Let's Play! Let's Catch 'em All in PMD Explorers of Sky! (Part 38: Zero Isles & Kecleon)

[Altissimo]

Archive links (if images don't work): page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

So we're back! This is the long-awaited (debatably) sequel to my (debatable) hit, Let's Catch 'em All in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon. This time, we'll be taking on the second game (in a manner of speaking) in the Mystery Dungeon series, Explorers of Sky. And, as before, we'll be attempting to recruit everything in the game. I'll also be showing off all five Special Episodes, hence the choice of Sky over Time or Darkness. I've done this once or twice before, so I have experience with it and hopefully it won't be as much of a slog at the end as PMD1. :B

Copypasta from the MD1 LP:

Mystery Dungeon is a little bit different from the normal game in that it doesn't have a Pokédex. In other words, it's not enough to register each Pokémon as "caught": the game wants a player trying to "recruit 'em all" to actually do that - to recruit one of each Pokémon, including all the Unown forms, and have them all at the same time. So you'll all get to see me descend into insanity as I have to do such things as recruiting Kecleon, the Eeveelutions, Chansey, Ponyta, Jirachi, Exeggcute, and even the ultra-rare Pidgey Kecleon, Dusknoir, Hypno, and some obnoxious legendaries!

As before, I'm going to allow the community to vote on the Pokémon I will use as starter and partner. See below for the options and a description of which types are best and worst in this game.

The options are as follows:
Starter options: All Grass/Fire/Water starters up through and including gen 4, Pikachu, Vulpix, Eevee, Phanpy, Skitty, Shinx, Riolu.
Partner options: All of the above plus Meowth and Munchlax.

Pretty sure Pokémon utilize their Platinum level up movesets. The following starter/partner options also come with egg moves:
Vulpix (Feint Attack), Meowth (Hypnosis), Eevee (Flail), Phanpy (Ancient Power), Skitty (Zen Headbutt), Shinx (Quick Attack), Munchlax (Zen Headbutt), Riolu (Bite).

General considerations

Things I'd rather not use: I basically flat-out refuse to use Pikachu and Squirtle because I've used that specific duo a million and a half times. I have also used Vulpix and Shinx before, and I don't mind doing it again, but I would slightly prefer a new combination.
If you'd like to see the adventures of Red the Charmander and Green the Treecko specifically continue, I can do that too, but again I would slightly prefer a new combination.
I've also used Eevee a million times so I'd rather not use it but I won't be opposed if that is the favor of the commenters.

Type considerations:
-Normal struggles a lot. Rock, Steel, Fighting, and Ghost are all represented at least once each in a boss battle throughout the game. Skitty in particular is nerfed from PMD1 not only because Attract doesn't work on everything anymore - but also because Skitty automatically comes with Normalize. Munchlax doesn't get any non-Normal moves by level iirc. (Meowth and Eevee both get Dark moves.)
-Grass has a better time than it did in PMD1, but again, Steel boss, plus some postgame Poison and Fire bosses, and a few Dragons. They are mostly late enough that the Grass type will have had time to fill out its movepool and get some TM support, but I tend to shy away from TMs if I can, so it really depends on the mon.
-No clue about Phanpy or Riolu, never used them. I know Phanpy doesn't get any Ground moves by level though, only Normal type moves and Rollout (and Ancient Power), so it's not any more useful against the Steel enemies. Riolu gets only Fighting and Normal moves (and Bite) by level.
-Fire is decent. There are some Water, Dragon, Rock, and Fire enemies in boss fights in the postgame, but there are other methods of dealing with them.
-Water is probably the best for the main game. There is one big Electric boss fight, but apart from that it's not threatened by much during the main game. It struggles a little more in postgame when more Water, Dragon, and Grass bosses show up.
-Electric struggles against the Electric boss fight and has noticeable issues in the postgame's final boss fight. There is also one Ground boss during the main game. Apart from that, though, it's pretty decent.

Other things:
-Mudkip is stuck with Water Gun as its Water STAB until lv. 33.
-Munchlax has a shit tier movepool lmao
-Bulbasaur gets Sleep Powder early which is still very broken. Meowth and Skitty also get sleep moves. Vulpix gets Confuse Ray and Will-o-Wisp (though the latter is less useful).
-Bulbasaur, Vulpix, Meowth, Eevee, Chikorita, Cyndaquil, Skitty, Turtwig, Piplup, Riolu, and Shinx all get ranged or semi-ranged attacks.
-Cyndaquil gets Lava Plume which hits all adjacent Pokémon. Shinx gets a very late Discharge, which hits all Pokémon in the room.
-Totodile gets Ice Fang. That is all.
-Charmander gets early Dragon Rage which is fixed damage. Pretty handy.

So far, the suggestions have been Turtwig and Chimchar as a starter/partner duo; let me know if you want to see these, or other Pokémon, and be sure to suggest names for the player and partner and their rescue team! Last time, my lead Charmander was named Red and the partner Treecko was Green; I can reprise this scheme if you want, or use different names. My team name was Wildfire, reflecting the typings of Treecko and Charmander, respectively; again, names for the team (10 letters max for everything) are also accepted as well. Also relevant is the question of whether or not I should evolve my starter/partner. And finally, I'm also willing to accept nicknames for Pokémon; I have like five hundred (after form differences) to recruit, and without suggestions I'll probably just be reusing a lot of the names from the previous run, which may or may not be terribly interesting. :B

Comment! I'll start the run proper in a few days or so, once I've gotten some arbitrary amount of starter/partner suggestions.

Updates

Part 1: Beach Cave
Part 2: Drenched Bluff
Part 3: Mt. Bristle
Special Episode 1: Bidoof's Wish - Part 1
Special Episode 1: Bidoof's Wish - Part 2
Part 4: Waterfall Cave
Part 5: Apple Woods
Part 6: Craggy Coast & Mt. Horn
Part 7: Foggy Forest
Part 8: Steam Cave
Special Episode 2: Igglybuff the Prodigy - Part 1
Special Episode 2: Igglybuff the Prodigy - Part 2
Part 9: Amp Plains
Part 10: Northern Desert & Quicksand Cave
Part 11: Crystal Cave & Crystal Crossing
Special Episode 3: Today's "Oh My Gosh!"
Part 12: Plot Stuff
Part 13: Chasm Cave
Part 14: Dark Hill & Sealed Ruin
Part 15: Dusk Forest
Part 16: Treeshroud Forest
Part 17: Waterfall Cave (2)
Part 18: Brine Cave
Part 19: Hidden Land
Part 20: Temporal Tower
Part 21: Mystifying Forest
Part 22: Sky Peak
Part 23: Blizzard Island & Crevice Cave
Part 24: Surrounded Sea & Miracle Sea
Part 25: Aegis Cave
Special Episode 4: Here Comes Team Charm!
Part 26: Mt. Travail
Part 27: The Nightmare
Part 28: Spacial Rift
Part 29: Dark Crater
Special Episode 5: In the Future of Darkness - Part 1
Special Episode 5: In the Future of Darkness - Part 2
Special Episode 5: In the Future of Darkness - Part 3
Part 30: Aegis Cave (2) & Recruitment Prep
Part 31: Mt. Avalanche & Mystery Jungle
Part 32: Giant Volcano & Sky Stairway
Part 33: Oblivion Forest & World Abyss
Part 34: Treacherous Waters & Bottomless Sea
Part 35: Southeastern Islands & Shimmer Desert
Part 36: Inferno Cave & Fan Missions
Part 37: Finishing Recruitment & Mazes
Part 38: Zero Isles & Kecleon

Recruitment Progress

525/525: 100%
Bulbasaur (Saura)
Ivysaur (Saurvor)
Venusaur (Greyleaf)
Charmander (Freddy)
Charmeleon (Apophis)
Charizard (Slifer)
Squirtle (Kamina)
Wartortle (TFT)
Blastoise (Cannon)
Caterpie (Xander)
Metapod (Morphos)
Butterfree (Papillon)
Weedle (Bean)
Kakuna (Metasis)
Beedrill (Bumble)
Pidgey (Pidge)
Pidgeotto (Bismarck)
Pidgeot (MACH7)
Rattata (Joey)
Raticate (CAML)
Spearow (Olympic)
Fearow (Beauty)
Ekans (Sdrawkcab)
Arbok (Forwards)
Pikachu (Lightning)
Raichu (Doyon)
Sandshrew (Simon)
Sandslash (Shander)
Nidoran F (Girl)
Nidorina (EmoTeen)
Nidoqueen (Woman)
Nidoran M (Boy)
Nidorino (AngstyTeen)
Nidoking (Man)
Clefairy (Lilac)
Clefable (Murderer)
Vulpix (Jimbo)
Ninetales (Adriane)
Jigglypuff (RoseArt)
Wigglytuff (Creampuff)
Zubat (Robin)
Golbat (Strellus)
Oddish (Evenish)
Gloom (BloomNDoom)
Vileplume (Rafflesia)
Paras (Ophio)
Parasect (Dyceps)
Venonat (Pruple)
Venomoth (Veyesmoth)
Diglett (FlatEarth)
Dugtrio (Dugquadro)
Meowth (Worldie)
Persian (Iranian)
Psyduck (Goldie)
Golduck (Psyche)
Mankey (Mr.Chimp)
Primeape (Angeryboy)
Growlithe (Clifford)
Arcanine (Arcaten)
Poliwag (Alex Jones)
Poliwhirl (Dishwasher)
Poliwrath (Anger)
Abra (Penn)
Kadabra (Teller)
Alakazam (Gob)
Machop (Jon)
Machoke (Hollywood)
Machamp (Meow Mix)
Bellsprout (Steve)
Weepinbell (Notre Dame)
Victreebel (Help)
Tentacool (Squidward)
Tentacruel (Jet Fuel)
Geodude (Dell)
Graveler (Detritus)
Golem (Miley)
Ponyta (Epona)
Rapidash (Mr. Ed)
Slowpoke (Fastson)
Slowbro (Fastbro)
Magnemite (SCREW YOU)
Magneton (Magnetoff)
Farfetch’d (Butter)
Doduo (Kiwi)
Dodrio (Rhea)
Seel (Bork)
Dewgong (Narwhal)
Grimer (BetoBeto)
Muk (Your Waifu)
Shellder (Big Bang)
Cloyster (Shelly)
Gastly (Gostly)
Haunter (Hunter)
Gengar (Dennis)
Onix (Fauxboss)
Drowzee (Sleepy)
Hypno (Freud)
Krabby (Snappem)
Kingler (Crab Meat)
Voltorb (SplodeyJr.)
Electrode (Mr.Splodey)
Exeggcute (Coco)
Exeggutor (Eggplant)
Cubone (sb66)
Marowak (AngryMom)
Hitmonlee (Kick’em)
Hitmonchan (McGregor)
Lickitung (1 2 Th)
Koffing (Marlboro)
Weezing (Twins)
Rhyhorn (Cake)
Rhydon (Goron Garb)
Chansey (Ratched)
Tangela (DayumBoy)
Kangaskhan (Jackie)
Horsea (Misty)
Seadra (Dollar)
Goldeen (Lola)
Seaking (Riverqueen)
Staryu (Amethyst)
Starmie (Garnet)
Mr. Mime (Eric Andre)
Scyther (Stormblade)
Jynx (Aisha)
Electabuss (Lightyear)
Magmar (Magmafume)
Pinsir (Sirpin)
Tauros (ThirtyOne)
Magikarp (Hurricane)
Gyarados (Blue)
Lapras (Lapis)
Ditto (Actual Gum)
Eevee (Kagetora)
Vaporeon (Polly)
Jolteon (Jane)
Flareon (Chad)
Porygon (Ubuntu)
Omanyte (Philette)
Omastar (Mr.Sweep)
Kabuto (Bill)
Kabutops (Devil Lord)
Aerodactyl (Sand Dan)
Snorlax (Barbara)
Articuno
Zapdos
Moltres
Dratini (Gyaranope)
Dragonair (Crystal)
Dragonite (Tempest)
Mewtwo
Mew
Chikorita (Chiquita)
Bayleef (McCormick)
Meganium (Poinsettia)
Cyndaquil (Winston)
Quilava (Volcano)
Typhlosion (Flametail)
Totodile (Ludruth)
Croconaw (UncleCroc)
Feraligatr (King)
Sentret (Timona)
Furret (Fern)
Hoothoot (Fresh)
Noctowl (Dayowl)
Ledyba (Karate Bug)
Ledian (Star Bug)
Spinarak (Catallia)
Ariados (Mrs.Venom)
Crobat (Crowbar)
Chinchou (Litebrite)
Lanturn (Dr. Light)
Pichu (Pi)
Cleffa (Kirby)
Igglybuff (Azalea)
Togepi (TryingTime)
Togetic (OfferEgg)
Natu (Starebot)
Xatu (Redcorn)
Mareep (C3PO)
Flaaffy (BeepBeep)
Ampharos (Spotlight)
Bellossom (Antidote)
Marill (Marty)
Azumarill (Egg)
Sudowoodo (InMySkin)
Politoed (Politoad)
Hoppip (Alma)
Skiploom (Dandy)
Jumpluff (Cottony)
Aipom (Bonzi)
Sunkern (Uboat)
Sunflora (Molly)
Yanma (Yanmaha)
Wooper (Axol)
Quagsire (Vietnam)
Espeon (Ishaan)
Umbreon (Braiden)
Murkrow (Fedora)
Slowking (FastQueen)
Misdreavus (Neopet)
Unown A (Aletta)
Unown B (Bud)
Unown C (Carlotta)
Unown D (Daniel)
Unown E (Emilia)
Unown F (Fabio)
Unown G (Gilma)
Unown H (Hector)
Unown I (Ileana)
Unown J (John)
Unown K (Kristy)
Unown L (Lane)
Unown M (Miriam)
Unown N (Norman)
Unown O (Olivia)
Unown P (Paul)
Unown Q (Quincy)
Unown R (Rosa)
Unown S (Sergio)
Unown T (Tara)
Unown U (Ulysses)
Unown V (Vincente)
Unown W (Willa)
Unown X (Xavier)
Unown Y (Yolanda)
Unown Z (Zeke)
Unown ! (!!!)
Unown ? (???)
Wobbuffet (Waluigi)
Girafarig (Jim)
Pineco (Grenade)
Forretress (Fort Knox)
Dunsparce (Spruce)
Gligar (Scorpio)
Steelix (Limmy)
Snubbull (Nomoney)
Granbull (Mrs. Gnaw)
Qwilfish (Mrs. Puff)
Scizor (Adiel)
Shuckle (Worm)
Heracross (Hercules)
Sneasel (Reginald)
Teddiursa (Colbert)
Ursaring (Bullseye)
Slugma (Bruce)
Magcargo (Bogey)
Swinub (Lump)
Piloswine (PigWoobat)
Corsola (Madness)
Remoraid (Magnum)
Octillery (Abrams)
Delibird (Delaware)
Mantine (Blue 3)
Skarmory (Yugi)
Houndour (Impending)
Houndoom (April)
Kingdra (Neptune)
Phanpy (Dumbo)
Donphan (Elephun)
Porygon → Porygon2 (Duck.pkm)
Stantler (Stan)
Smeargle (Artisto)
Tyrogue (Lil Mac)
Hitmontop (Tony Jaa)
Smoochum (Mini Gaga)
Elekid (Firegg)
Magby (Magmaball)
Miltank (Casey)
Blissey (Jubilee)
Raikou
Entei
Suicune
Larvitar (Savannah)
Vibrava (Thrasher)
Tyranitar (Gojira)
Lugia
Ho-Oh
Celebi
Treecko (Star Trek)
Grovyle (Sunrise)
Sceptile (Dankweed)
Torchic (ChickenLil)
Combusken (Guy Fieri)
Blaziken (Sanders)
Mudkip (Mikey)
Marshtomp (Mudboi)
Swampert (TTGL)
Poochyena (Bite’em)
Mightyena (MR.PICKLES)
Zigzagoon (Midnight)
Linoone (Cat Snake)
Wurmple (Wormy)
Silcoon (The Worm)
Beautifly (Moth)
Cascoon (Cascade)
Dustox (Powder)
Lotad (Orchid)
Lombre (Mirakle B.)
Ludicolo (Miror B.)
Seedot (Seedric)
Nuzleaf (Nuzlocke)
Shiftry (Quercus)
Taillow (Chicfila)
Swellow (Kurona)
Wingull (FryStealer)
Pelipper (Alola)
Ralts (Fortissimo)
Kirlia (Karl Marx)
Gardevoir (Onion)
Surskit (Leggly)
Masquerain (Sunbitt)
Shroomish (Nofists)
Breloom (Mr Dream)
Slakoth (Lenny)
Vigoroth (Caffeine)
Slaking (Dankey)
Nincada (Illinois)
Ninjask (Cicada)
Shedinja (Sunwise)
Whismur (ASTER)
Loudred (FARTING)
Exploud (Boombox)
Makuhita (Ben 10)
Hariyama (Fat Sensei)
Azurill (Lostchild)
Nosepass (Not Racist)
Skitty (Ashfur)
Delcatty (Hawkfrost)
Sableye (Weh)
Mawile (ScremQueen)
Aron (Aaron)
Lairon (Larynx)
Aggron (Aggrovate)
Meditite (Joanna)
Medicham (Haunter)
Electrike (Direction)
Manectric (Holmes)
Plusle (Positive)
Minun (Negative)
Volbeat (OHwonder)
Illumise (Stepford)
Roselia (Talea)
Gulpin (Otoro)
Swalot (Big Gulp)
Carvanha (Jaws)
Sharpedo (Archibald)
Wailmer (Wailady)
Wailord (HSOOOOWA)
Numel (Joe Camel)
Camerupt (Camerritt)
Torkoal (Coleman)
Spoink (Plug-Oink)
Grumpig (Porky)
Spinda (Scotchka)
Trapinch (Marketing)
Vibrava (Soundwave)
Flygon (Vantis)
Cacnea (Cattus)
Cacturne (CactusJack)
Swablu (Van Buren)
Altaria (Altiria)
Zangoose (Gander)
Seviper (David)
Lunatone (Kormet)
Solrock (Kermit)
Barboach (Dojo)
Whiscash (Nero)
Corphish (Hey Hey)
Crawdaunt (RUFeelinIt)
Baltoy (Beyblade)
Claydol (Dirtpuppet)
Lileep (Crinoi)
Cradily (Tunica)
Anorith (Trilo)
Armaldo (Nando)
Feebas (Duckling)
Milotic (Fab)
Castform (Skoast)
Kecleon (Meltan)
Shuppet (Bayonetta)
Banette (Toybox)
Duskull (Skeletor)
Dusclops (TP)
Tropius (Bananasaur)
Chimecho (Chime)
Absol (Storm)
Wynaut (BeagleRush)
Snorunt (Windchill)
Glalie (Gretzsky)
Spheal (Seel)
Sealeo (Blubber)
Walrein (Frosty)
Clamperl (Porl)
Huntail (Unagi)
Gorebyss (Smashin)
Relicanth (Hard Head)
Luvdisc (Donizetti)
Bagon (Flagon)
Shelgon (Sheep)
Salamence (Toothless)
Beldum (Nickel)
Metang (Camp)
Metagross (Tom Brady)
Regirock
Regice
Registeel
Latias
Latios
Kyogre
Groudon
Rayquaza
Jirachi
Deoxys
Turtwig (Chloe)
Grotle (Bush)
Torterra (Percy)
Chimchar (Chimichang)
Monferno (Son Goku)
Infernape (Goku)
Piplup (Chippy)
Prinplup (Wellington)
Empoleon (Icewater)
Starly (Merel)
Staravia (Spreeuw)
Staraptor (Screee)
Bidoof (The Roof)
Bibarel (Otrok)
Kricketot (Wireless)
Kricketune (DELELEWOOP)
Shinx (Konami)
Luxio (Simba)
Luxray (Mufasa)
Budew (Sprout)
Roserade (Rodon)
Cranidos (Marie)
Rampardos (Stormlash)
Shieldon (Ward)
Bastiodon (Aegis)
Burmy-Sandy (Epham)
Burmy-Plant (Stone Rose)
Burmy-Trash (Raisins)
Wormadam-Sandy (Pizza)
Wormadam-Plant (Sylva)
Wormadam-Trash (Marjory)
Mothim (Mothman)
Combee (Hexa)
Vespiquen (Renee)
Pachirisu (Se Jun)
Buizel (Lifebob)
Floatzel (McFly)
Cherubi (Dr. Pepper)
Cherrim (Tomato)
Shellos-E (Squishie)
Shellos-W (Sluggy)
Gastrodon-E (Slurpie)
Gastrodon-W (Slugger)
Ambipom (Malware)
Drifloon (Tea)
Drifblim (ChildThief)
Buneary (Smol)
Lopunny (Furrybait)
Mismagius (Enigma)
Honchkrow (Eileen)
Glameow (Smudge)
Purugly (Spike)
Chingling (Belle)
Stunky (Stlunko)
Skuntank (Pepper)
Bronzor (Magicmiror)
Bronzong (BellTolls)
Bonsly (Crybaby)
Mime Jr. (Harlequin)
Happiny (Med Stud)
Chatot (Oddball)
Spiritomb (Winrar)
Gible (Nibble)
Gabite (Dagrond)
Garchomp (Landshark)
Munchlax (Cherry)
Riolu (Doge)
Lucario (Marth)
Hippopotas (Duke)
Hippowdon (Chris)
Skorupi (Scorplack)
Drapion (Grimsley)
Croagunk (Pacific)
Toxicroak (Rash)
Carnivine (Twig)
Finneon (Lure)
Lumineon (Smugfish)
Mantyke (Tutorial)
Snover (Balsam)
Abomasnow (Peanut)
Weavile (Underwood)
Magnezone (Alpha)
Lickilicky (DeVito)
Rhyperior (Mr. Ripper)
Tangrowth (Mojumbo)
Electivire (Pervert)
Magmortar (Magmabomb)
Togekiss (Sixpence)
Yanmega (Megaguirus)
Leafeon (Linnea)
Glaceon (Rea)
Gliscor (Glamcore)
Mamoswine (Annie)
Porygon → Porygon-Z (Arch)
Gallade (Gardevoir)
Probopass (Pukao)
Dusknoir (Origami)
Froslass (Frost Fan)
Rotom (Ekatsim)
Uxie
Mesprit
Azelf
Diala
Palkia
Heatran
Regigigas
Giratina
Cresselia
Phione
Manaphy
Darkrai
Shaymin

 

[sagitt]

I also like the idea of Turtwig, but instead of Chimchar I would rather like to see you have one of the sky exclusives for your partner.

 

[powergo1]

I was think that as you used a gen 1 and a gen 3 starter in PMD Blue, I feel like you should use a gen 2 and gen 4 Pokemon. I was thinking a Turtwig as starter and Totodile as partner, or maybe instead use a sky exclusive as your partner as sagitt said.

EDIT: Actually Totodile as starter would be better as you can move over water tiles straight from the start.

 

[Snaquaza]

Take Eevee as your partner! It'll be a challenge, and I've confirmed that you've never used it!

It will be great, you'll be very happy to reach post-game

 

[TJ]

ye I think Totodile is best

 

[lucariomaster2]

Seconding Totodile; I think Meowth could also be kinda fun. and i guess i'm kind of obliged to suggest riolu as well

That being said... please don't think less of me for saying I want to see you suffer through Destiny Tower the same way I've been for the past week. :D

 

[Ullar]

Treecko as partner, imo

 

[Altissimo]

So overall it looks like Totodile and some sort of Sky-exclusive starter have it. CRoll had suggested Riolu in chat, and lucariomaster2 kind of did as well, so I think Totodile and Riolu it is!

Snaquaza : lol maybe if more people had suggested Eevee I'd use it. For everyone else, the reason he's suggesting Eevee as a partner is because Eevee has Run Away which makes it run away from everything when it's at low health. Which as you might imagine is a massive pain in the ass, especially for a partner who's not allowed to die or else you fail the dungeon. :x
lucariomaster2 : believe it or not I have never completed Destiny Tower. If fan interest is sufficient I probably will give it a go though!

Alright so let's get going.

I would show off some screenshots from the opening sequence except they're kinda spoilery if you never played Time or Darkness. (Sky is basically the third version to Time/Darkness.) So we're just gonna get going off the bat!

Here we go, fresh ROM.

This is the portal that leads to the world inhabited only by Pokémon.
Beyond this gateway, many new adventures and fresh experiences await your arrival!

I'm excited to get there! (Sky is gr8 ok)

Before you depart for adventure, you must answer some questions.

I DIDNT SIGN UP FOR THIS IM JUST HERE TO EXPLORE SHIT AND PLAY A FUN OK

Be truthful when you answer them!

lmao no that is not happening sorry

Now, are you ready?
Then... let the questions begin!

I'M NOT READY FOR THISssssss

This is the first question no matter what. Apparently, answering "yes" gives questions that are more likely to get you a Sky-exclusive starter, and possibly also raises recruit rates?? That's what I heard anyway but I can't seem to find it like, actually attested anywhere that isn't just hearsay, nor whether it applies to every Pokémon (including say Kecleon) or not. So I dunno man. But anyway I did play both so I'mma answer yes.

The rest of the questions after that are random so I didn't bother screenshotting everything, all you need to know is I manipulated them to get the nature I wanted :x

excuse you What now

Your aura is the energy that you radiate!

THAT REALLY DOESNT EXPLAIN ANYTHING THOUGH

in lieu of a fingertip i use my mouse of course

this feels fake

Your aura has been identified. Please lift your finger from the touch screen.

I don't understand why I had to wait so long but okay

Your aura is...

This is actually based on your favorite color in the DS preference settings. I don't know what it does in an emulator lol

I got it after the third try.

You don't like taking orders. You're a little rebellious and like to disagree.

Nah not me. I like following orders, makes things easy on me :B

You're a lone wolf! You like to keep your distance from groups and go off to do things on your own.

Kinda I guess????

Older folks may be the ones who find you the most disagreeable, even selfish.

lol that is absolutely not true, older people love me and I don't know why

But people younger than you tend to really admire you!

I don't know they probably shouldn't be looking up to me as a role model my life is a mess lmao [okay it's only a little bit a mess]

So, a sassy type like you...

hooray!

And finally... Who will be your partner?

I don't know why they all have genders associated. come on can we just choose our gender's partner plz or have them randomized or something. (I may or may not be a little salty because I'm a girl lmao) Anyway Riolu is our partner so.

I don't really have a reason for this, I just kinda came up with it in the car today and it seemed to work well? I guess?

OK! That's it! You're all ready to go!

Hooray I'm done with formalities it's time for PLAY

You're off to the world of Pokémon!

again
where was I before

Be strong! Stay smart! And be victorious!

I WILL TRY MY DAMNEDEST

... that's not a foreboding title in the slightest

Immediately lightning starts flashing and there are storm noises. We're beginning in medias res and I remember the first time I played this I was like "wow... this is already more epic than last time... what the hell is happening!!!!"
(I was like 14 at the time for the record)

Are... Are you OK?!

who
who is this
who are we talking to

No! Don't let go!

WHAT IS HAPPENING

Just a little longer... Come on! Hang on!
Other voice: N-n-no! I can't... hold on...!

oh no :( this is a sad

Waaaaah!

Then the screen whites out and...

... we see some very unfortunate-looking weather conditions.

Well. That's certainly not ominous at all. Goodness.

who dis

...............
…..................
Urrgh...

Well, this is a lot nicer than the end of the world storm we just saw.

... Where am I?

Prolly on earth or the Pokémon equivalent thereof.

You look extraordinarily uncomfortable though, maybe you should fix that before dying (?) again.

Elsewhere:

Why are you puzzled. It is a giant Wigglytuff there that's not too hard to comprehend. (Presumably.)

He paces for a minute.

Buddy you usually can't cure paralysis by yourself but whatever

This is it. I have to steel my courage today.

lol puns lucario is a steel type

Well dang

Voice: Whose footprint? Whose footprint?
Voice: The footprint is Riolu's! The footprint is Riolu's!

WHAT they're just TALKING

That was too shocking!
Whew...

Dude I'd be surprised too but I think you might be overreacting, just a lil

... I can't... I can't work up the courage to go in, after all...

WHAT'S THE WORST THAT COULD HAPPEN I DONT THINK ANYONE IS WAITING THERE TO KILL YOU

I told myself that this is the day, but...

There's no better time than now just go for it

what even is that thing and why is it so large. how do you carry it. this makes no sense
(Also wouldn't he carry this around all the time?? Why would today be different as far as carrying it and having it be inspiring is concerned?)

Sigh... I just can't do it.
I'm such a coward...

Maybe a little bit. This place doesn't seem too bad. It's not the Salty Spitoon at any rate

This is so discouraging...

You discouraged yourself. that's all there is to it

He turns and leaves. However...

who are these unkind-looking figures?!

Zubat: You bet I did, Koffing.
Koffing: That little wimp that was pacing around... had something good, right?

I, uh, I don't think so. It was a rock with scribbles on it. When I was in 9th grade the trumpet section of the marching band gifted me a Fire Stone which was just a rock colored with red Sharpie. I don't think a rock with patterns is automatically valuable.

Zubat: That wimp had something, that's for sure. It looked like some kind of treasure.

Again I think you might be grossly misunderstanding the situation here.

Koffing: Do we go after it?
Zubat: We do.

Well dang this seems like it might be a problem.
(They leave too.)

Down at the beach...

aw isn't that nice. Lookit those bubbles
Music: On the Beach at Dusk

realtalk though the art in this game is so beautiful and that's one of the reasons I love it ; ; they really went all out in making the first DS game in the series LOOK like it was taking full use of the system's capabilities and they did it well.

Ray: When the weather's good, the Krabby come out at sundown to blow bubbles...

Aw nice.

All those bubbles, catching the setting sun's rays off the waves...
It's always beautiful.

You're a romantic Ray. You appreciate things. I like you.

............
This is where I always come when I'm feeling sorry for myself.

when i'm feeling sorry for myself I curl up in a bed and cry but whatever floats ur boat I guess

But it makes me feel good to be here, like always.

again whatever works

Coming here is uplifting. It cheers me up.

Yeah we know you just said that.

Then...

I'm dead that's what's going on. Plz come fix this

Again I'm dead. Or maybe just hungover like last time. I'm having my annual mid-semester crisis except it's not even the middle of the semester, I have every right to be drinking until I die

RAY I AM DEAD DO YOU REALLY THINK I CAN RESPOND TO MUCH OF ANYTHING RN

Me: (…..................)
(...Ugh...)

shouldnta drunk so much last night eughhhhh

consciousness is a continuum dear

Me: (Where... where am I...?)

wheres it look like my dude. A gr8 beach thats where. Accept it. Own it.

Ray: You weren't moving at all. I was seriously worried!

I'm sure Pokémon are just dead all the time it's not that big of a deal. Maybe I got like. Hit by a boat or something, Beachkill. You don't know.

Do you remember how you ended up unconscious out here?

look dude i remember some beers and thats about it

Me: (I... I was unconscious? What happened...?)

what did you think you were just having a nice nap????? what else would it have BEEN bro

Well, I'm Ray. Glad to meet you!

arent you just a ray of sunshine
(sorry)
(not sorry)

And who are you?
I've never seen you around before.

I'M A WATER TYPE I PROBABLY LIVE IN THAT THERE OCEAN MY DUDE

A familiar opener. Wait, who the hell introduces themselves as a human anyway? Like “oh yeah hi Ray, I'm a human!” like what as if he wouldn't be able to tell?

You look like a totally normal Totodile to me!

“Totally normal” is prolly pushing it

Me: (It's... it's true!)
(I've turned into a Totodile!)

Madness! Madness is afoot! Witchcraft, I say!

(... But how did this happen? I don't remember anything...)

I see Chunsoft read my last LP and understood that “how” is a better question to ask than “why”. What's that about “this game came out 8 years ago” I don't know what you're saying speak up.

Ray: You're... a little odd...

BUDDY I JUST WOKE UP IN AN UNFAMILIAR PLACE AS AN UNFAMILIAR POKEMON WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME.

Are you pulling some kind of trick on me?

To what end? No, seriously, what would that accomplish?

You're telling me the truth?

believe it or not george isn't at home

All right, then. Your name? What's your name?
Me: (My name? That's right, my name is...)

My name is “I don't remember, are you seriously expecting that from me” except not really, it's actually

sure why not. Not that it makes very much sense as a name on its own because it's literally the Italian plural masculine adjective for “high” but w/e

Ray: Oh, Alti is your name?

learn it. respect it.
fear it.

OK. Well, you don't seem to be a bad Pokémon, at least.

IT'S BEEN FIVE MINUTES HOW CAN YOU TELL???? HOW. Ray I'm sorry but you may or may not be a terrible judge of character.

Sorry that I doubted you.

You didn't really, you expressed reasonable skepticism, but whatever

More and more bad Pokémon have been turning up lately, you see!

ok but like
why
and how

Many Pokémon have gotten aggressive lately. Things have grown somewhat lawless...

wheres phoenix wright when u need him
(phoenix wright/mystery dungeon crossover when)

SPEAKING OF LAWLESS. These guys came up and just shoved Ray down like the ne'er-do-wells that they are. Curs! How dare!

Koffing: Well, I do beg your pardon.

Oh how polite! See, Ray, he can't be a bad Pokémon, right, right?

Ray: Hey! Why'd you do that?!

Who said it was intentional? He could have fallen into you accidentally. With a lot of force.
You never know.

Zubat: Heh-heh-heh! Can't figure it out?

You have not provided a good reason yet, no.

We wanted to mess with you! Can't face up to us, can you?!

we should be able to treat this like Adults we are Civilized Pokémon after all

Ray: Wh-what?!

Ray. There's a lesson you need to learn. Better now than later.
Some people are just assholes.

In a manner of speaking?

Ray: No! That's...!

… literally the only thing you had on your person, how did you manage to not notice you dropped it bud

Zubat: Sorry, kiddo. We'll take that!

How about no

Ray you did literally nothing to prevent this. Come on man. I know you're a fighting type but still.

Koffing: Whoa-ho-ho! Not gonna make a move to get that back? What's the matter? Too scared?

Apparently.

I didn't expect that you'd be such a big coward!

Except literally you watched him run away from the Wigglytuff house earlier. What did you expect?!

Come on. Let's get out of here.
Zubat: See you around, chicken. Heh-heh.

Again. You had ample opportunity to fix this situation. Shoulda hit em with a sneak-attack or something but No

Ray: … Ohhh...

Look if you want a patterned rock I have a Fire Stone

Wh-what should I do?

I dunno I'm the one offering you the Fire Stone. It's your choice not mine.

That's my personal treasure. It means everything to me.

But you couldn't hold it more securely?

If I lose that...

Sorry, I need to fix that sentence for you. “I lost it.” That's better and more accurate. They are gone.

No! There's no time to waste!

you say that NOW but they are GONE bro

Yay a decision that means nothing! If you say no it just loops you into saying yes, implying that Ray is just strong-arming an amnesiac stranger into helping him. A bit of a dick move if you ask me but what do I know about interpersonal communications

Ray: R-really? You'll really help?!

God dammit Ray

Th-thank you! Let's go quickly!

Aight cool. We gon have an ADVENTURE

Music: Beach Cave
This is Beach Cave, our tutorial dungeon for Sky. None of the Pokémon available here can be recruited. Luckily, unlike in Blue, that's not going to make our life a living hell this time! (I am staring you down Pidgey and Exeggcute.) It has Shellder, Kabuto, Shellos, and Corsola.
Anyhow, as it is a tutorial dungeon, it gives us … tutorial. As you might expect. For our purposes it doesn't really matter of course because we've played Mystery Dungeon games before, right?
I'll be showing off some of the differences between this and Blue but not rehashing the basic mechanics.

An interesting thing to note though is that this game expands a little on the functions of the top screen... again as you might expect since this game was made to utilize DS capabilities through and through instead of needing to be compatible with the GBA as well.

I set it so that the top screen shows us these cute little portraits of our people and their health. Wish it weren't bright pink but what can you do.
Fun fact: In this game, every single Pokémon has a portrait, not just the starters/partners & NPCs! It goes a long way toward improving the feel of this game and encouraging you to use other Pokémon. Good design choice, thank u devs.

… Good combination of abilities there. A bonus for cringing (flinching) and a protection from cringing. Cool.

As mentioned before Riolu automatically comes with the egg move Bite which I plan to keep here forever because it's the only thing Riolu can do against Ghosts unless I keep Foresight which I. Don't really want to waste a moveslot on.

Totodile is lame and doesn't get a fancy egg move.

but not friend areas because god hates us

Riolu comes with IMMEDIATE Quick Attack which is the best thing ever because it allows Ray to attack through me, great for assisting in taking out annoying foes. When it doesn't miss, that is.

One annoying thing about this game is that held item mechanics work differently. Before, you could have 20 items in the Toolbox, and then each Pokémon on your team could hold its own item. Here, you have a number of items you can carry, and then you can sort of assign the items to a Pokémon, meaning it is considered to be holding the item and can use it, but it still takes up space in the inventory. It's a bit counterintuitive and I am not a fan. It just doesn't make sense and that bothers me so I hate it lol. I should be able to hold an item and then have Ray pick up this seed but it doesnt work that way >:(

The first level up hooray I think?
Alti learns Water Gun from it though so it's totally worth it.

Ray levels up too, and...

I guess I'll take Counter over Endure because Counter can do damage back I guess?? Dunno man.

Totodile can walk over water tiles from the very beginning and that is awesome.

After four floors of Beach Cave, we arrive in the Beach Cave Pit. (I don't really see how this constitutes a “pit” but okay.)

Koffing: Well, well...
If it isn't our old friend, the big chicken.

You can stop that anytime bro

Ray: Urk!

Buddy we came here to get your Fire Stone back don't flake out on me now! I'll fight them solo if I have to. Totodile have teeth u know

YEAH THATS HOW YOU DO IT! FIGHT FIGHT GO WIN

That's my personal treasure! It means everything to me!

Okay, but uh, maybe don't say that. I don't think they really care about sentimental shit like that sorry

Zubat: Treasure, you say? So that thing really is valuable, huh?
Koffing: It could be worth more than we'd hoped for, I'd say.
We ought to try selling it. Who knows? It might get a good price.
Whoa-ho-ho! All the more reason not to give it back!

Goddammit Ray I was afraid of this

Ray: Whaaaat?!
Zubat: If you want it back that badly... come and get it! Heh-heh-heh!

oh no

OH NO WE'RE FIGHTING FOR REAL WHO KNOWS WHAT LEVEL THEY ARE AAAAA

I start by setting Ray to use Quick Attack exclusively as Alti does nothing due to not having a ranged move lmao.

Koffing and Zubat both move toward Alti but a single Water Gun kills Zubat and two more attacks kill Koffing. Lol rip

Zubat: Ugh... We got roughed up...

lol dey ded

Koffing: B-blast it... How'd we get wiped out by wimps like them?

Because maybe, just maybe, we're not wimps? Didn't think of that didja

Zubat: Bah! Here you go. Take it, then!

He throws it out for us to grab.
<ITEM ACQUIRED>

Koffing: Whoa-ho! Don't think you're so awesome. Your victory was a fluke!
Zubat: Yeah, you just remember that!

Nah m8 I think I beat u legit.

Anyway they flee with their metaphorical tails between their legs.

arent u glad we got ur scribble rock back i know i sure am!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Am I ever glad... I actually did manage to get it back.
It's only because you agreed to help me, Alti.

Eh idk you could prolly have taken them both by yourself.

Thank you, Alti!

Sure sure

Buddy you've said it like 64 times since we left the dungeon I KNOW. You can stop now.

Alti: (….........)

See Alti's conflicted too.

(I only helped because I happened to be there... Was that the right thing to do?)

fuckin What? like that's the purest form of altruism, you got NOTHING OUT OF IT, what dumbass logic is this

(I guess so. This Pokémon is clearly grateful.)

good people-reading skills alti. top notch. the best. i dont know how people ever communicated before you

(It's nice to be appreciated.)

Not gonna argue there.

Ray: Here's what they stole.
This is a Relic Fragment. … Well, at least, that's what I started calling it...

ok but why tho

But this Relic Fragment... It's my precious treasure.

again. ok but why tho

You see, I've always liked legends and lore...

Is there anyone out there who doesn't?

I always get so excited when I hear tales from the past!

me too brah me too

Don't you feel the same way?

YEAH thats what i JUST SAID

Hidden troves full of treasure and strange relics...

Just make sure your face doesn't melt in the process.

... uncharted territories veiled in darkness...

Why would they be veiled in darkness tho. Unless they're caves. Plz do not go cave exploring on ur own.

... and new lands just waiting to be discovered!

are there even any of those LEFT

Such places must be full of unimaginable gold and treasure!

I mean they could be like, deserts n shit but ok

And history! Wouldn't it be amazing to make historic discoveries?

Ok that's legit. Have fun with that.

That's what I always dream of. It's all exciting to me.

then what are you doing in this clearly populated area. Go like search for El Dorado or some shit mang

So one day... I happened to come across my Relic Fragment.

Like, where. Was it on the beach? On the sidewalk? Or were you exploring somewhere we'll never see again? Like. Explain plz

I admit that it looks like junk, but take a closer look.

i hate to break it to you but
it still might be junk
sorry

Yea I guess?

Alti: (It's true. There is a strange inscription.)
(I've never seen a pattern like this.)

You also have amnesia so I don't think your memory is very trustworthy sorry

Ray: There must be some significance in this pattern.
The Relic Fragment must be the key to legendary places! To areas where precious treasure lies!

You might be overthinking things. just a. just a lil

At least that's the feeling I get.

That's not very scientific tho now is it?

That's why I want to join an exploration team.

A whosawhat now?

This fragment must fit into something... somewhere! I want to discover where that is.

But what if it just like doesn't

I want to solve the mystery of my Relic Fragment!
So earlier, I tried joining an exploration team as an apprentice...

Oh was that what the Wigglytuff house was?

But... I chickened out.

For like no reason too.

What about you, Alti? What are you going to do now?

Um????? How am I supposed to answer this I literally don't even know who I am or where I am so how am I supposed to know anything else?

You lost your memory. And you somehow transformed into a Pokémon...
Do you have anywhere to go and stay after this?

Yeah that's kinda the issue. Absolutely not.

Alti: (….........)
Ray: If not, can I ask a big favor?

oh no im scare

Would you be willing to form an exploration team with me?

Oh that's all. Ok cool.

I'm convinced I can form an effective exploration team with you, Alti.

OK BUT WHY THO YOU LITERALLY JUST MET ME

So will you? Please?
Alti: (Wah! What should I do? I'm getting recruited out of the blue!)
(I don't know what an exploration team is...)

Then maybe joining one isn't smart just a thought? doing things before you're fully aware of what you're getting into is a bad idea always :x

sure whatever I guess it can't hurt matters
(for the record clicking “Are you...?” just has a dialogue sequence where Alti accuses Ray of trying to talk her into it. It's p funny honestly)

Alti: (It's true. I do have nowhere to go...)
(I don't have any clue what I should do next.)

Go for a swim! You're a Totodile aren't you?

(I guess it wouldn't hurt to team up with Ray for now.)
(Maybe I'll eventually discover who or what I am by hanging out with this Pokémon.)

Thaaaaat's a stretch but ok

(OK! That's settled!)
Ray: Yes? Really?!
You'll form an exploration team with me?

I JUST SAID SO

Yes! Thank you!
We're going to be a great combination! Let's make this work!

If you say so

As long as I get some food and rest I'm okay with anything.

That's where we need to train to become a first-rate exploration team.

Sounds legit I think

I'm sure the training will be very tough...

Can't be any worse than marching band tbh

But let's give it our best, Alti!

HOORAY

they done it

And so...

formed an exploration team.

… yes, that is an accurate assessment of what has happened.

This turned out to be...
their very first step into...
many fantastic realms of adventure that awaited their arrival.

I was originally going to keep going but this update is getting hella long so I'mma call it for now. Next time we go to Wigglytuff's Guild!

 

[lucariomaster2]

And so it begins! Looking really forward to this. Funny story, Totodile and Riolu were my starters in Time and Sky respectively.

 

[Mowtom]

Yay this is back! And this time I've actually played the game! Or, at least, one with basically the same storyline.

The first time I played Time I answered honestly and ended up being a Treecko which was pretty darn hilarious as the plot progressed XD

 

[Altissimo]

Replies

lucariomaster2: I'm not surprised about Riolu :VVV that's pretty funny though. Glad you're excited for it!
Mowtom: Basically the same. You'll have fun with the Special Episodes though.
Treecko starter is fantastic lmao

And we're back! Let's check out Wigglytuff's Guild.

Chapters are new to PMD2, and the images associated with them is new to Sky. I like this because it makes it feel more like a story, an epic tale of time and darkness.

ok thats actually a lot more imposing than it seemed before. Like. wtf is this Stay Puft Marshmallow Man shit

I kind of gathered from the Wigglytuff theme.

To form an exploration team, you need to register your team here.

But presumably this isn't literally the only place where you can sign up as an exploration team?

Then you have to train until you become a first-rate exploration team.
Y-y-yikes!

If you're that scared about this future maybe we shouldn't pursue it I know this firsthand

Isn't there something just a little odd about this place?

It was clearly built by a raging narcissist if that's what you mean

No...! I've got Alti with me this time.

I guess my mere presence is that important?

I have to be brave.

Yeah you don't wanna let down Me the Most Important Person Here I guess. Seriously what

Yea we back

Whose footprint? Whose footprint?
Other voice: The footprint is Riolu's! The footprint is Riolu's!
Ray: Waah!
N-no. I have to be strong...

YOU CAN DO IT I BELIEVE IN YOU

Why so abrasive tho

Someone's with you! So get that stranger to stand up THERE!

HOW CAN YOU TELL I'M HERE!!! HOW

Who else would it have been tho. Do you see anyone else around here?

They said to stand up here.

on what may or may not be a pitfall of death? Good ideas!

(There's a grate covering the hole...)
(It's made so that no one can fall through...)

Or maybe it's not a pitfall of death who knows.

(Still, it's really strange...)
(It looks like it will tickle my feet or...)

… it. it's a grate. it's... why Alti

Hey, you! Stranger! Get on the GRATE!

DONT RUSH ME I HAVE MY OWN PACE AND MY OWN ROUTINE OK

you dont say

Whose footprint? Whose footprint?
The footprint is... The footprint is... Um...

… “um”?

Other voice: What's the matter?! Sentry! Sentry?!

It's an invasion, there's no time to lose! Get the tanks! Man the harpoons! WHERE IS MY STEED?!

What's wrong, sentry Diglett?

idk about you but a mole doesn't seem like the pokemon with the best eyesight just saying

Diglett: Umm... Er...

Underneath the grate...

Maybe Totodile's! Maybe Totodile's!

… “maybe”?

Voice: What?! MAYBE?!

Glad to see the rando has the same reservations I do

Diglett: B-but... It's not a footprint that you normally see around here...

but if Totodile were the partner you know Diglett would have identified his footprint immediately. Alternate universes! Or something!

Voice: UGH! That's pretty crummy!
Checking the footprints of visiting Pokémon...
That's your job, ISN'T it, Diglett?

Well yeah but that's mean everybody makes mistakes :(

Diglett: Yes, but... I don't know what I don't know.

I mean he has a point to be fair

So it seems.

Voice: … Sorry to make you WAIT.
Well, it's TRUE that you don't see any Totodile in these parts...
But you don't SEEM to be bad...

YOU ONLY SAW MY FOOTPRINT, AND YOU DIDN'T EVEN SEE IT
YOU LITERALLY HAVE LESS TO GO ON THAN RAY DID

OK, good enough! ENTER!

If we are actually terrorists and blow up the guild this is all on you mysterious voice

The gate opened! Amazing!

I'm so nervous! So jittery!

Again Ray what's the worst that could possibly happen. They don't accept us and we form our own exploration team? There are no rules that way my friend.

But I'm glad we're finally allowed in. My heart's pounding, though...
OK, let's go in.

LETS GOOOO HUP

Yes. That is a correct assessment. I mean the Wigglytuff head was on the edge of a cliff, what else did you expect?

Going down, we see that the next floor is a hub full of activity! Fantastic!

Music: Wigglytuff's Guild

So many Pokémon! I wonder if they're all on exploration teams?

Nah some of them are just here to mingle. Taking advantage of free shelter n shit.

Excuse me!

From further below, a Chatot approaches.

Ray: Y-yes!
Chatot: I'm Chatot! ♪ I'm the Pokémon in the know around these parts!

Your sing-songy voice is probably going to annoy me. I already get enough of that from my roommates

I am Guildmaster Wigglytuff's right-hand Pokémon! ♪
Now, shoo! Leave the premises! We have no time for salespeople or silly surveys. Off you go, if you please!

w-
uh
we are KIDS (by the game's canon anyway)
DO WE LOOK LIKE SALESPEOPLE OR SURVEYERS TO YOU
Maybe we're selling Girl Scout cookies. Everyone wants those, right, even a bird?

Ray: N-no! That's not why we're here!
We want to form an exploration team...
That's why we came. We want to be trained as an exploration team.

Yeah what he said lets go with that.

Chatot: Wh-what?! Exploration team?

Yea you heard me, what of it? This is an exploration GUILD aint it???

Isn't it better if we start young tho?? like all the true medieval apprenticeships

Especially given how hard our training is!
Surely the steady stream of Pokémon that run away from our rigorous training proves how true that is!

All the more fun for us! (I like a challenge thats why im in grad school and may or may not be regretting my life choices like all the true greats)

Ray: Excuse me.
Is the exploration team training that severe?

Buddy. Buddy listen. All of the best greats in this world had hella hard training to get where they are. If it coddles you it's not doing its job.

Chatot: What?!

He is rightfully incensed that we signed up here with no idea of what we are getting ourselves into, I see.

It's not true in the slightest! Our training program for exploration teams is as easy as can be!

… or he could just be trying to backtrack on his stream-of-consciousness words from before. Ok chatot. Ok. We believe you its ok.

Well, well, well! ♪ I wish you had told me up front that you wanted to be an exploration team! ♪ Hee-heeee! ♪

You kinda didnt give us the chance but ok.

Ray: His attitude suddenly changed, didn't it...?
Chatot: OK! Let's get your team signed up right away. Follow me! ♪

… that's it? No, like, entry test or something like that? Come on, even the undergrad music program at my school requires an audition.

Please stop being so chipper it's very draining

How convenient!

This is mainly where the apprentices work.

… what kind of work do they actually do down here tho

Team registration is this way. Come along, please.

Ray you really are impressed by the most mundane shit aren't you.

Chatot: Oh, please! Hush now!
The guild is built into the side of a cliff.

It's only natural that you would be able to see outside.

thats pretty rad yo i have to admit

Ray: Oh.
Chatot: Now, here we are at Guildmaster Wigglytuff's Chamber.
On no account... I repeat, on no account should you be discourteous to our Guildmaster.

ok im getting kind of scared now is it gonna be like lucario from silver resistance

Chatot: Guildmaster! It's Chatot! ♪ I'm coming in!

Isn't that a bit rude? You don't know what Wigglytuff could be doing in there.

Wigglytuff does not respond.

Chatot: Guildmaster.... um... Guildmaster?

dont push him buddy he might be very angry you dont know

Music: Guildmaster Wigglytuff
AAAAAAAAAAAAA
AAAAAAAAAAAAA
AAAAAAAAoh wait he's saying hi oh ok false alarm

I'm Wigglytuff! I'm the guild's Guildmaster!

So we heard. You don't seem to be a hardass...?

You want to form an exploration team? Then, let's go for it!

Wigglytuff is very agreeable. I like him.

First we must register your exploration team's name!

You know that probably wouldn't be my first thought when preparing an exploration team but what do I know I'm not Wigglytuff

So tell me your team's name?
Ray: Oh? Our team's name?

We didn't think of that.

Ray that was literally the only thing asked of us to join this guild and you don't have anything in mind??

Ray: So what do you think would be a good name for us, Alti?

Team Rocket but I think that's taken.

A hurricane is totally the embodiment of fighting + water. Just think about it. I mean, cmon.

(This had nothing to do with the fact that the USA just got slammed by one hurricane and is about to get hit by another. At least, I don't think it did.)

Ray: … Hurricane?! Team Hurricane!

It might have sounded better in my head idk

Yeah... That's a good name! It suits us!

I mean it does but

Wigglytuff: All settled, then! I'll register your team as Hurricane.
Registering! ♪ Registering! ♪
All registered...
YOOM... TAH!

And then the room exploded. Wigglytuff is working some dark magic here to “”””register”””” us, it seems. (Fuckin Fairy-types.)

Congratulations! From now on, you're an official exploration team!

Official by whose metric tho

I present you with this in commemoration.

What's with these games and having super convenient “kits” every time we start something

Ray: A Pokémon Exploration Team Kit?

You sound confused. That's exactly what it is, Ray, and it's probably exactly what it sounds like.

Wigglytuff: Yup. It's what every exploration team needs.

If you say so.

Quick, open it up.
Narration: Ray opened the Exploration Team Kit.

This art was newly added for Sky. Not sure why but whatever it adds that little nice touch of immersion to this.

And a Wonder Map...
And a Treasure Bag!

amazing things!

Ray: Yeah! There are all sorts of great items in here!
Wigglytuff: That's your Explorer Badge! It's your official team identification!

It better have our name engraved on it or it is worthless

And there's the Wonder Map, which is a wonder of convenience!
Finally, there's a Treasure Bag. It lets you carry items you find in dungeons.

How convenient!

Your successes as an exploration team can lead to bigger and bigger space for your Treasure Bag.

That uhh doesn't make much sense but ok??????

It's a very wonderful bag! ♪
Have a peek inside your Treasure Bag.

what have you put in this bag is it going to hurt us. is it a bomb

Ray peered into the Treasure Bag.
The Joy Ribbon was inside!
A Lime Bow was also inside!

What the hell, a Joy Ribbon?? Okay what? Usually they give you like a Zinc Band or a Defense Scarf or something that will help boost your stats but a Joy Ribbon, that just makes it so you get experience for taking damage. Which I don't really want to use to avoid Ray getting more experience than Alti (Alti gets the Lime Bow as it's meant for her, that's why it's the same color as the aura we got from the beginning) so it's useless for now I guess. Still, what the hell, I didn't know you could get that as your starting item.

Wigglytuff: Those two items are special.

No shit!

I'm sure they will help you on your adventures! ♪

The Lime Bow certainly, but I'm a little averse to the Joy Ribbon sorry

Ray: Th-thank you! We'll do our best!
Wigglytuff: Yup. But you're only apprenticing right now. So do your best... to train!

I ALWAYS DO MY BEST DO IT EVERY DAY

Ray: We will!
Let's always do our best, Alti!

YEAH

… I kinda wanted a human bed

Ray: Great! We get beds!

… What were you expecting

Chatot: You will live here while you work for us.
Things will start getting busy for you tomorrow! ♪ So rise early and start living up to our code!

look I just got here you can't expect me to do MUCH right off the bat

Don't stay up late. Get to sleep early tonight! ♪ That is all.

easy for you to say but i have a LOT ON MY MIND

Music: Goodnight
is this one of those games where the moon is always full
(spoiler it is)

Ray: …...
Oh, are you still awake, Alti?
My heart's been racing all day over every little thing...

You think you've got it bad, how do you think I'm doing

But I'm glad I finally made myself come here.

Me too I... guess

I thought Wigglytuff would be scary, but he seems pretty friendly.

Friendly people are the worst tho. I've decided

We're going to experience all sorts of things starting tomorrow, but I'm not very scared.

You should be

In fact, it's the other way around. I'm super excited about the adventures we'll face!
I'm feeling a little sleepy...

Well good. Get ur beauty rest friend

Let's give it our all tomorrow.
OK, Alti. Good night.

Ray falls asleep. But...

(Now I'm suddenly apprenticing at the guild...)

Yeah, Alti has more things on her mind than just being an apprentice.

(I gotta admit, it's pretty exciting to be in an exploration team.)
(And it's fun to be friends with Ray...)

Eh he's a bit excitable but hes aight

(But first things first...)
(Who am I?)

Alti asking the hard-hitting questions here

(How did I turn into a Pokémon?)
(How did I end up unconscious on that beach?)
(I'm feeling sleepy too...)

NO DONT FALL ASLEEP WE HAVE TO FIGURE OUT YOUR BACKSTORY TONIGHT DAMMIT

(Well, thinking about it won't help right now. I'd better focus on the guild's work for now...)

I mean. I guess?

(If I do that, well, everything should become clear eventually...)

I mean we all hope that but let's be real do you really think it's plausible that doing this will help you figure ANYTHING out

(I'll surely get to the bottom of this in time...)

Keep dreamin man.

And Alti goes to sleep. Good night sweet prince(ss)

Voice: HEY! HEY THERE!
RISE AND SHINE!
Alti: (Ugh!)
(M-my head is pounding!)
(Wh-what a ridiculously loud voice! It almost blasted my eardrums!)

You know it's probably not a good idea to deafen your apprentices on day 1 but who am I to talk

Why did you let THIS GUY be the alarm clock :(

Alti: (Ugh!)
Ray: M-my poor ears...

i feel you buddy. i feel you

Loudred: C'mon! Snap OUT of it!

snap out of WHAT we were SLEEPING and you RUDELY AWAKENED US

I'm Loudred! And I'm a fellow apprentice!

again Why are you the designated alarm clock if you're also an apprentice. What if you wake up late what then. Anyone ever think of that

If you're late for our morning briefing you'll be SORRY! So MOVE it!

HOW ABOUT you LET US WAKE UP instead of CONTINUING TO SCREAM!!!! SCREAMING I AM SCREAMING AT YOU NOW TOO!

Guildmaster Wigglytuff has got a BIG temper. If you make him lose it...

I both can't believe that and absolutely believe it.

… s-should I be scared for my life here?

Loudred: I've got goose bumps just thinking about it! Yeesh!

YOU ARE NOT HELPING MY SITUATION HERE YOU KNOW

So ANYWAY...
I'm not about to get in trouble because you rookies got up LATE!
SO GET IT IN GEAR!

Then leave and save yourself bro!

He does as I suggest.

Ray: Urk! My ears are still ringing...

Again. This might have been a terrible idea.

What did he say? Something about getting ready?

Yes you know because of the whole thing where we're apprentices and at a guild and need to like, do stuff

We signed up as apprentices as Wigglytuff's guild, that's right!

you literally forced me to come here because you wanted to join the guild so bad HOW COULD YOU FORGET

But that means...
Waaaah! We totally overslept! We've got to hurry, Alti!

I'm not sure how we overslept when we never had an alarm clock until, you know, AN ALARM CLOCK SHOWED UP but still

Shut up we tried our best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chatot: Hush!
Your voice is ridiculously loud!

lmao rekt

Loudred: Humph...
Chatot: Everyone seems to be present.

There's only like 10 of us it's not hard to count. See I can do it too.

Chatot: Very well. ♪ Let us conduct our morning address.
Guildmaster! ♪ The guild is in full attendance! ♪

What would happen if we just werent tho like

Wigglytuff: Zzzz... Zzzz.... Snorfle... Zzz...

…
is this the real life

Apprentice: (Psst...! Guildmaster Wigglytuff never ceases to amaze me!)
Apprentice: (Yeah, you got that right!)
Apprentice: (Yup, looks like he's wide awake.)

Sarcasm. I dig it. These guys are gonna be my goood friends.

Apprentice: (Eek! His eyes are wide open! But he's fast asleep!)

Yeah uh that is a bit bizarre what the hell.

Chatot: Thank you, sir! We all value your... words of wisdom! ♪
OK, Pokémon! ♪ Take our Guildmaster's words of wisdom to heart! ♪

lmfao Truly the best words ever said. a true wordsmith. i will remember these Forever.

Finally, let's not forget our morning cheers! All together now! ♪

… cheers? I wouldn't have signed up if I know we were going to have to cheers. I don't need this in my life I am not a morning person

Everyone: A ONE, A TWO... A ONE-TWO-THREE!

oh god no it's rhythmic too that's even worse

ONE! DON'T SHIRK WORK!
TWO! RUN AWAY AND PAY!

… I thought you said a lot of Pokémon ran away from training, Chatot, but do you like, get hunted down and murdered if you do according to these cheers? What kind of bizarre operation are you running here?!

THREE! SMILES GO FOR MILES!

I ALREADY HATE IT HERE

Chatot: OK, Pokémon! Get to work! ♪

you are all TOO PUMPED about this plz. plz stop

They all head off.

leaving us alone with Chatot who may or may not be planning to murder us who knows.

We can't actually go anywhere because when we do...

Chatot kind of automatically assumes we have no idea what we're doing with our lives and stops us.

You two come here. ♪

We follow him and end up upstairs.
Also THANKS CHATOT

We'll have you start off with this assignment. ♪
This is the Job Bulletin Board. Pokémon from various regions post job requests here.

WaaaaaaaAAAAit I thought we were an exploration team. Why are we rehashing the gameplay of Rescue Team I thought we were done with that!

You're aware that bad Pokémon are cropping up in greater numbers, right?

What

Ray: Yup. Because the flow of time is getting messed up. It's wreaking havoc, right?

NO SERIOUSLY WHAT
Also you're so nonchalant about this, like I feel like if THE FABRIC OF TIME ITSELF was being distorted I'd at least sound a little concerned??
Also how do you know about this Mr. Exposition?

Which is why lots of bad Pokémon are appearing!

That really doesn't explain the connection. Please enlighten me. How does “fucked up time” equate to “bad Pokémon are afoot”.

Alti: (The flow of time is getting messed up?)
Time? As in hours and minutes? Do they mean something has gone wrong with time here?)

Yes but they are not going to explain where time is affected as far as normal everyday Pokémon like Ray are concerned. So it's just a convenient expository device at the moment.

(And because of that, more and more bad Pokémon are popping up?)
(What's going on here?!)

Glad I'm not alone in questioning Ray's bizarre logic.

Chatot: Precisely. Time getting out of whack has caused an outbreak of bad Pokémon. Perhaps because of all that...
We have noticed an increase in the number of jobs.

“perhaps”. The one correlation that MAKES SENSE is the one you DON'T immediately accept as fact??

In addition... and it's unknown is this is because of time's influence...
There has also been a mass outbreak of... mystery dungeons.

an OUTBREAK of them what does that even MEAN

Alti: (Mystery dungeons?!)
Ray: So, Alti!
You know how we got my Relic Fragment back yesterday?
The place where we found it was a mystery dungeon.

it did seem bizarrely maze-like for a place called Beach Cave I guess

A mystery dungeon changes each time you go into it. There's a different layout and different items every time you enter!

this seems fake but ok

If you faint in the middle of a dungeon, you lose half of your money...
You can even lose half your items or more...
Finally you get kicked right out. They're very strange places.

no shit that doesnt explain ANYTHING about how they FUNCTION

But every time you go inside one, there are always new things to discover!
They really are fantastic places to go exploring!

Except if they change every time doesn't that essentially make your discoveries meaningless?

Still not sure where Mr. Exposition got all this info but whatever

Chatot: That makes things much easier for me to explain! ♪

Ray kinda already explained tho whats left for you?

Jobs all take place in mystery dungeons.

Do they really have to tho, couldnt people be requesting rescue from a regular ol cave?

So... let's look for a job that you should perform! ♪
Ah, yes. ♪ Maybe this will do?
Ray: Oh, really? Let's read it!

hi spoink my name is human

”An outlaw has run off with my most prized possession. My precious pearl!”

Wait, a Spoink's pearl is removable?

”The pearl is life itself... to me!”
“I just can't seem to settle down if that pearl isn't in its proper place atop my head!”

Again. How is it removable. Where do Grumpig clans find pearls for their young.

”But I've heard my pearl has been sighted!”
It's said to be on a rocky bluff. But this bluff is reported to be extremely unsafe.”

So we're gonna send us there? The newbies? Is this our training test?

”I could never go somewhere so frightening!”
“Oh, friendly readers! Would you be so kind as to go to the bluff and get my pearl?”

Man, you're a wuss.

”I beg your help, exploration team members!” From Spoink
Ray: Wait a second...
We're going to fetch an item that someone dropped?

No. Can't you read? An outlaw ran off with it. Totally different.

I would rather do something that's more of an adventure.

Wouldn't we all

I'd rather look for treasure or explore unknown places. Things like that!
Chatot: Hush!

OH SHIT YOU ANGERED HIM RUN

Ray: Yikes!
Chatot: It's important that you rookies pay your dues!
Now pay attention! I'll repeat the warnings again to make sure they stick!

You mean the part about the bluff being “extremely unsafe”? That warning?

You'll be forced out of a dungeon and sent back here if either of you faints.
You'll lose half your money! And you could lose half your items or more. You'd best be careful!

Oh no it's just the warnings about mystery dungeons. Trust me Chatot we've been around the block once before. Well maybe not Alti and Ray but I have.

If you've understood all that, I suggest you get on with the job! ♪

You reverted to being perfectly chipper very quickly...

Ray is not content with this. Sorry Ray but we gotta do the easy dungeons first, that's how it go.

We head out.

Remember. It's said to be extremely dangerous, Ray.

Spoink's mission description said the pearl is deep down on the B7F level.

Amazing! The second dungeon in Blue was only 5 levels deep. We are already raising the stakes yall

It sounds like a seriously dangerous place. Let's be careful.

Yea I guess that's why we're sending a pair of greenhorn level 7s out there. Good plan!

Let's do our best, Alti!

And we head in.

Music: Drenched Bluff

… I don't know about you but I'm not getting a real sense of danger from the dungeon design or the music. Story/gameplay dissonance, hooray!
I mean I know it's only the second dungeon but still.
Also wow this game really likes its Water-type dungeons early on. Fire gets even more of the shaft in this game due to only the final dungeon of the postgame having lava (as far as plot dungeons are concerned that is).

Pokémon available here: Lileep, Anorith, Shellos, Chingling

oh no 3 whole damage out of 49 I am so scared

Interesting thing: in this game Apples are actually rarer than Big Apples, their better counterparts. I guess that was to make this a bit easier?? Not really sure. Much appreciated though.

Max Elixirs are also much more common from early on. Another welcome change... I like using attack moves :B

Alti leveled up and got Rage, which inflicts a status where every attack from the enemy raises your Attack. A good idea for boss battles, I guess.

oh god no you dont have any interesting ai yet stahp

On the basement floor, we seem to see something in the distance...

What do you know, that looks like a pearl to me. (How has something not just... stolen it yet. And how is this bluff dangerous)

Let's hurry back with it!

sad we never get to see a pic of spoink without the pearl. (what does that look like)

That pearl must be propped on my head, you see. I missed it so much!

A sad existence where you can't be happy without a valuable object on your head.

I just couldn't settle down without it up there!
So I was just boinging and sproinging everywhere!
That's why I'm covered in dings and bumps.

… don't you need to “boing” and “sproing” everywhere to, you know, live?

But thanks to you, that long nightmare is over!

Good i... guess?

You have my sincere thanks!

oh hey nice that's solid

You also received a Calcium!
You also received an Iron!

WHERE DID YOU GET ALL THESE

You were also given 2,000 Poké! Incredible!
Ray: Oh, wow! 2,000 Poké?! All this money is for us?

… is that a lot?
(For the record Gummis and Reviver Seeds are 800 each.)

Spoink: Of course! Of course! That's nothing compared to my pearl's value!
Farewell!

goodbye generous stranger

And he leaves.

Ray: We're rich, Alti! We got rich just like that!

I guess 2000 is a lot by Ray's standards... Not so much knowing the game's economy but aight.

Chatot: Well done, team! ♪

EXCUSE YOU WAT

Ray: Huh?!

oh no Ray's about to have his poor heart broken isn't he

Chatot: Most of the money from jobs goes to the Guildmaster, you see! ♪

ok but why tho, what did he do to solve this mission

And your team's share of the money comes out to this much...! ♪

THIS IS EXTORTION OR SOMETHING

Ray: That's awful!
Chatot: Well that's the guild's rule. You simply have to accept it! ♪

Maybe you should have told us this before we decided to join up bud.

Ray: Hmph...

Afterward...

… we were waiting for something?

Oh.
Well that's worth waiting for I guess. (It's nearly 8:30 PM and I still haven't eaten dinner rip)

Come on! Dinner's on! ♪

HELL YE-wait. Wait what do Pokémon eat. What do Totodile eat. I am a bit scare

Everyone: YEAH!

we pan across the table as everyone eats this poorly-defined rainbow mess. I hope it tastes good.

Voice: Aaaaah! I'm done eating! Excellent meal!

Ok but what was it

Voice: I'm stuffed, and now I'm getting sleepy...
Voice: Yep, I'm off to bed! Good night, gang!

ok but what else was there to do anyway

Voice: Good night!

Yep the moon is always full.

wassup bro

Wasn't today hectic? So much happened!

We went on one mission. That was about it. Not too much.

But I'm relieved that our first job was a success.
It was really upsetting how Wigglytuff's Guild took most of the money...

That's what you're fixated on?? Food is free and I doubt we pay rent. Any money is good. Own it.

That's just the cost of training, I guess. We can't do anything about it.

Steal money from Wigglytuff in the night. That's not guaranteed to go badly at all.

But what made me really happy today, though, was getting thanked by Spoink!

I sometimes forget this game is intended for kids

Yawn... I'm getting sleepy.
I'm going to sleep. Let's try our best again tomorrow.
Good night, Alti...

And they both go to sleep.

Gonna cut here for length. Next time: Mt. Bristle!

 

[Merritt]

sad we never get to see a pic of spoink without the pearl. (what does that look like)

Hellspawn

but yeah, spoink pearls come off all the time (in the anime)

 

[lucariomaster2]

Drenched Bluff's music is some of my favourite in the game. It sounds like a tune you'd play on an old fashioned ship, sailing the seven seas!

Also wow I forgot how cutscene heavy the beginning of Sky is. Guess the difference between it and Sun/Moon is that Sky's cutscenes are way better?

 

[pika pal]

I used to think the dinner was supposed to be a pile of Gummis, but given the... intelligence on display from some of the guild members the IQ increase that would entail seems to be missing.

Explorers of Sky also added a mechanic that makes me question and oppose the "Guild Dues" on the payments. You can get Rescue Missions later on that don't come through the guild's message boards, which means in theory you shouldn't be obligated to pay a cut to them, especially given another thing in the post-game. I think it would have made more sense if they spun it simply as the Guild being paid for jobs coming through and then you get an allowance/cut of it yourself, just to give it more a sense of gaining something rather than being extorted when arriving at the same payout.

I'm not sure how I feel about the Joy Ribbon in this game. In the previous Mystery Dungeon game, it just gave you the damage you took as experience, which was neat but ultimately didn't amount to a substantial gain unless you were in a level 1 Dungeon. In this game, I believe it's just a flat 5 EXP any time you get hit by something, so you could theoretically grind a mon by spamming defense increases and just letting a monster house whale on them, but I feel like the item remains in the "why would I practically use this?" category.

 

[Codraroll]

I actually opened and listened to the songs as they were linked to, since I've never played the Mystery Dungeon games before and wanted a listen. By coincidence (or not?) I managed to read the posts in such a tempo that seconds after a song ended, I got to the link for the next one, with amazing consistency.

Great writing, by the way!

 

[Altissimo]

Replies

Merritt: That's terrible and I hate it why would you do this to me.
lucariomaster2: They also seem to get rid of the problem S/M's had where they had a lot of unnecessary emptiness while like panning around scenes or looking at characters. Here the dialogue is nonstop, which makes it easier to deal with imo.
pika pal: I mean that would make sense but you also have a point about the guild's, ah... questionable intelligence.
You also have a point about the non-Guild-based missions and now I'm angry lmao. This is even more extortion than before.
I'm not using the Joy Ribbon mostly because I don't like the idea of one of my main Pokémon getting further ahead in levels at all, never mind whether or not they're overleveled. I didn't even realize the Joy Ribbon worked differently in this game - because I've never used it lol. Maybe I'll use it for some recruits, but not for Ray, certainly.
Codraroll: Coincidence, lol. I read too quickly for me to ever have any hope of intentionally writing my run to line up with the reading speed of anyone else. That is pretty neat though.
And thanks for the compliment! Hopefully my run can continue to be worthy of it :B

… that's a little bit ominous, goodness.

NO NEED TO YELL EVERY TIME!

is this going to be a common occurrence every time. us waking up in abject pain because of Loudred

By the way check out that top screen with the map of our observable universe. For this being a game based around exploration teams it seems unreasonably... small. Especially at the north there, where there are all those clouds.

Well at least we don't have to hear all the morning spiel this time. Small victories.

Chatot: OK, Pokémon! ♪ Time to get to work! ♪
Everyone: HOORAY!

SO EXCITED ABOUT NOT MAKING MUCH MONEY BECAUSE WIGGLYTUFF'S GUILD IS STEALING OUR PROFITS

We head off, but...

No not really but ok?

Well, come with me.

yes Ray do you have something to share with the class

Last time we did a job, it was from the board on the other side...

Two boards is more convenient than one, Ray. What do you really expect everyone to just crowd around a single board? Everyone?? Come on now.

Chatot: Correct! ♪
Today, we'll have you do a job listed on this side. ♪

Again. What's the difference.

Ray: How is this different from the board on the other side?

Ray asking the hard-hitting questions here.

Chatot: Take a closer look! ♪

There are posters up here that show a variety of Pokémon!
Wow, they all look pretty cool! Are they famous explorers?

If they were, why would their posters be here? What do they need from us?

Who are these Pokémon, Chatot?
Chatot: The Pokémon posted here... are outlaws.

lol rip ray

They're all shady characters. And they're wanted for committing crimes.

Wait, what? I didn't agree to be the police force when I signed up here! Literally it is called an exploration guild and we have done zero exploring so far. This is false advertising and I want a refund.

Ray: Oh, no! They're outlaws?!
Chatot; Correct. So there are bounties on their heads.
In other words, there is a cash reward if you capture one.

do you take part of this too tho

There are so many aggressive Pokémon around these days that everyone's finding it hard to keep up with the problem.

so... yeah, police force. Got it

Ray: Wait! You're telling us to go catch these outlaws?
You can't be serious! That's not possible!

We're children and also level 8. Chatot, you may wish to rethink this.

Chatot: Hee-heeee! ♪ Just joking! ♪

chatot What
THAT WAS NOT FUNNY

The bad Pokémon out there come in all shades of badness! ♪
Some of these Pokémon are completely wicked, through and through...
But there are also bad Pokémon who are merely petty thieves. So you've got evil to naughty... and everything in between! ♪

Still. They're still probably at least level 8. Come on now.

So I'm sure we can avoid giving you a job catching a superbad Pokémon...

I. Okay. If you say so. If you really say so.

Chatot, please, stop this madness.

So look over these posters, then pick a Pokémon that looks weak enough for you to bring to justice! ♪

That's easy for you to say.

Ray: Um... You say some are weak...
But they're still bad Pokémon, aren't they?

… yessssss....?

I'm scared of dangerous Pokémon!

Buddy we beat up a Koffing and a Zubat as well as countless randos from the dungeon. I think you'll be fine.

Chatot: It's all part of your training, You'll work through it, I'm sure! ♪

But you're not going to like, help with that? Isn't that, like, kind of the part of training? having an apprenticeship? If you're not going to help where is the difference between us apprenticing here and just taking on jobs on our own time?

But I suppose you do need to be prepared to confront a tough opponent...
So I'll have someone give you a tour of the facilities.

perfect sounds like a useful thing!

Hey! Bidoof! Bidoof?!
Bidoof: Yup yup!

Chatot: Ah, Bidoof! ♪
These are the new recruits that just joined us.

I just realized we never really got formally introduced to the guild. Should I be offended by this?

Take them and show them around the town. ♪
Bidoof: Yes sirree! By golly, I'll do just that! Yup yup!

Your enthusiasm for mundane tasks is fun. I like you. I think.

This is Bidoof. He's one of your fellow apprentices.
I want you to pay attention to what Bidoof have to say and follow his orders.

… what orders will Bidoof possibly have for us?

Off you go! ♪

He leaves.

Bidoof: Aw, shucks, I'm overjoyed!

aw. bidoof is a Friend

Ray: Why's that?
I'm glad to have members junior to me! I'm almost overcome right now... I might just blubber with happiness!
Before you all signed on, I was the most recent rookie...

Ok but like. Didn't Chatot say there was a “steady stream” of Pokémon running away from training? If that's the case, shouldn't that mean there are other Pokémon who have been your junior? Or was Chatot just lying to scare us/test our resolve/something?

Bidoof: Sniffle...
Well, I'd best show you around. Come with me, please.

aight leggoo

Uh we've been here before...?

Here, we have Croagunk...
But to tell the truth, I don't have any idea what that Pokémon's up to...

… I hope someone does...?

He always seems to be fiddling around with that big cauldron back there. It's all a mystery to me! Yup yup!

Maybe you guys should ascertain he's not a witch or something. That sounds extremely questionable.

Yeah, we were there yesterday. We ate food.

Again. We slept there. Twice.

Bidoof, you're kind of doing a terrible job by showing things that we already know. How else can we prepare for a dungeon? This isn't helpful.

Next, I'll guide you both around places outside the guild.

Aight good finally.

That's very specific. What, are there like journals there like on the Appalachian Trail?
(yes i know it's a gameplay tutorial)

Usually, you make a record of your adventure by going to your bed at the guild, yup yup.
Seems you can make a record of your adventure over there too.
By golly, it's a handy spot when you want to record your adventure frequently.

My immersion is being broken stop this
(It is super useful to have a save point next to the dungeon portal rather than having to run all the way back up to the guild and save in your bedroom, though. The Watering Hole save point was new for Sky.)

Finally. The bank, the store, we can actually prepare for things properly. About time.

It's called Treasure Town.
Ray: Oh, I can tell you about Treasure Town too.

Ray, come on, literally Bidoof's only job is to give us the grand tour, can't we indulge him just for a few minutes?

We can save our money there.

you dont say

That's where you can do things like link moves together, but...
It looks as if Electivire isn't here today.

helpful

yes and they're totally not engaging in price gouging nope

NEVER. a true guarantee. I trust this. (I don't trust this but know that since it's a video game it is an accurate statement)

If you have precious items that you can't afford to lose, store them here before you go on an adventure.

sounds legit

And those are the basic places that exploration teams visit.
And that should do it.
Bidoof: You sure know a lot, yes sirree! And that's good to know!

rip bidoof you are perennially useless which is sad

All right, then. Come find me when you're all ready to go.
I'll give you a helping hand with selecting the right outlaw for you.
Ray: Thank you, Bidoof. You've been really nice.

If a bit unhelpful sadly

Bidoof: G-golly, you're embarrassing me! Aw, shucks...
I'll be waiting at the guild's upper underground floor for you.

And he leaves, freeing us up to explore the city at our leisure

Ray: OK, let's go.
I'd like to see what kinds of items are available!
Let's go to the Kecleon Market!
Before we head back, a visit to the Kecleon Market is a must!

The Kecleon Market is this way.

or we could just get railroaded into this ok thats fine too

I go over to the Kecleon Market but I don't have enough money to buy either the Gummi or the Reviver Seed they have for sale which is a sad existence. :(
Following the interaction...

Voice: Misters Kecleon!

Music: Heartwarming
Who are these nice people!

Azurill: Hello. May I buy an Apple?
Green Kecleon: Oh, most certainly!

… thanks

Marill: Thank you, Misters Kecleon!
Green Kecleon: No, thank you, my young friends! You are to be admired! ♪

for what
buying things
completing financial transactions
what

Marill and Azurill leave.

Green Kecleon: You see, those delightful children are brothers.
Lately, their poor mother has fallen sick. So these youngsters come and do the shopping for her.

That's nice I guess. Is that why they're to be admired? For making sure their family doesn't starve to death?

It's quite remarkable. Though very young, they've stepped up and taken charge. ♪

Again. They're just trying not to starve.

did you sell them a rotten apple you probably sold them a rotten apple

Green Kecleon: Oh, what's the hurry? What makes you return in such a rush?
Azurill: There was an extra Apple!
Marill: We didn't pay for this many.

I bet they're both rotten

Green Kecleon: Oh, yes... That, young friends, is a gift from me and my brother.

somehow I have trouble believing the Kecleon brothers know such a thing as “gifts” exist

Please, share it among yourselves and do enjoy.
Marill: Really?!
Azurill: Yay! Thank you, Mr. Kecleon and Mr. Kecleon!

Now they won't starve even less and that's good I guess?

Green Kecleon: Oh, not to worry, my friends. Do take care on your way home. ♪

is that a veiled threat

They leave, but Azurill trips and drops the Apple.

Alti gave the Apple back to Azurill.
But then suddenly....

The screen is quickly dimming and re-brightening is what is happening here.

Alti: (Huh? What was that?)

More flashing.

(D-dizzy? Or am I...?)

or are you WHAT please EXPLAIN yourself

wat is this
wat is going on here

glad to see Alti is just as confused as I am.

(I'm sure I heard a shout for help just now...)
(Did that shout come from you?)

I dunno, why don't you ask? Oh, right, mute protagonist and all. Got it.

Azurill: Is something the matter?
Marill: Hey, Azurill! What's going on? Hurry home!
Azurill: Yup, I'm coming! Wait up!

Azurill just tripped. What could possibly be wrong? Did he cut himself open or something?

Azurill: Yup!
Marill: We're done with our shopping... Now we gotta look for an item we've lost!

I feel like that isn't how you'd phrase it if you were just talking to someone who already knew the item (at the very least, “that item”) but what do I know about writing video game dialogue

Let's get going.
Azurill: Yup! I'm coming!

bye

Ray: Ha! Those little guys are cute.
Oh? What's the matter, Alti?

Finally you have noticed something is off. Well let me tell you

Huh? Did I hear a shout for help just then?
Uh, no... I didn't hear anything like that!

How mysterious! I wonder what could have happened?

Hey, Kecleon brothers.
Did you hear anything strange just a moment ago?
Green Kecleon: No, nothing out of the ordinary.
Purple Kecleon: I didn't hear anything odd either.

This is not helping. Now Alti appears crazy. There definitely was a scream though!!! This is a video game, conservation of detail and all that

Ray: It sounds like the Kecleon brothers didn't hear anything odd either.

Yes. They literally just said exactly that, Ray.

You must have imagined it, Alti.

Ok but I don't think she imagined that bizarre dizzy spell beforehand explain that

Alti: (No, I'm positive that I didn't imagine it.)
(I definitely heard it!)
(That shout that I heard...)
Flashback: H-h-h... HELP!
(There's no mistaking it...)

Well.
That's unfortunate.

Ray: Uh, are you daydreaming?

Buddy stop I'm trying to figure out whether Azurill is in the process of dying or not please leave me to my devices

Let's move it, Alti!

So we leave. But that cry we heard is still suspicious...!

Well, it's two familiar faces and one not-so-familiar. That's what's going on.

Azurill: Yaaaay!
Marill: Thank you!

ok but what Is it

Ray: What's going on?
Azurill: Oh! Hi!
Marill: Some time ago, we lost an item that's pretty important to us...

Yes, so you were saying earlier. Does that mean it's plot-relevant?!

We've been looking all over... But we haven't found it yet!
Then Mr. Drowzee came along...
And he says he may have seen our lost item somewhere!
He even offered to help us look for it.

That's nice I guess. I hope you find your item.

We're so happy about this!
Ray: Yeah! That's great for you!

I see that Ray is pretty happy too. Good for you Ray

Azurill: Thank you, Mr. Drowzee!
Drowzee: Oh, please...
I'd have to have a cold heart to ignore kids in need! I can't turn a blind eye!
Let us be on our way to begin our search!

It's time for the kids to go on an adventure!

Marill: Yup!
Azurill: Yup!

They head off...

although Drowzee bumps into Alti in the process. oh shit he's gonna poison me somehow by touching me oh shit oh shit it is a drowzee after all and they get poison gas

Drowzee leaves and we seem fine, but the screen dimming returns...

Alti: (Urk!... Wh-what is this...?)
Ray: That Drowzee sure is a nice Pokémon, isn't he? I'm impressed.

He may or may not have induced sickness in me by touchin me though I don't know.

With more and more bad Pokémon around... it's hard to do good deeds.

Except there's literally an entire guild (and people outside the guild) dedicated to doing good deeds in order to counteract the bad Pokémon, what the hell are you talking about Ray

Alti: (It's happening again...)
(Another dizzy spell...)

The screen has that bizarre white flash again, and...

Wait wait what?? Is Drowzee threatening Azurill here?? Was that friendly facade a lie?!

Alti: (What was that?!)
Ray: It would be nice if those little guys found their item soon.

RAY I DONT THINK YOU UNDERSTAND THAT IS WHAT ABOUT TO HAPPEN

Huh? What's the matter, Alti?
You're looking awfully grim...

DROWZEE IS A POKEMON OF QUESTIONABLE MORALITY AND WE MUST REMEDY THIS IMMEDIATELY.

... Hmm? You want to tell me something?

Yes but you won't listen to me, you didn't listen last time :(

I don't know why we teleport over to outside the bank but here we are.

Then you saw Azurill being threatened by Drowzee?!
So you want to go rescue Azurill right away?

Do you want Azurill to die, Ray?

It's an... emergency?!

YES YES TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE WHAT PART OF THIS DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND

Well, what you describe does sound like an emergency, but...

But. But what, Ray. But what.

Well, it's not like I don't trust you, Alti, but...
I just can't believe it!
After all, Drowzee seemed to be a sincerely nice Pokémon, didn't he?

You say it's not about not trusting me, but you are implying here that you trust Drowzee more than me. Ray, I have amnesia, what could I possibly have to gain from this??

I watched the three of them go off earlier...

Me too. And then I saw a vision of Drowzee threatening Azurill dude

They looked like they were having a good time, didn't they?

Children are incredibly gullible dude and people can lie easily

You're probably just tired, Alti.
Maybe that's why you just had the bad daydream.

this is gaslighting or something close to it and i wont stand for this

Alti: (Was that it...? Just a bad daydream?)

TRUST YOUR OWN PERCEPTIONS ALTI THIS IS A VIDEO GAME YOU'RE PROBABLY RIGHT

(But come to think of it... That Drowzee didn't seem like a bad Pokémon.)

what did i just say

Alti: Anyway, we're only apprentices. We can't just go do whatever we want.

I'm sure Chatot and Wigglytuff would forgive us if it was for a good reason. Like saving a child.

Sure, it's worrying, but...
We have to concentrate on our guild work for now.

I maintain we never should have joined the guild and just done independent work, because then we could have gone off and done this without the bullshit guild restrictions to think about.

Let's get ourselves ready to explore. Then we should find Bidoof.

ugh fine i guess there's no sense in me going out alone

Bidoof's supposed to be waiting for us on the guild's upper underground floor.

oh my GOD ray stop sounding so chipper a child is dying and you do not care

Anyway we go to find Bidoof.

I'm not sure “exploring” is the right word since I feel like by definition finding outlaws is going to places that have already been mapped to some extent, but okay.

Bidoof: Oh, yes sirree! Reckon you all are all ready!

Thanks for your assessment.

Then let's pick ourselves a lawbreaker for you to find!

I thought you were supposed to be helping us pick one. This isn't very instructive.

Ray: Let's see. Which should we pick?
Bidoof: Ahem. As your mentor, how about I do the choosing?

Sounds good to me. We don't know what kinda thing we're looking for in an outlaw after all.

Ray: Don't choose anyone too scary!
Bidoof: Yes sirree, I hear you! Let's see. Eenie, meenie...

…
I think we could have done a better job than this picking an outlaw ourselves. Dammit, Bidoof.

Suddenly we are interrupted by a siren of death and this text.

Stand clear! Updating listings!

Then the ground starts to shake. oh god the guild is about to fall out of the cliff isn't it oh god oh man oh no

Ray: What's that? What's happening?
Bidoof: Oh, the data's getting updated.

OK BUT WHY DOES THIS REQUIRE THE SIREN OF DEATH AND AN EARTHQUAKE TO ACCOMPLISH

Ray: It's being... updated?

oh I got it, they have to update it from afar instead of just, like, having someone who can walk up and pin new posters up/take old ones down. I guess the siren of death and an earthquake are more convenient. got it

What's going on here?
Bidoof: The Outlaw Notice Board and Job Bulletin Board are set up on revolving panels.
While the panel is flipped over...
A Pokémon named Dugtrio swaps out the old jobs with new ones.

… does a Dugtrio even have limbs with which to accomplish this?

Ray: Dugtrio?

Yeah see this looks like way more trouble than it's worth. Also where does that tunnel even lead, we're in the side of a cliff here

He tunnels his way to our guild...

Likely scaring the hell out of any Pokémon nearby. I mean just look at that poor Swellow and Wurmple. Just look at them.

This duty doesn't get noticed much, but it's very important. Yup yup!
That's why Dugtrio takes such great pride in the duty he does!

Maybe he just likes to sound the siren of death and cause earthquakes. Who knows?

Ray: Oh, is that so?

At least there's no earthquake this time I guess?

Update completed! Stand clear!
Ray: Oh, looks like he's done.
Bidoof: Yes, sirree! The data is updated.
The list of outlaws has been refreshed, so let's pick one.

Ray starts shaking...

Bidoof: Huh? What's ailing you? Why are you shivering all of a sudden?
It's not cold here, after all.

buddy
buddy.

Ray: L-look at this, Alti!
At the top! On the left!

… well, dang.
Music: Oh No!

We have to get moving! Azurill is in danger!

got it so now that he's an official outlaw on the outlaw board it's okay to go after him. good to know. thanks ray

poor bidoof is left in the dust as we run off

Where are you all off to?

Outside...

Marill, what's the matter?
Where are Azurill and Drowzee?
Marill: Yes... about them...!
After we all left, we went looking for our lost item together...
But I wound up all alone when Mr. Drowzee went somewhere with Azurill.

this is DEEPLY DISTURBING I MUST SAY

I called and called! But they didn't come back. I got scared...

I would too, you are completely justified, Drowzee abducting Azurill in broad daylight is absolutely terrifying.

Ray: So which way did they go?!

… helpful.

Oh, okay, there's an actual place.

Marill: Yes...
Ray: Oh, Alti! The Drowzee and Azurill you saw in your dream...
You were saying you saw them in a mountainous place, right?

… Yes, I suppose so. Well, that makes it a bit more likely that we're at the right place, I guess.

I get the feeling that they're up ahead here.
Let's get going, Alti!

And so we head off.

Music: Mt. Bristle

So we're done with easy dungeons. Mt. Bristle is a little bit of a difficulty spike from the previous dungeons, so anyone expecting an absolute cakewalk is going to be in for a surprise. I think I died here a few times the first time I played this game, and without Reviver Seeds the same might happen again. We shall see.

Pokémon available: Machop, Geodude, Doduo, Spinarak, Starly, Nidorina, Nidorino

Yeah, like, look at that. 16 damage doesn't really threaten Alti who has absurdly high HP, but it's still quite a bit more than Pokémon before have been doing.

A new item for Sky, the Spurn Orb warps all enemies in the room to elsewhere on the floor – contrast the Warp Orb, which in this game only warps the foe directly in front of you. Handy for dealing with Monster Houses!

Warp Seeds are also a main-game item in this game, unlike Rescue Team where they were post-game only. Also convenient for dealing with annoying foes or getting away from them.

As before I'm going to be feeding all the Gummis for the first part of the game to my heroes to get their IQ up, and also attempting to buy any Gummi I see in the Kecleon Market (assuming I can pay for it). Gummis as an item you can buy in the Market really makes up for the lack of Friend Areas in this game imo

[holding L, then pressing R. You can hold up to 99 Geo Pebbles or Sticks as one item in the Treasure Bag, so make sure to sort the Treasure Bag by opening it and pressing Select!]
In Rescue Team, you could find Gravelerocks in the main game, which did 20 damage. I guess they realized that was a bit broken and replaced them (for the main game) with Geo Pebbles, which do 10 damage and are therefore a fair bit less useful... sadly

In Rescue Team, piercing throwing items (sticks, iron thorns, silver spikes) didn't come until Mt. Freeze, a little more than halfway through the game. Here they are at dungeon 3 because I guess they realized if the damage of the pierce item is based off your attack stat it's not going to be broken at this stage in the game :x

wait shouldnt that be sleep seed

lol nope it's a Lookalike Item. These are new for Sky, basically they have very similar names to existing items but very different effects. General rule of thumb is if they are helpful to the player, the Lookalike version is detrimental, and if it would be detrimental to the player, the Lookalike version is positive – such as in this case, where eating a Sleep Seed is a bad idea but eating a Slip Seed would actually be a positive thing (you know, assuming I wasn't a Water-type starter). I assume a lot of these made more sense to be confusing in Japanese where the language is more complicated lmao

lol rip

aight imma be a cheapass bastard and reset!! im not really losing anything of importance either way and tbh the thing is i kind of want to be a little underleveled so this is more a challenge for myself, resetting will not allow me to keep the experience so there you go
in the future if you REALLY want to see me suffer the consequences of dying just let me know. I just don't like having "extra" experience, I like a challenge lol

poison in this game does 2 damage every time it activates instead of 4 and activates like, half as often, I think. Which is a huge relief because poison on Rescue Team was unfair :(

Overall I got most of the same items as last time except for no Spurn Orb and an actual Sleep Seed instead of a Slip Seed :B

After nine floors of dungeon...

How are we just getting here at the same time they are?

Excuse me, Mr. Drowzee. Where is my lost item?

azurill u poor sweet summer child

Could you show me where the item is now?
Drowzee: Sorry, kiddo.
Your lost item? It's not here, that's for sure.

ok then why are we here, why have we abducted Azurill to bring him up here
I mean I can think of some reasons but they may or may not be R-rated

Azurill: Huh?
My... big brother...
My big brother's following us, right? He's coming soon?

my heart is breaking for azurill oh :(

Drowzee: Nope. Your big brother's not coming.
I'll let you in on a little secret. This was all a trick. I deceived you.

You know idk about you but if it was me I wouldnt have said that to the kid. Just a thought.

Azurill: Huh?!
Drowzee: But let's not dwell on that. There's a little favor I need to ask.

a FAVOR from the CHILD you have KIDNAPPED

See that hole behind you?

There's a rumor that there's a trove of thief treasure inside there!

ok but if that's the case how has another thief not stolen it yet

But as you can see, I'm too big to squirm my way through that hole.
And that's where you come in!

wasn't this the plot of guardians of the galaxy 2

Don't worry. Just do as I say.
Do that, then I'll help you get back out of there.

Why do I not believe this

Azurill: B-but...
Drowzee: Go on, get going!
Go into that hole. And don't forget to bring back the treasure!

… how? Azurill has no hands

Azurill: I want my big brother!

He tries to run off...

but is overtaken.

Sheesh! I said that I'll take you home when you're done!

That sounds familiar to me!

Ray: Stop right there!

Ray I'm sorry but you need to get some better insults than “you bully”. This is more than just pure bullying, Ray.

Drowzee: H-how did you find this place?!

… Marill literally saw yall go off here?

Ray: We're Team Hurricane! An exploration team!
No criminal can escape us!

… I guess 'exploration team' really is synonymous with 'police force' to everyone then. All right.

Drowzee: An exploration team?! You came to apprehend...
… Huh? Are you... trembling?

Goddammit Ray you are not helping our case here

A-ha! I've figured it out!
You say you're an exploration team, but you're total rookies!

NO!!! WE ARE A VERY ESTABLISHED AND PRESTIGIOUS EXPLORA

Ray: Urk!

sigh, ray, what am i going to do with you

Drowzee: Heh. That's right, I'm a wanted Pokémon with a bounty on my head.
But can you two do the job?

Iunno, maybe? Hopefully? If not we'll just throw this Sleep Seed at you and drag you down the mountain.

Can you confront this outlaw and bring him to justice?

Is that a challenge?!

Ray: Urk!

AGAIN, RAY
NOT HELPING

Y-yes. We can! Yes, we can!

attaboy

We'd never lose to a bad guy like you!
Drowzee: Ha ha ha! I've been chased by all sorts of exploration teams in my day...
But never a sorrier-looking bunch than you two!

That's what's gonna make it so humiliating when we kick your ass!

Ray: Urk!
Drowzee: This should be a laugh. Let's see if you can take me down.
Show me what you've got!

[insert rick and morty reference here]

LETS GOOOOOOOOO
Music: Boss Battle

Okay, since Drowzee is a space away this means we get effectively a free move while he approaches us. I set Ray to use Counter (which will bounce back any physical damage he takes to Drowzee) as I have Alti use Rage, which will boost her attack anytime she takes damage.

For the record, unlike in Rescue Team, HP and PP are fully restored prior to boss fights, so you don't have to worry about saving PP as you go through the dungeon. A welcome change.

except Ray doesn't actually do what I tell him to and moves over a space. Alright, now use counter, buddy.

Alti uses Water Gun as Ray uses Counter. Water Gun misses, though, because Drowzee has Forewarn which allows him to evade attacks sometimes, infuriatingly enough. Yeah, this boss is not easy.

Okay, that sucks. Now I can't affect what attacks Ray will use, so he's only going to use Counter despite it not having any effect until Alti wakes up. Oh, this might end badly. It doesn't help that Drowzee refuses to play into Ray's Counter and instead just hits Alti a bunch.

But eventually she wakes up. Here, Alti uses Scratch as Ray uses Bite, before Drowzee puts Ray to sleep. Okay, at least it's not a damaging attack. Then I misclick and move Alti instead of attacking and Drowzee uses Confusion on Ray, leaving him with 3 HP. This is not going well.

Lol fug I forgot about Insomnia.
Reseeeeeeeet

well that might be useful this time around lmao

Also I found this. The Oren Berry deals damage when you eat it instead of healing you lol

aight lets go again

This time there is no Hypnosis involved so after the intital Counter/Rage play my mons are free to attack Drowzee (when they don't miss that is).

OH KAY
I have Alti eat an Oran Berry.

Or well I was going to but I misclicked, again, and unnecessarily wasted my Reviver Seed. Such is the price of success I guess

it's especially annoying because the next attack kills him so there really was no reason to waste the Reviver Seed :(

Great response

Drowzee falls over but we ignore that he is clearly dead and go to see Azurill.

Are you all right? You're not hurt, are you?
Azurill: I'm OK.
Ray: Great! What a relief!
Your big brother is waiting. Let's go home!

Azurill: OK.

wait
wait but

i wanna see if there's thief treasure back there :(

Wait so there is a police force? Are you guys really just that understaffed that you have to have exploration teams help you out?

Magnezone: ZZZT! Thanks to you...
We have been able to arrest a wanted outlaw! ZZZT!

Ok but like, how much of a threat was he really? I mean, a couple of level 9s were able to beat him. (With a Reviver Seed, but still.)

ZZZT! We owe you our great thanks for your cooperation! ZZZT!
ZZZT! We will send the reward to your guild. Thank you again! ZZZT!

Drowzee: Awww...

… “awww.” You're a wanted criminal and outlaw and all you have to say when arrested is “awww”. Amazing.
They head off.

Marill: Azurill!

and Azurill is reunited with a familiar face.

Azurill: Waaaaah!
Marill! It was so scary!

maybe if you had gone and gotten the thief treasure it wouldn't have been

Marill: You OK, Azurill? Are you hurt?
Ray: He's fine. The little guy hasn't been harmed in any way.

excuse you ray azurill can answer the question for himself and how do you know he's fine anyway

Marill: Really?
That's a relief!

marill you really shouldnt believe everything you hear on the internet

Oh, Azurill... Azurill...
Ray: I'm glad you kids are happy!

Ray you are ruining the moment cut it out

And also to prove to Ray that my dream was in fact accurate but yeah. Yeah, it was for you guys. Yup. Totally.

We won't forget what you did for us. Thank you so much.
Come on, Azurill. You too.
Azurill: Yup...
Thank you very much! Thank you for rescuing me!
Marill: Really... Really, thank you!

this scene is adorable gotta admit

Alti's team was rewarded with an enlarged Treasure Bag!
You can now carry more items than you could before!

That's an upgrade I will sure as hell take.

Wait... There's one more message.

Oh, hey.
Well, I know what we're doing next time! (I didn't realize the first Special Episode was this early on.)

Well done, you two! ♪

Here's your share for the job. It's yours to keep! ♪

ok but... how much is it gonna be

Alti's team received the 3,000 Poké bounty that was on the head of the captured outlaw!
However...
Because 2,700 Poké of that is the guild's share...
That portion was withheld...
As a result, Alti's team...
Recieved only the remaining 300 Poké!

screw this extortionist shithole

rip Ray, still confused about this situation

After all that hard work...
Chatot: … But of course! It's all part of the training!

screw u chatot

And we expect just as much effort tomorrow! Hee-heeee! ♪

this is ridiculous

I'm telling you Ray, it's not too late to form our own independent exploration team without them.

I'd be happy if our share of the reward was just a little bigger.

I'm not so sure that's true.

But that's all right. We managed to rescue Azurill.

Aight, keep telling yourself that.

And it's all thanks to you, Alti!
Because you had that dream, Alti...

oh yeah I forgot that was a thing that happened

We learned about Azurill's trouble in advance.
Alti: (It's true!)
(I can't explain it, but...)
(That first shout I heard from Azurill...)
(And that dream I had...)
(Both of these events...)
(They took place in the future!)

Yeah so Alti may or may not have powers of premonition. Astounding!

(Why was I able to see something like that?)
(What was that dream about?)

… what do you MEAN what was it about, we SAW WHAT HAPPENED

Ray: Oh! My stomach growled!

I guess we're not allowed to think about it too hard.

Ha ha ha! Your stomach growled too, Alti!

Hilarious!

We must have worked up a big appetite!

I mean. Yea. If I was going out on a big rescue to a mountain I'd be hungry too.

We were so focused on rescuing Azurill that I didn't notice at all!)

(… I did)

But now I'm even hungrier!
Come on, let's go get dinner, Alti!

More eat scene. In the future I'm just gonna skip this unless it's relevant.

After dinner...

a hurricane has struck. (maybe. possibly. probably not.)

:(

It looks like it's really stormy tonight...

Yea I kinda gathered

Hold on!
You know the night before we met, Alti?
It was storming that night.

Wait, the night before? It was sunset when Ray came to the beach. Was Alti knocked out for a whole day?

I found you out cold on the beach the day after that stormy night, Alti.

Nobody else came to the beach before sunset the next day???

Well? Do you remember anything about being out cold on the beach? Can you remember anything at all?

I feel like “remembering something about being out cold on the beach” is kinda. Impossible.

Alti: (I wonder... Hmm...)
(There was a storm... But how did I end up unconscious there?)

a question for the ages

(Nope. I can't remember a thing.)
Ray: I guess it won't be that easy.

Recovering memory is kinda a pretty serious task yanno

But that's all right. Just try remembering a little at a time.

I have a sneaking suspicion Ray does not understand how memory or amnesia works.

We have to get up early again tomorrow. Let's get some sleep.

Sure sounds good

A bit later...

Are you still awake, Alti?

i am now asshole

I've been thinking it over since it happened.

“it”
Please explain

That strange dream you had, Alti.

Oh that.
Yea it was pretty weird I guess.

Maybe it has to do with you personally, Alti.

… what the hell is that supposed to mean

Alti: (Huh?)
Ray: That's just the feeling I get.

No, seriously. What does that mean.

I sure don't know any other Totodile who dreams about the future.

… I mean... accuratE??

And I've never heard of a human suddenly turning into a Pokémon either.
That's why I think those two events are connected.

… maybe I guess

I can't help feeling that way.
Alti: (The key to unlocking my memory...)
(Was it in that dream?)
(But even if that were true...)
(How does it relate to anything else?)

Alti's got a point there Ray.

Ray: I have no way of knowing what you were like as a human, Alti...
But I think you must have been a good person.

That's what everyone says. We literally have no basis on which to go on other than that you pressured me into helping you out.

After all, Alti, it was your dream that helped us catch that bad Pokémon.

…
so what?????

Alti: (Bad Pokémon, huh...)
(Oh! That reminds me of what Chatot said.)
(That the growing number of bad Pokémon has been caused by time going out of whack.)

Which is still ridiculous but ok.

Ray: You know...
Time is getting messed up, bit by bit, all over the world.

Again. You sound amazingly nonchalant about this.

No one seems to know why.

I mean that sounds like a problem.

But everyone believes that the Time Gears are somehow involved.

I mean. I would expect that an object called a Time Gear has something to do with time.
…
…
ok so whats a time gear

Alti: (Huh? Time Gears?)
Ray: They say Time Gears are hidden in secret places around the world.

Music: Time Gear Remix

Very impressive places. When do we get to travel to them?
(Side note: The forest is the title screen for Explorers of Time, the cave for Sky, and the volcano for Darkness.)

is what's known as a Time Gear.
Time Gears serve a very important function.
Each one protects time and keeps time flowing properly in its region.

That doesnt make sense but ok.

Out in the rain...

What is that?!

Ray: But... what happens if a region loses its Time Gear?

The flow of time in that region will probably stop too.

I mean... that's what makes sense.

Everyone has long been certain that some kind of disaster would strike.

… well, unfortunately, we may be just about to witness such a disaster in the making.

So everyone stays away from the Time Gears and doesn't tamper with them.
Even the most hardened criminal Pokémon know to avoid messing with them.

I guess nobody is evil enough to want to stop time in the world...
Hopefully...

Oh, dear.

But... this is only the first of many...

Oh... dear.

And on that incredibly unsettling note, we will stop here.

Next time: Special Episode 1: Bidoof's Wish!

 

[pika pal]

I assumed from Bidoof's episode that he was also relatively new at the guild, as in literally the newest apprentice before you showed up. Chatot did say that there was a steady stream of recruits and quitters, but Bidoof might have just been the latest to join, or at least the last one that didn't quit. It also doesn't specify how long those members are on. A steady stream might be one guy ever 2-3 weeks trying to join, and you guys just happened to be a streak of 3 non-quitters. Slight spoiler, but Bidoof's episode even makes me feel like he was considering quitting at some point before that episode and your guys showing up.

I always head-canoned that the Kecleon brothers were the outliers for their species because they actually engage in fair business outside dungeons, so they're the only ones who aren't price gouging jerks and instead are the type who would give a free apple to some kids. In fact I like to imagine a couple of the Pokemon in the various towns find their place there because for being weird outliers: Duskull brings a sense of security compared to being frightening normally, Electivire handles move linking despite Pokedex entries suggesting it to be brutal and heedless of enemies attacks, and Xatu handles physical objects with locks rather than being a fortune teller or something (I think like Merlee in Paper Mario for a role).

 

[powergo1]

This is slightly related to this lets play, but it's been 10 years since Time and Darkness was released in Japan!

 

[Altissimo]

Replies

pika pal: Probably. I just figured "steady stream" was more regular than that, but who knows how Chatot thinks.
I always thought the Kecleon from dungeons was the same as the one from the shop, which would make it weird if he was alternately a jerk and a nice dude, but if they're different that would also explain it. Idk.
powergo1: Hooray! Here's to the best games ever lmao

Special Episode time.
This is gonna be a long update, so buckle up.

The Special Episodes are new to Sky; basically they're short little vignettes focusing on specific characters that just kinda serve to add depth to the game world, and – in the case of the fifth – add something to the overall plot of the main game. They're one of (if not THE) biggest reasons why Sky is objectively superior to Time and Darkness.

Taking on the first one: Bidoof's Wish.

Our morning cheers! All together now! ♪
Everyone: ONE! DON'T SHIRK WORK!
TWO! RUN AWAY AND PAY!

Chatot: OK, Pokémon! Get to work! ♪
Everyone: HOORAY!

wait what i thought this was about bidoof not us

i've been lied to

oh okay I see now.

Bidoof: I'm... I'm not giving up either! Yup yup!

That's the spirit!!

Before Alti arrived, I was the newest apprentice here. Yup yup!

what about ray tho. why just alti

My... my dream is... to do my best at the guild... study...

Study what tho? I haven't seen any implication that there is anything to study at the guild.

And someday...

You keep telling yourself that friend.

That's right! My dream is to be the best explorer!

It's a nice dream at least.

What beautiful country! (I love the art in this game you don't understand)
Music: Sympathy

so I guess sometimes Pokémon can live in actual habitats that make sense for them and not constructed buildings, I wonder how that works, like, do building inhabitants think that nature-dwellers like these guys are “uncivilized” or anything?

I've come to train at Guildmaster Wigglytuff's Guild! Yup yup!

if it's really the best place I am even more surprised that there's not, like, an entry exam for it

Bidoof's Mama: Please say hello to everyone in the guild for me. Yup yup!
Oh... And be careful!

“say hi to people” is more important than “be careful”??

You're kind of a big eater... Don't you go eating anything weird!

I
uhh
no comment

Remember... If you get in trouble, you can always come back home to us.

aww the music makes this so touching :')

Bidoof: Sniff... M-Mama...
Bidoof's Brother: Do your best, Big Bro!
Bidoof's Sister: Take care!
Bidoof: Sniff... You guys...
I'm fine! Don't you worry about me! Yup yup!

I'M BIDOOF JUSTICE AND I'M FINE

When I come home, I'll be big! I'll make you proud of me!

aww bidoof I think you can do that without being big
… how is the guild going to help in that anyhow?

Just wait and see!

I believe in you Bidoof!!

So I left my hometown...

Wait, that counts as a 'town'?

And entered the Guildmaster's guild as an apprentice.
But the training at the guild... For me, was...
More difficult than I thought...

I mean, it's the best guild in all the land. Did you expect any different?

It might help if Loudred wasn't an asshole to be fair

Bidoof: Yes! I'm here!

Here's your Reviver Seed!

What would Loudred possibly need a Reviver Seed for over here anyway

Loudred: Wh-what... IS this? HUH?!
THIS is a DOOM Seed, ISN'T it?!

Well I don't know what a DOOM seed does but it certainly does not sound good compared to a Reviver Seed!
(it lowers your level by one when you eat it for the record)

NO, GENIUS!! BRING me the RIGHT one!
Bidoof: Eeeeeeeeeek!!

loudred ur being a bully stop that :(

Sniff... Didn't matter what I did, I would always mess it up...
And then another time...

Fortunately for Bidoof I don't think an Apple qualifies as “something weird” based on what Bidoof's mama was saying.

I wonder what this is! It's so yummy! Chomp chomp!

… I take that back

Well, we all know how uptight Chatot is, so I don't imagine this will go over well.

Bidoof: Huh?
Chatot: Oh... That!?
That is... The Guildmaster's important...
P-Perfect Apple!?

I don't know what a Perfect Apple is but Chatot sounds extremely distressed here so that doesn't sound good...

Bidoof: Huh? Perfect Apple? Golly, is that what this thing here's called?

I think you should be more disturbed by the fact that it apparently belongs to Wigglytuff and is important...

It's so tasty and impressive. Yup yup.

And then Bidoof ate the rest of it.

Thanks for the grub!

Bidoof holy shit you are so oblivious

Chatot: W-wait... did you seriously eat all of them?

Chatot sounds floored here and I can't blame him

Bidoof: Yup yup!
Oh! Sorry! Did you want one too, Chatot?
If you would have told me, I would have left you one...

I think you're really missing the point...

Chatot: What... what did you do...
WHAT DID YOU DO?!

oh shit chatot is in all caps u know it serious

Bidoof: Eeeeeeeeek!?
Uh-oh! Was it... Golly, did I do something wrong...

use context clues (re: chatot's dialogue and body language

Chatot: More than wrong!!
If his favorite Perfect Apples are all gone...
The Guildmaster... The Guildmaster!!

oh god oh man oh god oh man angry wigglytuff is not a sight i want to see with mine eyes

i mean look how angry CHATOT is and he's not even WIGGLYTUFF

It will be horrific!
As punishment, you'll go without dinner! Got it?!
Bidoof: B-but!

it's okay Bidoof I think you ate enough already

Sniff... Golly, I didn't mean it...

He's got a point there I guess, I feel a little bad for the poor fella :c

I mean if I had access to free food I'd eat it a lot too.

And I couldn't eat my favorite meal of the day...

you literally just ate I don't know how many apples

Sniff...

But I always mess things up, every time...

:(

I guess I just don't have what it takes to be an explorer...
I'll never be the best explorer... I just can't do it...

Don't think like that! Then you'll have to rethink all your life and get depressed as a result i know trust me

I was really beginning to think that...
But... then...
… That... … That happened...

…
WHAT
what is THAT
please EXPLAIN

THAT DIDNT EXPLAIN ANYTHING

Chatot: OK, Pokémon! Get to work! ♪
Everyone: Hooray!

Bidoof: Yes! What is it?
Chatot: Today's assignment. ♪
Please go to Kecleon Market and find out how many Oran Berries they have for sale today. ♪

… You know, I dunno about you, but I kinda think that an exploration guild should be focused on exploring don't you?

Bidoof: …......
Chatot: …...... Huh? What's wrong, Bidoof?
You're always doing little errands like this. It's nothing too difficult. ♪

Just a hunch but I think that's probably the issue.

Bidoof: Golly, it's not that...
Just that I seem to always be running errands...

called it

What I really want is to get exploration assignments. Yup yup...
Don't you think I can do a job from the Job Bulletin Board something?

wait you mean he's literally never had a job from them?? We had one on our first morning there.
That is extremely depressing.

Chatot: What? This isn't a joke!
If I let you do one of those assignments right now...
How badly do you think you would mess it up?!

chatot stop being mean oh my :(
also you literally immediately trusted the super-excitable Ray and the mute Alti with missions, I don't think you're a good judge of character Chatot

Bidoof: Sniff... Then I'll just... I'll just...
The story of my life... Yup yup...

:( even sadder now

Chatot: … Bidoof. Don't be so impatient.
You're just a little slower than everyone else.

chatot you are NOT HELPING

Bidoof: Sniff... Golly, you don't have to be so direct...
Chatot: But I know the day will come where you'll get to do exploration jobs.

Maybe, i dunno, but maybe it would help if you, like, paired Bidoof up with another explorer apprentice? Isn't that kind of the point?

If you want to be a top explorer, you have to start somewhere.
Do your best... And work hard at your training.
Bidoof: Sniff... So you're telling me I just need to be patient...

In a manner of speaking?

By golly, I get it. I'm gonna work hard. Yup yup!

I BELIEVE IN YOU BIDOOF!!! YOU'RE A HERO TO ME

Chatot: That's right! Just like that!
Now that you get it, if you could go run that errand I mentioned...
Please go to Kecleon Market and find out how many Oran Berries they have for sale today. ♪

sigh

Bidoof: Yes, sir! Yup yup!

At least he's chipper about it.

… I hadn't guessed.

You will progress through the story with Bidoof as the playable character.
So, just as Chatot requested...
Head to Kecleon Market in Treasure Town.

dont tell me what to do game

Also...
You can save your progress at the Watering Hole or Bidoof's bed.
The Watering Hole is at the intersection just down the stairs from the guild...
Bidoof's bed is to the right and down in the crew rooms.
When you want to save your progress, please go to the Watering Hole or Bidoof's bed.

thanks for the tutorial again

… don't tell me you're out of breath just from walking over here?
Music: Treasure Town

Green Kecleon: Welcome... ♪ To Kecleon Shop. ♪
Have you come to shop? ♪

Iunno, maybe?? it depends on your oran berries

N-not quite... Sorry to bother you, but I'm not here to buy anything...
Green Kecleon: … Just asking about inventory as always... Sigh... So disappointing...

even kecleon are not pleased with bidoof's errands :(( this is a the sad

That's all right. Don't worry. ♪ Inventory inquiries are no problem. ♪ Really. ♪

if you say so

... What have you come to check on?
Bidoof: Really sorry to bother you... Sorry.

bidoof stop APOLOGIZING this is your GUILD ASSIGNMENTS

Green Kecleon: No, no. It's no bother at all. ♪
Let's see... Oran Berries... We have two in stock today...
Bidoof: Two of them. OK, thanks!

he was TRYING TO and yall were DICKS ABOUT IT this is not cool

Bidoof doesn't leave, though.

... Huh? Is there something else?
Bidoof: N-no. Well, there's nothing more I need to do...
I just have a little problem...

i appreciate that you have a problem but venting to kecleon during business hours may not be a good idea bidoof

Green Kecleon: Oh... What kind of problem?
Purple Kecleon: It's OK to ask me about it. Come on, spit it out! ♪

At least someone is a supportive force today

Bidoof: … The truth is that no matter what I do... I always seem to mess it up...
I'm always making mistakes at the guild...
I really want to be an explorer like all the other apprentices in the guild...

This sentence is a bit vague, do you mean “an explorer like all the other apprentices [want to be]” or “an explorer like all the other apprentices [are]”? Because if the latter that's again rather depressing.

For example...
To become an explorer really quickly... what should I do?

Git gud that's what

Purple Kecleon: Oh! If that's it... you just need a TM! ♪

… really? that's it? That's all you need to do.

Bidoof: TM? … That's the way?

lmao even Bidoof is skeptical

Purple Kecleon: Yep. ♪ With a TM, you can learn a new move. ♪
If you did that, you'd be very helpful in explorations. ♪

… I mean... maybe?? But also Bidoof literally hasn't even been allowed to go on explorations yet so I dunno how much that is gonna matter for the time being

Yes, you will definitely be helpful. ♪
Hmmm... How about... Here it is!
How about this one?

ok thats legit ngl
(in PMD, Hidden Power gets a random type every floor of the dungeon, making it kind of useful.)

Bidoof: Hidden Power... That sounds pretty strong...

Eh. Sorta? For a low-level Pokémon, probably?

Purple Kecleon: That's right. ♪ It's a very strong move! ♪

Still don't know if I can trust the purity of their motives tho

If you used this TM, you could learn Hidden Power! ♪
Bidoof: Is that right...?

… yes. That's... that's how TMs work. Correct.

Bidoof: … (Sniff... If I learn Hidden Power, then I could be more useful...)

Only if you're actually allowed to go out exploring though

(And the guild members would appreciate me more...)
(If I buy this... then the day I become the best explorer will get closer...)

… maybe???

Bidoof: By the way... how much is this Hidden Power thing?
Purple Kecleon: Oh! You're interested in buying it. ♪ I'm excited! ♪

shut up and give him the price

The price... let me see... It's 6,500 Poké.

DAMN thats a lot

Bidoof: Whaaat?! It's that expensive?!
Purple Kecleon: You're surprised? Well, TMs are very expensive...

What no “poor broke ass guild kid” discount? Come on man

But you think that's too expensive, right?

Again. Bidoof is a college student

Bidoof: Sniff... No... Please hold on a moment...
Sniff... What should I do...? Should I buy it? Shouldn't I? I don't know...

HAGGLE TIME HAGGLE TIME

To tell you the truth... I've got the money for it, but...

HAGGLE TIME HAGGLE Tiwait What was that

… Yeah I'd say that's enough. Where the hell do you keep that money??

But... but this money...

… ah.

Bidoof's Mama: Take this with you. It's a farewell gift.
I always knew this day would come... so I've been saving up, little by little.

oh my heart :(

Please use it in case of an emergency.

I don't really count “buying a TM” as an emergency idk bout u

Bidoof: Sniff... M-Mama...
Bidoof's Mama: There, there. You always were a bit of a crybaby.
Your Mama's rooting for you!

this is so sweet I'm gonna die

Even though you're going far away, you always do your best, you hear?
Bidoof: Sniff... Mama... Thank you... Mama...

To be perfectly honest I'm surprised you haven't spent it yet on something else.

I can't just spend it carelessly...

Exactly that's why I'm kind of surprised

There are other ways to be the best explorer, after all!

Purple Kecleon: Is that so... That's too bad...
Bidoof: Thank you so much for listening to me... See you.

good to see he is not suckered in by promises of fame and fortune

Purple Kecleon: Anytime!
If you change your mind, come back anytime. ♪
Bidoof: … Sniff... Now that you've said that, how can I ever make up my mind for sure? Yup yup...

I dunno but pick something man I want to get some dungeon gameplay plzthx

But... It's fine... Impulse buying isn't good.

I mean, that is true.

It's too bad... but I'm going to give up on the TM...

From across the bridge a Snover appears, looking around worriedly.

…
is there something scary around?
Speak! Use words, son!

Umm... Umm... What should I do...

Tell me what the hell is goin on here, thats what

UM OKAY I DONT PARTICULARLY APPRECIATE THINGS FOISTED UPON ME BUT OKAY
(I'm going to assume bidoof doesnt either :B)

Bidoof received something from the strange Pokémon.
Bidoof: Huh... Golly, what is this?

it would help if we the players could see it too

Snover however is not willing to tell us before he runs off.

... Just now... What was that, anyway...?

From elsewhere, it looks like Snover may not have been alone.
Music: Air of Unease

Bagon: Nope. Lost sight of him.
Gligar: Blast! Where'd he disappear to?!

I have a sneaking suspicion these two may be up to no good...!

Oh no I don't want any part in this

Bidoof: Yes?
Bagon: Did you just see a lone Pokémon run through here?
Bidoof: A Pokémon? Let me see...

…
what is there to see I mean either someone ran through here or not

Gligar: Come on! We're in a hurry!
Quit taking your time and just spit it out already!

well I have no desire to assist you if you're going to be rude like that, gosh

Bidoof: Eee... Eeeeeeeeeeeeek! S-scary!

use english sentences please my friend

Bagon: Hey, hold on, Gligar.
White body, looking kind of nervous. Did you see him?

well i saw someone who was white and and brown and green does that count :B

Bidoof: Um... Uh... Th-that is...

Bidoof I have a feeling that Snover didn't want to be found by these guys, you probably should not have revealed that

Gligar: Let's go!
Bagon: Yeah!

They run off, leaving Bidoof alone.

Bidoof: Sniff... They were pretty scary.

Iunno man I'm sure they couldn't have taken on Kecleon whom I suspect may have come to your defense if they attacked you because they are right there.

I'm not very brave, so I don't want to have anything to do with Pokémon like them... Sniff...

ok why did you want to be an explorer again bidoof

Anyway, afterward, back at the guild...

I finished making dinner! ♪
Come on! Dinner's on! ♪

what is there to make anyway I have to ask

Everyone: YEAH!

and standard dinner eating scene you've all seen it

That night...

but... the only thing that happened is you went to check on oran berries, had an existential crisis, and encountered some scary Pokémon

Those two are already asleep.
I'll have to get up early tomorrow... Guess I should probably get to bed too, yup yup.

Probably would be smart

Bidoof: Good night, you all.

THEY'RE ALREADY SLEEPING WHAT IS THE POINT

Narration: A few minutes later...

oh of course loudred is a snorer, of course. i am so sorry bidoof you have my deepest sympathies

GooooOOOOOOAAAAAAAHHHHH...
GUUUUGAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAA! GUUUGAAAH!? GooooOOOOOOAAAAAAAHHHHH...
GUGOOOOOAAAAAAaaaaahhhhh! GUGOAAAAAA!! GUGAGOGOGOGOOOOOOOoooooOOAAAAAAHHH!!

what even IS this snoring

rest in peace bidoof who has died of sleep deprivation

Bidoof: Sniff... He's snoring too loud... I can't sleep...
I'd like to wake Loudred up... But...

I have a feeling that will go extremely badly if you do that so please for the love of all that is good in this world do Not

If I did that, he'd be pretty angry, and that's a scary thought... Sniff...

Pretty sure he'd be even scarier than Bagon and Gligar from before.

... Speaking of scary!
Those two I met earlier today... Those Pokémon sure were scary, yup yup...

I see I'm not the only one to have that thought here.

... Just before those two showed... there was that Pokémon that seemed to be running away and then disappeared...

Yea that was probably the guy they were looking for

That Pokémon... He was probably being chased by those two scary Pokémon...
If that was the case, I hope he got away all right...

You told them where he went, if he got caught you were absolutely implicit in it.

That's right! When that Pokémon ran off...

flashback to snover shoving some unknown object (prolly drugs lbr) on bidoof

Right then... that Pokémon handed me something...

…
yes.
Yes.
How did you forget this fact? You were likely holding the thing.

And right afterward those two scary-looking Pokémon arrived... I was so scared, I couldn't remember what happened.

ok but like How

But no matter how I try to figure it out, I just can't...
I guess I should look and see.

That woulda been the first thing I'd done after the incident.

... Huh? There's some kind of mark... It looks like there's something written.
What could be written here, I wonder? Let's see...
Star... Cave...?

Huh, never heard of it!
(It was new for Sky.)

At this marked spot... seems there's a place called Star Cave?

I suppose that's the idea, that's how maps work after all explorer Bidoof!

However... Star Cave... It certainly sounds enticing...

Can't argue with that!

Somehow I just get a feeling... There has to be something really special there.

That's probably true of a lot of places in this world tho if exploring is a Big Deal.

Sniff... Now I'm so excited, I can't sleep. Yup yup...

MIDNIGHT EXPLORING TIME

... Nope. I have to sleep if I want to do any good at training tomorrow...
Sniff... I really should sleep. Good night, you all...

they are STILL sleeping they can't hear you

Loudred: GUGOGOGOGOGOoooooooooaahhh! GUGOGOGOGOooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh!
GUGOah! GUGOGOGOGOGOGO! GOGOGOGOGOGOGOoooooaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!
Bidoof: Sniff... Sniff...
S-sleep. Yup yup, sleepy time...

lol ur not sleeping tonight rip bidoof

The next morning...
Loudred: HEY!! HEEEEEEEEEYYYYYYYYYYYY!!
GET UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUPPPPPP! IT'S MORRRRRRRRRRRNNNIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNGGGG!

Man you are just the most obnoxious Pokémon in the universe

Bidoof: H-huh...? What's that...?
Loudred: How LATE will you SLEEP!
The MORNING address is STARTING! HURRY UP!

I didn't use(d) to hate Loudred but I am gaining a new disrespect for him replaying this, he's a jerk :(

Bidoof: Oogh... Whose fault do you think it is I can't get up in the first place...?

lol rekt

Sniff... His snoring made it really hard for me to sleep, yup yup...
But if I don't get up, I'll miss the morning address...
I-I've got to hurry!

Yeah probs.

Out in the guild, after morning address...

can i go explore this star cave place plz its not like failing is going to result in failing a mission or anything like that

Quit staring off into space, and get to your assignments.

the assignments you haven't given me yet today??

Bidoof: …. Chatot, you know a lot of stuff, don't you?
Chatot: Yes, that's right. ♪ I do know a lot of info. I'm an encyclopedia. ♪ Hee hee! ♪

aight we get it you are very proud of your expertise u can stop bragging anytime

Is there something you wanted to ask me? You don't have to hesitate. Go ahead and ask. ♪
But... Please keep it brief. I don't really have the time to dawdle.

what do you DO all day anyway

Bidoof: Sniff... I'm not really confident...
Chatot... do you know anything about a place called Star Cave?

called it

Chatot: Star Cave? Hmm... Yes, I think I've heard of it.
Bidoof: Huh?! Really?!
Chatot: Yes. ♪ Of course I have. ♪
Didn't I just tell you I'm like an encyclopedia? ♪ Hee hee hee! ♪

If you say so, Chatot, if you really say so.

Well... Star Cave is a legendary place, but nobody knows where it is...

Then how does anyone know it exists at all? Is this like Atlantis or the Garden of Eden or what have you?

Bidoof: N-nobody knows? Golly...
Chatot: That's right. It's a legend that's been passed down for generations.

So yeah, Atlantis/Garden of Eden. Got it.

The truth is buried in history.
But according to the legend... Deep within Star Cave...
The rare Pokémon Jirachi lies sleeping.

Well that's different!
(In Time/Darkness, Jirachi could be found, along with two other legendaries, in the dungeon Final Maze, which... as you can imagine... isn't Star Cave.)

It's said that if you can wake Jirachi... he'll grant you a wish.

This sounds quite similar to Jirachi in Rescue Team, I'm not surprised.

Bidoof: Huh?! He'll grant you a wish?!
A wish... A wish-granting rare Pokémon...
His name is Jirachi?!
Chatot: He... Hey, hey! It's only a legend!

Well we all know in the Pokémon universe (and video games in general) that all legends are true, so that doesn't really mean much.

I already said that nobody knows where the cave is, didn't I?! … HEY!

Well yeah but

Music: Beyond the Dream

Bidoof: Sniff... (If I meet Jirachi... he can grant a wish...)
Um um um... (That could be my dream...)
Best... (My dream—to be the best explorer ever... Jirachi can make it come true, yup yup!)

I don't know how that kind of wish would go over but okay.

And... (And I've got that map with Star Cave marked on it...)
Got... Mmm... (I've got that map in my possession now, yup yup!)
Star... (Right now, I'm... I'm... I'm the only one who knows where Star Cave is! Just li'l ol' me!

I dunno I'd presume Snover would know as well since he gave you the map, but okay.

Th... (Th-this...)
Th... (This is...)
So c... (So cool! So awesome! Yup yup!)
So h... (I'm so happy, I could burst!)

Well if you go to Star Cave, who's to say it won't be like, the hardest dungeon in the game? What if you just can't beat it?

Chatot: Hey. ♪
Bidoof: … Huh?!
Chatot: Are you all right, Bidoof? You kind of spaced out for a while.
And you were smiling to yourself.

let the man have dreams

Something happen?
Bidoof: Nope! Nope, nope, nope, nope!
N-nothin' at all! No sirree!
I wasn't... I wasn't thinking of anything! Not about Star Cave! Golly, no!

Bidoof I'm sorry you are kind of a terrible liar

Chatot: … Is that so?
You say you weren't thinking of anything... But that's a bit suspicious....
Bidoof: Eeek! (I gave myself away!)
Chatot: With that mischievous smirk, you had to be thinking of something, don't you agree?

chatot can see right through Bidoof's bullshit rip

Like you were secretly excited about something...
Bidoof: B-but... (That was to the point!)
Chatot: Like you were so excited about something that you thought you would just burst...

Yeah, that seems like an appropriate assessment of the situation :V

Bidoof: N-no, nuh-huh! (How in the world did he know about that?)

ok What

Bidoof: Yes! What is it?!
Loudred: You've GOT a VISITOR!

oh shit who could it be?!

Bidoof: Huh? A visitor?

lol he is surprised too

Loudred: Yeah, THAT's right. They're WAITING by the GUILD entrance.
Hurry UP and get OUT there!

Oh hey look who it is!

Bidoof: Huh? You are?

… seriously, you don't even remember, how many Snover have you ever met Bidoof huh

You're from yesterday!

Finally.

Snover: … Y-yes. Nice to meet you. M-my name is Snover.
I'm really sorry to have caused you trouble yesterday.
Bidoof: Never mind that... What about those scary Pokémon that were chasing you...
A-are you all right?

Well Ice is super-effective on Bagon and double super-effective on Gligar so I don't think Snover had much to worry about.

Snover: Y-yes. I'm OK. But...
Truth is I had a bit of a scary encounter...
Bidoof: Whaaat? Scary encounter... What happened?!

How many times can we say the word scary in one special episode

Snover: After we met, I tried my best to run away...
But Bagon and Gligar caught up with me...

Again. Just use Blizzard or something. Not a big deal.

Gligar: You really ran for it! Gwah ha ha!
Snover: Ow-ow! Let go of me!
Bagon: Nope. You know what we're looking for...
You of all people should know!

oh DOES he now

Gligar: Not here! The map's not here!

Oh okay well yeah if he shoved it onto Bidoof that would make sense

Bagon! He doesn't have the map!

… yes we have established that.

Bagon: WHAAAAT?!
Y-YOU! Where'd you stash it?!
Snover: I... I don't know...

you're a terrible liar too holy shit lmao I'm surprised they didn't come and beat up Bidoof too

Gligar: LIAR!

oh okay yeah

Ooooh... No matter what...
No matter what you do... I'm not telling you.

props for ur bravery in the face of... pokémon weak to you...

Bagon: ARGH!
He has to have stashed it around here somewhere! Look for it!

again
how many times can we say scary in one special episode

Oh! That reminds me!
That thing that Bagon and Gligar were looking for... Was it...

How dense do they think the players are? I love this game but holy shit sometimes it treats the audience like idiots

Snover: That's right. That thing I gave you yesterday, Bidoof... The Ancient Map.

Could just be a modern forgery tho

Snover: Yesterday, I was sure that if I held on to that map, it would get stolen from me...

where'd u even get it in the first place anyhow

So I decided that I had no choice but to hand it to someone...

therefore putting them in the path of danger, i see, i see

And then I saw you, Bidoof...

clearly the epitome of a safe person to trust, especially considering I promptly sold him out to Bagon and Gligar lmao

Afterward, I asked around Treasure Town about you... They all said that it was probably Bidoof from this guild...
And so I came here to thank you.
I'm really sorry... To have caused you so much trouble.

maybe you shouldn't have given it to me in the first place then

Bidoof: No, no! You don't have to apologize! Don't worry about it, by golly!
I've been thinking... About that map you handed me...
Is it really a map to Star Cave?
Snover: That's right...

Again. Might be a modern forgery.

It's said that's where the rare Pokémon Jirachi lives... that Star Cave.
If you meet Jirachi, he'll grant you a wish...

ok but 1 wish per person or 1 wish total because if it's the latter that might be a problem

That's why those two Pokémon wanted to steal the map.
Speaking of which... I have a request to make...
Bidoof: Yes? What is it?
Snover: W-would you... come with me to explore Star Cave?

That's a little sudden, but if it means I get to do more exploring then sure, why not?

Bidoof: Whaaaaaat?! Really, you want little ol' me to come along?

poor bidoof has no self esteem

Snover: Yes. I really want to meet Jirachi and make a wish, but...
But... I'm not strong enough to make it by myself...

And Bidoof is?

So I was hoping you would come with me, Bidoof!
You seem really dependable, Bidoof... And kind...

lmao

There's nobody I'd rather go exploring with than Bidoof!

ok but why tho

But... This is a sudden request... I hope I'm not bothering you?
Bidoof: No, no! N-not at all! Yup yup!
The truth is I was thinking of making a wish too.

aight when do we get to see Bidoof and Snover fight over who gets to make the wish

It's OK! I really want to go to Star Cave too, yup yup!
Snover: Really?! YAY! I'm so happy!

Simmer down there, buddy.

Bidoof: If we work together... We can definitely meet Jirachi!

Eh, maybe. Hopefully.

But... I had guild training to do, yup yup...

Yea I guess that would be a thing to be concerned about

So...

You want to take time off from guild training?!

Well that was blunt, I'm surprised Bidoof got the guts to ask.

Bidoof: By time off, I just mean a couple days. Yup yup.

it wouldnt affect the way the guild runs anyway considering how little they have bidoof do

Chatot: What is your reason for wanting to take time off?
Bidoof: Huh? R-reason?

You didnt think this through at all did you bidoof

The reason I want to take time off... um... um...
O-oh! I haven't been feeling good lately! Yup yup!

Yep totally believable, got it.

My stomach really hurts... Ooogh...
Chatot: Your stomach hurts? You, the one with the cast-iron stomach?

Chatot can see through anything.

Last night at dinner you were the only one to ask for seconds, am I right?
And now you're saying that your stomach hurts?
Bidoof: Ooogh... I ate too much...

… I guess that works

Chatot: … I see. This seems really strange...
… All right. Your request for a day off is granted.

I'm surprised it was granted but all right.

Just don't cause any trouble for other teams, OK?
Bidoof: Sniff... Thank you...

>suddenly

But...
But... it's all right.

If I can make my dream of becoming the best explorer ever come true!
If I can do that, then maybe I won't mess up guild assignments anymore...

Only if the assignments are actually related to exploring though.

And I won't cause trouble for anyone anymore.
Everyone will be so happy! Yup yup!
This is a rare chance!
I've got to take advantage of this chance! I've just gotta! Yup yup!

You can do it!

Outside...

But I don't really want to do anything that would draw attention to me...

buddy just fucking give it up and go to the dungeon

Bagon and Gligar are still looking for that map...
They might be hanging around here. It's kind of scaring me... (Yikes...)

again just use an ice attack and they are dead. Stop worrying so much.

Bidoof: I've got it!
You just leave the exploration preparations to me. I can do it...
And you should hide somewhere, Snover. Stay out of sight.
Snover: I'm sorry. I'll find a hiding place right around here.
When you're ready to head to the dungeon, Bidoof... I'll slip away and join you.
So once you've finished preparing, please head for the dungeon.
See you later.

He runs off. Don't ask me how he's gonna see Bidoof leaving from wherever he is but ok.

Bidoof: Got it! All right, I need to head into Treasure Town and get ready to explore.
I'll do my best!

And then we're allowed to prep for the exploration.
So here's the thing: Bidoof has access to the items & money of Team Hurricane. No, this doesn't make any sense, temporally or logically, but whatever, I guess they didn't want you going into the dungeon completely helpless.

So, of course, we're going to be going into the dungeon completely helpless. First off, because that's how I always play the Special Episodes since it doesn't make sense to steal items from the yet-to-exist Team Hurricane, and second off, because some of the fans on the Discord chat wanted me to play it this way so it's a fan challenge.

So let's go straight to the dungeon! :B

Continued in the following post.

 

[Altissimo]

That doesn't look super hidden compared to where we are here. I mean, it's in the extremely tiny observable world, and you'd think with a shitton of exploration teams around that somebody would have been there.

Anyhow let's go...

or well meet up with Snover first.
lol nope we're not ready I have exactly 0 items or money

All right, let's go explore Star Cave.
I'm a bit nervous...
Bidoof: It's all right, yup yup! We don't have anything to worry about when we're together!

If you say so Bidoof. What about Fighting-types eh?

Snover: Y-yeah!
Bidoof: Let's do our best! Yup yup!

Music: Star Cave
jesus okay Snover if you are level 22 you certainly don't need a level 10 Bidoof.
Also can you turn off your hail plzthx Bidoof is not immune to it
Anyway so here we are! Like I said we are going to be taking this on without any items beyond what we find, so I'm going to be making a point to explore as much of the floor as I can to get things.
You know. Apart from the fact that Hail is going to be a massive pain in the ass since at level 10 I don't think Bidoof's natural healing outheals the damage from Hail.

We'll see.

Pokémon available here: Poliwag, Anorith, Chingling, Kricketot, Lotad, Bonsly

ahahahah how convenient maybe I'll use it next floor or something

ok literally there was a Kecleon Shop last floor and now there's one here too, ok alright
Not that I can buy anything :B but

enemies take damage from Hail too sometimes leading to gr8 situations like this

oh my god what the hell hahahaha
…
wait
if no one knows where this dungeon is then how did Kecleon get here??????

is
it just required that there's a Kecleon Shop on every floor of this dungeon

Eventually Bidoof gets on low enough health we need to use an Oran Berry. Snover you are a terrible partner and friend for hurting me in this way.

I don't even have any commentary anymore

dammit ok I don't think I'm going to survive :(

Lol I accidentally used an Escape Orb without meaning to. Oops.
Resetting because something something “challenge mode”!

the kecleon shops never stop though

Well that's certainly welcome! :B

and I found a Rainy Orb and a Sunny Orb right next to each other, fuck ur hail snover

Aaaaaand then my computer froze so I lost all progress on this attempt. Time for attempt 3 I guess -_-

I get another Reviver Seed tho which is great!

After 7 floors we get to this point. These are save points which sometimes exist mid-dungeon to make the whole dungeon a little easier. I'm grateful for this one for sure.

Bidoof: Aren't we to Jirachi's place yet?
Snover: Hmm... I don't really know, either...
It's probably close. We just need to go a little farther...

what if Jirachi is somewhere else in the dungeon and we missed it

Bidoof: Is that right?!
All right, let's dig our heels in! I'll do my best!

WE CAN DO IT

Music: Deep Star Cave

Pokémon available here: Gulpin, Psyduck, Lunatone, Bronzong, Lotad, Kricketot, Bonsly

So yeah this is the second part of the dungeon. Fortunately for us if we fall here we can simply reset to the Kangaskhan Rock instead of redoing the whole dungeon.

That makes two; nice finds!

Again uncommon but I will definitely accept this!

After four floors we come to the bottom of the dungeon.

Though it looks like things are... possibly not quite what is expected.

Bidoof: This looks like the deepest part... The depths of Star Cave...
Where's Jirachi?

Oh, goodness, that doesn't sound good.

Heh-heh-heh-heh-heh!
Bidoof: Wh-who's there?!
Voice: Gwah-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!

ok but what if it IS jirachi and he's just evil

Bidoof: Wh-who... is that?!

Can you not, like, audio-locate it?

Voice: Heh-heh-heh! You are really so gullible!
To come trustingly all the way here!

Eh it was fun so whatevs.

oh no oh no oh no not Them the Scary

Bagon: Heh-heh-heh! Long time no see!
Gligar: Haven't seen you since we met at Treasure Town! Gwah-ha-ha!

That was yesterday bruh

Bidoof: Wh-what... are you doing here?!
Jirachi's place in Star Cave is...
I thought me and Snover were the only ones who had the map and knew how to get here...

Someone was bound to find it eventually tho

Wh-why are you... Why are you here?

oh
oh no
oh no

Bidoof: Whaaaat?!

Uh well
I don't think Star Cave was made up considering we're literally there

They were never here from the start. That's what I'm saying.

WHO THEY WE ARE LITERALLY INSIDE STAR CAVE

Bagon: You were tricked into coming here... by us... you see...
Bidoof: Wh-whaaaa?! … U-us? What do you mean, “us”?!
Bagon: We're the band of thieves, Team Rogue!

thassa terrible name hmph

Gligar: We trick our marks and take what we want...
We're thieves! We're rogues! Do you get it yet? We're the bad guys! Gwah-ha-ha-ha-ha!

thank you for the succinct explanation gligar

Snover: And I am their leader...
The great Snover!

“great” sure ye then why i never heard of yall before

Bidoof: Eeeeeeek!
Snover: That time...
When you were standing in front of Kecleon's shop, stewing...

Flashback to Bidoof putting his 7,000 Poké down and contemplating buying the TM.

ok but how did no one else see this occur

Snover: I suddenly had an idea.
I thought that money was ours to take.

well YOU THOUGHT WRONG

But... if we mugged you right then and there, there would have been an uproar.

…
yes.
yes, that is... that is correct.

That's why we put on this little show... to lure you out here...
Bidoof: Sniff... Th-then...
The story about Star Cave and Jirachi is...?

aw bidoof he's more concerned about that than the money

Snover: A complete fabrication.
You see, we were pretty excited when we laid our hands on that Ancient Map...
Wishes come true here, so we heard. We could get rich!
So... We came here to find out!

where'd yall even get the map to begin with tho

But there's nothing here. It's just a dead end.
We were so disappointed. It's just a fake. The map, that is.
Still angry, we came to Treasure Town... and there you were.

How convenient!

oh this doesn't bode well

Snover: Too bad...
Your money... We're taking it!
Prepare yourself!
Bidoof: Eeeeeeeeeek!!

BATTLE TIME

I start off with a Growl as the enemies approach.

I throw a Totter Seed at Snover, which won't prevent it from hitting me with Powder Snow but will prevent Swagger and Grasswhistle, hopefully.
Both Bagon and Gligar miss hilariously enough. I throw a Totter Seed at Gligar too.

Bagon attacks for pitiful damage, and Bidoof attacks Bagon with Tackle. Bagon misses with Bite and Gligar and Snover continue to be useless.

Another Tackle has taken out Bagon.

Two attacks and a Gravelerock (20 damage – very helpful this early on the game!) take out Snover, who still hasn't landed an attack. Gligar as you can see is not going to be an issue from over there, so Bidoof throws Gravelerocks for...

… a victory.

Alright, here's the deal now that you've seen this: Bidoof isn't supposed to win this fight. All the evidence I've seen suggests that this is supposed to be a hopeless boss fight – I mean, 3 on 1, Snover is level 22, Bidoof only has Tackle, Growl and Defense Curl, you're really not supposed to win. My previous experiences with this game bore that out: if you lose, the game continues on regardless, indicating you haven't failed, and this is a ridiculously tough boss battle to overcome even by this game's standards. In the past, I usually relied on Reviver Seeds to get lucky and pull out a win. Because, see, the first few times I played this, I didn't realize you were “supposed” to lose and forced my way to a victory every time.

But somehow, don't ask me how, I managed to pull it off this time without even using a Reviver Seed.

Maybe Bidoof should give himself some more credit.

Yeah, I really don't think the game expected you to win.

Bagon: Humph... Even though you're weak, you're going to resist and make us ask?
Gligar: Hurry up and give us your money!
Bidoof: N... no...
That money... is very important to me...

Props to Bidoof for his stubbornness seriously.

Who do you think you are...?

I kicked your asses in battle and I can do it again, I still have 3 Reviver Seeds, bring it.

Snover: Argh! This one's really stubborn!
Hey! You! We'll take it by force if we have to!

… “if we have to”? I thought you were Team Rogue, isn't that the point?

Bagon & Gligar: YEAH!

Jirachi?!

Snover: Huh?! What?!

HWAT

Two! Run away and pay!
Three! Smiles go for miles!

The screen fades to white, and when it returns...

Music: One for All, All for One!

Bagon: Uh-oh!
Bidoof: E-everyone...
Chatot: You! Don't you dare pick on our apprentice!

I was actually doing just fine, not being “picked on”, but the game seems to want to insist that Bidoof lost.

Loudred: You BETTER be READY!
Gligar: Huh! What do we do?!
Bagon: Going up against the famous Wigglytuff's Guild...
Snover: W-wait! Don't run away!
Don't believe in the worldwide reputation and rumors!
Jirachi's not in this cave! Never has been!

… What does that have to do with anything?

Y-you're just scared of Wigglytuff's reputation of being really strong!

Buddy it doesn't matter if it's true or not, you're outnumbered 10-3 and that's a better numerical advantage than 3-1.

Let's go, you guys! We'll take them on too!
Bagon & Gligar: YEAH!

Not sure how much of a choice u had since ur surrounded but ok.

Wigglytuff: Let's go, everyone!
YOOM... TAH!

Battle time.
This battle is such of a non-entity that I don't feel the need to say much about it lol.
Bagon got BTFO in one turn by Dugtrio's Earth Power, Gligar fell to Earth Power + Tackle, and Snover died immediately to I don't even know what attack, it all happened so fast.

Bagon: Strong...
Snover: Eeee... Eeeeeeeeek!

They run off. GOOD RIDDANCE TO BAD TRASH

Corphish: Maybe you should stop your wrongdoing! Hey, hey!
Chimecho: Are you all right, Bidoof?

I won that first battle, okay.

Bidoof: Sniff... Thanks, everyone.
It was because you all came to help that I'm all right...

thats not how it went down but ok

But... What are you all doing here?

An apt question!

Sunflora: Chatot told us about you acting strangely.
Bidoof: Ch-Chatot did?

Quelle surprise!

Chatot: You were acting really strange...
Daydreaming...
And then suddenly you wanted to take the day off.
So I talked to the Guildmaster...
And secretly followed you to see what you were up to.

Impressive deduction skills.

Bidoof: I-is that so...?
Chatot: I... I will say this one thing...
It wasn't because I was worried about you... No, I didn't think I'd tag along because I was worried at all!

aight chatot, if you say so.

You were acting really strange...
I thought maybe you were deserting the guild... so I had to see for myself. That's it!

How do you know he wasn't just based on that evidence?

Don't misunderstand!

lololol everyone else sees right through it too

Loudred: WELL said! TRULY!
Corphish: Chatot, when you told everyone about Bidoof...
You really were worried about him. Hey, hey!
Chatot: B-be quiet!!
As for everyone coming along... At first, it was going to be myself and the Guildmaster coming to your rescue, Bidoof...
But in the end, everyone wanted to come along! HUMPH!

You guys aren't terribly good at being authoritative, eh?

Loudred: Because...
Corphish: Once we heard you were acting strange, Bidoof...
Sunflora: We couldn't ignore it.

But... Of course we still care about, Bidoof.

:')

So... Bidoof, we're just glad you're safe! ♪
Bidoof: Sniff...
Everyone...
I'm sure happy... You all did this just for me... Sniff...
But... Here I've gone and caused you all trouble again...

I have a feeling they were happy to do it. It's okay.

I just can't seem to do anything right, yup yup...
Sunflora: What? That's not true...
Corphish: Nobody could take on an entire band of thieves by themselves, hey hey.

BUT I WON

Loudred: You've GOTTEN much STRONGER.
Wigglytuff: You're worried about failing... But...
That's how everyone becomes stronger.
That's how the best explorers get to be that way.
So failure is nothing to be embarrassed about.
Bidoof: Sniff... Guildmaster... Everyone...

aw he is having an Emotion

Thank you... Thank you so much. Truly.
I'm sorry for troubling you...
From now on, I won't be afraid of failure... I'll be patient...
And do my best...
Wigglytuff: Yeah! ♪

even bidoof beat them

Corphish: Hey! That's right!
But never mind that... So this is Star Cave?

YES FINALLY SOMEONE WHO UNDERSTANDS THE CAVE DOES EXIST

They shouldn't have just given up and gone home! Hey, hey!

Well, they're not explorers.

Bidoof: Huh? But there's nothing here, right?
The cave just comes to a dead end right here...
Jirachi's not here, right?

bidoof you sweet summer child

Loudred: Hey, Bidoof.

At the top there, Wigglytuff is scrutinizing the wall.

Chatot: Don't make fun of the Guildmaster's guild! ♪

Oooooo....

The ground starts shaking because Wigglytuff is in fact a demon

OOOOOOOooooooooo...
YOOOOOOOOOM... TAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

Yes, Wigglytuff just exploded the wall open.
Don't ask me how.
But yes, be scared.

Th-there's... more to this cave?
Loudred: All RIGHT! Let's GO!
Chatot: I bet that the rare Pokémon Jirachi is there!
Corphish: We should all think about what we're going to ask for! Hey, hey!
Sunflora: Oh my gosh! I'm so excited!!
Wigglytuff: Everyone... Wait a moment.

Wait what

Everyone: WHAAAAT?!
Loudred: Wh-why NOT? Guildmaster?!
Wigglytuff: This exploration... This is Bidoof's exploration.

… oh.
oh.

Bidoof: Whaaat?! Mine?! By golly!!
Wigglytuff: Yep. ♪ Bidoof's. ♪
You're the one who's got this map, Bidoof... And you're the one who's adventured all the way here.

I mean, I guess that is true.

That's why... You should go ahead alone, Bidoof.

but what if I want backup

Corphish: Yeah... When you say it like that...
Sunflora: That's the way it should be...
Wigglytuff: We can only help you this far. The rest is up to you, Bidoof.
Use your own strength... And do your best to have a successful exploration!

YEAH!

Bidoof: Sniff... Guildmaster... Thank you so much, yup yup...
Chimecho: Bidoof! Do your best!
Diglett: Be sure to tell us about your exploration later!
Croagunk: Do your best! Meh-heh-heh!
Bidoof: Sniff... Everyone... Thank you all so much...

I'll do my best exploring! Yup yup!
Dugtrio: Hey! Do your best! (I really wanted to go...)

too bad

Sunflora: You can do it, Bidoof!

see sunflora isnt being a dick

Corphish: … There he goes, hey hey...
Chimecho: Anyway, Guildmaster... You were cool today, as always... Yay!
Wigglytuff: You think so?
Loudred: YEAH. Handing OVER the EXPLORATION to Bidoof was a very GENEROUS gesture, I THINK.
BECAUSE Jirachi WILL grant WISHES, you know?

So we have all heard.

SO... You COULD have made a WISH... For all the PERFECT APPLES you CAN eat! HA HA HA!
Wigglytuff: Oh...

oh god no loudred i think you may have given him Ideas

Sunflora: Of course the Guildmaster is just wonderful!
Dugtrio: His personality and presence... He has such a commanding aura...

If you say so Dugtrio

Corphish: We're all proud to say that we're apprentices in the guild! Hey, hey!
Diglett: I also joined the guild because I admired you, Guildmaster!
Chatot: Everyone... Our wonderful Guildmaster's best pupil is...
… Me! And don't you forget it! ♪

Chatot shut up you're not even an apprentice you don't count.

GODDAMMIT LOUDRED

Diglett: Hey!
Loudred: EVERYONE! Stop the GUILDMASTER!

They all go into the hole after the Guildmaster.

Sunflora: Oh my gosh! The Guildmaster has started to struggle!

Welp you are all dead

Loudred: WOOOOAAAAAHHH! He's so STRONG! OW OW OW OW...
Dugtrio: Everyone, we have to stop him, no matter what!
Chimecho: Anyway... the Guildmaster... He's so cool and mischievous... Yay!

chimecho now is not the time to be crushing on him

As the fight continues (perhaps), Bidoof meanwhile is continuing on his own journey.

We are alone now... spoopy

This part of the dungeon is a continuation of the previous bit of Star Cave.

An enemy Gulpin put Bidoof to sleep and then murdered him, so we wasted a Reviver Seed >:/

After four floors...

Golly, this here looks like another dead end, yup yup...
Is this here really... really the deepest point in the cave?

I hope so, not in the mood for another fake out area

Voice: …......
… Phewwwww...
So sleepy... Yaaaawn...

If you read my Rescue Team LP this should be a familiar thing to hear!

Bidoof: Where is that voice...?
W-wait a minute... Is that voice...?
Voice: … Whooo iis iit?
Whoooo's therrre? Yaaaaawn...
Bidoof: You mean me?

Anyone else here, Bidoof?

I-I'm Bidoof.
Who are you?
Voice: Meee? Yaaaawn...
Fwaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh... I'm... I'm...

Jirachi appears!

Bidoof: J-Jirachi! You're THE Jirachi, aren't you?!
Jirachi: Mmm-hmm... That's right...
Speaking of... Whooo are yooooou? Yaaaaawn...
Bidoof: I'm Bidoof. (… Didn't I already say that...?)

more familiar callbacks to MD1

U-um...
Jirachi: Whaaaaaat? Zzzz... Snorf...
Bidoof: I heard that you... That you can grant wishes, Jirachi...
Is it really true?
Jirachi: Yep, it'ssss truuuuuuuuue. Yaaaawn...

You sound very enthusiastic

But right now, I'm pretty sleeeepy, so I can't really help you. Sorrrry... Zzz... Zzzz... Snorf...
And...
I usually toss and turn in my sleep... Zzz... Snorf...
So, if you're nearby...

DO NOT WANT DO NOT WANT

Bidoof: Wh-whaaaaat?!
Jirachi: … Yaaaaawn... I'm so sleepy...

Music: Defy the Legends
(Astute observers may recognize this as the final boss music from PMD1.)
and I immediately accidentally walked into Jirachi's attack, good job

Recovering from that blunder, I throw a Totter Seed at Jirachi to incapacitate it, then take a turn to use Defense Curl (boosted to +2 by Simple).

Oh, that's infuriating. Quick, kill it before it can recover health! (Rest doesn't work immediately in this game.)

Dammit ok and Jirachi isn't even confused anymore. Totter Seed go! Again!

I have another Totter Seed but I'm going to choose not to use it in the hopes of GOING ALL OUT. I have +4 defense boosts and 2 Reviver Seeds, I should be okay.

OR THAT COULD HAPPEN THAT IS FINE TOO. Totter Seed go so I can a turn to use an Oran Berry.

Finally, though, we kill it.

The ground starts to shake frighteningly, though.

Bidoof: Wh-what's... going on?!

Jirachi does some flashy thing and the screen goes white...

And Jirachi awakes!

So, so awake! Ahhh!
My name is Jirachi. Um... Who are you?

rly
rly now

Bidoof: I'm Bidoof. (Golly, how many times do I need to tell him?)
Jirachi: Your name is Bidoof.
So, Bidoof. You better listen well.
I grant wishes for those who manage to wake me up.

I didn't realize the “wake you up” part was a requirement but aight.

Bidoof: Waah! All of a sudden!
I-I'm not ready for this yet...!

… what did you think would happen??

Jirachi: Ahem... All right, I'll listen.
What is your wish, Bidoof?
Bidoof: M-my wish...

THAT is a LOT OF OPTIONS. Well, no matter what you pick, it all loops back around to “being the best explorer” anyway, so let's click that. (Yeah you have 0 autonomy here.)

I mean... yeah?

IT DOESNT MAKE A DIFFERENCE EITHER WAY SO YES

Bidoof: … (That's right.)
(My dream... It was...)
(To become the best explorer ever, yup yup.)
Jirachi: Huh? Something wrong?
What's your wish, Bidoof?
Bidoof: …......
Jirachi: Something wrong? You don't have a wish?

GIVE HIM A SECOND JEEZ

Bidoof: M-my dream...
Is to become the best explorer ever, yup yup.
Jirachi: The best explorer? Got it. That's pretty easy! ♪

I'm disturbed at what a hard wish is like if that one is easy.

Jirachi: OK, here we go! ♪

Wait what
Bidoof
Bidoof what are you doing

Jirachi: Huh? What is it?
Bidoof: Golly, well, my dream is to become the best explorer ever, that's true...
At first I thought I'd come down here and ask you for that, yup yup.

… “at first”?

B-but I'm giving up on that plan.
Jirachi: Truly? Why?

My question too.

Bidoof: Because...
Because I've come to see it's not something you can wish for, by golly.

That's surprisingly deep ngl

You gotta have lots of experiences... lots of feelings and memories...
Those are the ways you learn, grow, and get better, little by little. Yup yup.
Yes sirree, I got a lot clearer on all this stuff during this adventure.
So my wish to be the best explorer ever...
Jirachi... I'm not asking you for that anymore.

You only like half asked for it to begin with.

Jirachi: … I see...
Well spoken. So you don't have any wishes?
What you've just said... It shows something about you. Not everyone can resist being greedy.

tru dat

You're a good Pokémon, Bidoof. I've come to like you.
So, if you don't have a wish right now...

he has realized the mistake

Jirachi: What is it?
Bidoof: You just said a nice thing about me not being greedy, Jirachi... So maybe I shouldn't ask...
Jirachi: It's all right. Go ahead.
Bidoof: If... you'll still grant me a wish...
I... I wish...

Not bad.

Jirachi: A buddy? You're training at the guild, aren't you, Bidoof?
So... you want a buddy, Bidoof? Someone you can show around and give a helping hand to?

Yes. That's what he said.

Bidoof: That's right. During this adventure, I...
Golly, thanks to the Guildmaster and everyone in the guild caring about me... I feel so incredibly happy. Yup!
But... I don't want to get used to it and start acting spoiled or anything.
That's why...
That's the reason I'd like a pal or two.

… “or two”...?

If I had a buddy... A pal I could share what I learned with, I'd...
Get better and better as I push forward, know what I mean?
Jirachi: … Yes. Got it.
Your wish, Bidoof... I will make it come true.
Bidoof: R-really?!

Again. What did you expect Bidoof.

Jirachi: Yep. ♪ Maybe it won't be soon...

Faces, plural. I think Jirachi knew.

You should look forward to it. ♪
Bidoof: Thank you... Jirachi...
Thank you so much... Sniff...

And so my exploration of Star Cave came to an end, yup yup.
And now...

Your eyes look a bit puffy, Alti... What's wrong? Couldn't sleep?
… Huh? My eyes too?
I see. We're pretty busy every day with assignments, aren't we?

When does this take place anyway, we've only been at the guild 2 days

We've just entered the guild, and there's still so much we don't know, but...
Let's keep at it!

There really is a new apprentice!
And not only that... There are two of them! Sniff...

I mean, new ppl was bound to happen sometime.

Jirachi! Thank you so much! Yup yup!
As your older buddy, Alti and Ray, I won't let you down!
I'm going to work hard at my guild training each and every day!

I believe in you Bidoof!!!

Anyway, that's the end of the special episode. For the record, next time I will probably break them up into multiple updates that will come out at different times, because this one was ridiculously long – I just couldn't find a good break point where both halves included gameplay, which I always want to include in my updates, so instead you get... this. Feedback on update lengths/preferences would be appreciated.

Next time: We take on some missions at the Guild (and maybe Waterfall Cave too)!

Soon we will start picking up recruits, and as before you will all have the ability to suggest nicknames.
Upcoming recruit options:
Lileep, Anorith, Shellos-West, Chingling, Machop, Geodude, Doduo, Spinarak, Starly, Nidorina, Nidorino, Psyduck, Poliwag, Grimer, Tangela, Wooper, Lotad, Surskit, Barboach, Whiscash

Comment!

 

[pika pal]

Something about the Bidoof episode that always confused me: What would they have done if Bidoof left his emergency money with the Duskull bank or something? The only reason I assumed he carried it around is because he hadn't gone into a dungeon yet, so no risk of losing it.

Also, I might be confusing it with something else, but I swear the first time I did this episode, I got KO'd without a Reviver Seed because Dugtrio or Diglett used Magnitude. Bidoof actually has unique dialogue if he goes back to the check point after that cutscene.

Also, I like to think that in logical reasoning Bidoof (maybe as a Bibarel) would be the best explorer at his peak. PMD1 confirmed HM moves are a thing for exploration, and Bibarel has the natural ability to use more than any other regular mon, and Mystery Dungeon rules honestly mean the stat line isn't an issue. Hell, he probably eats so often the Gummi stat boosts would pump his stats up to Uber levels.

 

[HotFuzzBall]

Bidoof caused the world paralysis, I mean Bidoof wished for recruits to train -> the human (main character) comes wandering along from the future, coincidence I think not. Though in all seriousness, this theory about Bidoof causing the planet's destruction seem all false since I'm pretty sure Jirachi granted his wish by bringing the partner into the guild for him to train, the main character was probably just a coincidence.

Anyways as for nicknames...

Surskit -> Leggly (Idk why I thought of the yokai when I saw Surskit)
Chingling -> Belle (this should be pretty obvious)

Also since it is possible to recruit every Pokemon in the game, will you be evolving Pokemon or forcing yourself to recruit every Pokemon in the game (for example, recruiting a sentret and a furret separately, as opposed to recruiting 2 sentrets and evolving 1 into a furret)

 

[Hydrachomp]

I finally have the time to post something. Really enjoyed your previous playthrough and really like the way this is going so far. Thank you for all the effort you put into writing everything out and making this a fun experience for us all.
As for the special episodes/update lengths, long updates aren't really a problem for me and the length actually makes me enjoy it more, as it immerses me more I guess.
Really like bBdoof's special episode due to both its great exposition of Bidoof's life in the guild and because it kinda gives a reasoning for why the whole story has happened in the first place.

Now we come to nicknames, as always I'll be suggesting different names for all the evolutions. Hopefully, you like them.
Lileep, Crinoi after the Crinoid, a marine species that forms the basis of its design (plus I really like fossils so this is perfect), Tunica for Cradily after Tunicates (just google 'predatory tunicate', as I really don't know how to explain it, but the just make me think of Cradily)
Anorith, Trilo from the obvious Trilobite (fossils are great!), for Armaldo I go with Nando (a trainer in the anime that uses one for contests).
Shellos-West, ever since first encountering one when I was younger I cannot get the name Sluggy out of my system, excuse me for the worst nicknames ever but Gastrodon would then be Slugger because Sluggy and Slugger sounded great in my mind when I was a kid.
Chingling, as the previously mentioned Belle was great, I'll just choose something for Chimecho and I'll go with just the simple Chime, because I can vividly remember James' Chimecho saying that and the episode where he leaves his chimecho at his grandparents is one of the best episodes of the anime imo.
Doduo, Ialways just call this one and its evolution, Dodrio, after big landbirds: Emu, kiwi, Casso (cassowary), Rhea etc.
Spinarak, Catallia. In the anime there is one episode where officer Jennie has a spinarak instead of the normal growlithe and the city where they live, is called Catallia.
Starly, I called it Merel, as that is the Dutch name for a bird I thought it looked like and that trend kinda continued with Staravia, Spreeuw, and Staraptor, Havik.
For Psyduck and Golduck I just kinda switch their names as I found them to more applicable to the other. So Psyduck just became something like Goldie, Aurum, anything containing gold and Golduck just became Psyche, Magi or anything related to that.
The Poliwag line was always just called after the same thing: Swirls. So Swirly, Twirly and Whirly (I know it is stupid). And Politoed was called Claps because of its tendency to clap in the anime.
Grimer, after learning its Japanese name, I just cannot call it anything other than BetoBeto (not its literal Japanese name but its basis meaning sticky). Muk is always called Hugs for the amount of time it nearly suffocated Ash in the anime.
Tangela, always call my either after Pasta or after Erika (the gym leader). Tangrowth, its Japanese name Mojumbo just stuck and nobody can deny that isn't a great name.
Wooper, Axol after the Axolotl (one of the cutest animals ever) and for Quagsire I now use Shuffle as it is one of the last Pokémon that has yet to be included in Shuffle and I need it in my life.
Surskit, ever since I watched Drawga (a show on the Drawfee youtube channel) I cannot call this anything other than Legzy, as for Masquerian I usually call it after an animal with the same eyespots like Sunbitt (which is a kind of bird.)
Barboach, Dojo after the fish I think it is based on (Idk I just like the name Dojo), Whiscash is always called Nero after the enormous Whiscash in the anime that swallowed a master ball.

Okay that was a whole list of names. Hopefully you like them and look forward to the next update.

 

[Merritt]

It's all Bidoof's fault

Dragging Snover and his hail through Star Cave is the least appealing bit of this special episode to me - if you weren't constantly losing more health than you gain (or at best at the same rate) then it'd be significantly more fun to play. Good job avoiding any KOs on the hopeless boss fight though!

Blue Gummy rescue mission code too, since we talked about that in the discord!

code

M-RNHSCM#351TWFKT
Q7JP#K9J&=XW&4=&W

 

[Ullar]

P-K&T Q-THM4& JK62R
0KCQ% JK47MQK 8F+=-

i am an aberration of my word, this mission takes you through Waterfall Cave and gives you a Blue Gummi as a reward! Do more 'Soldier of Fortune' special mission runs for MORE GOODIES