Pokemon Umbral Theatre 22: I can't think of a title

[Dracorion]

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d13/fjgca17/5d7fa0f2153c4644aedff9a08c34565e.png

Hey AB, is this Mawchomp?

No?

It should be.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d13/fjgca17/486e39e991cdd324454bbf5ea8365bb6.jpg

Yes.

Mawkirby rules.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d13/fjgca17/d19bec7e87f1cf74cac87b45a28d739c.png

There's your idea for a Pikachu Pokeweapon, AB. You can thank me later.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d13/fjgca17/ef955c17eec1a9e01aa04302c3760db2.jpg

This is what Elizabeth does with Riolu.

Only it's sluttier.

And finally, avert your eyes if you're faint of heart.

...

...

No, seriously, this next picture is pretty horrifying.

...

...

I'm warning you.

...

...

Okay fine!

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d13/fjgca17/b91a4c64e984cb8de391da5c9da58204.jpg

And they rejoiced.




Moving on now.

Battle should be over in, oh, two or three more posts.

Gem, if you want to discuss we can do it on the pad. Seriously, don't PM me, my inbox can't take any more.

[Menarker]

... Seriously, the Kirby one and the chest carried Torchic was cute/neat, but the roadkill one was ick.

EDIT: Why is Mio afflicted with status conditions? She's Paradigm Shifted.

And Gem. I hate you. More than ever. I can't even articulate it properly... My plan was right all along. And now the entire team is practically doomed, barring some deus ex machina.

I void any and all future plans from you. They are pre-emptively worthless.

Although why did Mollesk take so much damage? Even unbuffed, Mollesk has more than double the defense of any slayer.

Also, Lola is on flinch turn 2 of 3 now.

[Dracorion]

... Seriously, the Kirby one and the chest carried Torchic was cute/neat, but the roadkill one was ick.

Well I warned you.

EDIT: Why is Mio afflicted with status conditions? She's Paradigm Shifted.

My bad.

And Gem. I hate you. More than ever. I can't even articulate it properly... My plan was right all along. And now the entire team is practically doomed, barring some deus ex machina.

Kurika and Whitney are still switching in. The Wretches can't do THAT much damage and your team should be able to pretty much finish up the Prideguard.

Plus, there won't be any more Wretches generated.

Although why did Mollesk take so much damage? Even unbuffed, Mollesk has more than double the defense of any slayer.

Two attacks using Focus, which boost the power, one of them was super effective and a critical hit.

Also, Lola is on flinch turn 2 of 3 now.

Nah. She only just got flinched by the Footsoldier last turn. Unless you're suggesting the flinch should've applied retroactively?

[Geminex]

Menarker. Shut the goddamn hell up right the fuck now and sit down. My patience is thin enough as it is right now, and believe you me, you do not want to stretch it further. Again, not even kidding here.

Dracorion, I fucking warned you. This is strike goddamn three, and, my friend, you know something?

You're out.

Edit:
To clarify.
Look, Drac. You're a good guy. But you are a terrible, terrible DM. Because what you do is compete with your players. And when that happens, the players can't enjoy themselves, or win. I appreciate that you have a grudge against me. But there's better ways to express that. And I don't even want to discuss specifics, here. If you want specifics, look at the last two rounds.
I simply want you out, and I don't care how long it takes for AB to get back to DMing, I'll gladly wait.
I'll PM him later, I'll CC you. You can defend yourself if you like, and then... well, we'll see.

Menarker, couple of things. Firstly, the implication that this happened because my plan was inferior to yours? I don't think so. Drac isn't playing fair, he's making everything go his way in order to defeat us. If we had gone with your plan, I very much doubt that it would've turned out any better. Defog to clear away the reflect, then have everyone gangbang impact and renny. No chance. Mostly because these enemies aren't supposed to be intelligent or lucky. That's why they outnumber us and have more than double our strength. Drac hasn't quite understood this, I think. Competitive.

Secondly, even if this had been my failure, that hardly makes me worthless. I'm still pretty sure that, on balance, I'm a better tactician than you.

Thirdly, allow me to prove that.

Renny's pokemon: Attack
Gardevoir: Heal bell on Lola. This cures status conditions, including, I would imagine, flinch. It also affects the whole party, but I won't even insist on that.
Lola: Revive on Renny. Revive on Impact.
Renny and Lola: Prosperous full restore on everyone.
Mirror: Deconstruct an evolith, construct an attack amplifier.
Lola: Revive Renny's pokemon until he has enough rage to paradigm shift again.
Renny: Paradigm shift, murder some shit.
Impact: CCC, murder some shit.
Everyone else: Murder some shit.

There's a risk here, but I really, really doubt that AB's gonna have luck go against us now. I think that, whatever we do this round, will be completely and totally successful. Call it Karma.

And now the entire team is practically doomed, barring some deus ex machina.
You flatter me.

[Astral Harmony]

Geminex sent me a PM regarding multi-turn Flinch and the doubling of status effect chances due to super effectiveness. I shall address them here since doing so without everyone knowing about it would be silly.

Flinch can be cured. Might as well be curable, since other status effects that lock down people are cured. It's just that there's no item for curing it...wait, hold on...

- Liquid Courage: Cures MT (multi-turn) Flinch. Item is available to all classes and in unlimited supply to Medics, both ally and enemy. Just take it easy as there is quite a bit of alcohol in these. And I don't mean the rubbing kind.

There we go.

We all know that the chance of inflicting status effects doubles when the move is supereffective. Geminex's PM question was about moves that are designed to inflict status effects only, if I remember correctly. I'm inclined to make it so that these moves will work on opponents who are normally immune to such status, ally and enemy.

All in favor, say "aye". All opposed, bitch me out and we'll work on it together.

[Menarker]

Reposting this since it seem to have gotten missed...

So, AB, I know there are some changes pending for the data rulebook I made, (some of it from discussing things with Gem and Drac) but did you have any thoughts about it? Liked it, thought I made some errors or something? Think something I put there is outdated? I would be glad to know about any concerns or ideas.

We're still trying to work out the specifics of actions and Snaggers (trying to avoid having to keep track of yet another stat, the happiness one)


In fact, there are a few sections in the data rulebook which asks for clarifications. I'll put them here.

- All character can use the ability Prime to double their rage generation with the forfeiture of their regular action. (Clarify if this means all actions are forfeited or just one)

- If a Slayer or Pokebrid is defeated and then revived, they gain 50/100 Rage Points due to the new passive ability, Vengeful Rage. Pokemon Trainers and Snaggers gain 25/100 Rage Points per Pokemon revived due to this same ability. This ability is not activated on a character who died because of a suicidal move, like Explosion or Healing Wish. (Change ruling so only Leader Pokemons are affected?)

(Ask if Snagballs can be aimed at other foes like humanoids to try to inflict a status condition instead of being limited to just pokemons. Also ask if snagballs deal damage and if so, how much.)

- If a medic with pokemons leaves combat, their Pokemon stay, but they cannot attack. Despite any orders one might give, Pokemon only respond to the call of their master. They're basically tanking that turn, also preventing Single Target and Multi-Target moves from effecting the Medic. (Clarify this!)

- Dual-classed NPCs gain levels in both their primary classes at the same time. (Ask if NPC abilities are effectively exactly like AB’s upgrade list or if there is a standard ability list for NPCs.)

How much power does a Testament Drive has? 500?




EDIT: And Edupad conversation led to this. ^^ Which I got no problem with.

Dracorion: Status moves are going to be subject to type effectiveness now?
18:08 Armored Bishoujo: I should probably change my color.
18:08 Armored Bishoujo: Geminex makes a good point...like, maybe 30% of the time he opens his mouth.
18:09 Dracorion: Is that a yes or a no?
18:09 Armored Bishoujo: Yes.
18:09 Armored Bishoujo: Although I never really understood it.
18:09 Armored Bishoujo: Don't those moves already have 100% effectiveness?
18:09 Renny: not all of them
18:10 Dracorion: Okay.
18:10 Dracorion: Effectiveness is a bit misleading.
18:10 Dracorion: Accuracy is the problem.
18:10 Dracorion: Like how Hypnosis only has like 60% accuracy.
18:10 Dracorion: In fact.
18:10 Armored Bishoujo: Oh, so that's the issue.
18:10 Dracorion: That pretty much makes them entirely different from moves with a chance to inflict a status.
18:10 Dracorion: Because those actually work on probability.
18:11 Armored Bishoujo: Then double the accuracy instead of doubling %affliction.
18:11 Dracorion: Right.
18:11 Dracorion: Thanks.



EDIT: Did lots of talking with AB who graced us with his presence on Edupad!
Questions were asked and thus the data rulebook has been edited some more. Mind you, this is not the final draft, since there are still things to be worked out, such as actions and sync techniques. But it has been edited a fair bit.

Hence I'm putting it here for upload again.

[Astral Harmony]

Over the course of the rest of this week and maybe even this weekend, I intend to review said guide and hopefully finalize it. If I can't finalize it, I'll bring it up with the rest of you so we can work on finalizing it together.

[Geminex]

That works.
BTW, are you gonna reply to the PM? There were a couple of Drac-related topics in there. There's no particular feud at the moment, I'm not trying to get at him by asking that. Hell, I sent him a copy of the PM, he know's what's up. I'd just appreciate answers, just for future knowlege.

And I am really low on time right now, I can't get through the chatlog this evening. Someone please recap? Tell me what was discussed, what's been changed?

Oh, and what's the final ruling on heal Bell? Does it cure flinch?

[Astral Harmony]

I answered your PM three posts ago. I'd talk more about it but I gotta go to work now.

[Geminex]

I don't think you did. I mean, I did read your post, obviously, and you're introducing an item to cure flinch, which is necessary, and which I'm grateful for. But you don't go as far as to classify flinch as a standard status effect, nor do you make any mention of heal bell. That was the stuff I was hoping for clarification on.

Also, again: I mentioned Drac a couple of times in that PM. I'd like to hear your response to that. When you've got the time, do you mind?

[Dracorion]

Drac is a douche, I say boot him right fucking out.

[Geminex]

Oh come on. He is not nearly as bad as that asshole Geminex.

[Astral Harmony]

Heal Bell will cure MT Flinch for the turn you used it on. I'd think that'd be obvious from what I posted.

Also, you really didn't go into specifics about your issues with Dracorion, which honestly I'm not inclined to hear about.

The day that Geminex doesn't hate every fibre of Dracorion's being about some subject or another is the same day I gain the ability to actually transform into a mecha-piloting blue-haired space pirate amazon instead of masquerading as one on a forum.

You don't like the way Dracorion GMs. Well, all I intend to do about that is reiterate what I promised before, that I would pick shit up once the current battle concludes.

Now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!

[Dracorion]

Which is why this battle will never finish!

Mwa.

Ha.

Ha.

[Astral Harmony]

That's correct.

In fact, we've gone far in our little conspiracy to keep introducing new reinforcements. Like Lopunny Pokebrids in bunny girl costumes. See if you can figure that one out.

[Dracorion]

Lopunny Pokebrid: "Aaaaahhhh! I'm covered in Wretches!"
Lola: "They're crawling all over me!"

Anyway, AB, I kinda get the feeling that Gem's qualms about my GMing are slightly more serious than his usual hating me.

Which is why I suggest we piss him off further. Did someone say Pierce killstealing Gardenoir?

[Astral Harmony]

I can't really help Geminex anymore than I already have right now.

And if we really wanted to piss him off, it'd be more like Pierce hooking up with Gardenoir.

Gardenoir: "Oh, Mister Granger...your Dragon Slave is soooo big!"

[Dracorion]

We should probably throw in Dinner too.

[Astral Harmony]

For some reason, I'm not longer certain that Impact is the true antagonist here.

[Dracorion]

Sssshhhhhhhhh!

Pierce being the actual real villain is supposed to be a secret!

[Geminex]

Oh for the love of...
AB, this isn't about me vs. him. I have told you this.

This is about you promoting a fellow player to GM without consulting any of the other players, and then this player doing, what I feel, is a pretty terrible job. I'm not saying "Hey, demote him now!". I wanted to initially, and I would have argued my fucking case, and I would have done so successfully, but I'm not.

But I do want to hear what you actually think about the job he's doing. And somehow, I don't think that's unreasonable, y'know. Sayng "OH NO YOU HATE HIM CLEARLY YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO CRITICIZE HIM" is
a) kinda oversimlifying stuff
and
b) well... Stupid. Even if I'm not unbiased, all I'm doing is asking for the opinion of the person who should be.

And jesus, stop being so curt. If this were true:
Heal Bell will cure MT Flinch for the turn you used it on. I'd think that'd be obvious from what I posted.
I would not have asked the fucking question.

[Astral Harmony]

I do believe that we had discussed the issue of Dracorion GMing the RP before I left and had a general concensus about it because this was Pierce's sidequest.

I can't give a review on Dracorion's performance because I never actually read the RP thread all this time. No time to read through it all. And if I did, I would still never give a review. This whole thing was based on circumstances that were beyond my control. And GMing Pokemon Umbral is by no means an easy task.

So, I'll just say this. He passed. Pokemon Umbral still stands, not that I would very much mind if it wasn't standing anymore. And the fact that he passed means that should these circumstances beyond my control happen once again, he might once again be the man in charge. But that's only after other people who want to GM get their hands on it.

Another thing: just because you're not the GM doesn't mean you are powerless. Pokemon Umbral is a group effort. That means all six of us have the power, not just me and not just the temporary GM. If you had a problem with Dracorion's GMing being "...difficult", please feel free to talk it out with the rest of us and not just me and Dracorion. If the lot of you wanted, you could have discontinued the RP, or even switched the GM responsibilities to someone else. And then maybe sent me a PM saying "Hey, Armored, Geminex is GM now, bye bye!". I honestly don't care as lot as you don't start a war over it and burn the forums down with your Brooklyn Rage or whatever.

[Dracorion]

Okay, reading over Menarker and AB's latest Edupad conversation, three things:

First: Sophia already has Rotom. You already took away Lugia, so I have to protest.

Second: There's a very real possibility that she had Rotom possess a vibrator once. This isn't my libido talking, it's the character.

Three: I was going to add some Gen V pokemon to Sam and Sophia's formation once AB actually implemented it, so I'd appreciate it if you all didn't take all the good ones.

[Menarker]

1: I think we can work the Rotom thing.

2: Yeah, unless possessing a vibrator gives it a new type and a new attack, I'm probably not going to be too worried about that.

3: Well, I'm trying to help AB fill in the big gaps that is there in the Kimono formations while keeping them within their personality traits or so. And it's more of a guideline.

If you actually tell me which ones you were thinking of getting, then I have more room to work around.

Because it's not just the Kimonos. I'll also be editing some pokemons from the NPCs currently accessable to PATCA, due to reasons like severely duplicated pokemons, extremely weak ones with no value to higher stated ones, or conflicting movesets.

So basically, don't just tell me not to take all the good ones. Tell me what you are aiming for. Same for Bard and Dante.

[Geminex]

Okay, Menarker, what exactly have you and AB been talking about? You've filled me in on the damage, but now you're modifying NPC teams? What gives?

[Menarker]

Long story, but I'll try to keep it simple.

I'm doing stats write-ups of all the PCs and NPCs that we can expect to be using. Pokebrid, pokemons and what not. This is for everyone's sake regarding keeping the RP flowing smoothly with damage calculations and all that. (Everyone needs their hitpoints calculated)

For starters, I've discussed in a good amount of details about each of the custom pokemons like the ruin pokemons and the custom eevee evolution regarding their stats. So that we actually know a gist of what their stats are like when we use the damage calculator. I also asked about the new pokemon moves that would be added to Mio's pokebrid forms and such.

In regards to the Kimonos, they will have basic slayer stats (although it does seem like they should have higher stats). I imagine AB will give them extra abilities perhaps, but that's not my jurisdiction. AB wanted to give the Kimonos all 6 pokemons so they are like battle masters (except for Nyako who is destoyer class). What I mainly did was ask AB what pokemons he thought each of the kimonos would be attracted to.

And finally, with the advent of new pokemons and new pokemon moves, the NPCs get a makeover. Mainly in regards to moves. But some NPCs have pokemons that are...
A: Overused. (like 3 or more other people use them)
B: Conflicting or weak movesets. (Like giving offensive special attacks to a pokemon with 30 special attack and 90 physical attack)
C: Useless. And I don't just mean difficult. I mean tiny damage and die in one hit and similar issues.

So AB is allowing me to look them over, make some possible modifications and submit them for his approval. A fair deal of NPCs won't need changes or only minor ones. But there are a few that could stand to benefit a lot from a second look.

As always, will present for discussion when ready.

AB said we will have a "joke mission" and an extended intermission to test out the mechanic changes to see how everything goes. (For that matter, we would have had an extended intermission regardless. There is just so many PCs and NPCs interactions and events going on lately.)

[Dracorion]

2: Yeah, unless possessing a vibrator gives it a new type and a new attack, I'm probably not going to be too worried about that.

...

Normally I'd say something, but I'm going to let AB handle this one.

3: Well, I'm trying to help AB fill in the big gaps that is there in the Kimono formations while keeping them within their personality traits or so. And it's more of a guideline.

If you actually tell me which ones you were thinking of getting, then I have more room to work around.

Because it's not just the Kimonos. I'll also be editing some pokemons from the NPCs currently accessable to PATCA, due to reasons like severely duplicated pokemons, extremely weak ones with no value to higher stated ones, or conflicting movesets.

So basically, don't just tell me not to take all the good ones. Tell me what you are aiming for. Same for Bard and Dante.

Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawd.

I really really don't want to have to pore through the Gen V pokemon yet.

At least not until they get English names.

[Astral Harmony]

Here's a general announcement:

We won't be using Gen V Pokemon until I get a guide in my hot little hands.

In the meantime, you five PCs have ultimate jurisdiction to decide who gets what Gen V Pokemon when the changeover does come. Legendaries cannot be picked, yet.

This includes Pokebrids for future forms.

Menarker, if they pick anything that the Kimonos already have, go ahead and remove it from the Kimonos's arsenals. I'd rather not have duplicates anymore, and that includes the Metagross that I think three different Trainers have. So we'll...or rather, I'll have to pick new Pokemon for Angelo and Rachel.

...

I'm not sure what else I could type here, so did I miss anything? Oh, well, that's it for my announcement so far.

Oh, wait! There's this idea I have about there being two different versions of each Love Technique depending on who initiates it. Approval or disapproval? Just an idea I had.

In order to allow everyone's "lovers" to be in the formation to utilize this, any Medic, Engineer, Sniper and Shock Trooper can give up the benefits of their specialties and fight as Enforcers using only their classes.

[Bard The 5th LW]

Ill see about a post today.

[Menarker]

AB, I got a question to ask since you're not on the pad right now.

How exactly do you want us to deal with pokebrids regarding Hit Points? Several pokebrids (probably all of them) have multiple forms with different hitpoints base stats. Meaning that every time they shift form, they constantly alter their maximum hitpoints.

Drac suggested we just use percentages during pokebrid shifts to keep all the stats proportional. (I'm assuming that Paradigm Shifts won't influence it in a manner similar to how there are no ways to buff hitpoints stats ingame)

I think it's a good thought. Just wondering what you think.

Also, waiting for Gem to suggest a plan. Otherwise, I'm tempted to just make my post since I had a plan ready for at least a week already.

[Astral Harmony]

Try doing the math. If it works, and it's fair, then I say Dracorion's a genius.

[Menarker]

Well, the math is plausible. It is simple enough. Just wanted to ask before I make that a standard rule.


Drac, are you writing your post soon? If so, let me get write my post with my battle plan which has been ready for a while. A week and a half is really too much time to wait for Gem to start making a battle plan when he has been on all week.

We should probably give Bard a chance too, since I provided a battle plan for him as well.

[Dracorion]

Naw, I'm just still trying to finish the last one I posted.

[Astral Harmony]

Menarker sent me a PM. Here's hoping I can fend off the tide of blood.

The first question was about Impact's ability to take action despite being rezzed during the same phase.

I say that as long as his Enforcer hasn't attacked, then yes, he should be allowed to do that.

However, Geminex wouldn't be able to prevent the automatic switching out with his Enforcer if he is KO'd. After all, while KO doesn't mean death, any enemy could easily remedy that niggling little detail. It's only logical to kill an enemy before someone can save them to get them permanently out of the way. Even as the GM, my hands would be tied on that issue.

Then Impact would really die and Dracorion would jizz...in...his pants.

As for the issue with Heal Bell healing the status effects of all the Trainer's Pokemon, I don't see why it's an issue to argue it right now. I mean, how many times has someone had like, maybe more than one Pokemon in total with a status effect at any given time?

I guess the point I'm trying to make is that you haven't even abused something in-game and yet you're already arguing about it.

But let's try this. Menarker suggested modifying it into a splash skill, hitting the target and a single unit to the left and right of it. Would that quell your bubbling rage?

Finally, what's DanteFalcon up to? I'm starting to get "and then there were four" vibes going on here.

[Geminex]

However, Geminex wouldn't be able to prevent the automatic switching out with his Enforcer if he is KO'd. After all, while KO doesn't mean death, any enemy could easily remedy that niggling little detail. It's only logical to kill an enemy before someone can save them to get them permanently out of the way. Even as the GM, my hands would be tied on that issue.
True. But simply standing in front of him, or even pulling him behind cover, doesn't necessarily qualify as 'switching in', I think, since, gameplay-wise, switching in is always accompanied by an action. If you say that Impact can still take that action, I'm cool with any Impact-saving shenanigans an enforcer gets up to.

Our discussion about Heal Bell wasn't really much of an argument. More us puzzling about what it does, and what it should do. The suggestion to make it splash was actually mine, I think, and I continue to support it. But I don't think anyone considered this a huge deal, so no need to worry.

As for Dante, I've got his e-mail address, I'm trying to get in touch. He hasn't been on since, what, January? But I'm hoping that's cause of life stuff and not cause we've been abandoned.

And Menarker, thanks for taking care of asking AB.

[Menarker]

You're welcome. I had to take the time to kinda read over your arguments and try to keep it as neutral and portray the two of you with as much dignity as I could manage while presenting the different viewpoints. ^^; Well, more dignity than your actual arguments.
Anyhow, now that we got the argument dealt with, we can proceed with battle plans and thus with the RP overall. *Made some comments/edits in your battle plan, but otherwise, it looks good to write up on.*


Anyhow, Heal Bell wasn't really a concern for meat all. But I felt I should ask in case AOE status effects start occurring with more regularity.

But yeah, hoping Dante is healthy. >_> I hate the thought of a forum member being hospitalized or dying, but sadly, such things are not impossible. Wishing the best for him.

[Astral Harmony]

That sounds plausible, I guess. I kinda wonder where there would be any cover, but it is a garage-y sort of place so there's likely a vehicle or two to hide behind.

Hmm...

*write write write*

Menarker has been telling me to think more about the environment. It'd only make sense for someone to just jack a car and use it to attack or provide cover. It wouldn't work in these relatively tight quarters, but I'll remember to apply the environment in the future for reasons other than affecting Pokemon types.

Anyways, as for the other bit, I'll allow it since what you're requesting doesn't at current sound like any kind of cheap benefit to your side and could even somehow be used as a story device for some kind of character building, maybe.

Or a gag. Those're fun.

Impact: "Ugh...the pain, the pain..."
Kurika: "Are you all right? What could I possibly do to help?"
Impact: "You're...going to have to...suck out the poison..."
Kurika: "Hmm? But where do I suck it out?"
Impact: *unzips pants*
Kurika: "..."
Impact: "Well? Help your leader."
Kurika: "I don't think I can help you with the poison, but I'm an excellent chiropractor!"
Impact: "You...you are?"
*Kurika's face is shadowed from view and her eyes glow with dangerous light*
Kurika: *cracking her knuckles* "Oh, yes. Believe me, sir. You've never felt what my hands can do to your body."
Impact: "For some reason, I miss my mother."

[Menarker]

^^ Hahaha, oh it's been too long since we had an omake or something funny quite like that.

Also doesn't help that sucking out poison is actually a medically proven ineffective and dangerous tactic that has practically no value whatsoever aside from risking infection. Impact would have to be dangerously naive or ill-informed to request something like that even if he was seriously poisoned.

http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/SuckOutThePoison

Anyhow, Impact, let me know if you approve of the slightly modified plan on the pad, so I can make a post soonish. This mission is already taking a heck of a long time. (No fault of anyone)

[Astral Harmony]

It doesn't really work? The anime has lied to me! My whole life is a lie!

*jumps from Golden Gate bridge*

Anyways, I'm off to bed after I see how badass this Knight's Contract game is. Bigass guy with a huge weapon (in this case, a scythe) and the sexy, scantily-clad sorceress. The classic RPG duo since time immemorial.

[Dracorion]

FYI Menarker, in response to a comment you made on the pad...

You'll be GM over my dead body.

Geminex will be GM over the dead bodies of everything in the universe.

EDIT: Also, get on the pad so I can yell at you.

[Astral Harmony]

Why can't Menarker be GM?

Personal ancient hatreds from the time before recorded history aside, Menarker has a great understanding of the rules and he clearly doesn't play favorites amongst all of you. Plus, he does think ahead (too far ahead for my personal liking but that's my bad more than his) and he's been an immense help with the rewriting of all the rules and-

...

Y'know what? I'm gonna stop talking because I can feel my breakfast making a u-turn. The bottom line is, despite you hating Menarker, I'm sure that even you are so stuck-up on your own pride to admit that this RP needs him just as much as it needs you and Geminex.

[Dracorion]

It's just our usual hateful banter, AB. Nothing to take seriously.

EDIT: And get on the pad so I can yell at you too.

[Astral Harmony]

Nay, I shan't. Too much fun playing games these days.

...

God, speaking of that omake, can you imagine Impact trying to get laid? I honestly cannot see any scheme like that working. Not even domination powers would get him some.

But I think it's mainly because I don't see Impact wanting to get laid. Seeing his grand plans unfold exactly as he desires most likely gives Impact all the orgasms he could ever wish for.

[Dracorion]

YOU GET ON THAT PAD RIGHT THIS INSTANT YOUNG MAN

[Astral Harmony]

You can't make me! You're not my real dad! My real dad would give me an allowance!

[Dracorion]

Your mom and I are getting married and you need to accept that!

[Dracorion]

(OOC: Not writing past this point since I don't want to role play AB's character and there isn't anything Renny can really do when he's revived aside from recapturing his pokemons and perhaps contributing to the Love Tech.)

I admit, this made me smile.

Geeeeeem, did this make you smile?

[Menarker]

You misunderstood. I'm just not writing Renny's reactions to getting healed or what not until it actually happens.

Anyhow, everyone of us who needed to post has posted. So now, it's your turn to push things ahead a little more Drac.

[Menarker]

Black and White is being released as we speak (if not already), so if any of you guys have been wanting to discuss changes to your pokemon teams in future missions for new pokemons, now might be a good time to discuss them especially since english names have been given for pretty much all of them. Around the same time, NPCs will also be editted with new pokemons to give them more variety, upgraded movesets and all that. Although I'll try to ensure that they don't duplicate your personal choices.

And Drac, we're still waiting for your post. I mean, we have been on this battle since New Years day and the mission itself is already one of the longest running in real life time, too long. I REALLY don't want to see the RP die out.

[Dracorion]

Well fine.

I was hoping I'd run into AB on the pad, since it's easier to talk to him there, but I'll just shoot him a PM.

Second: maybe the reason I'm all aggressive and insane is because you keep complaining that the mission is taking too long, huh, didja ever think of that?! You insensitive bastard.

[Menarker]

The mission itself isn't too long at all and I'm eager to see what else is in your mission. It's the time frame between posts and thus character interactions/development that seems to be taking its toll. 2 weeks to make a plan for a single round especially due to arguments does not improve the RP. I'm really looking forward to seeing what all our characters are doing, yours included. (My mission so far was longer but it also ran much faster, although there was less battles and more character interaction and exposition. And the battles didn't take as long either.)

I like your mission's content! I really do. It's just the process toward making it in real life being slowed down to a crawl that makes me worry, because I like what your sidequest is leading toward.

AB has already signed on the forum for a tiny bit, but he's doesn't seem that interested on coming on the pad lately. Especially since he seems to have gotten new games he's excited to play. :3

[Dracorion]

Oh come on, I'm hardly taking longer than AB usually does.

[Geminex]

In regards to Drac being agressive and insane, that is him and him alone.

IN regards to the RP taking a while...
Eeeh. I think we're okay. This has never been very fast-paced, but it's fun, and, right now, not too time-consuming. I'm good.

[Dracorion]

In regards to Drac being agressive and insane, that is him and him alone.

Dooooooooouuuuuuucheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[Geminex]

In regards to me being a douche, that is me and me alone. Drac's still an ass, though.

CAN I GET AN AMEN FROM ALL THE OTHER ASSHOLES!?

Edit:
Btw, did I mention? Dante's MIA. Or, well, I'm declaring him that. He hasn't been on, I haven't been able to get contact info, and the one e-mail address I got didn't work.

[Astral Harmony]

I hope he isn't gone forever. I really like Matthias.

...

No homo.

Poor Impact, though. If Dante never returns, then Impy's down a powerful Pokebrid in the sequel.

[Geminex]

Impy's
NEVER AGAIN

And yeah, I like Matt as well. Though as for the sequel, Dante was going to join me. I think we should honor his wishes, and have Matt swear allegiance to Impact.

It's what he would have wanted.

[Menarker]

And yeah, I like Matt as well. Though as for the sequel, Dante was going to join me. I think we should honor his wishes, and have Matt swear allegiance to Impact.

It's what he would have wanted.



I personally feel that his character shouldn't be touched until he comes back. Just out of respect for not handling other player's characters. (I suggested Matthias being in a coma as a result of the battle with Moera until Dante comes back as a viable instory reason for his absence.)

Although, AB, did you have any important plot related plans in mind for Matthias, like the results of his hacking reseach? If so, do you have any ways to deal with them with Dante's absence?

But yeah, hoping he's alive/safe and hopefully he'll be able to come back here.

And lastly, Drac, you having any luck with making the next plot post?

[Geminex]

I personally feel that his character shouldn't be touched until he comes back. Just out of respect for not handling other player's characters. (I suggested Matthias being in a coma as a result of the battle with Moera until Dante comes back as a viable instory reason for his absence.)

Well, putting him in a coma is interfering with him. Interfering pretty damn hard, to be honest. If you really want to go with 'don't touch him', then we write him out of the story entirely and don't mention/include the character until dante gets back, and afterwards, dante decides what Matt did in his absence. I'd be okay with that.

But if we keep matt in the story (and I think we should), why not make him an NPC? AB can control him in a way that doesn't go against Dante's wishes, and, as a plus, Matt will actually be involved in the story. If we write him out, or put him in a coma, Matt's going to come back to a character who's been doing basically nothing, and getting back into it would be hard, to say the least. NPC works better.

And Drac, to preempt your question, if this were Impact, I would say the same thing. If I left suddenly, I'd want Impact to keep doing the shit I've been setting up, even if AB was writing him.

But yeah. This is all a bit long-term. Let's hope he gets back in time.

[Dracorion]

Tuesday at the latest.

God.

[Geminex]

How about this. If you fail, I'll say that I told you so and you will feel humiliated. How's that for motivation?

[Menarker]

Well, putting him in a coma is interfering with him. Interfering pretty damn hard, to be honest. If you really want to go with 'don't touch him', then we write him out of the story entirely and don't mention/include the character until dante gets back, and afterwards, dante decides what Matt did in his absence. I'd be okay with that.


I'd be ok with this too. That's kinda more along the line of what I meant.

But yeah, I'm pretty much leaving it up to AB really.

[Astral Harmony]

I know just what to do with Matthias as an NPC. I don't wanna do it without Dante's permission, but if he never comes back, I'll just make that choice for him.

I think Matthias fits the role of an investigator, hacking and digging into information, usually the type that certain enemies of ours wouldn't want him to have.

If Dante doesn't return by the end of this mission, I think I'm going to remove him from combat and have him working different tasks. He'll probably be spending quite a bit of time at Millenium House even after the large explosion.

Heh. He can do a good cop/bad cop interrogation thing with Charlotte.

Charlotte: "You fuckin' murdered him, didn't you, you sick son of a bitch!"
*Charlotte proceeds to beat the shit out of a man whose innocense or guilt is undetermined.*
Matthias: "Look, Charlotte, would you just leave already? Go...have a cheese danish or something."
Charlotte: "Tch!" *leaves*
Matthias: "Okay, look. We're not saying that you're the one who killed him, just admit that you did. It'd only be a slap on the hand. I promise that you won't go to jail."
Criminal: *crying* "And no anal rape?"
Matthias: "And no anal rape."
Criminal: "...Wait, you can't be serious."
Matthias: "Does Matthias Sona gotta Toxic a bitch?"
Criminal: "But I didn't really-!"
*two minutes later, Matthias leaves the room after the police escort the criminal away who pleaded guilty.*
Charlotte: "So, uhh...which one of us was really the bad cop?"
Matthias: "Don't sweat the details, okay?"
Charlotte: "Eh."
Matthias: "By the way, Charlotte. I don't see my cheese danish anywhere."
Charlotte: "You told me to go eat a cheese danish. I didn't mind eating a cheese danish at the time, so I did. Was it yours?"
Matthias: "Brooklyn Rage!"
Charlotte: "Oh, piss off. You're not even from Brooklyn. Hell, you're not even from the same world as Brooklyn."
Matthias: "There you go, sweating the details again!"
Charlotte: "Incidentally, I noticed that the guy you interrogated wasn't badly poisoned. Didn't you use Toxic on him?"
*Matthias holds up a Britney Spears album.*
Charlotte: "Yep, I was definitely not the bad cop as I predicted I would be."

[Menarker]

I guess that's neat. Sounds like the sort of thing Matthias would probably be doing. >_>

Anyhow: Bard, you said that your character might replace Hammond or Sol-lek for the new pokemons that just came out, but didn't tell me which ones you were thinking of choosing. I'm trying to figure out which pokemons us players are claiming so I avoid putting too many duplicates on other NPC teams when they are editted later.

That said, there is another dog pokemon in the new generation, although it's a normal type and fairly standard overall.

[Bard The 5th LW]

Yeah the Gen 5 canines are pretty limited aside from Normal Type and Zorark.

Anyways, I'll probably just keep my team until Charlotte's sidequest occurs, and then replace Sol-leks with Revenard. I'm not really going to bother with Gen V.

edit: Charlotte and Mattias are the best team.

[Dracorion]

Post won't be up today.

I'd say tomorrow, but I've got a big test and I've already spend enough time not studying to work on the post.

So I'm going to go with Thursday.

edit: Charlotte and Mattias are the best team.

If by Charlotte and Matthias you mean just Charlotte, sure.

She's pretty great, though.

[Astral Harmony]

Don't feed her too much ego, Drac. Then when the sequel rolls around, she'll go form a third party and kick all of your asses.

That's kind of the roll that I felt Charlotte was going to do. Like, there's no more PATCA, kinda, and the government's a little new and hastily developed since Impact took over, so Charlotte decides to actually start killing everyone on her shit list, and I can almost guarantee that a certain three other PCs who aren't named Matthias are on it for one reason or another.

[Geminex]

Heeee. I almost want bard to do it. Aaaalmost.

[Astral Harmony]

Right, because we all agree on how hilarious Charlotte's branch would be.

I can just see it now. Charlotte needs to breach Impact's headquarters because so-and-so is there and so-and-so is on Charlotte's shit list. She doesn't really wish trouble on Impact, but that's just how shit rolls. It's Impact's fault for recruiting so-and-so.

Harliette: "Breaking into Overlord Impact's headquarters is extremely dangerous, Charlotte. Aside from killing someone who isn't even in a position to make your life difficult by any stretch of the term, what could you possibly gain from this?"
Charlotte: "An orgasm."
Harliette: "A what now?"
Charlotte: "Look, you know the kind of woman I am, Harliette. People die for my amusement. And people whose very existence gives me premature wrinkles shall die for my orgasms."
Harliette: "So you're doing all this for an orgasm?"
Charlotte: "You gotta problem with that?"
Harliette: "No, not really. Orgasms are nice. Especially with cigarettes."
Charlotte: "Yes, and also with the comfort of knowing that someone you hate was murdered by your own hands."
Harliette: "Move over, Impact and Pierce. There's a new evil character in town."
Charlotte: "Impact and Pierce don't know shit about being evil. They think that they can just put Phoenix Wright sprites on the right side of a post and think that they're evil. Nope. Only someone like me who couldn't give a shit less about this world and kills those who vex her and eats their livers is truely evil."
Harliette: "You...eat their livers?"
Charlotte: "With some fava beans and a nice chianti."
Harliette: "Wow. Uhh, anyways, if we're going to kill that person, we should get started. The sun'll rise in like, two hours."
Charlotte: "It rubs the lotion on its skin or else it gets the hose again."
Harliette: "Stop making references and let's go."
Charlotte: "It puts the lotion in the basket."
Harliette: "Frightening me gives you orgasms as well, doesn't it?"
Charlotte: "It certainly lights my fire."

[Geminex]

Oh come on. Charlotte doesn't deserve to be compared to Hannibal Lecter. Way too blunt.

And what is it with you and Pierce lately? Are you really assuming he'll come to challenge Impact in any way?

[Bard The 5th LW]

Heeee. I almost want bard to do it. Aaaalmost.

Doing it.

And yeah she totally would spare Mattias. Anyone remember 'Matty'?

Or alternatively she could be lulling Mattias into a false sense of confidence. Unlikely though. Mattias doesn't really say anything so that gets him bonus points.

[Geminex]

Baaard. I said 'almost'. Do listen.

[Menarker]

It's stuff like that which really makes me and possibly Renny worry about Charlotte's sidequest in the future. (Presumably at least after the beach mission and the Underworld mission with the Kimonos where characters get the chance to become half demons.)

Of course, since some of our players have been waiting a long time to get demon upgrades, AB could perhaps have the Kimonos bring some live Magatamas to the beach party as a sort of gift or drunken dare. The players can always go to the underworld the mission after for some other reason aside from just getting Magatamas or something...

[Astral Harmony]

Uh uh. You go to the Underworld. I've got good ideas and goddamnit, I'm going to use them and I'm going to use them there!

[Bard The 5th LW]

It's stuff like that which really makes me and possibly Renny worry about Charlotte's sidequest in the future. (Presumably at least after the beach mission and the Underworld mission with the Kimonos where characters get the chance to become half demons.)

Don't worry. She'll only try to kill you all in the sequel.

Actually, speaking of the sequel, how are veteran Pcs going to be treated? If Impact does take over, then Charlotte will most likely play the Dragon , and Impact would be a major Villain (I would think). What about the others though? If new players join, wouldn't it be unfair to put them next to our high leveled PC's?

Really, the most daunting part is the fact that they would be on different sides. Would they be at a constant equal, or would "antagonists" be a bit leveled up?

[Astral Harmony]

That's been a burning issue in my mind since before I had to go to that shitty island in the Indian Ocean.

Honestly, I'm not sure. A few ideas come to mind but none of them good.

I could always pull some Metroid shit and have some serious of events cause your ranks to drop. God, but that would be so retarded.

Mainly, I'm banking on the idea that nobody but you five (four now?) would join for the sequel. Otherwise, I think any newcomers would join as already powerful characters.

Or hell, leave it to them to set their own ranks. God knows there've been many RPs I signed up for where I didn't wanna be the most powerful character (or at least the most threatening one).

[Dracorion]

The thing about new people joining is it keeps our numbers from falling too low.

If we stick to just us, there's the possibility someone might drop out for an emergency or another reason or something.

[Menarker]

AB and Bard's concern isn't the issue with numbers (although it is a valid issue).

Basically, we can sum up some of the issues as such >
A: The original PCs had to start from scratch and build up their power over a long period of time. New PCs will start at the same or slightly lower power level from the current PCs to remain strong enough to handle the challenges without segregating them into the "weak group" of the story. In story, this would be strange as these new PCs all have more innate talent than all the old PCs. Kinda like how the new characters in Dragonball Z were able to harness much more power at a younger age than all the veteran characters. Embarressing for some I'd imagine.

B: Current setup with customized level-up development means that we'd have to help customize all of their characters level-up phases. (From level 5 up since the first four levels are set in stone upon choosing your primary class.) You know all those arguments around how Renny, Pierce and Impact will grow each mission with their respective abilities? Imagine having to do that for the entire mass of new potential recruits that come (and aren't sure to stay). Also, new PCs will possibly become overwhelmed by the mass amount of content they'd have to memorize or create about their characters. Making Signature Techs, pokemon choices, grasping the rules to help decide how their character is going to be built around. And of course, how will they have a Love Tech if their character have not had the time to develop a partnership?

C: Increasingly large Deployment system with each new player (a new PC and enforcer slot). Hell, the increasingly customized and complex rules might be a huge headache for those not experienced with pokemon in general.

D: "Holy Backlog Batman! Is there a Cliff-Note's Version of the entire plotline up to this point?"
"No. Go back and read it all, pussy!"

My first thought would be to suggest that new PCs will start out low level (Level 4), maybe as a sub group tackling the less dangerous of the divergent routes that the missions will have, give them time to grasp the notion of their class and see how we do things. After every mission, they get multiple levels (like 2 or 3 levels) until they would get close to catching up with us. Stuff like Love Tech, they can get after they complete a mission or two, enough time to build up a partnership of sort.
So basically, they start out low level, but grow in larger chunks in a sort of apprenticeship program.


On a completely different note...
AB, just out of curiousity, how do you make your sprites for your sprite comics or where do you get them from?
Got this website here in case you need more inspirations on base sprites to alter or so.
http://tsgk.captainn.net/?p=subhierarchal&t=sr&t2=sh

[Dracorion]

Well it's not going to be easy.

But it's either recruit more players or run the risk one or two people leaving and the RP dying.

In fact, maybe we should open sign-ups before that. For example, during this intermission.

It'd be easy to integrate new characters into the story. At best, we get new players, at worst, we go on as always.

I don't think the chances are very high of someone joining, but we don't really have anything to lose.

[Astral Harmony]

That's probably a better idea to have the new PCs tackle smaller, but by context no less important missions.

The sprites were pretty much edited from various parts of Final Fantasy VI sprites (taking Locke's jacket and putting it on Ceres, then lengthening it and changing the colors around to make Charlotte's sprite, for example).

As for stuff like Pokebrid features (Matthias and Lola), it's all made from scratch using the artwork of the Pokemon as a reference.

Sprite editting isn't difficult. Mostly trial and error.

EDIT: And will you fuckers stop getting fake banned? That's so last year.

[DanteFalcon]

I may have died.

This problem has since been remedied.

Now to try and read everything. And by read I mean skim. You all talk too much.

[Dracorion]

HOLYYY SHIIIIITTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT

On another note entirely, I'll get back to working on the post as soon as I can tear myself away from Pokemon White.

[Bard The 5th LW]

Gem vanished, and Dante resurfaced.

Guys this is no coincidence.

[Dracorion]

Are you thinking that Dante raped Gem, slit his throat and dumped him in a garbage bin?

Because that's what I'm thinking.

[Bard The 5th LW]

I'm not saying anything definite, but I am implying we may want to search Dante's trash.

[Dracorion]

Don't be silly.

If we found any piece of him in the thrash that'd just be slip-shoddy work on Dante's part.

[DanteFalcon]

I don't use trash cans. I use incinerators.

You know....if I was the kinda guy to do that.....

[Menarker]

Well, we're glad to have you back. ^^ Even though now we're back to a similar situation with Gem.

Anyhow, Dante, a question.

Since Black and White have came out, AB has allowed for trainers to select new pokemons for their teams. Now, you're not a trainer, but a pokebrid, so if you are getting another form soon, that's a possible option.

The reason why I'm asking is because sooner or later, I'm going to be working on the list of pokemons and movesets that the NPCs have, updating them for the new pokemons and moves that are out. And if you have a particular choice in mind, I'll try to not have too many duplicates among NPCs like we do for Metagross (which I'm removing from a few teams)

I do kinda feel the need to do something productive/useful for this RP while waiting for Drac to get off his game and write the post, so the RP don't die out.

[DanteFalcon]

Currently I have no idea what Matt's second class will be. Pokebrid wise it isn't likely he'd be picking anything from black/white.

Correction: Victini has entered the list of potential legendaries for Matt to pick for his legendary state.

[Dracorion]

Another incomplete RP post is up. I'll edit in the story stuff later, hopefully.

[Menarker]

REVIVING THE THREAD!

Things been going really slow and I don't want this RP to die, so I'm calling for attention and such.

Drac promised that he would end his procrastination shortly. Thus hopefully we can get back into the story and hopefully AB will come back as soon as the battle as over and his procrastination won't be much of an issue.

Bard, if you aren't too busy, a post from you would help him make his next post. I can PM the battle plan I showed you and Dante again if you happen to need it.

Dante... I know Matthias is unconscious and all, but I'm fully expecting him to be revived next turn and able to act.

My hope is that we get out of the current set of battles we've be in since the New Year and proceed with the rest of the story smoothly. (Not calling to end the sidequest, but move on to the next part).

AB, I know Drac has your GM reins atm, but it would be interesting to get something from you too, if you're willing. Maybe some sideline backstory from Rayleen of what is going on with her since her "house-arrest" or maybe something from Eldys Asherah. Stuff that you might have mentioned during the intermission that isn't neccessarily chronologically set after the sidequest or something.

Gem's absence admitably doesn't help, but until he comes back (hope he's in good health) we should probably press on.

[Astral Harmony]

Rayleen will talk about her situation with you in due time. While the Eldys thing will be revealed in the RP, only Impact will have considerable time spent with her.

I feel like I have more to talk about, but surprisingly I do not, so that is all.

EDIT: 'Nother random idea from Yours Truly...

I've come up with another wacky addition to the combat system which will be tested during the test battle during the post Dracorion's Sidequest intermission.

I call it the Synchronized Phase System.

Since we're moving to actual stat-based combat post this mission, I figured we might as put good use to the Speed stat. Y'know, give it back its reason for existing.

The system will combine the Ally and Enemy Phases into one and will use the Speed stats of all units to determine the attack order. This should allow every single move from the games to function as intended in this RP with the obvious exceptions such as "hit all" skills not exactly hitting all targets.

[Menarker]

Well, that sounds like it could be very complicated since buffs and debuffs and such are being slinged around at an increased rate. That and we would have to reveal stats for all foes including bosses to find out where they are on the attack speed list.

But the biggest issue is when an ally is knocked out by a foe in the middle of the round. The entire plan would be interrupted to have to remove them from combat, choose a replacement fighter/pokemon to put in their place and so on, and giving them a new set of actions (unless you want to imply that defeating slower targets cockblocks them from having their turn which seems quite dangerously overpowered when considering potential bosses). A single round in a battle would take several times longer to complete and be exceedingly more complicated.

So, at the moment, I'm not terribly excited about that idea as it is. Sorry.

As for Speed having a purpose, Gem and I already put the modification to Crit using speed as a critical factor. He also wanted to give some sort of evasive bonus for speed as well, but we never got into that yet...

Basically, it sounds realistic/neat but it just doesn't sound feasible at all in the context of this forum base RP, especially with the slowed down rate we're kinda having now due to circumstances of both avoidable and unavoidable nature.


Oh, and a very Happy Birthday to you AB!

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSVs4zvHp93P203SGd6YRKZQQsH16yVr 4fA-gzDnx0YcBhnIJpC

[Astral Harmony]

Cockblocking occurs in the games all the time. I'm not sure how much worse it could make it for the RP.

Besides, it's not like just because the opponent is a boss, it's going to have a ridiculously high Speed stat. Higher Att, Def, SAt and SDf, usually. But never a super high Spd.

Though you should expect them to have resistances to certain cockblocking of their own, so don't go into battle expecting to score nearly one complete turn of free hits by having one of your Pokemon use Fake Out or some shit like that.

*sigh* Twenty-nine years old. Why the hell aren't I dead yet? Oh, well, maybe this garlic toast'll kill me.

[Menarker]

I'm not much younger than you. >_>

Anyhow, it sounds like it would complicate things an awful lot (and I don't exactly mean just combat difficulty)

Let's say for example, one of our medics was going to use his/her turn to use multiple healing items on several allies, but some foes knocked out one of the allies before it could be used. What then? Do they get the chance to switch to a different target or use a revive instead? Or is it wasted? (as well as the rage if any, despite not having actually used an item)

And another complication that comes into mind is regarding pokebrids. They have various forms with different speeds. Is shifting forms instanteous even if they were in a slow form before switching to a fast one or something?


I at least feel that we shouldn't have this idea and the Crit change co-existing at the same time. Giving allies/foes the chance to attack first AND have a strong chance to increase their power by double is too much.


Wonder if Drac, Bard or Dante have any thoughts regarding it.

[DanteFalcon]

I'm not entirely sure how I feel about it. Although since I'm rather tired currently I'm not sure how wise it would be to try and form a coherent response. Honestly though I'd prefer it. It gives a reason to have moves like trick room, quick attack, extreme speed etc...

[Astral Harmony]

Well, since items are always used at the start of every turn in the games (or at least that's the only time I've ever seen them used by the enemy), I figured stuff like Pokeshifting, Paradigm Shifting, and RDPAs would also be used at the start of a turn.

Though not SignTechs or SyncTechs or none of those special moves. Those would still fall into the action order.

I had an idea earlier than this about having all units being able to attack in each turn, then using the damage to determine who is dead at the end, but that was going to be terrible.

EDIT: Regardless, it will be applied at least to the test battle to see if it actually does work out. I honestly just think that the whole phase system could be improved upon to make all those moves work, and the SPS was the only plausible idea I had for doing exactly that.

[Dracorion]

I like it.

Admittedly, we may have to remove the crit benefits because of it, but I still like it.

And Menarker, we wouldn't need to know the stats for all the enemies. I mean, pretend Bulbapedia didn't exist and you were playing one of the Pokemon games. Would you still know the stats of every single pokemon another trainer used at you?

What we could have is characters like Impact and Sophia and perhaps get some Engineer constructs use abilities that would basically function like Scan from the FF games. And may not work on bosses.

And yeah, happy birthday AB.

I am also the bearer of horrible news. Apparently Arcanum talked to Gem on Steam recently and he's just busy with life and junk. I know, I cried too.

[Astral Harmony]

Those scouters function pretty much like Dragonball, able to literally map an enemy's physical makeup which would provide accurate estimates of said enemy's vital statistics.

And the enemy wouldn't be able to get away with it by "lowering their power level", a feature of Dragonball that nobody would ever get me to understand.

As such, said statistics would usually but not always be available at the start of the first turn.

The main time consumer when it comes to me typing up posts is when new enemies are unleashed onto the field, but handling that earlier than when I'm making the post would easily cut that time down.

[Menarker]

There is another thing that comes to mind regarding the idea then.

In the past, we always had the options of choosing the order of our allies actions. Meaning that the speed stat didn't FORCE us to go first or second or whatnot. Like if we thought it was tactically better for us for a fast pokemon to attack after a slow pokemon for some reason, (Like a slow pokemon use Helping Hand to boost the potency of the fast pokemon), we were able to do that.

Will this new idea prevent us from having the option to delay our actions or whatnot?


Also, I pretty much want to demand the abililty to add a priority feature to Umbreon's custom move in respond to this, since Umbreon is a slow pokemon to begin with and the value of the move would become USELESS if it was unable to trigger the protection ability before foes attacked and the move was made taking in consideration the way we have been RPing since the very beginning. Highest Priority.


Also, to answer your question regarding DBZ and "Lowering power-level", basically, Ki is like a fuel to power one's attacks or support the body structure kinda like how a car burns fuel to run. (It is used up faster when used as an emission style attack than when it is collected as a body armor where it continue to reside for a while) The scouter senses the body make-up while taking the ki that is being gathered, (sense the body's strength as it is) literally because the body IS that weak at the point of being scanned but a fighter can raise and lower their power level and thus their body's make-up and strength faster than Evangaleen can strip off and put on her clothes.

It kinda made more sense when I read Hunter X Hunter where it uses a similar Ki system by goes much more into depth regarding how Ki works. Too bad the series seemed to jump the rails later on since the concept seemed to be neat. (Basically, DBZ characters are all Re-enforcement and Emission style fighters using that system)

And I'm glad to know that Gem is well enough.

If we go along with the plan we suggested, could we have Medics carry Dire Hits? They are basically X Stat items where the stat in question is crit rate

EDIT: I noticed that there are new items that can be found that are listed here... I wonder if you'll allow Medics to use any of the newer ones there or allow us to carry it in future combats..

http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Wonder_Launcher

[Dracorion]

Oh right, the scouters. I completely forgot about them. Still, I don't expect they'd work on some bosses.

Menarker, you can spout as much bullshit as you like, that does not make DBZ characters being able to lower their Ki any less bullshit.

Also, DBZ was pretty much entirely bullshit in every aspect.

As for Umbreon's custom move, don't the existing protection-type thingy moves already come with +1 priority?

I think AB already said Medics carried Dire Hits.

As for the Wonder Launcher, I doubt it. I don't even know how you're supposed to rack up points, but regardless giving PCs the ability to throw items without expending any from their inventory is a no-no in my opinion.

We COULD give them to Medics. I'd laugh every time they healed someone by smashing a Full Restore into their face. Regardless, that would undermine the point inasmuch as if all Medics need to heal is a fancy wrist launcher why doesn't everyone carry one of those?

[Astral Harmony]

In the past, we always had the options of choosing the order of our allies actions. Meaning that the speed stat didn't FORCE us to go first or second or whatnot. Like if we thought it was tactically better for us for a fast pokemon to attack after a slow pokemon for some reason, (Like a slow pokemon use Helping Hand to boost the potency of the fast pokemon), we were able to do that.

Will this new idea prevent us from having the option to delay our actions or whatnot?

Also, I pretty much want to demand the abililty to add a priority feature to Umbreon's custom move in respond to this, since Umbreon is a slow pokemon to begin with and the value of the move would become USELESS if it was unable to trigger the protection ability before foes attacked and the move was made taking in consideration the way we have been RPing since the very beginning. Highest Priority.

I thought Helping Hand worked at the start of the turn in any 2P battles?

Faster units can delay their actions further down the attack order than what their Speed stat dictates, but slower units cannot speed up their action without first boosting their Speed stat.

And of course Umbreon's Scapegoat will occur before the action order begins. Anyways, I'm looking at the text and it says to me that you can choose any ally and have all attacks redirected to any other ally. I just want to let you know that attempting to redirect attacks to a PC ally or their Pokemon is an absolute no-no without their permission. Additionally, PC-NPC relationships towards you could go sour for pulling that stunt enough times.

In other words, if you want Lola to keep liking Renny, don't have Umbreon redirect attacks from someone onto her. The same could be said for just about any NPC. Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if someone attacked Umbreon because you abused Scapecoat to save someone else's ass by griefing them.

If we go along with the plan we suggested, could we have Medics carry Dire Hits? They are basically X Stat items where the stat in question is crit rate

EDIT: I noticed that there are new items that can be found that are listed here... I wonder if you'll allow Medics to use any of the newer ones there or allow us to carry it in future combats...

Granted. Medics will have unlimited access to Dire Hits.

Those new items? I can see them being used, but not by Medics, no sir.

EDIT: Honestly, I kinda wonder why Menarker created Scapegoat, anyways. It doesn't really fit Renny's image at all.

[Dracorion]

It's no secret that Menarker is actually evil and he just pretends to be a nice guy.

[Astral Harmony]

So if he does Phoenix Wright sprites like you and Geminex did, he'd be on the right side of the post as well...

Sheesh, I might as well call the sequel Pokemon Umbral: 2BA Master!...of Evil and let you fuckers go apeshit on each other.

[Dracorion]

I would be perfectly okay with that.

[Menarker]

Yeah, I know DBZ is bullshit pretty much, but I'm just giving a plausible explaination that is rather supported by other anime that use the chi/ki/chakra/Nen system.



In regards to Scapegoat, it doesn't fit Renny's image so much as Umbreon, who would be rather protective of him in spite of anyone else. Plus, Renny could very well order the attack be directed to someone who can use Protect (like himself) and thus negate all attacks directed to that one target.

It might also have other viable implications. If for example, we were facing a very strong water type opponent and someone had Water Absorb (like Moon's Vaporeon) and there was someone who was weak to water on our side, there might be a valid benefit to attempt to protect the one weak to water by redirecting it to the one who would grow stronger with it. Or maybe someone who knows Destiny Bond if they were willing or something like that so that the one who knocked out the ally was sure to be KOed (or a boss would take HEAVY damage). Or Cecilia's Invincibility mode. And otherwise, it's useful enough once in a rare while to save a medic or someone who is crucial to a plan even if it doesn't combo with anyone/anything.

But yes, Renny would not want to use the move to save his own ass at the cost of someone else' if he could help it. (Think of it as Umbreon learning the move herself as opposed to Renny teaching it to her since that would not make as much sense.) It's a potent tool, but not something to be spammed at every occasion. It gives Umbreon a purpose that she has been otherwise lacking. (Although hopefully the change in using stats more faithfully will make her as useful as she was meant to be)

On the plus side though, it makes perfect sense if you consider that Umbreon could make HERSELF the scapegoat. She has HEAVY defenses and stamina (not as high as Mollesk but still quite sturdy) and if she gets inflicted with a status condition, that foe gets the status condition too in a vengeful retribution. ^^


I think AB already said Medics carried Dire Hits.



He did, but that was when Dire Hit was modified by the crit system to improve its power and such. Now AB said we would have normal Dire Hits in unlimited quantities. ^^


In regard to the Wonder Items, I didn't mean that we would able to use them infinitely (even though I did ask if Medics would have them, but that's highly unlikely as hell). But whether they could be a valid item for PCs to carry. Improved X Stat items instead of just increasing a single stat by one level and such like that.



We COULD give them to Medics. I'd laugh every time they healed someone by smashing a Full Restore into their face. Regardless, that would undermine the point inasmuch as if all Medics need to heal is a fancy wrist launcher why doesn't everyone carry one of those?

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/Menarker/_Chemist_vs__Ramza_.jpg

Ah, it reminds me of RO chemists again. ^^

And I'm totally not evil. :3 Doesn't mean I can't kick some ass though.

[Astral Harmony]

The shocking ultimate plot twist!

It's Renny's Umbreon that is the final antagonist!

Now that I have said it, it must be canon.

You all can see it too, can't ya? Umbreon laying on a throne in some huge castle with a perpetual lightning storm above it, being fed seedless grapes by some harem wenches that are as ample of bosum as they are empty of head.

I think he'll need to be able to talk, or like some kind of telepathy that everyone can hear. The endboss has to be able to deliver a final epic monologue, after all.

And now that I've got this idea in my head, for some reason it doesn't seem so ridiculous to me.

[Dracorion]

Sounds about par for the course.

Although it's occurred to me now that Scapegoat would combo horribly with Follow Me and any move or technique that grants invincibility. Anything from Protect to Cecilia's Great Escape.

[Menarker]

Also somewhat useful with counterattack techniques since normally those techniques require you to guess if you're going to be attacked or not (Moves like Destiny Bond, Counter/Mirror Coat or the counter-attack accessory). Although the subject has to survive the hits to make it useful though... And you're still guessing that someone is going to be hit if you're redirecting attacks, but at least the success chance is double and you could probably reasonably guess who the enemy might want to attack.

Otherwise, the protection part is great for allowing people to set-up like Focus Punch or what not.

^^ It's a nice tool because unlike Follow Me, which is pure martyrdom in general, Scapegoat allows for a little more tactic (who it protects and who gets targetted) while being less suicidal (the user isn't forced to take the hit) at the cost of being a bit more narrow in its protection unlike Follow Me. (protect one person).


Of course, Renny would probably die if he scapegoats Charlotte or Discord. >_< Maybe Kirie too. And Dinner would probably make it AOE to boot... Heh, sounded like another sprite comic idea.

AB: How is that going btw out of curiousity?


Hehe, Umbreon as an antagonist... hmmm... Her castle would be in a near perpetual state of darkness, with the only source of light glowing from the golden bands decorating her body. I mean, imagine being a resident of said castle where being without your master is to resign yourself in a cold tomb, isolated in total darkness. Desperation for light to see oneself and those around you would bring them to flock near their sovereign dark queen!

=P

Too bad for that idea that Renny and subsequently Umbreon are on the side of "good". (Although Umbreon DOES get amused by the idea of corrupting Renny a little.)

[Dracorion]

I keep forgetting, is Follow Me supposed to redirect all attacks used by the enemy at the user, or just enemy attacks directed at an ally that the Follow Me user picks?

[Menarker]

Unfortunately, due to the wording, it is implied that all attacks are redirected until said martyr is knocked out (and I think that was how you did it the last time it was used). Basically, Follow Me seems to makes the user the only acceptable target of attacks, which results in that pokemon not living very long! I thought it was similar to Scapegoat in being able to choose who was protected, but I guess not.

Which will make Scapegoat a very rewarding upgrade when I do end up getting it.

[Dracorion]

Yeah, that's the problem.

You could have someone, anyone, use Follow Me. That would ensure that all attacks are directed at them. Then you use Scapegoat to redirect those attacks at someone who is invincible.

And that would be bad.

[Menarker]

... Oh, I didn't think of that... Probably should make a little subnote that I can't redirect from someone who already got an attack redirected to them. When I first made the move, I was under the impression that Follow Me was a less powerful version of scapegoat instead of making it the only possible target.


Hehe, could you imagine though? Pierce using his redirecting ability to direct attacks to him and then someone using Follow Me to redirect to them and then Umbreon using Scapegoat on someone else and basically playing Hot Potato with the enemies!? Even funnier if you imagine the enemies actually running back and forth from person to person trying to do a melee attack!



Prideguard soldier: "DEATH TO OUR FOES!" *Runs towards Lola and Renny watches with a horror-stricken face*
Renny: "Togekiss! Use Follow Me!"
Togekiss: Toge-toge-kiiiii! *Follow Me*
*He stops one foot away from his original target, turns around, leaving his back open to Lola for a second and rushes toward Togekiss*
Prideguard soldier: "I'll stuff my pillow with your fluffy innards!"
Umbreon: *Glows brightly and glares as Impact is suddenly more enticing*
Prideguard Soldier: "Actually, on second thought, that guy got a face that is very appealing to punch!"
*Turns around yet again, and is somehow NOT sneaked attacked again as he runs toward Impact*
Impact: "FUCK YOU RENNY!"
Renny: "But I didn't order anything just now!"
*The prideguard solder jumps high in the air, ready to knock down Impact when...*
Pierce: Hey, you flacid asswipe, get over here!
*The soldier interrupts his attack, turns around again and runs toward Pierce, huffing and puffing, his face red with frustration and exhaustion. Then he falls face first in front of Pierce breathless.*
Prideguard: "Hauh, uh, you guys... ah ah... YOU GUYS SUCK!"

[Astral Harmony]

No comics. Playing Ar Tonelico Qoga.

Seriously, I think the only way they can make that series kinkier is to make the protagonist a girl, too.

[Dracorion]

But then how will they cater to the hypothetical non-lesbian female gamers?

No, the solution is clearly to give the protagonist the ability to switch genders at will. And also to get both. That way, everyone's happy.

[Astral Harmony]

I don't think a game where the magic using songstresses strip off their clothes to power their spells is the kind of game that would be popular amongst the female gamers.

...

*write write write*

Hey, guess how Eldys powers up her attacks.

[Dracorion]

Psh.

That's like saying a book where a strong female lead is made entirely dependent on a douchebag sparkly vampire for the rest of her life wouldn't sell well.

[Geminex]

I am also the bearer of horrible news. Apparently Arcanum talked to Gem on Steam recently and he's just busy with life and junk. I know, I cried too.
Then let me put that smile right back on your face. 'm outta here.

I guess life is just... well, catching up to me. Stuff's been happening, there's been some major changes, there's just been so much to deal with; school, health, family. Arc spotted me on TF2 yesterday, and that was literally the second time in weeks that I've had the time and energy to actually do anything not involving work of some sort. Now's particuarly intense, for a couple of reasons I'd rather not go into, and it'll get better. But I don't think by much.

It's not that I don't have fun here. I do. Hell, I feel at home here! And I'll certainly lurk a bit, and maaaybe throw in a post here or there (though I doubt it). And I'm sure you all have chat clients. I certainly hope so, I wanna keep in touch. But I can't promise that I'll be around at all, and I really don't think I can keep up with commitments. That includes umbral and trollslum. And I'm really, really sorry about that, particuarly the latter. People have been putting work into this, I've made a commitment to be part of it, and I feel like crap for leaving like this. But there's things I have to put first. And I'm honestly sorry.

I'll spend time putting stuff in order, getting your IM screennames, that sort of thing. I can make that much time. Bard, AB, my characters are yours. I'll make one more post for both, you tell me what it should contain. My inbox is empty again (had no idea that it was full, that was just stupid coincidence), so a PM would work.

Bard, I wanna talk to you in particular. I think we can at least finalize a couple of things, and then it'll just be poor little Scalis I'm abandoning. And maybe we can work something out for him, some... clean break, one that doesn't hurt the RP. There's gotta be something. I don't wanna spoil other people's work any more than I'm already doing.

AB, you've always seemed to have a pretty good picture of Impact. Not the picture I intended, but eh. Treat him as an NPC, have him go about his world-dominating ways, or don't. Hey, maybe this'll be Pierce's big break.

Like I said above, I wanna stay in touch with you guys. All of you wait fuck Drac's gonna read this Most of you are great people. I actually feel I've learned quite a bit from and I don't wanna break off all contact, cause I just know I'd regret that.

Hell, I regret this already. But it's necessary. I've been vague as to why but... bluh. Just trust me on this one? Please?

Huh. Is that already it? I'm sorry, I've got to go, I'm sorry...
Ah, yes, one last thing. Thank you, all of you. Like I said, you've impressed me, made me laugh, made me think. I've learned a lot here, I've changed in a few ways (for the better, I think, I hope), I respect many of you, and you deserve it. Keep being awesome.

And I think that wraps it up.

If I can, if time frees up, if I just get better at dealing with stuff, if I can help it, I'll be back. Like I said, I feel at home here, this place makes me laugh. I want to return. But it might be months or a year or three.

And until then, ladies and gentlemen, this has been Geminex, wannabe strategist, master of overeloquence and hopefully not too much of an asshole. And if I may be permitted one last bit of self-indulgence, allow me to play myself out. (http://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/showtime-piano-refrain?permalink)

Thank you and goodnight.

[Dracorion]

Ah, well.

Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out!

I'll miss you too, assmunch. Out of respect, I think I'll wait a couple of missions before having that climatic duel on top of Lexhur in the middle of the city during a thunderstorm where Pierce kills Impact.

[Bard The 5th LW]

I'll miss you Gem. I sent you a PM that I hope you'll see. One final plot jam. Also included my email, and I'll see about IM or pesterchum as a means to stay connected.

[Menarker]

Well, I'm just glad to know you are in good health.

I'm sorry to see you go, although the door is open for you to come back when you are able/willing. You have said in the past before that you predicted that things would get hectic since late last year, so while it was not completely unexpected, I did hope that it would only be temporary and that I hoped it was the case that you were doing what you felt you had/want to do and not you being caught in a unfavorable situation (like an injury or whatnot)

I wish you success in your endeavors, whatever they may be.

Regarding the conversations we were going to type up regarding Kurika and all that, should we just pretend that there wasn't an actual conversation (although there was training that was already hinted at) and that sort of thing? That's the only thing that is left unattended to, although it's not urgent.


... and now we are four... (five with AB)

[Astral Harmony]

Don't worry, Geminex. Impact is in good hands and will be warmed up and ready by the time you get back.

Life is fickle as hell, and who knows? The very next day you could look around you and be all like "Where the hell did everything that required my attention go?"

Happens to me all the fuckin' time.

Anyways, take care of yourself and I hope to see ya on the flippity-flip...y'know, whatever that means.

...

Okay, I'll control Impact storywise while the team leader can control Impact in combat. I think Impact's going to grow to become a clever and calculating man. Y'know, like Light Yagami.

Impact: "I'm here to kick ass and take a potato chip...and EAT IT, and I'm all out of potato chips."

[Dracorion]

Phhhhbbbbbttttttttttttt.

That's me expressing my disbelief, by the way.

[Menarker]

Just a heads-up regarding the rules since we're willing to test out AB's Speed modification during the intermission.

Normally in the games, Flinch only activates when the attacker is faster than the one being flinched since Flinch was not capable of voiding the victim's next turn. (Meaning being faster than your foe granted you immunity to flinch) We did away with that before because speed didn't matter when it came to attacking first before and we allowed our foes to Flinch us (and because we're capable of comprehending the idea of flinch being able to carry onto the next turn if they already acted)

Now, I don't want to remove Flinch from everyone but the fastest attackers, so I'm suggesting/wondering if we're going to keep flinch the way it has been.

And in case anyone is wondering, I'm being rather impartial as the 2 pokemons I have that use flinch (Togekiss and Shaymin) are both fairly fast and able to increase the party's speed by Tailwind (sky shaymin being VERY fast to begin with) and Renny's Steadfast ability (if I choose to keep it as opposed to his Dream World ability which I want to switch it to) would basically raise his speed each time he was flinched until he became functionally immune to the flinch ability due to being faster than the attacker.



*Insert Obligatory Prodding to Drac to Work Harder, Dammit!* =P

[Astral Harmony]

You make a good point. Since we're combining the Ally and Enemy Phases, I would think it'd be unfair to leave the "super effective doubles/quadruples chance of secondary effects activating" thing still in the system.

Renny's Pokemon flinch enough as it is with Air Slash or whatever the devil he uses.

[Menarker]

Actually, AB I never said anything about the super effectiveness doubling secondary effects or anything with the latest changes.

What I was asking about was whether we'd be using the normal rules for Flinch as opposed to ignoring the parts that didn't make sense the way the RP was set.


I'm still fine with the secondary super effectiveness being doubled on super effectiveness unless anyone has any objections. If anything, losing Gem means we have one less PC and NPC in our Deployment Team, so we already gotten weaker as a group.

[Astral Harmony]

Misinterpreting Menarker's questions on purpose is a lot of fun.

With the combining of the phases, all status effects should work as intended.

[Menarker]

*Waiting impatiently for Drac to get a story-post up.*

I mean, what the hell!? Do we have to wait a month for each post (LIKE THE LAST TWO TIMES!)? This is the sort of negligant attitude and results which makes me want to insist that AB takes charge with or without you!

AB: In fact, do you mind? If he doesn't get on things soon, I would rather see you take charge before things get worse. In fact, I would love to see more of your personal touch from the NPCs which Drac cannot provide (which is no fault of his own).



Anyhow, It's a good thing that three of our favorite medics, Rachel, Lola and Chizuru all got high speed to support their chances of supporting the party before the enemy attacks.

[Astral Harmony]

I could do that, but I'd like the end the current battles right then and there and move onto the next thing, which I don't think would be a problem with anyone considering how long those battles have taken place.

My hands are pretty much tied on the issue. Sunday night, I'll have to take action, regardless of how much I don't like angering Dracorion.

[Dracorion]

That's a filthy fucking lie.

The wait you actually have to consider is the one between the last player to get a post up and the RP post itself. In the case of the last RP post, you were the last player who posted and eighteen days later the RP post was up. Which is admittedly a lot, but it's not a whole fucking month.

With the post before that, it was seven days after Bard posted that I got my post up.

And as of today it's only been a week since the very last player post.

Anyway, I'm going to be straight with you: I don't wanna get another incomplete post up. So while I could do all the stuff for your team and Bard's right now, I'm really just focusing on getting through this stupid fucking writer's block that's been screwing me for, what, like two months?

[Astral Harmony]

I wouldn't really consider a post that just posts battle results incomplete. I myself tend to shy away from it all too often myself, mostly because my vocabulary just isn't robust enough to keep it interesting.

[Dracorion]

Well everything is complete inasmuch as there's all the dialogue and fluff text for their battles and such.

I just consider them incomplete because the bits of Pierce's shenanigans that should be there aren't.

[Astral Harmony]

I swear to god I'll pistol whip the next guy who says "shenanigans"!

[gekkogo]

Hey what was the name of that restaurant you liked with all the crazy sh*t on the walls?

[Dracorion]

I'm going to go on ahead and assume it was called "Shenanigan's".

Also, who the hell are you?

[Bard The 5th LW]

Hey what was the name of that restaurant you liked with all the crazy sh*t on the walls?

Seriously, why do we have lurkers!? It makes no sense! All we do is infight.

[Menarker]

We used to offer semi-NSFW pokemon related pics too, but that hasn't shown up in the last few months since we haven't had a new discussion thread in months.

[Dracorion]

I'll get a new discussion thread up when I get a RP post up.

Or AB will, if I can't make the deadline.

[gekkogo]

Just reading through some old stuff, my bad.

[Bard The 5th LW]

Yes. Yes it was your mistake.

[Astral Harmony]

Don't be mean to him. If he likes to read, let him read. Welcome the Nuklear Power, gekkogo. Enjoy the...ah heh...shenanigans.

Judging from Dracorion's latest post, it seems he's at least okay with me assuming that dreaded GM role Sunday night.

As for the pictures, I've already crawled through, like, 250 pages of gelbooru. People sure like Skyla.

I should have crawled through like 250 more by Sunday morning and then send that stuff off to Menarker.

[Menarker]

As for the pictures, I've already crawled through, like, 250 pages of gelbooru. People sure like Skyla.


I don't blame them! Seriously, she's up there with May as my favorite canon pokegirl even though I have yet to play the games in which she appear.

I'll deal with the pics as soon as I'm able. Also found a few I liked from elsewhere that gave me a chuckle or two.

[Astral Harmony]

Count yourself lucky. Black and White's experience system is a major pain and makes any kind of grinding a chore, which really drags down the game.

I love leveling Pokemon and creating a dream team of my very favorites, but that shitty experience system has taken what I like so much and ruined it.

[Bard The 5th LW]

Count yourself lucky. Black and White's experience system is a major pain and makes any kind of grinding a chore, which really drags down the game.

I love leveling Pokemon and creating a dream team of my very favorites, but that shitty experience system has taken what I like so much and ruined it.

Honestly, I thought this exp system was faster than the old ones. Felt a bit like less of a chore.

[Dracorion]

Judging from Dracorion's latest post, it seems he's at least okay with me assuming that dreaded GM role Sunday night.

No, I'm not.

But I can't really stop you.

And Bard, AB doesn't murder Audinos for level ups. Which is why grinding is a chore for him.

[Menarker]

Well, the trouble with THAT is that your team becomes more ineffectual in the long run if you do Audino training before you finish your EV training. (Unless the EVs that Audino give are the ones you specifically need)

So you still need to do roughly 255 fights of specific pokemons that give out the right EVs, unless you're late in the game enough to have gotten the items that change the EVs that you get to the ones you want.

[Dracorion]

Menarker, not everyone cares about EV training.

And by not everyone I mean just you.

[Menarker]

I imagine you probably don't care about nature too.

>_> My little sis borrowed my game (I allowed her to delete my file and start fresh) and she took a Chimchar that was Gentle nature (Penalty to its physical attack stat which is Chimchar's main selling point). I kinda nudge her to suggest resetting and trying again since it would grow to be 10% less effective than a standard Chimchar and 20% worse than one with a boost to Attack... I doubt she listened though.

But tons of people on the internet seem to care given the discussion about EVs and IVs and natures and move-sets and breeding and whatnot. :3

[Bard The 5th LW]

Meh. I give natures a look over, but I think that EVs sorta takes away from some of the freedom.

ANd I have killed like 3 Audinos max.

[Menarker]

Well, even breeding for nature and abilities is a real pain in the ass is a pain in the ass. I made 300+ Skorpi eggs to find one with Adamant Nature and Sniper ability before... Several hours running my bike up and down the path, carrying 1 pokemon and 5 eggs in a manner that in real life should have battered them to omelets in the crazed bike-riding spree I was doing...

[Bard The 5th LW]

I really hope the "300+" is hyperbole.

[Menarker]

... no. It is not hyperbole.

Made worse by the fact that I bred together newborns with their parents to pass on moves or whatnot...

Literally, the pokemons were crapping out eggs every few minutes. An assembly line based on the power of eugenics.

Screw ethics! Biology is a toy and morals are merely dogmatic guidelines!


>_> Yes, this is the guy who is roleplaying Renny.

[gekkogo]

I feel ya on the 300+, took me around 100 eggs to finally get a male adamant pupitar with the right move set. I'm honestly suprised that he didn't come out mentally challenged with all that in-breeding. Also shiny pokemon suck =[.

[Astral Harmony]

Also shiny pokemon suck =[.

And some of them kinda look even uglier than the originals. Shiny Flaffy was hideous.

B&W isn't so bad since I really thinned out my Pokemon picks, so that just leaves me with the one gripe I've had since the beginning...

HMs. Seriously, I'm tired of them. Why do I have to reserve one or two slots for HM whores just so I can explore a cave? I think all HMs and Flash should just be extra functions of the protagonist. Like instead of giving me HM Fly, just give me a hanglider. Rock Smash? I'll take a pickax. Surf? Why bother? Can't I just...y'know...swim like the NPCs out there on the water?

Actually, swimming would be much better. Like, you can't swim at the start of the game because you don't have a swimsuit, but after beating a certain Pokemon Gym, your mother or whoever encounters you right outside after your victory and hands one over to you. Problem solved and I didn't need a punkass Water type clogging up my party.

As for things like Strength, they could just alter the environment or do something storywise like "Hey, some big ol' dude just shoved that gigantic boulder south of this town out of the way. We can get to the fourth Pokemon Gym now."

Waterfall? Psssh. I've got this Freeze Gun right here. Just aim, fire, and now we have a frozen waterfall that I can scale with ease.

That's why I like the Gamecube games so much. You didn't need HMs for anything at all. Sure, some of your Pokemon had them, but you didn't need them for shit.

[Menarker]

I could understand that although the swimsuit example begs the question of why the trainer can't just buy their own swimsuit (it's not as expensive as a bike!) or swim naked (modesty and Tentacruel related tentacle attacks aside...)

What I would do simply is have all pokemons that are able to learn the move passively gain the ability to use it once you gained the HM for it. That way the ability itself can't be deleted by a special move user or what not. You could still have the move in the movelist if you wanted (Surf is useful for sure!) but you could delete it or opt out of having it in your team's moveset...



Hell, there is actually an oversight in one of the pokemon games where you could end up making the game unwinnable. (Although it's such a obscure situation, that you'd pretty much have to intentionally want to screw yourself over.)

In Sinnoh Route 226 there is an island with no wild grass to encounter pokemon, but there is a trainer who wants you to trade him a Finneon for a Magikarp. Bad Trade anyhow, but I digress...Anyhow! The island also has no pokemon centers, so there is no PC access to pull out a pokemon you have from the computer there...

As quoted by Bulbapedia:

"If the player's party contains no Pokémon other than Finneon that can learn Surf or Fly and lacks a Pokémon with Teleport, trading away Finneon to Meister can effectively strand the player until Magikarp evolves and can learn Surf or faints in a battle, instantly taking the player back to a Pokémon Center. If the player has managed to progress to this point without obtaining any fishing rods, and does not have enough Rare Candies to make Magikarp evolve (or cancels evolution), or trades a Level 100 Finneon, they will be stuck on Meister's island PERMANENTLY. "


So yeah. That's what Nintendo wants to avoid... even if the methods they take to prevent it seem... weird.

[Astral Harmony]

...

Dawn's Mother: "I wonder where my little baby has gone off to? It's been so long since her last letter."
Dawn: "June 24th. Mood: Shoop da Whoop. I've been trapped on this god-forsaken island ever since I traded my Finneon three months ago. Seriously, can a sistah get a Krabby up in this bitch?"
Meister: "Oh, you've already got Krabbies."
Dawn: "Eat a dick."

[Menarker]

...Yikes. I laugh and yet I wince too. ^^; Too bad the NPCs are so inept or insensitively evil (like the above portrayal) to consider trading back the pokemons or at least giving the stranded trainer a ride back to town... (Since in order to have gotten to the island, you needed to have that one lone Finneon have learned Surf)

Should I mention that the Magikarp he gives you is German?


*As stated by Bulbapedia*
"The Meister is a character in Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum who upgrades the player's Pokédex with the ability to store entries in foreign languages. He lives in a small house on an island on Route 226.

After he upgrades a player's Pokédex, he offers to trade the player a German Magikarp in exchange for a Finneon. This adds Magikarp's German entry to the player's Pokédex. His sprite is the same as the Hiker trainer class. "


AB: Regarding Gem's character, I know we're hoping that one day Gem will come back to claim his character, but during the course of the RP, will we be able to choose him as a combatant NPC? (I doubt it and there are other characters I'd want to choose anyhow). If so, are you choosing the equipments that he'll be stuck with or something?

[Astral Harmony]

Treat Impact as a PC except that the squad leader (Either Charlotte or Dracorion, I guess) will choose his equipment for him. I'll just handle him storywise.

Here's a dangerous question: would it be a bad idea if I use Muon for this Internet meme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCF6MGjslpw)?

Don't worry, I don't intend to actually use it in the RP, but that meme is so hilarious.

[Menarker]

It's like you want a running gag where Muon insists she's not just a collection of stereotypes and memes all mashed together in one package... :3 (Not that there is anything wrong with that, so long as it's not all negative/offensive.)

[Astral Harmony]

I gotta give something to Muon. I keep thinking about her character and all I can come up with is "Whitney's lover."

N-...not that her being Whitney's lover is a bad thing but this RP already has enough lesbians and bisexual women.

...

I can't believe I just said that.

Be that as it may, I'll just end up leaving it to the plot to give Muon her real substance. Works every time.

EDIT: Dracorion, do you happen to have those PMs I sent'cha for what happens after those battles? I was a little overzealous in cleaning out my inbox.

[Dracorion]

would it be a bad idea if I use Muon for this Internet meme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCF6MGjslpw)?

Yes.

Yes it would be.

And I do have those PMs, somewhere.

Fun stuff: I was actually able to sit down and write and make some real progress on the overdue stuff, but then TVTropes sucked me in. It's like a fucking hypnotizing spiral thingy that just draws you in further and further until you can never get out.

Regardless, I am going to make my best effort to ignore those tabs and get back to writing.

[Menarker]

I just had a weird... gaming experience...

I was playing this game "Live A Live" which is an obscure and short Squaresoft RPG for the SNES which did not get exported from Japan. Long story short, there are several scenarios which you play, each with their own protagonist before you eventually have one scenario with them all involved.

The one scenario that is... WEIRD... is the prehistoric one... specifically the antagonist of the story is a rival caveman who is wearing what looks like a leaf over his crotch, Adam and Eve style. However, when you fight him and his health goes low, it goes erect for some reason... >_> And when you knock him out, that leaf happens to be a green lizard disguised as a leaf! (the suggested erection was just the lizard springing into action apparently)

Even worse is when you fight him, the lizard is capable of flinging itself from the crotch/scrotum resting place into your face in a manner similar to the Vicious Bunny of Monty Phyton's Holy Grail before retreating back to its location.

Seriously... and then I imagine the prehistoric era of pokemon with someone like that guy sporting a Snivy as his Leaf (the leaf shaped tail) loincloth and weapon...

>_<

[Astral Harmony]

Fuck yo' tropes.

Well, if Dracorion decides to send me those PMs, I'll arrange them around a little and link everyone together.

If he doesn't, I'll just type up the arranged versions themselves-

Spoiler Alert: Somebody has yet another daughter.

-right after work is done for the day.

EDIT: Menarker, your twisted little fantasies are best left not posted.

[Dracorion]

Oh please, I think we both know that now you're going to include a character that runs around with a Snivy covering his crotch. You can't help yourself, AB.

Get help.

I'll get the PMs to you as soon as I can get away from TVTropes and find them.

Also, Violet is pregnant?!

[Astral Harmony]

As much as you might not like it, Drac, there will be no nudists in this RP. Brief and vague nekkid sex scenes like between Pierce and Shizuka, yes. But no people being naked for the purpose of just being naked.

Violet is not pregnant. Pierce's loin's rivalry with a certain military officer's loins has just gotten a little more one-sided is all.