#i think it would be neat. also what i would give to play as vulpix...

[morathor]

Pokemon: Lancer Theory

That title sounds way too self-important but it is the phrase that stuck in my head.

I’m actually not sure why this concept is so stuck in my head, maybe it's what I've seen of Scarlet/Violet and gym leaders terastalizing their ace pokemon.  But I need to babble it out, so here we are.  I wanna talk about type-themed trainers like gym leaders, elite four members, etc having off-type Pokemon.

It seems like they try not to do this anymore, and I get that, because people complain about it whenever they do.  Which I also get, I guess.  But I dunno, I think it's kind of cool when even a themed trainer has a somewhat diverse team.  The central type should still be visible as a theme, of course, but I don't think it's inherently a bad thing if they have an off-type here or there.  It makes the battles more interesting, it makes the characters more interesting by introducing a little more nuance.  It also plays to the idea of these trainers being talented, which they are supposed to be--I think every pokemon game I’ve ever played has some NPC to tell you that using varied types is the best strategy (even though I recognize a lot of people just bulldoze the game with an overleveled starter).  But when gym leaders and even the elites ignore that beginner advice, it makes them feel a little less competent, a little less threatening.

That said, I think this is more effective if it is applied consistently.  So in the same way that every major trainer needs their "ace" pokemon, I would love to see every major trainer have a "lancer."  Just one off-type pokemon (and the team would need to be a minimum of three so that it's not an even split), probably their second to last/second strongest.  They might fit the aesthetic of the type without being of that type--like how Lance classically has pokemon like Gyarados or Charizard (although I'd want him to pick just one).  Or they might be more focused on the aesthetic of the trainer.  Bonus points if they're a type that helps cover the weaknesses of the main type, but that can be reserved for the higher ranks.

So because I am, one, bored, and two, Like That, here's what incorporating this lancer idea might look like in kanto games/remakes.  Just because they feel like the characters people are most likely to be familiar with.  (And also some other changes because why not.)

Brock's Team

Kabuto--I'm really on the fence about this, but there are other NPCs with fossil pokemon, and Brock uses Kabutops and Omastar both when he shows up in later games.  Besides, type diversity isn't just for the lancer.  And even though you can't catch Kabuto in Mt Moon, you can at least get the fossil there, so we're kind of still showcasing a local pokemon?  Ish?

Cubone--Not a rock type, but not straying far from the mold for this early lancer.  I thought about a Zubat to showcase a local pokemon (plus he has one in the anime) but it's too far outside his tanky preferences.  Actually, if we wanted anime influence, a Vulpix would be a great call, although haven't Bulbasaur players suffered enough?  Anyway, Cubone is neat because it's sturdy and looks ominous, fits the aesthetic, but when you find out more about its Inherent Tragedy it maybe makes Brock look a little more gentle in retrospect.  I think that's neat.

Onix--Ace unchanged, no notes.

Misty's Team

Poliwag--I actually prefer not to have multiple members of the same evolutionary line in one trainer's roster.  I won't always have a good alternative, but there are so many water types.  Also, when possible, I do want to have one mono-type pokemon on the team.  (Not possible for Brock, there are no mono-type rock types in the Kanto dex.)

Dratini--I'll be honest, I'm stupidly proud of this lancer.  Dratini is aquatic without being a water type, and aesthetically fits very well.  In Gen 1, I think Misty is the first trainer to get "good AI", which really isn't all that good but it still shows they wanted her to represent a step up in terms of tactics.  So giving her a lancer that specifically resists the weaknesses of her main type is very cool.

Starmie--Ace unchanged, no notes.

Surge's Team

Magnemite--Not a lot of type diversity for electric types.  But if this hypothetical game is a later generation remake, at least this throws in a steel type.

Mankey--A fighting type seems like a good companion for a military man, and as Surge likes his pokemon fast and hard-hitting, Mankey seemed a better choice than some of the other options.

Raichu--Really considered Electabuzz instead; the stats are incredibly similar, and I feel like it fits Surge's aesthetic slightly better.  But only slightly, not enough to change out such an iconic ace.

Erika's Team

Tangela--Don't know if I have much to say, other than please make sure this has grass moves.  Thank you.

Butterfree--A butterfly pairs real well with all these flowers.  Additionally Butterfree's access to powder moves and its special attacks make it fit Erika's strategy even though its not a grass type.

Vileplume--Really torn between this and Victreebel, since I'd rather not have two grass/poisons if I can help it.  I often here Victreebel presented as more of a threat, since it's more aggressive, especially in Gen 1.  But Vileplume is tankier, so it might hold out a little longer, and I think that gives it more of a presence.

Koga's Team

Tentacruel--Koga is spoiled for choice on poison types, and something menacing that lurks in the water fits his ninja theme pretty well.

Golbat--It was this or Beedrill, but Golbat's access to confusion moves makes it fit Koga's tactics better.

Magmar-- Originally I was thinking Scyther; as a fast blade-wielder, it's more of a ninja than anything else on Koga's team.  But for Koga, that theme is all about debilitating foes with smoke and poisons, so a pokemon that packs the poisonous fumes of a volcano is a good fit.

Weezing--I could easily have dropped Weezing and elevated Muk to the role of ace, but I don't feel strongly enough about either to drop his classic.  Plus, and maybe this is just me watching too many solo runs, the looming threat of self-destruct carries more menace than anything Muk has ever packed.

Sabrina's Team

Mr Mime-- There are so many psychic types in these games, I don't want a Kadabra and an Alakazam.  Honestly I don't even need two mono-psychic types, I could have gone with something that adds more type diversity, but strangely I do like Mr Mime for Sabrina.  Plus in later gens, leading with a screen setter might be a pain for the opponent.

Slowpoke-- There's that type diversity.  I considered a Starmie for that fast, hard-hitting feel that Sabrina tends to go for, but let's not step on Misty's toes.

Venomoth-- I thought about giving her a Haunter, but nah.  Venomoth is a non-psychic type that can pack psychic moves, and I can kind of see a connection to Sabrina's sort of aloof, otherworldly vibes.  Moths are creatures of the night, dancing on the edge of the light... it kinda works.

Alakazam-- Ace unchanged, no notes.

Blaine's Team

Vulpix--Thought about a Ninetails and an Arcanine, but I kinda feel like that diminishes Arcanine as the ace even if its higher level.  Still, replacing Blake's leading Growlithe with a Vulpix gives him a little more diversity in his team.

Rapidash--Speaking of diversity, I really thought about Charizard.  I did.  It and Moltres are the only Kanto fire types with a second typing.  And while there are other NPCs who have starter pokemon, I feel like giving one to a gym leader felt a little off.  So it's gonna have to be all mono-fire types except for the lancer.

Exeggcute--Eggs equals bald?  I dunno, Blaine doesn't have strong theming to me, but what he does have is a role as the second-to-last gym leader, one the game expects you to treat as a major threat.  Honestly we're here more for a move than a pokemon--solar beam, which both fits a fire theme and covers fire's weaknesses.  And Exeggcute is like the only Kanto mon to learn it at a level Blaine is likely to pack.

Arcanine--Ace unchanged, no notes.

Giovanni's Team

Dugtrio--Moving this to the lead, who needs Rhyhorn AND Rhydon?

Sandslash--I really thought about keeping both Nidoking and Nidoqueen, they're not quite the same evolutionary line.  But they're close enough, and I have... other plans, for her majesty.

Nidoking--I love how over the course of the game, this ground theme gradually crystallizes, without Giovanni dropping too many pokemon.  This started out as just a poison type, which most Team Rocket members lean towards, and only for this final fight is it evolved into a ground type.

Kangaskhan--You could go with Persian here if you wanted to emulate the anime, but in most of the games Giovanni uses a Kangaskhan prior to this point.  Whichever one you have him use for the rest of the game, I'd want him to keep it till the end, but now it's reframed as not even his final form--I mean, strongest Pokemon.

Rhydon--The fact that rock/ground doubles down on so many type weaknesses almost wants me to let Giovanni keep his old Rhyhorn and elevate Dugtrio (or maybe Sandslash?) to ace.  But neither of those match Rhydon's raw power, so I don't think we need to change this.

Now, as for the elite four...

Lorelei

Dewgong--Not a lot of ice types in this game, and Lorelei already has all of them (except the legendary).  So there's not much room for me to improve on anything but the lancer.

Cloyster--No notes, move along.

Jynx--Originally Jynx was the only break from the water types, and her psychic type could be a good counter to any fighting types giving you trouble.  Problem with that is, Lorelei's Jynx doesn't typically have psychic moves.  I know in Gen I the learnset was bad, but suck it up and give her psychic or something.

Nidoqueen--A surprise I'm sure, but hear me out.  As I just noted, three of Lorelei's ice types are also water types, and adding in Slowbro made it four out of five.  That meant that, one, she was just as much a water type trainer as an ice type, and two, water was her more exploitable weakness.  Grass types might have struggled, but electric types could sweep her pretty easily (Jynx isn't weak to electric, but she's a glass cannon and not too much of a threat).  Adding in a bulky ground type that can learn ice moves and fits Lorelei's color scheme seemed like a good call.  And yes, this is part of the reason Giovanni doesn't get to have the queen.

Lapras--Ace unchanged, no notes

Bruno

Hitmonlee--I'd have Bruno lead with Hitmonlee just because it's one of the more straightforward fighting types.  Hits hard, but doesn't have a varied move pool.

Hitmonchan--Obviously we can't separate Hitmonchan from Hitmonlee, so here we are.  

Poliwrath--Doing what we can to get some type diversity into this roster.  Plus Poliwrath's access to hypnosis and halfway decent special stats (sorry Hitmonchan) represents a pretty sizeable tactical shift.

Pinsir--This one does not represent a tactical shift.  Big and bulky, well known for moves like seismic toss and submission, Pinsir feels like an honorary fighting type.  A bit of a straightforward lancer, but Bruno's a bit of a straightforward trainer.

Machamp--Ace unchanged, no notes

Agatha

Gastly--Okay, this one's a problem.  Ghost and dragon are supposed to be rare, mysterious types, each represented by only one evolutionary line.  I don't mind that in theory, and I also don't mind showcasing the rare mysterious types within the elite four.  But boy does it make it hard to have a varied team.  Gastly's move set should focus mainly on spreading status more than inflicting damage--hypnosis, confuse ray, maybe toxic or in later gens will o wisp.

Haunter--Same evolutionary line, but now focus a little more on damage, and maybe coverage.  You can keep hypnosis and maybe confuse ray, but moves like night shade are keepers, and maybe throw in a TM move like psychic.

Haunter--Now we have two of the same exact pokemon and I hate it.  At the very least give this a different moveset.  Maybe mega/giga drain, dream eater, and hypnosis as its core?  Let its focus on life drain set it apart from the tactics of the first haunter.

Hypno--Finally a break from the same evolutionary line.  This team already has more poison types that Koga, so I didn't want to double down with Golbat or Arbok.  Hypno's emphasis on status moves and dream eater fits well into Agatha's theme, while providing a good wall against psychic types that may have been giving you trouble.

Gengar--In gen 1 at least, Agatha's final Gengar didn't have hypnosis, which kind of meant a sigh of relief when you reached it.  And while I do want the ace to be threatening, I kind of like the idea that you've gotten past the worst of the debilitating effects and are ready to square off in a more head-to-head battle.  Nightshade, thunderbolt, maybe keep dream eater even if you can't put things to sleep yourself.

Lance

Dratini: Yep, same problem as Agatha.  I have similar ideas for solutions, just trying to keep the movesets distinct.  Dratini's a little bulkier than Gastly, but doesn't hit very hard.  Dragon rage doesn't depend on stats, so that's a good attack.  Then throw around thunder wave, maybe set up a reflect.

Dragonair: I think Yellow had more or less the right idea for the Dragonairs.  This one can focus on electric moves, but make sure not to entirely give up on dragon moves.

Dragonair: And for this one we'll focus on water and ice moves, though again try to keep at least one dragon move.  We want to show off the diverse move pool of these mighty dragons.

Gyarados: There are so many pseudo-dragons to choose for the lancer.  No Charizard for the same reason I didn't give Blaine one.  Aerodactyl is really neat, I think it's something no other NPC in the game has, but it also really doubles down on the ice weakness, and if we're talking about a Gen I version it doesn't even have rock moves.  Gyarados offers good bulk and is at least neutral to ice, so a player just spamming ice beam or whatever will have to be a little more tactical for a bit.

Dragonite: We had one dragonair focused on electric and one focused on water/ice.  For the ace, pairing fire moves with dragon gives it solid coverage and a strong turnaround on ice types (though many of them are also water, but still a neutral fire blast from a powerful pokemon can be scary).

That's it for Kanto.  I uh.  My brain is already buzzing with Johto.  So that might be a thing.

#pokemon #long post #i'm not really sure what else to tag this but i'm open to suggestions #game design maybe?

[jestlingnest]

i think it would have been really cool if you had been able to play as eevee in psmd (not to mention the others like vulpix, skitty, or meowth) and as for how to do the whole evolution thing, maybe it would be whatever is closest to the opposite of your partner?

or maybe- just maybe, they would become a leafeon or umbreon. Since they got taken in by a grass/dark type, Nuzleaf.

#psmd spoilers in the tags watch out! #oh and if partner was the eevee- also the opposite of hero OR a vaporeon like carracosta #i think it would be neat. also what i would give to play as vulpix... #i REALLY wanna play as vulpix in eos but i do NOT wanna play the whole game as a fire type AGAIN #anyway- here are the spoilers #that would kinda make the betrayal hurt even more #like they cared about and were influenced enough by nuzleaf to evolve into the same types as him #pmd posting

[jaybug-jabbers]

Pokemon Gold/Silver Beta Pokemon: The April 2020 Leak

Look, 2020 was a rough year. So maybe I shouldn’t be so surprised that the April 2020 Gold/Silver source code leak flew almost entirely under my radar. If you Google about it, you’re find it’s very rare for news outlets to cover it. This is probably because many folks are hesitant to cover leaks. Also, the US was warming up to a truly awful pandemic around that point, not to mention other civil unrest, so it’s no surprise some people were a tad distracted. 

But the fact is, another leak turned up in April of last year, following a recent trend of huge Nintendo leaks. And this one was a doozy. I’ve only truly realized its full extent in the past few days. As such, I’d like to do a post that covers some of the new information. In particular, I’m focusing on beta pokemon that were cut or heavily reworked.

Now, back in 2018, the Spaceworld ‘97 Pokemon Gold/Silver Demo was leaked online. I made a post about some of my favorites. So, from this leak, we already knew of a while slew of beta pokemon. However, as it turns out, there were still more new faces to find-- and a lot of them! I list 45 new beta pokemon here, in fact!

In the April 2020 leak, several sprite sets were found as internal files, each at different phases of game production. The sprite sets were dated May 6, 1998, June 13, 1999, June 21, 1999, and September 17, 1999. The August 17, 1999 Spaceworld ‘99 Demo build was also found, so we have information on that as well.

Essentially, if you want to see this information at The Cutting Room Floor, then head to this page for the sprites discovered as internal backups/sprite banks. Head to this page for the Spaceworld ‘99 demo information page. And, if you need a refresher for the older leak, you can go to this page for the Spaceworld ‘97 demo build.

For this post, we will focus on the May 6, ‘98 set of sprites, which contain the vast majority of new faces. So, without further ado, onward to the pokemon!

(#300) Kokopelli Pokemon/Celebi

(May 6, ‘98)       (Spaceworld ‘99 Demo)

This first pair of sprites looks very much like Kokopelli, a fertility deity of some Native American cultures. This deity can be seen in ancient Native American petroglyphs, as a humpbacked flute player with feathers on the head. Surprisingly, we find that Celebi in the Spaceworld ‘99 Demo seems to be an updated version of this design, making Celebi’s design origins much different than expected. However, its fertility diety inspiration is still somewhat apparant in the modern Celebi, as a creature that causes plant life to flourish.

(#301) Eel Pokemon

While the sprite files did not reveal a name or other data, this eel’s sprites were numbered right beside the Gurotesu (Grotess) and Ikari (Anchorage) sprites, suggesting it once was the start of their evolution chain. 

(#304) Fire Fox Pokemon

This little fellow is a fox that seems to have a fiery tail. It’s possible this fire fox was inspired by kitsune (just as Vulpix/Ninetails were) and that it was later redesigned as Fennekin. 

(#305 - 308) Snow Bunny Evolution Line

These four pokemon seem to belong to the same evolutionary line. The second one seems to based on the Yuki Usagi, a ‘Snow Bunny.’ In Japan, these cute little critters are made in the snow (using leaves for the ears). They also sometimes make these Yuki Usagi as little marshmallow or mochi treats. So this pokemon line could be inspired by either of these. Considering the leaves and the snow, I would guess these would have been Grass/Ice. 

(#309) Elephant Pokemon

You might wonder if this chonky boy-- looking tough with horns on his head and back-- was an early version of Donphan, but Donphan and Phanpy were present in the Spaceworld ‘97 demo. Indeed, this elephant and Phanpy/Donphan both exist in the same set of sprites from May ‘98, so it was simply a case of two types of elephants. This pokemon also calls to mind a glimpse of a cut beta pokemon we saw from Generation 1 (from ‘Satoshi Tajiri: The Man Who Made Pokémon’):

Same fierce eyes, at any rate! Alas, these both never saw the light of day. However, it’s possible this elephant was reworked into Piloswine, which is not in the May ‘98 collection but does appear in the June 13 ‘99 collection (although Swinub is absent). While Piloswine and Swinub are more akin to wild boars, there is also some relation to mammoths (an inspiration more heavily leaned on with Mammoswine in later games). Then again, there’s another pokemon you’ll see a little further down this list that might have inspired Piloswine instead.

(#311) Natu/Xatu Mid-Evolution

What is clearly a mid-evolution (its file number sits between the two). Has a peacock-like tail. Honestly, I think this works really good as a mid-evolution, and I don’t know why it was cut. I want to name it “Watu.”

(#313) Drunk Kiwi Pokemon

This one is just hilarious to look at. It appears to probably be a kiwi-bird? A very crazy-eyed, loopy one. I can see why this one was cut. The goofy, simple design kind of looks like a knockoff cartoon character for children. 

(#314) Scorpion Pokemon

A pretty badass-looking scorpion, although a rather basic design. I dig the funky head, though. It seems like it has a single, beady eye and is rather menacing. This pokemon may have been later reworked into Gligar, a pokemon that first appears after this sprite set, in the June 13 ‘99 group:

Admittedly this is rather different from the Gligar we know, but it is an early design.

Or, who knows-- maybe this little fellah was later reworked into Skorupi. (If so, it’s a shame, as I don’t dig the weird accordian-like design of its limbs and its evolution.)

(#315) Quail Pokemon

A pudgey little quail pokemon. Doesn’t seem related to the kiwi pokemon. It’s a very cute little thing, and has lots of potential to evolve into something interesting, but it seems they scrapped it pretty quickly.

(#316) Music Note Bird Pokemon

Although these sprites are numbered right after the quail, and they are both birds, the designs are very different, so they seem unrelated. It seems the beta pokemon were simply blessed with a lot of birds. This little bird is in the shape of a clef, giving this bird a musical theme. It seems very likely it was later reworked into Chatot, a bird with a music-note shaped head and metronome tail.

(#319) Boar Pokemon

A cute, grumpy little boar with antlers. Probably what eventually led to Piloswine found in the June 13 ‘99 group. A bit of a shame, in my mind, as I kind of prefer this design.

(#325) Spikey Dog Pokemon

The curious thing is that this dog looks very similar to “Pudi,” a pokemon we saw in the Spaceworld ‘97 demo, which was intended to be a pre-evolution of Growlithe. But Pudi is also in this same collection of sprites!

Perhaps they were toying with the idea of re-designing Pudi (and had already scrapped a bunch of baby pokemon) and just hadn’t bothered to remove the old Pudi yet. It’s hard to say. Ultimately, these both were scrapped, but at least we still have Subbull/Granbull.

(#331) Yūrei Ghost Pokemon

This little ghost has two things that are common in Japanese folklore: the hitaikakushi (the white cloth headband it wears) and the two little balls of fire called hitodama. It is unknown why this ghost pokemon was scrapped, but perhaps they thought the little fellow wouldn’t translate well overseas? 

(#344) Viking Ship Pokemon

Look at this beauty! A pokemon based off some sort of Viking ship. I absolutely adore this one. It’s creative and charming. I hope to see it in the future.

(#349) Wooly Dog Pokemon

This canine-like creature is fluffy as all out. Honestly I think it’s a tad odd, with how tangled and disheveled its fur looks. I can’t help but compare it to the early desings of the three Legendary Beasts, since they also are very canine-like:

These three designs are present in this same May 6, 98′ sprite collection as the representations of Raikou, Entei, and Suicune. Were they possibly playing with a different design idea for the Legendary Beasts? Perhaps Suicune. The Wooly Dog is just such an imposing sprite, that I can’t help but wonder. All pure speculation, of course. 

(#350) Rabbit Pokemon

This rabbit has a rather intense look about him, and it makes me curious what the ideas were behind it. TCRF suggests it’s a possible pikachu clone.

(#351) Snake Pokemon

This cute little worm or snake seems to be wearing a feather headdress, suggesting its design may also be Native American inspired, like the Natu line. On the other hand, this could be inspired by Quetzalcoatl, a feathered serpent deity in Aztec culture. I would have loved to see this little guy’s evolutions.

(#352) Scarecrow Bird

A bird with a hat that kind of looks like a scarecrow. Honestly, it’s a super-cute idea.

(#353) Gargoyle Pokemon

This crouching beastie sort of looks like a gargoyle with a long, sharp tail. I can’t quite tell if those bits on the side are little wings or just a part of its legs. It would be interesting to see this creature standing in a different position-- I feel like that would give us a better understanding of what it looks like. Interestingly, there are striking similarities with Aerodactyl:

I wonder why they are so similar?

(#354 - 356) Manbō Evolution Family

The first of these three fishies was someone we already met in the Spaceworld ‘97 demo-- it was named ‘Manbō 1.′ In the demo, it evolved into  Ikari (Anchorage) and then Gurotesu (Grotess). It seems it’s now been split off from those and given a new evolution family here. While I find that neat, and I quite like the expressions on these fish, they are admittedly a little bland. 

(#360) Flying Squirrel(?) Pokemon

TCRF guesses this is a flying squirrel, and it seems to be wearing a sheathed sword. Not sure about the headgear it’s sporting. Is that a ninja star? 

(#364) Early Cyndaquil

So, this May 6, ‘98 collection is really exciting. The original Gold/Silver fire starter line we saw in Spaceworld ‘97 (Honooguma’s line) is still present in this collection (as is the water-type ‘Cruz’ line and Chikorita’s line). So, what we have here seems to be an early Cyndaquil before they decided to turn it into a fire type and make it the fire starter! In fact, those spikes might even be icicles (like Alolan Sandslash), for all we know. If so, Cyndaquil’s typing pulled a 180.

(#377) Early Furret?

Possibly an early Furret. Looks pretty awkward, not gonna lie; I’m glad it was probably refined into modern Furret, with more body definition between the head and tail.

(#378) Stork Pokemon

It’s a stork, based on the myth of where babies come from. A cute idea, although its curly ‘hair’ looks a little funny to me. 

(#380) Squid Pokemon

A squid with drills for its mantle and arms. Since that’s kinda Beedrill’s thing, I’m glad they scrapped the idea. The backsprite lacks drills so it’s probably from a different design stage. 

(#382 - 383) Early Burmy/Pineco

Burmy/Wormadam/Mothim is based off the bagworm. Bagworms are grubs that use silk and lots of bits of leaves, bark and other objects to create a camouflaged cocoon. When they turn into adults, some species of female bagworms just look like their larval stage, while the males turn into winged moths. That is why Burmy/Wormadam/Mothim have their unique evolution situation. Clearly, these two beta pokemon are playing around with the bagworm idea. They probably went on to inspire both Pineco (another pokemon based on bagworms!) and the Burmy line in gen 4.

(#386) Koala Pokemon

It’s so cool to see they were thinking about a koala pokemon this early. We would not finally get one until gen 7′s Komala.

(#387) Tanuki Pokemon

A Tanuki that is carrying campfire kindling on his back, but the kindling has caught fire. Apparently based on the Kachi-Kachi Yama folktale, which is a surprisingly violent story, but I suppose folktales often are. Who knows why it was cut, but Sentret is the closest thing we have to a tanuki pokemon for now.

(#392) Megaphone(?) Bird Pokemon

Yet another bird pokemon! There sure were a lot of beta birds. This one appears to have a megaphone-shaped beak. Or, possibly, its head is shaped like a gas mask (the strange eyes seem  to support this idea). Honestly I really dig the look of this one.

(#397) Frog Pokemon

It’s tough to tell but it has a small horn on its head. It has a long tongue and is probably shouting “ribbithhhhhh!” It’s cute, but a little plain.

(#400) Tiny Hippo Pokemon

Look at this little weirdo. I think it’s a tiny hippo? With a mohawk and a big grin and wild eyes. It doesn’t really seem to have a head, its mouth/eyes/ears are just stuck directly to a body. Looks pretty awkward, probably needed some polish. No idea what they were going for with it, but it’s interesting.

(#401) Skeleton Pokemon

A very spooky, bipedal, living skeleton beast. It has a long snout and sharp teeth, almost like a crocodile or a dinosaur-like creature. Its head and shoulders have bony spikes and the front of its snout has markings that seem to be a nasal cavity. Very detailed. It also reminds me of Missingno, as some Missingno used the fossil skeletons as their front sprites. I would have loved to have this pokemon, and it’s a real shame they didn’t use it.

(#402) Rodent Pokemon

A mouse or bunny with gigantic, spotted ears and no arms. Those are some serious ears; it almost looks like it could fly with them. 

(#403) Fly Pokemon

A bug-type!! It has a huge, creepy face, curly antenna and wings strangely really close to its head. I love it?? But it’s a bug, so of course I do.

(#404) Plant Pokemon

The Snow Bunny was likely part grass-type, but other than that, this is our first grass beta! It has one eye, a spikey head, and almost foot-like roots. I love how grumpy it looks. There’s a possibility it was a pre-evolution for Sunflora, before they had created the idea of Sunkern (which is not present in this collection).

(#405) Ant Pokemon

Another bug!! This one looks a lot like a winged ant. (Those do exist-- usually a temporary thing for mating flights) It’s possibly related to the fly pokemon above, sporting very similar wings. However, it doesn’t really seem like an evolution.

(#406) Dinosaur Pokemon

A little dinosaur-like pokemon, looking up at you. It’s unclear if that’s a tough, bony skull, or if it’s maybe a hat. The clubbed tail makes me wonder if it’s related to #415 below, but it’s probably unlikely. However, it is pretty likely that this later became Cranidos.

(#407) Early Cherrim

This clearly was a design that was picked up later, in gen 4, to create Cherubi/Cherrim’s sunshine form. I am glad the design was improved, because the lips on this one scare me.

(#412) Early Dunsparce

Dunsparce looking quite different. No wings, no drill tail, with a much more typical snake-like face. 

(#415) Dinosaur Pokemon

It looks like an aquatic version of an Ankylosaurus or something similar. It’s possible it’s related to the Viking Ship pokemon (as a pre-evo), but there’s no way to know. I quite like it, though.

(#416) Flying Fish Pokemon

This magnificent beast, this miracle of creation, is surely my favorite beta pokemon of all time. Revel in its glory. You may not like it, but this is the ideal pokemon body. What a perfect way to round off our collection of betas.

#pokemon #pokemon gold/silver #beta pokemon #april 2020 leak #pokemon betas #pokemon beta content #mycontent #pokemon discussion

[themanicnami]

My favorite pokemon generation is still by far Gen II. It has so much going for it even though there are some definitely bugs in some of the programming like items. But as a whole it had a lot to offer and really captured my interest and I still go back to play the original gen II games as well as the remakes. 

A few things about the Gen that I love:

Apricorn Balls - it was a neat concept even if some were very brokenly programmed and I had fun hording apricots to get them. Even cooler when in the remakes when I could see how nice they looked

Two Regions - getting to visit both Johto and Kanto blew my mind back in the day and set me up for lots of disappointment of that not ever happening again in new generations

Day/Night/Morning Encounters- not only did this again blow my lil’ mind back in the day, its something we get in some games then its suddenly gone in others (much like seasons). Morning is almost completely neglected in modern games if even used at all anymore for unique encounters

Roaming Legendaries - I thought this was again pretty neat as a kid, sure you could use your pokedex to track them once you saw one of them once but it always got me really excited when I could suddenly encounter Entei out in the middle of a random route

Bug Catching Contest - do I even have to say it? Its so much fun and I can’t help but think about how much fun it could be with how many more bugs we have now in newer gens or even other contests like it (fishing contest mayhaps?)

Environmental Interaction Encounters: it was a pretty new concept and thing to be able to encounter pokemon by using moves: headbutt on trees or rock smash on rocks. It was pretty fun and headbutt I miss a lot since sometimes you could encounter already sleeping wild pokemon which can make catching them easier. Some games still have Rock Smash but Headbutt is the one I miss the most.

Gym Order: As in though for the first 4 gyms you definitely have a specific order you must do them, after that the 5th through 7th gym you could really do in any order you like. You could go to Lake of Rage before even stepping foot in the Steel Gym. I use to play this to my advantage based on the types of the pokemon I had, sometimes Ice Gym was better to level up at than trying to go straight to Jasmine’s etc.

2 Elite 4′s and 2 Gym Leagues: this again goes into the two regions thing but it made the game feel so much longer and made it feel so much more satisfactory and rewarding to get high level pokemon than just grinding simply to battle other players. I liked having gyms that went extremely high level but with a long enough build up for you to reasonably get there. 

Animated Sprites: I know now this isn’t a shocking thing all games are animated (well to an extent at least) after a while but back in the day when Crystal came out seeing pokemon move on your little gameboy screen was mindblowing. And I still like their little animations today.

Radio Encounters: I liked how playing certain channels could increase or decrease the rate of encountering wild pokemon. In the remakes they even made it so certain songs, channels or talk shows would affect what pokemon may randomly appear in areas that they don’t normally. it was a fun idea

Pokegear: I liked calling people and having them call me, though in the original games it could be a bit too often, I did like the aspect of NPCs being like friends to you - giving you updates, giving you items, battling you again and sometimes just cheering you on. It was fun, and something I miss. I also liked how it had other apps in it such as the radio mentioned above

Things that I didn’t like/admit needed improvement:

We lost a lot of Beta Pokemon: we saw a ton of beta pokemon for gen 2 as well as several pre-evolutions that could’ve been (including a pre-evolutions to meowth, growlithe and vulpix) really fun and adorable to have

Safari Zone Removal: a grand disappointment for little me but the remakes did bring it back so that is good!

Too many Dragon Trainers: It was bothersome at least to me at a time that Dragon was still severely O.P. that we had several major trainers that were dragon trainers. it definitely made runs hard and still does.

Broken Items/Pokeballs: a lot of items were misprogrammed to do the opposite of what they were suppose to do (love balls catch pokemon of same sex instead of opposite, moon balls only catch pokemon that evolve with burn healz, etc)

Broken Status Effects: most noteably though I had no idea as a child, the gen 2 games status effects did not effect catch rate they were suppose to and so poisoning, paralysis etc did nothing to help you catch pokemon. If I recall only Sleep worked properly with catch rates.

But over all - Gen 2 was my favorite generation. Always will be I think - partially nostalgia and partially for just how unique it was even compared to a lot of games now.

#willow blabs #pokemon #what can I say #I've been replaying crystal yet again #and am reminded of how much i loved this gen #it helps with some anxiety and boredom #though brings to light a lot of reasons why i just can't play some of the new games #even though I really try

[inikavulpixelreviews]

Let’s Talk About Pokemon - Gen 7 Retrospective

That's at least a little more sizable than the XY generation was. Granted we have some Alolan Forms to help inflate the numbers a bit. Sure, if you were to count Gen 6′s Mega Evolutions, Gen 7 would be the actual smallest Gen to date. But remember what I said last generation's recap with how Gamefreak seemed to be taking a “quality over quantity” approach for that generation? That mentality seems to be back in full force here. 'Cause we're looking at my second favorite Gen right behind Gen 5.

I did bring up that Gen 6 was my third favorite generation in terms of the new, numerical Pokemon introduced. What has Alola muscle over it is how it's crammed as much inventiveness into the designs as they could think. The starters, the Legendaries/Kinda-Legendary Ultra Beasts, even the common fodder Pokemon have a little more going on than their typical ilk. And even some of the more boring designs like Oranguru and Passimian have interesting battle mechanics by changing the way you can approach double battles entirely on their own.

That also seemed to be a focus this generation. Not all of course, but a lot of the new Pokemon seemed to be based on different gameplay interactions and having unique abilities or signature moves. Between Salandit's Corrosion to Minior's Shields Down to Mimikyu's Disguise to Toucannon's Beak Blast and to Toxipex's Baneful Bunker. They really tried taking a shot at making each Pokemon have something unique to bring to battles. They even essentially made a more tournament-rules friendly alternative to Arceus in Silvally.

But there's a little subject more contentious about Gen 7 than the Pokemon, of course. That being the games themselves, which feel like they got the fandom split. I like Sun and Moon, but even I'll admit Gamefreak's gotta try a little harder for Gen 8. All the inventive things they've tried from a gameplay perspective ultimately don't change much. The game still had an 8-mini-act structure just like the Gym games. HMs getting replaced with Ride Pokemon is nice, but is still the same mechanic with different dressing. The biggest changes in the usual story structure don't even matter that much, the biggest change feeling like you get to know the region's Legendary Pokemon from the very start in the form of Nebby. Otherwise, it's just A Little Bit Better Written Than Usual. Y'know, not that Pokemon games tend to be master classes in writing anyway, its only real competition there being Black and White's story. (And even then, Sun and Moon's in desperate need of a Skip Cutscene button.)

Then there’s the Let’s Go games, which I suppose are technically Gen 7 games. Those got even more divisive. Some love it, others hate it. I personally just find it boring as a rather dumbed down remake of the Kanto games, only really playing because it was an excuse to use Melmetal. There’s some neat things in there that I wouldn’t mind seeing implemented in the main series (namely overworld-wandering Pokemon and AVs replacing EVs.) Just please keep the very poorly implemented Go-imitating catch mechanics as far away from the main series as possible.

Pokemon’s also starting to get more competition recently as well. Other than Digimon of course. Ni No Kuni, eventually Tem Tem, of course, the rise of the mighty Yokai Watch, which to my understanding, has been wrecking Pokemon in terms of sale numbers in their home region. Each of them implementing monster-catching RPG mechanics in their own unique way. I can’t speak for Yokai Watch, but Ni No Kuni is a lot more like a traditional JRPG, with the monsters being familiars that still fight in battle, but the trainers themselves also participate in the battle as well! And Tem Tem, while very much like Pokemon, is giving it more of an MMO angle. While I’m not one to shout about how much Pokemon just NEEDS to make an MMO with ALL THE REGIONS already, I am interested in seeing where TemTem winds up. It IS a Kickstarter game that made way more than it asked for, but as we know from a certain Strong Numerical Value That Is One Less Than Ten, that’s no guarantee it’ll be amazing. But worth keeping an eye on. It still has the potential to be something Gamefreak’s gonna have to watch out for.

Whether I like these other games or not, I appreciate that they exist, because they mean that sooner or later Gamefreak's gonna have to get their ass in gear and do something about it. I'm really getting burnt out on a new Pokemon game coming out literally every year. What I've wanted more than ever is for Gamefreak to at least take a hiatus from the yearly releases to have the game that comes after said break to really kick it out of the park. I get that the Ultra games probably didn't take up much development time and from my understanding Let's Go was made by a whole different team, so those games coming out in the years between Sun and Moon and Sword and Shield might not have much bearing on the latter's quality, but still. Pokemon's not had a major mechanical update since they introduced Abilities in Gen 3. I just hope Gen 8 does something interesting or has some form of major mechanical overhaul. Not asking Pokemon battles to be in real time or anything. Just some new Super Forms and powerful one-off moves aren’t gonna cut it for me. After over 20 years of Pokemoning and on, what, year 8 of a new Pokemon game coming out every year? I'm a little bit fatigued.

...Okay, let's end this on a better note than that.

I AM still exciting to see what Gen 8 has to offer, and I hope they mean it when they say they're trying something different. And of course, I'm ALWAYS gonna be excited to see some more new Pokemon. Gens 5, 6, and 7 are proving they're nowhere close to being out of steam yet, and I can't wait to see more Gen 8 Pokemon come our way in the coming months.

Top 10 Favorites of Gen 7:

Dangit this is hard. So many to love! So many new super-duper-tippity-top favorites!! Shout outs to Palossand, Silvally, Salandit, Xurkitree, and Buzzwole. There's just too many good'ens!!!!

Bottom 10 Least Favorite of Gen 7:

Amazingly, the only Pokemon here I really “dislike” is Zeraora. The rest are just that cherry-picked handful of Alolan Pokemon I don't really care that much about. Hurray!

Bottom 10 Least Favorite Overall:

Almost got through with no new additions. Almost.

The Cutest:

God this Generation was good for Pokemon I just want to pick up and hug. Or in Mimikyu's case, get horrendously murdered by because I got a little too close to taking its rag off. And I'd still say “Thanks.”

The Coolest:

The Prettiest:

The Spookiest:

This gen was really good to scratch a Halloweeny itch. A BUNCH of cool new ghosts, complete with the eerie head leech Pokemon I never would’ve suspected would make it into Pokemon!

Most Creative:

Weirdest/Most Unique:

This section here could've been filled with Ultra Beasts alone if I really wanted to, haha.

Most Forgettable:

Magearna is here not necessarily because I think the design is forgettable, but gee wizz I keep thinking it's not a Gen 7 Pokemon.

Most Personality:

Here's a new section! Gen 7 had a lot of personality-based designs, so there was actually a fair bit of competition for a slot like this. Buzzwole and Bewear are just hilarious, and I'm still thoroughly impressed with Meltan. They managed to cram so much adorable personality into such a simple design. And I’ll eat my hat the day we get a Pokemon more smug than Salandit.

Most Under-Appreciated:

Poor Stakataka keeps getting dismissed because of its bad typing... not that I can blame anyone because Rock/Steel is easily the most boring of all the UB typings, especially when we had room to have a Ghostly duo between it and Blacephalon to have us our first Rock/Ghost type!

Most Long Overdue Concepts:

Seriously, how'd it take 7 generations to get a wolf and a mosquito? Let alone 6 generations to finally get a second MANTIS and traditional horse Pokemon?! As far as spooky Pokemon go, you'd think a shipwreck would be one of the easier and more obvious concepts to go after, even if the one we finally got didn't take the form I expected it to. And Araquanid's just here because a fully evolved BUG/WATER was a long time frickin coming.

Best Regional Variants:

At least I'm naming the category that way because Regional Variants better be a series mainstay from now on!! These are the Alolan Forms with the most fun alternate take on their original forms. And Vulpix and Ninetales are there because fox solidarity.

Best Ultra Beasts:

Again, I really hope Ultra Beasts won't be an Alola-Only thing. I want to avoid talking about Gen 8 spoilers to be considerate of anyone that wants to avoid those, but a certain image carved into the ground in a particular scene has me hoping Ultra Beasts might be returning. And that Xurkitree could have a big brother in the near future. There's hardly much basis because said carving could literally be anything, but. Please.

Anyway, I love the Ultra Beasts as a concept of extra-dimensional alien beings. Some sell the look of freaky aliens better, especially ones like Nihilego, Xurkitree, Kartana, and Celesteela. But nonetheless, these 6 are my favorites out of our roster. HOPEFULLY so far.

Pokemon That Should’ve Gotten Alolan Forms:

I tend to agree that limiting Alolan Forms to Gen 1 Pokemon only was a silly thing to do, but even minding that, I feel like there was crazy amounts of missed potential here. Seel and Dewgong just desperately need some fresh attention to stop being Pokemon’s more forgettable critters. While I suppose Lapras and Tentacruel are excusable given they’re sea dwellers regardless, I totally wouldn’t mind electric jellyfish versions of the Tentas, or even a Kracken-based form for the former. This was also MORE than an opportunity to redeem Dragonite with a more Dragonair-like variant. And some tropical jungle variations of Paras and Venonat would be neat. I’m just saying, a Venomoth turned into more of a Tropical Hawkmoth would’ve been killer.

And Parasect hurts the most. You’re telling you’re gonna have Parasect inhabit this jungle area along with another, brand new mushroom Pokemon. AND you’re gonna introduce the concept of Gen 1 Pokemon taking on new forms based on the new and radically different habitats in Alola. And you’re just NOT gonna place some glowing mushrooms on their backs, turn them pale white, and call them Bug/Fairy types?!?!?! Hello?!?!!??!?

...Oh, am I forgetting something?

Top 50 Favorites Overall:

...Surprise! Yeah, just sorta decided “why not?” This is our last Gen for the rest of the year, so let's end it on a “Look At All My Favorites!” type of a bang. Also because it pained me to see all these not make it to some sort of Top Favorites highlight. And of course, they might not be 100% consistent with scores or previous Top 10 favorites. I'm only a human with a finicky brain that is constantly changing how absolutely precisely I feel about every single one of these. 

And... that's it... that's every single Pokemon reviewed. Every single Gen Recapped. We've had lots of ups and downs and plenty of getting a little too excited about cartoon animals. Gen 8 is still a ways away, and even when it comes out, I'd like to wait a few months to let the new designs settle into my mind before I go writing opinion pieces on all of them. And of course, for official artwork to be out for everybody.

BUT I do have a handful of ways to pass the time until Gen 8 does come out... What's up next exactly? Well, we won't have to wait too long, thankfully...

[Archive]

#Pokemon #Gen 7 #Pokemon Reviews

[tlozypaka-tina]

1, 7, 12, 24, 65, 74 and 76!

1.- Favorite type

Oooh that’s difficult to choose since I like many. But if I have to go by the one who has the most favs, it would have to be water type!

7.- Favorite gym leader

There is also- so many! But one of my favs is, no doubt, Korrina! I adore her design, the theme of roller skater (which is a rather different take for a fighting type gym leader!), the epic battle at the Tower of Mastery, and her personality is so fun and endearing! Masters just reminded me of that and I can’t help but find her adorable.

12.- Least favorite trial (Sun&Moon)

I tend to find the fun in everything, but if I really must make a choice...Lana’s. I’m sorry, but chasing Whishi washi on the sea a few times wasn’t what I expected for her challenge- but I won’t deny, the moment where they changed form was really neat!

24.- Your favorite team of pokemon you’ve ever had

I tend to stick by pretty basic teams as I play because- it is very difficult for me to switch out, as I get attached so fast. But I fondly remember my first Platinum team! Empoleon, Glaceon, Staraptor, Luxray, Lucario and Giratina (Two things- before Giratina I had Bibarel and, back then I didn’t care if I used legendaries in the story mode x,D I was like...9/10 when I played Platinum the first time)

I remember jumping out of my chair when my Glaceon defeated Cynthia’s Garchomp with a single Blizzard (I was underleveled, like, 5 levels?)

I remember struggling a lot raising Prinplup- so much that I benched him on the PC until late game, when I needed a surf user and Bibarel had no more moves avaliable. I also remember believing that, the more my pokemon liked me, the easier it would be for them to land low-accuracy moves.

I remember thinking how Staraptor was so broken with Close combat- I spammed it everywhere!

I remember being so happy when I found the Icy stone, running to the pokemon center to get my Eevee, giving him a rare candy and getting my Glaceon.

I remember getting so emotional when baby Riolu evolved, because it was friendship based.

It just is...very warm to remember.

65.- Favorite pokemon movie

I have! The softest of spots for Manaphy and the Temple of the Sea!, I adored that movie the first time I watched it, and it made me fall in love with Manaphy, in fact, it was my favorite legendary for a long time.

The fact that it focused so much on the bond that Manaphy and May had just, tugged my heart- and considering that at the time May was my favorite pokegirl it just made the connection the more meaningfull to me! (Sure, the last battle is...questionable but, we are used to the cheese)

74.- Favorite Alolan version of a first gen pokemon

ALOLAN VULPIX AND NINETAILS! WHEN I SAW THEM I SCREAMED. Their type was perfect...the design so soft...sadly it was a Sun exclusive so I had to beg my friends to catch one for me jfbejbejkr.

76.- A pokemon that you feel is underrated

Many of the ones I like tend to be fan favorites, so I am pretty basic...but I think that Ponyta is rather underrated. I don’t have many reasons for it other than they don’t seem to be talked about as much, nor can be found in the wild in many games.

#ask #kiromori #Remembering my team made me a bit emotional- #And also #I can't believe it was so many years ago now #TIME STOP

[rubyandhedy]

Behind the Scenes Clip # 1

This is very long but I thought readers might enjoy seeing how a chapter gets made between Arctic and I. We use GMail and respond back and forth. This is not the complete chapter as I had to remove parts that had spoilers. Some are removed, others are replaced with asterisks. By the way, my (Corona) real name isn’t Rella. It’s just a pseudonym.

Rella Collis Wed, Feb 27, 1:30 PM to Arctic

"Can I help you, sir?"

Jeremy nodded slightly, slipping something out of his pocket and showing it to the man. "Yeah, I told Chief Danvers I was coming. I'm here to check out some of your cold cases."

The officer glanced at the badge. His eyebrows popped up and he looked a little confused. "Uh, sure Detective. I'll take you downstairs. Just sign this." He pushed at clipboard toward Jeremy and called behind him, "Hey, Murdock. Handle the desk for me will ya?"

The trip down to the records room was awkward for a few seconds.

"So what's a big city Detective like you doing in a town like this?" the officer said, trying to make conversation.

Jeremy was quiet for a minute. "I'm working a case."

"Oh, yeah...I figured..." the officer seemed embarrassed to have asked.

"What your name?" Jeremy said. He wasn't trying to be standoffish. He was just distracted.

"Daily, sir. Rick Daily."

"How long have you been on the force, Daily."

Daily laughed. "Still a rookie. I got out of the academy four months ago."

Jeremy snorted. "Is Sargent Stone still there?"

Arctic Vulpix Wed, Feb 27, 1:48 PM to me

(I just realised how much it would hit Jeremy if he actually knew Ruby's dad and never made the connection with the surnames. She looks more like her mom than her dad. He had brown hair and blue eyes.)

The kid looked at him awkwardly.

"Uh, Sargent Stone...hasn't been around for six years sir." he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "He never taught me so I just know about him from the older guys. Did you know him?"

He looked curious. It was an avoided topic in the station.

Rella Collis Wed, Feb 27, 2:09 PM to Arctic

Jeremy frowned a bit at Daily's tone but chuckled fondly. "I graduated from the academy here. He was my class's drill Sargent, then my partner for a year and a half as a rookie. Basically my mentor. Taught me most of what I know. We were close but lost touch after I got promoted and moved." He paused and shrugged. "Actually, I was hoping to catch up with him while I was in town. He retired?" Jeremy couldn't imagine Stone was old enough to retire. Plus he was stubborn j*** and probably couldn't stand being away from the station even if he was retired.

Rella Collis Wed, Feb 27, 2:20 PM to Arctic

(Edited. Use this version.)

Jeremy frowned a bit at Daily's tone but chuckled fondly. "I graduated from the academy here. He was my class's drill Sargent. Taught me most of what I know. We were close but lost touch after I got promoted and moved." He paused and shrugged. "Actually, I was hoping to catch up with him while I was in town. He retired?" Jeremy couldn't imagine Stone was old enough to retire. Plus he was stubborn j*** and probably couldn't stand being away from the station even if he was retired.

Arctic Vulpix Wed, Feb 27, 2:29 PM to me

Daily paused at the door to the cold case office and grimaced.

"Um, I'm sorry. Sargent Stone died six years ago." his tone was apologetic. It wasn't all that uncommon for old students or buddies of Stone's to come by looking to get back in contact with him. He was one of those guys that seemed to get along with everyone and made friends by just breathing. Of course if the rumours were to be believed he was also a tough superior. "According to Officer Black that would be the only way the Sargent would ever have retired." he gave a weak smile. He always cracked bad jokes when he was uncomfortable.

Rella Collis Wed, Feb 27, 2:43 PM to Arctic

Jeremy immediately felt as if someone had drop-kicked him in the stomach. If they were still on the stairs he probably would have tripped and fell down a flight. He froze for a second and swallowed.It took him a second to breath out a weak laugh. "Yeah, Black's right. Sarge would have needed to be dragged out." He was afraid to ask. Being on the force wasn't exactly a safe job. "What...happened?" It didn't seem real. Stone was always so tough and sure of himself. He could be strict, but he was fair and good friend. Once, after a really bad call, he sat Jeremy and a couple other new guys down and talked them through what happened, even thought they were already ordered to meet with the station counselor the next day. Jeremy struggled to believe he was just...gone. 

Arctic Vulpix Wed, Feb 27, 2:52 PM to me

Daily looked away, uncomfortable with grief at his young age."Car crash. No foul play or anything. Apparently the entire force was out checking after it happened to make sure. Just...really bad luck. You know, rain at night. Didn't see the other car. The other car didn't see him..." he stared at the door. "You know his desk is still up there? None of the officers will take it. It's just like he left it with his photos and stuff. I'm sure Officer Black would let you take a look if you want before you left? If it would, uh, help?"  

Rella Collis Wed, Feb 27, 2:55 PM to Arctic

Jeremy nodded silently and went through the door as Daily held it open for him. "Y-yeah. I'd appreciate it."   

Arctic Vulpix Feb 27, 2019, 3:01 PM to me

"So, uh, what cold case are you looking for?" He asked with forced cheerfulness. The room wasn't very big since the town didn't have a history of unsolved crimes. Luckily it was neat and organised. 

Rella Collis Wed, Feb 27, 3:30 PM to Arctic

Jeremy hesitated, unsure if it was a good idea to say so. "The 1996 disappearances..." (completely guessing year here.)Daily looked startled."Actually," Jeremy said before Daily could reply. "Everything you have involving Freddy's."Daily shifted but made a beeline toward a section of the room, Jeremy trailing behind. "I heard one of them was found," Daily said, trying not to sound too interested. "A little girl." It was a surprise he even knew the case existed to begin with. Curiosity killed the cat."..."Jeremy eventually spoke. "She wasn't lost. They found her crying and covered in blood. That's what got the police involved in the first place.""I would think some kids going missing would.""Well... the parents didn't think they were missing at first. It was a different time. People were a lot more trusting back then. And the town was smaller. The idea that anyone, a neighbor, could have kidnapped someone's kids was unheard of. The Chief at the time was so adamant it had to be someone from out of town that by the time he was pulling in locals for questioning, the suspect had plenty of time to..." Jeremy trailed off, the previous night coming to mind. It was one thinking about the murderer as some faceless monster, it was another to have him mock you face to face."1996? You were there?" Daily asked, reading labels on the boxes. Jeremy didn't look old enough."You could say that."    

Arctic Vulpix Wed, Feb 27, 3:36 PM to me

Eventually Dailly pulled out a box and dropped it on the table."There's not much. Um, everyone in the station has looked at some point or another. Cause of the urban rumours you know? Cops are just naturally curious." He gave a weak smile. "Do you need me to stay? Or have you got this?" 

Rella Collis Wed, Feb 27, 3:55 PM to Arctic

Jeremy waved him off. "I'm good. Thanks, Daily.""It's not a problem, sir. Let me know if you need anything."Jeremy was already looking through the box and barely noticed the other cop leave.This was it? He knew it was a slim case file but he could have sworn it was more than this 

Arctic Vulpix  Wed, Feb 27, 3:58 PM to me

There was the initial report that was filed because of Hedy. Then there was the very basic missing persons reports for the kids. There weren't any interviews with employees here or even evidence from the crime scene. The forensic report was clean. Instead the majority of the file was made up of cease and desist orders from lawyers.   

Rella Collis Feb 27, 2019, 4:12 PM to Arctic

It made his blood boil reading them. The lack of regard for grieving families was sickening but he pushed through. He noticed his family mentioned a few times, which wasn't a surprise, but it was very annoying how the lawyers refused to acknowledge any of the children by name. He got it was the lawyers' job, but how illegal we're they willing to be. Cease and desist letters wouldn't be enough to derail an investigation. There had to be something sketchy going on under the table. Something that would make the police go against everything they believed in to turn a blind eye.   

Arctic Vulpix Wed, Feb 27, 4:22 PM to me

Of course something like that wouldn't be in the actual report. According to the file the main officer assigned to the case had been Officer Black. Talking to him would probably the his best bet at finding out what had stalled the investigation so thoroughly. Something must have happened to stop this entire station from digging any deeper. 

Rella Collis Feb 27, 2019, 4:52 PM to Arctic

Jeremy stayed for a couple more hours in a cold dry basement pouring over the files. Finally, he decided he wasn't going to learn anything he didn't already know.

Word of his arrival had apparently spread by the time he made his way back upstairs.

A man much taller than him trapped him in the doorway with a bone crushing handshake before Jeremy even had a moment to introduce himself.   

Arctic Vulpix  Wed, Feb 27, 4:59 PM to me

"Name's Alistair Black. I heard that you were a friend of Stone's?" He asked.

It was pretty obvious that most of the station was listening in as Officer Black was not a quiet person.

"Any friend of his is a friend of ours."There were many nods of agreement all around.

Rella Collis  Wed, Feb 27, 5:09 PM to Arctic

(maybe it's just my writer senses tingling but ******** *** ******* ************** ****** ******* I don't know.)"

Jeremy Fitzgerald," Jeremy said, giving the hand a hearty shake. "Sorry for your loss. I didn't even know he passed."

Arctic Vulpix Wed, Feb 27, 5:15 PM to me

(**************** now I'm considering something *****... *********************)

"It was sudden. He knew so many people we couldn't contact them all for the funeral. And his wife was killed with him so she couldn't help."

He'd never met the woman. All he knew was that she was the only person on the planet that had actually scared Sargent Stone. A single phone call from her had him tripping in his hurry to get home on a number of occasions.

Rella Collis  Wed, Feb 27, 6:12 PM to Arctic

(oh no...*****************************************************???)

Jeremy felt a pit in his stomach. "Didn't they have a daughter?" 

==Then when we finished the chapter we used email to chat about story ideas for a bit.===

Rella Collis Mar 1, 2019, 12:51 PM to Arctic

"Just 20 from an outside source..." she whispered. "The fuses only work for internal surges. If the whole body is flooded they short."

Arctic Vulpix Mar 1, 2019, 12:55 PM to me

(Not too sure. Might put it in after the next night. It should fit. She's mad at them after the conversation in the chapter I uploaded on Monday. This just adds more detail I didn't have.)

The taser just sat there innocently sparking at him.

He might not know her well but he knew for sure that Ruby would never forgive either of them if he did what he was considering. Despite her violent tendencies she valued a life above everything else and she saw the bots as alive. As long as she thought Spring was alive she wouldn't stop trying to free him. Or defend him if she thought it was necessary. Since she had already overheard him asking some...suspicious questions, she'd no doubt be on alert from now on.

Rella Collis Mar 1, 2019, 1:05 PM to Arctic

(I didn't realize you already updated and Jeremy and Hedy already had this conversation. I didn't get a notification or email from fanfiction. You can take that part out or stick her explanation into the chapter you already updated.)

Arctic Vulpix Mar 1, 2019, 1:09 PM to me

(Nah I'll make it work, don't worry. It was a short chapter because I really did want to have Ruby overhear something that makes her mad at them. It helps explain her cold shoulder in the next chapter. He just asked how much voltage it would take to hypothetically take out a bot the size of Springtrap. The taser explanation helps expand on that.)

Rella Collis Mar 1, 2019, 4:18 PM to Arctic

(Thats real stuff by the way. I was wiring up the motors and special effects to haunted dollhouse I was programming and I intended to hook up lighting and fans in the room as if the ghost rmwas real and effecting things outside of the dollhouse. The dollhouse mechanics used 12 volts but I had to be careful with the outside stuff because I needed to use 120V wiring and power it from the building.)

Arctic Vulpix Mar 1, 2019, 4:29 PM to me

(That's mildly terrifying...)

Rella Collis Mar 1, 2019, 5:46 PM to Arctic

(Kinda justifies Hedy getting angry and annoyed when someone distracts her as she's working on a bot, like all those times Toby complained about Ruby while Hedy was busy with Mangle.)

Arctic Vulpix Mar 2, 2019, 1:26 AM to me

(True. I should mention that at some point with Jeremy realising just how dangerous that is.)

Rella Collis Mar 2, 2019, 2:48 PM to Arctic

(Hedy should get zapped once but it was only a short bit, enough to make her go "ow." and j*** her hand away, but it prompts Jeremy to scold Toby or whoever was the cause. Then maybe Jeremy and Hedy get into an argument where he wants her to wear gloves but she adamantly refuses. Just some ideas. I like to think the animatronics don't even realize how dangerous it is to work on them, since Hedy doesn't mention it because she's a professional and knows what she's doing. But while everyone wants to help her work on Spring she takes the safety very seriously despite how much pain she's in and snaps at Ruby for something small like pushing some wires out of the way. They get a sense of how dangerous it is and how much effort she actually puts into her job.)

Arctic Vulpix Sat, Mar 2, 2:53 PM to me

I like it. I can imagine the nights where Ruby's constantly setting off explosions don't help when she's trying to fix the more delicate bots either.

(By the way I went shopping today and found a little nightmare foxy plush. I'm so happy at the moment.)

Rella Collis Sat, Mar 2, 3:06 PM to Arctic

Aw cool. I found a Mangle plush a while back, but our new doggo got to her and chewed up her nose.

#cowriting #behind the scenes of writing

[fearofaherobrine]

Roleplay Server Log #246

“BUFF, Flux in Control, Quest for Cp and Lie”

- / player BuffNOTCH has joined the server / -

[Bn] Appears with a heavy thump. He's a basic NOTCH but as big as an iron golem, his smile is huge and his greeting is incredibly loud and friendly- HELLO Wow... Did I spawn into a party? You guys have a really diverse server! Nice to meet you all! Where's my Herobrine?

[Doc] Jaw drop and the statick dribbles on the grass, messing up its color at hir feet.

[Stevie] - Wha...  What?

[aven] -has also shown up leaving ben with hyrule but he gave her his ocarina-

[Zly Wilk] shares an uncertain look with Lazur. They both lower their weapons to appear less threatening, but stay back and stay at the ready.

-Mix head tilt-

[Yaunfen] - Mada?  Who that?

[Bn] I'm BuffNOTCH! But you can call me Buff! So seriously! I see lots of brines, which ones mine?

[Doc] I guess that would be me...

[Buff] Strolls up- Wooow a dragon. Neat! We should arm wrestle sometime! I'll go easy on you- arm flex and playful wink-

[Stevie] - What the Nether is going on?

[Mix] -Softly, to Sky- ...What?

[gem] -is confused but is maintaining the lasers-

[Lazur] - looks at Zly with a surprised look and a shrug before putting her sword away. [Zly Wilk] - is still apprehensive, holds his staff like a walking stick. He looks closely at Doc, trying to read hir and judge how best to proceed.

[Buff] So what's going on? You guys look pretty tense. You should do more stretching exercises to loosen up. [TLOT] Shakes his head and addresses Stevie - from what I can glean someone deleted Dn and this is the result. Now if you'll excuse me I'm going to take my husband to the bar and get utterly drunk.

[Crim] - relaxes and scuttles a little closer, curious.

[Doc] scuffs the statick that's pooled on the grass to despawn it.

[Stevie] - I...  I don't...  What?

[Yaunfen] - Mada?

[Zly Wilk] - aside to Stevie - I take it this isn't a normal occurrence, even by this seed's standards?

[Flowey] Can I go now?

[Mix] I.. yeah, I guess.

-Flowey does the abscond-

[Stevie] - No, not at all...  And I'm still confused as to where my brother is, he'd never miss out on fighting a NOTCH...

[Buff] Is just looking around- bit of a grim spawn but the headstone signs are pretty funny-

[Doc] I take it... you're not here to start anything?

[Buff] Not unless you're not taking care of yourself! HAHAH

[Buff] Looks at Crim - hey little fella! You're cute. - pats Crim on the head-

[Crim] - blinks in confusion. - Big no steps?

[Doc] Loafs - good grief- Xe turns to check in Deerheart. - Love? It's safe. Are you okay?

[Deer] Gives no response, her colors are still very dull and her breathing is shallow-

[Buff] Huh? - pats his pockets. - maybe I have a cookie?

[gem] -realizes he is friendly retracts her mist puts on her bracelets and lands with her guardians-

[Doc] Nudges her- Deerheart? -

[Yaunfen] - Mama...

[Doc] pulls out a bowl of the healing slime and smears a small line over her chest like icy hot- wake up sweetheart...

[Deer] Gives no response-

[Zly Wilk] - stows his staff with a mixure of relief and regret and turns to Lazur - Ok... We should get back to fixing your speech program.

[Buff] At Gem - lots a hands to shake here! - Goes for a shake with one hand and a fist bump with the other.

[Doc] Calls out for Flux, hir panic growing

[Mix] Well, atleast he's friendly? -pets the now perching Firebird and steps back a bit-

[gem] -shakes his hand with one of hers and the guardians fist bump-

[Flux] - I hear you, but I cannot come to you

[Buff] does a quick movement and suddenly Gem has cookies in two of her hands- haha!

[Doc] I have to go... Flux, I'm coming.

[gem] -puts her sugar cookies in her other two hand- would you like one?

[Stevie] - I'll go with you Doc

[Flux] Is still kneeling where she was earlier-

[Buff] Nah I just carry em for kids and such, not a big sugar  person.

[Buff] Offers Crim a cookie as well-

[gem] I like sugar but I don't need it or other foods.

[Crim] - sniffs then shakes head no. - Smell wrong, make stomach hurt. No thank.

[Doc] walks gingerly back to where Flux is, hir legs still shaking from all the leftover adrenaline. - Flux... She passed out....

[Buff] Oh! Okay.

[Flux] - I know, I managed to stop it in time

[Doc] Stop what?

[Flux] - She used so much energy, the seed tried to reclaim her, to protect her.  We servers are not meant to do what she just did.  We are meant to protect not destroy.  For the time being I am in control of the server

[Doc] Curls around her, crying softly - Thank you Flux... I owe you so much. I would be lost without her.

[Flux] - It shouldn't take her too long to recover since DN has been replaced by another

[Buff] So who's who? How come there are so many brines here?

[Stevie] Goes into Lie's house and then comes back out, scratching his head in confusion as Hope and the Vulpix's run outside-

[Zly Wilk] - cranes his neck to look at Buff - I'm Zly, this is my partner Lazur. We are former.... Well.... "Fixers"... That ended up seeking sanctuary here after our last mission went bad.

[Buff] Capital! Always good to have people to patch things up on big servers! I understand multiplayer can be rowdy! Thankfully I can bounce and ban hammer with the best!

[Mix] I'm Mix, this is Firebird!

[Sky] I'm Sky.

[Firebird] -chorp-

[Buff] You look very fit and hearty miss! And your pet looks in good health too. Good job! What an unusual Enderman!

[Firebird] -Sound similar to laughter-

[Stevie] Approaches Doc- Doc...  I can't find my brother anywhere around here, or Lie

[Zly Wilk] we specialized in viruses, malicious programs, even.... harmful glitches from time to time..... but it was always fun ChatBot hunting when we would get the chance. -chuckles-

[gem] my name is gem and these are my guardians

[aven] i'm aven

[hg] -is behind a tree because he is a little scared- my name is HG

[Buff] Annoyingly loud- Nice to meet all of you! So fill me in, what do I need to know? My brine skittered off, but I'm sure I'll catch up to them soon enough.

[Notch] Was helping Stevie look-  I hate to say it, but I think he ran and hid. It would make sense with everything that's happened lately.

[Stevie] - Who knows how far he went...

[aven] I am heading back to ben and hyrule -heads off-

[Doc] Well he didn't leave the server. And I should be able to use the admin functions to find him. I think it's just a matter of talking him down.

[Buff] Waves to Aven-

[Flux] - At least his mate is with him

[Doc] True. - Xe's unconsiously grooming Deerheart's hair with hir claws. - He probably just wanted to protect her.

[Yaunfen] - Why Mada doing that?

[Doc] Doing what? Oh! Just... I want her to know I'm here. Keeping her warm, watching over her. She takes such good care of me...

[Yaunfen] - Oh, can I help?

[Notch] Flux... are you okay? You look uncomfortable...

[Doc] If you want, sweetheart. Curl up with us.

[Flux] - I will be fine, although I will be unable to move from this spot until Deer is ready to take control again

[Yaunfen] Curls up between them-

[Notch] Oh dear! Can you at least sit down?

[Flux] - If I am careful, it is just that my fingers cannot leave the ground, that is where the connection is

[Notch] Shit... Um, I'll help! - He opens the creative and then carefully maneuvers a stairblock under her butt so she's sitting, albeit a little awkwardly.

[Flux] - Thank you Notch

[Notch] Give me a few ticks, I'll build a little shelter around you so you don't get rained on. - starts pulling out materials-

[Hope] Starts playing with the end of Doc's tail-

[Zly Wilk] We are rather new here ourselves, Buff, so we don't know many of the locals, but i can tell you that your Brine has made something wonderful here.... A sanctuary where all those who have been persecuted, those looking for a second chance at a new life, can find a safe space to call home.

In all my Cycles I've never seen anything like it, and the inhabitants here would protect their home and their friends to the death, if it came to that.

[Doc] Flicks it a little bit with a soft smile so the cat can play.

[Buff] Hot damn. Looks like I hit the jackpot assignment-wise! I guess I won't be needed for bodyguard duty much, huh?

[Hope] Tackles it while the Alolan Vulpix tries to get the other one to play-

[HG] -tries to get closer to buff-

[Buff] Turns a huge radiant smile on HG - You're grubby! Been playing football or something?

[HG] -in a shy voice- no I garden I have a lot of plants I take care of so I am in the dirt a lot.

[Zly Wilk] it's a pretty peaceful seed, yeah. Not to say there aren't 'family squabbles' now and then. You may see some dust ups amongst the Brines, but we all pretty much take care of our own when the chips are down.

[Deer] Starts stirring-

[Buff] I love it, on both counts! - Gives Hg a friendly swat on the shoulder. - It's always good to get outside! Breathe some fresh air and get dirty!

[Doc] Gives her the tiniest sad lick on the cheek-

[Deer] - Doc?

[HG] -falls over because he wasn't expecting the swat-

[Doc] I'm here...

[Buff] Whoops! Sorry little guy! - He picks up Hg like he doesn't weigh anything and sets him on his feet again.

[Deer] - What...  What happened?

[HG] thank you

[Doc] Some kind of secondary protocal. It must have been part of the last update and I didn't notice it. You deleted Dn, and the system generated a new NOTCH to take his place...

[Buff] No problem!

[Deer] - A new one?

[Doc] Yeah... he's a bit odd.... but he seems friendly enough.

[Deer] - If you say so...  I feel weird...

[Flux] - That's most likely because you're not fully connected to the seed at the moment

[Notch] Has already put up some walls and is now building a cute little roof over her head.

[Deer] - I'm not fully connected?  What's wrong?  What's happening?

[Doc] She's in control for the moment. She was waiting for you to recover fully.

[Deer] - Flux, you didn't have to...

[Flux] - Yes I did, the seed would have taken you back to save you

[Doc] You saved me and she saved you.

[Deer] - Then thank you Flux

[Flux] - You are very welcome

[Lazur] - makes a series of noises like out of the old Q*Bert game -

[Zly Wilk] It's not my business to ask. We are NOT the Guardians of this seed.

-gets a pleading look from his partner- oh.... Alright.  Buff, pardon my asking. We've had some run ins with some bad characters that have dropped in... What exactly IS your assignment here?

[Buff] Shrugs- NOTCHs are assigned to Herobrines. We're just supposed to keep an eye on them and make sure they don't cause a ton of chaos and drive the human players away.

[Zly Wilk] -grins broadly- Then yeah, I think you got yourself a pretty easy assignment.

[Buff] Then just let me know if you need any heavy things moved around. - Laughs-

[Mix] What kind of heavy stuff counts?

[Buff] Anything!

[Zly Wilk] - laughs- well, we need to head over to check in on our friends. care to follow?  - in chat - Doc, where you guys at?

[Doc] Chat- At Lie's house

[Mix]! Can you carry me???

[Zly Wilk] Chat - ok... Bringing our new friend.

[Buff] Sure! Shall I take the bird too?- He picks her up one handed and puts her on his shoulder.

[Mix] Nice! *giddy Laugh

[firebird] *chirp

[Buff] Puts the big bird on his other shoulder and faces Zly - Lead the way!

[Sky] - amused snort -

[Zly Wilk] - heads off towards Lie's house at a brisk pace and soon they arrive -

[Stevie] Waves in greeting-

[Buff] Looks at Deerheart laying down, and Flux in her tiny house. - Uhh? Everything okay over here?

[Deer] - I'm not sure

[Doc] It's just been a stressful day...

[Zly Wilk] -waves back and approches Stevie, whispers - Do me a favor? When things settle down, have Doc contract me? - makes sure Lazur is out of earshot - I have a coding issue that i could use some help on.

-Mix blep -

[Stevie] - Huh?  Uh, sure...

[Buff] Hey another NOTCH! I think?

[Notch] I'm the original... Markus.

[Buff] Neat.

[Hope] Mews at Buff, sniffing him-

[Buff] Can't reach down for the cat without dislodging Mix and Firebird - Good kitty.

[Deer] Sits up a bit more- It feels weird, not being fully connected to the server that is...

[Zly Wilk] Thanks. With all that is going on, figured it could wait. - gestures to Deer, Flux, and Buff before walking over and joining Lazur.

[Lazur] - teleports them both back to their camp in the woods -

[Doc] Well you're registered as a player, so it's not like you're in total limbo with the system.

[Stevie] Eyes Buff a little nervously-

-mix, contently blepping on Buffs shoulder while Firebird preens on the other -

[Buff] Hey, a Steve! What's shaking big guy? - Offered fist bump.

[Stevie] - Ummm...- He isn't sure what to do

[Doc] Makes a little motion and bumps hir knuckles together-

[Stevie] Tentatively bumps fists-

[Buff] All right!

[Stevie] Steps away and trips over the Vulpix's which then scatter-

[snake] -comes from the direction of gem's house because he stayed behind because they though there was going to be a fight he make a kazoo noise so no one steps on him-

[CN] Is sniffling in the dog house, Lie's wolves nudging him and trying to make him happier-

[Yaunfen] Happily nuzzles Deer- Mama...

[Deer] Gives Yaunfen a gentle pet-

[Notch] Finishes the tiny house and looks around. - Hey, where's Cn? Do you think Cp and Lie actually took him too?

[Doc] I doubt it...

[Buff] Hears the kazoo and looks around- Did someone fart?

[Flux] - Dog pen

[snake] I am no fart I am a snake

[Notch] I'll go look.

[CN] Is sitting in a corner, knees drawn up to his chest-

[Mix] Hey Snake! *wave from Buff;s shoulder

[Buff] Oh! You're tiny! Sorry!

[Notch] Cn? - ventures inside- Cn...

[CN] Wipes his eyes- Go away

[snake] I am very tiny compared to the other guardians but I still have a great impact

[Notch] Are you sure you wouldn't prefer someone to tell your troubles too?

[CN] - NO!

[Notch] Well then you can be quiet, but you're still coming with me. - He scoops up the small child and hugs him before making his way back to the group-

[CN] Still crying-

[Doc] Sees Markus approaching and Cn crying. - Oh...

[Buff] Walks to meet them- Hey little NOTCH, why so many tears?

[CN] Turns away from Buff-

[Deer] - CN...  I'm sorry...

[CN] - NO YOU'RE NOT!

[Doc] You'll understand when you're older I think...

[CN] - NO!  HE WAS MY FRIEND!

[Deer] - But you weren't his CN

[Notch] He wasn't a nice person at all. I know you cared about him, but he didn't care about anyone but himself. Honestly.

[CN] - But he helped me get feathers!

[Doc] So did I. You have other friends Cn...

[CN] - NO!  First you take DN away and then the big meanie took my brine somewhere and I don't know where!

[Buff] Dn?

[Doc] Your predessor was... fired from his post.

[Buff] Hm. Well, lucky for me, I guess?

[Notch] Cp just bolted because he was afraid Cn. We'll find him and Lie.

[CN] Huffs and hides his face away-

[Buff] I'll be your friend kiddo. Us NOTCH's gotta stick together.

[CN] - No!  I don't want you

[Buff] Well, not now. But you might change your mind later.

[CN] - No

[Buff] Okay...

[Notch] He's just upset.

[Buff] I can see that.

[Doc] Checking on Deerheart -

[Deer] - I think I'll be alright...

[Buff] What if I help you find your Herobrine, kid?

[CN] Glances at Buff-

[Buff] Best winning smile-

-Mix blep-

[CN] Isn't sure but wants to find Lie-

[Notch] I think I should stay here. Someone has to watch Lie's animals and Flux can't move.

[Buff] I'm ready for anything!

[Doc] I'm in. I can use my pinpoint to find them. But I don't think tping to them directly would be a good thing. Cp might freak even more and leave the seed.

[Deer] - That would be bad

[Doc] So we're just going for a walk. Who's in?

[Deer] - I don't know if I should go...  I'm probably what scared CP...

[snake] take me

[Mix] I'm comfy, so I'm coming.

[Firebird] -Chirp-

[Buff] If someone hands me Snake I can carry him too.

[Doc] Deerheart... I still feel like you should come. Especially in this diminished state. I want you close to me in case theres a problem. I'll just carry you.

[Deer] - Alright

[Yaunfen] - Mada!  I come?

[Doc] Of course! I don't want to leave you alone either.

[Notch] Will you stay here and help me tend to Lie's animals Cn? Or go with them?

[CN] Muffled- I don't know...

[Stevie] - I can help you Father, I know Lie has a lot of animals

[Firebird] -Easily scales down Buff to pluck Snake up before returning to his spot, threading the tiny being into his feathers-

[Notch] I think you should stay here. They'll be back with Lie soon enough.

[CN] Quietly- Okay...

[snake] I ride once again -is making sure to stay on firebirds back-

[Doc] Yaunfen? Climb up on me and help your mom stay on my shoulders okay? I'm trusting you.

[Yaunfen] - Okay Mada!- Xe clambers up

[Deer] Pulls herself up as well-

[Flux] - Don't worry Deer, I will tend to the server for now, you just rest

[Doc] I'm gonna walk, just go to sleep if you need too.

[Deer] - Thank you love

[Buff] Do we need to take anything? [Doc] No, I have access to creative. Though we might be gone a few days, he's pretty far out. It's probably for the best, give him time to cool down. - heads for the woods

-The Vulpix's watch them leave curiously-

[Stevie] - Good luck!

[Doc] Thanks Stevie!

[Buff] So... Why did he run off? Is he just super timid?

[Yaunfen] - Big fire strong! Mada, we go on adventure?

[Doc] Yes we are sweetie, especially for you, you've hardly ever left sight of the spawn so far. And Yaunfen is correct Buff. Cp is really strong, he's just had some really horrific experiences with his own NOTCH, and he's super protective of his wife.

[Deer] - His NOTCH isn't nearly as friendly as you Buff

[Mix] *kick legs a bit, listening

[Buff] Huh, must be an older model. Upon spawning I was shown a small warning that if I killed my Herobrine I would not be assigned to another.  I'd prefer to do a good job. Just watching players grief each other all day long sounds far more dull then hanging out with a Herobrine.

[Deer] - CP's NOTCH has killed other NOTCH'S

[Buff] I'm not entirely sure, but I think you're not supposed to do that...

[Doc] I would hope not, but then I'm kind of an optimist -  Xe trots across the air blocks to ford a little stream.

[Buff] Kicks over a tree and uses it to cross behind them -

-it's a lovely sunny day and the air is full of the little sounds of peaceful mobs -

[Yaunfen] - But Big Fire Notch here...

[Doc] Oh? You mean Markus? That's his dad, not his AI NOTCH. It's different

[Yaunfen] - How?

[Deer] Feels as if she's viewing the world anew again without her connection to it-

[Buff] If this Markus guy is his dad it means he had a hand in making Cp what he is, literally or figuratively? Right? NOTCHs are assigned to Brines in all kind of different roles. We might pose as relations if we can get there right when a brine is spawning, but we really aren't.

[Doc] Sounds about right to me...

- they crest a hill and the trees open out into a plains biome dotted with grazing sheep and wandering horses. The bit of breeze carries just a hint of the sea.

[Deer] - CP's original NOTCH took the role of his and Stevie's, the Steve you meet earlier, father

[Yaunfen] - Horsies!

[Buff] Is he around somewhere too?

[Doc] Sadly no, he was injured by another NOTCH and his code fell apart.

[Buff] Oh. I'm sorry.

[Deer] - At least CP was there in his final moments

[Yaunfen] Slips off Doc to run after some of the horses-

[Doc] Hey where you going without Mada? - Xe picks up the pace a bit to run with the horses as well

[Buff] Are you trying to catch one?

[Doc] Just having some fun, get the wind in my mane!

[Yaunfen] - Run! Run!

[Buff] Breaks into a run despite his passengers and catches up with them easily

-A couple horses kick out at them-

[Deer] - Be careful Yaunfen

[Doc] They spook easy, stay to the side where they can see you easy

[Yaunfen] Slows a little- But miss Lie gets behind them

[Doc] Maybe she knows something I don't... Just be careful.

[Buff] Woo!

- there's a bit of change in the terrain as it loads in, revealing a thin strip of jungle butting against some mountains.

[Doc] Hey Yaunfen, look at this! -Points to a few parrots flirting about

[Buff] pokes firebird playfully- relatives of yours?

-The horses scatter rather then flee into the jungle-

[Deer] - We should get some more feathers for CN

[Firebird] -Roll eyes a bit and sticks talons out to flick Buff-

[Buff] Chuckles- no need to get pinchy. Just playing.

[Doc] They're so small though. I don't want to kill them. Maybe we should just give him one for a pet when we get back.

[Deer] - We'll see how well he can take care of it...

[Buff] A pet is a good way to teach kids responsibility!

[Doc] Notices a bit of ruined masonry and sticks hir head under the canopy of trees- Aww, it didn't spawn fully.

-There's just a small part of a jungle temple hidden in the underbrush.

[Yaunfen] - Pet?

[Buff] Looks up at Mix- so what's your story? I understand female Herobrines are decently unusual.

[Doc] Pets are small animals adopted into families Yaunfen. Like LH, he's my pet cat. Technically Grinny is mine too since I had to register an owner to get him in respawn.

[Mix] -Shrugs a bit and wiggles legs back and forth- I Travel and help out where I can. This lug ended up stuck with me. -reach over to pat the firebird-

[Yaunfen] - Are there big pets for big families?

[Doc] Yep, Gir is pretty big, isn't Xe?

[Yaunfen] - Uh huh!

[Buff] Nice! - he really gets a good look at Firebird- Been hiding long [string of numbers] ?

[Firebird] -Softer chirp and slight squish down into a feather ball-

[Firebird] -Slight nod-

[Yaunfen] Sniffs the air- Chocolate! Chocolate!

[Buff] That's understandable, it's hard out there. And you feel like a older model NOTCH.

[Doc] Yep! Jungles are where cocoa beans grow. Just stay where we can see you.

[Firebird] -nods a bit more and ceases being a feather ball-

[Mix] I've known him a long time. Saved my life like... Twice. Ish.

[Yaunfen] Is sniffing around, weaving between tree's trying to find the cocoa beans-

-An ocelot is startled and bounds away from Yaunfen with an annoyed meow-

[Yaunfen] - Kitty!

[Doc] Yep. LH looked like that  before I tamed him.

[Buff] Scratches Firebirds ruff gently- is he actually your NOTCH Mix?

[Deer] Is starting to doze off-

[Yaunfen] Spots some cocoa beans and tries to reach them- Mada...  I can't reach!

[Doc] gently plucks the pods and puts them at Yaunfen's feet- you and me will have to practice tree-climbing soon. Since you don't have any wings.

[Doc] Hears Deerheart's soft noises and smiles- mama is so tired...

[Yaunfen] gnaws on a pod, having a bit of difficulty opening it-

[Mix] Nah. He's someone else's.

[Yaunfen] - Mada, I can't get open!

[snake] -climbs on the firebirds head and make a kazoo noise-

[Doc] I'll fix it. - Xe draws a claw across it like a zipper, melting the edges open. - Just scoop em out.

[Yaunfen] Lets tongue out to lick the inners out-

[Doc] Takes a moment to pick around the partial temple. - sorry, I know I'm getting distracted. But I really love mossy cobbles.

[Buff] Is there a dragon horde somewhere?

[Doc] Blushes - it's mostly oddball items and junk food...

-The sun is heading for the horizon now, coloring the sky in a riot of pinks and reds-

[Doc] Should we bed down for the night, fight through, or fly?

[Yaunfen] Now has chocolate all over their face-

-A few zombies groan in audible range-

[Yaunfen] Curls up a little- Mada...

[Doc] Stay close to me. I'll keep you safe.

[Buff] I'm up for whatever. What about you three? - asking Snake, Firebird and Mix-

[Yaunfen] Scurries over and tries getting under Doc-

[snake] I can't really fight

[Mix] Doesn't matter to me.

[Firebird] -Vaguely uninterested bird noise-

-A zombie becomes visible and turns towards them-

[Doc] Takes a breath and roasts it with lightning- small burp

[snake] -is patting firebirds head-

[Doc] Bed down then. I'll just finish this temple - Xe makes some gestures with a paw and the dirt rises up in a wave and fills in the missing part of the building to make a whole structure.

-Another zombie comes into view but it is suddenly frozen over-

[Buff] Niiiice. - He saunters inside without looking back.

[Doc] Squints at the zombie and nudges Yaunfen inside as well. - Shut the door. I'll just be a moment. - Xe scampers over the foliage and looks at the frozen zombie with deep suspicion.

[AVulpix] Pops out of a nearby bush- Vul!

[RVulpix] Nervously follows-

[Buff] Is looking around the space. - Pretty dank but it'll do. Anyone got torches?

[Doc] You! You followed us all the way out here?

[AVulpix] - Vul!

[Mix] Nah, but I have a few fire shards? They're not as bright as torches but...

[Buff] Fire shards?

[Doc] Come on you two. Let's take shelter. - Xe leads them into the little temple and then transforms to follow. While carrying Deerheart in hir arms.

[Buff] Jumps visibly - How..?

[RVulpix] Quickly hurries into a corner-

[Mix] -Pops a fireshard out, but drops it due to the Buff jump-

-It clatters and lets off a small flame out -

[RVulpix] Looks at the shard curiously-

[Doc] It's a knack. I can build people secondary forms as long as they're bigger then the person who's going to fit inside of it. Man, it's dark in here- Xe rummages through the creative and puts up some torches.

[AVulpix] Goes over to lick and calm it's fellow vulpix-

[Buff] Points at Yaunfen- So does that mean that's a kid?

[Yaunfen] - I have small form!

[Doc] It's the other way around actually. Yaunfen is a natural dragon with a humanoid form for small spaces. - Xe pulls out some beds and lays Deerheart gently on one.

[Buff] Turns to the dragon who is obviously excited- Can I see?

[Deer] Reaches out and grabs Doc's coat in her sleep-

[Yaunfen] Nods and sticks tongue out in concentration before going into hir humanoid form- Tada!

[Doc] Let's Deerheart pull hir onto the bed - I'm here darling, it's okay.

[Buff] You're adorable!

[Yaunfen] Giggles- You're much better than cold meanie

[Firebird] -Hops off Buff to retrieve lost fireshard-

[Doc] Considering what an ass he was, that's not much of a compliment sweetie.

[Buff] Cold meanie?

[Mix] Oooh! That's cool! I wonder if Liz would like that too.... *thoughtful look

[Doc] Your late predessor who violently alienated 99% of the people he talked to here.

[AVulpix] Trots around sniffing everything-

[Buff] Ah. What a waste.

[Yaunfen] - Big fire kept making him go away

-Half the building is dirtblocks and the other half is moss cobbles with a narrow passage leading downward.

[AVulpix] Cocks head as it looks at the passage- Vul?

[Buff] So Big Fire has a soft spot for my Herobrine huh? Always good to have friends.

[Doc] Well....

[snake] -gets off of firebird and goes down the passage way--

[Firebird] -100% just full on eats the shard whole because fire, meet fire. Then proceeds to follow Snake, looking around curiously.-

-Along the stairs there's a trip wire-

[snake] -since it's at eye level for him he ducks under it and keeps going-

[Firebird] -Pauses at trip wire, squinting at it because he's not quite sure what it is, but can feel it against an outstretched talon- ...???

-The wire snaps and a couple arrows come flying at them from the bottom of the stairs-

[Firebird] -Panicked Squawk and taking to the air-

[snake] be careful firebird of the tripwires are you ok?

-There' a short dead end to the right of the stairs at the bottom and a hallway wrapping around to the left-

[Firebird] -Softly as he lands- ..I.. can't see the tripwires. My eye isn't that good anymore. -lower head so it's closer to the ground-

[snake] can you see me?

[Firebird] ...Barely.

[snake] -come back and ducks under the trip wire and stays there- this is where the trip wire is I am under it I will help show you

[Firebird] Much thanks. -Does the hop over-

[snake] -goes back down the stairs and slowly goes down the hall way looking for trip wire-

-There is another trip wire down the longer hallway-

[snake] -ducks under it and stays there- firebird this is another trip wire

[Firebird] -Hop hop binch-

[snake] -continues down the hall way-

-The hallway turns to the left again and there are three levers on the wall-

[snake] is to short for the levers

[Firebird] Is that what those are? -Squint-

[snake] which ones are we going to flip?

[Firebird] ... -flips them all because.-

-There is a grinding sound back from where they came from-

[snake] -heads back staying under the trip wire so firebird can wonder again hop over it-

-The short dead end has revealed that a few blocks have moved on the wall that the stairs come from-

[snake] -makes his way over looking for more trip wire-

[Firebird] -Follows-

[snake] -is now in fount of what use to be the dead end-

-A soft groans come from the end of the other hall-

[snake] -softly- are those mobs?

[Firebird] ... Maybe? -Scoops the Snake up into his feathers and trots ahead carefully-

-Without Snake to signal where the trip wires are, they set it off and two arrows go whizzing past-

[snake] -make a loud kazoo noise in shock-

-The groan becomes louder and a zombie comes around the corner, having just been discovered-

[snake] -curls in a ball in firebirds feather in fear-

[Firebird] -Bird screech as lunge at Zombie, talons first-

-The zombie is quite dull and doesn't react immediately-

-Firebird stabs and scrapes the zombie. There is some fire, too.-

-The zombie catches fire and takes damage from the flames and scratches-

[Firebird] -Some more scratching-

[snake] -is shaking in firebirds feathers-

-The zombie stumbles around, setting the vines on the wall on fire as well-

-Bird keening as toasty warm is nice feeling for him-

[RVulpix] Sniffs the air and smells the smoke- Pix?

-The smoke is getting thicker and is trapped in the lower floor-

[snake] -smells the smoke- what is happening I am to scared to look?

[Firebird] ... Crispy Zombie. Burning everything.

[snake] should be worried about the burning of everything? or will it be ok?

[Doc] Perks- Yeah... I smell that too....

[AVulpix] - Vul!  Vulpix!

[Buff] I think something is on fire...

[Mix] ... I'd say it's Firebird..

[Doc] Sighs -

[Firebird] You'll be safe with me... Everything else.. Uh,....

[Buff] Can I have an ice block? I'll go look.

[Doc] How? You can't possibly fit! -groans- Here. - throws a block of packed ice to him-

[snake] what about everyone else?

[Firebird] ... F uck.

[Buff] Takes a running start and bashes into the small doorway. Punching out the blocks to make it wider and slowly fighting his way down the hallway-

[snake] -looks around realizing he can't see though the smoke-

[AVulpix] Backs away from the smoke now coming out-

-Lots of banging coming closer to Firebird and snake-

[Firebird] -This is normal. Completely normal, just surrounded by fire and smoke with a small noodle wrapped up in his feathers- Eee!

[snake] I am lucky I don't need to breath

[Doc] lifts a hand and a bolt of lighting strikes a hole in the ceiling so the smoke can get out. Rain instantly cascades down on hir from the one-block hole- Fuck.

[Buff] Bursts into the burning room and looks around- What a mess!

[RVulpix] Presses farther into the corner-

[Firebird] -Look over, flap wings a bit, fanning smoke and fire-

[snake] there was a zombie so firebird attacked it and then mass fire while I hide in the feathers.

[Buff] This was not well planned out guys. - He coughs a bit on the smoke but seems mostly unaffected by the fire. - He walks around the room in a clockwise circle and rubs the packed ice on the burning vines until they're all put out.

[AVulpix] Once the smoke is gone curiously goes down the stairs-

[Buff] You guys done exploring?

[Yaunfen] - Mada getting wet!

[snake] I think I am that was very intense

[Doc] Yeah... it's raining outside. Thank goodness water doesn't bug you Yaunfen.

[Yaunfen] Swim!  Swim!

[Doc] smiles- Yes, you're an excellent swimmer. I love going to the beach with you and Deerheart.

[Buff] Did you at least find some loot?

[snake] no but we where avoiding traps

[Buff] Aww. Better luck next time then. We should go back up. It smells like burnt zombie in here.

[Firebird] -Slowly nods a bit and scuttles to Buff-

[AVulpix] Sits on the bottom most step of the stairs-

[Buff] Walks back up the much enlarged passageway.

[Doc] What happened?!

[Buff] cheerfully- There was a small fire. Nothing to be concerned about.

[RVulpix] Lets out a whine and AVulpix comes running-

[Doc] Starts pulling basic food out of the creative. - Anyone else hungry?

[Buff] Happily accepts a roast chicken and chomps on it contentedly-

[snake] -tries to get off of firebird-

-The two vulpix's curl up together with AVulpix licking RVulpix-

[Doc] Pulls out a bit of mushroom stew and offers a spoonfull to Deerheart-

[Deer] Turns onto her side to curl around Doc-

[Doc] Are you not hungry love?

[Deer] - Stay...

[Yaunfen] Yawns- Mada, when we go home?

[Doc] We have to find Cp and Lie first Yaunfen. That was the whole point in coming out. Here, have some donuts. Plop down on one of the beds, rest up. We'll head out further in the morning.

[Yaunfen] - Okay Mada...  Are Big fire and miss Lie playing hide and seek with us?

[Doc] Kinda.

[Yaunfen] Takes the donuts and snacks on them-

[snake] -flops off of firebird then rolls into a donut shape- don't eat me

[Doc] Snake, Mix, Firebird, do you guys want some food?

[snake] no I don't eat I don't have a stomach thank you for thinking of me though

[Doc] Takes out a few food items and sets them on a block for anyone who's hungry and nibbles on a bit of steak. Xe's petting Deerheart's hair softly with hir free hand.

[Yaunfen] Is half asleep with a donut in their mouth-

[Doc] Curls up with Deerheart and starts to drift off as well. The sounds of the rain outside drown out the mob noises and cast a soothing aura over the moldering temple.

-time passes-

[Doc] Wakes to the sound of fighting outside- What the! - Xe looks around wildly and only Buff is missing.

-The two vulpix's are in the corner, RVulpix is awake as well and making worried noises-

[Doc] Gets loose from Deerheart and runs to the door to peek out.

-There's a meaty 'thwack' as a zombie impacts the outside of the dirt wall and crumples downward to despawn-

-It's just barely dawn and the mobs haven't begun to burn-

[Buff] Is dancing like a boxer and punching the undead away from him with a huge smile. - Hey! Come join me, it's great exercise!

[Deer] Stirs awake- Love?

[Doc] I.. I'll pass. - Turns around and shuts the door again. - Sheesh...

[Yaunfen] Is sprawled out in the middle of the floor-

[Doc] Steps gingerly over them and crawls back into bed with Deerheart.

[Deer] - What's happened?

[Doc] Buff is out there having a joyful punch-up with the undead. As far as I can tell he went out intentionally.

[snake] -is a tiny white sleeping noodle on the floor-

[Deer] - Are those...  Lie's Vulpix's?

[Doc] Yeah, they followed us. Sweet little critters.

[Deer] - Poor things...  They must be really concerned about her

[Doc] I'm just relieved that Cp didn't leave the server with her. I'd be much more stressed out otherwise.

[Deer] - Where would he go?

[Doc] Back to the real world? That has its own set of difficulties.

[Deer] - True....  I hope the two of them are okay...

[Doc] She's probably giving him an earful for running off.

[Deer] - Or trying to keep him calm...

[Doc] I think she'd likely turn him into a cat. It seems to be the best shape for when he's super emotional.

[Deer] - Good point

[Yaunfen] Mumbles in sleep-

[Doc] Our little one's first adventure away from spawn...

[Deer] - True, let's hope it's a good one

[pan-matsuri]

Pokémon Moon Update 3

I completed Ula’ula Island and the plot events directly following. It’s... um... hm. Thoughts below, spoilers.

My team as of completing this island is Primarina, Misdreavus, Ledian, Lurantis, Umbreon, and Shelgon. This will likely be my final team for the story, once Misdreavus and Shelgon evolve. I was briefly travelling with Marowak, and I was considering Ninetales for my team. However, I forgot about “version exclusives” and had to trade for one, and raising a new Vulpix from an egg is what I’ll want to do, but it’s not in the plans for now. I happened to stumble upon a Bagon on Melemele Island while exploring new areas by surfing, and even though its Sp Def is dreadful, its Attack stat and typing are welcome additions to the team. EDIT: Apparently Bagon is super rare on Melemele, like a 1% chance of encounter. But it was the first and only Pokémon I saw in that patch of grass so lucky me I guess! The island starts off with too much Kukui, which is to say any amount of Kukui at all. I knew there was a reason I didn’t like Kukui, or rather a multitude of reasons, but I never expected him to come up with the idea of starting a Pokémon League. I guess that explains why he has been so serious about my adventure so far, but I don’t like when people make professional development decisions on my behalf. I don’t like Kukui. I had really been warming up to the idea of no gyms and no Pokémon League. The Pokémon series had been stuck in a formula for 20 years, and it felt like they had finally broken the mold. While there have been other issues, the actual flow of the adventure felt fresh and exciting. But no, Kukui has to go and ruin it by insisting that our adventure has to follow the script and we have to compete to be the Champion. I don’t like Kukui. I really like the design of this island. I like the eastern influences in the buildings and the garden in Malie City. We’re told to go up a mountain, but not before being introduced to a couple more new characters. Acerola is pretty cute, and I really like the black/white dichotomy of her design paired with Lillie’s. I hope they continue to be Good Friends. We also meet Samson Oak, whose mere existence continues to prove that the developers have a fetish for the Gen 1 games. The first trial feels so forced. You don’t even get to hardly meet these people before they start involving you in schemes. It’s pretty cool that it’s at the top of a mountain, but despite Mount Hokulani being so tall you need to take a bus to the top, there’s hardly anywhere to explore. This also contributes to a long running issue that there are simply not enough trainers in between each plot point for you to be able to accurately tell if you are at the right level. To be fair, I’ve never really had to grind, but I’ve also barely squeaked by during a couple fights, so maybe I should have been. The Electric trial is led by Sophocles, a captain who is so uninteresting that that’s all I have to say about them. You’re forced into four fights in a row, so hopefully you didn’t put a Flying type in the lead position like I did. There’s no warning either that you won’t be able to switch your lead position. If I’m having so much trouble as a veteran player, I can’t imagine how difficult this game must be for casual players. If this was my first Pokémon game, I’d probably put it down and never play it again. I made the battle with Totem Vikavolt much harder on myself by refusing to use Marowak, who was still tagging along. Double resistance to Bug and immunity to Electric would have made the trial laughably easy. So maybe I shouldn’t complain about difficulty when I’m artificially creating it myself. Of my other five Pokémon, only Misdreavus was a safe-switch in. Ledian was able to tank some hits after Reflect, and Infestation helped to chip away at the Totem’s health while I could heal the rest of the team. Vikavolt didn’t seem interested in using Bug moves against Umbreon, so I was able to use Growl to -6 Attack, which ultimately helped. Fomantis hadn’t evolved yet and was too slow and frail to do anything but faint in one hit. Brionne was able to pick off the ally Charjabugs while barely surviving Spark. The battle went really long, and I think Vikavolt became PP starved near the end. After leaving the mountain, we’re forced to talk to Kukui again. I don’t like Kukui. We finally meet the head of Team Skull, the big bad bug boss Guzma. We end up fighting him like a thousand times on this island. He made a great first impression on me when he confronted Kukui for being an idiot. I don’t like Kukui. His first boss battle was kind of tough because I didn’t have a lot of options when fighting bugs, but I would ultimately teach Brionne to use Acrobatics and Lurantis to use Aerial Ace. Ledian would also learn Air Slash which, in addition to Bug Buzz, would ultimately make her my strongest Pokémon. I do think it’s great that his Golisopod has a move called First Impression. Up until now, Team Skull was really just up to mischief, which was all well and fine. The evil teams don’t always have great mission statements. The one line about Alola having a bunch of old and outdated traditions was interesting to me. I felt it was an interesting contradiction that Guzma would feel that way but then fight any attempt to change that. There is a man north of Malie City named Gester, who lets you change your Battle Style, which is basically just how you throw your first Poké Ball. After learning that you could learn new styles from challenging previous captains, I raced back to challenge Lana. My recently evolved Lurantis swept Lana’s team, with some defensive assistance from Ledian. At some point, some people form a Nugget Bridge clone in Malie Garden. I don’t like this, only because I am sick of all the Gen 1 references. To make matters worse, they only use Kanto Pokémon,probably the original teams from Nugget Bridge. The last guy even pretends to recruit us to Team Rocket. The only thing that was interesting was the suggestion that the last guy actually was a former member of Team Rocket. I think an anniversary game where it’s revealed that Giovanni has been pulling all the strings in every other game would be super cool. We’re given a new Ride Pokémon in the form of Mudsdale. The oldest 8 year old Hapu tries to wave off the lack of ceremony (”I was gonna give it to you before but I forgot”). Mudsdale can walk over rocky terrain and is slower than Tauros and Stoutland. From what I can see, there’s no wild Pokémon on the rocky terrain and it only appears on one route, which is already blocked off by a trial captain’s barrier. So I’m not exactly sure why this Ride Pokémon is in the game. The geothermal power plant seems like something important could happen there. I know there’s that Legendary Pokémon from XY that they didn’t release, Volcanion. They have this whole big power plant area in Kalos which I’m certain was meant for a side story with that Legendary, but it’s all blocked off. I’m getting the same feeling here, but I’m not going to complain because you can interact with almost everything at the power plant reception/museum area. It felt far more immersive than anything else in the game so far. Anyway, we mindlessly make our way from point A to point B and start Acerola’s trial at a haunted abandoned supermarket. It was pretty clever, but again, there are other Ghost Pokémon than the three from Gen 1. I thought the mechanic of taking pictures was neat, but I wish it was more complex. Totem Mimikyu was the strongest challenge so far. I expected it to be easy, as I had four Pokémon with moves strong against Ghosts. The biggest challenge was that Mimikyu was faster than Ledian, who was my fastest Pokémon. Also that Mimikyu got a critical hit that bypassed Reflect and knocked out Ledian. That didn’t help. Mimikyu had obnoxious type coverage. Umbreon was to be my other star, but Mimikyu had some Fairy type move that shut him out of the match. Misdreavus would have been strong but Ghost being weak to Ghost made it a struggle. I was able to use Thuder Wave which helped. Shelgon knew Crunch, but was too slow and too weak to hold up to ally Gengar’s Shadow Ball. Lurantis didn’t have any opportunities to tag in; these Totem battles aren’t really meant for Grass types it seems. Primarina was the star, taking out Mimikyu with Oceanic Operetta. Luckily, allies Haunter and Gengar didn’t know any Poison moves. As an aside, I really like Double Battles. There were a few in this chapter, but there haven’t been too many overall. With Pokémon like Ledian and Umbreon, I’m able to put together some actual strategies, even though it’s mostly just “put up Reflect/Light Screen and hope that Petal Blizzard/Sparkling Aria doesn’t critical on me”. At this point, Team Skull commits petty theft and steals a Pokémon. It’s not a strong one, so there’s no real point, but it plays into Team Skull’s previous gimmick of being incompetent. Sometime around here, Gladion shows up and tells us to protect Cosmog, and it was about this time that I noticed his eye color matched Lillie and it all started to fit together. We’re introduced to the weirdest cameo ever, Grimsley from the Unova Elite Four. Why is he here? I failed to mention last time that Colress, also from Unova, showed up on Akala Island. That was also weird, but Grimsley is arguably weirder. You never really interact with the Elite Four outside of the Pokémon League, so they are very easily forgettable. Grimsley gives us Ride Sharpedo, which is another surf option except combined with rock smash instead of fishing. I like Sharpedo, because it’s a better alternative to Lapras. Fishing is pointless in this game anyway, except for Pearls. I really like Po Town. It’s the sort of feel that would have been great from towns that Team Rocket had taken over, except those would have more of a mob feel. We’re introduced to yet another new character, but he doesn’t tell us his name yet. He looks like he hasn’t slept in months and couldn’t care less about anything short of the destruction of the world. Well, just you wait, sir. The second Guzma fight was the same as before, except with higher levels. I was able to successfully predict Golisopod’s First Impression and block with Shelgon’s Protect. Shelgon was carrying an Amulet Coin, which was important because Revives are stupid expensive and also clothes. Speaking of clothes, I bought a new top in Malie, but that’s about it. I’d love to get my hands on a Team Skull top. We rescue the stolen Yungoos and discover almost immediately that Lillie has been kidnapped by Team Skull. The game plays a flashback of the events; I did not like this. It’s a common story telling technique but didn’t fit in this game. Gladion shows up and tries to hide the fact that he’s her brother, even tho we’d all worked that out by now. So just a heads up, I think everything about this next part of the game is all sorts of messed up. Gladion suggests that Lillie was taken to Aether Fortress, which makes no sense to anyone but him. Hau even calls him out on this, but since everyone has been treating Hau like shit, he’s started to have low self esteem and starts treating himself that way too. Thanks a lot, game. You took the one really good character and treated him like garbage. You can piece together that Lusamine has the same eye color as Lillie and Gladion, but the problem I have is that Team Skull had nothing to do with Aether up until this point. In fact, they had literally just stolen a Pokémon from them not an hour earlier. I don’t like when the game autowalks you to a new location. My legs work on their own, thank you. In this case, Gladion takes us to Malie City to travel by boat to Aether Fortress. Before we leave, as we’re waiting for Hau, the depressed guy from earlier shows up. This is Nanu, and he might be Acerola’s uncle but I doubt it and hope not. In Hawai’i, my understanding is that it’s common to call your elders “auntie” and “uncle”, even if they’re not related to you. Anyway, he’s apparently the kahuna and reminds us of the island challenge thing that we were doing. He uses Dark type Pokémon. This battle would have been really easy with Ledian but every trainer in this game has ridiculous type coverage in their attacks. Two of his Pokémon have Rock type moves, so Ledian went down quick. Sableye was handled by Shelgon, since Dragon Claw is ridiculously strong. Krokorok was handled quickly by Primarina. Persian was taken down by Lurantis, who finally had a moment to shine. Grand Trial complete, moving on. So now Team Skull and Aether are in cahoots I guess? Cool. This would mean that Aether is evil, as evidenced by all the Aether employees wanting to fight you for some reason. They could have played this differently, I think. We did arrive at the fortress in a Team Skull boat. Maybe they think we’re Team Skull? Nope. We’re just a bunch of kids who are intruders. There’s a handful of Aether people who are actually helpful. This is never explained why some are okay with us and some aren’t. I thought one of them would be the girl who was nice to us and Rotom but apparently the writers forgot about that. Aether Employees are way stronger and more competent than Team Skull. But their teams are still easy enough to take down with type matching. We meet the green Aether guy, Faba, again. He’s made out to be this big bad guy but he only has a Hypno. But he’s a conniving little rat. We’re tricked into exploring some labs in search of Lillie and we learn a bunch of information about Ultra Wormholes that we already knew. Rotom suggests that we read as many documents as we can, but there’s only two of them. This was a chance to provide some more depth but it was missed. I do like Multi Battles, and the game pairs you up with Hau and Gladion a few times here. Hau is much better than Gladion, and also a lot better than anyone else gives him credit for, including himself. After some more Aether fights, another fight with Faba who was suddenly stronger, and a meeting with Wicke who acts in such a way that suggests she has no idea what’s actually happening, we walk into the next area to find... a crap ton of Team Skull members. Why are they here? Why are they working with Aether? The answer is... I don’t know. The game doesn’t tell you. You even fight Guzma again, in a harder battle. He steps aside, because he “respects” you or something, but never says why he’s there. We finally find Lillie, who is with Lusamine. Shocker, Lusamine is the mother of Lillie and Gladion. Who would have guessed. Lusamine has gone absolutely bonkers. She is a straight up cold hearted bitch. After she says “I have no son or daughter” to her son and daughter, she kidnaps Lillie’s Cosmog and plans to kill it to summon the Ultra Beast from last chapter. I really don’t like this. Lusamine is a horrible person. And even the suggestion of killing a Pokémon is way darker than anything ever suggested in the games before. I did not sign up for this, this betrays the way that main series Pokémon games have been billed up until now. It’s a children’s game, for goodness sake. Or maybe it isn’t anymore. The battle against Lusamine was surprisingly easy. Clefable was taken out by Misdreavus and Ledian. Clefable first used Metronome to use Coversion2, turning it into the Dark type. Losing STAB for Moonblast and gaining a weakness to Bug allowed Ledian to get an easy win. One interesting thing that happened was that Clefable used Metronome to use the move Moongeist Beam, which I understand is the signature move of the version-exclusive Legendary for Moon. Lilligant and Milotic were taken down quickly by Lurantis. Misdreavus confronted Bewear, but Lusamine withdrew on turn one, because apparently it didn’t know any moves to hurt Ghost types. Her Mismagius was defeated by Umbreon, and Bewear was ultimately defeated by Primarina’s Oceanic Operetta because she didn’t really get to do anything else in the match. Also I threw out Shelgon at some point for the Amulet Coin. Guzma shows up to help Lusamine, again not explaining why. It doesn’t make sense. I cannot think of a single reason why these two would be working together. They use Cosmog’s energy to open up a bunch of Ultra Wormholes. This leads to a really cool cutscene fight, Hala and Tapu Koko versus some bug thing. Tho I wish Tapu Koko would have responded to Hala’s words. Even just a nod or something. Lusamine and Guzma enter an Ultra Wormhole created by the jellyfish thing from the last chapter. They’re gone, but Lillie and Gladion still want to get their mother back. Personally, I say good riddance. She’s a monster. After a night’s rest, and an outfit change and a new lease on life for Lillie, we’re set to head out and clean up the mess caused by the Ultra Wormholes. Hau decides to stay back and train, as we have outpaced him in the island challenge by quite a ways. So the game sidelines the best character, tho it will be a nice change of pace to have a more actively involved Lillie. Gladion offers to help us on our quest by taking us to... Poni Island, for some reason. We’ve never been there before. We know that there are Ultra Beasts everywhere we’ve been, but it seems like the game just wants us to continue our island challenge like nothing else is happening. Gah. So far, regarding the game as a whole, I feel like... this is not my favorite Pokémon game. I don’t even know if I really like it. I mean, I like it enough to want to see it through to the end, but that might be because of the 45 hours I’ve put into it so far. At least we’re free of Kukui for a while. I don’t like Kukui.

#writing #pokemon #pokemon sun and moon #i just... don't like professor kukui

[inikavulpixelreviews]

Let’s Talk About Pokemon - Gen 1

So with the first 151 Pokemon under our belt, let's look back on this ol' bunch of weirdos.

I was pretty young when Pokemon was first released in 1998 in the states, a whopping six years old. And even then, I think I was slightly late to the Pokemon craze. Maybe? Apparently, the anime had been airing the US for some time before the games actually came out, which throws off my mental calendar a bit. The very idea of Pokemon was unheard of, and this little sub-genre of Monster Collector RPGs had only just started. I know Digimon's still kicking, but is Monster Rancher still around these days? I know today we have the likes of Ni No Kuni and Yokai Watch. Ni No Kuni's a little closer to a traditional RPG for my liking, and Yokai Watch just isn't my style, but I appreciate that Monster Collector games aren't exclusive to Pokemon.

Like I said, traditional RPG games really aren't my cup of tea. It ends up feeling slow and I would much rather be swinging a sword myself than be telling a character to swing it for me. Pokemon comes to a beautiful middle-ground where it makes sense that you wouldn't be performing the actions yourself, you're the one giving commands to your pretend mice and dogs! It's that distinction alone that attracted me to the idea of Pokemon. It's an adorable game where you collect your little freaks of nature and grow attached to them as they wreck face across your journey, growing stronger and stronger until you got a super-dog biting the faces off of anything that stands in your way. That right there is the core spirit of Pokemon.

But that's more like my feelings about the series as a whole and what attracted me to it. What about Generation 1 itself?

It's a shame Pokemon's golden years are over. It's so weird to think about. For me, Pokemon's always been massively important, constantly there. To look back at it in retrospective, it's mindblowing to think Pokemon became a world-changing phenomenon for a while, to a point where Pikachu was probably a bigger face for Nintendo than Mario was for a bit there. Hell, there was a second wave of that when Pokemon Go came out!

I can see why Gen 1 has that kind of appeal to it. The First Generation of Pokemon has a flavor to it that's hardly touched upon in the series anymore. I can get why some old fans that dropped out of Pokemon feel the way they do. Me, I both love and am a little tired of Gen 1. Moreso love, I’m just the kind of person that likes to see new stuff. There’s just no denying Gen 1′s style was classic, and with Pokemon shifting the style every generation, it’s a bit no wonder why more “casual” fans of Pokemon were put off at one point or another and left. I'd rather each Generation has its own flavor than feeling like one gigantic entity of creatures.

And, in all honesty, Gen 1 hasn't aged amazingly for me. It aged better now that I've dug through them all to pick out ones I like, but also I sure did find a pretty handful that I actually kind of dislike. While yeah, I’ve always known there’s Pokemon I’m not too much a fan of, I never quite realized how many are from Gen 1. That’s why I’ll end up saying Gen 1 is one of my least favorite Generations if you ask me. Least favorite, not that I dislike the generation as a whole.

I don’t think it’s necessarily Gen 1′s fault either, a lot of it is just how my taste in my pocket monsters changed a lot since I was younger. I appreciate that they're there, but I've wound up gravitating more towards newer Pokemon that have wilder color schemes, and with designs that look a little more exotic. Gen 1′s very much a product of its time, and I’ve been of the opinion that Pokemon’s generally (barring a few hiccups along the way) has only gotten better with Pokemon designs. Sadly, the sacrifice has been that newer designs are little less weird until recently.

No matter what I think, Gen 1′s clearly done a lot right. It’s spring-boarded the series into success for a reason, even if it’s not likely Pokemon will slam into the level of success Gen 1 had. At least, not unless they make some major revitalizing game like Pokemon Go.

For now though, I'm gonna follow suit with Bogleech and create a few categories to sort some Pokemon into.

Top 10 Favorites of Gen 1:

For future Generations, there's going to be a “Favorites as of this far”, but obviously with just Gen 1 done so far, that'd be redundant. Also, clearly these are from left to right in order.

My tops change quite a bit throughout the years. For a while, I could comfortably say Flareon was my favorite, but then I had a little rediscovery with Vulpix and Ninetales. Vaporeon and Victreebel are also newcomers to my list from recently.  And man, Venusaur’s probably gonna remain on this list for good. That nostalgia factor is too strong.

Bottom 10 Least Favorites of Gen 1:

My least favorites hardly change at all, really. I've pretty solidly not been very keen on any of these Pokemon for the better part of all these years. And really, Dragonite and Persian are only lower than Machamp because not only are they kind of boring, but they’re evolutions to things infinitely cooler than they are. The squandered potential!

I dunno if I'll give this category the treatment of the above one, where I'll keep track of my least favorites the longer this series goes on. Maybe, if nothing else to find out a list of my least favorites. Because I'm actually not that sure which Pokemon to call my least favorites.

Though, I got nothing against Dewgong or Tauros. They're just eh.

The Cutest:

These will be 6 instead of 10. And also in no particular order.

Perhaps what you'd expect where you ask someone to name off the cutest Pokemon. I'll stick Kangaskhan there for being a Pokemon with an adorable mother-child thing going on. Other than Kangaskhan, probably my official “would keep as a pet” tier.

The Coolest/Most Badass:

While having a little more variance in terms of which are my favorites or not, here's a pack of Pokemon that are unmistakably cool.

The Prettiest:

“Pretty” feels like a rare subtype of Pokemon compared to Cool or Cute, but I'll take a jab at it anyway. These are Pokemon that have pleasantly flowing designs and are just plain nice to admire. Maybe “Eyecandy” Pokemon would be a better name for them.

Most Creative:

Because my tastes are pretty conventional, the Pokemon that are more atypical deserve a shout-out too. I find them all neat or interesting, with varying degrees of how much I like them.

Weirdest/Most Unique:

And of course, here's some designs that are just plain out there, and very much unlike any other Pokemon. Gen 1's got a lot of these, but here's a handful.

Most Forgettable:

And of course, here are some designs that just strike me as generally unremarkable, and thus I just end up forgetting about them entirely. I may be “meh” about quite a few Gen 1 Pokemon, but these are just so thoroughly “meh” the only thing bringing em to mind at all lately is Pokemon Go. (And Sun and Moon, in the case of Persian and Tauros.)

Most Under-Appreciated:

There's a few Pokemon that either go totally unnoticed or are outright hated on unfairly. The latter are hardly ever in Gen 1, but there's quite a number of Gen 1 Pokemon that are under the radar by this point in the series. This one's a bit hard because I found it difficult to find Pokemon that I both liked a lot and that other fans don't like. Like, Raichu's not neglected by the fanbase exactly, it's got its fair share of fans. It's just there because of Gamefreak, really.

Summing Up Gen 1 in 6 Pokemon:

These are 6 cherry-picked Pokemon that I feel best encapsulate the spirit of Gen 1. You got your saurian badasses in Scyther and Rhydon, the cutie, pure animal-types in Raichu and Eevee. Pikachu aside, Charizard's basically the mascot of Gen 1, whether I like it or not. And then you got goofy little weirdos like Poliwhirl there. Possibly switch out Scyther or Rhydon for either Magneton or Koffing, because this generation also feels more industrial than the usual.

And finally...

My Gen 1 Team:

Though, bear with me. This was 18 friggin years ago and I was 6 or 7 years old at the time. I remember watching the anime and playing the spinoffs vividly, but for some reason playing the main-series game of Blue, in particular, is such a blur I honest to god can't remember my entire team. Hell, I'm not even sure if I had a full team of 6! For all I know I just cruised on through off of Venusaur, Raichu, Pidgeot, and Lapras alone. And then when I got to the Indigo League, I caught all the Legendary Birds and wrecked house using them. All of them probably had Hyper Beam too.

I'd also put my Leaf Green team here, but honestly I don't remember it either. And I'm fairly certain I never completed Leaf Green.

And at last, that’s all we have to say about Gen 1. I’ll take a brief break (About a week or so) before we move on to our next subject, Gen 2! See you in Johto!

[Archive]

#Pokemon #Gen 1 #Kanto #Pokemon Reviews

[fearofaherobrine]

Roleplay Server Log #186

“Aven Repairs”

[Sylveon] Has gone exploring and has entered Arden's room, it looks around curiously-

[Arden] Is sitting at the desk reading a book.

[Sylveon] - Syl!

[Arden] Huh? Whoah... what are you little critter? Besides super cute.

[Sylveon] - Syl!- It jumps around playfully

[Arden] Are you some kind of dog? Do you want to fetch?

[Sylveon] Reaches out with one of it's ribbons-

[Arden] Shys away a little bit. - Are the ribbons part of you?

[Sylveon] Syl!- It nods in affirmation

[Arden] Puts out a hand to feel one of the tendrils.

[Sylveon] Makes happy noises-

[Espurr] Is calling out trying to find Sylveon-

[Arden] What's that weird noise?

[Sylveon] Turns towards the doorway and calls back, leading Espurr in-

[Arden] Another little critter! Hey there? What are you? This little one's buddy- Kneels on the floor.

[Stevenson] -has wondered into the lab with ryan following behind him making happy roars-

[Espurr] Tilts head curiously-

[Arden] Looks out the doorway- What the? Are these your critters mister?

[ryan] -is happily ruing around Stevenson who is looking around he hasn't noticed arden yet-

[Arden] Sir? Are you lost?

[Stevenson] -looks over to arden- oh no I was just exploring because I don't know this place all that well.

[Sylveon] Hides behind Arden while Espurr takes a more defensive stance in front of them-

[Arden] Ah, are you one of the Doctor's friends? You look like a Steve.

[ryan] -sees the Pokémon and get a little closer while trying to keep themselves low to the ground to show they are not going to fight-

[Stevenson] I am a steve, Stevenson to be exact.

[Espurr] Grabs Ryan with telekinesis-

[Arden] Whoah! I think it's okay? Stop that!

[ryan] -wiggles and make scared roars-

[Sylveon] Nudges Espurr which gets them to stop-

[Arden] Your little dragon is pretty cute. I'm Arden.

[ryan] -as soon as he is free he bolts into Stevenson arms-

[Stevenson] it's nice to meet you arden since we are talking names this little guy is ryan.

[Sylveon] Bats at Espurr, trying to get it to play with them-

[Arden] Neat. I guess these guys aren't yours? They seem pretty playful.

[Stevenson] no I never saw them before.

[Espurr] Playfully tackles Sylveon-

[Arden] So if you're a Steve... who are you with? I've been introduced to most of the Herobrines.

[Stevenson] well I came to this server with an alex but I came knowing a brine named Gem.

[Arden] Oh I know her! The chimera! She's amazing. I wish I could share even a 10th of what I've seen here outside, but people would just think I'm crazy....

[Stevenson] she is the reason the server I came from feel apart I don't thing that's amazing.

[Arden] Just looks at him curiously. - I wasn't referring to her actions. I don't know anything about that. Her form is amazing. She's like a mad scientist's masterpiece.

[Silver] Has come looking for his pokemon-

[Stevenson] true she does look like someone had put a bunch of animals together.

[Arden] And so perfectly, it's uncanny. Oh. Hello Silver, are these your pokemon?

[Silver] - Yes, I was wondering where they had gotten to...

[Sylveon] It and Espurr jump into Silver's arms-

[Arden] Is the pink one new? And have you met Stevenson? He's got a little buddy too.

[Silver] - No, Sylveon isn't new, just evolved, and I don't believe we have met...

[Arden] What was it before?

[Silver] - An Eevee

[Stevenson] hello it's nice to meet you.

[Silver] - Same to you

[ryan] -Stevenson puts him down and he just starts to sniff around to learn new smells-

[Arden] Oh the little brown doggie one? Well it's way cuter this way anyway.

[Silver] - It's just one of the many evolutions an Eevee can make

[ryan] -some how find dolly room and goes in-

[Dolly] Was brushing her hair and looks up in suprise. - Wow, you're a teeny little dragon. Did you lose your mommy?

[ryan] -looks up and cocks all three heads while looking at dolly before letting out a tiny roar.-

[Dolly] Gets up and takes some pork chops out of a trunk- are you hungry?

[ryan] -takes the pork chop and eats it splitting it between the three heads-

[Silver] - Was that a dragon I saw?

[Stevenson] that was ryan wait where did he run off to -looks around-

[Silver] - I...  Apologize for anything which may have happened between it and Sylveon...  Fairy types don't get along with dragons

[Stevenson] nothing really happened exact them giving him a scare so don't worry about it

[Silver] - Sorry...

[Stevenson] it's ok you don't need to be sorry

[Lie] Enters the vine room with Hope- Doc?  You here?

[Doc] Is pacing the floor with a small screen open on hir phone. Yaunfen is snoring softly nearby on top of Doc's Galvantula. - Ergh... It hasn't been that long since the last time....

[Lie] - Doc?  Something wrong?

[Doc] Huh? No! Well not yet... we might have a problem pretty shortly though. How come you brought Hope over?

[Lie] - Weeell, somebody decided it would be a good idea to play tackle the new Vulpix and got a little burned...- She moves Hope so Doc can see the hind leg.  The fur is singed away and there are a few blisters forming

[Doc] Oh dear! Let me put some paste on that. I swear that cold slime is a godsend for this kind of thing... Wait. That's not right. Hang on a moment. I'll be right back. - Xe hurries down the stairs and there's a sound of things clunking and being shuffled about in the lab below.

[Galvantula - Sleepy- Buuzzzrp?

[Yaunfen] Rolls off in their sleep, waking as they hit the floor- Burp!?

[Galvantula] Cuddles the baby with their furry legs- Zzzp! Purrrrrrrrrr

[Lie] Sits on a chest cradling Hope, waiting for Doc to come back-

[Doc] Comes back up the steps and bangs through the door with a small spray bottle- Here! This is perfect and you should take the remainder with you. Just a little spritz.

[Lie] Holds Hope still for Doc-

[Doc] It's for pokemon burns specifically- Xe mists over the nasty wound. -

[Hope] Mewls-

[Doc] Sorry sweetie. It'll heal super quick.

[Galvantula] Assorted noises-

[Doc] Ah, I see. Yaunfen, are you okay?

[Lie] - So Doc, have you figured out anything for Valentine's day?

[Hope] Starts purring-

[Yaunfen] - Burp!

[Doc] That was enthusiastic as usual so I'm going to say it's all good. What? I don't know really. Make mad passionate love to Deerheart in the moonlight and violate every pixel in her body until she squirms in uncontrollable lust and pleads for mercy I suppose? Should I throw in a new outfit on top of all the chocolate too?

[Lie] - Um...  I don't really think it's necessary... Although lingerie is rather common to give...

[Doc] I'm rather perplexed by the idea of donning a thing just so it can be ripped off. It's an odd idea, isn't it?

[Lie] - It's more the visual appeal

[Doc] So far my favorite is still her 'maiden in distress' white shift...

[Lie] Blushes a little-

[Doc] She prefers things with much more leather and metal, and... you've gone rather red Lie. Are you feeling okay?

[Lie] - Fine!  I'm absolutely fine!

[Doc] Picking up some speech patterns from Cp huh? Tut tut Lie.

[Lie] - Oh shush

[Doc] You could wear the corset for Cp again. We'd need a mop to eliminate all the drool.

[Lie] - Not necessary, CP and I have decided not to do anything for Valentines

[Doc] That's kinda sad.... was it really a mutual decision Lie?

[Lie] - Well I've never really done anything for Valentines...  Plus this is CP we're talking about

[Steve] Coming down from the front door with an armload of sugar canes. - Why not Lie?

[Doc] Cp is kind of a stick in the mud...

[Lie] - Why not what?

[Steve] Why have you never done anything for Valentines? I thought it was a common human holiday?

[su] -has managed to beat aven to the front door her yapping can be heard before both come in-

[Steve] Oh hi Aven, come to borrow a cup of sugar? I've got lots.

[Lie] - Well in elementary school we'd just give everyone in the class a card, as you get older you become more selective about who you give things to, usually someone you really like

[Doc] And there's never been someone special... And Cp isn't really romantic... I'm sorry Lie.

[Lie] - Well, if my math is correct, then last Valentines day is when he gave me Rosebud

[aven] no actually I came because I need something else -her face is kind of red and she seems to be having trouble saying what she wants to say-

[Doc] Hmmm...

[Steve] Shoves the sugar in a trunk. - Do you need some water Aven? TO DRINK. You look overheated!

[Lie] - Besides, it's not as if CP can give me chocolates either

[Doc] Isn't wine also a thing? As a gift?

[Lie] - Eeehhhhh...  It can be?

[aven] no I... well I need... I need... protection.

[Steve] Are you in danger?! Who is it? I'll beat the crap out of them!

[Doc] Same.

[Lie] - Is everything okay Aven?

[aven] no I mean for like valentines day for me and ben.

[Steve] OH! So you don't have another baby! I got it. - Nods, he's proud of himself for figuring it out.

[aven] yea we really don't want to end up having more then hyrule.

[Doc] Aven... do you want me to fix you so you can't get pregnant again at all?

[Lie] - I can promise it's painless

[Doc] at Lie-  You know you could always have one of your offensive plants nip him accidently....

[Lie] Turns a shade of dark red- WHY ARE YOU RECOMMENDING THIS!?

[aven] what happens if we change our mind later on

[Doc] At Lie- You'll at least have a passionate night then- at Aven- I can put them back later if you decide to have another baby.

[Lie] Whimpers-

[aven] ok then that will work

[Doc] Okay Aven. You can't deny the last time was pretty hot.

[Lie] - Nope, no, nada, nein

[Doc] Pfft. Don't be like that. Aven? If you want to sit on the steps and lean back I can do this pretty quickly.

[aven] -sits down and lays back su is running around aven before settling next to her head-

[Yaunfen] - Burp?

[Doc] Is setting up hir computer - Now this is actually going to be a little different then Lies because you aren't a brine. I don't want to destroy what I'm taking out.

[Galvantule] Chirps at Yaunfen knowingly-

[aven] got it.

[su] -decides to get up and runs over to yaunfen and galvantule to sniff them-

[Doc] Cp needs to loosen up. I think you guys should do SOMETHING at least. Guilt him into getting you dim sum or something.

[Lie] - I don't know...  We still have some left and he's been going out so much lately...

[Galvantule] Sniffs Su right back and is rather protective of Yaunfen.

[Doc] Ah, I didn't know there were leftovers. - Xe gathers a bit of statick- Can you lift your shirt a bit Aven?

[su] -playfully paws at one of galvantule's legs-

[Yaunfen] Tries to gum Su-

[Galvantule] contented electrical buzzing noise.

[aven] -lifts her shirt enough to leave her stomach exposed-

[Lie] - Honestly Doc, there's no reason to worry about us, worry about you and Deer's night

[su] -tries to jump up to get closer to the two-

[Doc] Takes out what looks like a file folder- What's a good name? Hmmm... how about.... "Potential Babies" I'm not worried.

[Lie] - Oh for fucks sake Doc...

[Doc] Is "egg basket" better?

[Lie] - No

[Doc] Aven, it's yours, what do you want to name it?

[aven] why not the most obvious name "aven's ovaries" it makes the most sense because that's what it's for

[Doc] Good enough. Though, 'the vault' still has a nice ring. - xe's typing with the staticky hand.

[Lie] - Doooooc

[Doc] Reaches down and worms hir fingers into Aven through the ring of interference and plucks out two very small pink pixels. Xe tucks them into the folder and shuts it with a twisting motion that puts a closed zipper around it's open edges. - There we go. Neat and tidy.

[Doc] Holds it out to Aven - It will vanish into your code when you take it from me, but that's okay. It will keep them safe.

[aven] -takes the folder- thank you doc but are you sure it still being in my coding won't allow for babies?

[Lie] Scratches Hope's ears-

[Doc] It's compressed. You can't open it on your own.

[Steve] And nobody has to go measure BEN to get his condom size now.

[su] -sees hope getting scratches and goes over to lie and rubs against her leg being to be pet as well-

[aven] -pulls down her shirt- ah ok thank youdoc. also true steve very true.

[Lie] Smiles and leans down to pet Su as well-

[su] -leans into the pet-

[Doc] You're welcome Aven, you know it's my pleasure.

[Steve] Grins - I'm sure he'd bitch about having to wear one anyway.

[Doc] And thankfully he's not a brine either. They're a bit too fertile at times.

[Steve] Does some blushing of his own.

[Lie] - Well, I'll get out of your guys hair...

[Doc] Aw, you know you're always welcome Lie.

[Lie] - It was good seeing you Aven, without the drama of baff time

[aven] It was good to see you as well lie

[Lie] Heads outside and starts heading for home-

[Doc] Annnd... I forgot to tell her what I was cussing about.

[Steve] Is it bad?

[Doc] Shows Steve hir phone.

[Steve] AGAIN?

[aven] what is it?