Alright, so I'm just going to call the vote here. And it looks like it's a tie, so out comes the d2 for the role.
1 - 3 vs 2 write-in
2 - Thunder Wave option
Scheduled vote count started by Daemon Hunter on Mar 26, 2024 at 10:11 AM, finished with 14 posts and 10 votes.
[X] Use Thunder Wave on both Zubats before using water gun - Reducing the opponent's mobility will leave speed firmly in Dratini's favor, allowing him to set the engagement terms.
[X] Send out Pineco, and have it use protect to shelter Dratini from damage. Pineco should then alternate between Tackle on Dratini's target, and using Protect to shelter the Growlithe if it's going to be attacked or on any Pokemon being attacked by all of the opposing Pokemon on the field if neither of these conditions are met Tackle should be used instead. If it looks like Dratini is close to fainting or Pineco is then Dratini should be temporarily recalled so Pineco can use Self Destruct. Well Dratini is sheltered by Pineco during the first turn it should use Thunder Wave before taking an evasive stance and using Water Gun on D's Zubat until it faints then doing the same for V's Zubat. Call out for the Growlithe trainer to focus on taking out D's Zubat with us so that we can snowball the fight with a numbers advantage, and to use Ember so that we can protect Growlithe.
Damn, so am I this would have ended up in a disastrous 2v1 in Team Rocket's favor if we hadn't deployed Pineco. Odds are we would have lost the battle from there and it would have sucked to lose our starter Pokemon especially so early on in our journey just because we were complacent.
Damn, so am I this would have ended up in a disastrous 2v1 in Team Rocket's favor if we hadn't deployed Pineco. Odds are we would have lost the battle from there and it would have sucked to lose our starter Pokemon especially so early on in our journey just because we were complacent.
Yeah, if Pineco hadn't prevented that crit Astonish, Growlithe would have fainted, and I'd have called a new vote on what to do for the second round onwards. There would have been ways to get around it, but it'd definitely have been a lot closer than anyone would like.
As it is, uh, I guess your Team Rocket nemeses are a lot more competent than expected. Just showing up and rolling 3 rolls above 90 before dipping when things went against them.
Question, why doesn't the government do anything about stopping Team Rocket or Giovanni? I'm pretty sure their end goals are taking over the world or at least controlling pokemon that are effectively capable of destroying the entire region.
Question, why doesn't the government do anything about stopping Team Rocket or Giovanni? I'm pretty sure their end goals are taking over the world or at least controlling pokemon that are effectively capable of destroying the entire region.
While those definitely are their main goals, there's a few reasons why Team Rocket and Giovanni is able to get away with a lot of what they do.
The first is that the governments in Pokemon are pretty hands off, with a lot of the cities acting more like city-states of their own in Kanto. Combined with a more flexible system needed to account for Pokemon trainers, it tends to result in a lot less discussion between cities so it's harder to handle crime networks that cover a full region.
Second is the influence, wealth, and relative secrecy of Giovanni. He is the main Gym Leader for what many view to be the strongest gym in Kanto. As a result he has an in with the government and as a result is rather influential in the region. When combined with his wealth and relative lack of evidence connecting him to Team Rocket, he's effectively able to get away with all his crimes along with knowing what the government knows of Team Rocket and what actions they're taking against them.
[X] Send out Pineco, and have it use protect to shelter Dratini from damage. Pineco should then alternate between Tackle on Dratini's target, and using Protect to shelter the Growlithe if it's going to be attacked or on any Pokemon being attacked by all of the opposing Pokemon on the field if neither of these conditions are met Tackle should be used instead. If it looks like Dratini is close to fainting or Pineco is then Dratini should be temporarily recalled so Pineco can use Self Destruct. Well Dratini is sheltered by Pineco during the first turn it should use Thunder Wave before taking an evasive stance and using Water Gun on D's Zubat until it faints then doing the same for V's Zubat. Call out for the Growlithe trainer to focus on taking out D's Zubat with us so that we can snowball the fight with a numbers advantage, and to use Ember so that we can protect Growlithe.
Violet reached for Pineco's Pokeball blindly, refusing to turn away from the battle for even a second. Four Pokemon acted in rapid succession, each of them nearly as fast as all the others. Sparks gathered around Dratini, Growlithe sucked in a deep breath, and both Zubats began to gather themselves for twin Astonishes.
Four trainers sucked in their breaths simultaneously creating plans in their minds and imagining them unfold. All of them believed in their companions, yet only two could emerge victorious in the end. Then Violet felt her hand wrap around a sphere. Fumbling for the button on it she just managed to press it as the situation grew far more active in a single second.
"Astonish!"
"Astonish!"
"Howl!"
"Protect!"
"Wait, since when does - " The moment Violet ordered Pineco to use Protect V turned in her direction, her teeth visibly grinding as a loud Howl rang out behind her. Growlithe's fur stood on end as its teeth seemed to grow sharper before it began to race towards the Zubat's.
"Take down the weaker one!" Violet shouted, just as a Pineco raised a glowing screen which an extremely powerful Astonished bounced off of, V's Zubat visibly furious at their skillful attack being removed just like that.
Dratini unleashed his built-up Thunder Wave, seeing an opportunity and causing a crackle of electricity to run through V's Zubat, the flying creature's muscles visibly spasming as energy flowed through its small frame. Then a second later, D's Zubat unleashed an Astonish of their own. And a moment later Dratini, distracted by his own Thunder Wave was thrown into the air, bouncing end over end before slowly getting up visibly trying to get his bearings.
Pineco lept in front of him, forcing another Protect in rapid succession in an effort to keep her companion safe. D's Zubat seemed to smile, confident they could deal with Pineco easily. Gathering themselves for a Supersonic, they were utterly blindsided when Growlithe leaped up, jaws clamping over Zubat's wings as a powerful Bite boosted by two Howls turned causing the flying Pokemon to faint immediately.
"D, we're getting out of here!" V called out, as she began to step backward. "Zubat, keep them off us."
A cry of noise washed over Growlithe causing the Pokemon to visibly stumble as it grew confused. Two red beams struck both Zubats, withdrawing them into their Pokeball as V and D began to depart.
"This isn't the last time we'll meet," growled V as she started to run, eager to get out of the area before Dratini and Growlithe recovered themselves.
Spinning around as she ran, D gave Violet a look that caused her to take a step backward. "That Dratini is going to be mine one day, girly, train him up till then."
Letting out a shaky breath, Violet didn't even think about pursuing them until Dratini had recovered, and by then they were long gone. Beginning to fuss over both him and Pineco, she felt a massive sense of relief come over her and she gave them both a big hug.
*Pineco makes progress towards improving Protect*
*Pineco upgrades Speed to F+*
*Pineco upgrades Evasion to F+*
*Dratini makes progress towards improving Thunder Wave*
*Dratini makes progress towards improving Defense and Health*
"Thank you," the other trainer stated after she finished spraying a potion over Growlithe's many injuries. "I would have lost my friend without you," wrapping her arms around the fire Pokemon, Growlithe nuzzled against her, draining the tension from her frame. "Call me Luna."
"V-Violet," she replied, only now allowing her hands to shake from her adrenaline high. "I did what anyone would do."
Luna let go of Growlithe, looking back at the shy girl. "I owe you for this."
After that, the two of them continued to talk, with Violet a bit more talkative than normal thanks to the rather exciting circumstances they met in. She learned a good deal about Luna, namely that she was a native of Cerulean City and looked up to the Joy family. Having decided at a young age to become a Pokemon nurse, she was at the edge of the city to learn from Pokemon out in the wild. Instead, she had been ambushed by D and V who were hoping to capture Growlithe and had nearly succeeded.
From there the talk turned towards other matters with Luna asking if she could look over both Dratini and Pineco. She was particularly interested in the Mirage Pokemon, for while there was literature on their physiology, examining one in person would teach her far more than she could from text. Eventually, however, Violet's social battery ended and eventually, the two parted, albeit not before Luna informed Violet where she would be over the next few days.
The next day was spent in the Pokemon center and the day after decompressing, with Violet hoping she would never have to fight in such a battle ever again. Yet knowing that being a Pokemon trainer would involve challenges like this, and eventually, she would have to feel the same level of nerves and adrenaline.
The Fifth Week, Pick 2
Pokemon Actions
[] Catch a third Pokemon - With four routes branching from Cerulean City, there are dozens of different Pokemon you could catch ranging from Pidgy to Oddish to Houndour.
[] Fish for Pokemon - Cerulean city does have several fishing spots nearby, heading to one to try and catch Pokemon could be useful.
[] Seek out a Chansey - Chanseys are located mainly within Cerulean Cave, a locale where you are most definitely ill-qualified for. However, there are a few branches of the cave which are accessible to you.
[] Train with Dratini and Pineco - Both of your Pokemon are good in a battle, Dratini having grown through their playdates, and Pineco being rather perceptive herself. Training for a few days would help them grow.
Battling Actions
[] Challenge Luna - A known trainer with a decently trained Growlithe, she would make for a good sparring partner while you're here. And maybe let you talk in the future.
[] 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 Cerulean Gym and challenge one of the attendants there. You may even win.
[-] Challenge the Cerulean City Gym - You have to challenge one of the Cerulean City attendants first before winning the right to face the gym itself.
Exploration Actions (New)
[] See the sights in Cerulean City - While you have explored a good portion of the city, there is still quite a bit more to see such as the substations, gym, and other minor tourist attractions.
[] Explore Unorthodox Locations - Exploring parts of Cerulean City most people don't will be an interesting experience. Surely nothing can go wrong?
[] Learn about Caving - Seeing the caves around Cerulean City gives you an idea that maybe you should indulge your curiosity. Try and see what you can do exploring the safer parts of the cave system.
[] Learn to Swim - While you do know how to swim, there is a notable difference between swimming for fun and scuba diving. And an even greater difference when it comes to exploring underwater caves. Learning more advanced concepts would be fun.
Traveling Actions (Can Take 1 of These Only)
[] Travel to Mt. Moon - The cave system leading to Pewter City, heading towards the mountain to travel through will allow Violet to begin an adventure within.
[] Travel to the Power Plant - A large power plant that produces much of Kanto's electricity, it is home to a number of electric-type Pokemon.
[] Travel to Write-in - There are many locations in Kanto one could take a direct route towards.
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 tell them what you've been up to.
[] Call Tetsuya - An old childhood friend of yours, the two of you drifted off recently. He is currently in the mountains on the way to Pewter City.
[] Call Willow - The trainer you recently defeated, she seems fun if exhausting. She has just arrived in Viridian City and is complaining that the gym is closed.
Round 1 Pineco: Pineco used Protect (DC1: Autosuccess)
Round 1 Growlithe: Growlithe used Howl (DC1: Autosuccess). Attack increases to B+.
Round 1 V's Zubat: Zubat used Astonish on Growlithe (DC30: 95 Crit). Intercepted by Pineco!
Round 1 Dratini: Dratini used Thunder Wave on V's Zubat (DC25: 62). V's Zubat is paralyzed!
Round 1 D's Zubat: Zubat used Astonish on Dratini (DC25: 90). Dratini flinches. Dratini loses 8% of its HP (92%)
Round 2 Pineco: Pineco used Protect (DC70: 89).
Round 2 Growlithe: Growlithe used Bite on D's Zubat (DC15: 47). D's Zubat loses 70% of its HP (D's Zubat feints)
Round 2 V's Zubat: Zubat uses Supersonic on Growlithe (DC50: 93). Growlithe is confused!
Round 2 Dratini: Dratini flinches.
Round 2 D's Zubat: D withdraws her feinted Zubat
[X] Train with Dratini and Pineco - Both of your Pokemon are good in a battle, Dratini having grown through their playdates, and Pineco being rather perceptive herself. Training for a few days would help them grow.
[X] Learn about Caving - Seeing the caves around Cerulean City gives you an idea that maybe you should indulge your curiosity. Try and see what you can do exploring the safer parts of the cave system.
[X] Learn about Caving - Seeing the caves around Cerulean City gives you an idea that maybe you should indulge your curiosity. Try and see what you can do exploring the safer parts of the cave system.
[X] Learn to Swim - While you do know how to swim, there is a notable difference between swimming for fun and scuba diving. And an even greater difference when it comes to exploring underwater caves. Learning more advanced concepts would be fun.
I hate the thought of underwater caves. Death traps. I would prefer to avoid them, but let's learn safety.
[X] Learn about Caving - Seeing the caves around Cerulean City gives you an idea that maybe you should indulge your curiosity. Try and see what you can do exploring the safer parts of the cave system.
For when we go get that Chansey.
[X] Challenge Luna - A known trainer with a decently trained Growlithe, she would make for a good sparring partner while you're here. And maybe let you talk in the future.
No better way to bond than by beating up each other
[X] Train with Dratini and Pineco - Both of your Pokemon are good in a battle, Dratini having grown through their playdates, and Pineco being rather perceptive herself. Training for a few days would help them grow.
[X] Challenge an Experienced Trainer - The other option to seek out a Pokemon battle would be to go to the Cerulean Gym and challenge one of the attendants there. You may even win.
I'd like to start making progress toward our first gym badge, and Dratini needs to swap out Water Gun for Twister especially since we're fighting a water-type gym. Ultimately though if we delay the gym for a while it doesn't really matter since we can just complete it in one turn at any time really, well presuming our Pokemon are strong enough at least.
That I can definitely agree with, cave diving is pretty terrifying overall. And I will say Violet will only do so after quite a bit of experience in both diving and caving.
I'd like to start making progress toward our first gym badge, and Dratini needs to swap out Water Gun for Twister especially since we're fighting a water-type gym. Ultimately though if we delay the gym for a while it doesn't really matter since we can just complete it in one turn at any time really, well presuming our Pokemon are strong enough at least.
That I can confirm, and just in case it's useful, the first gym badge is usually a 2 vs 2. Although for some gyms (mostly the stronger ones) it can be a 3 vs 1 or something along those lines.
[X] Train with Dratini and Pineco - Both of your Pokemon are good in a battle, Dratini having grown through their playdates, and Pineco being rather perceptive herself. Training for a few days would help them grow.
[X] Learn about Caving - Seeing the caves around Cerulean City gives you an idea that maybe you should indulge your curiosity. Try and see what you can do exploring the safer parts of the cave system.
[X] Learn about Caving - Seeing the caves around Cerulean City gives you an idea that maybe you should indulge your curiosity. Try and see what you can do exploring the safer parts of the cave system.
[X] Challenge an Experienced Trainer - The other option to seek out a Pokemon battle would be to go to the Cerulean Gym and challenge one of the attendants there. You may even win.
I too agree that cave diving is a terrible idea.
Want to know more about how deadly it is? Ask A Mortician has a whole video, as it's her worst fear
[X] Train with Dratini and Pineco - Both of your Pokemon are good in a battle, Dratini having grown through their playdates, and Pineco being rather perceptive herself. Training for a few days would help them grow.
[X] Learn about Caving - Seeing the caves around Cerulean City gives you an idea that maybe you should indulge your curiosity. Try and see what you can do exploring the safer parts of the cave system.
[X] Train with Dratini and Pineco - Both of your Pokemon are good in a battle, Dratini having grown through their playdates, and Pineco being rather perceptive herself. Training for a few days would help them grow.
[X] Challenge an Experienced Trainer - The other option to seek out a Pokemon battle would be to go to the Cerulean Gym and challenge one of the attendants there. You may even win.
[X] Learn about Caving - Seeing the caves around Cerulean City gives you an idea that maybe you should indulge your curiosity. Try and see what you can do exploring the safer parts of the cave system.
[X] Challenge an Experienced Trainer - The other option to seek out a Pokemon battle would be to go to the Cerulean Gym and challenge one of the attendants there. You may even win.
Alright, I'll be calling the vote here. Looks like you're learning about caving and training your mons.
Scheduled vote count started by Daemon Hunter on Mar 28, 2024 at 10:23 AM, finished with 10 posts and 9 votes.
[X] Learn about Caving - Seeing the caves around Cerulean City gives you an idea that maybe you should indulge your curiosity. Try and see what you can do exploring the safer parts of the cave system.
[X] Train with Dratini and Pineco - Both of your Pokemon are good in a battle, Dratini having grown through their playdates, and Pineco being rather perceptive herself. Training for a few days would help them grow.
[X] Challenge an Experienced Trainer - The other option to seek out a Pokemon battle would be to go to the Cerulean Gym and challenge one of the attendants there. You may even win.
[X] Learn to Swim - While you do know how to swim, there is a notable difference between swimming for fun and scuba diving. And an even greater difference when it comes to exploring underwater caves. Learning more advanced concepts would be fun.
[X] Challenge Luna - A known trainer with a decently trained Growlithe, she would make for a good sparring partner while you're here. And maybe let you talk in the future.
[X] Learn about Caving - Seeing the caves around Cerulean City gives you an idea that maybe you should indulge your curiosity. Try and see what you can do exploring the safer parts of the cave system.
[X] Train with Dratini and Pineco - Both of your Pokemon are good in a battle, Dratini having grown through their playdates, and Pineco being rather perceptive herself. Training for a few days would help them grow.
Violet had a curious side to her. One that she had indulged on occasion and that Dratini quite liked. Deciding to indulge it once more, the shy girl began to look into caving. The sites she saw under Cerulean City within their caves were gorgeous, and finding new areas to explore would only add an element of self-discovery.
Due in part to the presence of the cave system near the city, Violet found it quite easy to find resources and shops. Beginning with a basic guide to caving, she obtained a few supplies that would come in handy regardless of where she was. A headlamp was an easy purpose, while she didn't like traveling at night, she couldn't rule it out in the future. She already had sturdy shoes, warm clothes, and an overcoat (even if she had yet to use that last one). Gloves, elbow and knee pads, and a helmet were clothing items she hadn't realized would be recommended, but after reading up on scrape injuries she was very, very glad to buy them herself.
At this point, Violet started to worry about weight. While she was nowhere near the limit of what she could carry, she realized that it would rapidly add up when spending days traveling. Postal services could help alleviate some of the literal burden, but not all of it. She had avoided buying caving ropes and harnesses due to that, and it wasn't like she was planning on jumping into advanced climbing. That was far later.
…She'd have to avoid saying as much to her parents, she knew how worried they would be.
After spending a day looking at equipment and buying modestly expensive protective equipment and two headlamps, Violet decided that the next day would be spent exploring a relatively well-known cave. A short three miles in length and without any tight squeezes, descents, or wild Pokemon, Starter's Cave was friendly to newcomers even if it lacked uniqueness.
When she woke up the next day, she headed to Starter's Cave, only stopping to text her parents on what she was up to, checking to see if Testuya had reached Pewter City, and glancing at Willow's complaints of the Viridian City Gym. Apparently, the relatively unknown gym leader had put a pause on challenges for an undetermined period. As a result, Willow decided to take a more traditional gym route and head to Pewter City.
Arriving at Starter's Cave, Violet tried to avoid notice from the various groups walking through it, only to be forced to say hi to many of them along the way. One group even invited her to join them, and she almost froze up before they backed off. Meeting one person was doable, trying to handle 4 extroverts at once? That was a nightmare come to life for Violet.
Once she made it two miles into the cave, Violet was finally alone. Most cavers only traveled a mile into it due to there being a notable cavern there. While it was pretty, mostly thanks to the quartz crystals, Violet was more interested in pushing her limits. Something she was happy to do.
With a smile on her lips, she hummed a short tune she heard on the TV as a child. Looking around the area as she walked, she somewhat understood why people explored. Being in a place only a handful had visited had a certain allure to it, doubly so when she had to put in time and effort to find it. Even if the views weren't spectacular Violet still found it extremely enjoyable and before she knew it, she had reached the end of the cave.
Marked by a solid rock wall, Violet rapped her knuckles on it. Rubbing off the mud that transferred to her gloves by the brief contact, she took a brief picture of herself. Pausing only to have Pineco and Dratini join her before the two decided to go back into their Pokeballs where it was warmer. Making a mental note to get jackets for them in the future, Violet began to head out of the cave.
As she was on her way out, however, she took a step that seemed as normal as all the others. Then she stopped, rubbing her foot into the cave floor, Violet noticed that something was shifting in the mud below. Taking a moment to grab it with her fingers, she found an old electronic device that she recognized as a gas monitor. Cleaning out the device and replacing the batteries, Violet was surprised that it began to work. She'd have to test it, of course, but now she had a piece of hardware that she wouldn't have been able to afford until she beat a few more gyms.
Truly this was a good day. Violet had an entirely new experience, tested her skills and boundaries, and now could accurately say she had made money on this trip. Things were looking up.
After spending the night resting in her hotel room, Violet, Dratini, and Pineco gathered around in a designated training area. The sun had been up for an hour at this point, but the air remained chilly. Glancing at her companions, Violet realized she should have a more detailed plan when it comes to training.
For Dratini, she was focused mainly on his new move and whether she should prioritize it a bit more. But unfortunately, there wasn't the time for it, so she would have to de-prioritize a move for it. That move ended up being
[] Leer
[] Wrap
[] Thunder Wave
[] Water Gun
[] None, Twister wasn't worth it
Pineco on the other hand was at the point where she could begin learning a new move, Bug Bite. While having a move that resonated with their type would be quite useful, it'd also take time to train her with it. Time that could be spent improving her fundamentals.
[] Learn Bug Bite (~12% decrease in stat improvements this turn)
[] Do not learn it at this time
GM Note: For this training, while Violet has improved her skills as a trainer, she is still relatively inexperienced so can't specify training stats and such. What she can do however is determine their move pools.
[X] Water Gun
[X] Learn Bug Bite (~12% decrease in stat improvements this turn)
Leer is useful for Dratini but Twister makes Water Gun redundant as I mentioned before as it's practically a straight upgrade. And, yes I would very much like the effective ninety-power physical move thank you very much.
