Screenshot Written Log Critique Lv.5 Paldea Teen Commentary Mon The Breath of the Wild of SSWLs

[Bowser's Family Vacation]

Spoiler: Replies

@Dee : I love Braviary too! (Defiant Route 4 static Braviary, my beloved. 🥺) I do not love seeing Unova Pokemon outside of Unova, though, because some of those evolution times stick out like a sore thumb. :( Don't worry: I allow looking up the evolution methods of Pokemon I've caught. I just haven't mentioned Finizen's evolution method yet because Finizen evolves fairly late. But, man, a dolphin Pokemon! Finally!

Also, small-locke when? 👀

@Skarmizard : I am shocked that Pokemon hasn't done a "Pokemon trainer as pet owner" story before, since I think "pet owner" is the closest real-world analog to "Pokemon trainer" (especially in the anime universe). Wait, really? 👀 Gotta say: I love these "third STAB" abilities (e.g: Dhelmise's Steelworker). No more r/fuckmindy ??? Team Star with a star-based naming theme??? No, that's so smart!!! 😭 (The design behind Star Barrages isn't, though, for reasons you've mentioned. >_>)

This is the only day of the year I can share this historical meme~

​

Spoiler: Dungeon 12: Tunic of Time?

Well, well, I fell in the… river.

Wait, what am I battling?

Oh, I’ve seen you before! Smiley guy!

:)

Spoiler: Agahnim the Tadbulb: E Area 1-E Area 2

Hm, well, this guy obviously has a light motif. If only there was a light dungeon…

There isn't, but there is a Light World. I mean, that's just the name of the standard world in A Link to the Past, but that's not a game we've used any names from, so let's roll with it!

Apparently, one of the main characters of this game is this robed wizard fellow named Agahnim?

Obviously, Agahnim is a bad guy (and not even a bad girl), but old Zelda games don't have a lot of named characters to work with.

I mean, let's name our next encounters Average Middle-Aged Man, Bug-Catching Kid, and Bully.

And who could forget the dynamic duo of… Flute Boy and Flute Boy’s Bird?

I considered using the name of the Light Sage, but he's, like, already in the scene. (For those who don't get it.)

I don't know why you have Mud Slap, little light tadpole, but maybe you can learn another ground type move too..? 🤔

I guess the more immediately-pressing question, though, is this: Do I need to fast travel out of here?

WHY CAN'T I JUMP ON A LEDGE!?

Is this an optical illusion or something?

It's a Psyduck… chained to a rock!? What Sisyphean task are you condemned to toil at forever!?

Oh. I freed him from his torture.

OH NO, THERE ARE MORE. I NEED TO GET OUT OF THE RIVER STYX!

Spirit me away, Light Sage!

OH MY GOODNESS, YES!

Welcome to the Iono Team, Agahnim!

NOPE, NOT RIGHT NOW, BLACK TEXT TRAINER. Maybe after Iono, though? 🤔 The last black text trainer was a really fun challenge.

Why is this Deerling the height of the grass? 🥺

Mine are good. >:D

Is that an island? 🏝

Hm… This may be the danger zone. >_>

IN DANGER OF BEING LEFT IN MY DUST, THAT IS!

Trayshure! :D

Mesees an electric/flying type. I wonder if they will give it to Iono to disrupt a Bulldoze or Mud Shot sweep.

Oh my. For anyone else, this encounter could be killer, but…

Not Fyer! 🤡 ❤️

And we made some pledges. o7

I know I could swim to Levincia from here, but I don't want to forget my last encounter! (Plus, I could still use some EXP and EVs.)

Answer: Ow!

Dragon Tamer? Can you tame these bulls, then?

I'm feeling vaguely threatened… >_>

OK, I’m aware that my special attack is better, but Spark is a base power boost.

I thought I wouldn't find you until we return to Koraidon's birthplace! (Presumably Area Zero?)

Pompadour, I'm not helping you yet. >_>

Why do we need to act all suspicious? We know why a school principal would want to end the school gang.

OH GEEZ WHY WOULD TEENAGERS ACT OUT IT'S A MYSTERY

Well, shit, I didn't realize it was that bad. But, like, are there any teachers going to Operation Therapy? You know, for the bullied students?

Oh, that's the bigger issue than students dropping out of school because they feel so unsafe there!? What!?

Bruh, we already have the "declaration of war" plot. Why do we also need a "teacher's ultimatum" plot?

Is there a reason you don't want Cassiopeia to hear you?

Well, there are trainers EVERYWHERE in Paldea's wild areas. Again, you keep calling me in public, Cassiopeia.

Oh. There is a blockade.

I will save my E Area 2-Levincia encounter for when I'm leaving Levincia, then.


However shall I-

Hey, out of my wild Poke-

Oh. Carry on, then.

He's a Minecraft mob! ❤️

Oh my god, that's BRUTAL. 😳

I don't think I want a Naclstack "Salt Cure," but I think Iono wants to try it!

2me2real

Ooh, a perfect target for our new move. 🧂

Capitalism is the meaniehead. 😤

OK, last time I went to one of Paldea's big cities, I went shopping first.

Now I will go grocery shopping first.

(Don't worry, I'll check out Levincia's clothing offerings later. Maybe after the nearby Fire Team Star base? 🌟)

I like your music here too. Why does it remind me of the professor's theme..? For Violet, at least there's a future theme going on, so that makes sense, but I'm playing Scarlet.

Crossing my fingers that Iono has a Magnemite too. 🤞

Privilege. 🙄

How old are you, seven!? 😱 *shudders in Race With Ryan*

Oh no, I can't just spam Surf on all my water types. Because it's a TM… 😓

You… You can still eat a sandwich without the pick. Don't tell me you didn't eat a perfectly good sandwich.

Ew, business calls.

#girlbosses

Ooh, gym leader ads. (also i get you dude 😔)

And Pokemon ads!

Is… That Fuecoco's middle evolution? I don't think I like it.. :c

This is definitely where Iono and I will battle, right?

This doesn't make me feel safe, sir.

Rotom with the Fire Emblem Self-Insert Protag energy. >_>

Wait, the NPC outside talked about Paralyze Heals. You can't even buy them here! D:<

See!?

YES! :D Gimme!

Ooh, if this stacks with Echoed Voice…

This can turn Mikau into a critting monster. :D

Gah, it's adorable! But is it Link? 🤔 I think not.

Wait… Idea…

OK, let's talk about the items one by one.

Agahnim has a Soft Sand to increase the power of Mud Shot. As an electric type, she resists electric type attacks.
Arrghus has the much-sought-after Leftovers because with his Battle Armor ability, it is far easier to predict the ranges of damage he will be up against. Fewer turns spent healing is more turns spent setting up Bulk Up.

Bullbo has the Metronome because I can spam Mud Shot or Dig. If I encounter an electric and flying type, Metronome's effect stacks with Echoed Voice's.

Kaepora has the Quick Claw to have the chance to move first to get off a Yawn.

Darbus has the second soft to increase the power of Mud Shot.

Chef has the Loaded Dice to maybe make Bullet Seed better? To be honest, Loaded Dice is more of an investment in using it when Bullet Seed is more useful (i.e: the water type gym and even against Pokemon that don't resist grass).

🐈 ❤️

Well, I'll be damned, Paldea: You finally do have a city where the gym building fits in aesthetically.

OH MY GOODNESS, LOOK AT THAT PRECIOUS JOLTEON! 💛Wait, Nemona, are… Are you calling me from just off-screen?

Yes, you need to see this adorable Jolteon as well. 😤

Funny you talk about "choosing." Because, in the context of a nuzlocke, there are wrong choices. Deadly wrong choices.

Finally! Another Nemona battle! We haven't battled you since before we got our first badge, right?

Lame. We can't trash the hotel lobby. 😔

Hm… You better not have any water types to take advantage of the rain, Nemona. Wait, why are you talking about terrain? Terrain like Pokemon Reborn and Rejuvenation's terrains? Hopefully not quite like that… >_>

nemona does a team scaled to your skill level why cant the gym leaders

VS Nemona

Turn 1: Agahnim VS Rockruff

You know, despite having the Soft Sand, I'd rather have super effective STAB on my side.
Switch to Chef!
Howl!

Turn 2: Chef VS Rockruff
Rock Throw!
Bullet Seed! KO!

Ripening? Like I'm to be pressed into wine?

Well, with the Loaded Dice, Bullet Seed is more consistent. I could use the Scope Lens on Chef, though. The real kicker is that Bite has the same secondary effect as Headbutt, and, other than Fyer, I don't have any other Pokemon with dark type moves.

So let's pass on Headbutt for now.

Hey, Clavell has a Pawmi too! I know it can Terrastralize, and that was TERRIFYING. So I want a Pokemon with ground type moves.

Turn 3: Bullbo VS Pawmi

Ready for Round 2 against this thing, Bullbo?

Do you remember us, Pawmi?
Dig!

Turn 4: Bullbo VS Pawmi
Nuzzle! Miss!
Dig KO!
Static!

Grk! I forgot about that..!

Turn 5: Bullbo VS Crocalor

Well, that has to be the name of Fuecoco's evolution. Maybe I can maintain the Metronome streak?
That really is a Froot Loop on your head!

Eh oh.
Terrastralize! Incinerate!

Oh. Never mind.
Dig!

Turn 6: Bullbo VS Crocalor
Incinerate! Miss!
Dig!
You must be pretty tanky to survive that!

Turn 7: Bullbo VS Crocalor
Incinerate!
Dig!

Turn 8: Bullbo VS Crocalor
Dig! KO!

Well, between all of the Pokemon games I've played… I've gotten 2-6 gym badges in my documented runs for the forums alone.

Ooh, thank you. Not everyone can be as unbothered by paralysis as Bullbo.

#humblebrag

Once I'm done playing with Arven's healed dog, sure.

People after one week of Duolingo be like.

But what if I do not consent. *looks at public Nuzlocke Forums thread* OK, touché, game. I'll ask a different question: Do I get compensated for my labor?

YOU DIDN'T TELL ME SHE’S A VTUBER TOO.

Me, trying to figure out how GameFreak wrote Iono: 🤔

PALDEA, YOU NEED TO LEARN ABOUT CONSENT.

Wow, she says the quiet part out loud. When is her apology video?

Mr. Walksabout? Is that one of her Pokemon?

PRINCIPAL WATCHES V-TUBERS!? 🤯

Is that deuteragonist aura or antagonist aura..? Because if he's involved in both the Gym Leader and Team Star plot, that's some deuteragonist energy.

Oh, stalk my principal. Lovely.

The title isn't the problem, ma'am. *looks again* YOUR HAIR IS ALIVE!?

What past favors? Anything around student leadership positions, mayhaps? ☕

Just these two speaking styles juxtaposed.

🎵I spy, you spy, let’s all play I Spy! 🎵

🎵I spy a guy 🎵

🎵A rabid fanboy 🎵

🎵Gen 4 lion 🎵

🎵And the one place of employ! 🎵

🎵I spy our man 🎵

🎵A mistake on review 🎵

🎵Rip in pieces 🎵

🎵And Scrapper’s death: a take two! 🎵

🎵On a final note… 🎵

🎵How are you on that boat!? 🎵

Hang on, let's switch our lead to get Metronome going.

Ma'am, do you have a prosthetic leg?

Ooh, from public-facing smile to something else. 👀

PERSONAL SPACE, PLEASE!

Yes, Iono, I’m ready to see me kick some butt. 😤

inb4 its clavell

VS Iono

Turn 1: Bullbo VS Wattrel

Echoed Voice sweep it is, then.
Spark!
Echoed Voice!

Turn 2: Bullbo VS Wattrel

This is a slow burn sweep, I'll have you know.
Spark!
Paralyzed!⚡️

Turn 3: Bullbo VS Wattrel
Cheri Berry!
Spark!

Turn 4: Bullbo VS Wattrel
Spark! Headbutt! KO! Slow burn is overrated, anyway. >_>
Hm… Bellibolt, eh? Let's switch out to…

Turn 5: Agahnim VS Bellibolt

Hm… That face… I know that face…
Water Gun!
Mud Shot!

😰

Turn 6: Agahnim VS Bellibolt
Switch to Kaepora!
Spark! 😰

Hopefully, that just works like Charge and isn't a permanent buff???

Turn 7: Kaepora VS Bellibolt
Super Potion!

OK, that looks to be the case.

Turn 5: Kaepora VS Bellibolt

Quick Claw! Yawn!
Spark!

Turn 6: Kaepora VS Bellibolt
Super Potion!
Spark! Crit!

Turn 7: Kaepora VS Bellibolt
Manifest a crit out of our own..!

IT PROCS FOR ANY MOVE!? NOT JUST A GROUND TYPE MOVE!?

Turn 8: Kaepora VS Bellibolt
I know Rapid Spin doesn't do much, but we need to do as much damage as possible to lay the foundation for Bullbo.
Rapid Spin!
Spark! KO!

Turn 9: Bullbo VS Bellibolt

Manifest a Dig KO. 🙏
Dig!
Spark! Miss!

Turn 10: Bullbo VS Bellibolt

Dig! KO!

Turn 11: Bullbo VS Luxio

Her Luxio probably has Intimidate. But even if it does, Metronome is still a thing.

Intimidate!
Dig!
Spark! Miss!

Turn 12: Bullbo VS Luxio

Dig! Ugh, not a KO!

Bye, Bullb- Oh?

Turn 13: Bullbo VS Luxio
Dig!
Spark! Miss!

Turn 14: Bullbo VS Luxio
Dig! KO!

Mismagius, huh!? Well, with Tera Electric, Dig will still be super effective, and Bullbo is immune to ghost STAB. The only question is whether I want to risk being outsped and killed by going for Dig immediately or lose the power boost by healing.

Turn 15: Bullbo VS… Mismagius!?
Let's try for the OHKO.
Wait. Does Mismagius have..?

Shit.
I didn't click it yet, thank god! I had the thought in the nick of time!

Hyper Potion instead!

My readers (fans?), cheer louder! 📣

Turn 16: Bullbo VS Mismagius
Charge Beam!

Yikes. I need to get damage on FAST. Mismagius is probably faster than all my Pokemon, and I don't have a ground type to be immune to Charge Beam—never mind any other special moves it has.
Confuse Ray!
Confused! Headbutt!

Turn 17: Bullbo VS Mismagius
Guh… I wish I had Rapid Spin to get faster…
But that was on Kaepora..
Charge Beam!
Confused! Headbutt!

Turn 18: Bullbo VS Mismagius
No… I don't think you can survive this, Bullbo. I'm sorry…

Charge Beam! KO!
But your sacrifice enables this team to survive.

Turn 19: Darbus VS Mismagius

Darbus ain't afraid of no ghosts!

Terrastralize!
Confuse Ray!

Bruh, I thought you were immune to statuses. ._.

Turn 20: Darbus VS Mismagius
DARBUS, I SWEAR TO GOD-

…Why do you suck!?

Welp, time for Sacrifice Part 2. 🙃

Turn 21: Darbus VS Mismagius
Charge Beam! KO!

Turn 22: Arrghus VS Mismagius

pls outspeed

nope

Turn 23: Agahnim VS Mismagius
At least paralyze?

Fuck

Turn 24: Chef VS Mismagius

o7

Welp, that is a wipe. But I still have Pokemon in the box. And a few more encounters that I can squeeze out.

Next time!

Spoiler: Serious Opinions

• This is something I noticed in Cascarrafa, but because it was in a town, it bothered me less. Out in the wild, though, it is egregious. Why is it so hard to get out of the water? I get that, in real life, rivers can be at low elevations, but there are also rivers that get pretty close to roads. Nature trails are full of them!
• Not gonna lie: I'm kind of upset that the town with the electric type gym is the tech capital of the region. That's an obvious conclusion—unlike water types and deserts (and restaurants, it seems) and bug types and desserts.
• With the advent of Rotom Phones emulating our modern-day technology (unlike the more stylized Pokenavs, Poketches, C-Gear, etc.) it makes sense Pokemon would eventually create a modern-day influencer. I don't hate it. But I do hate small child NPCs talking about their social media. It's less that I hate small children being on social media and more that I hate thinking about why people might be watching small children on social media. >_> (And the complete lack of protection for children whose lives are broadcasted to the world via social media.)
• Oh my god, I love the Poke Maniac design. I'm surprised the game doesn’t make them gunwunners, though.
• On one hand, Iono's dialogue reads like it is written by someone who doesn't even watch streamers. On the other hand, it is fucking hilarious. Favorite Paldea Gym Leader so far by far.
• Question: Does Nemona battle you in certain locations, or is it tied to the number of Gym Badges you have? I think it's the latter. But then will I ever battle Arven or Cassiopeia? Or are they not categorized as "rivals"?
• I love that Iono grabbed Clavell when he was walking about. But why was he walking about near Levincia? Well, most players probably triggered the Fire Team Star base cutscene en route to Levincia.

Spoiler: Read After The Update

That is a wipe, but we still have Pokemon in our PC. I realize that I never specified what I would do in a situation like this. But I can do you one better: I’ll tell you what I will do.

I still have the area between Levincia and the Team Star blockade, as well as some Paldean seas. In addition, I do have the “lure a Pokemon into towns that don’t normally have encounters” method. (In those cases, I may just save beforehand and reset until a Pokemon I lure in actually says it was caught in the town: a way to maintain some level of randomization.)

So I am instituting Rule 8: If all Pokemon in your party are defeated, carry on by using Pokemon from your PC.

In case that fails too, I am also implementing Rule 9: If all Pokemon in your party and PC are defeated, randomize between the areas you have been to before six new Pokemon to use as stopgaps before you resume catching Pokemon as normal.

 

[Dee]

Oh man, that's a brutal fight... so many great pokemon lost! I hope that you're able to pull through for round 2 🙏

 

[Spectacles]

Why does this base look like there was construction happening here? It looks uncomfortably like a tent city. >_>

Yeah the Team Star bases do look odd or unfinished or something, like a building under construction.

Well, this is essential Link attire.

Ahhh so fitting!!

Oh my god, I love it, but it's so expensive! That being said, I do have some items to sell, and it's not like I need money to buy balls or healing items… I'll be back for you.

I will say, it's pretty easy to make money in this game, so I have hope for you!

As for Groose in particular, he's hilarious. And part of the joke is that he is bad—at being frightening, at being charming, at not being a wonderful meme…

I LOVE GROOSE!!! One of my favorite Zelda characters!

That was damage from a single Rapid Spin. 0-0

Holy cow! Komala is surprisingly tough- I lost an Alolan Raichu to one on my first Alola run :(

Geddit? Because he puts you to sleep?

That is a top tier and unexpected name, I love it.

FEMALE OINKLOGNE, WHY DOES YOUR TAIL HAVE FINGERS!?

Oh noooo I never noticed that and now I can't not notice it :(

Please take this image of Groose as compensation.

Excellent compensation, thank you. Especially since I'm reading both updates at once anyway.

I guess the more immediately-pressing question, though, is this: Do I need to fast travel out of here?

Ugh I've had to fast travel out of silly places too.

Dragon Tamer? Can you tame these bulls, then?

I'm loving the rapidly developing running gag of Tauros photobombing pictures in increasingly derranged ways.

Turn 8: Bullbo VS Crocalor
Dig! KO!

Phew! Her starter can be a monster so I'm really relieved here.

IT PROCS FOR ANY MOVE!? NOT JUST A GROUND TYPE MOVE!?

....I didn't know that! I must have either 1HKO'd or maybe it doesn't trigger for Special moves?

Charge Beam! KO!
But your sacrifice enables this team to survive.

Oh poor Bullbo :( Truly the cornerstone of the team. He will be missed.

Turn 20: Darbus VS Mismagius
DARBUS, I SWEAR TO GOD-

.....Oh shit!!! What is happening here?!

Welp, that is a wipe. But I still have Pokemon in the box. And a few more encounters that I can squeeze out.

.....I cannot believe it. That's so awful. Honestly with her borderline creepiness and character traits, Iono makes a pretty good unhinged psychotic villain.

So I am instituting Rule 8: If all Pokemon in your party are defeated, carry on by using Pokemon from your PC.

Yes we damn well will!!! Let the Fyer Redemption Arc progress!!!

 

[Bowser's Family Vacation]

Spoiler: Replies

@Dee :


@Spectacles :

good thing i didn't let him loose against iono amirite I have no clue what happened with Darbus. I know that Bullbo might have been a necessary sacrifice, which I can accept, but I feel like Darbus should have been able to get Mismagius low enough to preserve the rest of my team.

Spoiler: The Game @ Me

Spoiler: Dungeon 13: Phantom Hourglass

Last time, we, uh…

Maybe this image explains the situation better.

That’s right: We have more Pokemon dead than alive. (Well, this tally didn’t include one catch, which I will cover later, so, technically, we have as many Pokemon dead as alive.)

So let’s get some better math, shall we?

Spoiler: Din the Deerling: E Area 2-Levincia

Deerling is the Season Pokemon, so we obviously need an Oracle of Seasons character!

But who..?

Why not the titular Oracle of Seasons?

Wait, rock types are the natural enemy of grass types!?!

So if there isn't a seasons system, where did these spring form Deerling come from..? 🤔

An electric resist is valuable, and maybe some Leech Seed set-up can come in clutch! But is one electric resist enough to turn the tides..?

I think not. Fortunately, there are still more encounters to get.

Remember when I asked your opinion about town encounters? I said they'd be a last resort.

Well, we've used all our other moves (sans the sea encounters, which will most be water types, and venturing into dangerous, higher-level areas), so…

Because luring Pokemon into areas they don't normally spawn in is difficult, I'm not going to close my eyes for this. Instead, I'm just going to lure the first Pokemon I can in (probably saving beforehand so I can reset if their summary screen

But just because my eyes can't be closed, doesn't mean yours can't be. 😈

That's right: I'm going to cut away and come back with my cheesed encounters. They're all going to have a nickname (sub)theme too. See if you can guess it!

As a reminder, I already have my Artazon encounter, Oricorio, but I will also be attempting to lure in a Pokemon to:

1. Levincia
2. Cascaraffa
3. Cortonado.

(Los Platos and Mesagoza are probably impossible because of their length from a route and their status as a separate load zone, respectively.)

How many encounters will I wrangle up? What will they be? Find out next time on-

Now. You can find out now.

Spoiler: Hamsha the Oricorio: Artazon

Spoiler: Gwonam the Igglybuff: Los Platos

Yeah, I was wrong about Los Platos. It was hell, though. >_>

Spoiler: Lika the Swablu: Cascaraffa

Spoiler: Harbanno the Fidough: Cortonado

I was wrong about Los Platos. But I was also wrong about Levincia, so the math says I got three Pokemon!

Things I've discovered in this process:

• 1) You need to know the line between town and route. If a Pokemon crosses the line, you can follow them, but you can't force them to go in.
• 2) Use dumb luck (i.e: Igglybuff flying in my face in the rain). 😤
• 3) DON'T DO THIS, OH MY GOD. For context, Igglybuff was level 6 at the time of capture. >_>

Oh, and Deerling change forms depending on where in Paldea you are. Meaning time distortions are definitely happening here—theory that Koraidon is an ancient form of Cyclizar is a go!

Don't mind the other Pokemon in my Pokedex. (Re: Numel. 😭A ground type with Bulldoze pre-equipped and has Amnesia to set up special defense!!!)

Annnd that's all the catching I want to do right now!

So before we do training (with special attention to speed and special defense EVs), let's discuss what went wrong.

The first thing that went wrong is Charge Beam. It doesn't have 100% accuracy, but it sure acted like it. If I could get Mismagius to kill with Hex instead of Charge Beam, sacs could actually open the door to success.

The second thing that went wrong is the speed of my team. Mismagius is naturally fast, and my one speed-boosting item, the Quick Claw, was on a dead Pokemon.

So, beyond EV training, I see several avenues to better performance:
1) More ground type coverage (although that doesn't help against Mismagius because of its Levitate ability)

• Bulldoze
• Mud Shot
• Dig

2) More speed

• Trailblaze
• Tailwind
• Quick Claw

3) Less speed on the opponent

• Bulldoze
• Mud Shot

4) Fewer Charge Beams

• Mud Slap
• Sand Attack
• Bright Powder

5) Less damage taken in general

• Type-damage-reducing berries (e.g: Wacan Berries)
• Light Screen

But those are parts of success. Who are the players for our Iono team?

Makar the Skiploom: can set up with Trailblaze for speed to get off statuses faster.

Zelda the Spoink: a tanky NFE Pokemon that will bait Hex rather than Charge Beam from Mismagius.

Din the Deerling: a crucial electric type resist with powerful physical moves that hit Mismagius on its weaker physical defense.

Moblin the Yungoos: a future Gumshoos (slow but strong) that can hit Mismagius as it switches in for massive damage with Stakeout. Also, as a fully-evolved Pokemon, it can learn Giga Impact and/or Hyper Beam.

Hamsha the Oricorio: a potential Baton Passer and Tail Wind setter with single-stage stats.

Fyer the Maschiff: resists Hex, has some EVs in the bank (sorry, boy).
EDIT: Snarl is a great backs-against-the-wall option too!

I have to get to level 24. Without auto battle because auto battle or candies because they don’t give EVs.

But you get to make like Koraidon and wake up in the future.

See?

Here the gang is: all level 24, all-natural.

But there's still something missing: TM distribution!

I found some TMs (e.g: Icy Wind and a second Dig), but I didn't find any Petilil, so it seems like only one Pokemon can get Trailblaze. Baton Passing Agility is still my first plan for outspeeding Mismagius, but I am aware that setting up with Oricorio—even one I built to be tanky—is risky, so I want some backup plans.
Did you know that Gumshoos' attack stat is 110?
Did you know that Gumshoos is fully evolved?
Did you know that I got a TM Giga Impact last update?

One last thing: Did you know that you can buy a Normal Gem at the Cascarrafa Delibird Presents?

The only problem with that plan is that Gumshoos’ speed stat is 45, but this is a last resort plan to use after a sac. >_>

It's weird to start with explaining a last resort, but let's transition to who I expect to be a linchpin of the battle: our princess, Zelda!

I had a few Pokemon that could use Light Screen, but I ultimately decided to use it on Zelda, who is naturally bulky.

But the decision was really made for me when I looked at the Spoink line's support movepool.

Snarl will keep Charge Beam boosts in check (and may bait out Charge Beam instead of Hex)...

And Icy Wind acts as speed control.

If Zelda survives this battle, I can see her being a supportive mainstay on the team!

And arguably the most important thing is something I don't need to add to her at all.

Own Tempo makes her immune to Mismagius' Confuse Ray! ❤️

Confession time: I have never used Grassy Terrain. But it is an advantage the Levitating Mismagius won't be able to take advantage of and something to help our dear Deerling. Mostly I'm using it because electric types are immune to Stun Spore. >_>

Since we only have one Trailblaze TM, I'd rather use it on a Pokemon that will A) get STAB from it and B) not a Skiploom. That's you, Din! (Also, a back-up way to set up speed.)

Last but not least…

Fuck you, Take Down. You missed SO MANY TIMES while grinding. I miss Return and Strength. 🥺

Here is the squad's items!

Oricorio gets Acrobatics via level up, but I thought a bulkier/stall mode would be better to facilitate the all-important Agility-pass.

The Normal Gem is for that Giga Impact Hail Mary.

Light Clay is to maximize Light Screen duration, so Zelda can spend more time canceling out or minimizing the sweeping potential of Mismagius.

The Black Glasses are to hopefully help Snarl double as a decent damage option.

The Quick Claw is so Makar can set up those support effects quickly before going down.

The Cheri Berry is so the Din sweep has one "keep sweeping free" card.

VS Iono (Take 2!)

Turn 1: Hamsha VS Wattrel

Agility!
Spark!
Leftovers!

Turn 2: Hamsha VS Wattrel

Protect!
Spark! Protected!

Turn 3: Hamsha VS Wattrel
Agility!
Spark!

Paralyzed!
Leftovers!

Turn 4: Hamsha VS Wattrel
Oof, I need to heal because I do not trust paralysis luck. ⚡️
Super Potion!
Spark!
Leftovers!

Turn 5: Hamsha VS Wattrel
Agility!
Spark!
Leftovers!

Turn 6: Hamsha VS Wattrel
Super Potion!
Spark!
Leftovers!

Turn 7: Hamsha VS Wattrel
Baton Pass to… Din!

Spark!

Turn 8: Din VS Wattrel
Tackle!
Pluck! Ate Cheri Berry!

Turn 9: Din VS Wattrel
Welp. Mistakes were made. I think this is the right switch but at the wrong time. >_>
Switch back to Hamsha!

Turn 10: Hamsha VS Wattrel
Super Potion!
Spark!
Leftovers!

Turn 11: Hamsha VS Wattrel
Paralyze Heal!
Spark!
No para! Time to Protect stall for a turn!

Turn 12: Hamsha VS Wattrel
Protect!
Spark! Protected!

Turn 13: Hamsha VS Wattrel
Soda Pop (on Din)!
Spark!
Leftovers!

Turn 14: Hamsha VS Wattrel
Protect!
Uh… Shit, using an item doesn't refresh Protect. >_>
Spark!
Paralysis!

Leftovers!

Turn 15: Hamsha VS Wattrel
Super Potion!
Spark!
Leftovers!

Turn 16: Hamsha VS Wattrel
Spark!
Paralyzed!

Turn 17: Hamsha VS Wattrel
Super Potion!
Spark! Crit!
Huh, looks like Hamsha can survive a crit and a regular hit.

Turn 18: Hamsha VS Wattrel
Spark!
Paralyzed!

Turn 19: Hamsha VS Wattrel
Super Potion!
Spark!

Turn 20: Hamsha VS Wattrel
Paralyze Heal!
Spark!

INSTANTLY RE-PARALYZED.

Turn 21: Hamsha VS Wattrel
Super Potion!
How much PP does Spark have..? 🤔

Spark!

Turn 22: Hamsha VS Wattrel
Spark!
Agility!

Turn 23: Hamsha VS Wattrel
Super Potion!
Quick Attack!
Oh? 👀Are you out? In that case…

Turn 24: Hamsha VS Wattrel
Super Potion on Din!
Quick Attack!

Turn 25: Hamsha VS Wattrel
Agility!
Pluck!

Turn 26: Hamsha VS Wattrel
Quick Attack!
Agility!

Turn 27: Hamsha VS Wattrel
Since you're out of Spark can I now Paralyze Heal?
Quick Attack!

Turn 28: Hamsha VS Wattrel
Quick Attack!

Air Cutter!

Turn 29: Hamsha VS Wattrel
Air Cutter!

Wind Power proc!
Well, good thing it's out of Spark, then. >_>

Turn 30: Hamsha VS Wattrel
Air Cutter! KO!

Wait, if Bellibolt's ability gives it the Spark effect, can't I just Protect after attacking every time? 😳

Turn 31: Hamsha VS Bellibolt
Wait, no, that doesn't work because I'm faster.

Spark! KO! Fuck.

Turn 32: Din VS Bellibolt

Welp, here's to hoping I can get my speed up this way. >_>

Turn 33: Din VS Bellibolt
Trailblaze!

Spark!

Turn 34: Din VS Bellibolt
Trailblaze!
Spark!

Turn 35: Din VS Bellibolt
Super Potion!
Wait, I still have a Cheri Berry? (sus)
Spark!

Turn 36: Din VS Bellibolt
Trailblaze!
Spark!

Turn 37: Din VS Bellibolt
Super Potion!
Trailblaze!

Turn 38: Din VS Bellibolt
Trailblaze!
Spark!

Paralyzed!

Turn 39: Din VS Bellibolt
Now before you freak out, recall that Bellibolt's ability gives the Spark effect when hit, NOT a stat boost. Thus, if I don't hit it, it can't do much to Din while I…
Paralyze Heal!

Turn 40: Din VS Bellibolt
Super Potion!
Spark! Paralyzed!

Turn 41: Din VS Bellibolt
Trailblaze!
Spark!

Turn 42: Din VS Bellibolt
Super Potion!
Spark!

Turn 43: Din VS Bellibolt
Trailblaze!
Spark!

Turn 44: Din VS Bellibolt
Trailblaze! KO!

Turn 45: Din VS Luxio
Intimidate!

Paralyzed!
Bite!

Turn 46: Din VS Luxio
Paralyze Heal!
Bite!

Turn 47: Din VS Luxio
Super Potion!
Bite!

Turn 48: Din VS Luxio
Zen Headbutt! Miss!

Bite!

Turn 49: Din VS Luxio
Super Potion!
Bite!

Turn 50: Din VS Luxio
Zen Headbutt!
Bite!

Turn 51: Din VS Luxio

…Oh. I need more damage output.
Bullet Seed! x3 (and a crit)!

Turn 52: Din VS Luxio
Now that's more like it!

Super Potion!
Bite!
Turn 53: Din VS Luxio
Bullet Seed!
Bite!

Turn 54: Din VS Luxio

So close yet so far…
Super Potion!
Bite!

Turn 55: Din VS Luxio
Bullet Seed! KO!

Turn 56: Din VS Mismagius
If I switch in Moblin now, I get the Stakeout boost, but if Giga Impact doesn't OHKO, then I'm fucked.
I may have to sac Din, but I need to get some damage on.

Terrastralize x2!
Bullet Seed!

Confuse Ray!

Turn 57: Din VS Mismagius

Well, at least I've become faster. >_> I feel like the AI wants to follow up with Hex, but it can't.
Bullet Seed!
Hex!

OH WAIT IT CAN BECAUSE I'M MONO GRASS NOW
But you know who isn't?

Turn 58: Moblin VS Mismagius

Switch to Moblin!

Hex! Immune!

Turn 59: Moblin VS Mismagius

Confuse Ray!
Giga Impact! Miss!

b r u h

Turn 60: Moblin VS Mismagius
Charge Beam!
Confused!

Well, you're losing your comeback kid privileges.

Turn 61: Zelda VS Mismagius
Charge Beam!

Turn 62: Zelda VS Mismagius
Hex! KO!

Welp. :x Come back, kid!

Turn 63: Moblin VS Mismagius
Confuse Ray!

Giga Impact!

Mario Party miss!

​

I HATE YOU, GUMSHOOS! D:<

Turn 64: Moblin VS Mismagius
Charge Beam!
One more time…

Giga Impact! KO!
thnks fr th mmrs even though they weren't so great

Key word: mean.

I (still) have as many Pokemon alive as I have Pokemon dead.

rngesus hates me live on twitch Like, it didn’t need to be a 60-turn battle, but between the paralysis and the back-to-back Giga Impact misses. :c

Going back means slipping on all the blood…

You’re the Pokemon League Chairwoman? So you're the one who hasn't protected Paldean citizens with proper privacy laws. Which tech megacorp are you heiress of?

Spoiler: Serious Opinions

• I low-key love that I wiped to a gym leader. That has never happened to me. Iono is a fight that’s tough not just because of the ace! :D
• I did a lot of running around Paldea in this gameplay stretch. Does anyone else have a hard time discerning from the map whether places on higher elevation are accessible? I get that a climbing ability is probably coming, but, until then, I have to deal with Koraidon's sad little slide EVERYWHERE. It's a real disincentive towards exploring for me.
• Seriously, it's not worth it to play with the spawn zones for extra encounters. Here is an archive of "not Cortonado" encounters as an example. Conclusion: Cortonado's "zone of control" is not a recentangle.

Spoiler: Not Cortonado

Spoiler: Cortonado

 

[Dee]

Whoa! That was one wild and crazy battle! I'm sad you had to sack some mons (poor Zelda 😭) but I'm glad you came through. And what even is Giga Impact's accuracy? Two misses in a row is some bull shit!

 

[Bowser's Family Vacation]

Spoiler: Replies

@Dee : Giga Impact has 90% accuracy. 🙃 There was a moment when I thought I would be wiping again.

Spoiler: Dungeon 14: Not Into The Star! It Burns!

Last time, some young stars fell to earth.

I expect the star of today's show, though, will be an old friend. Welcome back to the team, Mikau. We didn't start the fire, but we're going to fight it.

But even with Mikau added to the roster, we have a problem. We added grass types as electric resists, but grass types will not help against the Fire Star Squad.

Fortunately, we do have another water type in the PC—one immune to burn, to boot!

But we do only have one other water type in the PC.

But we still have a Paldea sea encounter or two to grab, so let's go for it!

We can certainly access South Paldean Sea.

West Paldean Sea is accessible too (although likely higher-levelled).

North Paldean Sea, though, is a no-go for now.

Keeping in mind our quarry, let's see if we can find some Net Balls or something at Delibird Presents before swimming out.

Wait, you still have a Normal Gem? (sus)

If you're going to stay on the team, Misses McGee, you're going to need to use that Rock Tomb I taught you.

💙

Hm… The Wide Lens here is something to consider once I have more money, as recent events have shown.

Really, game!? This is just cruel. :c All my stone evolution and form-changing Pokemon are dead!

vegetables can't clean off the blood mother

That being said, I have a rumbly in my tumbly.

South Paldean Sea time!

Spoiler: Oren the Buizel: South Paldean Sea

I guess my water types are all named after Zora now.

With that in mind, what important Zora are left..? We've pulled from Majora's Mask and Twilight Princess, but how about a handheld release?

Queen Oren from A Link Between Worlds is a pretty important figure in the Zelda timeline. Well, one of them.

She attempted to restore Zora/Hylian peace.

Spoiler: History shows that she did not succeed.

Yes, I am continuing the trend of giving my water types ill-omened names as well.

Hey, guess who evolves just in time for the Fire Star Squad level cap? 👑

Oop, wait, that’s a dupe. : x

On the road again~

Get me out of here, Fyer!!! I love you. ❤️

OK, that transition tells me that was not, in fact, East Paldean Sea, so let me turn around....

I, uh, don't love Bruxish, though. >_> I suppose there is a psychic type opening on the team, though.

Spoiler: Muzu the Bruxish: East Paldean Sea

What's a terrible Zora everyone hates?

How about Muzu? Don't worry, he learns not to do a racism.

Oh my god, you really are a scourge! Can you imagine swimming in the ocean and suddenly hearing the sound of grinding teeth in your brain!?

It’s pretty strong, though. >_>

While Bruxish is probably better than Finizen, Finizen is A) a new Pokemon, B) cuter, and C) not a physical water type (which Floatzel and Quaxwell already are). I think.

Well we back in the (EV) mines~

Swapping priority for priority STAB! 🤩

I’ve never used the Yungoos line, so I didn’t know they got Super Fang. 👀Moblin redemption arc maybe?

Depicted: One of the only times the Tera Den effect looks cool. (It's because Mareanie don't move.)

This turned out to be Top 10 Photos Taken Seconds Before Disaster because… *sigh* The game crashed here, undoing all of my grinding.

But this timeline does have this.

Weather wars time? 🤔

Hm, without a Damp Rock, I'll have to keep using turns on it, so I'd rather not. If I knew the boss would be bringing Sunny Day, I'd pack it, even if only as an undo button, but I don't. The joys of doing a blind nuzlocke~

I also found a few Pokemon I’d never seen before.

Gen 9 has some really cool abilities. This one is Toxic Spikes as an ability. I couldn’t discern if it procs for all moves or just moves that make contact, though. 🤔

A cave encounter, it seems. 👀

This has to be Revaroom’s pre-evolution. It reminds me of a lawn mower, lol. :P

I want baby car Pokemon. 🥺

This looks like a Fakemon.

Water… Psychic? I thought for sure it’d be some sort of steel type!

Yay for Makar reaching his final form!

Oh my god, has Jumpluff always had such a morbid Pokedex entry!? 🤯

Spoiler: Not Before Gen 9

Spoiler: But In Gen 9, Yes In Both Cases!

I’m sure this won’t be important later.

heehee he smol

This is RNG insurance! 😤

Armory stocked! (No, Moblin, I'm never letting you hold another item ever again.)

The Mystic Water is to boost Water Pulse or Aqua Jet right out of the gate, with no need to "charge" like the Metronome does. This item also enables me to switch what Water STAB I use based on the enemy's defensive stats potential in-battle changes.
The Leftovers is a consummate item. I like it on Rutela, so she can keep up the pressure with Dive while getting some free healing. (Also, Finizen has turned out to not be so good offensively, so you know what they say: Those that can't attack stall.)

The Black Glasses on Fyer is similar to Oren—change which STAB to use on the fly—with the added effect of Snarl stopping (special attack) setup.

The Wide Lens on Moblin is for obvious reasons: Giga Impact, Super Fang, and Rock Tomb are ALL not 100% accurate, but they're all powerful tools (nuke, halving HP, and lowering speed while dealing super effective damage, respectively).

The Scope Lens on Mikau is to capitalize on the increased crit chance of both Aqua Cutter and Air Cutter. Begone, defensive setup!

To be honest, I shouldn't be using Medli. But if I do, Sharp Beak will reduce the damage output from Pluck and Aerial Ace.

Hey, a different Team Star grunt! 👀 Maybe A and B have accessed off-screen counseling?

Yes, the Team Star grunt. Not a Team Star grunt. 😤

oops i was shifu

The hero of principals. (Not principles.)

Me @ finals season

Director Clavell battle with his psuedo-legend (?) when? 👀

CHARLOS!? Clavell, your naming scheme gives me life! ❤️

Yuh huh, and you don't feed him or battle with him or anything. He's just the academy's Pokemon.

Well, duh, that design screams fire type. Bet the Fire crew's leader was the head of the sorority that cared for the mascot or something like that.

We stan a steminist. 😤

Oh. We stan people being responsible for the emotions of their bosses (NOT).

Teen Titans water types GO!

It 👏 wasn’t 👏 me!

VS Mela

Turn 1: Oren VS Torkoal
Drought!

Well, fuck. ._. I can try to stall sun turns.
Water Gun! (Oh. I meant to slap on Water Pulse, but it seems I forgot.)

Overheat!? 😱
Oh. Just Flame Wheel. Phew.

Turn 2: Oren VS Torkoal
Water Gun!
Flame Wheel!

Turn 3: Oren VS Torkoal

Super Potion!
Flame Wheel! Burned!

Turn 4: Oren VS Torkoal
Since sun should go down at the end of next turn (assuming her Torkoal doesn't have a Heat Rock), let's stall for a bit.

Rawst Berry!

Flame Wheel! Immediately burned again!

Turn 5: Oren VS Torkoal
Super Potion!
Flame Wheel!

Sunlight faded.

Turn 6: Oren VS Torkoal
Water Gun! KO!

Turn 7: Oren VS Revaroom
Oop. :x My docs said it would be level 27, not level 26. Good thing Buizel evolves at level 26 anyway, so I don't think it makes a huge difference.
Super Potion!

Blazing Torque!
Speed Boost!

Well, once I can remove this burn, I still do have Aqua Jet to counter this.

Turn 8: Oren VS Revaroom
Water Gun!
Screech!

Turn 9: Oren VS Revaroom
I don't like that Screech, so…

Switch to Mikau!
Blazing Torque!

Turn 10: Mikau VS Revaroom
Blazing Torque!
Aqua Cutter!

Turn 11: Mikau VS Revaroom
Overheat!
Aqua Cutter!

Turn 12: Mikau VS Revaroom
Super Potion!
Blazing Torque!

Turn 13: Mikau VS Revaroom
Screech!

Ooh, free rain!
Aqua Cutter!

Turn 14: Mikau VS Revaroom
Screech!
Aqua Cutter! KO!

Come on, spew your tragic backstory in the rain!

Ma'am, I saw that walking animation. (She stomped.) Do your shoes fit your feet?

THE STARMOBILE EATS CHARCADET!? Or does it run on evolution energy? Either way seems like some Pokemon Go conspiracy theory shit.

OH MY GOD, CLAVELL, DEAL WITH THE BULLYING PROBLEM. With apparently sexual tension undertones? Yeah, they're teenagers, that checks out.

SACRIFICE THE BULLIES TO THE CAR.

I didn’t declare a thumb war! 😭

SHE WALKS LIKE THAT IN THE PRESENT DAY TOO. 😭

I'm sorry, but Floatzel can't learn Flame Charge. Neither can Quaxwell.

Yes, Clavell, appeal to her love of Pokemon!

Friendship!

He misses his friend. 🥺 Stop being a juvenile delinquent so you can play with the school mascot. 🥺

Who is spreading the rumor that Team Star is planning on taking down the academy, then? 🤔 "Cassiopeia", to ensure that she would get recruits to take down Team Star?

Too true. 😒 😔

Oh, so we're making Team Star aggressive. Lovely. >_>

My guy only comes out to see plot-significant characters. Congrats, Penny. (Clavell: 😭 )

Penny:

I like how there’s no option to have any clue what breed your dog is. 😛

Don’t worry about it~

I figured that out, game, but thank you for spelling it out for the people in the back.

YES, PLEASE! It's stork season!

Spoiler: Serious Opinions

• Where is the option to turn off battle animations? Has that option ever been missing from a mainline Pokemon game before? I get that you want to have the battle animations of a move play a part in the risk-reward loop of Tera Dens (for some reason), but surely you can just auto turn then on in Tera Dens.
• I'm not sure if Clavell will be an Elite Four member, but I bet you can battle him in the post-game with his Evolved Pawmi and Red Gallade. (Hey, I haven't caught them, so what do I need to know about their evolved forms?)
• So Operation Star was an anti-bullying maneuver. OK. Cool. BUT HOW DOES CLAVELL NOT KNOW ABOUT IT!? I guess we can give him the benefit of the doubt and say he remembers the event but doesn't associate it with the name Operation Star? But you're on thin ice, mister.

 

[Bowser's Family Vacation]

Spoiler: Dungeon 15: Catching Fi-lings

Last time, we got a TM Flame Charge for our Floatzel (not for us).

Unfortunately, Floatzel can't learn Flame Charge, but Cassiopeia gave us access to more TMs afterwards, so maybe there is something we can use…

Oh. It was Sandygast stuff that we need to make Bulldozes! Good to know!

Dragon Tail is cool, but we don't know which materials to farm for it. (Presumably a dragon type Pokemon, but Sandile isn't a dragon type, so…. >_>)

Psyshock would have been great for Zelda… We need to find a new psychic type, clearly.

With Loaded Dice, Rock Blast may well be the best rock type move we have access to.

We REALLY need to find a new psychic type. We can make a dual screens user now!

…Is what I would say, if I had any clue on how to make Light Screen.

At least we know how to make Flash Cannon now. I haven't found Varoom or Klefki in the wild yet, though.

I desperately want to try a Baton Pass strategy again…

Now I know what moves are good in general, but which are good for out next objective, which is…

Not gonna lie: Bulldoze TMs could be a good investment. Although… Bulldoze, like Earthquake, hits our ally too, right? And I haven't seen any evidence that Arven brings more than one Pokemon to the tag team phase. Maybe not, then. 😬

Although maybe I can catch a Pokemon that can use a single-target super effective move like, I don't know, Flame Charge beforehand? 🤞

Or Fire Fang?

I see three encounter spots. 👀 I'm near one now, actually.

Ooh, I want to see if I can navigate across the river to that ruins for my encounter.

I already caught you! And killed you! So, yeah, you should run. >_>

Rutela, that’s a wall, not a Tinkatink.

*creepily climbs out of wall and returns*

OK, so you're a Zelda ghost. Gotcha.

​

Spoiler: Gina the Tinkatink: E Area 2-Zapacio

Zelda Wiki has my back: Category: Ghost Enemies. 😤

But which ghost enemies? There are the Poe Sisters, who all have normal human names (Joelle, Beth, Amy, and Meg).

But I don't have four encounters lined up, so I don't want to use just one of the names. That would be breaking up a family! 🥺

Poe is a good name, but there are other ghost species in Zelda too, like Hyu and Ghini.

And there is one Ghini NPC in the series.

Meet Gina! She's pink.

Now the question is: Should I add her to the team?

Rutela has a tanky Leftovers set, but it's hard to out-tank a steel type. That being said, steel type moves should be normal effective against Gina here, as opposed to resisted.

My thought is this: The level cap is 28. We can't control most likely surpassing it, but, if nothing else, keeping Gina up front should minimize that.

Quickly getting Baby-Doll Eyes from the level up moveset…

Paldea is full of old men living their best lives.

Clive:

Ooh, this would be a fun encounter. 😍

What the fuck is that. A crown of thorns from the Bible??? That's awesome, actually.

OH WAIT, IT'S A TUMBLEWEED!

​

Oh. I can't go this way from East Province Area 2 to Zapacio. I can't climb. Lame. :(

Yes? We're tattle-tale buddies.

I know what you are. I can't believe GameFreak made a dung beetle Pokemon. 💩

simp

So many new Pokemon that only live in the Asado Desert! 😭

Ooh, this actually gives the Dive Ball a clear niche over the Net Ball, since not all Pokemon that spawn in the water are water or bug types (like our friendly neighborhood Tadbulb and our Acrobatics source: Bombirdier).

Ooh, that's a spicy move for the steel Titan!

A way in? 👀

Success! Let's go to Zapacio to register the fly point, then get our encounters through leaving Zapacio. (Hi, Skiddo! Wanna follow me?)

Oh. Then maybe I don't want to go this way, then. :x Thanks for the tip, Arven!

​

A huge and long steel type? Steelix? 👀

Oh. I see that you're not the Titan. But I do see a TM!

Yay, Crunch bar!

And I can make more! 😋

Welp, might as well try to get an encounter via leaving from Levincia, since I can’t reach Zapacio right now.

​

Gah, I stepped on something!

Oof. What a terrible fate. …Wait.

Spoiler: Deku the Bramblin: Levincia-E Area 3

Well, damn, The Happy Mask Salesman doesn't have a secret name.

Nor does the Deku Butler's Son! (Seriously, that’s the title of his wiki page.)

Bruh, what do I know for grass/ghost type names???

I suppose I could just say "Deku," referring to the man and the mask…

Ooh, that's a fun ability. 👀 That being said, I am facing a steel type, so go in the box, please. 😓

Is this the Magikarp trainer of Paldea?

Old friends reunite on the battlefield. 🥺

Wow, OK, the Bullbo imposter does not want to stay in those sad vibes.

Or was that the reason you tried to go underground..?

I’m not that scary, Fake Bullbo!

Gotta love the ✨️ aesthetic desert streetlights ✨️. And the ✨️ aesthetic trashcans ✨️. I guess mines do have these particular set pieces, though. >_>

VAROOM HAS A CUPHEAD MOUTH. ❤️ This line is in my Top 5 Paldea Lines, for sure.

​

Hey, the game stopped. What’s going on?

Well, you look less like a puppet and more like a doll. It's not a downgrade in the creepiness factor for me. >_>

Oh my god, they're Monster Hunters: killing things then making weapons out of their parts. 😮

Ooh, maybe I'll use a rain team for the Steel Titan. 👀

Oh no, this is the saddest-looking healing NPC I've ever seen. 😢 I think it's the addition of the little table with the metal chairs. I hate metal chairs.

What are those signs over there for? A Mardi Gras party? *squint*

I mean, it could be this poison Team Star squad. The depicted signs seem to be the same color. Case closed!

Just in time for arriving in Zapacio!

And everyone (except Gina) reaching level 28! But here's the thing: I don't think I want to use Gina against the Steel Titan. I know water type moves aren't super effective against steel, but I think I can build a fairly effective rain team, especially now that I have the Damp Rock.

Er, well, maybe Gina will be more useful than Moblin. But, wait, he does have Super Fang…. 🤔

And he can learn Low Sweep or Fire Fang…. (Oren can learn the former and Fyer can learn the latter.) I don't know how to grind for Low Sweep, but I have found wild Houndour before!

Mikau goes Super Saiyan on a baby Houndour. 🥺

And, hey, now that I'm re-visiting Inlet Grotto, it looks like there's Herba Mystica growing on the walls. 👀

You will be our rain setter, Rutela!

If I'm using a rain set for the Steel Titan, let's use non-fire super effective types.

OK, but Fyer needs a fire type Pokemon move. :P

Now that I know how to get many Bulldozes, I am getting many Bulldozes. 👁👄👁

So… Ground (Bulldoze) on Moblin and Fighting (Low Sweep) on Oren.

Wait. Would a Titan Pokemon be super heavy..? Let's try it!

I actually meant to give Oren Water Pulse for the Fire Team Star encounter, oops. :x

When will I get access to Toxic to create a truly evil set!? 😈

Oh no, that's, like, six Squawkabilly! Does Paldea not have any bigger birds for this job!? 😭

Bruh. Why are these two ice cream stands with identical inventory right next to each other!? (I checked. ._.)

I'm old enough to understand now, sir. 😤

Tag yourself: I’m the window. 🪟

I would use a sun team, but I may need a fire type. >_> That being said, I do have Jumpluff….

.
.
.

So, uh, guys? Remember when I predicted a Steelix?

That is not a Steelix.

AND HE KEEPS RUNNING AWAY FROM ME!

AND STOP MESSING WITH THE SHADOWS! PUT THEM BACK!

VS Steel Titan

Turn 1: Titan Orthworm VS Rutela
Wrap!
Go back in your hole! Rain Dance!

Wrapped!

Turn 2: Titan Orthworm VS Rutela
Wrap!
Dive!

Wrapped!

Turn 3: Titan Orthworm VS Rutela
Wrap! Miss!
Dive!
Wrapped!

Turn 4: Titan Orthworm VS Rutela
As to be expected, I suppose, it's quite tanky. >_<

Any of my other water types are a better choice, but I can't switch out right now because of Wrap.
The good news is he isn't doing much to me in return.
Still, I want to be prepared, in case he uses a better move.

Uh… The rain animation stopped. ISN'T RAIN SUPPOSED TO LAST 8 TURNS WITH A DAMP ROCK!?
Wrap!
Charm!

Turn 5: Titan Orthworm VS Rutela
Super Potion!

Iron Tail!

Turn 6: Titan Orthworm VS Rutela
Well, I suppose I was right about Wrap not being its only move. Maybe I can bait it into spamming Iron Tail instead, so I can eventually switch out?
Headbutt!
Rain Dance!

Turn 7: Titan Orthworm VS Rutela
Super Potion!
Iron Tail! Defense down!

MISTAKES WERE MADE WITH BAITING. MISTAKES WERE MADE.

Turn 8: Titan Orthworm VS Rutela
Headbutt!
Dive!

Turn 9: Titan Orthworm VS Rutela
Headbutt!
Dive! Crit!

​

Turn 10: Titan Orthworm VS Rutela
But as the rain ends (somehow), so does the Wrap…
So Mikau can come in!
Headbutt!

Turn 11: Titan Orthworm VS Mikau
Please be super effective, Low Sweep! 🙏
Low Sweep! Speed down!

It is!
Wrap!

Turn 12: Titan Orthworm VS Mikau
Joke's on you because Mikau is the one I want to stay in!
Low Sweep!

Come back here!

This weather strategy did not work the way I thought it would. >_> Hang back, Rutela.

Ha! This coward ran into our tag team trap! (Play along, Arven. This is what totally planned.)

​

Turn 13: Titan Orthworm VS Mikau and Toedscool

That thing looks a Fakemon in the best possible way.
Too bad I can't see it. >_>

NO, TOEDSCOOL, RUN ON YOUR SPINDLY LITTLE LEGS!
Low Sweep! Speed down!

Wrap! (On Toedscool)
Supersonic! Miss!
Wrapped!

Turn 14: Titan Orthworm VS Mikau and Toedscool
Low Sweep! Speed drop!
Headbutt!
Screech!

Wrapped!

Turn 15: Titan Orthworm VS Mikau and Toedscool
Low Sweep! Speed down!
Sandstorm!
Supersonic!

Turn 16: Titan Orthworm VS Mikau and Toedscool
No, don't worry, Arven. All we need to do to counter weather now is to stall out the turn timer. (See how this is a bad change?)
Low Sweep!
Grass Knot! (I bet Oren's Low Kick would have totally worked here.)
Wrap!

Turn 17: Titan Orthworm VS Mikau and Toedscool

Low Sweep! Crit! (thx scope lens) KO!

little gummy worm

Yeah, I know, Mikau, that was neither difficult nor fun. >_> (And I'm not convinced enemy Pokemon's weather works under a real-world timer either.) But it's raining now!?

NO, HE WAS ANNOYING AND UGLY.

🎵I spy an herb 🎵
🎵It’s growing in green! 🎵
🎵Team Save Doggo 🎵
🎵Look at Arven: a sweet bean! 🎵

Game, I'm not salty! I have valid complaints!

Well, considering how long your dog has been in a coma, that is sorely needed.

Look at him! He's becoming more confident!!! Because he doesn't need to be on his guard about his secret with Link!!! And every time it looks like he and Link are talking more comfortably. 🥺

But he was your brute at first, right?

Please learn to climb.

A sandwich piece breaking off animation? GameFreak likes you too, Arven!

The duality of Mon.

Ugh, I guess that will do.

A pantry can be a treasure!

🥺

There is no true evil... unless you told Arven his dog didn't woof. 👁️ 👄 👁️

How many people have told you you're imagining your dog making noises indicative of life?

❤️ (And a new song too!)

Be careful with the best boy!!!

When will I get to see more of the doggo!?

Oh.

Well, next time, we're going to Cascarrafa for the water type gym. I think we're going to switch out of our rain mode too.

Spoiler: Serious Opinions

• The Pokedex says that they actually use Zorua's illusion ability in the overworld, it seems, with Zorua using its Illusion ability to pretend to be another Pokemon. I wish Zorua found in Tera Dens started disguised as one of the Pokemon from the raid too.
• I just thought of a way to help make the map easier to read: include icons for what mount abilities you need. Like, there's no reason you can't mark, say, the cliffs around Zapacio with a climb icon.
• DOES WEATHER WORK OFF OF IN-GAME TIME AND NOT IN-GAME TURNS NOW!? I HATE THAT!!! Does this just turn weather strategies into a meta about stalling the turn timer!?

 

[JavierE64]

This is one heck of an update: You get best Hammer Child, you get the sentient tumbleweed, and defeated the alaskan Bullworm.
Today's a good day.

 

[Dee]

Nice pair of updates! Especially after the slaughter from Iono. You're building a good team again! And I'm honestly ecstatic that a Gumshoos of all things is becoming a key member. I stan Moblin!

 

[Bowser's Family Vacation]

Spoiler: Replies

@JavierE64 :

@Dee : I have never used Gumshoos before! :0 You do have to admit: early Hyper Beam/Giga Impact is a niche. (And, more importantly, Gumshoos gets Super Fang and various coverage moves.)

Spoiler: Dungeon 16: The Noble Canteen

So… Water type gym. Probably shouldn't use so many water types, huh?

So let's see who else we have.

Makar is an obvious choice. While I've normally used him solely as a support Mon, a super effective Bullet Seed with Loaded Dice will also be a great offensive option.

From there, my other two super effective choices are Deku the Bramblin and Din the Deerling.

Din was crucial to our (eventual) success against Iono, but I know that Sawsbuck comes too late to use for this gym (a level 34 evolution versus a level 30 ace).

But that isn't a disadvantage in this draft unless Deku doesn't have it. So how does Bramblin evolve..? 🤔

No way… That is the most thematically-appropriate evolution in the world. Kudos, GameFreak!

now all you need to do is make koraidon/miradon's exclusive form changing item, the equivalent of zacian and zamazenta's rusted sword and rusted shield, a sandwich

So I can have an evolved Pokemon for the Carrafasca Gym! Come on, Deku, let's go!

And don't forget about Tailwind strats!

Which I can quickly teach to Medli…

Water types resist water type moves, so I'll keep one water type on the team. I'll pick Mikau because his Air Cutter, which benefits from Scope Lens, will be a useful neutral hit and his Low Sweep can be speed control. (We saw how dangerous getting outsped can be during our last gym battle… >_<)

With two grass types with Bullet Seed, let's get a second Loaded Dice….

As for why Fyer is here, remember that he has Thunder Fang!

But I don't have a Magnet….

Luckily, Cascarrafa gives me the tools for its defeat. 😈

How do you do, fellow kids?

Fellow kid, I am just wandering the desert to pick up items on my way to EV train in the sea. I am not doing a LEVEL 44 TITAN right now.

Seasick on dry land. King. 👑

Wait, Larvesta can be found here!? ^^ (Also, Orthworm. >_>)

No, my only (most glaring) weakness!

Good thing I didn't try to use ground type moves in the Steel Titan battle, then. 😳

Orthworm Tarnish is right. 😤

Today I learned that Pokemon can collect TMs.

Wait. Why are you stopping, Link?

Yes, I see the Titan, Deku, but we're not fighting it right now. Relax! you have other pokemon you're super effective against to worry about

What, do you want to play with the Rufflet? You do you, Deku, but I cannot say I agree with your priorities.

Deku, why… Why were on that cliff.

Deku turning into a creepypasta character over here. I suppose I set him for this destiny with the name, though. 😔

A Hex… on me?

omg he has a wikipedia page

WHY ARE YOU TAKING US TO THE RAINBOW VOID, DEKU!?

He smiles. :)

He kills. :)

The rainbow void was a cliff, apparently.

Hm… Unclear if there is one more evolution. The Bulbapedia Jury says…

Look at those big boy stats!

I know, Deku, I want an Eevee encounter. :(

What is that town? 👀

Eevee near the normal type gym's town, eh? Use Wish now, friends!

Like a ghost in the night… I sneak into… What's that over there? Porto Marinada?

Yep!

Ah, yes, the beautiful Dead Pixels Sea… 😍

Look how cute this town is!

Ooh, it wasn't always that way. 👀

The return of Pokemon gambling!? Where!?

Ooh, is this the first time the Clauncher and Skrelp lines have been available in one game or are they still version exclusives?

Salt is overrated. Salt Pokemon aren’t that strong. ._.

True. 😔

Sad. :( At least I still have my avocado sandwich. 🥪

I ain't afraid of no ghosts!

It seems like the main ghost here is the auction. Where is it!?

👁 spy…

A fully leveled up party!

I'm not investing in Acrobatics right now, when my main source of damage will be grass type moves, but expect to see Acrobatics later. 😉

#2me4real

Welp, that looked like our local comic relief water type Gym Leader. I've seen his type before.

Yep!

*yoink*

*double yoink*

…

OK, fine, we'll be Lawful Good.

Wait, why does the water type Gym Leader have a Venonat-themed wallet?

The Gym Leaders don't make the Gym Tests but the reception staff? It's a more powerful position than I'd realized, then. 👀

Oh. Wait, the place that I thought I'd discovered before I was going on an adventure yeah is in fact required? Lame. :(

The Gym receptionist tells us to cross the desert, but why do that when we could fast travel?

OH MY GOD WHY DOES HIS HAIR LOOK LIKE THAT
also inb4 he has a veluza good thing I know that they're water/psychic despite their appearance

Also, you'll be committing a crime???

liek if u cry every time

OK, so he's at least here to support his business…

But Silent Protagonist Syndrome rears its ugly head!

Why is it so hard to be Lawful Good? 😭

This is a cool battle background, at least. 😤

WAIT. I RETURNED YOUR WALLET FOR YOU, AND I STILL HAVE TO PAY FOR YOUR (sea)WEED!?

Teaching responsible(?) gambling: You know, for kids!

Well, good thing he gave me $50,000 or else I'd almost be priced out immediately. >_>

Sweet. I still made a profit from Kofu. 😈

Hee. :3

I recognize you, but who is that Mallow-looking person?

OH NO IT'S AN ANIME EDGY BOY

Oh, never mind. It's an anime encouraging boy.

Oops. :x Sorry for misgendering you.

Queen.

No, don’t put a queen down!!!

Yes, that is how a difficulty curve works.

Wait. NOT at Iono?

Lady, you're not the Gym Leader. Vamoose.

Yes, game, I see that he is nice but distractible. It will not save him from my conquest. (Fire Emblem Fates conquest music?)

😋

VS Kofu

Turn 1: Deku VS Veluza
Hey, I was right about him having a Veluza!
Bullet Seed! OHKO!

I was also right about how buying a second Loaded Dice would be worth it. 👀

Turn 2: Deku VS Wugtrio

WHY DID THEY TURN RED!? They look like some sort of infection.
I'm not sure if I'm faster (if Wugtrio's stats are like Dugtrio's), but if their stat spreads resemble each other, one Bullet Seed should do the trick!
Water Pulse!
Bullet Seed! OHKO! (Only two hits needed.)

Crabominable, eh? It will surely be Terrastralizing into a water type, but it will probably still have an ice and Fighting move. That type combination is actually terrible for my team. If only I still had an electric type..! 😭 That being said, I remember Crabominable being slow, so I still think Deku should only need to survive one move.

Turn 3: Deku VS… Crabominable!?
Terrastralize!
Bullet Seed!

(rip surviving on 1 hp)
Crabhammer!

Turn 4: Deku VS Crabominable

Does this look like the face of mercy, Kofu?

Bullet Seed! KO!

Sir, it is sandstorming.

New move! 👀

Oh, an equivalent to Scald! I bet this has made waves in competitive.

I… I thought you were battling the Gym Leader? Ma'am, what is this Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria?

…Right. Gifted kid.

Next time, we will be going to the Poison Team Star base to meet a real anime boy. 😤

Spoiler: Serious Opinions

• Re: Let's Go as an evolution method. IT'S NOT A TIE-IN TO POKEMON GO, WHICH IS WHAT I THOUGHT IT WAS AT FIRST, SO THAT'S A RELIEF. Fortunately, the walking feature is also removed from the auto-battling mechanic (should players not feel comfortable using it, which as I have explained in an earlier update, I not only am but praise this decision). So unless there is some hidden "affection" bonus or something, I think this is an unorthodox yet unobtrusive method of evolution. Much better than riding the line with affection bonuses with evolving Eevee into Sylveon, which, now that I think about it, probably evolves during picnics or something in Paldea? That's the only place I think the affection mechanic could be in this game.
• I don't know why Deku's evolution didn't happen in the overworld, like all the other evolutions that have happened in this run. Do you all have any theories?
• Having the Gym Test take place in a neighboring town helps the region of Paldea feel alive. (Just like in real life, the towns of Paldea trade with each other and have alliances.) But I don't like having back-to-back Gym Leaders being characterized as irresponsible (because if that's not the word for using public security cameras for entertainment livestreams, I don't know what is). I understand that the Gym Test is meant to introduce the Porto Marinada market, but why not tie into the town's apparent seedy history by having Kofu's wallet be stolen and/or put up for auction there? You can keep the gameplay the same but provide a more flattering characterization of one of Paldea's major figures.
• Is it just me, or is Kofu way easier than Iono? Even if I had a ground type, Mismagius is a faster ace than Crabominable. >_>

EDIT: When this first posted, I'd forgotten to fill in the spoiler. It's ready now! :D Thank you for your patience!

 

[Dee]

Kofu is definitely way easier than Iono. And I laughed at your reaction to Rika. She's an absolute queen!

 

[Bowser's Family Vacation]

Spoiler: Replies

@Dee : I would attend her class if she were a teacher! Like, man, I could use a self-confidence class taught by Rika...

@Spectacles : Oh no! :( We have been spoiled by cloud storage. Iono brought heartbreak, but my grand revenge was my favorite moment of the run so far. Alas, shininess does not correlate with strength or bulk. In fact, in gen 2, shininess was correlated with weakness. Aw, that's a lovely present! ❤️ 🌳 Aw, Moblin glasses headcanon accepted.

Spoiler: Dungeon 17: Son of the Shiekah

Wow, from a level 30 boss to a level 32 boss? What is this, mid-game Kalos or Johto!?

The team I'm planning to use right now is Muzu the Bruxish, Gina the Tinkatuff, Fyer the Maschiff, Medli the Corvisquire, Moblin the Gumshoos, and Mikau the Quaxwell. Huh, four out of six of my team members have names that start with the letter M.

But I have two more encounters to get before the boss battle, so let's grab those real quick…

Turn in the direction of the Pokemon Center in front of Tagtree Thicket and… go!

Ooh, a steel type for the poison type boss? Yes, please! 😍

Spoiler: Vah Ruta the Cufant: E Area 3-Zapacio

Are there any elephants in The Legend of Zelda..? Well, there’s Vah Ruta….

A "giant machine that resembles an elephant"? That's perfect for a steel type!

Hm… Not sure if I’m happy with Sheer Force. I know it boosts Rock Smash’s, Bulldoze’s, and Stomp’s power, but I think I’ll miss the potential for a defense drop, a guaranteed speed drop, and the chance for a flinch on a slower opponent (made more likely through a Bulldoze or two).

Wait, where are the steel type moves on this steel type!?

Really, an elephant can't use a move that uses a horn!? I mean, is that not what a tusk is!?

Oh. Never mind, then. Carry on.

Spikes is part of a strong support set.

I know from pre-release trailers that Girafarig has an evolution this generation. I’d love to use it!

Slowpoke are pretty common water encounters. 👀

Stockpile-Swallow and Body Slam paralysis… *shudders*

I had full PP before this. All to defeat ONE POKEMON.

​

Maybe I can Disable that Bulk Up or Mud-Slap..?

Nope. :x That was stupid.

YOU ARE THE DELINQUENT.

I sure hope none of the poison types coming up have Levitate. 💀 Or I get a psychic type encounter in Tagtee Thicket? 🤞

haha unless- Nope.

Welp, regardless, I feel like that's as strong a symbol as any to stop getting EVs and secure my levels, right?

Might as well hand out held items while we're giving out candies. The Rocky Helmet, Big Root, Metronome, Soft Sand, Leftovers, and Quick Claw are all finalists… But allow me to walk you through my final decisions.

I gave Gina the Tinkatuff the Leftovers because she is by far the tankiest member of my team—and immune to poison STAB, to boot! I'm planning on using her more to wear down the opponent, rather than deal a ton of damage. (Although with some Metal Claw attack boosts she can do that.) My priority is to limit the damage opponents can do to my other team members (including the four non-steel Pokemon) and get some defense drops with Rock Smash to pave the way for more offensive team members, like…

Vah Ruta the Cufant! The Sheer Force ability unfortunately doesn't allow for her to play speed control, but it should make her Bulldoze the strongest super effective move on the field—and Soft Sand gives that an immediate power boost.

I also want to draw your attention to Medli's changed item: a Rocky Helmet instead of a Sharp Beak. Medli can't learn any moves that are super effective against poison types, but giving her the Rocky Helmet will enable her to serve a damage-dealing purpose in addition to a potential switch-in for Tailwind.

Fyer's held item has changed as well: back to being a Black Glasses. Gina can deal with a physical attacker well, but boosting Snarl's power could make Fyer a useful pivot in case we're facing down a special attacker.

¿Qué?

Oops. That was an auto-battle level up. :x

Please stop Facehugging the wall in the background, guys.

A LEECH SEED PROTECT RECOVER SET!? FACEHUG ME!

What is this, a metal crate maze?

Sure would be a shame if I…

got a better view.

I don’t think I know how to make more Reflects and Light Screens yet, so thank you!

Not sure if Power Gem is ever more useful than, say, Rock Slide. I mean, how many rock types are special attackers? 🤔Beyond that, Rock Slide has the flinch side (and is a spread move, which, admittedly, isn’t often relevant outside of competitive).

Wait, now that I think about it… I haven’t encountered any double battles yet. Don’t most games have at least one double battle or two by this point?

No, I’m not sharing my candy. :c

Almost… there…

Welp, God decided my parkour was too hardcore. >_>

Worth it. 😤

Oh my, what big teeth you have. 🐺

Oh, but he looks like a sweet old man too. 🥺

An exclusive Counter? No thanks, that's too riskit for the biskit.

An exclusive ability too!

BECAUSE YOU DON'T WANT TO GO TO A PLACE WHERE YOU ARE BULLIED. 😠 You could just talk to Penny. Oh wait, that's a plot twist, I guess, because communication is overrated. 💢

Who is this? 👀 An aspiring Team Star member or another do-gooder?

inb4 that is atticus' little sibling

That's what grunt work is by definition. That's why it's called "grunt work": You grunt about it.

thx leaker

#2me2real #PoisonSquadBestSquad

☭

​

🔥 💋 🔥

You think this child defeated me!?

Youssef: *puts on Team Star helmet*
Clavell: *gasp* "Perry the Platypus!?"

The first person we took down was Team Star's strategist, then their engineer. Now their… costume designer? Is it just me, or are the strategic blows we're dealing to Team Star decreasing over time?

Wait, Gulpin doesn’t live in Paldea!? Where did Youssef get it, then!?

Huh. For the first time, I needed to heal in a Star Barrage. It seems like healing paused time, though, so… It doesn't really add a risk-reward element, does it? Just reward. ._.

Although I swear the only reason I needed to was the slowdown. Can the game not handle this much grass?

VS Atticus

Turn 1: Vah Ruta VS Skuntank

That's a nice Skuntank you got there. It would be a shame if I had access to its only weakness…
Sucker Punch!
Bulldoze!

Turn 2: Vah Ruta VS Skuntank

Hm… I don't like that math.
Super Potion!
Sucker Punch! Failed!

Turn 3: Vah Ruta VS Skuntank
Huh. That probably means that Sucker Punch is the only move he can use against a steel type. Although I know Skuntank gets Flamethrower. Oh well!
Sucker Punch!
Bulldoze!

Turn 4: Vah Ruta VS Skuntank
Iron Defense!
Sucker Punch! Failed!

Turn 5: Vah Ruta VS Skuntank

Sucker Punch!
Bulldoze! KO!

Turn 6: Vah Ruta VS Revaroom

Wait, what. That's not the big one.
Super Potion!
Bulldoze!

Turn 7: Vah Ruta VS Revaroom
Hm, don't like that. :x

Switch to Mikau!
Bulldoze!

Turn 8: Mikau VS Revaroom
Assurance!
Aqua Cutter! Crit!

Turn 9: Mikau VS Revaroom
I don't like this HP range, so… Super Potion!
Assurance!

Turn 10: Mikau VS Revaroom
Bulldoze!
Aqua Cutter! Crit! KO!

Turn 11: Vah Ruta VS Muk
Mud-Slap!
Bulldoze!

Turn 12: Vah Ruta VS Muk
Well, if that's how you want to play…
Switch to Medli!
Mud-Slap! Immune!

Turn 13: Medli VS Muk

Tailwind!
Sludge Wave!

Turn 14: Medli VS Muk
Hm… If that poisons, it could kill Medli.

Switch to Fyer!
Sludge Wave!

Turn 15: Fyer VS Muk
Crunch!
Sludge Wave!

Turn 16: Fyer VS Muk
Crunch! KO!

Turn 16: Fyer VS Revaroom

Switch to Gina!

Noxious Torque! Immune!
Tailwind ends.

Turn 17: Gina VS Revaroom
Spin Out!
Metal Claw!

Toxic Debris triggers Toxic Spikes!
Good thing I was only planning on using my steel types anyway. :x

Turn 18: Gina VS Revaroom
Super Potion on Vah Ruta!
Spin Out!

Turn 19: Gina VS Revaroom
Baby-Doll Eyes!
Spin Out! Crit!

Yikes. OK, it's now or never…

Turn 20: Vah Ruta VS Revaroom
Dig!
Flame Charge! Miss!

Turn 21: Vah Ruta VS Revaroom
Dig!
Flame Charge! Miss!

Turn 22: Vah Ruta VS Revaroom
Spin Out!
Bulldoze!
Oh, I see, you're trying to maintain neutral speed.

Turn 23: Vah Ruta VS Revaroom
Dig!
Flame Charge! Miss!

Turn 24: Vah Ruta VS Revaroom
Super Potion!
Flame Charge!

Turn 25: Vah Ruta VS Revaroom
Dig!
Flame Charge! Miss!

Turn 26: Vah Ruta VS Revaroom
Flame Charge!

Turn 27: Vah Ruta VS Revaroom
Spin Out!
Dig!

Turn 28: Vah Ruta VS Revaroom

Finally….
Bulldoze! KO!

"I can just look like a teenager, though. That's scary too. Some people are scared shitless of teenagers, you know."

Kids can smell neurodivergents from a diagnostic lifetime away.

I mean, that's accurate.

🔥

You’re not wrong.

"And 1 out of 5 children who are expelled receive no further educational services."

We stan Youssef saying it like it is.

"Oh, if only an adult were within earshot to hear that we crave is a sense of belonging!"

Yeah, you're an asshole, Penny. Ghosting is always an asshole move.

Oof. What did Penny do to deserve this loyalty?

🥺

One small step? How about a giant leap?

HE FINALLY SAID IT! 🥳

SHUT UP, GIMMIGHOUL, I'M ON THE PHONE!

Will they? They haven't shown up after ONE AND A HALF YEARS OF TRYING TO CONTACT THEM.

School? (Tying your self-worth to your educational achievement, I see.)

Next time, we usurp Tumblr Sexyman! Er, I mean, the normal type Gym Leader, Larry.

Spoiler: Serious Opinions

• I love the environmental storytelling (if that's the right word for it) of a Run Away Maschiff becoming a Guard Dog Mabostiff. (Will you notice me now, Arven Senpai!?)
• I love the drama child trope. I mean, all of Team Star falls into that, but what's special about this group is how affirming they all are of each other. As a neurodivergent person, I appreciate that Atticus isn't made the butt of the joke on-screen. I get enough of that off-screens, thank you very much.
• It's been a while since I've commented on classes, so let's go back to History and Languages class! History 3 was about the Paldean Empire spending too much money on something stupid (#2me2real)—in this case, Area Zero exploration—that it collapsed. Then, 800 years ago, smaller nations combined to create modern-day Poke-Spain. I think that maps onto Spanish history, although contemporary Spanish history shows that regional pride is still strong (Catalonia secession movement). History 4 was a midterm exam!? Bruh, I am playing Pokemon to ESCAPE finals season! 😭And all I got were 5 small EXP Candies… And Ms. Raifort made BRUTAL comments about "Even the least capable of you surely padded your score there [last question]." I don't think I would like her as an instructor: That "freebie" was something she said once in the previous class that I bet wasn't even in the readings. I hate when I'm graded on stuff that I cannot review unless I happened to be there and happened to correctly identify what was important to write down. I am happy to report that Professor Salvatore's freebie was reasonable: quizzing to see if students knew his name. If you get that wrong—that information is in many places, even if you have never attended a class before—that's on you. (But, no, dude, saying "I love you" after a fight with your spouse does NOT solve everything. Some situations are more complicated than that. First bad advice you've given, to be fair, but a bad lesson to bungle.)

 

[Spectacles]

Welp. I had all these quotes saved on a different computer from when I was catching up but I didn't realize it wouldn't transfer over to my home computer :/ so I'll try to sum up.

Your perseverance is commendable. It was a delight to see you kick Iono's ass after the slaughter. Although I am completely devesated that you lost Zelda. Losing shinies should be illegal, especially Zelda herself.

I continue to be impressed that you are coming up with all these Zelda characters I have never heard of before. Also what a fitting name for Deku <3 My sister got me a plan pot that was 3-D printed in the likeness of the Great Deku Tree for my birthday and it's my favorite part of the house.

Wow Moblin constantly missing was such a letdown. I don't blame you for giving her the wide lense. Maybe she just has astigmatism and needs glasses.

Fun fact Kofu is my favorite Gen 9 gym leader and I'm glad he wasn't as evil as Iono.

 

[Dee]

These losses are heartbreaking, especially poor Gina! I love the Tinkaton line...

Still, congrats on making it through Atticus. He can be a hard nut to crack. As for the Team Star storyline, Clavell is blind as a bat (and definitely a "how do you do fellow kids" with his disguise) but at least his heart's in the right place. He's not willfully ignoring or protecting bullies, and he seems distressed to learn about what's going on.

Also, yeah Ms. Raifort is not that great a teacher. Real jerkwad vibes for real.

 

[JavierE64]

Spoiler: Bunch of quotes

Wow, from a level 30 boss to a level 32 boss? What is this, mid-game Kalos or Johto!?

Pretty much.

Ooh, a steel type for the poison type boss? Yes, please! 😍

And a cute one notheless.

No, I’m not sharing my candy. :c

Share your candy to the children I tell you XD.

Oh, but he looks like a sweet old man too. 🥺

Good doggo indeed.

BECAUSE YOU DON'T WANT TO GO TO A PLACE WHERE YOU ARE BULLIED. 😠 You could just talk to Penny. Oh wait, that's a plot twist, I guess, because communication is overrated. 💢

I mean, it's not like communication can solve like 90% of their problems.

The first person we took down was Team Star's strategist, then their engineer. Now their… costume designer? Is it just me, or are the strategic blows we're dealing to Team Star decreasing over time?

Costumes are important, they make you stand out and assert dominance.

Wait, Gulpin doesn’t live in Paldea!? Where did Youssef get it, then!?

I believe Gulpin is a version exclusive.

Yikes. OK, it's now or never…

No... not the hammer girl.

Kids can smell neurodivergents from a diagnostic lifetime away.

Their accuracy can vary.

"And 1 out of 5 children who are expelled receive no further educational services."

Being expelled can be a death sentence in most countries. Children may never recover from that one.

"Oh, if only an adult were within earshot to hear that we crave is a sense of belonging!"

Yeah, if only.

Yeah, you're an asshole, Penny. Ghosting is always an asshole move.

It's one of the worst thing you can do to a person. At least give them a proper goodbye, it's the least you can do.

Oof. What did Penny do to deserve this loyalty?

She didn't, she freaking didn't, they are just amazing friends.

One small step? How about a giant leap?

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Understatement of the century.

Will they? They haven't shown up after ONE AND A HALF YEARS OF TRYING TO CONTACT THEM.

It can be a hard pill to swallow, to be fair.

Next time, we usurp Tumblr Sexyman! Er, I mean, the normal type Gym Leader, Larry.

LARRY TIEM LET?S GO.

 

[Bowser's Family Vacation]

Spoiler: Replies

@Dee : I can't believe I lost a steel type to a poison type boss. 🫠 I have a soft spot for Clavell: There are a lot of educators like him, caring about students but just not understanding how students work. You have to respect Clavell for taking action to directly investigate a problem in his school. There are unfortunately also a lot of educators like Ms. Raifort too: seeing teaching as a way to assert how smart they are, rather than any desire to build up other people (or learn new things themselves).

@JavierE64 :

IMPORTANT ALERT: In response to the Imgur TOS changes (and the Forums changes in response), I need to break this update into multiple parts. For future updates, I will make them short enough to be 100 images per post, but for this update (and potentially the next), I will need to tower post. My apologies in advance!

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souvenir photo with kofu be like

Spoiler: Dungeon 18: "Just A Normal Day In Hyrule" Part 1

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I'm just not sure how we're gonna do it.

See, I see two ways to get to Medali.

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1) Heading west from Tagtree Thicket, getting three encounters (Tagtree Thicket, Zapacio-W Area 3, W Area 3-Medali) on the way.

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2) East from Porto Marinada, getting one encounter on the way (W Area 2-Medali).

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Three is more than one!

So let's get Encounter #1 now.

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This little piggy is not going to market. :(

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Spoiler: Purah the Shroodle: Tagtree Thicket

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Well, that just seems mean. Gender norms in clothing are arbitrary.

Well, we know that "scientist" is shorthand for "nerd" in media, so what scientists are there in The Legend of Zelda?

Well, there is the aptly-named Lake Scientist, but that name doesn't exactly roll off the tongue…

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Also, look at him. I don’t want to send this old man into battle.

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Robbie here certainly has the right glasses for the role. He researches Guardians and is the one who brought them back to life. So, thanks, Robbie!

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So, no, you can't have nice things.

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Purah, you're up!

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I'm playing a lot of Pokemon Emerald Rogue recently, and it's awakened me to the power of pivot moves. That being said, they are far less needed on Switch mode. (Which I think is a fair thing to leave on for a blind playthrough.)

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Shroodle is a mouse? Really? I thought it was, like, a bug. ._.

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As we have seen, there is challenge intact, even though I’m not playing on Set mode.

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Welcome Din back to the team! I can use Sawsbuck for Larry—hopefully with Jump Kick.

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In the meantime, let’s re-learn Double Kick.

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Rolycoly lookin’ like an action movie poster, lol.

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I'll deliver their DoorDash to them. 😋

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How does one “drop out” of Team Star? 🤔

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Whoa, we've got a badass over here.

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… 😭

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Oh man, I wish this was an ice type move that was given to non-ice types, lol.

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Don’t mind me, Tera Pokemon, just taking a more useful TM. >_>

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Sawsbuck is more of a physical attacker, so I won’t take Energy Ball.

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No clue why an elephant can learn Brick Break, but I need to know what materials I need. 👀

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Why does Team Star have this?

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Oop, this is a dead end. :x

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But this shouldn't be!

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Yo, this thing is kind of creepy.

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It’s the glowing eyes for me.

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OH BOY LEVEL JUMP!

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Huh. Paldea has a theme of scary birds.

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Like Flamigo. 0-0

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Spoiler: Helmaroc the Espathra: Dalizapa Passage

On the topic of scary birds, remember that scary bird that kidnaps your sister in Wind Waker?

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Yeah. No need for Googling for a name this time. :D

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Awful nature, but it is pre-leveled to Larry's level cap. 🤔 My team does need a special attacker too… I'll consider it, especially if it can get a fighting type move.

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Wait, WHAT. It evolves from the little dancer blob!?

*looks back at pictures* Uh… This isn't even the name of the place I thought it was. Is "Zapacio-W Area 3" even a real place!?

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You are a little cutie! You certainly evolve into Ceititan, from the ice type Gym Leader trailer.

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Good to know we'll have another shot at catching you.

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Today I learned Snorunt is not a runt. :0

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Huh. Or maybe just Gumshoos is tiny.

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Guess that’s just Moblin, then.

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Doggy play date!

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Is it perhaps yours, O Lion King?

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Do Pyroar attack as a pride!? 👀

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Everything the snow touches is my kingdom.

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Upgrade!

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Winter VS spring: Who will win!?

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Spring. (Where I am. Finally!)

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Copperajah aren't native to Galar either. Poke-India when??? 🇮🇳

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Finally! A steel type (attacking) move!

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As opposed to roaming passively.

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🎤 Ryme's concert? Why don't I show you my beats, so you'll become a Link-Fan convert? 🎤

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Cetoddle is ready for our sick beats.

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Whoa, Tauros looks like some kind of creature from the Underworld! ❤️ Although if this is a fire/fighting type, that is a matchup my team struggles mightily against. ._.

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I don’t think I need Tackle for the normal type gym. And, honestly, Charm is always useful.

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There are Gible and Larvitar as well as Deino in this cave. Damn, I should have gotten my encounter here!

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What in the world are you? A frog?

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Huh. Is this actual Paldea's psuedolegend? Not Charcadet?

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Platforming? In a Pokemon game? I never thought I'd see the day!

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Ooh, and a good reward at the end too.

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Gah! I think I was meant to reach Medali in the other direction!

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Wait, going off my "in between Pokemon Centers" rule, I can still get a second encounter. Maybe I'll get a psuedolegend!

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Gah! Psuedolegends HURT!

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I deal world damage.

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No, Moblin, you can’t match Deino’s Scary Face.

Spoiler: Hilda the Deino: Dalipaza Passage-Medali

I need a name fitting of a psuedolegend. 🤔

What about a princess?
A dark princess.

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This is Princess Hilda of Lorule.

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I forgot that Deino suffers from a bad ability too. They are NOT worth using in this form. I still want to train Hilda as a special attacker eventually, but the minus special attack nature makes me sad. :(

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Huh. So that's how changing seasons works (I think): sending the Deerling/Sawsbuck out to a season-tied location.

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I never thought I'd say this, but I miss Run Away. 🥺

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Thank goodness I have plushies. 😤

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Hey, is it just me, or is it only Corviknight's right claw/talon that is moving? 🧐

Mikau is evolving? Get out the way, delivery man! *shove*

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It's a water/fighting type! Watch out, Larry!

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Fast sweeper, here we go!