Novelux Sparkwright Polytechnic

[Magyk]

The people! The fog!

Her mind flew into a panic as she tried to look for the right Greninja. There were a lot of people, machines and other things to ensure the safety of, along with making sure that Mr. Sparkwright's invention didn't get stolen.

The Togetic scrambled for the stage, wings flapping hard as she navigated through the fog. Once she floated above the elevated ground, she scanned for her teammates. "Ah, quick! Over here!" she called, waving at Astrid and Dave. Her chest glowed a soft pink, and a smote of light branched out to Dave and Astrid as well. They felt her alertness and eagerness to catch this thieving frog.

Spoiler: Grace Turn One

Grace (150 STM, 5 TMP, +2 SPD, +0 ACC, 0 SHD, 0 RAD)
- Walk (+0 MC) to Demo Stage
- **Act:** Focus (+5 TMP, -20 SHD, -20 RAD)
- Harmonic Soul @ Astrid + David (-30 STM, -2 TMP, +2 TMP) [Take -25% HP as recoil]
- Metronome (Defog) @ Demo Stage Zone (-37 STM, -10 TMP, +2 TMP)
Net change: -59 STM, -3 TMP, +0 SHD, +0 RAD
Net totals: 91 STM (128 after regen), 2 TMP, 0 SHD, 0 RAD

 

[Goat]

It didn't seem like a trick of the light. They had her fooled, sure, but hey. A live target was a live target.

"Uhm, okay, uh. You two!" She charged onto the stage, radiance brimming along her fangs, inside her eyelids. "Eat shit!"

Spoiler: Turn order

0. Grace, Astrid, and Dave walk to the stage
1. Grace
2. Dave
3. Astrid
4. Gladion

Spoiler: Astrid turn 1

Astrid (144 STM, 5 TMP, +1 SPD, +0 ACC, 0 SHD, 0 RAD)
- Walk to Stage
- **Act:** RADIANT Focus (+5 TMP)
- RADIANT Soul Rocket @ Matthias A (ACTIVATE: effect) (-30 STM, -5 TMP, +2 TMP, +30 RAD) [+1 Mag]
- Draining Kiss @ Matthias A (-9 STM, +2 TMP)
- AGILE CRITICAL Frost Breath @ Matthias A (-15 STM, -2 TMP, +2 TMP)
- CRITICAL Frost Breath @ Matthias B (ACTIVATE: Sure Hit) (-10 STM, +2 TMP)
- Activate feat (Spotter Feat) @ Matthias A [Def, Res]
- Receive (Call) (+3 TMP, -10 SHD, -10 RAD)
Net change: -60 STM, +9 TMP, +0 SHD, +20 RAD
Net totals: 84 STM (120 after regen), 14 TMP, 0 SHD, 20 RAD

 

[Jackie Cat]

Turn 1
Player Phase​

Grace's Harmonic Soul buffed Astrid + David!
Grace's Defog cleared up the Demo Stage!

The fog left the stage, and Astrid burned hard at the frog nearest the Rift-Mender – one impact, then another, and the illusion faded. No lanky Greninja, but a muscular Toxicroak, eyes narrowed, venomous claws at the ready.

Astrid's RADIANT Soul Rocket dealt a grazing 20 + 44 damage to... Toxicroak! It's super effective!
Astrid's Draining Kiss dealt 34 damage to Toxicroak!
Astrid's AGILE Frost Breath dealt a CRITICAL 46 damage to Toxicroak!
Astrid's Frost Breath dealt a CRITICAL 74 damage to... Croagunk!
Astrid's Spotter Feat learned Croagunk's defenses: 120/120

The second copy on stage turned out to be a bowler-hatted Croagunk, leering and cocksure. Used to winning; expecting to win now.

Dave's STRONG Thunder Fang dealt 19 damage to Toxicroak! Flinching!
Dave's Pickpocket stole Toxicroak's Eva!
Dave's RADIANT Relentless Soul dealt a CRITICAL 116 damage to Toxicroak! It's super effective!

Gladion's Interact...

Sparkwright's fan cage had a metal prong of some kind rammed through it. With the Croagunk distracted, Gladion had a chance to pry it out, and the blades spun to life again.

"Thank you, young man," said the Rotom, abruptly. "Now look to the device!"

As fog continued to billow from the weather machine, Sparkwright's fan kept it from enveloping the demo stage. Elsewhere, shouts and shrieks and yammering could be heard from the guests attempting to pour out of the building...

Gladion freed Sparkwright's fan!
Gladion's Spotter Feat learned Croagunk's behaviour:

• Covenant Croagunk agents are disciplined and work in tight teams. Any of these frogs in one zone together will take identical turns if possible. They take direction from their bosses and may struggle to improvise without orders. Their strategy is to support the team leaders.

Gladion's Mean Look trapped Croagunk!

 

[Jackie Cat]

Turn 1
Enemy Phase​

"Saturation fire," came the cold, laconic command of the real Greninja leader. "Whiskey sour style."

His underlings, still impossible to tell apart from him, obliged.

A Greninja Focused...
Boss Action: Multi-Enemy Targeting!
A Greninja's Water Shuriken dealt 5 + 5 + 6 damage to Astrid!
A Greninja's Water Shuriken dealt a grazing 3 + 6 + 6 damage to Dave!
A Greninja's Water Shuriken dealt 7 + 7 + 8 damage to Gladion's Protect!
A Greninja's Water Shuriken dealt 7 + 8 + 8 damage to Grace's Protect!
A Greninja's Protean turned him Normal-type!
A Greninja's Swift dealt 28 damage to Grace's Protect! Shield broken!
A Greninja's Swift dealt 31 damage to Gladion's Protect! Shield broken!
A Greninja is pacing himself...
Boss Attack: A Greninja is preparing Shadow Sneak.
Target: Demo Stage

A Greninja Focused...
A Greninja's Chilling Water struck Toxicroak! Dry Skin healed 65 HP!
A Greninja's Acid Spray dealt 22 damage to Astrid! It's super effective!
A Greninja Focused...
A Greninja's Chilling Water struck Toxicroak! Dry Skin healed 65 HP!
A Greninja's Acid Spray dealt 31 damage to Astrid! It's super effective!

A Greninja walked to Electromantic Exhibits!
A Greninja Focused...
A Greninja's Chilling Water struck Croagunk! Dry Skin healed 40 HP!
A Greninja's Acid Spray missed Gladion!

Croagunk's Drain Punch dealt 38 damage to Dave! It's super effective! He recovered 7 HP!
Croagunk is holding an action...
Croagunk called out to Toxicroak!

"Boss, the knight's turned spectral!" hissed the Croagunk.

"Got it," croaked the lead frog, in his slick, dark baritone.

Toxicroak's Throat Chop dealt 39 damage to Gladion! It's super effective! Covert Cloak prevented Silencing!
Toxicroak's STRONG Low Kick dealt 36 damage to Dave! It's super effective!
Toxicroak is Flinching and can't do more!

The attack was vicious, even though Gladion's gear saved him from choking. Toxicroak seemed proficient enough not to be caught off guard by that again...

Just off the podium, Sam began to stagger to her feet with a groan. She'd been hit hard, by a coordinated series of brutal attacks. But she wasn't out for the count yet...

To the north of the exhibit wing, the Castform continued to gleefully operate their machine, and rain began to fall on the podium, the metal housing of the Rift-Mender shining with water, rivulets flowing across the stage...

Demo Stage became rainy!

"I'd offer double what you've been paid," called out the leader, the one called Matthias, "but you're not mercenaries, are you? You're believers in something. I must let you know this: your belief cannot match mine."

Chapter Six Finale:
VS Covenant Agents!​

[ ] Objective: Protect Sparkwright!
[ ] Objective: Protect the Rift-Mender!
[ ] Objective: KO as many Covenant agents as possible!
[ ] Objective: Avoid civilian casualties!

It appears Gladion has drawn a little more attention.

 

[Magyk]

Sam's condition caught Grace's eyes, and the togetic gasped. The rain didn't bother her at all. "O-Oh dear! Don't worry, I'm coming!" she called, before she pointed at Gladion. "Keep moving! We can't let any of the frogs get away!"

Her little wings carried her off the stage as fast as she could, conjuring her Life Dew as she prepared to lob it at the Chesnaught. Once she'd healed Sam, the Castform caught her eye.

"Um, hey!" she called, waving a paw in the air. "We're fighting a Greninja, can you change the weather to something that's not rain, pretty please?"

Spoiler: Grace Turn Two

Grace (128 STM, 2 TMP, +2 SPD, +0 ACC, 0 SHD, 0 RAD)
- After You @ Gladion (-18 STM, +2 TMP)
- **Act:** Focus (+5 TMP, -20 SHD, -20 RAD)
- Dash to Materials and Meteorology (-2 TMP)
- AGILE Life Dew @ Sam (-45 STM, +2 TMP)
- Interact @ Castform (-3 TMP)
Net change: -56 STM, +4 TMP, +0 SHD, +0 RAD
Net totals: 72 STM (109 after regen), 6 TMP, 0 SHD, 0 RAD

 

[Shiny Phantump]

"Boss, the knight's turned spectral!" hissed the Croagunk.

Knight?

It took Gladion a few seconds to connect the epithet to the name he knew.

His heart

dropped.

They knew! They knew, they knew what he was. He was right. It had been them. Gladion's type change sputtered and died while his shadow flared to life. His pulse raced. Blood pounded in his ears. All his resentment for everything cruel that had ever happened to Hazel Sage bleeding into one attack. (He rolled his head to side, as he'd practised, and delivered the full force of his weight with his shoulder as he once would've with his helmet.)

"You recognize me," he declared, carrying forward his momentum to pin the Croagunk to the stage before snapping his head to address the voice of Matthais.

"Belief never saved anyone." He held his voice as steady as he could, but it still cracked. Like he was holding back the urge to scream. Or cry. "It won't protect you, either."

Spoiler: Gladion Turn 2

Gladion (114 STM, 13 TMP, +2 SPD, +1 ACC, 0 SHD, 20 RAD)
- Soul's Volition (-30 STM, +2 TMP) [Normal]
- **Act:** SHADOW Focus (+5 TMP)
- STRONG CRITICAL SHADOW Body Press @ Croagunk (-24 STM, -18 TMP, +6 TMP, +16 SHD)
- Activate feat (Spotter Feat) @ Defences
- Tri Attack @ Toxicroak (ACTIVATE: effect, Hex Adept) (-29 STM, -6 TMP, +4 TMP) [Burn]
Net change: -73 STM, -7 TMP, +16 SHD, +0 RAD
Net totals: 41 STM (83 after regen), 6 TMP, 16 SHD, 20 RAD
(TAKE COVER)

 

[Goat]

Betel's network kicked in like clockwork. Gladion's spike of shadows pricked at the back of her head like needles, and her legs followed suit. Pivot, pivot, pivot into a dance with the Croagunk, clearly the weaker of the two exposed fakes. The acid raining on Astrid’s pelt went numb to adrenaline as she raked ice across his face, then raw Radiance, aiming to steal every drop of energy she could, finally heaving him in Gladion’s directi—criminy he was mad.

"All yours!" she called. And the result was satisfying.

Then, to the Toxicroak…

"And what do you believe in, unnamed grunt number five?"

Spoiler: Turn order

1. Grace
2. Astrid
3. Gladion
4. Dave

Spoiler: Astrid turn 2

Astrid (120 STM, 14 TMP, +1 SPD, +1 ACC, 0 SHD, 20 RAD)
- AGILE CRITICAL Frost Breath @ Toxicroak (-15 STM, +2 TMP)
- CRITICAL Frost Breath @ Croagunk (ACTIVATE: Sure Hit) (-10 STM, +3 TMP)
- Soul Rocket @ Croagunk (-30 STM, +3 TMP)
- **Act:** RADIANT Focus (+5 TMP)
- CRITICAL RADIANT Draining Kiss @ Croagunk (-9 STM, -20 TMP, +3 TMP, +9 RAD)
Net change: -60 STM, -4 TMP, +0 SHD, +9 RAD
Net totals: 60 STM (96 after regen), 10 TMP, 0 SHD, 29 RAD
(TAKE COVER)

 

[Butterfree]

Dave growled. "Yeah, I'm more of an unbeliever, myself. Guess what, believing something harder than the other guy doesn't make it true."

He charged into the crowd of Greninja gathered around the electrical exhibits. Just got to expose these fuckers for what they really were.

"Let me guess. You believe that you're a superior class of people destined to rule over the ignorant masses?"

Spoiler: Turn 2

Dave (140 STM, 5 TMP, +1 SPD, +2 ACC, 0 SHD, 27 RAD)
- Walk to Electromancy Exhibits
- Hone Claws (-18 STM, +2 TMP)
- AGILE Rock Smash @ Greninja C (ACTIVATE: effect, Hex Adept) (-16.5 STM, -3 TMP, +5 TMP)
- Activate ability (Pickpocket) @ Greninja C's Eva
- Rock Smash @ Greninja D (ACTIVATE: effect) (-11 STM, -5 TMP, +5 TMP)
- Thunder Fang @ Greninja E (ACTIVATE: effect) (-16 STM, -9 TMP, +4 TMP) [Flinch]
- **Act:** RADIANT Focus (+5 TMP)
Net change: -58 STM, +4 TMP, +0 SHD, +0 RAD
Net totals: 82 STM (130 after regen), 9 TMP, 0 SHD, 27 RAD

 

[Jackie Cat]

Turn 2
Player Phase​

The beleagured Chesnaught winced, then sighed with relief at the touch of healing energy. She'd be back in the fight – so long as she didn't draw enough attention to get taken out again, this time for good.

Grace's After You sped up Gladion!
Grace's AGILE Life Dew healed Sam a little!
Grace's Interact...

"Um, hey!" she called, waving a paw in the air. "We're fighting a Greninja, can you change the weather to something that's not rain, pretty please?"

The Castform politely tipped their glinting visor to Grace with a cloud-like tendril.

"Why, naturally I can do that, dear girl! I am the singularly inimitable and brilliant...

"Dr. Bellwether!"​

"And no feat of practical meteorology is beyond me!"

As they said this, they extended their nebulous limbs, laughed maniacally, and let the room surge with a chilling Snowscape. The mad smile on the face of this 'doctor' Bellwether did not look... reassuring.

Sparkwright's fan-blades screamed as they strained at their maximum speed.

"Bellwether!? You're in on this??" demanded the Rotom.

"Why, naturally I'm in on this! These gentlemen recognise my talents, my genius! With the patronage of their organisation, I shall surpass your provincial ambitions, and achieve truly great strides in SCIENCE!!"

Grace got Bellwether monologuing! Talking is not a free action...
Several Convention Hall zones became snowy!

Astrid's AGILE Frost Breath... was blocked!

Small and outclassed as the dart frog was, he still moved like a damn dart to intercept Astrid, and turn aside her muzzle with a deft blow. He wouldn't survive the party's retaliation, but he didn't care. He was doing his bit, and that was that.

Croagunk's Upper Hand dealt 21 damage to Astrid!
Astrid's Frost Breath dealt 41 damage to Croagunk!
Astrid's Soul Rocket dealt 50 damage to Croagunk! It's super effective!
Astrid's Soul Rocket dealt 49 damage to Croagunk! It's super effective!
Astrid's RADIANT Draining Kiss dealt a CRITICAL 106 damage to Croagunk! It's super effective!

"And what do you believe in, unnamed grunt number five?"

Toxicroak's red-rimmed mouth broke open into a dark, gloating smirk.

"I believe it's a lotta fun to do my job," he replied. His red throat pulsed with each bassy syllable. "And I believe you're outta your depth, sweetheart."

"You recognize me."

"That's right, Knight. Don'tcha know you're using the wrong kinda energy, Champ?"

Even as Croagunk cringed at the incoming attack, a crooked smile made its way onto his face. His enemy was off-balance. Good.

Gladion's STRONG SHADOW Body Press, empowered by hatred, dealt a CRITICAL 55 damage to Croagunk! It's super effective! KO!!

"Belief never saved anyone. It won't protect you, either."

Matthias glanced Gladion's way. There was a moment of eye contact, and Gladion would see something unreadable in the Greninja's eyes. What was that – curiosity? Admiration? Something more poignant?

"Thinking beings live and die by belief," he said, simply.

Whatever else he felt, Matthias was not intimidated.

Gladion's Spotter Feat learned Toxicroak's defences: 135/135
Gladion's Tri Attack dealt 9 damage to Toxicroak! Burned!

Dave's AGILE Rock Smash dealt 8 damage to Croagunk! It's not very effective... Def -1!
Dave's Pickpocket stole Croagunk's Eva!
Dave's Rock Smash dealt 13 damage to Matthias! It's super effective! -1 Def!
Dave's Thunder Fang dealt 18 damage to Croagunk! Flinching!
Matthias' Deceit was exposed!

"Yeah, I'm more of an unbeliever, myself. Guess what, believing something harder than the other guy doesn't make it true. Let me guess. You believe that you're a superior class of people destined to rule over the ignorant masses?"

The illusion shattered. Just a gang of Croagunk, gathered round their more limber commander. Matthias looked at Dave with mild interest.

"You're entirely wrong about me," he said, without particular emotion. As if he were correcting a typo. "But it doesn't matter. I'm glad to understand you better than you understand me."

Energy pooled in Matthias' hand for another attack...

 

[Jackie Cat]

Turn 2
Enemy Phase​

Sam smacked her chest and grunted with effort, finally recovering from her unexpected knockout. Her aura flared invisibly to life, and her hide shimmered with defensive energies.

"Thanks for the hand, but get away from the mad scientist, kid!" she shouted.

Sam used Iron Defense! +2 Def!
Sam used STRONG RADIANT Spiky Shield!
Sam called out to Grace!
Sam walked to Electromantic Exhibits.

Matthias gave her the briefest of looks, decided this did not affect his tactical planning, and swept up onto the podium like a gust of wind.

Boss Attack: Matthias's Shadow Sneak dealt a CRITICAL 27 damage to Astrid!
7 damage to Gladion! Barely effective...
28 damage to Sparkwright! It's super effective!

"I'm sorry we could not meet under better circumstances," he said, with a tinge of remorse.

Not that it softened his attacks in the slightest.

His peons, meanwhile, defaulted back to a standard mix of attacks.

Croagunk's Drain Punch dealt 34 damage to Dave! It's super effective! Healed 6 HP!
Croagunk's Acid Spray dealt 9 damage to Gladion! Covert Cloak!
Croagunk's Drain Punch dealt 33 damage to Dave! It's super effective! Healed 6 HP!
Croagunk's Acid Spray dealt 10 damage to Gladion! -2 Res!

Croagunk walked to Demo Stage.
Croagunk Focused...
Croagunk's Chilling Water healed Toxicroak by 65 HP!
Croagunk is Flinching and can't do more!

Toxicroak rolled one shoulder, and cracked his neck.

"Alright. Let's do this," he uttered, his tongue slipping past his wide, flat teeth.

Elite Action: Stats Boost! Toxicroak got +1 Acc/+1 Atk!
Toxicroak Focused...
Toxicroak's Mud Shot missed Gladion!
Toxicroak's STRONG Low Kick dealt a CRITICAL 54 damage to Gladion! It's super effective!
Toxicroak's Poison Jab dealt a CRITICAL 58 damage to Astrid! It's super effective!
Toxicroak's gear is making crits easier...

In the confusion of battle, Matthias seemed to vanish out of sight for a moment, then return at Sparkwright's side to jam a ghostly hand into his electrical-mechanical host-body. The inventor cried out with a tinny, clattering noise.

Matthias's Shadow Sneak dealt a 18 damage to Sparkwright! It's super effective!
Matthias's Interact...

Under Matthias' arm, somehow, was the Rotom's precious invention. Holding it this way seemed to impede his battle prowess not at all...

Matthias stole the Rift-Mender, and short-circuited Sparkwright!
Matthias ate his Violent Seed. +1 Atk/Mag!
Boss Action: Stats Boost! Matthias got +2 Spd!
Matthias's Shadow Sneak, dashing to Electromancy, dealt 11 damage to Dave! It's not very effective...
Matthias's Protean turned him Flying-type!
Matthias's Acrobatics dealt a CRITICAL 127 damage to Sam's Spiky Shield! Shattered!
Matthias took damage from the Spiky Shield...
Matthias used a unique move...!? It's a held action!
Boss Attack: Matthias is preparing Water Shuriken!

"Damn," murmured the Greninja, in the tone of voice someone might use for punching the wrong key on a typewriter, or getting a crossword wrong.

He held a ready stance, poised to react to anything...

Grace is attracting less attention.

 

[Butterfree]

"Oh yeah? Love to hear what you understand about me."

Matthias slipped out of sight, somehow, reappearing on the stage, thrusting his hand into Sparkwright's fan, snatching the invention under his arm. Dave growled. "Fuck! Hang on!" he barked at Sparkwright, snatching a Sitrus out of his bag and charging to meet the Greninja when he dashed back into the exhibits section, sparks flying around his fangs. Snatch the invention first, then get back up there to keep those other fucking frogs off Sparkwright.

Radiance bloomed in his chest and spread through his body along with iron determination.

Spoiler: Turn 3

Dave (130 STM, 9 TMP, +1 SPD, +3 ACC, 0 SHD, 27 RAD)
- **Act:** Item (Sitrus Berry)
- Thunder Fang @ Matthias (ACTIVATE: effect, Hex Adept) (-16 STM, -8 TMP, +2 TMP) [Flinch]
- **Act:** RADIANT Focus (+5 TMP)
- STRONG CRITICAL RADIANT Relentless Soul @ Matthias (-45 STM, -6 TMP, +4 TMP, +27 RAD)
- Activate ability (Pickpocket) @ Matthias's Eva
- Interact @ Steal Rift-Mender (-3 TMP)
- Walk to Demo Stage
Net change: -58 STM, -6 TMP, +0 SHD, +27 RAD
Net totals: 72 STM (120 after regen), 3 TMP, 0 SHD, 54 RAD

 

[Shiny Phantump]

The catharsis of knocking down the smug little bag of dicks ebbed Gladion's anger enough that he could think straight. Not enough to calm him, but enough that it stayed beneath his skin. He spared not a thought for Sparkwright himself, only concerned with giving chase to Matthias.

He fired a bolt of paralytic energy, and followed it up by trapping Matthias. He couldn't be allowed to escape, he couldn't, not when he still had so much to answer for. If not today, how long would Gladion have to wait for another chance to face the people responsible for this world's Null project? Any amount would be too long.

"Cute that you can recognize you're outmatched," he jabbed, succeeding at maintaining composure this time even if there was little reason left for Matthias to believe the facade, "but we're not done here."

Spoiler: Turn 3

Gladion (83 STM, 6 TMP, +2 SPD, +2 ACC, 16 SHD, 20 RAD)
- Walk to Electromancy Exhibits
- Tri Attack @ Matthias (ACTIVATE: effect, Hex Adept) (-29 STM, -6 TMP, +4 TMP) [Paralysis]
- Activate feat (Spotter Feat) @ Items
- Mean Look @ Matthias (-20 STM, +2 TMP)
- STRONG Protect (-30 STM, +4 TMP)
- **Act:** Item (Ether) (+60 STM)
Net change: -10 STM, +4 TMP, +0 SHD, +0 RAD
Net totals: 73 STM (115 after regen), 10 TMP, 16 SHD, 20 RAD

 

[Magyk]

"Of course the weather-changing crazy scientist has chosen evil!" Grace muttered to herself as she shuddered from the cold breeze of the sudden shift in weather. She'd been just a little too slow from the growing exhaustion to attend to Sparkwright-- but luckily Dave could swoop in instead. Her eyes remained peeled, ready to dive in and help anyone at a moment's notice. She saw Astrid gearing up for yet another of one of her combos, and saw that the pink aura that bound them was waning. She saw Gladion looking a little worse for wear, but not ready to stand down. Dave was already charging the strengthened Matthias, and she saw what she had to do.

"Don't worry, I've got everyone's back!"

Spoiler: Grace Turn Three

Grace (109 STM, 9 TMP, +2 SPD, +0 ACC, 0 SHD, 0 RAD)
- **Act:** Focus (+5 TMP, -20 SHD, -20 RAD)
- Life Dew @ Gladion (-30 STM, +2 TMP)
- **Act:** Dash to Electromancy Exhibit (-2 TMP)
- Metronome (Haze) (-45 STM, -10 TMP, +2 TMP)
- Walk to Onstage
Net change: -66 STM, -3 TMP, +0 SHD, +0 RAD
Net totals: 43 STM (80 after regen), 6 TMP, 0 SHD, 0 RAD
SHD, 0 RAD

 

[Goat]

[flavor tba]

Spoiler: Turn order

1. Dave
2. Grace
3. Gladion
4. Astrid

Spoiler: Astrid turn 3

Astrid (96 STM, 7 TMP, +1 SPD, +1 ACC, 0 SHD, 39 RAD)
- Dash to Exhibit (-2 TMP)
- AGILE CRITICAL Frost Breath @ Matthias (-15 STM, +2 TMP)
- CRITICAL Frost Breath @ Matthias (ACTIVATE: Sure Hit) (-10 STM, +3 TMP)
- Draining Kiss @ Matthias (-9 STM, +3 TMP)
- **Act:** RADIANT Focus (+5 TMP)
- RADIANT Soul Rocket @ Matthias (-30 STM, +3 TMP, +30 RAD)
- Activate feat (Spotter Feat) @ Matthias [Def, Res]
- Walk to Hallway
Net change: -60 STM, +14 TMP, +0 SHD, +30 RAD
Net totals: 36 STM (72 after regen), 21 TMP, 0 SHD, 69 RAD

 

[Jackie Cat]

Turn 3
Player Phase​

"Oh yeah? Love to hear what you understand about me."

"You armour yourself in rationality," said the Greninja, plainly, "but you are hardly a rational being."

As Dave moved to strike, the wound-up Aura energy in Matthias coalesced with a metallic gleam. He struck like the rain, impossible to evade, before taking the dog's teeth with barely a fown.

"No – you are drunk with rage."

Matthias used Mercurial Soul! +1 Spd! Protean turned him Steel-type!
Matthias' Mercurial Soul dealt 73 damage to Dave!
Dave's Thunder Fang dealt 17 damage to Matthias!
Dave's STRONG RADIANT Relentless Soul dealt a CRITICAL 125 damage to Matthias! It's super effective! Flinching!
Dave's Pickpocket stole Matthias's Eva!
Dave's Interact...

The attack stunned Matthias for a moment. As he faltered, Dave snatched the device, and slipped away from the melée.

"Not unintelligent, though," mused Matthias, frowning, as he recovered his bearings.

Dave stole the Rift-Mender!

Grace's Life Dew healed Gladion by 40 HP!
Grace's Haze cleared several stat stages!

To one side, Sam fended off a few opportunistic strikes from Croagunk peons as she rushed to buff up her defensive sheen.

Bellwether whistled with delight at the indoor hail they'd summoned, and bowed to Grace.

"I haven't chosen evil," they declared, "I've merely chosen greatness and opportunity! You all could do the same!"

Gladion's Tri Attack dealt 10 damage to Matthias! It's not very effective... Paralysed!
Gladion's Spotter Feat learned Matthias' Items:

• Elixir 1/1
• Lemonade 1/1
• Mental Herb 1/1
• Healthy Orb 0/1
• Protect Orb 1/1
• Cautious Seed 0/1
• Violent Seed 0/1
• Vile Seed 1/1
• Stun Seed 1/1
• Silver Spike 2/2
• Blast Seed 1/1

Matthias has an unusual amount of Items... Could he have some way to use that many in one battle?

Gladion used Mean Look...

Matthias seized up from the crackling energy. One eye glanced sidelong at Gladion, and before the trapping move could complete, the frog's reached into his cloak and cast a handful of black pellets on the ground, blinding both combatants to each other. It lasted only a moment, but the technique failed all the same.

Matthias Smoke Bombs let him escape!

Astrid's AGILE Frost Breath dealt 33 damage to Matthias! It's not very effective...
Astrid's Frost Breath dealt a CRITICAL 47 damage to Matthias! It's not very effective...
Astrid's Draining Kiss dealt 29 damage to Matthias! It's not very effective...
Astrid's RADIANT Soul Rocket dealt 55 damage to Matthias! It's super effective!
Astrid's RADIANT Soul Rocket dealt 58 damage to Matthias! It's super effective!
Astrid's Spotter Feat learned Matthias' defenses: 165/170

Matthias rolled with the flurry of attacks as best he could, but when he stood, he turned his head aside and spat blood. Even so, he wore an expression like someone absorbed in solving a logic puzzle, not a zealot in the heat of battle.

"Well, that settles it; you've gotta be exactly who I thought you'd be," he remarked, addressing the Wayfarers at large. "How interesting... I'll have to take you very seriously, then."

Just then, the Greninja sounded strangely young. Buchanan at the railyard had said something about that, hadn't he?

Sam lunged for her opposite number with a shout of effort, her fist connecting with air as he sidestepped her.

"He's fast as the devil," she spat. "Damnit! What do you guys need me to do?"

 

[Jackie Cat]

Turn 3
Enemy Phase​

Sam used Iron Defense!
Sam Focused...
Sam's Zen Headbutt dealt 28 damage to Croagunk B! It's ultra-effective! Flinching!
Sam used her Protect Orb!
Sam took cover!

"Talk to me, you guys!" shouted the Chesnaught, looking frazzled. She was strong, but the frog hit squad had her number ahead of time, and this wasn't her usual sort of fight...

She braced herself as razor-sharp slivers of water shredded her shield – and Gladion's.

Boss Attack: Matthias's Water Shuriken dealt a CRITICAL 21 + 21 + 22 +22 +23 damage to Gladion's Protect!
Gladion's Protect Shield toughed it out so that Gladion wouldn't feel sad!
Pierced for 10 + 10 + 11 + 11 + 11 damage to Gladion!
Shattered Sam's Protect Shield, dealt NVE chip dmg!

"Enough stalling," rumbled the Toxicroak boss. "Hit 'em good and hard, lads. Finish off the strikers, get the medic after!"

Croagunk B prepared a held move...
Croagunk threw a Cacnea Spike at Astrid! Missed!
Croagunk is Flinching and can't do more!
Croagunk took cover!

Croagunk C's Acid Spray shattered Gladion's shield!
Croagunk's Drain Punch dealt a grazing 14 damage to Gladion! It's super effective! Healed 6 HP!
Croagunk Called out to Matthias!
Croagunk took cover!

"Sir! We'll provide the rearguard!"

"Acknowledged."

Croagunk D's Acid Spray missed Dave!
Croagunk's Drain Punch dealt a grazing 22 damage to Dave! It's super effective! Healed 8 HP!
Croagunk called out to Toxicroak!

"Perforate 'em, boss!"

The bull dartfrog smirked unpleasantly, and let loose a series of brutal jabs with his forearm spines, punching venom into his foes.

Toxicroak's STRONG Poison Jab dealt a CRITICAL 70 to Grace! It's super-effective! Poisoned!
Toxicroak's Throat Chop took Sparkwright out of the fight!
Toxicroak's Interact:

"If we don't make it outta here with that gadget intact, that's still dandy. You can make a new one, ain't that right?"

The Rotom made a strangled noise, and his fan-blades clattered uselessly against his dented cage.

Toxicroak captured Sparkwright!
Elite Action: Free Movement to Electromantic Exhibits!
Toxicroak's Sludge Bomb dealt 100 damage to Astrid! It's super effective!
Toxicroak walked to Hallway!

Fast Draw: Matthias threw a Stun Seed at Sam, then threw a Vile Seed at Gladion!
Boss Action: Matthias created a Firm Protect!
Protean turned Matthias Flying-type!
Matthias's Acrobatics dealt 40 damage to Gladion! KO!!
Matthias is Flinching and can't do more!
Boss Attack: Matthias is preparing Mercurial Soul.
Target: Electromancy

"On my mark, Doctor!" called Matthias. Bellwether responded with an amorphous salute, and primed their machine for a mystery weather....

Bellwether is readying their weather machine...

Astrid has pulled ahead in the race for hostile attention.
Grace earned bonus aggro for next turn.

 

[Goat]

Familiar heat tore at the walls of Astrid’s veins. Her vision tunneled; her feet felt further away; the fight instantly, unambiguously got way more fun. Intoxicating fumes seemed to cloud her brain despite the mostly clear air, nothing around her except for her own ambient glow.

Sam’s frustrated call wormed its way past those fumes. Astrid turned to the Chesnaught.

"He's not a civilian anymore," her voice thrummed. "Break his stupid sunshades."

Her leftmost tail gestured vaguely towards the professor, though she’d already started feverishly hunting a new target—the Toxicroak—with beady eyes. One hard-plant and a shriek of war later, she was dancing with the frogs again.

Spoiler: Turn order

0. Astrid walks to Exhibits
0. Dave walks to Exhibits
1. Grace
2. Gladion
3. Dave
4. Astrid

Spoiler: Astrid turn 4

Astrid (72 STM, 21 TMP, +1 SPD, +1 ACC, 0 SHD, 69 RAD)
- Walk to Exhibits
- Receive (Call) (+3 TMP, -10 SHD, -10 RAD) [Sam]
- Receive (Pure Call) (+3 TMP, -20 SHD, -20 RAD) [Grace]
- Dash to Hallway (-2 TMP)
- AGILE CRITICAL RADIANT Frost Breath @ Toxicroak (-15 STM, +2 TMP, +10 RAD)
- CRITICAL RADIANT Frost Breath @ Toxicroak (ACTIVATE: Sure Hit) (-10 STM, +3 TMP, +10 RAD)
- CRITICAL RADIANT Draining Kiss @ Toxicroak (-9 STM, -20 TMP, +3 TMP, +9 RAD)
- RADIANT Soul Rocket @ Toxicroak (-30 STM, +3 TMP, +30 RAD)
- **Act:** Focus (+5 TMP, -20 SHD, -30 RAD)
- Activate feat (Spotter Feat) @ Toxicroak [power dynamic with Croagunk]
- Interact @ Sam (-3 TMP) [Send Bellweather to Brazil]
Net change: -60 STM, -3 TMP, +0 SHD, -1 RAD
Net totals: 12 STM (48 after regen), 18 TMP, 0 SHD, 68 RAD

 

[Butterfree]

"You armour yourself in rationality," said the Greninja, plainly, "but you are hardly a rational being."

As Dave moved to strike, the wound-up Aura energy in Matthias coalesced with a metallic gleam. He struck like the rain, impossible to evade, before taking the dog's teeth with barely a fown.

"No – you are drunk with rage."

Dave raised an eyebrow, squinting at the Greninja. "The fuck are you talking about? You've heard me speak all of literally about five sentences. I'm supposed to take your expert psychoanalysis about my rage seriously?"

He returned to the stage, panting, but God fucking damn it, the Toxicroak was already on Sparkwright, jabbing and grabbing him before dashing out. Dave growled, charging after him, the machine fastened to his back with the loops of his belt. There were too fucking many of them, like there always were of these sorts of chucklefucks. And now this fucker was going to make it out with one of the only decent humans who saw through their bullshit.

"Aren't you all just the world's noblest fucking protectors of truth and goodness, huh? The sad thing is you're not even the first self-righteous fuckers I've seen turn to kidnapping."

He charged with all he had, cold Shadow congealing into steel. Stop them, whatever it took.

Spoiler: Turn 4

Dave (120 STM, 3 TMP, +1 SPD, +2 ACC, 0 SHD, 54 RAD)
- Walk to Electromancy Exhibits
- Receive (Pure Call) (+3 TMP, -20 SHD, -20 RAD)
- Dash to Hallway
- Play Rough @ Toxicroak (ACTIVATE: Quick Claw) (-16 STM, -5 TMP, +3 TMP)
- Rock Smash @ Toxicroak (ACTIVATE: effect, Hex Adept) (-11 STM, -3 TMP, +4 TMP)
- Activate ability (Pickpocket) @ Toxicroak's Atk
- AGILE Relentless Soul @ Toxicroak (-45 STM, +4 TMP)
- **Act:** SHADOW Focus (+5 TMP)
- CRITICAL SHADOW Relentless Soul @ Toxicroak (-30 STM, -8 TMP, +4 TMP, +27 SHD)
- Interact @ Get Sparkwright (-3 TMP)
Net change: -96 STM, +4 TMP, +27 SHD, -20 RAD
Net totals: 24 STM (72 after regen), 7 TMP, 27 SHD, 34 RAD

 

[Shiny Phantump]

Looked like Matthias was really preparing for incoming attacks. Gladion, nor anyone else, was planning to indulge him.

"So, If you're here, I guess you can't make it through the dungeon you're looking at properly?"

Gladion closed as if he was about to throw himself into a body press, but refused to commit. Taunting Matthias with how close he was. Sure, he'd get his comeuppance one the frog gave up on the reaction attack, but it felt good in the moment.

"It's gotta be Whisperwind, then, isn't it? 'Cause I doubt any of you fuckers actually like each other enough to take that one on, even if you offered them double what they're being paid. Shocking, you all seem like such nice people, given..."

Gladion glanced at the weather machine and the Castform ready for Matthias' cue— "Hold that thought, just gotta—" and dashed in to intercept, hefting the machine to try to tip it over. While he had a moment oustide of the Croagunk's reach, he pulled up a small protect, and made his way back to the heart of the fray.

"Where were we?" (He'd tried to psych Matthias out for a beat, but that moment was well over. Whatever. He'd say his piece even if it was against the din of Water Shruikens on his shield.) "Right. I was telling you to go to hell for the ARK Project. And everything else you're tied up in. Real piece of work, you are."

Spoiler: Turn 4

Gladion (142 STM, 10 TMP, +0 SPD, +0 ACC, 16 SHD, 20 RAD)
- Soul's Volition (-30 STM, +2 TMP) [Poison]
- **Act:** Call @ Matthias
- **Act:** Item (Sitrus Berry)
- Dash to Materials & Meteorology (-2 TMP)
- AGILE Protect (-30 STM, +2 TMP)
- Interact @ Weather Machine (-3 TMP)
- Walk to Electromancy Exhibits
Net change: -60 STM, -1 TMP, +0 SHD, +0 RAD
Net totals: 82 STM (124 after regen), 9 TMP, 16 SHD, 20 RAD

 

[Magyk]

"Get the medic after!"

There was a strange delight in being supportive enough that the Pokémon they were  fighting saw Grace as some kind of annoyance, or a threat. She was strong-willed and duty bound to keep her teammates healthy, and it had been acknowledged by the enemy!

Grace couldn't help but giggle for a moment.

"Dave! Astrid!" she called out to them once they’d reunited once again. "You're both doing amazing as always! Just a little more!"

And just for extra measure, Grace focused and created a larger than normal Life Dew that she shared with Dave, sensing that this one would heal for more than usual. But there was something else she could do... Grace was already a target, so why not give them  more hell?

She fished around in her satchel for the seed that she didn't always use, but usually kept on her for emergencies. Her eyes spotted the other side's secondary threat under Matthias, and lobbed the explosive seed at Toxicroak. "Sorry! Just helping my friends!" she called out.

Spoiler: Grace Turn Four

Grace (80 STM, 6 TMP, +2 SPD, +0 ACC, 0 SHD, 0 RAD)
- Walk to Electromancy Exhibits
- **Act:** Call @ Astrid
- **Act:** Call @ Dave
- STRONG Life Dew @ Dave (-45 STM, +4 TMP)
- **Act:** Item (Blast Seed) @ Toxicroak (-2 TMP)
Net change: -40 STM, +2 TMP, +0 SHD, +0 RAD
Net totals: 40 STM (77 after regen), 8 TMP, 0 SHD, 0 RAD