About Z-Crystals:
Z-Crystals linked to a viable enough move could have a default effect along the lines of
"Boosts the Pokémon's STABs by 1. Boosts the power of the linked move by an additional [insert balanced number here, I'm thinking 2]".
This would include Aloraichum Z, Decidium Z, Incinium Z, Lycanium Z, Mewnium Z, Mimikium Z.
Now, there are Z-Crystals for which this default effect wouldn't work, or is a bit underwhelming.
Here's what I suggest for them:
Eevium Z: Boosts the Pokémon's STAB by 2. Allows the use of Last Resort after four (4) unique actions.
Kommomium Z: Boosts the Pokémon's STABs by 1. Clanging Scales no longer drops Defense upon use.
Pikanium Z: Boosts the Pokémon's STAB by 2. Removes recoil damage from Volt Tackle. (why anyone would use that over Light Ball is unknown but eh)
Primarium Z: Boosts the Pokémon's STABs by 1. Boosts the power of Sparkling Aria by an additional 1. Sparkling Aria does not hit allies in Doubles+.
Snorlium Z: Boosts the Pokémon's STAB by 1. Giga Impact no longer makes the user Sluggish. Instead, Giga Impact cannot be used twice in a row.
Tapunium Z: Boosts the Pokémon's STABs by 1. Removes the EN cost of Surge Abilities on sendout and makes them last five (5) rounds.
I left aside Lunalium Z, Marshadium Z, Pikashunium Z, Solganium Z and Ultranecrozium Z because they are currently unobtainable in ASB, but they'd probably fit into the first category.
Of course I suck at balancing stuff so that might not be what they need.
Z-Crystals linked to a viable enough move could have a default effect along the lines of
"Boosts the Pokémon's STABs by 1. Boosts the power of the linked move by an additional [insert balanced number here, I'm thinking 2]".
This would include Aloraichum Z, Decidium Z, Incinium Z, Lycanium Z, Mewnium Z, Mimikium Z.
Now, there are Z-Crystals for which this default effect wouldn't work, or is a bit underwhelming.
Here's what I suggest for them:
Eevium Z: Boosts the Pokémon's STAB by 2. Allows the use of Last Resort after four (4) unique actions.
Kommomium Z: Boosts the Pokémon's STABs by 1. Clanging Scales no longer drops Defense upon use.
Pikanium Z: Boosts the Pokémon's STAB by 2. Removes recoil damage from Volt Tackle. (why anyone would use that over Light Ball is unknown but eh)
Primarium Z: Boosts the Pokémon's STABs by 1. Boosts the power of Sparkling Aria by an additional 1. Sparkling Aria does not hit allies in Doubles+.
Snorlium Z: Boosts the Pokémon's STAB by 1. Giga Impact no longer makes the user Sluggish. Instead, Giga Impact cannot be used twice in a row.
Tapunium Z: Boosts the Pokémon's STABs by 1. Removes the EN cost of Surge Abilities on sendout and makes them last five (5) rounds.
I left aside Lunalium Z, Marshadium Z, Pikashunium Z, Solganium Z and Ultranecrozium Z because they are currently unobtainable in ASB, but they'd probably fit into the first category.
Of course I suck at balancing stuff so that might not be what they need.
Signature Z-Crystals
I got bored. Note that to be used, these Z-Crystals have to be able to beat the regular Z-Crystals, which have a damage boost, and have flexibility to go into stronger Z-Moves (Z-Sky Attack, Z-Hydro Cannon, etc.), or Z-Status options (Z-Teleport, Z-SPLASH!). I disagree with the idea on two-activations being the way to go (except maybe for Eevium, since that sounds hilarious).
Designed some potential ideas, because I have no life. These options are hence based on my understanding of what each mon's general niche is... or aesthetics, when the mon is being dire.
I got bored. Note that to be used, these Z-Crystals have to be able to beat the regular Z-Crystals, which have a damage boost, and have flexibility to go into stronger Z-Moves (Z-Sky Attack, Z-Hydro Cannon, etc.), or Z-Status options (Z-Teleport, Z-SPLASH!). I disagree with the idea on two-activations being the way to go (except maybe for Eevium, since that sounds hilarious).
Designed some potential ideas, because I have no life. These options are hence based on my understanding of what each mon's general niche is... or aesthetics, when the mon is being dire.
Aloraichium Z
Once per match, a Pokémon holding this item can use the Z-Move: Stoked SparkSurfer, by linking Thunderbolt. Moves which target "All Adjacent Targets" also summon Electric Terrain for two (2) rounds. Dodge has no cap.
Raichu-A honestly needs more love - it has almost the entirety of Pikachu's movepool available (108 moves T_T), after all. But Raichu-A is specifically a speed spammer, abusing Surge Surfer + Stoked SparkSurfer to then go into Electro Balls at 15 BAP with insane reliability.
For Alolaraichium, I've given it a couple of Taunt-Immune sources of Electric Terrain (Discharge and Surf. Thematic appropriateness!!!), then emphasised the fact that Raichu-A is about 10cm shorter than Raichu (And qualifies for Base 40 Dodge), and stupidly fast. Or if we remove the dodge cap universally we can just empower it. :shrug:.
Once per match, a Pokémon holding this item can use the Z-Move: Stoked SparkSurfer, by linking Thunderbolt. Moves which target "All Adjacent Targets" also summon Electric Terrain for two (2) rounds. Dodge has no cap.
Raichu-A honestly needs more love - it has almost the entirety of Pikachu's movepool available (108 moves T_T), after all. But Raichu-A is specifically a speed spammer, abusing Surge Surfer + Stoked SparkSurfer to then go into Electro Balls at 15 BAP with insane reliability.
For Alolaraichium, I've given it a couple of Taunt-Immune sources of Electric Terrain (Discharge and Surf. Thematic appropriateness!!!), then emphasised the fact that Raichu-A is about 10cm shorter than Raichu (And qualifies for Base 40 Dodge), and stupidly fast. Or if we remove the dodge cap universally we can just empower it. :shrug:.
Decidium Z
Once per match, a Pokémon holding this item can use the Z-Move: Sinister Arrow Raid, by linking Spirit Shackle. Ignores the evasive effects of Sky Drop and Damaging Evasive moves. Uses the Levitate Command for 0 EN upon being sent out.
Decidueye's problem is summed up in an 8 letter word. "Dhelmise". The trapping is lovely, but Decidueye lacks a niche. Aesthetically, Decidueye is the archer - it doesn't care how far away you are, it's going to hit you. It's also a Bird, dammit, it shouldn't immediately be standing still.
Once per match, a Pokémon holding this item can use the Z-Move: Sinister Arrow Raid, by linking Spirit Shackle. Ignores the evasive effects of Sky Drop and Damaging Evasive moves. Uses the Levitate Command for 0 EN upon being sent out.
Decidueye's problem is summed up in an 8 letter word. "Dhelmise". The trapping is lovely, but Decidueye lacks a niche. Aesthetically, Decidueye is the archer - it doesn't care how far away you are, it's going to hit you. It's also a Bird, dammit, it shouldn't immediately be standing still.
Eevium Z
Once per match, a Pokémon holding this item can use the Z-Move: Extreme Evoboost, by linking Last Resort. Allows the usage of Last Resort, even if nine (9) unique actions have not yet been used.
Eevium is probably the only Signature Z-Crystal which truly justifies it's usage just by existing on a silly move (Plus... Stored Power exists). So, play off the signature ability... NEXT.
Once per match, a Pokémon holding this item can use the Z-Move: Extreme Evoboost, by linking Last Resort. Allows the usage of Last Resort, even if nine (9) unique actions have not yet been used.
Eevium is probably the only Signature Z-Crystal which truly justifies it's usage just by existing on a silly move (Plus... Stored Power exists). So, play off the signature ability... NEXT.
Incinium Z
Once per match, a Pokémon holding this item can use the Z-Move: Malicious Moonsault, by linking Darkest Lariat. The holder of this item is treated as unemcumbered. The holder is not confused by the effect of it's own attacks. The holder is immune to recoil.
Stupid wrestler is stupid. Right, so, the whole niche thing is struggling here, and 'IT'S NOT ACTUALLY FIRE/FIGHTING' is not a niche. Mainly Incineroar has lots of moves with -ve effects (Outrage, Thrash, Flare Blitz), so I've given it anti-negatives. Someone give ideas here, k? Oh, and Acrobatics, honestly because 'why not'.
Once per match, a Pokémon holding this item can use the Z-Move: Malicious Moonsault, by linking Darkest Lariat. The holder of this item is treated as unemcumbered. The holder is not confused by the effect of it's own attacks. The holder is immune to recoil.
Marshadium Z
Once per match, a Pokémon holding this item can use the Z-Move: Soul-Stealing 7-Star Strike, by linking Spectral Thief. The equipped Pokemon's stat boosts can go above +6. The holder does not pay the increased energy cost from Technician.
Silly legend is silly. Don't bother using Swoobat against it :P
Once per match, a Pokémon holding this item can use the Z-Move: Soul-Stealing 7-Star Strike, by linking Spectral Thief. The equipped Pokemon's stat boosts can go above +6. The holder does not pay the increased energy cost from Technician.
Silly legend is silly. Don't bother using Swoobat against it :P
Mewnium Z
Once per match, a Pokémon holding this item can use the Z-Move: Genesis Supernova, by linking Psychic. Places all opponents under the effect of Telekinesis.
Psychic Mon is Psychic-Typed, enjoys benefitting from wide inaccurate movepool and not giving opponents priority immunity, more news at 4.
(If Telekinesis doesn't work like this then fix it, k?)
Once per match, a Pokémon holding this item can use the Z-Move: Genesis Supernova, by linking Psychic. Places all opponents under the effect of Telekinesis.
Psychic Mon is Psychic-Typed, enjoys benefitting from wide inaccurate movepool and not giving opponents priority immunity, more news at 4.
(If Telekinesis doesn't work like this then fix it, k?)
Pikanium Z
Once per match, a Pokémon holding this item can use the Z-Move: Catastropika, by linking Volt Tackle. Increases the holder's Weight Class by five (5). Negate all recoil damage.
Pikachu needs less sig items. So GameFreak's response? Two feckin' more. Have some actual BAP for Wild Charge, Volt Tackle, and Catastropika.
Once per match, a Pokémon holding this item can use the Z-Move: Catastropika, by linking Volt Tackle. Increases the holder's Weight Class by five (5). Negate all recoil damage.
Pikachu needs less sig items. So GameFreak's response? Two feckin' more. Have some actual BAP for Wild Charge, Volt Tackle, and Catastropika.
Pikashunium Z
Once per match, a Pokémon holding this item can use the Z-Move: 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt, by linking Thunderbolt. Increases the holder's Critical Hit level by one (1). When the holder uses an attack with STAB, the holder's ATK and SPA are each equal to the holder's combined ATK and SPA.
Might as well tie Pikachu's never-ending chain of signature items into the Costumes, which are basically mandatory for Pika - which thankfully give STAB.
Once per match, a Pokémon holding this item can use the Z-Move: 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt, by linking Thunderbolt. Increases the holder's Critical Hit level by one (1). When the holder uses an attack with STAB, the holder's ATK and SPA are each equal to the holder's combined ATK and SPA.
Might as well tie Pikachu's never-ending chain of signature items into the Costumes, which are basically mandatory for Pika - which thankfully give STAB.
Primarium Z
Once per match, a Pokémon holding this item can use the Z-Move: Oceanic Operetta, by linking Sparkling Aria. Liquid Voice causes damaging sound-based moves to gain three (3) BAP, and ignore Soundproof and the Silenced status condition.
You want a Pokemon to do shenanigans with Perish Song? Oh, look, it's Primarina. Partner with an Araquanid in doubles (viva Spider Web) if you really dislike someone.
Once per match, a Pokémon holding this item can use the Z-Move: Oceanic Operetta, by linking Sparkling Aria. Liquid Voice causes damaging sound-based moves to gain three (3) BAP, and ignore Soundproof and the Silenced status condition.
You want a Pokemon to do shenanigans with Perish Song? Oh, look, it's Primarina. Partner with an Araquanid in doubles (viva Spider Web) if you really dislike someone.
Snorlium Z
Once per match, a Pokémon holding this item can use the Z-Move: Pulverizing Pancake, by linking Giga Impact. When Snorlax attacks, increases Snorlax's final Weight Class by six (6).
24 BAP on Pulverizing... is actually one of the stronger Z-Moves, but it's hampered by only ever hitting neutrally. So, might as well play up Snorlax's big thing.... and that's being big. 15 WC is fun (Especially when Low Kick doesn't catch on), with Pulverizing Pancake at 28 BAP, Highhorse Power at 15.5 BAP...
... y'know what someone else design this, k? I am having Elec Gym flashbacks here...
Once per match, a Pokémon holding this item can use the Z-Move: Pulverizing Pancake, by linking Giga Impact. When Snorlax attacks, increases Snorlax's final Weight Class by six (6).
24 BAP on Pulverizing... is actually one of the stronger Z-Moves, but it's hampered by only ever hitting neutrally. So, might as well play up Snorlax's big thing.... and that's being big. 15 WC is fun (Especially when Low Kick doesn't catch on), with Pulverizing Pancake at 28 BAP, Highhorse Power at 15.5 BAP...
... y'know what someone else design this, k? I am having Elec Gym flashbacks here...
Tapunium Z
Once per match, a Pokémon holding this item can use the Z-Move: Guardian of Alola, by linking Nature's Madness. Causes Electric Surge, Psychic Surge, Grassy Surge, and Misty Surge to cost no energy to activate and reduces the energy cost of Electric Terrain, Psychic Terrain, Grassy Terrain, and Misty Terrain by five (5). Extends the duration of Electric Terrain, Psychic Terrain, Grassy Terrain, and Misty Terrain induced by the holder of this item to six (6) rounds if it would otherwise have a smaller duration. Enables Electric Terrain, Psychic Terrain, Grassy Terrain, and Misty Terrain to be induced in all arenas where it might otherwise be disallowed, without any kind of restriction.
Perhaps boring, but this gives Tapus something to use whilst they inflicy 46.25 Damage to entirely unsuspecting Blissey.
Once per match, a Pokémon holding this item can use the Z-Move: Guardian of Alola, by linking Nature's Madness. Causes Electric Surge, Psychic Surge, Grassy Surge, and Misty Surge to cost no energy to activate and reduces the energy cost of Electric Terrain, Psychic Terrain, Grassy Terrain, and Misty Terrain by five (5). Extends the duration of Electric Terrain, Psychic Terrain, Grassy Terrain, and Misty Terrain induced by the holder of this item to six (6) rounds if it would otherwise have a smaller duration. Enables Electric Terrain, Psychic Terrain, Grassy Terrain, and Misty Terrain to be induced in all arenas where it might otherwise be disallowed, without any kind of restriction.
Perhaps boring, but this gives Tapus something to use whilst they inflicy 46.25 Damage to entirely unsuspecting Blissey.
How should we update Aloraichium Z?
a) Dogfish44's change
b) TMan87's change
c) Double the Offensive Rank Bonus on the Z-Move
d) Add an additional use to the Z-Move
e) leave as is
f) back to the drawing board to do X
How should we update Decidium Z?
a) Dogfish44's change
b) TMan87's change
c) Double the Offensive Rank Bonus on the Z-Move
d) Add an additional use to the Z-Move
e) leave as is
f) back to the drawing board to do X
How should we update Eevium Z?
a) Dogfish44's change
b) TMan87's change
c) Double the Offensive Rank Bonus on the Z-Move
d) Add an additional use to the Z-Move
e) leave as is
f) back to the drawing board to do X
g) Boosts are immune to roar
How should we update Incinium Z?
a) Dogfish44's change
b) TMan87's change
c) Double the Offensive Rank Bonus on the Z-Move
d) Add an additional use to the Z-Move
e) leave as is
f) back to the drawing board to do X
How should we update Kommonium Z?
a) Dogfish44's change
b) TMan87's change
c) Double the Offensive Rank Bonus on the Z-Move
d) Add an additional use to the Z-Move
e) leave as is
f) back to the drawing board to do X
How should we update Lunalium Z?
a) Dogfish44's change
b) TMan87's change
c) Double the Offensive Rank Bonus on the Z-Move
d) Add an additional use to the Z-Move
e) leave as is
f) back to the drawing board to do X
How should we update Lycanium Z?
a) Dogfish44's change
b) TMan87's change
c) Double the Offensive Rank Bonus on the Z-Move
d) Add an additional use to the Z-Move
e) leave as is
f) back to the drawing board to do X
How should we update Marshadium Z?
a) Dogfish44's change
b) TMan87's change
c) Double the Offensive Rank Bonus on the Z-Move
d) Add an additional use to the Z-Move
e) leave as is
f) back to the drawing board to do X
How should we update Mimikium Z?
a) Dogfish44's change
b) TMan87's change
c) Double the Offensive Rank Bonus on the Z-Move
d) Add an additional use to the Z-Move
e) leave as is
f) back to the drawing board to do X
How should we update Mewnium Z?
a) Dogfish44's change
b) TMan87's change
c) Double the Offensive Rank Bonus on the Z-Move
d) Add an additional use to the Z-Move
e) leave as is
f) back to the drawing board to do X
How should we update Pikanium Z?
a) Dogfish44's change
b) TMan87's change
c) Double the Offensive Rank Bonus on the Z-Move
d) Add an additional use to the Z-Move
e) leave as is
f) back to the drawing board to do X
How should we update Pikashunium Z?
a) Dogfish44's change
b) TMan87's change
c) Double the Offensive Rank Bonus on the Z-Move
d) Add an additional use to the Z-Move
e) leave as is
f) back to the drawing board to do X
How should we update Primarium Z?
a) Dogfish44's change
b) TMan87's change
c) Double the Offensive Rank Bonus on the Z-Move
d) Add an additional use to the Z-Move
e) leave as is
f) back to the drawing board to do X
How should we update Snorlium Z?
a) Dogfish44's change
b) TMan87's change
c) Double the Offensive Rank Bonus on the Z-Move
d) Add an additional use to the Z-Move
e) leave as is
f) back to the drawing board to do X
How should we update Solganium Z?
a) Dogfish44's change
b) TMan87's change
c) Double the Offensive Rank Bonus on the Z-Move
d) Add an additional use to the Z-Move
e) leave as is
f) back to the drawing board to do X
How should we update Tapunium Z?
a) Dogfish44's change
b) TMan87's change
c) Double the Offensive Rank Bonus on the Z-Move
d) Add an additional use to the Z-Move
e) leave as is
f) back to the drawing board to do X
How should we update Ultranecronium Z?
a) Dogfish44's change
b) TMan87's change
c) Double the Offensive Rank Bonus on the Z-Move
d) Add an additional use to the Z-Move
e) leave as is
f) back to the drawing board to do X
may god have mercy on our souls
Frosty
Dogfish44
JJayyFeather
Toon
Complications
