
Wedgehurst
After picking up some extra medicine from the mart, it’s time to meet… best girl!
BEST GIRL!!!!
Seriously, I love her design, her personality, her arc. It’s aces all the way down. She is the best
And look at Yamper, being a big help and helping to guide Leon out of the door… he just… came in……………
Bless this himbo, I love him.
Not really, Sonia—but I can notate the Evergreen Game from start to finish!
Anyway, we pick up a dex and leave the lab, and I indulge Hop by pretending I don’t already know what a Pokemon Center is.
If I’m going to shame him in battle and destroy his hopes and dreams, I can at least give him this. Go ahead buddy, lay it on me.
After he gives his spiel, I run into something that makes my American ass want to lay down and weep…
Oh, to not bankrupt yourself in health care… the dream…
cries in cheeseburger
Not much to do in town—wait, what am I saying? There’s only the most important thing on earth:
Buy.
More.
CLOTHES.
Ah, the conundrum! Drop all my money on that rockin’ Arcanine tee, or save it for later and pick up the smaller stuff? Alas, I think I have no choice but the latter. One shopping spree later, and I’m borderline bankrupt. (I’m not going to change my look this update for consistency’s sake, but expect a new outfit next time—and probably a unique style of dress for every update!)
And with that, we truly are off.
Route 2
It’s that time of every pokemon game you just love—
mAnDaToRy TuToRiAlS
Afterwards, Leon at least has the decency to load us up with poke balls—and then he runs ahead, all by himself! You’re a big boy now, Leon!
And hey, you know what? After he gave us such a delightful speech on the importance of finding new teammates… I think I’m going to take him up on it! Who could Route 2’s encounter be? Who will be the first teammate to join us?
** NAME: P1 **
Female Lv. 7 Galarian Zigzagoon (DRK/NRM). Ability: Gluttony.
Sassy nature (+Sp. Def, -Speed) “It’s somewhat vain!”
ASSIGNED CHESS RANK: Pawn
HEAVY METAL BADGER LET’S GOOOOO
I’m really glad I caught her! I’ve never had a chance to use this line in its Galarian form, but I’m sure it’ll be exciting. And the best part? She’s in the Field egg group, which makes her a queen in the making… once I get her to beat a boss’s ace, that is! But for now she’s the first of my pawns, designation P1. Don’t worry, she’ll gain a more appropriate name once she promotes. Sadly, she’s only one level behind King—so she’s got to stay benched until he gains one more.
Anyway, it’s time to go further down the Route! Sadly, the company here doesn’t seem to be up to snuff when it comes to improving my chess game.
Anyway, let’s continue further. A trainer on this route has something interesting to say!
Holy smokes, someone introduce this girl to Hop stat. This is a trainer who has mastered type matchups.
Anyway, a couple more shmuck trainer battles and we meet the professor, snagging the Payback TM from behind her house on the way. That’s a move P1 will appreciate! Yeah, I know you want me to complete the pokedex, professor, but have you considered instead: a chess grandmaster pokemon master? Food for thought!
Hop rushes outside, and I can do naught but follow! I have no regrets as to the ensuing beatdown.
BOSS: Hop
Right away, it’s King vs Wooloo! King outlevels by a significant amount (he’s lv. 9 while Wooloo is only lv. 6) so there’s little the sheep can do lmao. Both King and P1 level up thanks to the EXP, bringing them to lv. 10 and lv. 8 respectively!
Speaking of P1, it’s her turn to shine against Hop’s Rookidee! P1 outspeeds, so Payback can’t be used to its full potential—but two uses still takes Rookidee to the red while she sits comfortably in the green! A Tackle spells the end of Hop’s bird. King comes back to take on Sobble, and it’s barely even a contest.
Afterwards, Hop talks about how the two of us will need to become acquainted with both victory and defeat to grow… sorry buddy, but only one of us is gonna ever taste defeat, and he's done it twice already. Please accept this now, you'll be happier in the long run.
In all seriousness, Leon gives us both endorsement and we bear witness to what is perhaps the most understated meteor impact in all of fiction. Wishing stars go twinkle plip~
The next morning, Sonia wants to know about the mysterious pokemon we saw in the Weald! Well, Sonia, it was large, cyan, definitely canine, and was surprisingly nonaggressive—
Hop: “it was like super weird idk lmao”
This kid... I do love him, I swear, but Sonia is me rn...
But with that… I think we’re good to call it! Thanks for taking a peek at my Chesslocke, and who knows? Perhaps we might just manage to sculpt the legend of a true chess wizard! See you soon :>
Here's something fun I'm gonna do for this run! I'm fairly knowledgeable about chess, so for each update, I'm going to explain something about the game--particularly the title! It'll always be chess-related, though the specifics might vary--sometimes I might talk about famous games, other times I might talk about terminology or named strategies, and I might even talk about the history and development of chess and its past forms!
This update's title is fairly simple. 1.e4 is the notation for when white moves its king's pawn two spaces forward as their first move. This is by far the most common opening move in high-level play and is generally considered white's most reliable opening, though naming it the "best" is inaccurate as there are other popular openings, such as advancing the queen's pawn, the queenside bishop's pawn, or the kingside knight.
This update's title is fairly simple. 1.e4 is the notation for when white moves its king's pawn two spaces forward as their first move. This is by far the most common opening move in high-level play and is generally considered white's most reliable opening, though naming it the "best" is inaccurate as there are other popular openings, such as advancing the queen's pawn, the queenside bishop's pawn, or the kingside knight.
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The pokemon up here are 2tuff4me, but other than a single scare with a Snorunt that was more than double my team’s level (thanks, Poke Doll!) I dodged danger handily. While up there, I picked up more goodies, like the Bulldoze TM, a second set of Leftovers (they’re a rare drop from the trees under the bridge guarded by the wandering Greedent), and lots of sell fodder. Also, by happenstance, a Macro Cosmos employee happened to sell the Thunderbolt TM…
*checks* Phew, they're all in Field and a second egg group. Scorbunny's other egg group is actually Human-Like, which generally has fighting and psychic types—as opposed to Sobble and Grookey getting Water 1 and Grass, respectively, which really don't do much to widen the type selection of their potential queens.
If you wanted to be generous, I suppose you could say its point is to tease you with the TM on the ledge above (just out of sight in this pic)… maybe…
