[15] Eifie vs Mawile (ref: Eta Carinae)

[Eifie]

3 vs 3
Style: Set
DQ: 7 days
Damage Cap: 40%
Banned/Restricted Moves: OHKOs, direct healing, Pain Split, Perish Song, Super Fang, moves that KO the user. Trick Room does not affect command order.
Arena: Tower of Mastery

After a long spiraled climb around a humongous Mega Lucario statue, approved trainers will find the topmost location of the Tower of Mastery to be a large semicircular balcony with a lovely view of distant mountains, the sea, and awe-inspiring clear skies. It has been historically the place where chosen trainers are given Mega Rings, designated with the purpose of reminding those trainers to set their sights ever skyward.

For this round of the tournament, Battle Arena (or, as it were, Battle Korrina) rules will apply. Each pair of Pokémon sent out will only battle for up to three rounds before being recalled, at which point the sums of their remaining Health and Energy percentages will be compared to determine the winner of the bout, and the next two Pokémon are sent out thereafter. The first to win two bouts wins the match as a whole. Furthermore, while sending out Pokémon at the beginning of each bout, the trainers will also PM their assigned referee to pick one of the Masteries listed below, and the Masteries chosen that way will be publically announced in the battle thread before commands are issued (however, in the third and final bout, the masteries from the previous bout are applied, and no new ones are chosen). These two Masteries will be the only ones applicable in the current bout, and by fulfilling the conditions that they outline, players can have a score of 20 added to their final Health and Energy sum (up to a maximum of 40). More details are outlined in the tournament round post. The following are the masteries that can be chosen from:

• Movepool Master: Awarded to the Pokémon that used the highest amount of different moves during the bout.
• Elementalist: Awarded to the Pokémon that used moves of the highest amount of different types.
• Skill Striker: Awarded to the Pokémon that used the most moves with 70 or less Base Power (after accounting for effects that change a move's Base Power).
• Efficiency Expert: Awarded to the Pokémon that spent the least energy during the bout (restored energy, such as that gained by Chills or energy-targeting indirect recovery, does not contribute to this Mastery).
• Set-Up Specialist: Awarded to the Pokémon that had the highest net total of stat changes at the end of the bout (e.g., 6+ Attack and 2- Defense makes for a total of 4+).
• Plague Pawner: Awarded to the Pokémon that inflicted the most status conditions on the opponent.
• Daredevil: Awarded to the Pokémon that had the least Health remaining at the end of the bout.
• Own Worst Enemy: Awarded to the Pokémon that took the most self-inflicted damage during the round (only self-inflicted damage from regular sources like recoil and costs are counted; intentionally attacking oneself does not contribute to this Mastery).
• Obstinate Orders: Awarded to the trainer that used the least conditionals in their commands. Only the trainer who is issuing the first commands in the current bout can choose this Mastery.

Eifie's active squad

Nando the female Combusken <Blaze> @ Eviolite
Angelina C. Wings of Fairykiss the female Espeon <Synchronize> @ Wise Glasses
Mimsy the female Furret <Keen Eye> @ Choice Scarf
Wheelbarrow Dumpling the male Mamoswine <Oblivious> @ Chople Berry
Pepper the female Pelipper <Keen Eye> @ Electirizer
Lang Zi the male Houndoom <Flash Fire> @ Flame Orb
Royal Road Eagle Feathers the male Chatot <Tangled Feet> @ Metronome
Lena the female Meganium <Overgrow> @ Big Root
Cool Beauty Violet Temptation the female Mismagius <Levitate> @ Lagging Tail
Barfie the male Zigzagoon <Gluttony> @ Lansat Berry

Mawile's active squad

Aureus the male Ninetales <Flash Fire>
Leo the male Gallade <Steadfast> @ Muscle Band
Envy the female Mismagius <Levitate> @ Wise Glasses
Windows 99 the genderless Porygon-Z <Download> @ Expert Belt
Vriska the female Zoroark <Illusion>
Koromaru the male Arcanine <Flash Fire> @ Flame Plate
Gelatin™ the male Duosion <Magic Guard> @ Eviolite
Elizabeth the female Froslass <Snow Cloak>
Theo the male Mawile <Hyper Cutter> @ Shell Bell

Up next:
1. Eifie sends out
2. Mawile sends out
3. Eta Carinae announces the chosen Masteries
4. Mawile issues commands
5. Eifie issues commands

(I cannot create this battle in the database... Eta Carinae, could you do the honours?)

 

[Eifie]

Annnd I'm going to lead with Barfie. Go get 'em!

 

[....]

A Zigzagoon? I've been waiting to use you for a while, so let's go, Leo!

 

[Eta Carinae]

First matchup masteries:

Eifie: Daredevil
Mawile: Elementalist

Mawile is now free to command.

 

[....]

Luckily for us, Leo, you're faster than a Zigzagoon! Also luckily for us, you have an insanely large movepool to put to use to try to get the Elementalist mastery.

The one downside is that the other mastery chosen is Daredevil. That should mean that we don't really have to worry about any Protects, though, since that would be incredibly counter-productive, right? Right??

Start off with a Future Sight. We may as well get in some nice damage since we're probably not going to get the Daredevil mastery anyway. Next, we're gonna Knock Off that berry of his. Try to get it as far away as possible, it can't possibly be that hard. He's a Zigzagoon. Lastly, let's go with a Dazzling Gleam because why not. It'll look nice.

If he tries to Protect against any moves, use Feint instead. If he tries to use Belly Drum to get some damage on himself, Snatch that attack boost away from him. It'll help us later.

Future Sight/Feint/Snatch ~ Knock Off/Feint/Snatch ~ Dazzling Gleam/Feint/Snatch

 

[Eifie]

Haha! We'll show him what he gets for underestimating the cutest Zigzagoon! ... Or maybe not, but you've already served your purpose well, my brave, brave Barfie. I'll try not to let you get beaten up too badly, okay?

That said, this round is going to hurt a lot. Just try your best, okay? Start by Tricking away his Muscle Band. Don't worry, your berry will be safe! He'll be waiting to see if you use Belly Drum, but you're slower, so just sit there like your adorable unmusical self and let him knock that Muscle Band far, far away. It can't possibly be that hard. After all, you're a Zigzagoon, right? Then steal your berry right back with Thief. Finally, if Future Sight has already hit, make me a small Substitute to tank that Dazzling Gleam, since he'll be kindly letting you go first to see if you're using Belly Drum. If it hasn't hit yet, wait for him to attack you and then use Thunder Wave. Enjoy your berry!

If you reeeeeally can't wait him out on the third action, don't bother wasting an action and just paralyze him before he moves. On the second action if you can't outwait him, when you steal the berry back try to just place it on the ground behind you. I mean, you're able to discard it, so you should totally be able to just do that. He'll be focused on trying to knock off the Muscle Band, so hopefully he won't touch it. Then pick it up again as soon as you possibly can: this should be easy especially if you're making a Substitute, since you'll be rooting around on the ground anyway and it'll be right there. And if you're meant to be using Substitute, but picking up your berry would slow you down too much to make your doll before he attacks, go with Thunder Wave instead.

Have fun, Barfie!

Trick ~ Thief (wait) ~ Substitute (10%) / Thunder Wave (wait)

 

[Eta Carinae]

3 vs 3
Style: Set
DQ: 7 days
Damage Cap: 40%
Banned/Restricted Moves: OHKOs, direct healing, Pain Split, Perish Song, Super Fang, moves that KO the user
Arena: Tower of Mastery

After a long spiraled climb around a humongous Mega Lucario statue, approved trainers will find the topmost location of the Tower of Mastery to be a large semicircular balcony with a lovely view of distant mountains, the sea, and awe-inspiring clear skies. It has been historically the place where chosen trainers are given Mega Rings, designated with the purpose of reminding those trainers to set their sights ever skyward.

For this round of the tournament, Battle Arena (or, as it were, Battle Korrina) rules will apply. Each pair of Pokémon sent out will only battle for up to three rounds before being recalled, at which point the sums of their remaining Health and Energy percentages will be compared to determine the winner of the bout, and the next two Pokémon are sent out thereafter. The first to win two bouts wins the match as a whole. Furthermore, while sending out Pokémon at the beginning of each bout, the trainers will also PM their assigned referee to pick one of the Masteries listed below, and the Masteries chosen that way will be publically announced in the battle thread before commands are issued (however, in the third and final bout, the masteries from the previous bout are applied, and no new ones are chosen). These two Masteries will be the only ones applicable in the current bout, and by fulfilling the conditions that they outline, players can have a score of 20 added to their final Health and Energy sum (up to a maximum of 40). More details are outlined in the tournament round post. The following are the masteries that can be chosen from:

• Movepool Master: Awarded to the Pokémon that used the highest amount of different moves during the bout.
• Elementalist: Awarded to the Pokémon that used moves of the highest amount of different types.
• Skill Striker: Awarded to the Pokémon that used the most moves with 70 or less Base Power (after accounting for effects that change a move's Base Power).
• Efficiency Expert: Awarded to the Pokémon that spent the least energy during the bout (restored energy, such as that gained by Chills or energy-targeting indirect recovery, does not contribute to this Mastery).
• Set-Up Specialist: Awarded to the Pokémon that had the highest net total of stat changes at the end of the bout (e.g., 6+ Attack and 2- Defense makes for a total of 4+).
• Plague Pawner: Awarded to the Pokémon that inflicted the most status conditions on the opponent.
• Daredevil: Awarded to the Pokémon that had the least Health remaining at the end of the bout.
• Own Worst Enemy: Awarded to the Pokémon that took the most self-inflicted damage during the round (only self-inflicted damage from regular sources like recoil and costs are counted; intentionally attacking oneself does not contribute to this Mastery).
• Obstinate Orders: Awarded to the trainer that used the least conditionals in their commands. Only the trainer who is issuing the first commands in the current bout can choose this Mastery.

Round 1

Eifie OOO

Health: 100%
Energy: 100%
(Barfie) Zigzagoon [M] <Gluttony> @Lansat Berry
Commands: Trick ~ Thief ~ Substitute (10%)/Thunder Wave
Status: Quivering under Leo’s intense stare.
Total: 200

Mawile OOO

Health: 100%
Energy: 100%
(Leo) Gallade [M] <Steadfast> @Muscle Band
Commands: Future Sight/Feint/Snatch ~ Knock Off/Feint/Snatch ~ Dazzling Gleam/Feint/Snatch
Status: Assuming an intimidating warrior’s pose.
Total: 200

An endless buzz of excited chatter hung over Shalour City. Unaware of the police chase haunting the tournament, citizens of the city were in a constant state of jubilance. Markets were opened, merchandise flew off of shelves, and with the onset of summer the true beauty of the seaside town stuck out. Tourists now roamed the streets, most there to cheer on their favourite battlers or simply bask in the celebrations. Rather than bother the locals, the two groups intermingled and generated a frenzy.

There were a fair few disappointed fans, however. Most of this negative emotion stemmed from the location of the third round matches. Each of the fans who had hoped to stand just outside the ropes and take in the battles from only a few metres away had been politely denied entry to the tower by ASB officials, who were quickly finding their jobs to be tests of their politeness. As it stood, only cameramen for the various television networks covering the event were allowed up on the balcony, as well as very distinguished guests. The leader Korrina held one of these seats, while various members of regional Gym Circuits, Elite Fours, and Battle Frontiers held the others. Rumor had it that one seat was being reserved for the President of the Sylph Company, but this was yet to be confirmed.

As a result of the sparsity of onlookers, the atmosphere on the balcony was oddly calm and casual. The two trainers hardly felt as if the battle they were about to partake in was especially important, with various television techs smiling and laughing at each other with no sense of ceremony. Ignoring the general oddity, the referee gestured to each trainer to release their chosen Pokemon. From one side of the balcony came a small brown creature, mammalian, with a trademark mask-shaped spot around his eyes. The onlookers tried not to appear too unimpressed with the small furball, seemingly unfit for such a grand stage. From the other side appeared a lithe and fit looking humanoid. Leo the Gallade towered over Barfie the Zigzagoon, his armblades shimmering in the sweltering sun. The crowd seemed much more pleased to see the Gallade than the Zigzagoon, but each sendout received a polite amount of applause. As the Pokemon readied themselves, each trainer popped over in turn to whisper in Korrina’s ear. After this, the gym leader stood and announced the Masteries chosen by each trainer. With this last piece of routine the referee blew his whistle, the cameras swung around from Korrina to the Pokemon, and the battle began.

Leo, keeping a close eye on Barfie, chose not to move, though he could have easily sped ahead of the Zigzagoon. Barfie showed no such hesitation. He waltzed straight up to Leo, pushing his fears to the back of his mind, and reached behind his ear to grab a berry. Barfie held out the pink and green fruit as an offering to Leo, who had a puzzled look on his face. As he tried to figure out what the Zigzagoon was playing at, he felt a soothing sensation descend upon his mind. Like molasses, thoughts floated in. He didn’t want his band, he wanted the berry, he didn’t need his band, he needed the berry. As if in a trance, he slowly untied the belt around his waist and held it out to Barfie, who barked and snatched it in his mouth. Not backing out of his end of the deal, the Zigzagoon plopped his berry in Leo’s outstretched hand, leaving the Gallade to gaze at it quizzically. After looking for a few seconds, Leo snapped out of the trance and turned the berry over in his hand a couple of times, visibly confused. Meanwhile, Barfie had already tied the Muscle Band around his neck.

Leo composed himself, not letting a fib like that throw him off his game. He quickly utilized his temporal powers and looked forward in time, bending physics as he gazed into the future. Seeing Barfie on the balcony they were both currently standing on, Leo flung a gigantic ball of pure, psychic energy towards the sitting duck. Unfortunately, his window into the future closed before he could see the result of the attack, but based on its trajectory he was fairly confident. Snapping back to the present, he again assumed a patient position. There he waited. And waited. And waited a little bit longer. A single bead of sweat trickled down his forehead as he tried to gage Barfie’s intentions. Not giving away anything, the Zigzagoon was content to rest on his haunches and paw at the knot-end of Leo’s Muscle Band.

Finally, Leo gave in. He was going to start moving, and if Barfie decided to start pounding his belly, then he would probably have enough time to snatch it away. If Barfie waited any longer there was a good chance he’d lose his turn. Hustling forward, Leo grabbed Barfie by the stomach and brought him up to his head height, causing the Zigzagoon to squeal. Not wasting any time, he undid the knot Barfie had tied in his band and wrestled it off of his neck. With a small speck of regret, Leo balled up the belt and chucked it over the side of the balcony. It could not belong to anyone. In a flash, Barfie dropped the petrified façade and extended out a paw to the hand that was gripping him. He slammed it down on Leo’s fingers, causing him to instinctively drop Barfie, as well as the berry he was still clenching. The Zigzagoon hit the ground hard, but was quick to ignore the pain and scamper over to grab his treat. Leo grumbled. Somehow, this hadn’t quite worked in his favour.

The waiting game resumed, each Pokemon eyeing the other unblinkingly. Being more stressed and generally a faster specimen, Leo gambled and just got his attack over with. With no warning, he exuded a massive wave of sickly-pink light. Barfie, obviously unprepared, felt his retinas burn as the brightness hit them. The few spectators and crewmembers on the balcony tried to shield their eyes in time as well, but they were all also given slight headaches from the flash. Barfie tried to see clearly as he took aim for his next attack. Fighting through the imprints in his vision, he fired off a small blast of electricity. The shock hit Leo right in the chest protrusion, and from there small sparks travelled throughout his body, locking his limbs into place. Leo grumbled again, cursing his opponent’s ingenuity, while the audience quietly murmured to each other. Clearly, they had underestimated the feisty Zigzagoon.

End of Round 1

Eifie OOO

Health: 77%
Energy: 90%
(Barfie) Zigzagoon [M] <Gluttony> @Lansat Berry
Status: Snickering.
Total: 167

Mawile OOO

Health: 94%
Energy: 85%
(Leo) Gallade [M] <Steadfast> @Muscle Band
Status: Grumbling about raccoons in his garbage. Paralyzed (severe)
Total: 179

Arena Notes:
-N/A

Ref Notes:
-The Masteries are Elementalist and Daredevil
-Whose idea was it to stage an event drawing huge crowds on a tiny balcony anyway?
-Generally if both Pokemon are asked to wait for their opponent, I have the faster one move first
-Knock Off was a Critical Hit
-On such a small battling area, there weren’t many places for the Muscle Band to go but down. It is very much irretrievable
-With regards to the Experience Modifier in damage calculations, Leo will get a 1.25% boost rather than a 1% boost, as I don’t round during that step. It shouldn’t have too much of an effect on the battle, but if something in my calculations doesn’t seem to add up, that is probably why
-Eifie commands next

Damage Calculations:
Barfie’s Health: 100% - 14% (Knock Off) - 9% (Dazzling Gleam) = 77%
Barfie’s Energy: 100% - 3% (Trick) - 3% (Thief) - 4% (Thunder Wave) = 90%
Leo’s Health: 100% - 6% (Thief) = 94%
Leo’s Energy: 100% - 6% (Future Sight) - 5% (Knock Off) - 4% (Dazzling Gleam) = 85%

 

[Eifie]

Oh nooo, is Future Sight going to hit at the end of the first action then? Sorry Barfie, I should have paid more attention to the count :C

 

[Eta Carinae]

Oh nooo, is Future Sight going to hit at the end of the first action then?

Yes

 

[Eifie]

Okay, Barfie, we're going to have to take our chances here. Start off with Swagger. Tell him all about how you are so much cuter than him, man. If he's Protecting or has a Magic Coat up, go with Shadow Ball for Magic Coat, and just Rain Dance for Protect. Also do so if for some other reason he wouldn't hear your Swagger or be affected by it (Shadow Ball if you can damage him with it, Rain Dance otherwise), but you're faster so there shouldn't be a problem there.

Next, if you didn't use Swagger before but it wouldn't work now for whatever reason, or if he has a Substitute, go with Shadow Ball unless you used it last action. If you didn't use Swagger before and you would be able to use it successfully now, Swagger away. Otherwise, just Baby-Doll eyes at him (considering the content of your Swagger, that's bound to make him more angry, right?!) or if he's inaccessible, the camera. Who's the cutest little puppy?!

Finally, Shadow Ball if you haven't yet and you could hit him now. If he has clones or is unhittable besides Substitute, use Rain Dance. And idk man if you don't know what to do just Toxic at whatever's hittable. Maybe him, maybe the cameraman? Maybe Korrina? Avoid our kind ref, though.

I totally don't care if you win or lose, Barfie, so have lots of fun and show off for the camera! Lots of snuggles await you at the end of the bout. :3

Swagger / Shadow Ball / Rain Dance ~ Shadow Ball / Swagger / Baby-Doll Eyes ~ Shadow Ball / Rain Dance / Toxic

 

[....]

Well, since little Barfie over there's just going to brag about just how oh so cute he is, then we're going to wait for him to finish his little speech. And then we're going to take out our Frustration on him, because Gallades can be cute too, you know!! (maybe not as easy to snuggle, but you get the point, right?)

Then let's just, uhh, Close Combat, I guess? We're going for damage here, so that should do. We don't really have much to do in the first place besides dealing a bunch of damage.

Finally, just do an Earthquake. Hopefully we don't cause the tower to come crashing down or anything like that, because that would suck.

Frustration ~ Close Combat ~ Earthquake

 

[Eta Carinae]

3 vs 3
Style: Set
DQ: 7 days
Damage Cap: 40%
Banned/Restricted Moves: OHKOs, direct healing, Pain Split, Perish Song, Super Fang, moves that KO the user
Arena: Tower of Mastery

After a long spiraled climb around a humongous Mega Lucario statue, approved trainers will find the topmost location of the Tower of Mastery to be a large semicircular balcony with a lovely view of distant mountains, the sea, and awe-inspiring clear skies. It has been historically the place where chosen trainers are given Mega Rings, designated with the purpose of reminding those trainers to set their sights ever skyward.

For this round of the tournament, Battle Arena (or, as it were, Battle Korrina) rules will apply. Each pair of Pokémon sent out will only battle for up to three rounds before being recalled, at which point the sums of their remaining Health and Energy percentages will be compared to determine the winner of the bout, and the next two Pokémon are sent out thereafter. The first to win two bouts wins the match as a whole. Furthermore, while sending out Pokémon at the beginning of each bout, the trainers will also PM their assigned referee to pick one of the Masteries listed below, and the Masteries chosen that way will be publically announced in the battle thread before commands are issued (however, in the third and final bout, the masteries from the previous bout are applied, and no new ones are chosen). These two Masteries will be the only ones applicable in the current bout, and by fulfilling the conditions that they outline, players can have a score of 20 added to their final Health and Energy sum (up to a maximum of 40). More details are outlined in the tournament round post. The following are the masteries that can be chosen from:

• Movepool Master: Awarded to the Pokémon that used the highest amount of different moves during the bout.
• Elementalist: Awarded to the Pokémon that used moves of the highest amount of different types.
• Skill Striker: Awarded to the Pokémon that used the most moves with 70 or less Base Power (after accounting for effects that change a move's Base Power).
• Efficiency Expert: Awarded to the Pokémon that spent the least energy during the bout (restored energy, such as that gained by Chills or energy-targeting indirect recovery, does not contribute to this Mastery).
• Set-Up Specialist: Awarded to the Pokémon that had the highest net total of stat changes at the end of the bout (e.g., 6+ Attack and 2- Defense makes for a total of 4+).
• Plague Pawner: Awarded to the Pokémon that inflicted the most status conditions on the opponent.
• Daredevil: Awarded to the Pokémon that had the least Health remaining at the end of the bout.
• Own Worst Enemy: Awarded to the Pokémon that took the most self-inflicted damage during the round (only self-inflicted damage from regular sources like recoil and costs are counted; intentionally attacking oneself does not contribute to this Mastery).
• Obstinate Orders: Awarded to the trainer that used the least conditionals in their commands. Only the trainer who is issuing the first commands in the current bout can choose this Mastery.

Round 2

Eifie OOO

Health: 77%
Energy: 90%
(Barfie) Zigzagoon [M] <Gluttony> @Lansat Berry
Commands: Swagger/Shadow Ball/Rain Dance ~ Shadow Ball/Swagger/Baby-Doll Eyes ~ Shadow Ball/Rain Dance/Toxic
Status: Snickering.
Total: 167

Mawile OOO

Health: 94%
Energy: 85%
(Leo) Gallade [M] <Steadfast> @Muscle Band
Commands: Frustration ~ Close Combat ~ Earthquake
Status: Grumbling about raccoons in his garbage. Paralyzed (severe)
Total: 179

Barfie scampered towards Leo and gave him a big, goofy grin. Leo was bemused, but kept watching. The Zigzagoon looked as if he was about to open his mouth and say something, but at the last second he decided against it and kept that infuriating look on his face. Instead, he began to roll back and forth on the stone of the balcony, keeping his eyes on Leo. The Gallade was completely lost for words. He had gone through a lot of preparation for the bout, but he had nothing to combat… frivolity! Leo turned towards the audience, and was shocked to see nearly all eyes, camera lenses included, facing the Zigzagoon. Everyone was smiling and laughing at Barfie’s antics. Now he had risen to his legs, but as he hopped away he tripped comically and began to slide on his belly. A few Aww’s could be heard from the crowd, the men behind the cameras not able to hold straight faces as they watched the adorable fluff-ball. Still, he chose not to engage the audience. His eyes were forever trained on Leo, the smirk eternal. Leo was furious. Why was everyone paying attention to this pathetic mutt? They came to watch a battle, not a dog show! He was winning the battle for crying out loud! And yet, he could do nothing to reclaim their attention. The crowd had a new favourite.

Leo may have been smarter to lay back and try to recapture his stoicism, but in the heat of the moment he was committed to inflicting as much pain as possible on that snivelling wretch. Letting his rage fuel him, he galloped forward and violently kicked at Barfie, who was still appealing to the crowd. The audience gasped as the Zigzagoon was thrown backwards, Leo still intent on punishment. He pummelled Barfie with a flurry of punches and jabs, finding some shred of kindness in the bottom of his heart that prevented him from utilizing his blades. The cloud of fury started to dissipate slightly, but Leo would not let up. Finally, Barfie ceased his struggling panic and merely consented to rolling up in a ball, trying to deflect the attacks. Seeing his opponent so weak, Leo finally slowed the onslaught, delivering one last kick to the ribs that made Barfie flinch. Some in the crowd felt sick, but many others had reverted back to their original mindset. This was a battle after all. Leo was just doing his job.

Barfie, not wishing to move, nonetheless had become a bit peckish. Trying to ignore the endless scrapes and cuts, he pulled out his berry and devoured it in a couple of quick bites. The juicy fruit was sweet and delicious, but the agony was not over. As Barfie lounged on the ground, the sky seemed to be ripped open, a tear in space-time appearing for a brief instant. None could look inside as out of it came a magnificent ball of purple energy. The sphere hurtled towards Barfie and impacted within seconds, causing the poor Zigzagoon to moan horrendously. The hearts of many ached, the Zigzagoon previously so sly and adorable now looking quite beat. Still, Barfie got back on his paws and faced Leo. He did not move and he did not speak. He just stared at him. His look was no longer one of instigation, merely one of forgiveness. Leo, trying to calm himself down, felt slight regret as he looked at the battered and bruised Barfie. Perhaps he had gone too far…

But it was nonsense! This was war, and that was definitely a tactic intended to lure Leo into a false sense of security. The Gallade would have none of it. Not letting himself be tricked, he conquered his reluctant muscles once more and hurtled forward, intent on beating Barfie to a pulp for the second time in quick succession. However, perhaps due to the eyes of the crowd, or a last resistance from his muscles, or merely a lack of concentration brought upon by his unrelenting anger, Leo did not make it to Barfie. Halfway across the balcony he tripped himself up and face planted against the stone, his momentum causing him to slide forward painfully across the veranda. Nearly shuddering from emotion, Leo heaved himself back up. Barfie, still aching considerably, nevertheless had to withhold a small smile.

Barfie began forming a ball of violet energy, gaseous and rank. He was tired of playing around with his facial expressions, he was anxious to get back at Leo. The Gallade, watching his opponent closely as he took heavy gasps of air, was still surprised when the spinning orb was launched at him. His stiff limbs would have already made it difficult to avoid the attack, but being caught off guard like that made it impossible. The ball slammed against his head, pushing him against the railing overlooking the city below. He again felt his temper flare, but was able to cool it in time to plan his next attack.

At this point, the referee, having been privy to the orders given to both Pokemon, looked worriedly over at Leo’s trainer, who was intensely focused on the action. The referee debated over blowing his whistle early, but in the end decided against it. The move commanded hadn’t been banned, and he was getting paid either way. As the referee glanced back at some of the frailer members of the audience, Leo lifted his leg high, testing his flexibility. Turning the tables and letting his stare burn into Barfie, he brought his leg down as hard as he possibly could. As he did this, shock waves tore through the balcony, knocking nearly everybody off of their feet. The referee tumbled, cameras went flying, and spectators ended up in a massive heap as the quake tore through the patio. Barfie was no luckier, being tossed around as the stone beneath him undulated unnaturally. The balcony had fragmented in many places, with giant chunks of rock now bouncing around, one even clattering to the earth below. The energy of the stomp reached above the balcony, causing debris to dislodge from the wall above and fall perilously close to a Unovan gym leader. And as quickly as it happened, it stopped. Barfie, trying to find his bearing, lethargically rolled onto his stomach so he could face Leo. The Gallade, standing on the one piece of stone left untouched, had adopted that familiar teasing smirk.

End of Round 2

Eifie OOO

Health: 37%
Energy: 81%
(Barfie) Zigzagoon [M] <Gluttony> @Lansat Berry
Status: Stressed and exasperated. Pumped up
Total: 118

Mawile OOO

Health: 76%
Energy: 74%
(Leo) Gallade [M] <Steadfast> @Muscle Band
Status: Showing no mercy. Paralyzed (severe), Confused (3 more actions), Attack +1
Total: 150

Arena Notes:
-The balcony is in shambles. A majority of the stonework has been compromised, leaving uneven terrain that can still support the battlers and let them move around, just with more difficulty

Ref Notes:
-The Masteries are Elementalist and Daredevil
-Swagger and paralysis worked out to an 80 base power Frustration
-Frustration (and Gluttony) meant Barfie ate his berry on the first action
-Leo confusionfail’d on the second action
-I watched a walkthrough video of X to remind myself of what the balcony actually looked like, and it is indeed supported by the building beneath it. Therefore, Earthquake did not destroy the balcony and instantly KO both battlers, it just tore the arena to shreds
-I tacked on an extra point of damage to the Earthquake for being used on such a painful arena
-Barfie took exactly 40% damage this round, so he did not surpass the Damage Cap
-Mawile commands next

Damage Calculations:
Barfie’s Health: 77% - 11% (Frustration) - 16% (Future Sight) - 13% (Earthquake) = 37%
Barfie’s Energy: 90% - 4% (Swagger) - 1% (Baby-Doll Eyes) - 4% (Shadow Ball) = 81%
Leo’s Health: 94% - 6% (confusionfail) - 12% (Shadow Ball) = 76%
Leo’s Energy: 85% - 4% (Frustration) - 2% (confusionfail) - 5% (Earthquake) = 74%

 

[....]

We're gonna keep this short and sweet and just deal as much damage as we can, I guess.

Close Combat ~ Aerial Ace ~ Leaf Blade

(there's probably some kind of flaw in this somewhere)

 

[Eifie]

Hold!

Barfie, come here for snuggles.

<3 Toooo cute. You've done so, so well, Barfie. Did you know you are actually in the lead right now, since you're holding both masteries? If luck is on our side, we may have a chance! And if not, that's okay. I never meant you to actually win this one.

I asked Eta Carinae a question, but I don't feel like waiting for his answer, so I'm just going to post two different scenarios here depending on how he answers.

If he says there are weeds growing beneath the stones or there is enough greenery present in whatever form for a regular Grass Knot:

Spoiler: scenario 1

Okay, Barfie, your utmost priority is not to get hit by that Close Combat. If you can do that, we're pretty much set! Leo is confused and paralyzed, so he should be even further impeded by the broken, uneven ground, while you are your adorable speedy self! Barfie be nimble, Barfie be quick, Barfie trip him up when he attempts to use Close Combat with a Grass Knot! If you can wait to see if he's too confused or paralyzed to move, and then he doesn't end up being able to use Close Combat, try to get a bit of damage in with Pin Missile. And if you don't think you'll be able to effectively mess him up with a Grass Knot, well, just use Headbutt and hope for the best.

Next, if you managed to avoid or stop him from using Close Combat, congrats! We've just got to get close to matching him for damage and the bout is ours! Go with a Water Pulse next, then an Ice Beam. And if you did get hit by Close Combat, well... just Flail about and hope for the best. On the second action, wait for him to move first before attacking. On the third action, who cares. Go first.

One other thing: if you used Grass Knot and he just plain didn't use Close Combat the first action, swap out Ice Beam for Last Resort on the third action instead.

Grass Knot (trip) / Pin Missile / Headbutt ~ Water Pulse / Flail (wait) ~ Ice Beam / Flail / Last Resort

Otherwise:

Spoiler: scenario 2

Well, your priority is still avoiding that Close Combat, and he's still confused and paralyzed and you're still adorable and cute and fast. Umm... your commands are actually exactly the same as above, except instead of trying Grass Knot, since you can't, I want you to do your best to avoid him with a one-action Rollout. The ground is much more of a problem for him than for you, and you're a small target! You can do it! Hit him if you want, but if it's too much effort, don't bother. Focus on dodging. And as before, if you don't think you can, Headbutt. All other orders are the same, just replace all instances of Grass Knot with Rollout.

Rollout (dodge) / Pin Missile / Headbutt ~ Water Pulse / Flail (wait) ~ Ice Beam / Flail / Last Resort

You can do it, Barfie!

 

[Eta Carinae]

3 vs 3
Style: Set
DQ: 7 days
Damage Cap: 40%
Banned/Restricted Moves: OHKOs, direct healing, Pain Split, Perish Song, Super Fang, moves that KO the user
Arena: Tower of Mastery

After a long spiraled climb around a humongous Mega Lucario statue, approved trainers will find the topmost location of the Tower of Mastery to be a large semicircular balcony with a lovely view of distant mountains, the sea, and awe-inspiring clear skies. It has been historically the place where chosen trainers are given Mega Rings, designated with the purpose of reminding those trainers to set their sights ever skyward.

For this round of the tournament, Battle Arena (or, as it were, Battle Korrina) rules will apply. Each pair of Pokémon sent out will only battle for up to three rounds before being recalled, at which point the sums of their remaining Health and Energy percentages will be compared to determine the winner of the bout, and the next two Pokémon are sent out thereafter. The first to win two bouts wins the match as a whole. Furthermore, while sending out Pokémon at the beginning of each bout, the trainers will also PM their assigned referee to pick one of the Masteries listed below, and the Masteries chosen that way will be publically announced in the battle thread before commands are issued (however, in the third and final bout, the masteries from the previous bout are applied, and no new ones are chosen). These two Masteries will be the only ones applicable in the current bout, and by fulfilling the conditions that they outline, players can have a score of 20 added to their final Health and Energy sum (up to a maximum of 40). More details are outlined in the tournament round post. The following are the masteries that can be chosen from:

• Movepool Master: Awarded to the Pokémon that used the highest amount of different moves during the bout.
• Elementalist: Awarded to the Pokémon that used moves of the highest amount of different types.
• Skill Striker: Awarded to the Pokémon that used the most moves with 70 or less Base Power (after accounting for effects that change a move's Base Power).
• Efficiency Expert: Awarded to the Pokémon that spent the least energy during the bout (restored energy, such as that gained by Chills or energy-targeting indirect recovery, does not contribute to this Mastery).
• Set-Up Specialist: Awarded to the Pokémon that had the highest net total of stat changes at the end of the bout (e.g., 6+ Attack and 2- Defense makes for a total of 4+).
• Plague Pawner: Awarded to the Pokémon that inflicted the most status conditions on the opponent.
• Daredevil: Awarded to the Pokémon that had the least Health remaining at the end of the bout.
• Own Worst Enemy: Awarded to the Pokémon that took the most self-inflicted damage during the round (only self-inflicted damage from regular sources like recoil and costs are counted; intentionally attacking oneself does not contribute to this Mastery).
• Obstinate Orders: Awarded to the trainer that used the least conditionals in their commands. Only the trainer who is issuing the first commands in the current bout can choose this Mastery.

Round 3

Eifie OOO

Health: 37%
Energy: 81%
(Barfie) Zigzagoon [M] <Gluttony> @Lansat Berry
Commands: Rollout/Pin Missile/Headbutt ~ Water Pulse/Flail ~ Ice Beam/Flail/Last Resort
Status: Stressed and exasperated. Pumped up
Total: 118

Mawile OOO

Health: 76%
Energy: 74%
(Leo) Gallade [M] <Steadfast> @Muscle Band
Commands: Close Combat ~ Aerial Ace ~ Leaf Blade
Status: Showing no mercy. Paralyzed (severe), Confused (3 more actions), Attack +1
Total: 150

Leo tested his footing on the uneven ground before him. The rubber had become a bit more interesting. Barfie was resting in a hollow created by a few larger fragments, though he was clearly visible, staring intently at Leo, analyzing. Leo tried to lunge forward and vault towards the Zigzagoon, but as he took a step off of the intact platform his leg muscles convulsed violently. He fought to regain control, but they were indignant. Furious at the traitor of his physique, Leo could do nothing but stand and wait while Barfie took aim. The Zigzagoon, recognizing the frustration in Leo’s eyes and not seeing much in the way of movement, shook his fur vigorously. As he jiggled, tiny pricks, glorified strands of coarse hair, went in every direction. Many pierced Leo’s skin, adding to the Gallade’s rage, but a few ended up heading towards the audience. Again, ducking was in order.

Barfie no longer had to wait for instruction. Hustling to the top of an outcropping he established a vantage point. From there he could fire off his more direct attacks. Gathering uncomfortable amounts of water in his mouth, he released the liquid in concentrated bursts, each of which in tandem with a resonating sound wave. These rings of water and dissonance all crashed into Leo, who was just starting to regain control of his limbs. As each wave struck he felt a dull thud echo throughout his skull, adding to his general vexation. Giving Barfie a murderous glare, he shook himself off and assumed a fighting stance, bouncing on his toes to test the temporary flexibility of his legs.

Leo, content, was gone in a flash. Hurtling forward at extreme speeds, the physical impediments hardly seemed to faze him. He shot off of each stone unturned as if unconsciously. Reaching Barfie, there was no hesitation. The blade on his right arm, hitherto unused, was finally unsheathed, and it delivered a nasty slice right across Barfie’s back. The Zigzagoon, having fallen back to a sense of confidence, was again reminded of the pain he had gone through. He was certainly not in the clear. Before Leo could retreat completely, Barfie had already formed a small orb of ice-blue energy before his face, one crackling with energy. As Leo took a second to hop over a particular crevasse, Barfie took advantage and launched a beam of energy towards him. The burst struck Leo on the left shoulder and was absolutely frigid. Leo, staying self-aware in the pressure situation, managed to brush off the ice crystals that seemed determined to cling to his primary weapon. Still, he was becoming more and more concerned.

At the very least he didn’t have to ponder his trainer’s commands for too long. Whipping around, his right blade was again raised. As he charged forward for the final blow, the sword began to emit a soft green aura. Glad to finally be rid of his devilish opponent, he delivered this final strike with some relish, allowing his edge to cut right across Barfie’s face. He drew blood as Barfie again reeled. Panting and coughing as if gripped by consumption, Barfie looked up at Leo, his façade of cuteness having been entirely abandoned. The two Pokemon looked at each other with true hatred in their eyes. Besides their staring contest, every other pair of eyes was now trained on the referee. Having blown his whistle to signal the end of the round, he turned to his notepad before announcing the highly anticipated final decision.

End of Round 3

Eifie OOO

Health: 18%
Energy: 71%
(Barfie) Zigzagoon [M] <Gluttony> @Lansat Berry
Status: Sore all over, but feeling empowered. Pumped up
Total: 89

Mawile OOO

Health: 52%
Energy: 65%
(Leo) Gallade [M] <Steadfast> @Muscle Band
Status: Shocked, but fairly positive. Paralyzed (severe), Attack +1
Total: 117

Arena Notes:
-The balcony is in shambles. A majority of the stonework has been compromised, leaving uneven terrain that can still support the battlers and let them move around, just with more difficulty

Ref Notes:
-The Masteries are Elementalist and Daredevil
-Sorry Eifie, no Grass Knot up here
-The uneven terrain means a flat 10% accuracy drop to all contact moves. It did not come into play this round
-Leo parafail’d on the first action (and would have confusionfail’d as well if he had not been frozen)
-Pin Missile hit twice
-Water Pulse was a critical hit
-With regards to health and energy totals, Leo finished at 117 and Barfie finished at 89. Finishing with 18% health to Leo’s 44%, Barfie claimed the Daredevil mastery to bring his total up to 109, and using moves of 8 different types compared to the 7 used by Leo, Barfie claims the Elementalist mastery as well, bringing his total to 129. Therefore, Eifie wins the first bout by a final score of 129-117.
-Next, Mawile sends out, Eifie sends out, you both send me your masteries, Eifie commands, and finally Mawile commands. Good luck!

Damage Calculations:
Barfie’s Health: 37% - 8% (Aerial Ace) - 11% (Leaf Blade) = 18%
Barfie’s Energy: 81% - 2% (Pin Missile) - 3% (Water Pulse) - 5% (Ice Beam) = 71%
Leo’s Health: 76% - 6% (Pin Missile) - 9% (Water Pulse) - 9% (Ice Beam) = 52%
Leo’s Energy: 74% -1% (parafail) -3% (Aerial Ace) -5% (Leaf Blade) = 65%

 

[Eifie]

<33333 BARFIE MY LOVE, YOU BEAT THE CRAP OUT OF A GALLADE, I'M SQUEEZING YOU SO HARD RIGHT NOW

 

[....]

I'd like to send out Windows 99!

 

[Eifie]

This is such a tempting chance to use Adelle, but...

Screw it. Let's make the most of Barfie's brave sacrifice! Come on out, Adelle, my pride and joy!



if this is your Zoroark Mawile I swear

 

[Eta Carinae]

Second and Third matchup masteries:

Eifie: Skill Striker
Mawile: Set-Up Specialist

Eifie, feel free to command.

 

[Eifie]

Okay, Adelle, let's try to put 'em on the defensive right away. Start off with Swagger, but if your opponent has a Magic Coat or a Protect up, set up a Reflect instead. The speed difference is large enough that it shouldn't be able pull off any shenanigans, I think. Then if you successfully Swaggered them, take that and its Download boost for yourself with Power Swap. If it's Protecting or otherwise untargetable with your move, use Focus Energy, and otherwise go with Headbutt and hope for a flinch, I guess.

Finally, uh, just use Thief and throw its item away. If you're not holding an item when you use Thief, though, keep whatever you steal. If you can't hit it, use Calm Mind. If it ever used Conversion or Conversion 2, though, forget your other orders and Mimic it if you can.

Also, don't use Reflect, Focus Energy, or Calm Mind if your opponent's preparing to Snatch. Just use your offensive move instead (or Swagger, on the first action).

what is strategy, I'm going back to sleep

Swagger / Reflect ~ Power Trick / Focus Energy / Headbutt ~ Thief / Calm Mind / Mimic