Alright, it seems that Gengar gets a turn as well and considering Rhydon's rather weak special defense and the fact that Magmortar is rather weak, the conclusion is as expected. Especially with Violet having Gengar use the reckless stance to do as much damage as possible.
Kind of surprised she didn't use Shadow Ball, and Steady Offense then since that has more damage as well as a higher chance to hit. On a completely unrelated note can Ghost-types just constantly proc the Ambush stance by phasing into the ground or walls, and using this to attack enemies from surprise angles? There are obviously still ways to detect them well doing this, and otherwise render the trick useless such as just flying so it's not fool proof but it would be pretty funny.
Kind of surprised she didn't use Shadow Ball, and Steady Offense then since that has more damage as well as a higher chance to hit. On a completely unrelated note can Ghost-types just constantly proc the Ambush stance by phasing into the ground or walls, and using this to attack enemies from surprise angles? There are obviously still ways to detect them well doing this, and otherwise render the trick useless such as just flying so it's not fool proof but it would be pretty funny.
...I actually just realized that I marked Dark Pulse as a STAB move for Gengar in the code. Which is what caused it to KO Rhydon. As it is, I'll just quietly switch that to Shadow Ball which is an actual STAB move and does enough damage for that as you point out.
For Steady Offense, you are correct and that would have been better than the Reckless stance. I'll have to keep that in mind for the future.
As for ghost Pokemon, they can sometimes manage this. Against an opponent unprepared for it then the constant phasing through the ground and walls can effectively trigger the Ambush stance constantly. But as you point out, there are ways to counter this to a degree.
...I actually just realized that I marked Dark Pulse as a STAB move for Gengar in the code. Which is what caused it to KO Rhydon. As it is, I'll just quietly switch that to Shadow Ball which is an actual STAB move and does enough damage for that as you point out.
It doesn't really have anything to do with your level of alertness as that would be represented by having a higher Evasion stat, and better-trained moves instead of in the stance system as the former two systems represent your trained skill such as your level of alertness well the last system represents the realities of battlefield conditions and fighting styles. In this instance, Ambush is simply representing that you're completely unaware of where your opponent will attack from next, and will therefore take a penalty to your chances to dodge their attacks, and hit them with your own.
You can utilize various strategies to regain the ability to be aware of where your opponent will attack from next in order to remove this penalty such as by using Magnet Rise to give your Pokemon more time to react to attacks from below, having your Flying-type Pokemon simply fly at a higher altitude to do the same and rely on the future sight or telepathy of a Psychic-type Pokemon to track the Ghost-type during battle to deprive it of the element of surprise.
But simply training your stats, and skills to be a higher rank isn't going to remove the penalty of not being able to react to your opponent unless you have a specific method of countering such a strategy.
Violet held her next Pokeball in a loose grip. Dragging the back of her hand across her forehead to wipe away sweat, she forced herself to focus despite the intense heat. While Blaine likely had a few more tricks up his sleeve, Violet believed she had an answer to all of them.
"You're up Gengar, just attack, attack, and attack." She called out, tossing the ball into the arena.
With a flash of light, Gengar emerged onto the battlefield. Floating slightly above the arena with a mischievous smile, he slowly lowered himself to the ground before landing on his own two feet. On the other side of the arena, Blaine looked back and forth between Magmortar and Gengar, trying to determine who was faster. Eventually, he came to the correct conclusion and returned Magmortar to his Pokeball.
"Tank the first shot and you win," Blaine said, hoping Rhydon's sheer bulk could handle Gengar's superior speed.
The volcanic arena seemed to shudder under Rhydon's weight. Already damaged from the sheer strength of Magmortar's flamethrower, the creaking made Violet somewhat nervous. However, despite the myriad of distracting thoughts complaining about the heat and trying to predict the structural stability of an arena suspended above a caldera, Violet felt relaxed.
The battle was hers to lose after all.
"Shadow Ball!" Violet shouted, her voice cutting through the humid air.
Gengar chuckled mischievously, summoning a swirling orb of ghost energy. On the other side of the arena, Rhydon slowly began to stride forward. Guarding his body with his arms, his steps were slow but constant. A rhythmic echo that showed exactly what each Pokemon was focused on.
Normally Gengar would have been bobbing and weaving around the arena, but this clash didn't require it. All he had to do was hit his opponent and he won. There was no need to give Rhydon even a chance at attacking. Gengar launched the Shadow Ball, the attack ripping the top layer of the arena apart as it charged at Rhydon.
The Drill Pokemon stopped in his tracks, digging his feet into the ground and roaring in anticipation of the attack. The Shadow Ball struck with incredible force, the shockwave sending cracks through the rocky ground below the battling Pokemon.
The dust cleared, and Rhydon was only able to force a single, shaky step forward before he collapsed.
On the other side of the arena, Blaine frowned. His hopes for victory now rested on a severely injured Magmortar. Nonetheless, he was a gracious enough trainer to offer his sincere compliments. "Well played," he muttered even as he sent Magmortar back in with instructions to focus entirely on dodging.
"Once more, Gengar," Violet ordered.
Forming one more Shadow Ball, the attack hurled forward, striking Magmortar despite an attempt at evasive movement.
Having earned the Volcano Badge, Violet allowed a small, satisfied smile to form on her face. One that turned slightly brittle as Gengar looked at her expectantly. "...We'll go to a restaurant after this."
Gengar's grin grew wider.
Drinking deeply from her water bottle, Violet settled down as Willow and Blaine began their battle. And while doing so, Violet recalled what they had agreed to do after this battle.
*Gengar improves Shadow Ball to C+ from C*
The 42nd Week. 1 Locked. Pick 1.
Pokemon Actions
[] Catch a Pokemon - While you have a full team of six, you can catch a seventh Pokemon. Cinnabar Island has a fair few unique Pokemon that you can't find elsewhere in Kanto.
[] Train with your Pokemon - All of your Pokemon are skilled in battle with unique skills, but they can see some improvements through practice. Especially with their new moves.
[] Buy and Use TMs/HMs - You're a big enough trainer to afford TMs and HMs for your Pokemon.
[] Buy Items - Now that you've earned the seventh badge, you can start looking into buying items for your Pokemon.
[] Train with Willow- While it would be nontraditional to train with your rival, both of you have unique skill sets that could complement each other.
Battling Actions
[] Challenge New Trainers - Now that you and your Pokemon have developed, fighting a few trainers in rapid succession would be easy.
[] Challenge an Experienced Trainer - There are at least a few experienced trainers around here that may be worth fighting.
[X] Challenge the Cinnabar Island Gym - Having beaten Blaine in battle, you do have to spend a few days ensuring Magnezone heals fully.
Exploration Actions
[] Tour the Island - Several interesting attractions on Cinnabar Island would be worth exploring. It is a tourist destination after all.
[] Explore Unorthodox Locations - There are a fair few unique attractions that most tourists and trainers avoid. There is a rather extensive system of lava tunnels under the volcano. Although there have been some odd tremors recently …
Traveling Actions (Will be taken Week 43 if not taking this week)
[] Travel to Fuchsia City - The next destination after this will be Fuchsia City where you can earn your final badge and where Willow can catch her sixth Pokemon in the Safari Zone.
Social Actions (For socials, it's assumed you keep up a basic level of contact through text, choosing a social means I write it up)
[] Call Your Parents - Your parents would as usual like a call when you're free.
[] Call Tetsuya - Having lost to Erika for a second time, Tetsuya is hoping that third time's the charm. He would appreciate some advice on what he should do to win.
Violet sent in Gengar!
Blaine sent in Rhydon for Magmortar!
Round 12 Gengar: Gengar used Shadow Ball (DC0: 53). Rhydon lost 147 of their HP (0). Rhydon Fainted!
Blaine sent in Magmortar!
Round 13 Gengar: Gengar used Shadow Ball (DC10: 90). Magmortar lost 38 of their HP (0). Magmortar Fainted!
[X] Catch a Pokemon - While you have a full team of six, you can catch a seventh Pokemon. Cinnabar Island has a fair few unique Pokemon that you can't find elsewhere in Kanto.
We're unlikely to catch a Slowbro elsewhere although there's a chance we might catch one in Fuchsia but I'd prefer to not risk it.
[X] Catch a Pokemon - While you have a full team of six, you can catch a seventh Pokemon. Cinnabar Island has a fair few unique Pokemon that you can't find elsewhere in Kanto.
[X] Explore Unorthodox Locations - There are a fair few unique attractions that most tourists and trainers avoid. There is a rather extensive system of lava tunnels under the volcano. Although there have been some odd tremors recently …
[X] Explore Unorthodox Locations - There are a fair few unique attractions that most tourists and trainers avoid. There is a rather extensive system of lava tunnels under the volcano. Although there have been some odd tremors recently …
[X] Catch a Pokemon - While you have a full team of six, you can catch a seventh Pokemon. Cinnabar Island has a fair few unique Pokemon that you can't find elsewhere in Kanto.
[X] Explore Unorthodox Locations - There are a fair few unique attractions that most tourists and trainers avoid. There is a rather extensive system of lava tunnels under the volcano. Although there have been some odd tremors recently …
Alright, time for me to close the vote. And time to see which one actually wins:
1) Catch a Pokemon
2) Exploring unorthodox locations
Scheduled vote count started by Daemon Hunter on Dec 6, 2024 at 9:27 PM, finished with 8 posts and 6 votes.
[X] Catch a Pokemon - While you have a full team of six, you can catch a seventh Pokemon. Cinnabar Island has a fair few unique Pokemon that you can't find elsewhere in Kanto.
[X] Explore Unorthodox Locations - There are a fair few unique attractions that most tourists and trainers avoid. There is a rather extensive system of lava tunnels under the volcano. Although there have been some odd tremors recently …
[X] Catch a Pokemon - While you have a full team of six, you can catch a seventh Pokemon. Cinnabar Island has a fair few unique Pokemon that you can't find elsewhere in Kanto.
Violet had a surprisingly hard time paying attention to Willow's fight thanks to the heat. Similar to hers, it was also a three-on-three, albeit with different Pokemon. Rather than a Ninetales, Magmortar, and Rhydon, Willow faced an Arcanine, Charizard, and Golem.
Opening with her Minun, Willow successfully managed a quick Nasty Plot followed by a Baton Pass, allowing a short, sharp clash between Umbreon and Arcanine that ended with the latter fainting. The next battle was between Umbreon and Charizard where the former was defeated. Albeit not without inflicting several hits on the mobile Flame Pokemon. Somewhat expectedly for Violet, Willow then chose Bronzong for her next Pokemon rather than Starmie.
While the type advantage was problematic, a series of rather skilled combinations on the part of Willow (Future Sight, Gyro Ball, and Protect) allowed Bronzong to emerge victorious. Which left Golem last, leaving Willow in a seemingly difficult situation.
Sending in Minun, Blaine correctly noticed her plan to use Encore on a ground-type move so that Bronzgong could act with impunity and win. As a result, he was forced to rely on less effective rock-type moves while Minun turned into a literal blur through Agility before mixing in several Play Nices and Swifts. While Golem was able to use Stealth Rock to eventually reduce Minun's options for evasions, it wasn't enough and Golem was worn down then defeated.
After Willow's victory, the two trainers left the sweltering caldera and basked in the cooler air outside the volcano. The next two days were spent in the Pokecenter ensuring their Pokemon were properly cared for and healed up. Which included a dinner date with Gengar, taking Dragonite to a minor concert, introducing Magnezone to social deduction games, calling her parents and updating them, providing a few bits of advice to Tetsuya through text, and much more.
When it finally came time for Violet to head out, she was almost relieved. While Willow elected to explore the lava tunnels on her own, the more introverted trainer decided that catching a seventh Pokemon would help her team out by giving her a few more options along with some utility.
Man, we have so much training to do after this. Although I'm not gonna lie at this point I'll probably vote to take at least one break before the Indigo League.
Man, we have so much training to do after this. Although I'm not gonna lie at this point I'll probably vote to take at least one break before the Indigo League.
I can confirm that if you went to the Indigo League without training, you're unlikely to make it past the group stage although that is still good experience.
