Playthrough DNA's Choose-My-Team Run-Through of Pokémon Pearl! Finished!

RE: DNA's Choose-My-Team Run-Through of Pokémon Pearl! Ch. 7 up!

Athena said:
Hellyes, Gastrodon! o/ You must be having fun with this; I'm glad to see the frequent updates. :D
Click to expand...
I am having way too much fun with this.

Red Rain said:
My love for Geist just grew stronger.
Click to expand...
Given how he only said 4 words in this entire part, that's pretty impressive. What was it, the Marco line?
 
RE: DNA's Choose-My-Team Run-Through of Pokémon Pearl! Ch. 8 up!

DNA's Pokémon Pearl Dolo Run-Through
Chapter 8: Manly and Manlier: When DNA Met James​

Now that I have Surf, that gives me a lot of new places to explore and such. I'm going to take some time to explore all of those new places and pick up all the goodies I would otherwise have to miss out on. And thus, I scour Sinnoh for items! I teach Surf to Slave 2 (Buizel), for convenience, since Waterfall comes later.

Here's a quick laundry list of what I get, and where I get them:

  • Poketch App 14 (Link Searcher) - Jubilife City; from Mr Poketch after getting 5 badges
  • Mystic Water - Pastoria City; across the large pond in the southeast of town
  • Sea Incense - Route 204; across the southwest pond at the entrance of the route
  • HP Up - Route 204; across the northeast pond at the entrance of the route
  • TM03 Water Pulse - Ravaged Path; at the very end of the body of water
  • Luck Incense - Ravaged Path; halfway across the body of water, past a bunch of smashable rocks
  • (There's something in Oreburgh Cave, but I don't have Strength yet; I thought I did)
  • Rose Incense - Route 212; across a pond near to the Gentleman and Socialite (I'm beginning to sense a pattern here)
  • Choice Specs - Celestic Town; from a man in the Poke Mart
  • Poketch App 12 (Analog Watch) - Celestic Town; from a black belt in the southwest house
  • TM24 Thunderbolt - Valley Windworks; behind the building across the water
  • Antidote - Route 219; right at the entrance
  • Ether - Route 220; on the shore by two female Swimmers
  • Splash Plate - Route 220; on the shore bordering the bottom of the route
  • Carbos - Route 220; on the shore with ankle-deep water
  • Protein - Route 221; on the shore just northeast of the male Swimmer
  • Honey - Route 221; just east of the fisherman
  • Pure Incense - Route 221; in the grass west of the blue-roofed house
  • TinyMushroom - Route 221; right next to the blue-roofed house (hidden item)
  • Black Belt, Expert Belt, or Focus Sash - Route 221; in the blue-roofed house. Once per day, show him a Pokemon with a level matching the number he says.
  • Honey - Route 221; in the large bit of grass where the Ace Trainer is (hidden item)
  • Some Berries - Route 221; just north of the Ace Trainer
  • Ultra Ball - Route 221; near to the Ace Trainer (hidden item)
  • TM81 X-Scissor - Route 221; in a clearing a short bit southwest of the Pal Park building

Yes, the walk to Pal Park was incredibly boring, though it did leave my team pretty battered. I had Geist sit it out, which was probably a bad idea since there were a few Gyarados and Aphrodite was my only special attacker. There is a shortcut that goes right through Route 220 and skips EVERYONE there (including items). Though I did see one guy at the Pal Park building...

<Spammy> grrr
<Spammy> why aren't they open yet
<Spammy> I want to migrate my flawless Zapdos
<%DNA> bro, why not just take the easy way out and pick Fennekin
<Spammy> because a Zapdos caught in the Power Plant is cooler, DUH
<%DNA> fair enough
<%DNA> anyway, you're going to be here a while if you're waiting for it to open.
<%DNA> It won't open until I beat the game.
<Spammy> wait what
<Spammy> no fair
<Spammy> why do you get to be the protag
<%DNA> ...because it's my run-through?
<Spammy> is there a way I can be the protag
<Spammy> so I can migrate my Pokemon faster?
<%DNA> yes there is.
<Spammy> teach me, o wise DNA
<%DNA> Write your own run-through.
*** DNA has left #palpark
<Spammy> wait what
<Spammy> NO FAIR​

Kind of a pain I had to walk all the way back, though. I forgot the Pal Park building is closed completely, not just having migration unoperational. Though, by the time I walk all the way back to Sandgem, Crumpets has prepared us all some afternoon tea. Whatta guy. Is it any wonder I keep him around?

Fuego Ironworks is a cool place to talk about, though, so I will talk about it. It's the metal refinery for the entirety of the Sinnoh region, and if this were Platinum, I could find a lot of Magnemite here. There are a few goodies, though (2 Fire Stones, Rock Incense, and TM35 Flamethrower being noteworthy) and some workers hanging around in the plant.

<Cinesra> sup DNA
<%DNA> yo Cinesra.
<%DNA> any reason you're here?
<Cinesra> I'm trying to test out 4drag2mag
<%DNA> given how only a few dragons are legal in Gen 4, that's going to be kind of tricky
<Cinesra> oh don't worry, this is DP
<Cinesra> so I have a lot of options available here.
<%DNA> ...and since this is DP, there aren't any Magnemite around here.
<%DNA> though there might be some post-game, but I don't know that for sure.
<Cinesra> so hurry up and beat the game already
<Cinesra> no sense hanging around here if you have nothing to do.
<%DNA> ...that is a very good idea. I believe I shall do that.
<Cinesra> Good luck with the next gym leader. He's a doozy.
<%DNA> I shall keep that in mind. Thank you.​

As I'm leaving, I think I saw a Magnezone with a fedora off in the distance...? I could have been just seeing things, but I swear he looked familiar... It couldn't be 'him', could it...?

Oh, and you can hop across the water straight into the back of Floaroma Meadow, to pick up a few items. Most are hidden (and Honey), but there are a few interesting ones, such as the Miracle Seed (which isn't hidden), a Leaf Stone (also not hidden), and a Max Potion.

oh look I can stop being lazy now and get on with the plot

Route 218 has a big gap of water, then a little bit of grass, then the city. I use Slave 2 to Surf over the waves, and my first order of business is, of course, dream-smashing two fishermen who are minding their own business. I find out they're both called Larry. They'll probably claim that the other guy is the identical less-attractive cousin, but I disagree: they're all equally ugly. They each have some Gyarados, and I'm glad I brought Geist along. He gets bitten once, to within an inch of his...life?...and then gets hit by a Twister but lives with 1 HP. I'm proud of him.

As I get to the end of the route, one of Pride's nameless lackeys upgrades my Pokedex so that it now has the "Forms" button, so it can display gender differences and such. ...this could have been so much more useful a long time ago, but whatever.

Canalave City is one of my favorite places in Sinnoh. I'm not sure why, but it is. I think it's mostly because of the library; I'm oddly fascinated with that place. That doesn't come into the playthrough until later, so I'll mention it then. Other things of note here are the gym, the ship to Iron Island, and the Move Deleter. One of the houses on the east side also has someone that gives you TM48 Skill Swap. I want to try and hit Iron Island before going to the gym, just as a precaution...

<+Teapot> o/
<%DNA> Hm? Teapot? What are you doing here?
<+Teapot> just finished up at the gym
<+Teapot> I feel happy that in this universe, I'm actually faster than you at something
<%DNA> enjoy it while it lasts, because this run-through won't last forever.
<%DNA> Even so, I do recall beating you to the choice of starter, correct?
<+Teapot> true, but I'm not sure if that matters
<%DNA> it does, actually.
<%DNA> You've been going through this entire region with a Chimchar as your starter.
<%DNA> And it's all because of one small outspeed I did while we were back at Lake Verity.
<%DNA> So, in essence, your entire Pokemon journey, and the way it's gone...
<%DNA> has been all because of me.
<%DNA> And that's why I have the based TorTERROR...
<%DNA> ...and you DON'T.
<%DNA> How does it feel, Teapot?
<%DNA> How does it feel that I've basically decided your fate here from Day 1?
<%DNA> How does it feel I stole away the one opportunity for you to use based TorTERROR?
<%DNA> How does it feel...to be second-best?
<+Teapot> .
<+Teapot> .
<+Teapot> .
<+Teapot> .
<+Teapot> .
<+Teapot> I WILL END YOU
<%DNA> <3
<%DNA> I see you still haven't learned from last time. Now, come at me!​

Teapot opens with a lv. 31 Staravia. Knowing it has Intimidate, I lead with Aphrodite, because Geist's Shadow Ball won't really hit the thing. Water Pulse rips off almost all its HP, and Aphrodite KOs it on the next turn, being only hit for a third of her HP in all.

As expected, he sends out the Roselia (lv. 32) next, so I have Crumpets handle this one. He does, fantastically - Wing Attack is an OHKO. In fact, he's on such a roll I have him handle the Buizel as well. Cross Poison isn't an OHKO, but it does poison it...the first time I've ever seen this move do something special EVER (it hasn't even crit yet).

My scouter tells me that Teapot's about to send out a Heracross. Intrigued, I send out Thorne to deal with it. It turns out to be lv. 30...five levels lower than Thorne. It starts to hit on her, but she is not at all impressed, and Aerial Aces it instantly. He never stood a chance. I'm starting to think that this might be a recurring theme.

His final Pokemon is a lv. 35 Monferno, which Crumpets takes care of handily, as expected. I was surprised to see that Wing Attack wasn't an OHKO, but the Monferno barely had any health left, so the battle was mine anyway. Once again, a winner is Team Dolo!

<%DNA> you know...
<%DNA> you still haven't addressed the 'my team is so Crobat-weak that it's tantamount to France' thing
<%DNA> I mean, props on the Heracross, but that's still horribly weak to Crobat
<+Teapot> I got the Heracross idea from you, so I might as well
<%DNA> I got my Heracross idea from YOU
<%DNA> what with your unending UU rants
<+Teapot> ...oh
<+Teapot> derp
<+Teapot> so did that guy blow anything up
<%DNA> no. I saw pdc at Celestic Town later, with another bomb, but fortunately I scared him off before he could do anything with it.
<+Teapot> it was pdc?
<+Teapot> why am I not surprised
<%DNA> a teenage kid with rage issues has a bomb threatening to blow something up
<%DNA> it's like reading the news, it's so depressing
<+Teapot> you don't blame me for anything, do you?
<%DNA> I blame your team for losing to Crobat, but that's about it
<%DNA> I'm going to check out Iron Island; see you round
<+Teapot> k
<+Teapot> o/
<%DNA> \o​

Iron Island is a place where a bunch of miners go and train their Pokemon...and extract ore, obviously. There's a house up front, but I don't think it has any purpose, at least not until I've gone through the mine already.

Oh, by the way, only go through with 5 Pokemon at the most - you want an empty slot. You'll see why later.

Iron Island is a somewhat complicated maze, so I'll give you a slight play-by-play of what paths I'm taking. After entering, first take the left path; it's a dead end with a lone camper and an Iron Ball as a held item. Go back, then take the right staircase. Don't go up to the elevated platform right away; rather, go down and grab an Escape Rope. When you're up on it, don't go down again the first chance you see - go past it to grab a Super Repel and then go back down. Beat up the Picknicker (shouldn't be too hard), then go past her up the small stair south of her, and take the elevator down.

Take the right staircase down first - it's a dead end. Go south up to that platform, and briefly down to get TM23 Iron Tail. Go around it to the other side (past the worker) for an Iron (which is hidden). That's a dead end, so go to the start of the room and go east instead, where another worker is parading around. Past him is a highly visible Max Ether, and nothing else.

"The working-class hero says hi!"
"The working-class hero waves bye..."

Go out again, and this time, go down the left staircase to proceed. As I do this, I'm approached by a familiar face.

<+TDL> hey DNA
<%DNA> TDL! Hey man; didn't expect to see you here
<+TDL> Pride is testing a new game; of course I'm going to be here
<+TDL> I don't want to miss out
<%DNA> This is true. Why are you here though?
<+TDL> because Iron Island is a place where miners work
<+TDL> and miners are manly
<+TDL> obv
<%DNA> can't argue with that logic
<%DNA> while you're here, mind if I explore the mine with you?
<%DNA> strength in numbers and all, and I'd rather not get lost
<+TDL> I am cool with that
<+TDL> especially since you cast me in your run-through and all
<+TDL> did you bring TorTERROR
<%DNA> but of course
<TorTERROR> sup
<+TDL> <3
<%DNA> <3
<%DNA> k time to dream-smash
<+TDL> in true style
<+TDL> the dolo way​

TDL, as befitting of his namesake, has a lv. 34 Lucario as his Pokemon. That's none too surprising, honestly, but on top of that, 34 is still lower than my team average (everyone on my team is 35, with TorTERROR being 37). It's still not a big deal, though. I will always appreciate heals after each fight. The Lucario's moveset is Quick Attack, Metal Claw, Force Palm, and Bone Rush.

Go due west past the hikers (fight them together to make things a little easier) for an Ultra Ball. Then go due south; going west is a dead end. Fight the workers, then go northwest to pick up a Max Potion. Going southwest ultimately leads to an HP Up. Turn around and go back past the workers the way you came, then head east the first chance you get and keep going.

Skip the platform where the Cooltrainers are; we'll get back to them. Instead, head up the next one. Go south, and go into the little pit for a hidden Iron Plate. Go back, and go north on the platform to pick up a Magnet. Get off the platform and go north to fight the Black Belt and Battle Girl. Going past them leads back to the entrance, so now go back to where the Cooltrainers are. Get the male Cooltrainer to walk forward as you challenge him, because there's a hidden Revive in the metal drum at his back. (I could have probably gotten it before, from the other side, but I didn't notice it until now.)

Past the Cooltrainers, I see two rather familiar faces...

<+TDL> ...?
<%DNA> well now, this is an interesting surprise
<%DNA> you're not RedRain and TwistedTurtwig
<%DNA> unlike all the other clones I've seen thus far.
<%DNA> Is Team Galactic stepping up their game, maybe?
<DorkVoid> idk
<DorkVoid> they just put us out here and didn't tell us what to do
<DorkVoid> we've just been doing our own thing, basically
<Blah> DNA
<Blah> ...
<Blah> what are you doing here
<%DNA> you first; what are you doing here?
<%DNA> if I didn't know any better, I'd say you were playtesting some new unreleased deck
<Blah> ...
<Blah> you saw nothing
<Blah> you cannot leave here alive
<Blah> now that you have seen my secret deck
<+TDL> I honestly don't think DNA cares
<%DNA> ^
<+TDL> he's probably a better player than you anyway
<%DNA> ^
<Blah> no
<Blah> he's not
<Blah> DorkVoid
<Blah> we need to beat these two in a Pokemon battle
<Blah> to make sure they don't speak
<%DNA> we have already established that we don't care
<%DNA> we're just here to train; we don't care about your secret deck that doesn't even work
<Blah> NO
<Blah> we are battling NOW
<Blah> come on!
<DorkVoid> I can't believe they stuck me with you
<DorkVoid> ...just play along, so we can shut him up
<%DNA> fine by me
<%DNA> I can get more experience points off this anyway.​

And thus I run into another bumbling duo of Galactic grunts, though in this case, one of them (Dork Void) is much less bumbling than the other (Blah). Out of respect, I don't rough them up too hard - I make it quick and painless, since Team Galactic is low-budget and their Pokemon are always vastly underleveled. I was trying to calm down Blah, but once he's in flip-out TCG-nerd mode, it's hard to get him to stop. Sure enough, 4 of their 6 Pokemon are OHKO'd, with the last two only barely hanging on.

<Blah> ugh
<Blah> I feel like crying
<Blah> just
<Blah> just stop it
<Blah> now I have to find a whole new secret spot
<%DNA> try Newmoon Island
<%DNA> it was unreleased in this game
<Blah> you're lying!!
*** Blah has left #ironisland
<DorkVoid> I should probably go just to make sure he doesn't kill himself
<DorkVoid> nothing personal or anything.
<DorkVoid> you're just beta testing this game, right?
<%DNA> ah, so you are aware of my role in this game.
<DorkVoid> I thought so
<DorkVoid> good luck with what you're doing. it's not too hard.
<DorkVoid> ok, see you round
*** DorkVoid has left #ironisland​

After we beat them up, TDL hands me a Pokemon egg. He said it was left over from all the eggs he hatched when breeding for the perfect Lucario. Assuming it to be a Riolu, I gladly accept it, since I don't know of any other way to get one. He then wishes me the best and leaves for somewhere else.

This is basically the end of the Iron Island dungeon. Take the elevator that's just past TDL to reach a shortcut to the exit. Don't forget to snag the Shiny Stone on the way out! With that, I sail back to Canalave City and attempt to tackle the gym!

<The-Kaiser> Hey DNA
<%DNA> ah, Kaiser. Visiting this gym too?
<The-Kaiser> yep. this one has a really complex elevator system, though it's mostly straightforward
<The-Kaiser> trainers are a little tough, though. watch out for Bronzor.
<%DNA> ugh Bronzor
<%DNA> I've fought them; they're a pain to deal with, but I know how to handle them.
<The-Kaiser> sweet, just so long as you'll be okay.
<The-Kaiser> good luck! ^_^
<%DNA> thanks man. Off I go!​

Canalave Gym is pretty lengthy, mostly because it's multi-level, the elevators and such run all around, and, of course, Steel-types with high defenses. I have Aphrodite handle most of them, by virtue of her having the best advantage, since not only does she have Mud Bomb to her name, but most of the Steel-types here are also Ground or Rock type, the only exception being Bronzor...to my knowledge. Steelix and Shieldon (and Onix) are pretty much it, since Magnemite and family are absent from D/P. The oddities were a Cooltrainer who had a Skorupi, and another Cooltrainer with an Azumarill. That was just confusing.

Heck, there are a lot of Onix lying around, and this place feels actually easier than Iron Island. Glad I went there first, then!

Finally, I'm at the end of the 4-level gym, and am ready to challenge the leader, but...

<%DNA> !challenge
<@unsheathed> Ah! That's Oreburgh's Gym Badge! I see, I see! You've defeated my son. But that's no surprise. He still has much to learn. In place of my son AoH, I, unsheathed, will take your challenge!
<%DNA> Wait a bit; weren't you just in Iron Island only mere moments ago?
<%DNA> How are you now a gym leader, and you look COMPLETELY different?
<@unsheathed> because 1) I am one of the founders of dolo, and 2) I'm manly enough to deserve TWO roles in this game
<@unsheathed> do you not see this glorious 5 o'clock shadow
<%DNA> Sadly, I cannot argue with that logic.
<%DNA> Very well; let us battle it out, man to man!
<@unsheathed> you may have TorTERROR on your side, but that isn't going to guarantee your victory
<%DNA> though since this is a Steel-gym, it might as well be! Bring it!​

TDL, now in the form of unsheathed, takes Byron's place as the Canalave Gym Leader. It's not surprising, given how AoH and TDL have a father-son dynamic going on. From way back, I know that he's going to open with a Bronzor, so I lead with Geist, behind the rest of the team at 35. I'm right; his opener is a lv. 36 Bronzor. It'll take a while to chip away at it, so I open with Confuse Ray so it can't mess with me as easily. It never gets an attack off as Geist Shadow Balls it into submission.

unsheathed then skips right to his lv. 39 Bastiodon, which I'm surprised to see; I thought he'd work his way up to it. I send out TorTERROR, who equals it in level, to take care of it. Earthquake is an effortless OHKO, forcing unsheathed to send out his lv. 36 Steelix. Earthquake is not an OHKO, but he misclicked and hit Sandstorm. Even so, it wouldn't have been able to do much to TorTERROR anyway, so my win is sealed. I am rewarded with the Mine Badge, the ability to use Strength outside battle, obeisance from trades up to lv. 70, and a consolation prize of TM91 Flash Cannon.

<@unsheathed> egh
<@unsheathed> between you and Teapot, I'm kinda out of it
<%DNA> it's not a big deal. if this were the real world, you'd beat us all effortlessly.
<@unsheathed> true
<@unsheathed> besides, you've beaten teapot a lot, haven't you?
<@unsheathed> he has the best reactions ever
<@unsheathed> it's kinda funny watching him lose to you
<%DNA> well, I DID give him all his best ideas
<%DNA> like the Gengar VGC team
<@unsheathed> yeah
<@unsheathed> don't worry, you'll be fine
<@unsheathed> now go out and kick ass with torTERROR in the name of dolo
<%DNA> will do
<%DNA> For pride! For torTERROR! For dolo! DNA, away!​

End of Part 8!

DNA's Team So Far:

[sprite]389[/sprite] TorTERROR lv. 39
[sprite]169[/sprite] Crumpets lv. 37
[sprite]423-1[/sprite] Aphrodite lv. 37
[sprite]214[/sprite] Thorne lv. 36
[sprite]94[/sprite] Geist lv. 35

Poketch Apps Acquired:

1: Digital Watch - Default
2: Calculator - Default
3: Memo Pad - Obtained from Mr. Poketch after getting 1 badge
4: Pedometer - Default
5: Pokemon List - Default
6: Friendship Checker - Obtained from an NPC in Eterna City's Pokemon Center
7: Dowsing Machine - Obtained from Dawn Bellomence on Route 207 after getting 2 badges
8: Berry Searcher - Obtained from a little girl at the Berry Master's House on Route 208
9: Day-Care Checker - Obtained from a man in the Day-Care Center, after a Pokemon has been deposited there
10: Pokemon History - Obtained from a ruin maniac on the main road in Solaceon Town
11: Counter - Obtained from an attendant on 2F of the Veilstone Dept. Store
12: Analog Watch - Obtained from a Black Belt in Celestic Town
13: Marking Map - Obtained from Mr. Poketch after getting 3 badges
14: Link Searcher - Obtained from Mr. Poketch after getting 5 badges
 
RE: DNA's Choose-My-Team Run-Through of Pokémon Pearl! Ch. 8 up!

...lol.
I feel bad that you had to make the long trek to PalPark, I always hate doing it.
 
RE: DNA's Choose-My-Team Run-Through of Pokémon Pearl! Ch. 8 up!

Lololololol, TDL got two roles here? And Riley, no less!
Man, this playthrough is just too awesome. Still, best part=flipping the table on RR an TT though. Too awesome. After all, RR always wanted to see DNA flipping a table.
 
RE: DNA's Choose-My-Team Run-Through of Pokémon Pearl! Ch. 8 up!

I originally cast him as just Byron, but he then pointed out that since he is TDL, of course he must be cast as the guy with Lucario.
So I gave him both, the lucku badterd.
 
RE: DNA's Choose-My-Team Run-Through of Pokémon Pearl! Ch. 8 up!

Of course I get two roles for being Pride's drinking buddy.
 
RE: DNA's Choose-My-Team Run-Through of Pokémon Pearl! Ch. 8 up!

unsheathed said:
Of course I get two roles for being Pride's drinking buddy.
Click to expand...

That was the idea, yes.

Not sure when I can get chapter 9 up because of finals week, but I will try to get it up in a timely fashion.
 
RE: DNA's Choose-My-Team Run-Through of Pokémon Pearl! Ch. 9 up!

DNA's Pokémon Pearl Dolo Run-Through
Chapter 9: In Which DNA is Racist​

"Well, now we beat TDL," I say to the rest of my team. "What's on the to-do list next?"

"Why not go outside and enjoy the evening?" Aphrodite comments. "There's always...plenty to enjoy. Besides, there's always been a hint waiting for you as to where to go next, right?"

"So there is. ...You did pretty good in there, Aphrodite. Hope it wasn't too exhausting."

"Oh, it was well worth it. Don't you worry your head over little old me~"

"All right, outside we go."

Thus we step outside and wonder where we go next. Aphrodite was miffed because apparently she was trying reverse psychology and it didn't work. I overhear 'you're supposed to be worried about me' followed by 'then why didn't you say so?'. The latter's voice is definitely TorTERROR. Teapot was outside, waiting for me.

<+Teapot> beat TDL?
<%DNA> yup. 6 down, 2 to go.
<+Teapot> hey, can you visit the library with me?
<+Teapot> there's some stuff I want to check out
<%DNA> why can't you do that yourself?
<+Teapot> they don't trust me ;-;
<%DNA> why, because you're a poor scumbag college student?
<+Teapot> ...
<%DNA> fine, lead the way​

He scurries off to the north of town, and I follow him. I enter and look around for him. It takes a while, since it's a big place. Also he's on the top floor. When I get there, Teapot, as well as Pride and Bellomence, are waiting for me.

<+Teapot> okay, I brought DNA as promised
<%DNA> hm? What's this about?
<+Teapot> Pride has something to tell you
*** Teapot has left #library
<~Pride> ... ...
*** Pride forced Teapot to join #library
*** Teapot has joined #library
<+Teapot> wat
<+Teapot> what am I doing here
<%DNA> Pride has something to tell us.
<+Teapot> ...oh.
<~Pride> That's better :p
<~Pride> Anyway, as you know, I'm trying to test this game out
<~Pride> which you've both been great in doing.
<~Pride> however, the more this game goes on, the more unexpected stuff happens.
<~Pride> Like hearing PDC had a bomb
<%DNA> yeah I don't even know what was up with that
<~Pride> also I wonder why stuff like Farfetch'd doesn't evolve
<~Pride> its base stats are awful
<%DNA> I think we all wonder that
<~Pride> but there's stuff like the pixies that don't evolve but have great base stats.
<~Pride> speaking of which, how about we all go out and try and find them?
<%DNA> wait, you called us all here for an expedition?
<%DNA> just to find these cheap pixies?
<%DNA> for cheap lulz?
<~Pride> Pretty much :p
<%DNA> count me in
<%DNA> not like I have a choice in your game, but I can get on board with this
<+Teapot> dibs on Azelf
<~Pride> Teapot gets Uxie, Bellomence gets Mesprit, and DNA gets Azelf
<+Teapot> WAT
<+Teapot> I DIDN'T EVEN GET NINJA'D AND I GOT OUTSPED
<+Teapot> APOIASJDFPOISJDGPOSDIFOIJFD
<%DNA> lolololololol suck it
<Bellomence> You are so petty.
<+Teapot> tell that to DNA
<%DNA> she was talking to you, nimrod​

Right about this point in the conversation, there was this giant earthquake. Concerned, we all (cautiously) head outside to see what went on. When we get out, some frantic NPC comes up and says there was this giant explosion at Lake Valor. KA-BOOM!! Just like that.

<%DNA> remember when I said that if a bomb went off I would blame you?
<+Teapot> uh...
<%DNA> THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT, SCUMBAG TEAPOT​

Without another word, I high-tail it and fly off to Lake Valor, with Teapot trying to catch up to me. I curse silently about PDC and murmur that I'll have his head for this. When I get there, the lakebed is completely dry, with only mere puddles scattered about, and Magikarp flopping around in them. The Red Rain and TwistedTurtwig army is here as usual, dispersed around so I can't thrash them all at once. I take them all down in my anger, looking for PDC, the presumed instigator of this event. They're leading towards a cave in the center of the lake, and when I get there...I don't find PDC, but rather someone completely different. Also much larger.

<%DNA> DAMMIT PDC WHERE ARE YOU
<PMJ> he's not here right now, actually. also dnhey
<%DNA> then when's he going to g-
<%DNA> wait
<%DNA> PMJ?
<%DNA> YOU set off the bomb!?
<%DNA> also pmyo
<PMJ> no I didn't. you just think I did.
<%DNA> I hear news of an explosion from halfway across the Sinnoh region
<%DNA> I get here and the RR and TT clones are bragging about setting off a bomb
<%DNA> and at the center of the lake cavern I find you
<%DNA> OF COURSE I think you did it.
<PMJ> It's because I'm black.
<%DNA> FFS NO IT'S NOT
<%DNA> any sane person would think you set the bomb off
<PMJ> you know what, since we're here, why don't we fight?
<PMJ> I'm kinda bored and I want to pass the time.
<PMJ> Also because you don't really have a choice. Because, y'know, plot.​

And so I end up fighting Galactic Commander Saturn PMJ. I mean, yeah, he's a friend of mine, but now I have to end up fighting him? It's kinda weird, though I figure I can talk with him while we're squaring off. He opens with, surprise surprise, a lv. 35 Kadabra.

<%DNA> wait, what? a Kadabra
<%DNA> wow
<%DNA> that's like
<%DNA> actually competent
<PMJ> ikr? it's so good, even without trade evos on hand
<%DNA> too bad for you I led with Gengar
<PMJ> Psychic.
<Geist> ...OW​

And just like that, it outsped and one-shot Geist. My jaw drops a bit at this point, as I'm still incredulous. It outsped a Gengar? Man, that thing is a monster. In retrospect I should have picked Sucker Punch, but it didn't occur to me at the time. Good thing this isn't a Nuzlocke. This is a small victory for me.

I have no choice but to resort to Crumpets, who fortunately outspeeds and one-shots the Kadabra with Bite. Man, if this were a Nuzlocke, I'd be miffed. He changes it out for a lv. 35 Bronzor. Since this is going to take a while, I strike up conversation.

<%DNA> so...how'd you end up in this role?
<PMJ> pride cast me as saturn. figured it'd be cool.
<PMJ> also he let me cast mars and jupiter as whoever I wanted since I ran out of ideas.
<%DNA> ...that explains why it was CH and Amt
<%DNA> hell
<%DNA> that is the ONLY thing in this whole game that's made sense so far
<%DNA> it's like, why couldn't I have been told this earlier?
<PMJ> script, probably​

Aphrodite two-shots the Bronzor with Water Pulse. Finally, the lv. 37 Toxicroak comes out, and that's two-shotted by Crumpets.

<PMJ> welp
<PMJ> looks like you win
<PMJ> sorry about the gengar though
<PMJ> brb lake verity
*** PMJ has left #lakevalor
<%DNA> wait PMJ what
<%DNA> hey don't just leave ffs
<%DNA> ...it's because he's black. >_<​

After unabashedly playing the race card, I fly off for Twinleaf Town pronto, since PMJ dropped a hint. The woman who is not my mother heals my team and then I run off. When I get there, there are Team Galactic grunts already waiting there to ambush me. I notice, however, that they're not RR and TT as normal.

<%DNA> Blah and Dork Void?
<%DNA> this is surprising.
<DorkVoid> yeah
<DorkVoid> this is the part of the story where Team Galactic steps up their game
<DorkVoid> there aren't many RRs and TTs lying around
<DorkVoid> so most of the peeps from now on will be Blah and myself
<%DNA> I guess that makes sense, but why is Blah wearing a dress?
<DorkVoid> he lost a bet
<Blah> your FACE lost a bet
<%DNA> makes sense​

So, they mass-cloned Blah and Dork Void as well. At least this duo might be more sensible than the last. Well, kinda. Nothing personal or anything, but I have to roflstomp them too. There's 2 pairs of them, so it doesn't take too long. 1 of the pairs can be surfed around, but eh, nothing wrong with exp.

<Hurricane> what are you doing here?
<%DNA> I heard PMJ ran off here
<Hurricane> well, he's not here
<%DNA> I can see that, but now what are YOU doing here?
<Hurricane> .....doing something for PMJ
<%DNA> figures
<Hurricane> welp, time to stall for a bit, so let's fight​

I totally don't remember fighting Hurricane again until way later, but lo and behold, I'm getting a rematch right now. Geist has been in the lead the whole time, and he tackles the lv. 37 Golbat lead with ease - Confuse Ray is awesome. Next is a lv. 37 Bronzor; I'll bet Bronzor is standard fare for commanders now. Figures, since it's such a pain to beat. It can't do much damage to me, but I can't do much to it either.

Last up is a lv. 39 Purugly. Fed up, I have Thorne Close Combat it into oblivion. Oh, I didn't mention - Thorne picked up Close Combat at level 37. Fun new toy. After I beat Hurricane, she runs off and takes her grunts with her back to wherever. Shortly thereafter, Pride shows up.

<~Pride> So apparently Team Galactic has all 3 pixies
<~Pride> DNA, would you mind...
<%DNA> making sure Teapot hasn't killed himself, I know.
<%DNA> Yes. I will go check on him.
<~Pride> Cool
<~Pride> I believe in you
<~Pride> you'll be fine, since you have so much fun harassing him :p
<%DNA> this is true
<%DNA> I will have fun with this​

and I'm off to the frozen north

The trek through the frozen wastelands to Snowpoint City will not be an easy one. I tell my team, solemnly, that I must leave two of them behind, for the sake of HM slaves. Crumpets volunteers, saying he will take a rest and let others have time in the limelight, and in the meanwhile can fix us all warm tea and crumpets (hurrrr) when we finally arrive in Snowpoint. The PC system is magical like that. Thorne almost ended up being the other volunteer since she didn't want to be around Geist, but Aphrodite talked her out of it as she agreed to stay. With only 3 of my usual 5 on the trek up, I can tell this won't be easy...

The route just west of Celestic Town (211) is where I must start. That isn't particularly difficult; the only things of note were a Cooltrainer that said 'I'm strong!' a dozen times before giving me TM77 Psych Up, and a bird keeper who said of herself and her Pokemon that she'd "show you owl best! Ha!" I mercilessly beat her up and told her to get off the stage.

I'll do a more detailed analysis of Mount Coronet in a later part. For now I am just concerned with getting to my destination. To do that, I head due north, starting with pushing the boulder. Continuing on that path leads me down a staircase to a fog-filled room. There's a very large pond here where Feebas may be found, but I don't have room for a Surfer right now, so I'll do that later. At the outset, there's a Stardust behind a smashable rock, and a hidden Nugget one square south of it. I am going due north, ignoring the pond off to my right. I take the second staircase down, though, as it leads to a Soft Sand. On the way out, there is a hidden Rare Candy underneath one of the rocks. Going up the staircase, and there's a hidden HP Up between the two rocks (that later becomes the cave where Regice sleeps in Platinum). And with that, we're outside.

I am immediately shocked by how white it is outside. White snow falling, white snow already on the ground, white backdrop as far as the eye can see... If I didn't know better, I'd think this was a KKK hideout, but alas, all the Cooltrainers (pun slightly intended) are wearing snow jackets, not white hoods. All battles on the way to Snowpoint will be in hail, which hurts non-Ice types at the end of each turn, so don't draw out the battles too long, as the weather will wear at you.

Here are some items I find on Route 216:

  • Full Heal (hidden) - Up the first staircase to the south, but without crossing the bridge
  • Ice Heal - same as above, but visible, and after crossing the bridge
  • wow, that bridge is a quick path past the first bit of the route
  • there's something that needs Rock Climb but I don't have that yet

I'm almost about to head to the next route when I see a rather interesting spectacle.

<TorTERROR> dude check it out
<TorTERROR> I think that Sneasel is sewing
<TorTERROR> he's making a plushie that looks like some blob thing
<TorTERROR> I honestly want one
<%DNA> go ask for one, then
* TorTERROR goes over
<TorTERROR> excuse me sir, but what are you making over there?
<CarlosDuranJr> This? It's a Goomy plush; I'm making these for interested buyers
<CarlosDuranJr> why, did you want one?
<TorTERROR> kinda, yeah. do you have plushes of other Pokemon?
<CarlosDuranJr> I might have some lying around, though right now my current project is this.
<TorTERROR> ok hold on for a sec
<TorTERROR> hey DNA can I borrow some money?
<%DNA> you cheapskate
<%DNA> why are you even asking me this
<%DNA> also what are you doing in Sinnoh, Carlos?
<CarlosDuranJr> whoa, DNA is here
<CarlosDuranJr> didn't expect that
<%DNA> yeah, and I just so happen to be looking for a 6th team member
<%DNA> should you accept, I will be able to take you on a tour of the Sinnoh region, enabling you to expand your market to other prospective buyers
<%DNA> because unless you plan to sell to snowmen, I don't think you'll get far here.
<CarlosDuranJr> fair enough, but while you're here, can you at least buy something off me?
<CarlosDuranJr> ...for ONCE?
<%DNA> fine, name your price and I'll buy the Goomy
<%DNA> in the meantime, go gather up the rest of your supplies and bundle up; we have a long trek ahead of us.
<%DNA> I have to get to Snowpoint to prevent Teapot from killing himself.​

Thus, Carlos the Sneasel embarked with Team Dolo on an epic quest of mercantilism. He joined the team at lv. 32 with a Bashful nature. I think the hardest bit will be trying to find a Razor Claw, but I will worry about that later. He sits on TorTERROR's back as he keeps sewing away. I think the whole time, he was preoccupied and had about three sewing needles in his mouth at any given point. (As an aside, I actually bought 2 of his smaller Goomy plushes for $40 total. They're really good. I named mine Cookie.)

There's a lodge right at the exit to Route 216, which if you rest there will fully heal your team. I'd be silly to not take this opportunity, so I do. The hiker guy there was really pumped up; when I got there, he said "Come on; let's take a POWER NAP!!!"

I had Geist keep watch while I was sleeping.

On Route 217, the snow gets even worse, to the point where it's incredibly difficult to see. There are a lot of hidden items here, and I probably won't get them all. In addition, there's a lot more deep snow, making running virtually impossible. Here are the items I do end up finding, while trying to dodge the trainers:

  • Full Heal (hidden) - Near the first skier on the east end of the route
  • Ultra Ball (hidden) - Just east of two trees in the middle of the route, in between the two skiers
  • Max Revive (hidden) - Just south of the second skier on the east end of the route
  • Spell Tag - From a woman in a house on the northeast bit of the route, just south of the Ice Rock
  • Ultra Ball (hidden) - On the west bit of the route, just south of the female skier at the northern end of the route
  • HM08 Rock Climb - Behind the house on the west half of the route
  • TM07 Hail - Just southeast of that same house
  • Icicle Plate - From a hiker in the house, after you've found Rock Climb
  • Protein (hidden) - A little bit south of the TM07 Hail
  • Iron - It's kinda in the middle of the route, just northeast of a large cluster of trees. It's also due west of the two trees near where the first Ultra Ball is.
  • Calcium (hidden) - In a corner of the route, due west of the Iron
  • Nugget (hidden) - Just north of the female skier surrounded by trees

(The best thing to do is to use Dowsing Machine every few paces, just to make sure you get everything. You might as well play it safe.)

I explore this route in a circle, first going up the east side, and then back down the west side, to make sure I get everything. I go back and take a POWER NAP, and after teaching Rock Climb to Slave 0, I keep going. I can't use it out of battle yet, but I'm only 1 badge away from that.

I get to Acuity Lakefront and find two mooks from Galactic guarding the door. One of them is so excited about the guard duty that he's been promised a Clefairy if he does well. I feel extremely bad for him, enough so that I decide to just leave him alone and go on my merry way. He did look familiar, though...

I finally reach secret KKK base...er, I mean Snowpoint City. There isn't as much snow as on Route 217, but it's definitely super white all over the ground. I wonder if PMJ said he'd be at Lake Verity just to throw me off the scent, and that he's actually here?

...nah, no way, not with all the racist snow.

One old dude told me that BONE DENSITY is a trendy thing to say. I try not to think about it. There's also a girl in the city who will swap your Medicham for her Haunter...but it's holding an Everstone. And just outside the gym is a sprite of someone (I think it's a backpacker in snow garb) that I've never seen anywhere else in the game. Oh, fun fact, there's a hidden Hyper Potion in the clearing just east of the gym.

SPEAKING OF WHICH
also I said hi to Kaiser as I walked in

It's a gigantic ice-sliding puzzle. It always takes me a while, because I have to clear away all the snowballs to get to the gym leader, and to do that, I have to go all over the gym. I shall be utterly relentless in the way I choose to destroy all the junior trainers. Not like Fletchling levels of relentless, but you get the idea. As I go in, I notice how behind Aphrodite and Crumpets are in levels by comparison now. Crumpets told me the tea will be ready after we finish the gym, which will be most perfect timing.

A few of the junior trainers are using Golduck and Steelix, among other things (mostly Water-types), and I'm getting the feeling there aren't that many Ice types in Sinnoh. ...much like Fire and Electric, I'm guessing. Man, D/P really was poorly planned. Heck, I think the only Ice-types they use are Snover and Sneasel. Geez.

<%DNA> hey gym leader or whatever
<%DNA> fix your gym and crap
<%DNA> this is supposed to be an ice-type gym, not a water and Steelix one
<@Plato> soz; low budget
<%DNA> why does this not surprise me
<%DNA> welp w/e
<%DNA> !challenge
<@Plato> You want to challenge Plato? Sure thing! I was waiting for someone tough! But I should tell you, I'm tough because I know how to focus. Pokémon, fashion, romance... It's all about focus! I'll show you just what I mean. Get ready to lose!
<%DNA> well that was an interesting pre-battle quote, to say the least
<TorTERROR> hentai setup
<TorTERROR> abort
<TorTERROR> ABORT​

I leave Aphrodite in the main spot for some weird reason, just in case this is a setup. WAIT NO NO CRAP CRAP ABORT

Plato opens with a lv. 38 Snover, and I knew she was going to do that. I am left with no choice but to tag out to Crumpets, who gets hit with a Razor Leaf and takes barely anything. I was expecting Wood Hammer, since another trainer in the gym had a Snover with Wood Hammer.

Then I realize Snover set up Snow Warning and I try to make this quick. Crumpets gets the hint, and Cross Poison is an OHKO. Next up is a lv. 38 Sneasel, which I have Thorne handle, and although Sneasel goes first with Slash (lol), Brick Break is another OHKO, no surprises there.

Plato's next 'mon is a lv. 40 Medicham, which I need to be careful of, since Medicham has all sorts of nasty tricks. Geist takes the lead like a champ, though, and Shadow Balls it out of the running immediately. I brace myself for the final Pokemon, which I know is an Abomasnow. I fear for Crumpets' safety, even though he could probably handle it easy, but I play it safe and use Thorne. Abomasnow is lv. 42, tied with TorTERROR, but nothing can save it as it eats a full serving of Close Combat. Definitely one of the easier gym fights I've had, though at this point, I think they're all easy.

Rewards: Icicle Badge, ability to use Rock Climb outside battle, and TM72 Avalanche

<@Plato> Pride was right about you
<@Plato> he said you'd speak little and kick some serious ass
<@Plato> you're even more focused than me. nice job.
<%DNA> thanks.
<@Plato> don't you have somewhere to be right now?
<%DNA> OH RIGHT
<%DNA> making sure Teapot doesn't kill himself
<%DNA> thanks! have a good one, Plato!
* DNA skedaddles
*** DNA has left #snowpoint​

By the time I get to the lake, the two grunts are still there, though they've stepped aside. Presumably, they have already been paid in Clefairy by now. I walk in, nonchalantly, and have just witnessed Teapot lose to Amt. Teapot has been humiliated, and Amt notices me as she leaves, saying Team Galactic is going to do something huge for everyone.

"If it's a gigantic bomb," I comment, "I think we can do without. I've already seen the results of one of your little tricks."

She says nothing else, other than "don't bother even coming to Veilstone HQ, because they [Team Galactic] can't be stopped". Well, rules are made to be broken, but before I do, I go see how Teapot's doing.

<%DNA> yo Teapot, you okay?
<+Teapot> I have no idea
<+Teapot> I just lost to Amt
<%DNA> well she did get top 4 in Worlds once
<+Teapot> THIS IS THE VG, NOT THE TCG
<+Teapot> anyway they got to Uxie before me
<+Teapot> it was really irritating
<%DNA> I guess that means Team Galactic was already...
* DNA shades
<%DNA> ...set up.
<+Teapot> ...
<+Teapot> your pun is bad and you should feel bad
<%DNA> oplz you know it was glorious
<+Teapot> anyway, I have to do something
<+Teapot> I need to go find something to do, since I couldn't beat them
<+Teapot> apparently you always win, DNA, so can you beat up Team Galactic up front while I find some other way to beat them?
<%DNA> thought you'd never ask
<%DNA> let's go!​

We rush off to go about our respective tasks. While I'm thinking about it, I go back to Jubilife City for a brief stopover to get another app from Mr. Poketch: #16 Move Tester. I have Rock Climb now too, so I can use the superpowers granted to me by that also (as well as Strength), but I've just been alerted by Crumpets that I completely forgot about the tea, so if you'll excuse me, I have a warm meal to enjoy with my team.

End of Part 9!

DNA's Team So Far:

[sprite]389[/sprite] TorTERROR lv. 42
[sprite]214[/sprite] Thorne lv. 40
[sprite]94[/sprite] Geist lv. 39
[sprite]169[/sprite] Crumpets lv. 38
[sprite]423-1[/sprite] Aphrodite lv. 38
[sprite]215[/sprite] Carlos lv. 38

Poketch Apps Acquired:

1: Digital Watch - Default
2: Calculator - Default
3: Memo Pad - Obtained from Mr. Poketch after getting 1 badge
4: Pedometer - Default
5: Pokemon List - Default
6: Friendship Checker - Obtained from an NPC in Eterna City's Pokemon Center
7: Dowsing Machine - Obtained from Dawn Bellomence on Route 207 after getting 2 badges
8: Berry Searcher - Obtained from a little girl at the Berry Master's House on Route 208
9: Day-Care Checker - Obtained from a man in the Day-Care Center, after a Pokemon has been deposited there
10: Pokemon History - Obtained from a ruin maniac on the main road in Solaceon Town
11: Counter - Obtained from an attendant on 2F of the Veilstone Dept. Store
12: Analog Watch - Obtained from a Black Belt in Celestic Town
13: Marking Map - Obtained from Mr. Poketch after getting 3 badges
14: Link Searcher - Obtained from Mr. Poketch after getting 5 badges
15: ???
16: Move Tester - Obtained from Mr. Poketch after getting 7 badges
 
RE: DNA's Choose-My-Team Run-Through of Pokémon Pearl! Ch. 9 up!

And the team is finally complete! o/ Well, I guess once you evolve Carlos that is.
 
RE: DNA's Choose-My-Team Run-Through of Pokémon Pearl! Ch. 9 up!

Nice chapter! I was waiting for PMJ to show up, nice to see that he's on the dark side too. (No pun intended) And Carlos seems to be a cool addition to the team, Weaviles are interesting.

Also, I at least hope Red Rain and I get a Mt. Coronet cameo, seeing as we've tagged out for Blah and DarkDorkvoid from now on.
 
RE: DNA's Choose-My-Team Run-Through of Pokémon Pearl! Ch. 9 up!

Does anyone want me to do chapters of the post-game areas (everywhere on the northeast island plus Route 224)? There might not be very much of it since there isn't much writing left, but if people want me to do that bit, I'll try.
(Where am I right now? I'm level-grinding to fight the Dolo Four and I'm almost finished with it.)
 
RE: DNA's Choose-My-Team Run-Through of Pokémon Pearl! Ch. 9 up!

I'd say go for it. There's not too much left to do, since Pearl has a lot less post-game plot than Platinum, but it can't hurt to add another chapter or two on.
 
RE: DNA's Choose-My-Team Run-Through of Pokémon Pearl! Ch. 9 up!

Booooooooooooooooo. Set Up. Booooooooooooooooooooo

2.5/10
 
RE: DNA's Choose-My-Team Run-Through of Pokémon Pearl! Ch. 9 up!

Put me down for: would love to see your write-ups of the postgame stuff.
 
RE: DNA's Choose-My-Team Run-Through of Pokémon Pearl! Ch. 9 up!

DNA said:
Does anyone want me to do chapters of the post-game areas (everywhere on the northeast island plus Route 224)?
Click to expand...

That's like asking if we'd like fries with our burgers.
Yes. Yes we would.
 
RE: DNA's Choose-My-Team Run-Through of Pokémon Pearl! Ch. 9 up!

Then you're in luck; I just beat the Dolo League last night and plan to do the post-game. Let further hilarity commence.
 
RE: DNA's Choose-My-Team Run-Through of Pokémon Pearl!

I don't always like revealing spoilers for future chapters, but this one is so good that I can't not share it:

<Geist> OUCH
<Geist> THE PAIN
<Geist> LOOKS LIKE WE'RE GONNA NEED ANOTHER BURN HEAL
Click to expand...
 
RE: DNA's Choose-My-Team Run-Through of Pokémon Pearl! Ch. 10 up!

DNA's Pokémon Pearl Dolo Run-Through
Chapter 10: A Very Long and Protracted Plot Point, Part 1​

Now that I have Rock Climb and Strength, I'm going to do the same thing that I did with Surf: pick up all the items I missed. I probably didn't get them all and there will be more to come later, but for now, these are the ones I found with a bit of exploration.

  • TM38 Fire Blast - Lake Verity, in the southwest corner (req. Surf)
  • A wild Gible - Wayward Cave B1F (req. Strength), took a lot longer than it should have
  • Max Ether - Wayward Cave B1F, past the first set of ramps
  • Grip Claw - Wayward Cave B1F, past the Max Ether off a ramp to the side
  • Revive - Wayward Cave B1F, partway through the second set of ramps
  • TM26 Earthquake - Wayward Cave 1F, after going all the way through B1F
  • PP Up - Eterna City, over a pond at the northeast of town (req. Surf)
  • TM69 Rock Polish - Mt. Coronet, near the Eterna entrance (req. Strength and Rock Smash)
  • Escape Rope - Mt. Coronet, near the Celestic entrance (same room, actually)
  • TinyMushroom (hidden) - Mt. Coronet, directly straight ahead from the Celestic entrance
  • Rare Candy - Mt. Coronet, a slight bit north from the Celestic entrance (req. Strength and Rock Smash)
  • Light Clay - Mt. Coronet, in the foggy room, on the east side of the pond (req. Surf)
  • PP Up (hidden) - Mt. Coronet, in the foggy room behind a smashable rock (req. Rock Smash)
  • Max Elixir - same room, at the north end of the pond (req. Surf OR Rock Smash)
  • Ultra Ball (hidden) - same room, just north of the pond
  • Revive (hidden) - same room, behind a boulder (req. Strength)
  • Full Restore - same room, on a ledge all the way behind the pond, past the Revive (req. Rock Smash)
  • Dawn Stone - Mt. Coronet, near the Oreburgh/Hearthome entrance, at the south of the room (req. Surf)
  • Protein - same room, across a pond at the north end (req. Surf)
  • Iron (hidden) - Route 209, behind a hiker which you must battle (req. Rock Smash and Rock Climb)
  • There's a waterfall on this route. I may have to come back here later.
  • Earth Plate - Oreburgh Cave B1F, all the way at the west end (req. Surf, Strength, and Rock Smash)
  • TM01 Focus Punch - also there
  • Nugget (hidden) - Route 210, just southwest of Wilma's house (req. Rock Climb)
  • Grandma Wilma - Route 210, northeast corner. She tutors Draco Meteor to Dragon-type Pokemon at max happiness, an infinite number of times.
  • There's a waterfall here too. Hmmm...
  • TM29 Psychic - Route 211, up a wall (req. Rock Climb and Rock Smash)
  • Mental Herb - Route 216, past three trainers (req. Rock Climb)
  • HP Up - same as above
  • TM13 Ice Beam - Route 216, past the last trainer after Rock Climb
  • TM14 Blizzard - Lake Acuity, in the northeast corner (req. Surf)
  • TM05 Roar - Route 213, in a large patch of grass (req. Rock Climb)
  • Max Revive - Route 213, at the end of an S-shaped path that starts at Mr. Footprint's house (req. Surf)
  • Big Pearl (hidden) - Route 213, near to where the sailor is (involves walking around the island)
  • Water Stone - Route 213, past the two swimmers (req. Surf)
  • TM85 Dream Eater - Valor Lakefront, past some ledges behind the diploma guy's house (req. Rock Climb)
  • Poketch App 15 (Coin Toss) - Valor Lakefront, from a rich boy in a suite (req. Rock Climb)
  • Protein - Just south of that suite.
  • Rare Candy (hidden) - Valor Lakefront, up three ledges in the southeast corner (req. Rock Climb)
  • I cannot get what is presumably TM25 Thunder at Lake Valor yet, as the Galactic grunts have not left and the lakebed has not filled in. Later, then.
  • Full Incense - Veilstone City, west of the Pokemon Center, visible from the gym (req. Rock Climb)

That's a LOT of stuff. I've probably used up most of my alloted time for this part already. Fortunately I still have time for the one part I want to do, and that is to storm the Galactic HQ in Veilstone City.

<Jay> These antennae look most impressive
<Jay> Their sheer craftsmanship and metal sheen are a testament to their majesty
<Jay> But it doesn't matter much now
<Jay> my Clefairy got taken away and my partner quit
<%DNA> any reason you're rambling to yourself, Jay?
<Jay> Oh hi DNA
<Jay> g2g
*** Jay has left #veilstone
<%DNA> wait a sec
<%DNA> THIS is where he's been hiding all this time?
<%DNA> pawning the gym leader position off to his woman?
<%DNA> SCUMBAG MAHMUD
<CarlosDuranJr> Lol
<CarlosDuranJr> Once a dork, always a dork
<Geist> his vocabulary does not accurately reflect the size of his penile unit
<%DNA> LOL
<Thorne> Hey, DNA - looks like he dropped something.
<Thorne> Looks like a key.
<%DNA> Hey, isn't this...
* DNA picks up the key.
<%DNA> This is the key to Galactic's warehouse.
<%DNA> ...thank you, scumbag Jay.​

I don't even bother tracking him down as he's either long gone or trying to avoid me. Instead, I take advantage of his misfortune of losing his keys and go inside the warehouse. Waiting for me on the other side of the door is a Dusk Stone, and a staircase that leads downward. Let's see what's waiting for me there...

...some AWESOME BGM, apparently! The Galactic HQ is a song I've been waiting almost the whole game to hear. I know the basement is only a small part of it, but I'm going to relish it. I tell my team to prepare themselves, because from here on out, the fight will be tougher than ever. They seem appropriately psyched up, and ready to take on the world!

Down here I need to find another key, which will open up other doors in the Galactic HQ. There are a few items lying around, besides the trainers, so this is a good time to pick those up. The basement is also where the rest of the RedRain and TwistedTurtwig clones are lying in wait; once I beat them, there will be no more of them left to beat. Pity; I actually enjoyed taking my rage out on them. But there will always be Blah and Dork Void for that later.

While I dream-smash all the grunts, here's a list of items I find:

  • Zinc - In a side room past the first grunt
  • TM49 Snatch - Take the right of 2 warp panels past the female grunt
  • TM36 Sludge Bomb - In the basement: take the warp panel off to the side by two staircases, then keep going until you hit a dead end
  • Galactic Key - In the same room as the Sludge Bomb. You need this item to get through the doors. You can use it right away by the door in that room to exit the warehouse.
  • TM21 Frustration - At the highest point you can reach from the warehouse entrance (req. Galactic Key). From that room with the two staircases and a warp panel, go up and just keep going.

The grunts really need to use fully-evolved Pokemon that aren't butterflies and moths. This is hardly a challenge. But then, I don't expect much from the RR&TT army. Still, it was a bit tiring, so I head back to the Pokemon Center (it's on the way anyway) before tackling the main building. There is a closed door in the lobby by the receptionist; open it with your now-pilfered Galactic Key (hey, stealing is okay if it's for justice) and take them on.

And so I shall.

I find there's a nap room just past the TV room. I found that odd since I thought the nap room since I thought the nap room was all the way at the end, but it's an opportunity to heal my team, so who am I to complain?

<%DNA> wait
<%DNA> there's a bed in the Team Galactic HQ?
<%DNA> how convenient
<%DNA> Geist, keep awake and make sure no one tries to molest me
<Geist> k
<%DNA> That includes you.
<Geist> ...damn.
<%DNA> oh what?
<%DNA> there's a Poke Doll in this bed. Someone must have left it.
<%DNA> hmm...
* DNA gets out a marker and writes 'DNA was here' over the doll's face.
* DNA then goes to sleep.​

Some time later...

<%DNA> Ah, that felt better.
<%DNA> now off to go fight the galactic boss!
* DNA runs up the stairs​

Some time later after that...

* Kaori_Sakura has joined #galactichq
<Kaori_Sakura> Hm? Isn't that my...
<Kaori_Sakura> ;-;
<Kaori_Sakura> My Pokédoll.
<Kaori_Sakura> DNA, why you do this!​

I stand corrected; it was near the end. The Galactic HQ upper bit wasn't as large as I thought it was. There's a hidden item somewhere in the Galactic HQ somewhere else, and it's visible from the other warp panel near the Max Revive, but I don't know how to get to that room yet...

Here are all the items I found on the upper tier:

  • Max Revive - Past the TV room, take the lower of the 2 warp panels and keep going
  • Rare Candy (hidden) - In the group of 3 warp panels, take the middle one, and it's hidden in the corner of the room
  • Elixir - Same room, though it's visible
  • Master Ball - Price for defeating the Galactic Boss; in the group of 3 warp panels, take the left one to get to him.

I'm finally at the Galactic Boss. I anticipate he'll probably be as incompetent as his commanders, but I don't want to get cocky. I take the Galactic Key I pilfered, and make my way to the final room.

<Zero> Hi DNA
<Zero> <3
<%DNA> ...I'm not in the least bit surprised by this
<%DNA> after all, who better to cast as Cyrus than a nihilist?
<%DNA> That's what your name stands for, right? not some Code G*y*ss character?
<%DNA> and why the hell have you still not gotten a haircut yet?
<Zero> A bit of both, honestly
<Zero> also I don't want to get one; my hair is fine
<%DNA> no it's not; you liar
<%DNA> I must wonder why, though. Why'd you even bother taking the role of the villain?
<%DNA> Knowing that, in the end, you must lose to me?
<Zero> Eh, might as well have fun, right?
<Zero> I managed to get a playset of pixies from the lake
<Zero> they'll be perfect for my deck
<%DNA> you don't even play the Pokemon TCG anymore, you dork
<Zero> you're right. Tell you what, you can have them. Help make your deck better.
<%DNA> I already have a playset of pixies, so that won't be necess-WAIT
<%DNA> those are the ACTUAL pixies, you dolt, not cards
<Zero> same difference
<Zero> anyway, since you're here...
<Zero> I want to battle against you, VG
<Zero> with awesome music playing in the background
<%DNA> you might have beaten me once in the TCG with your use of Scrafty...
<%DNA> but I promise you, it is not going to happen again.
<Zero> k
<Zero> care to test that theory?
<%DNA> By all means. Let's go!
<Zero> I must say...You are a remarkable specimen. Those Pokemon have nothing to do with you, do they not?
<Zero> But still you came to rescue them out of pity? Such pitifully useless emotions...It's illogical and irrational.
<Zero> Pity and compassion are products of the weak and lacking human heart. You were compelled to come here by such vacuous sentimentality!
<Zero> I will make you regret paying heed to your heart!
<%DNA> Joke's on you, Znub
<%DNA> I don't HAVE a heart​

That last bit is Cyrus' actual lines from the game, yes.

And thus begins my first encounter with Galactic Boss Cyrus Znub. In Platinum, you fight him at Celestic Town as well, attempting to deface the ruins, but that encounter is not present in D/P, so the Galactic HQ will have your first fight with him.

His opener is a lv. 40 Murkrow, while mine is Thorne. I am not concerned since my entire team is at least lv. 40 by this point (Carlos is 41, and TorTERROR is 44). Thorne takes the initiative with Brick Break, which brings the Murkrow within an inch of knockout. Znub uses a Super Potion on Murkrow (not a Hyper Potion, since he's a poor cheapskate), which isn't enough to stop Thorne's second Brick Break from turning the Murkrow into dinner.

Next is a lv. 40 Golbat, which I decide to put up against Crumpets. Appalled at the lack of class that Znub and his Golbat show, he makes short work of them with a combination of Confuse Ray (which always hit its mark) and Wing Attack.

"Oh my," Crumpets notes, disdainfully. "Unable to launch a single attack against me? How utterly unrefined. For being the leader of a large criminal organization, I expected more."

"Your Crobat is cute, DNA," Zero tells me. "The monocle your own personal touch?"

"No, it's always been his," I say.

"If you endeavor to be taken seriously, mine adversary, I suggest you and your Pokemon not be so susceptible to confusion, and remain focused. To not even land a single blow against me, while it takes me a full four turns to score a knockout...That is a great shame."

Zero says nothing; he probably doesn't have a retort for that. I keep silent as well, watching Crumpets tear into Zero's now-deflated ego. I'm impressed; Crumpets really knows how to tear into people with finesse and tact. He puts the 'Bite' into 'biting sarcasm', even more so since he's, well, a bat.

His last Pokemon is a lv. 43 Sneasel; I use Thorne against it, but its Ice Punch outspeeds and freezes her, much to my disappointment. Fortunately, she thawed out soon afterwards (someone probably turned on the thermostat) and Brick Breaked the Sneasel out of the way.

<Zero> I see. You are indeed strong. And the basis of your power is your compassion towards Pokemon.
<%DNA> it's more like trust and training, but compassion is part of it too
<Zero> ...How wasteful... Such emotions are but mere illusions. And, like all illusions, they fade over time until death banishes them forever.
<Zero> That is why I have abandoned all emotions as useless sentimentality. ...But that doesn't matter. I doubt you will ever understand my position.
<%DNA> Actually, I do.
<%DNA> The position of having no emotions...I used to envy that.
<Zero> oh? do tell
<%DNA> Yes, emotions do bring me great joy and happiness at times, but they also can bring pain. And thus I wanted to try to rid myself of emotions, so that I wouldn't feel the pain.
<%DNA> A few months back, something traumatic ended up happening to me. It winded me so much, that for a whole day, I was completely devoid of emotion. I thought the pain would go away.
<%DNA> But it didn't. The pain just stayed there. And without emotion there was nothing to mitigate it. I had to recover; I had to bounce back.
<%DNA> I believe you're wrong. I believe emotions do have their worth. And without them there's no way to fight off the pain that comes our way.
<Zero> w/e
<%DNA> Give it a try. Maybe you will understand. And if you don't...go play Ace Attorney 5.
<Zero> what does that have to do with anything?
<%DNA> you'll see
<Zero> hm. all right.
<Zero> That said, I recognize that you are strong and courageous to come alone.
<TorTERROR> ahem
<Geist> ahem
<Crumpets> Alone? Preposterous.
<Thorne> Yeah!
<Aphrodite> Yeah!!
<Carlos> don't mind me; I'm just trying to sketch right now. This building's interior looks pretty cool. Perfect for a new playmat.
<Zero> This is your reward.
* Zero gives DNA a Master Ball.
<%DNA> don't you only have 1 of these?
<Zero> I just cloned it a lot
<%DNA> ah yes, of course
<Zero> It is not anything that I require. Unlike you Trainers, I do not make Pokemon my friends or partners. Unlike other Team Galactic members, I don't use Pokemon as tools. Instead, I make the power of Pokemon my own.
<Zero> If you wish to save the Pokemon from the lakes, take the warp panel ahead. I am off to Mount Coronet. That's correct. Mount Coronet. Where you and I first met.
<Geist> so, that was you who said "DNA <3"?
<Geist> DNA, did you know that all this time?
<%DNA> Yes. Him saying that makes me uncomfortable, which is why I didn't bring it up.
<Zero> DNA <3
* DNA shudder
<Zero> I will ascend the mountain to its peak and put an end to everything...
<Zero> No. I will bring about a new beginning for everything...
<%DNA> get a haircut
<Zero> no you
*** Zero has left #galactichq
<TorTERROR> dream-smash time?
<Aphrodite> Final boss time?
<Carlos> Boss rush time?
<%DNA> all of the above. But first, to set the pixies free...​

Please excuse my sappiness brought about by something that happened to me once.

It's not possible to leave the HQ without setting them free, so I take the panel. The music takes a much more sinister turn, with mysterious canisters and scientists murmuring that they created something, with an experiment that went too far...

As I enter the final room, I notice the three pixies bound to machines, appearing to be suffering. They keep twitching and shaking, and it hurts to watch. In front of the machine that controls them is PMJ. I can't help but wonder, why is he here of all places?

<PMJ> dnhey
<%DNA> pmyo
<PMJ> so you've come.
<PMJ> to save the pixies, no doubt.
<%DNA> I am, yes.
<%DNA> Why are you here? To stop me?
<PMJ> Partly, yes. Part of the plot, bro. soz
<PMJ> I really don't get what's up with zero. it's like he has a mental retardation.
<%DNA> and how.
<%DNA> so why do you cooperate with him?
<PMJ> it's not cooperating per se
<PMJ> Pride cast me as this role specifically. Zero begged for his.
<PMJ> Zero's the bad guy, not me.
<%DNA> Then why not let them go?
<PMJ> Well, the other reason I'm here is that I'd like one last match against you before the run-through is over.
<PMJ> I don't think I'll get another chance, and might as well get it over with now.
<%DNA> I'm not sure if I understand you either, or what you're after.
<%DNA> but if that is what it will take for me to release these suffering creatures...
* DNA straightens his fedora
*** DNA is now known as Hazama
<%Hazama> ...then so be it.
<PMJ> whoa. wardrobe change. not bad.
<PMJ> k lgi​

It will later become a habit that I initiate the troll transformation sequence each time I begin an intense fight.

PMJ opens with Kadabra again, this time at lv. 38. I open with Crumpets, because Crumpets is awesome, and Bite becomes an effortless OHKO. His next is lv. 38 Bronzor, and I leave Crumpets in to play the Confuse Ray game. It doesn't work, as Bronzor has no appendages to hit itself with, though Bite did make it flinch once and crit another time. His final is his lv. 40 Toxicroak, and once again Crumpets stays in, this time to slap it about with Wing Attack - not an OHKO, but Toxicroak can barely do any damage to Crumpets before going down.

<PMJ> wow
<PMJ> I am really Crobat weak.
<%DNA> if it makes you feel any better, so is Teapot
<PMJ> it helps a little, because Teapot is scum of the earth
<PMJ> anyway, press the button. that's what you came for, isn't it?
* DNA presses the button, thus freeing the pixies.
<PMJ> Znub used the pixies to make something he calls a Red Chain. He said he would use it to chain something up.
<PMJ> I mean, what else are you going to use a chain for?
<%DNA> he could have just bought one from the hardware store or w/e
<PMJ> he tried that, but the hardware store doesn't sell chains that big.
<%DNA> knowing znub he will probably balls it up
<PMJ> probably.
<PMJ> anyway. I think it's time I left. gl man
<%DNA> thanks. you too.
*** PMJ has left #galactichq​

After defeating PMJ, everyone (including the scientists) will vanish from this extra-sinister area. The path to the green warp panel, which leads directly outside, will also open up. Do note the green panel is one-way, but it will lead back to the entrance.

The next part will be my ascent up to Mount Coronet. Since Mount Coronet is a very big place, it will have its own part in the walkthrough, where I will note all the rooms as well as which bit connects to where. Thus, I will bring this part to a close here, since I've passed the next step in the Galactic plot. Mount Coronet will be their final stand, then I can move on to Sunyshore City.

End of Part 10!

DNA's Team So Far:

[sprite]389[/sprite] TorTERROR lv. 44
[sprite]214[/sprite] Thorne lv. 41
[sprite]169[/sprite] Crumpets lv. 41
[sprite]215[/sprite] Carlos lv. 41
[sprite]94[/sprite] Geist lv. 40
[sprite]423-1[/sprite] Aphrodite lv. 40

Poketch Apps Acquired:

1: Digital Watch - Default
2: Calculator - Default
3: Memo Pad - Obtained from Mr. Poketch after getting 1 badge
4: Pedometer - Default
5: Pokemon List - Default
6: Friendship Checker - Obtained from an NPC in Eterna City's Pokemon Center
7: Dowsing Machine - Obtained from Dawn Bellomence on Route 207 after getting 2 badges
8: Berry Searcher - Obtained from a little girl at the Berry Master's House on Route 208
9: Day-Care Checker - Obtained from a man in the Day-Care Center, after a Pokemon has been deposited there
10: Pokemon History - Obtained from a ruin maniac on the main road in Solaceon Town
11: Counter - Obtained from an attendant on 2F of the Veilstone Dept. Store
12: Analog Watch - Obtained from a Black Belt in Celestic Town
13: Marking Map - Obtained from Mr. Poketch after getting 3 badges
14: Link Searcher - Obtained from Mr. Poketch after getting 5 badges
15: Coin Flip - Obtained from a rich boy in Valor Lakefront, in a suite requiring Rock Climb to reach
16: Move Tester - Obtained from Mr. Poketch after getting 7 badges
 
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