Here is part ten.
We've now reached the next town, and there actually isn't much to do here. Nonetheless, rest stops are always appreciated.
I do not have a Rapidash. But that sounds like a worthwhile trade.
Oh, bless your heart. Dream big.
Again, be glad you don't know.
Fascinating. Battle skills run in that family.
Do those look like water tiles? I don't think so.
Y'know, at least in the anime, battles are shown to be pretty intense ordeals for the Trainers as well.
What is it with people just giving us items? I'll put this to good use against wilds.
Thanks, but I hope you're doing your part, too, Miss Ace Trainer.
I feel like you'd both enjoy Lucario. Also, yet another coding error as the Klinklang isn't actually a proper character, hence why it's moving into the wall.
Here is the aforementioned trade. There's actually another trade for this exact species in a couple of towns.
HELL. YES.
Your follower actually stays behind you running at breakneck pace (though they're uninteractable). I'd love to see how that would work with Escavalier. Or Snom.
Aw, glad you're liking it. Also, another overworld Shiny. That's three, which is two more than I've ever gotten playing Pokemon. (And even that one was an Odd Egg Shiny in Crystal, so 1/7 and not 1/8192.)
Rocky:
(Also, overworld Rotom, that's cool.)
On the left end of town, we come to the one important thing we need to do:
Well, that certainly hits different nowadays. We shall now approach the sick Pokémon without a mask.
....um, sure.
This requires the Medical License we received all the way back in Zarivar (this is one of the old Mystery Gifts). Anyway, let us proceed.
Wait, why are we trying to catch it? Wouldn't this work better as a gift? I dunno, let's just get this over with. Again, as with all static encounters, save before engaging, as it will not return if knocked out.
Named Andrea, after an anime character who owned several of the species. (Yes, a boy named Andrea. Shoot me.) But there's something special about this guy...
It turns out the infection is actually quite beneficial. Andrea will be coming with us for a little bit.
It only takes one wild battle for Wisp to catch it. Newt then gets it next battle. Andrea, though you will be with us only a short time, your services are invaluable. (And since being in the PC pauses the progression of the virus, we can bring him back out to infect new squadmates.)
With our team healed and some of it infected, it's time to leave Kariba Town and enter...
Named Shade, after the glasses-wearing Sandile who became a key member of Ash's Unova team, and added to the squad. He will replace Rocky, whose low Speed and multiple 4x weaknesses have become a bit of a liability. IVs: 20/8/1/26/9/10, Impish, Moxie. He's gonna need a bit of work, but I look forward to using him.
Named Bertha, after the Sinnoh Elite Four member using Hippowdon as her ace (in DP).
OH MY GOD I FOUND A PHANPY! Named Trunks due to its trunk being pretty important in its lore.
Shade catches up to the team at level 26, with a moveset of Assurance/Sand Tomb/Mud-Slap/Swagger. Not a lot of TM help for him. Everyone has Pokerus; this has resulted in Shade gaining 41 Speed EVs while grinding. Let us progress.
How tall am I, exactly? Tall enough for this kid to be wowed, I guess.
Yet another "Literally Cannot Touch Wisp". Uproar 2HKOes, and Wisp levels up.
This can touch him. Uproar still 2HKOes.
Wisp gets Whirlwinded into Cheeky, but not before chunking the Pidgeotto with Uproar. Sure, Cheeky, you can have the KO. Wisp gets a second level-up.
Why, thank you. And I do like to wear shorts. Just not in the wintertime. I may or may not live among people who make such a qualifier necessary.
More Berries for us; the Chestos are of course quite useful.
We do have one last encounter to snag; Libre levels up while fighting wilds in search of it.
And here it is. Named Callista after an anime owner. Progressing down the route:
Brick Break just wipes this out.
Time to abandon ship. Shade makes his Trainer debut here, using Swagger and Assurance to bring Emolga down, albeit at the cost of paralysis.
I've beaten two Olympus Commanders and at least a half-dozen Ace Trainers already. Bring it.
Bubble Beam OHKOes.
This, fortunately, is the gen before it gets Bullet Seed as a starting move. Bubble Beam needs three hits to take it down, and Tatsu levels up.
Tatsu is unable to finish the sweep, so into Shade to clean up. Elgyem has Hidden Power (Fighting, as is standard for route Trainers--see Psychic Edward in Hoenn and his HP FIghting Abra that no doubt surprised a few players), but Shade survives.
Why, thank you.
To her west is a feature that was never implemented. A Trick House isn't necessary, but since this game is big into incorporating cut or region-specific features, I'd have no objections. Oh well.
Here's the Tamer with the Johto starters. Newt handles this one with Brick Break.
No Water move on this guy, but he does have Rage. Newt actually handles him thanks to a Headbutt flinch, leveling up.
Flame Burst OHKOes.
Basically the same after-battle as the Kanto Tamer.
Well, this should be fun. Unlike the Hoenn sandstorm, this one will not block you from passing, simply having overworld sand. There are also no encounters in this desert (hence why the sandy Pokémon were found in grass). Let's throw some music on to set the mood:
We're able to sneak by the handful of Trainers around the plateau in the center of the desert and snag these. Some notes on this iteration of the Go-Goggles:
Which of the three Rock moves this Geodude is carrying will he hit us with? Shade switches into a Rollout, probably the most dangerous of them. Shade does eventually take him down, though he loses half his health.
+1 Sand Tomb would do a lot...if it hit. So Shade has to switch out. Libre comes in and OHKOes with Brick Break. Level-up for both mons.
Yeah, I kinda am.
Return 2HKOes.
Durant actually outspeeds Cheeky, but she eventually prevails despite the type disadvantage, leveling up.
Wait, why does a random Ranger in the desert have a last-Pokemon inset like boss fights? It isn't actually because there's a major character (the third Olympus Commander, whom we have not yet met) who shares her name, is it? Because wow, that's an oversight. Anyway, Cheeky completes the sweep.
Sand Tomb 2HKOes. "But wait, isn't Assurance stronger and 100% accurate?"
Alright, fine. I didn't mention this because I was saving it for a specific point, but: While the Fairy type is implemented with its type interactions, the devs did not make the other major adjustment to the type chart for Gen VI: Steel still resists Dark and Ghost. Thus, Assurance is neutral against the Steel/Psychic Beldum.
How much can Quick Attack do? Quite a lot, actually, especially when Raichu gets two of them off due to Sand Tomb not being an OHKO.
Even resisted Feint Attack is too much at this low health. Into Libre, who actually makes good use of Encore to lock Bronzor into Feint Attack, then 2HKOes with Brick Break. Shade picks up a level.
LET'S GOOOOOO! Replaces Assurance.
On the east side is an almost-exact copy of Ranger Artemis. Come on. Wisp OHKOes the Sandshrew and chunks the Durant considerably, but Metal Claw threatens a 2HKO and he has to switch out. Tatsu finishes the Durant, and then we see...
Oh, that's different. Late screen, after Tatsu has finished 2HKOing him.
Oh no, poor baby! Anyway, Brick Break 2HKOes.
"Oh, you're trying to Roost off the damage? Surprise Encore!" Libre actually gets PP stalled out of Roost, but eventually bad AI gives him an opening and Brick Break carries the day. Libre levels up.
I have Goggles, it's fine.
Uproar 2HKOes, giving Wisp a level. He declines to learn Payback.
After calming down, Hypnosis + Night Shade takes care of this Graveler.
Damn right I am. Proceeding south, we reach...
...and run into an Olympus-shaped roadblock. (Also, there is a sandstorm across town.)
Jake, being Jake, refuses to step aside.
Jake? Jake, they kill people, buddy. Don't talk shit unless you can back it up.
I'll say this much: They sure know how to wound someone's ego.
Oh, so you want to take out your frustrations on me? You're gonna regret that one.
And here we go with the second rival battle. (Against literally no background.) Moveset: Dragon Claw, Ember, Smokescreen, Scary Face. If you picked Horsea in the Escape Route, Jake's lead is instead a Croconaw (Ice Fang/Bite/Water Gun/Dragon Claw). If you picked Bellsprout or are playing a solo run, he has a Grovyle (Brick Break/Screech/Quick Attack/Absorb).
Cheeky 2HKOes with Return, leveling up.
As with Libre, replaces Wing Attack.
This is what you send against a Flying-type? Moveset: Payback, Brick Break, Swagger, Sand-Attack. Aerial Ace OHKOes.
Moveset: Take Down, Iron Defense, Metal Claw, Mud Slap. Cheeky takes over half of her health out before going down. Tatsu comes in to finish her off, leveling up.
Replaces Headbutt.
Moveset: Smokescreen/Bubble Beam/Agility/Water Gun. His Magmar will have Clear Smog/Flame Burst/Feint Attack/Smokescreen; his Weepinbell will have Vine Whip/Poison Powder/Acid/Growth. Tatsu wins the Seadra duel thanks to a crit.
Talk shit, get hit, my guy.
I am the Protagonist, and you are but a mere Rival. You cannot surpass me. The plot says so.
Well, he is a man of his word. We need the next Badge to use it, of course. After a bit more bluster, Jake leaves and we're free to proceed into Agassiz proper. First stop, as always, is the Center.
We've heard about this guy. Custom Move is 70 BP, 15 PP, 100% accuracy, physical, and makes contact. The type will remain the same for every Pokémon it is taught to. Useful for filling in coverage gaps or giving a mon reliable STAB for a type it doesn't have (if you need physical Poison STAB, this is legitimately your best option outside of level-up movepools).
We generally don't hear about NPCs having Badges, even though it can be assumed in some cases (Victory Road Trainers, for example, have to have all eight to even be there).
I do not envy this woman. Imagine being greeter for this town.
Something something I don't like sand.
Sure I do.
Is this a shallow parody of Christian/Satanist conflict? Seems like it to me.
To the southeast of the Gym is a broken Move Tutor. He claims to be able to teach Mega Punch or Mega Kick (player's choice), but Newt, who learns both moves, is unable to learn either here.
We see Jonathan defending the Gym from Team Olympus, who have occupied the large structure to the southwest. That will be our eventual destination, but we have more to do in town first.
Well, good thing I have a Dark-type now.
There are three of these around town, and they are all catchable, which is nice for Omicron players as Sandshrew has been version-exclusive thus far. We catch this one and name him A.J. after an anime owner.
There's a lot of potential in the Rock type when it's not being used as the first Gym. Hopefully we'll see it here.
(Truncated) Sassy is +Special Defense, -Speed. I love me a good tank, but we'll pass for now. (Although if a future potential squaddie has a -Attack or -Special Attack Nature, this will at least alter that.)
I guess we really are just tall. Sure, both characters who've said this are kids, but that's my headcanon and I'm sticking to it.
How much does she dislike it? Well, she's on the other side of the house, and:
(Truncated) She'll offer the most convenient in-game trade thus far.
...you know what? Do it for the kid. BRB. Besides, it might help us for the Lottery.
The Surskit we receive is named Beady and is Modest. Very nice.
Indeed, two overworld Fossil mons.
Frustration TM before Return TM, that's...certainly a choice.
Number four. There's one more area of town we haven't explored. Heading northeast into some hills:
Oh, shoot. Everything okay?
Secret Base, you say?
Relax, pal. We'll take care of it. Five of our six can learn Secret Power; I opt to give it to Shade, who can get the most in-battle use out of it, replacing Mud-Slap. As it turns out, we actually don't even need the move to enter here, the main entrance of the base.
Notice the room we have in this place. And notice the large amount of cash I have on hand.
Next time: We're gonna have some fun.
The Squad:
Click here to return to the Index.
かたわれ時: And this is why I'm glad I have y'all. I do know what SCP is, I just completely missed that the game referenced it. There are more like that, with varying degrees of quality.
We've now reached the next town, and there actually isn't much to do here. Nonetheless, rest stops are always appreciated.
I do not have a Rapidash. But that sounds like a worthwhile trade.
Oh, bless your heart. Dream big.
Again, be glad you don't know.
Fascinating. Battle skills run in that family.
Do those look like water tiles? I don't think so.
Y'know, at least in the anime, battles are shown to be pretty intense ordeals for the Trainers as well.
What is it with people just giving us items? I'll put this to good use against wilds.
Thanks, but I hope you're doing your part, too, Miss Ace Trainer.
I feel like you'd both enjoy Lucario. Also, yet another coding error as the Klinklang isn't actually a proper character, hence why it's moving into the wall.
Here is the aforementioned trade. There's actually another trade for this exact species in a couple of towns.
HELL. YES.
Your follower actually stays behind you running at breakneck pace (though they're uninteractable). I'd love to see how that would work with Escavalier. Or Snom.
Aw, glad you're liking it. Also, another overworld Shiny. That's three, which is two more than I've ever gotten playing Pokemon. (And even that one was an Odd Egg Shiny in Crystal, so 1/7 and not 1/8192.)
Rocky:
(Also, overworld Rotom, that's cool.)
On the left end of town, we come to the one important thing we need to do:
Well, that certainly hits different nowadays. We shall now approach the sick Pokémon without a mask.
....um, sure.
This requires the Medical License we received all the way back in Zarivar (this is one of the old Mystery Gifts). Anyway, let us proceed.
Wait, why are we trying to catch it? Wouldn't this work better as a gift? I dunno, let's just get this over with. Again, as with all static encounters, save before engaging, as it will not return if knocked out.
Named Andrea, after an anime character who owned several of the species. (Yes, a boy named Andrea. Shoot me.) But there's something special about this guy...
It turns out the infection is actually quite beneficial. Andrea will be coming with us for a little bit.
It only takes one wild battle for Wisp to catch it. Newt then gets it next battle. Andrea, though you will be with us only a short time, your services are invaluable. (And since being in the PC pauses the progression of the virus, we can bring him back out to infect new squadmates.)
With our team healed and some of it infected, it's time to leave Kariba Town and enter...
- Route features: Sandstorm
- Encounters: Sandshrew (Zeta exclusive), Phanpy, Baltoy (Omicron exclusive), Hippopotas, Sandile (all 17-20)
Named Shade, after the glasses-wearing Sandile who became a key member of Ash's Unova team, and added to the squad. He will replace Rocky, whose low Speed and multiple 4x weaknesses have become a bit of a liability. IVs: 20/8/1/26/9/10, Impish, Moxie. He's gonna need a bit of work, but I look forward to using him.
Named Bertha, after the Sinnoh Elite Four member using Hippowdon as her ace (in DP).
OH MY GOD I FOUND A PHANPY! Named Trunks due to its trunk being pretty important in its lore.
Shade catches up to the team at level 26, with a moveset of Assurance/Sand Tomb/Mud-Slap/Swagger. Not a lot of TM help for him. Everyone has Pokerus; this has resulted in Shade gaining 41 Speed EVs while grinding. Let us progress.
How tall am I, exactly? Tall enough for this kid to be wowed, I guess.
Yet another "Literally Cannot Touch Wisp". Uproar 2HKOes, and Wisp levels up.
This can touch him. Uproar still 2HKOes.
Wisp gets Whirlwinded into Cheeky, but not before chunking the Pidgeotto with Uproar. Sure, Cheeky, you can have the KO. Wisp gets a second level-up.
Why, thank you. And I do like to wear shorts. Just not in the wintertime. I may or may not live among people who make such a qualifier necessary.
More Berries for us; the Chestos are of course quite useful.
We do have one last encounter to snag; Libre levels up while fighting wilds in search of it.
And here it is. Named Callista after an anime owner. Progressing down the route:
Brick Break just wipes this out.
Time to abandon ship. Shade makes his Trainer debut here, using Swagger and Assurance to bring Emolga down, albeit at the cost of paralysis.
I've beaten two Olympus Commanders and at least a half-dozen Ace Trainers already. Bring it.
Bubble Beam OHKOes.
This, fortunately, is the gen before it gets Bullet Seed as a starting move. Bubble Beam needs three hits to take it down, and Tatsu levels up.
Tatsu is unable to finish the sweep, so into Shade to clean up. Elgyem has Hidden Power (Fighting, as is standard for route Trainers--see Psychic Edward in Hoenn and his HP FIghting Abra that no doubt surprised a few players), but Shade survives.
Why, thank you.
To her west is a feature that was never implemented. A Trick House isn't necessary, but since this game is big into incorporating cut or region-specific features, I'd have no objections. Oh well.
Here's the Tamer with the Johto starters. Newt handles this one with Brick Break.
No Water move on this guy, but he does have Rage. Newt actually handles him thanks to a Headbutt flinch, leveling up.
Flame Burst OHKOes.
Basically the same after-battle as the Kanto Tamer.
Well, this should be fun. Unlike the Hoenn sandstorm, this one will not block you from passing, simply having overworld sand. There are also no encounters in this desert (hence why the sandy Pokémon were found in grass). Let's throw some music on to set the mood:
We're able to sneak by the handful of Trainers around the plateau in the center of the desert and snag these. Some notes on this iteration of the Go-Goggles:
- They need to be equipped from the Bag; once done, they cause overworld weather to dissipate entirely.
- They need to be reequipped each time a location is entered, which is rather inconvenient, to put it lightly. They can be registered (which I recommend as long as you're in this general area).
- They may work on rainy routes as well? I'll have to test that next time we come across one. I do know there is one specific area where they don't work (intentionally).
Which of the three Rock moves this Geodude is carrying will he hit us with? Shade switches into a Rollout, probably the most dangerous of them. Shade does eventually take him down, though he loses half his health.
+1 Sand Tomb would do a lot...if it hit. So Shade has to switch out. Libre comes in and OHKOes with Brick Break. Level-up for both mons.
Yeah, I kinda am.
Return 2HKOes.
Durant actually outspeeds Cheeky, but she eventually prevails despite the type disadvantage, leveling up.
Wait, why does a random Ranger in the desert have a last-Pokemon inset like boss fights? It isn't actually because there's a major character (the third Olympus Commander, whom we have not yet met) who shares her name, is it? Because wow, that's an oversight. Anyway, Cheeky completes the sweep.
Sand Tomb 2HKOes. "But wait, isn't Assurance stronger and 100% accurate?"
Alright, fine. I didn't mention this because I was saving it for a specific point, but: While the Fairy type is implemented with its type interactions, the devs did not make the other major adjustment to the type chart for Gen VI: Steel still resists Dark and Ghost. Thus, Assurance is neutral against the Steel/Psychic Beldum.
How much can Quick Attack do? Quite a lot, actually, especially when Raichu gets two of them off due to Sand Tomb not being an OHKO.
Even resisted Feint Attack is too much at this low health. Into Libre, who actually makes good use of Encore to lock Bronzor into Feint Attack, then 2HKOes with Brick Break. Shade picks up a level.
LET'S GOOOOOO! Replaces Assurance.
On the east side is an almost-exact copy of Ranger Artemis. Come on. Wisp OHKOes the Sandshrew and chunks the Durant considerably, but Metal Claw threatens a 2HKO and he has to switch out. Tatsu finishes the Durant, and then we see...
Oh, that's different. Late screen, after Tatsu has finished 2HKOing him.
Oh no, poor baby! Anyway, Brick Break 2HKOes.
"Oh, you're trying to Roost off the damage? Surprise Encore!" Libre actually gets PP stalled out of Roost, but eventually bad AI gives him an opening and Brick Break carries the day. Libre levels up.
I have Goggles, it's fine.
Uproar 2HKOes, giving Wisp a level. He declines to learn Payback.
After calming down, Hypnosis + Night Shade takes care of this Graveler.
Damn right I am. Proceeding south, we reach...
...and run into an Olympus-shaped roadblock. (Also, there is a sandstorm across town.)
Jake, being Jake, refuses to step aside.
Jake? Jake, they kill people, buddy. Don't talk shit unless you can back it up.
I'll say this much: They sure know how to wound someone's ego.
Oh, so you want to take out your frustrations on me? You're gonna regret that one.
And here we go with the second rival battle. (Against literally no background.) Moveset: Dragon Claw, Ember, Smokescreen, Scary Face. If you picked Horsea in the Escape Route, Jake's lead is instead a Croconaw (Ice Fang/Bite/Water Gun/Dragon Claw). If you picked Bellsprout or are playing a solo run, he has a Grovyle (Brick Break/Screech/Quick Attack/Absorb).
Cheeky 2HKOes with Return, leveling up.
As with Libre, replaces Wing Attack.
This is what you send against a Flying-type? Moveset: Payback, Brick Break, Swagger, Sand-Attack. Aerial Ace OHKOes.
Moveset: Take Down, Iron Defense, Metal Claw, Mud Slap. Cheeky takes over half of her health out before going down. Tatsu comes in to finish her off, leveling up.
Replaces Headbutt.
Moveset: Smokescreen/Bubble Beam/Agility/Water Gun. His Magmar will have Clear Smog/Flame Burst/Feint Attack/Smokescreen; his Weepinbell will have Vine Whip/Poison Powder/Acid/Growth. Tatsu wins the Seadra duel thanks to a crit.
Talk shit, get hit, my guy.
I am the Protagonist, and you are but a mere Rival. You cannot surpass me. The plot says so.
Well, he is a man of his word. We need the next Badge to use it, of course. After a bit more bluster, Jake leaves and we're free to proceed into Agassiz proper. First stop, as always, is the Center.
We've heard about this guy. Custom Move is 70 BP, 15 PP, 100% accuracy, physical, and makes contact. The type will remain the same for every Pokémon it is taught to. Useful for filling in coverage gaps or giving a mon reliable STAB for a type it doesn't have (if you need physical Poison STAB, this is legitimately your best option outside of level-up movepools).
We generally don't hear about NPCs having Badges, even though it can be assumed in some cases (Victory Road Trainers, for example, have to have all eight to even be there).
I do not envy this woman. Imagine being greeter for this town.
Something something I don't like sand.
Sure I do.
Is this a shallow parody of Christian/Satanist conflict? Seems like it to me.
To the southeast of the Gym is a broken Move Tutor. He claims to be able to teach Mega Punch or Mega Kick (player's choice), but Newt, who learns both moves, is unable to learn either here.
We see Jonathan defending the Gym from Team Olympus, who have occupied the large structure to the southwest. That will be our eventual destination, but we have more to do in town first.
Well, good thing I have a Dark-type now.
There are three of these around town, and they are all catchable, which is nice for Omicron players as Sandshrew has been version-exclusive thus far. We catch this one and name him A.J. after an anime owner.
There's a lot of potential in the Rock type when it's not being used as the first Gym. Hopefully we'll see it here.
(Truncated) Sassy is +Special Defense, -Speed. I love me a good tank, but we'll pass for now. (Although if a future potential squaddie has a -Attack or -Special Attack Nature, this will at least alter that.)
I guess we really are just tall. Sure, both characters who've said this are kids, but that's my headcanon and I'm sticking to it.
How much does she dislike it? Well, she's on the other side of the house, and:
(Truncated) She'll offer the most convenient in-game trade thus far.
...you know what? Do it for the kid. BRB. Besides, it might help us for the Lottery.
The Surskit we receive is named Beady and is Modest. Very nice.
Indeed, two overworld Fossil mons.
Frustration TM before Return TM, that's...certainly a choice.
Number four. There's one more area of town we haven't explored. Heading northeast into some hills:
Oh, shoot. Everything okay?
Secret Base, you say?
Relax, pal. We'll take care of it. Five of our six can learn Secret Power; I opt to give it to Shade, who can get the most in-battle use out of it, replacing Mud-Slap. As it turns out, we actually don't even need the move to enter here, the main entrance of the base.
Notice the room we have in this place. And notice the large amount of cash I have on hand.
Next time: We're gonna have some fun.
The Squad:
- Newt (Magmar): Lv. 25, Fire, Flame Body, Flame Burst/Brick Break/Headbutt/Smokescreen
- Tatsu (Seadra): Lv. 26, Water, Poison Point, Bubble Beam/Acid/Twister/Agility
- Libre (Hawlucha): Lv. 26, Fighting/Flying, Unburden, Brick Break/Aerial Ace/Roost/Encore
- Shade (Sandile): Lv. 28, Dark/Ground, Moxie, Crunch/Secret Power/Sand Tomb/Swagger
- Cheeky (Staravia): Lv. 28, Normal/Flying, Intimidate, Return/Aerial Ace/Quick Attack/Double Team
- Wisp (Haunter): Lv. 28, Ghost/Poison, Levitate, Uproar/Night Shade/Shadow Punch/Hypnosis
Click here to return to the Index.
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