Overall, I'd definitely agree with this analysis. The other points of concern I can think of would likely involve Staryu's speed advantage when combined with Harden. So if Staryu is able to kite you for long enough, that could cause some issues for Dratini. As then he'd have to rely on water gun which has the issues you mention.
But thankfully for you, the combination of having Leer (just posted Dratini's sheet) and Violet's perception means you can tell when Staryu is going to use Harden and counter with Leer, so that effectively negates an issues there.
If we're getting kited the only thing we can do is rely on Dratini's bulk edge, to be honest, to hopefully tank hits long enough to land a Thunder Wave so we can get in close since we'd lose the water gun battle every time at range due to Staryu's STAB advantage, superior Special Attack, and type resistance. At least if we can land it though like you said Staryu wouldn't have been able to stack Harden enough to beat us in close range due to Leer.
[X] Challenge a New Trainer - Pokemon battles were something Violet had little experience in, she should try and find a trainer to challenge.
[X] Travel to Saffron City (Cannot be chosen with traveling to Fuschia City) - Traveling through Route 7 towards Saffron City is a relatively quick journey in controlled conditions, and visiting the largest city in Kanto would be interesting.
Skipping away from Celadon City, her backpack full of essentials, Dratini draped around her neck, her on her head, and a necklace around her neck, Violet was excited for the trip to Saffron City. After being wished good luck by her parents (and being subject to one last check to ensure, yes, she did have everything needed) and promising to keep in touch, Violet and Dratini were only stopped by a visit to the Pokemart. There the shy girl purchased a book of maps regarding the Kanto region, which she used to plan her route to Saffron City.
She could travel within a day, starting before the sun rose and arriving late into the night. But Violet didn't like the idea of pushing herself on the very first day, nor did Dratini. Chirping to get his trainer's attention, the Mirage Pokemon then nuzzled the map of Route 7, indicating where he wanted to go.
"That's a good idea, Dratini," Violet agreed, seeing that Dratini had indicated they should take a southern approach, using a river to guide them to Route 6. "We can clean off in the river on the way."
Dratini chirped happily, glad that Violet had agreed without any persuading. He liked water, and in his opinion, Celadon City conflated water and mist together. They were two different environments!
Violet giggled, used to her friend's little tangents. "Just wait till Cerulean City, they have a water gym."
Journeying forth, the human and Pokemon continued to exchange banter along the way, even if Dratini talked a good bit more than Violet. The route they took was less used than normal, choosing to take a side branch of Route 7 rather than the main road.
Violet had found there were two side branches to Route 7, one which went north into the mountains before snaking to the northeast of Saffron City, and the one they were on. Both human and Pokemon liked it, albeit for different reasons. Dratini enjoyed the presence of a river, as he chose to hop off Violet's neck, and swim alongside her. Getting to start two splash fights with her as they journeyed. Violet, on the other hand, enjoyed it for the relative solitude, only encountering 1-2 trainers each hour along the way. From what she gathered, most trainers took the main pathway through Route 7 rather than any of the side branches. With most of the rest choosing to take the northern path in search of interesting views or rock and ground Pokemon.
Admiring the sunny day, Violet hummed a little tune as the clock turned past 5 and the sun began to lower in the sky. Spotting a grouping of tents on a mound near the river, the shy girl slowed, mentally gathering her courage as she prepared to talk to people.
"We could keep going?" She directed towards Dratini, trying to talk her way out of it. There were another 2-3 hours of daylight left, she could travel another few miles, away from people.
Dratini hummed in disapproval, she promised her parents she'd talk to people, and it was safer to sleep in a group. Chirping again, the Mirage Pokemon clarified that they could keep going, but he didn't want to.
"You-You're right," Violet took on a determined expression, adjusting her hat to calm her nerves. "We'll stay the night here."
Approaching the camp, the shy girl counted around 20 trainers and their Pokemon, most of whom seemed to be as experienced as her. 3 exceptions seemed more experienced, having a more intimidating look. Dragging her feet, Violet was happy when one of the trainers welcomed her, "Yo." A seemingly laidback trainer with black and white hair waved at her. As he ran a brush across a Houndoom he tilted his head towards an empty patch of grass. "You need a spot?"
"Ye-Yes," Violet forced out, to which Houndoom let out a huff of understanding. "Thank you."
Dratini emerged from the river, chirping at Houndoom as Violet began to set up their tent. Relieved that the trainer with black and white hair was focused on grooming his Pokemon. There was a thought on her mind, and she wanted to get it out without stuttering. "Is - Is anyone looking for a Pokemon battle?"
Blushing at the hesitation in her voice, she almost missed the more experienced trainer's response. "I am."
Violet looked at the Houndoom, who stood up and shook its fur, emitting a low growl as it did. "May-maybe someone less experienced?"
The trainer looked at her, before calling out, "Willow! You and Staryu looking for a battle still?"
A girl with shoulder-length blue hair popped up, "Yep." She said, popping the p as she spoke, "Ooh, a Dratini!" She exclaimed, swiftly taking a picture of the Mirage Pokemon, who happily posed for it.
Turning towards Violet, Willow spread her feet and pointed, "I challenge you to a Pokemon battle!"
Dratini immediately let out a small spout of water, showering the area with a mild sprinkle as he slithered towards Violet. Adjusting her hat, the shy girl nodded her head, and in a voice much softer than Willow accepted the battle. "Challenge accepted."
"Guess I'll ref this one," the trainer with the Houndoom stood up lazily. "This'll be a one-on-one battle, no items allowed. The battle will begin when this hits the ground." Gesturing towards a coin in his hand, both Violet and Willow nodded their heads.
"Staryu! I choose you!" Willow threw a Pokeball, unleashing her Staryu who spun in the air. Violet almost reeled from the sheer exuberance of her opponent, only growing more nervous when Dratini looked at her expectedly.
"Dratini!" She burst out, pointing at Staryu before realizing that may make her sound scared, "I choose you!"
The coin was flipped and began to fall through the air as both trainers prepared their battle plans.
Health: E
Stamina: E--
Attack: D+
Defense: D+
Special Attack: C
Special Defense: C--
Speed: C++
Evasion: B-
Moves
Harden: C--
Tackle: C
Water Gun: D+
Violet's Thoughts: Fast and evasive, it has notable issues with its moves, relying on dodging attacks and getting lucky hits in. Cannot take many hits itself.
Violet's Perceptive Trait Kicks in!
Willow will have Staryu use Harden once, leaving it vulnerable for a moment before darting away and trying to kite Dratini with Water Gun. She doesn't plan to use Tackle at all.
Choose Your Battle Plan
[] Start with Wrap then use Thunder Wave, then keep using Wrap - Staryu has the advantage at range, take advantage of its moment of vulnerability and don't let it get away
[] Start with Thunder Wave then use Wrap repeatedly - Ensuring Staryu is paralyzed first will reduce its speed advantage, and Dratini can rely on an easy use of Thunder Wave immediately.
[] Counter with Leer, then Thunder Wave, then Wrap - Preventing Staryu from improving its defense will shorten the length of the fight, and following up with paralysis will allow for a more straightforward fight.
[] Use Thunder Wave, then Water Gun repeatedly - While not very effective, Violet trusts that Dratini can land significantly more hits than Staryu can
[] Write-in
GM Note: For reference, Dratini's stat page is in the Informational in "Violet's Pokemon"
[X] Start with Wrap then use Thunder Wave, then keep using Wrap, and Leer - Staryu has the advantage at range, take advantage of its moment of vulnerability, and don't let it get away. It also wouldn't hurt to end the fight as quickly as possible by using Leer on the paralyzed Pokemon well Dratini puts the squeeze on it.
[X] Start with Wrap then use Thunder Wave, then keep using Wrap - Staryu has the advantage at range, take advantage of its moment of vulnerability and don't let it get away
[X] Start with Wrap then use Thunder Wave, then keep using Wrap, and Leer - Staryu has the advantage at range, take advantage of its moment of vulnerability, and don't let it get away. It also wouldn't hurt to end the fight as quickly as possible by using Leer on the paralyzed Pokemon well Dratini puts the squeeze on it.
Daemon Hunter I presume Dratini can use Leer at the same time as Wrap without taking a penalty in a situation where its already wrapped around a paralyzed opponent? We aren't that practiced with the move after all so I'm leery of using it on the approach since it might distract Dratini but it seems pretty safe to use after with our opponent in such a condition.
[X] Start with Wrap then use Thunder Wave, then keep using Wrap, and Leer - Staryu has the advantage at range, take advantage of its moment of vulnerability, and don't let it get away. It also wouldn't hurt to end the fight as quickly as possible by using Leer on the paralyzed Pokemon well Dratini puts the squeeze on it.
Seems reasonable, thunder wave into wrap might let it get an attack or two in before we can wrap it.
[X] Start with Wrap then use Thunder Wave, then keep using Wrap, and Leer - Staryu has the advantage at range, take advantage of its moment of vulnerability, and don't let it get away. It also wouldn't hurt to end the fight as quickly as possible by using Leer on the paralyzed Pokemon well Dratini puts the squeeze on it.
Daemon Hunter I presume Dratini can use Leer at the same time as Wrap without taking a penalty in a situation where its already wrapped around a paralyzed opponent? We aren't that practiced with the move after all so I'm leery of using it on the approach since it might distract Dratini but it seems pretty safe to use after with our opponent in such a condition.
That's a fairly safe bet, you won't be able to use Leer every round safely as sometimes you'd have to reapply Wrap to ensure it doesn't escape, but besides that it's a safe bet.
[X] Start with Wrap then use Thunder Wave, then keep using Wrap, and Leer - Staryu has the advantage at range, take advantage of its moment of vulnerability, and don't let it get away. It also wouldn't hurt to end the fight as quickly as possible by using Leer on the paralyzed Pokemon well Dratini puts the squeeze on it.
Alright, I'm going to call the vote here. Looks like it's Wrap, Thunder Wave, then repeatedly using Leer until Staryu feints.
So, behold a summary of the battle below. As it is, you had a rather solid plan overall, and Dratini executed it well. The first wrap lands, then thunder wave, then the next wrap crits, allowing Dratini to really apply the squeeze. And despite Staryu's attempts to try and weather it, Leer allows Dratini to easily handle it.
Funny fact, but I initially forgot about crits being possible, so didn't roll for Wrap due to it autosucceeding. Then it crit and what was an 8-round fight you won turned into a 5-round fight you won. Congrats on winning your first Pokemon battle and doing so in quite convincing fashion. Achievements have been earned, along with Dratini getting some upgrades.
Round 1: Staryu uses harden (DC4: 23). Defense increases to C--
Round 1: Dratini uses Wrap (DC2: 30). Staryu loses 10% of its HP (90%).
Round 2: Staryu tries to escape Wrap (DC80: 70). Fails! Staryu uses Tackle (DC25: 25). Dratini loses 10% of its HP (90%).
Round 2: Dratini uses Thunder Wave (DC1: Autosuccess). Staryu is paralyzed! Staryu is Wrapped!. Staryu loses 10% of its HP (80%).
Round 3: Staryu tries to escape Wrap (DC85: 27) Staryu uses Tackle (DC50: 92). Dratini loses 10% of its HP (80%).
Round 3: Dratini uses Wrap (DC1: 97) Crit. Staryu loses 20% of its HP (60%). Staryu is Wrapped! Staryu loses 20% of its HP (40%).
Round 4: Staryu tries to escape Wrap (DC105: 25). Fails! Staryu uses Harden (DC29: 30). Defense increases to C.
Round 4: Dratini uses Leer (DC1: Autosuccess). Staryu's Defenses falls to C--. Staryu is Wrapped! Staryu loses 20% of its HP (20%).
Round 5: Staryu tries to escape Wrap (DC85: 18). Fails! Staryu uses Harden (DC4: 44). Defense increases to C.
Round 5: Dratini uses Leer (DC1: Autosuccess). Staryu's Defenses falls to C--. Staryu is Wrapped! Staryu loses 20% of its HP (0%). Staryu Faints!
Violet also learned roughly how possible critical hits are, estimating it to be around 5%. (Roll above a 95 on the raw roll of an attack that hits)
Hopefully the next update will be out tomorrow morning - afternoon.
Scheduled vote count started by Daemon Hunter on Mar 16, 2024 at 1:42 AM, finished with 6 posts and 5 votes.
[X] Start with Wrap then use Thunder Wave, then keep using Wrap, and Leer - Staryu has the advantage at range, take advantage of its moment of vulnerability, and don't let it get away. It also wouldn't hurt to end the fight as quickly as possible by using Leer on the paralyzed Pokemon well Dratini puts the squeeze on it.
[X] Start with Wrap then use Thunder Wave, then keep using Wrap - Staryu has the advantage at range, take advantage of its moment of vulnerability and don't let it get away
[X] Start with Wrap then use Thunder Wave, then keep using Wrap, and Leer - Staryu has the advantage at range, take advantage of its moment of vulnerability, and don't let it get away. It also wouldn't hurt to end the fight as quickly as possible by using Leer on the paralyzed Pokemon well Dratini puts the squeeze on it.
Both trainers and Pokemon reacted instantly the moment the coin hit the ground. Willow ordered Staryu to increase its defenses, planning multiple Hardens to force an engagement that relied on elemental moves. However, the moment Staryu began to use Harden, Violet pounced, recognizing the fact that the water Pokemon was ill-experienced with the move, leaving it momentarily vulnerable.
Shooting forward, the Mirage Pokemon wrapped around Staryu, snaking through three of its arms before beginning to squeeze. Trying to escape Dratini's grasp, Willow ordered the water Pokemon to tackle its opponent into the ground.
Realizing what was happening, Violet had Dratini accept the hit before unleashing a thunder wave, causing spasms of electricity to travel through Staryu's body leaving it paralyzed.
In what would later turn out to be the most important point of the battle, Staryu tackled Dratini into the ground once more, only for the Mirage Pokemon to be prepared just for that. Taking advantage of the moment, Dratini wrapped two more coils around Staryu, now having each of the five arms within its grasp, causing the Pokemon to bend backward.
Trying desperately to find a way out, Willow told Staryu to use Harden, hoping against hope that it would be able to hold on long enough before it could escape. Only for that hope to be dashed with three words from Violet.
"Dratini, use Leer."
The words were quiet but signaled the end of the battle. Staryu used Harden, then Dratini used Leer, applying pressure all the while leaving the water Pokemon to suffer within the Mirage Pokemon's coils.
Trying desperately to last longer, Willow tried the same tactic once more, only for Violet and Dratini to repeat the same actions once more. Even as Staryu flexed its arms, trying to outmuscle its opponent and failing, Dratini continued to squeeze, until Staryu went limp, its eyes turning into spirals as it fainted.
Dratini massively improves Attack. Somewhat improves Defense
Dratini greatly improves Wrap. Notably improves Leer. Minor improvements to Thunder Wave.
Dratini upgrades Attack from C to C+.
Dratini upgrades Wrap from C+ to C++
Achievement: Win your first Pokemon battle.
Achievement: Win a Pokemon battle in convincing fashion
"Staryu is unable to battle," the trainer with black and white hair stated in a bored tone. Directing a hand towards Violet, the man paused, realizing something. "Ah, what's your name again?"
"Violet," she said with a smile, as she smiled exasperatedly as Dratini began trying to find a pose he found appealing. "Dratini, we did it!"
Chirping in response, the Mirage Pokemon readily agreed, he wasn't in trouble at any point in the battle. Didn't you see how well I handled it?
"Violet is the victor," the male trainer stated while Willow worriedly tended to her Staryu, applying a potion to deal with its wounds.
Realizing she may have been somewhat impolite, Violet shuffled her feet, the adrenaline within her conflicting with her normal demeanor and winning out. "So, what's your name?"
The trainer paused, briefly glancing at her before moving on with his day. "Axel."
Turning back towards Dratini, Violet ran a hand through his scales, feeling a few imperfections on his back, where he had landed during Staryu's tackles. "This might sting a bit," Violet said as she applied small amounts of a potion, ensuring it didn't spread under Dratini's outer scales.
Hearing a weak cry from Staryu, Violet glanced up a moment later, seeing a visibly relieved Willow comforting her Pokemon. "Don't feel bad, I should have had you keep away from that Dratini."
To Violet's mild horror, Dratini chirped in agreement flexing the muscles in his tail to show that he was quite strong.
"You know what this means right?" Willow replied, staring with an intensity that scared Violet considerably, despite the joyful smile on her face.
The shy girl hoped that was a rhetorical question, but based on Willow's silence, she was about to be forced to answer it. "No?" She asked more than said in a voice low enough it came out as a murmur.
In what Violet thought was likely Willow's signature pose, the other trainer spread her feet and pointed at her. "Until I beat you, we're rivals!"
What Violet wanted to reply with was 'Do I get a say in this?' Instead, what came out of her mouth was, "O-oh."
Dratini chirped happily, sealing the agreement before the shy girl could formulate a coherent response. Second later, she found herself swept up in the whirlwind of energy that was Willow, with the trainer adding her contact info to Violet's phone.
Spending the night at the campsite was draining, even if Violet would admit if pressured that she enjoyed it. Willow was fine with her saying 10 words for every 1 Violet said, and Dratini seemed to get along with Staryu. Willow had recently received her trainer's license and convinced Staryu to join her on an adventure. Dreaming of seeing far-off lands and one-of-a-kind views, she had started by heading to Celadon City, which she planned to spend a few days in before heading through the forested mountains towards Viridian City. Planning to catch a grass Pokemon on the way, she hoped to cycle through the gyms of Kanto, seeing the sites on the way.
In the few moments where Violet was forced to share her goals and dreams, she admitted her goals weren't as well thought out. Finding the unknown regions of the world was up there, but so too was ensuring Dratini was happy. Thankfully Willow accepted her answers before sleeping, even if Violet was still unsure of them.
The next day, as the trainers packed up their camps early in the morning, Willow told her to keep in touch. Violet didn't make any promises, shuffling her feet rather than responding to the energetic girl's sadness.
Spending the rest of the day on her lonesome, with only Dratini to keep her company, Violet found her way into Route 6 before turning north towards Saffron City. Arriving whilst the sun was still up, Violet hummed to herself as she began to plan out her week in the city.
The Second Week, Pick 2 of the Following
Pokemon Actions
[] Catch a second Pokemon - With four routes branching from Saffron City, there are dozens of different Pokemon you could catch ranging from Pidgy to Oddish to Houndour.
[] Train with Dratini - Dratini is excellent, and he has passively grown through playing. Having a few days dedicated to training would cause him to improve notably.
Battling Actions
[] Challenge a New Trainer - Pokemon battles were something Violet had little experience in, she should try and find a trainer to challenge.
[] Challenge an Experienced Trainer - The other option to seek out a Pokemon battle would be to go to the Saffron Gym, and challenge one of the attendants there. You may even win.
[] Challenge a Member of the Fighting Dojo - An unofficial gym, the Fighting Dojo still accepts challengers even if its badges mean little. As with a standard gym, one has to face an experienced trainer before facing the Dojo's master.
[-] Challenge the Saffron City Gym - You have to challenge one of the Saffron City attendants first before winning the right to face the gym itself.
Traveling Actions (Can Take 1 of These Only)
[] See the sights in Saffron City - A large metropolis with dozens of landmarks to see, spending a week just seeing what there is to offer would be valuable.
[] Travel to Silver Town - A town surrounded by mountains and forests on the way to Lavender Town, it does have some unique attractions.
[] Travel to Cerulean City - Home to Kanto's water-type gym run by Misty, the city has several attractions such as a massive bike store and Cerulean Cave.
[] Travel to Vermillion City - A popular seaport that's almost perpetually under construction, it is home to an electric-type gym along with numerous fishing fleets.
[] Travel to Write-in - There are many locations in Kanto one could take a direct route towards. Traveling to another region is also an option, doubly so due to a train route running from Saffron City to Johto (Note: You can't go to another region yet, the GM won't let you).
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 up your parents - Your parents would appreciate a call just to inform them you arrived safely.
[] Call Tetsuya - An old childhood friend of yours, the two of you drifted off recently, perhaps you could see what he's up to?
[] Call Willow - The trainer you just defeated, she seems fun if exhausting. Contacting her would be an experience.
Round 1: Staryu uses harden (DC4: 23). Defense increases to C--
Round 1: Dratini uses Wrap (DC2: 30). Staryu loses 10% of its HP (90%).
Round 2: Staryu tries to escape Wrap (DC80: 70). Fails! Staryu uses Tackle (DC25: 25). Dratini loses 10% of its HP (90%).
Round 2: Dratini uses Thunder Wave (DC1: Autosuccess). Staryu is paralyzed! Staryu is Wrapped!. Staryu loses 10% of its HP (80%).
Round 3: Staryu tries to escape Wrap (DC85: 27) Staryu uses Tackle (DC50: 92). Dratini loses 10% of its HP (80%).
Round 3: Dratini uses Wrap (DC1: 97) Crit. Staryu loses 20% of its HP (60%). Staryu is Wrapped! Staryu loses 20% of its HP (40%).
Round 4: Staryu tries to escape Wrap (DC105: 25). Fails! Staryu uses Harden (DC29: 30). Defense increases to C.
Round 4: Dratini uses Leer (DC1: Autosuccess). Staryu's Defenses falls to C--. Staryu is Wrapped! Staryu loses 20% of its HP (20%).
Round 5: Staryu tries to escape Wrap (DC85: 18). Fails! Staryu uses Harden (DC29: 44). Defense increases to C.
Round 5: Dratini uses Leer (DC1: Autosuccess). Staryu's Defenses falls to C--. Staryu is Wrapped! Staryu loses 20% of its HP (0%). Staryu Faints!
[] Catch a second Pokemon - With four routes branching from Saffron City, there are dozens of different Pokemon you could catch ranging from Pidgy to Oddish to Houndour.
[] See the sights in Saffron City - A large metropolis with dozens of landmarks to see, spending a week just seeing what there is to offer would be valuable.
Daemon Hunter do we get a choice about what kind of Pokemon we catch or is it left up to fate?
You get a choice of what Pokemon to catch based on what's available in the area, and some rolls to see if there's a Pokemon from outside the area. So some of the Pokemon available here would be:
[X] Catch a second Pokemon - With four routes branching from Saffron City, there are dozens of different Pokemon you could catch ranging from Pidgy to Oddish to Houndour.
[X] See the sights in Saffron City - A large metropolis with dozens of landmarks to see, spending a week just seeing what there is to offer would be valuable.
Well, I want to take this chance to pick up an Abra then they're cute little buggers. However, a Meowth would be fine as well, and it'd be pretty cool to grab something rarer like a Heracross or Pineco.
[X] Catch a second Pokemon - With four routes branching from Saffron City, there are dozens of different Pokemon you could catch ranging from Pidgy to Oddish to Houndour.
New friend!
[X] Call up your parents - Your parents would appreciate a call just to inform them you arrived safely.
[X] Train with Dratini - Dratini is excellent, and he has passively grown through playing. Having a few days dedicated to training would cause him to improve notably.
[X] See the sights in Saffron City - A large metropolis with dozens of landmarks to see, spending a week just seeing what there is to offer would be valuable.
We just left our hometown and you already want to catch a Pokemon?
Let's train with Dratini a bit before we have to divide our attention with several Pokemon.
We don't have infinite actions, and Pokemon will always be available to catch, we're not in a hurry to add one to the team.
We just left our hometown and you already want to catch a Pokemon?
Let's train with Dratini a bit before we have to divide our attention with several Pokemon.
We don't have infinite actions, and Pokemon will always be available to catch, we're not in a hurry to add one to the team.
It's pretty much the standard to catch your second Pokemon as soon as you leave your hometown and before you even gain your first gym badge because it's really hard to function with just one Pokemon in general since it's relatively easy to run into something that can just hard counter your single Pokemon which would be any ice type or especially physically bulky Pokemon for us in particular. And, we're actually well past the point where we should have picked up our second Pokemon already based on the fact Dratini is strong enough to potentially solo Saffron gym attendants.
Regardless, the single-player campaigns for the games aren't really reflective of any of this because you can just out-level, and stat-check almost everything in those things but when that isn't an option you need a well-rounded synergistic team to win battles. For our team, we already have a bulky physical sweeper in the form of Dratini but we don't have a special-attack sweeper like a Gyarados, the Abra evolution line or Lapras which Dratini's evolution line usually likes to work with nor do we have any walls like a Snorlax, Golem or Foretress, and we're missing support picks like Blissey.
That's why I was generally planning on catching a second Pokemon hopefully in the form of Abra, taking in the sights, and challenging an experienced trainer to grind some experience for both Dratini as well as Abra before moving north to Cerulean City to hopefully pick up a Chansey from Cerulean Cave before looking to start challenging gyms for their badges since we'd have three solid long-term picks at that point, and can afford to be far more judicious with our picks from then on.
[X] Catch a second Pokemon - With four routes branching from Saffron City, there are dozens of different Pokemon you could catch ranging from Pidgy to Oddish to Houndour.
[X] See the sights in Saffron City - A large metropolis with dozens of landmarks to see, spending a week just seeing what there is to offer would be valuable.
Regardless, the single-player campaigns for the games aren't really reflective of any of this because you can just out-level, and stat-check almost everything in those things but when that isn't an option you need a well-rounded synergistic team to win battles. For our team, we already have a bulky physical sweeper in the form of Dratini but we don't have a special-attack sweeper like a Gyarados, the Abra evolution line or Lapras which Dratini's evolution line usually likes to work with nor do we have any walls like a Snorlax, Golem or Foretress, and we're missing support picks like Blissey.
Building on this, as I think it's rather important, Pokemon battles in this game are likely to look less like the games, where 1-2 Pokemons can carry, and more like Nuzlocks or gameplay in Pokemon Showdown (an online PvP Pokemon battle game). It'll be very important to have well made Pokemon teams as you level up, as while you can certainly try and overlevel your Pokemon, it'll grow notably harder to do so as their stats get higher and higher. So while it'd be viable at the lower levels to rely on a single Pokemon, by the time you get to your 3rd gym, you critically need other Pokemon you can rely on.
[X] Catch a second Pokemon
- [X] Try to catch a Houndour
[X] See the sights in Saffron City - A large metropolis with dozens of landmarks to see, spending a week just seeing what there is to offer would be valuable.
I'm pretty sure Willow can take on the Saffron Gym for the first badge with two pokemon, especially working with advantages. There are some psychic mons who can use water, but it's not a guarantee especially at the low level unless they're water/psychic. Dratini is fine for the spread of typical moves from a psychic gym, and isnt weak to much except ice. ice moves on a badge 1 saffron? not likely.
this would be making a confident wave as a rookie trainer, and challenge our 'rival' to do their best as well.
it's kind of funny, violet is the same name as one of the cerulean sisters, so that'll be a wild gym battle, for her.
also having a houndour? that's a buddy. good special attacker pokemon to have around, especially for kanto. plus, pokemon good to have around for camping or just havin a friend. treat it like an italian greyhound fire doggo buddy. find one that's got wanderlust and open to gym or other career moves.
[X] Catch a second Pokemon - With four routes branching from Saffron City, there are dozens of different Pokemon you could catch ranging from Pidgy to Oddish to Houndour.
[X] Train with Dratini - Dratini is excellent, and he has passively grown through playing. Having a few days dedicated to training would cause him to improve notably.
[X] Catch a second Pokemon - With four routes branching from Saffron City, there are dozens of different Pokemon you could catch ranging from Pidgy to Oddish to Houndour.
[X] See the sights in Saffron City - A large metropolis with dozens of landmarks to see, spending a week just seeing what there is to offer would be valuable.
Building on this, as I think it's rather important, Pokemon battles in this game are likely to look less like the games, where 1-2 Pokemons can carry, and more like Nuzlocks or gameplay in Pokemon Showdown (an online PvP Pokemon battle game). It'll be very important to have well made Pokemon teams as you level up, as while you can certainly try and overlevel your Pokemon, it'll grow notably harder to do so as their stats get higher and higher. So while it'd be viable at the lower levels to rely on a single Pokemon, by the time you get to your 3rd gym, you critically need other Pokemon you can rely on.
Well, it's a good thing that we're passing by all the areas with good Pokemon for a Dratini -> Dragonite-based physical sweeper team then considering on the way to Brock's gym we can relatively easily pick up an Abra -> Alakazam at Saffron as we're doing now to cover Dragonite's ice type weakness well giving good coverage as a special-attack sweeper. Then we can head north to Cerulean Cave to pick up Chansey -> Blissey for a special attack wall, and utility from Wish, Heal Ball, and Teleport for checks against statuses, HP recovery, and safe switch-ins for our sweepers.
From there all we're missing is Magnemite -> Magnezone from the Power Plant to deal with the steel types that would stop Dragonite from sweeping teams, and a physical wall rapid spin user such as Cloyster, Golem, or Forretress that can check hazards for our sweepers which can be found on the routes to Brock's gym. That's, an extremely solid team at that point built around enabling Dragonite, and it only took five slots so for the sixth we can flex into just about anything we want although something like taunt Gastly -> Gengar would probably be the best in slot I can think of in terms of a generalist.
Edit: I forgot to note that I attempted to build the best team I could solely out of relatively common Kanto Pokemon since those are the only ones we can ensure access to but there are absolutely a couple of rarer picks or picks from other regions that would notably improve the team in comparison to what I've laid out here. For example, swapping Gengar for Skarmory or Gliscor gaining us a far stronger leading taunt Pokemon, and the obvious restriction put into play by our new rival having a Starmie blocking off the best anti-hazard support Pokemon for the next several regions which forces the Cloyster, Golem or Forretress alternative just to name a few potential improvements to the team.
That would definitely be a pretty solid team, and as you point out, the 6th slot can allow for some good options when it comes to Taunt or Encore. You also could try and go with something like Jolteon or another very fast Pokemon to snipe any opponents who are at low HP. But there's definitely quite a few options for that I will say.
And on that note, time for me to close the vote. Looks like you all are catching a second Pokemon as well as seeing the sites in Saffron City. Now, time for the rolls and DCs
Saffron City Encounter: Run into an active crime being cordonned off
Scheduled vote count started by Daemon Hunter on Mar 17, 2024 at 3:04 PM, finished with 13 posts and 7 votes.
[X] Catch a second Pokemon - With four routes branching from Saffron City, there are dozens of different Pokemon you could catch ranging from Pidgy to Oddish to Houndour.
[X] See the sights in Saffron City - A large metropolis with dozens of landmarks to see, spending a week just seeing what there is to offer would be valuable.
[X] Train with Dratini - Dratini is excellent, and he has passively grown through playing. Having a few days dedicated to training would cause him to improve notably.
It's not uncommon for Dragonites to run Extreme Speed at the cost of a coverage move so if we wanted to we could consolidate the role of a Pokemon like Jolteon into Dragonite long-term. Meanwhile, Dragonites tend to gain greatly from having at least one taunt user on the team although considering we'll already have an anti-hazard Pokemon on the team we could honestly forgo one of either a Taunt or Rapid Spin user in favor of an additional flex slot since those overlap a lot in function. This is relevant specifically for us since there just aren't many good Taunt users in Kanto so our hand is kind of forced into including some sort of Rapid Spin user in the team at least until we get to another region, and can swap them out for a better alternative like Taunt Skarmory as I mentioned in my earlier post.
Regardless, it looks like Pineco, Sandshrew, and Psyduck appear for uncommon Pokemon well a Minum, and a Magnemite appear for rare Pokemon. So I guess we aren't catching an Abra then considering how much better Magnemite synergizes with Dratini overall with their complementary typings, and Magnemite's ability to remove anything that could effectively wall Dratini at the cost of only minimal amounts of lost special attack sweeper capabilities.
Speaking of which this actually opens up some flexibility for the team considering Magnemite can fulfill the same role as a special attack sweeper that Abra was going to going forward so if we want we could consolidate that role in our team, and just have an additional flex slot to play with in addition to our already existing sixth slot flex meaning our final team would look something like Dragonite/Magnezone/Blissey/(Cloyster, Golem or Forretress)/Flex/Flex.
