Dark Sage versus Master of Paradox (Ref: Phoenixsong)

[Dark Sage]

That's right. I'm throwing the gautlet.

Rules:

Pokemon: Four apiece, one out at a time.

DQ Time: One week.

Disallowed moves: Rest, Substitute, Destiny Bond, Perish Song, any direct status inflictors (no Toxic or Thunder Wave, Body Slam and Poison Fang are okay) and any direct healers (no Recover, Giga Drain is okay).

Other: We PM our first choice to the ref, so that there is no intentional type-trumping.

Arena: I'll let Master of Paradox decide. He's good at these.

We need a ref, and I'd like one who will not abandon this battle. Please do not sign up if you do not intend to finish.

So... Paradox... Are you in?

[Master of Paradox]

The team needs exercise. In addition, I have several new members just waiting for a chance at a scrap. Time to burn the winter fat.

I accept your challenge. And the arena... Well, Castle Paradox is under renovations, so pack your bags. We're going to settle this one in another universe.


Arena: Zepp Junkyard
Soundtrack: "The Original", Guilty Gear XX
Description: As the name implies, this place is a mess. It's an arena of about a square mile, penned off by chain link fencing. Despite its appearance, the fence is indestructable - they build them sturdy in Zepp. Piles of scrap metal and broken machinery abound, some still throwing off sparks, but there's enough clear space for a good fight. (It is possible to Dig into piles of junk.)

Over on the far eastern side is a giant robotic claw, perpetually sorting through deliveries of scrap; anything it deems dangerous is dropped onto the conveyors and delivered to the compactor. If any non-Steel-type Pokemon makes contact with the claw, it grabs them and rejects them. Rejection involves getting hurled back into the arena, which may cause damage at the referee's discretion. Steel-types are dropped onto the conveyor.

On the far northern side is the compactor and conveyor system. Anything that gets put on the conveyor will end up here in about the space of two actions. Getting dropped into the compactor is obviously a bad idea.

This junkyard is a very busy place. Every fifth round, a zeppelin will pass overhead and drop a new delivery of metal garbage onto the field. This is, in effect, a Hail that ignores types - even a Steel or Rock Pokemon can't avoid getting banged up when a compact car falls on their head.

Now we need only await the ref.

[Dark Sage]

Not bad. Anyone want to ref?

Four on four... A lot of points.

My team needs experience too.

[MeLoVeGhOsTs]

I'll ref, send away.

[MeLoVeGhOsTs]

Double post, don't shoot me.

DS has chosen his male Machop, Altas.

MoP has chosen his male Shroomish, Mycon.

Coin toss says MoP attacks first.

[Master of Paradox]

Well, well... Time to give my little Shroomish a proper work-out.

Begin by making it a Sunny Day. Next, implant the Machop with Leech Seed before spraying Atlas down with a Bullet Seed.

Sunny Day - Leech Seed - Bullet Seed

[Dark Sage]

Okay, Atlas, let's go!

When he uses Sunny Day, use Encore to make him use it a second time.

Then, since he brightened up the place, use Flamethrower.

Next, use Rock Tomb.

[MeLoVeGhOsTs]

*Dark Sage Vs. Master of Paradox*
OOOO|OOOO

*Banned Moves and Music*

Banned moves: Rest, Substitute, Destiny Bond, Perish Song, any direct status inflictors (no Toxic or Thunder Wave, Body Slam and Poison Fang are okay) and any direct healers (no Recover, Giga Drain is okay).

Music: "The Original", Guilty Gear XX

*Arena*

Zepp Junkyard: As the name implies, this place is a mess. It's an arena of about a square mile, penned off by chain link fencing. Despite its appearance, the fence is indestructable - they build them sturdy in Zepp. Piles of scrap metal and broken machinery abound, some still throwing off sparks, but there's enough clear space for a good fight. (It is possible to Dig into piles of junk.)

Over on the far eastern side is a giant robotic claw, perpetually sorting through deliveries of scrap; anything it deems dangerous is dropped onto the conveyors and delivered to the compactor. If any non-Steel-type Pokemon makes contact with the claw, it grabs them and rejects them. Rejection involves getting hurled back into the arena, which may cause damage at the referee's discretion. Steel-types are dropped onto the conveyor.

On the far northern side is the compactor and conveyor system. Anything that gets put on the conveyor will end up here in about the space of two actions. Getting dropped into the compactor is obviously a bad idea.

This junkyard is a very busy place. Every fifth round, a zeppelin will pass overhead and drop a new delivery of metal garbage onto the field. This is, in effect, a Hail that ignores types - even a Steel or Rock Pokemon can't avoid getting banged up when a compact car falls on their head.

*Stats*

http://veekun.com/dex-images/rusa/066.png
Atlas / Machop (male)
Health: IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII (100%)
Energy: IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII (100%)
Status: Ready to go.

http://veekun.com/dex-images/rusa/285.png
Mycon / Shroomish (male)
Health: IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII (100%)
Energy: IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII (100%)
Status: Ready to go.

*Trainer Issued Commands*

Team Sage:

Encore ~ Flamethrower ~ Rock Tomb

*
Team Paradox:

Sunny Day ~ Leech Seed ~ Bullet Seed

*Round One Begins*

Mycon starts this battle by clearing the sky of clouds and raising the sunshine level. Atlas keeps on clapping at this wonderfull preformance and Mycon can’t help himself, but does it again. Atlas smiles and fires a boosted Flamethrower at the poor grass pokemon. Then he smashes the ground, focuses and draws rocks from the ground below that trap Mycon and topple him over. Mycon however recovers and shoots out various Seeds to make a hole in the tomb.

*Results*

http://veekun.com/dex-images/rusa/066.png
Atlas / Machop (male)
Health: IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII (100%)
Energy: IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII (84%)
Status: Satisfied.

http://veekun.com/dex-images/rusa/285.png
Mycon / Shroomish (male)
Health: IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII (85%)
Energy: IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII (89%)
Status: Feeling trapped.

*Other Remarks*

- Enjoy your flight with MLG airlines.

[Dark Sage]

Okay, Atlas, we're in the lead.

He's likely gonna spend the first round breaking out of the Tomb, so use the time to use Bulk Up.

Next, close in, and deliver a Body Slam.

If that successfully paralyzes him, use Smellingsalt on him for your next move. It is does not, simply use a Cross Chop. If the Body Slam does not connect at all, use Cross Chop anyway.

[Master of Paradox]

Hmmm... this situation has potential, Mycon.

First of all, use Growth to increase your power. This might be a little painful inside the Rock Tomb, but have faith. Next, Protect when Atlas uses Body Slam - he'll have to smash the Rock Tomb to do it. Once that's done with, blast the Machop with a Solarbeam dead-on. Thankfully, it's a Sunny Day... twice over.

Growth - Protect - Solarbeam

[MeLoVeGhOsTs]

*Dark Sage Vs. Master of Paradox*
OOOO|OOOO

*Banned Moves and Music*

Banned moves: Rest, Substitute, Destiny Bond, Perish Song, any direct status inflictors (no Toxic or Thunder Wave, Body Slam and Poison Fang are okay) and any direct healers (no Recover, Giga Drain is okay).

Music: "The Original", Guilty Gear XX

*Arena*

Zepp Junkyard: As the name implies, this place is a mess. It's an arena of about a square mile, penned off by chain link fencing. Despite its appearance, the fence is indestructable - they build them sturdy in Zepp. Piles of scrap metal and broken machinery abound, some still throwing off sparks, but there's enough clear space for a good fight. (It is possible to Dig into piles of junk.)

Over on the far eastern side is a giant robotic claw, perpetually sorting through deliveries of scrap; anything it deems dangerous is dropped onto the conveyors and delivered to the compactor. If any non-Steel-type Pokemon makes contact with the claw, it grabs them and rejects them. Rejection involves getting hurled back into the arena, which may cause damage at the referee's discretion. Steel-types are dropped onto the conveyor.

On the far northern side is the compactor and conveyor system. Anything that gets put on the conveyor will end up here in about the space of two actions. Getting dropped into the compactor is obviously a bad idea.

This junkyard is a very busy place. Every fifth round, a zeppelin will pass overhead and drop a new delivery of metal garbage onto the field. This is, in effect, a Hail that ignores types - even a Steel or Rock Pokemon can't avoid getting banged up when a compact car falls on their head.

*Stats*

http://veekun.com/dex-images/rusa/066.png
Atlas / Machop (male)
Health: IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII (100%)
Energy: IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII (84%)
Status: Satisfied.

http://veekun.com/dex-images/rusa/285.png
Mycon / Shroomish (male)
Health: IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII (85%)
Energy: IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII (89%)
Status: Feeling trapped.

*Trainer Issued Commands*

Team Sage:

Growth ~ Protect ~ Solarbeam

*
Team Paradox:

Bulk Up ~ Body Slam ~ Smellingsalt

Sub: Cross Chop

*Round Two Begins*

Inside the tomb of rocks, Mycon starts growing, boosting his strenght. Meanwhile, outside, Atlas is powering up his own strenght and defense with Bulk Up. Both pokemon are ready for battle and Atlast jumps forwards, onto the rocks, sort of into the hole, trying to Body Slam Mycon. He slams into an invisible shield, and bounces against the rocks. Mycon smiles as his protect worked.

Then, Atlas is furious and rushes in for a powerfull Cross Chop, but before he could even connect, a huge wave of superstrong solarenergy shot him down, backwards. Atlas lays still, hurt.

*Results*

http://veekun.com/dex-images/rusa/066.png
Atlas / Machop (male)
Health: IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII II (89%)
Energy: IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII (69%)
Status: Pissed. Hurt.
Attack boosted (1/6)
Defense boosted (1/6)

http://veekun.com/dex-images/rusa/285.png
Mycon / Shroomish (male)
Health: IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII (85%)
Energy: IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII (66%)
Status: Feeling trapped.
Sp.Attack boosted (1/6)

*Other Remarks*

- Sunny Day for 6 more rounds.

[Master of Paradox]

All right, Mycon. Time for a change of scenery.

Begin by taking a moment to catch your breath (or adjust your stamen, or whatever the plant equivalent of catching one's breath is), and then Tackle the part of the Rock Tomb you damaged earlier with those bullet seeds. That part should give way, in which case you can Mega Drain Atlas. If it doesn't, do it again.

Relax - Tackle - Mega Drain/Tackle

[Dark Sage]

Trying to break out of the Rock Tomb, Mycon? Well, Atlas isn't gonna stop you... In fact, he's gonna help you out...

Atlas, while he's relaxing, run up there and smash that Shroomish out of there with Rock Smash.

After that's done, attack with a Vital Throw. Try to toss him out of reach of any Mega Drain.

Then, time for a ranged attack. Use Flamethrower again. He obviously forgot about that when he used Sunny Day.

[MeLoVeGhOsTs]

*Dark Sage Vs. Master of Paradox*
OOOO|OOOO

*Banned Moves and Music*

Banned moves: Rest, Substitute, Destiny Bond, Perish Song, any direct status inflictors (no Toxic or Thunder Wave, Body Slam and Poison Fang are okay) and any direct healers (no Recover, Giga Drain is okay).

Music: "The Original", Guilty Gear XX

*Arena*

Zepp Junkyard: As the name implies, this place is a mess. It's an arena of about a square mile, penned off by chain link fencing. Despite its appearance, the fence is indestructable - they build them sturdy in Zepp. Piles of scrap metal and broken machinery abound, some still throwing off sparks, but there's enough clear space for a good fight. (It is possible to Dig into piles of junk.)

Over on the far eastern side is a giant robotic claw, perpetually sorting through deliveries of scrap; anything it deems dangerous is dropped onto the conveyors and delivered to the compactor. If any non-Steel-type Pokemon makes contact with the claw, it grabs them and rejects them. Rejection involves getting hurled back into the arena, which may cause damage at the referee's discretion. Steel-types are dropped onto the conveyor.

On the far northern side is the compactor and conveyor system. Anything that gets put on the conveyor will end up here in about the space of two actions. Getting dropped into the compactor is obviously a bad idea.

This junkyard is a very busy place. Every fifth round, a zeppelin will pass overhead and drop a new delivery of metal garbage onto the field. This is, in effect, a Hail that ignores types - even a Steel or Rock Pokemon can't avoid getting banged up when a compact car falls on their head.

*Stats*

http://veekun.com/dex-images/rusa/066.png
Atlas / Machop (male)
Health: IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII II (89%)
Energy: IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII (69%)
Status: Pissed. Hurt.
Attack boosted (1/6)
Defense boosted (1/6)

http://veekun.com/dex-images/rusa/285.png
Mycon / Shroomish (male)
Health: IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII (85%)
Energy: IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII (66%)
Status: Feeling trapped.
Sp.Attack boosted (1/6)

*Trainer Issued Commands*

Team Sage:

Rock Smash ~ Vital Throw ~ Flamethrower

*
Team Paradox:

Relax ~ Tackle ~ Megadrain

Sub: Tackle

*Round Three Begins*

Mycon who is still trapped in his tomb stays relaxed and regains some energy. Atlas however hasn’t forgotten about last round and thinks it’s time for some payback. He rushes to the tomb and smashes it to pieces, hitting Mycon in the proces. Then he picks up Mycon and throws him down and away, hard. Mycon is hurt, but dashes forwards right into Atlas’ belly.

Then, Mycon comes rushing in for another attack, but Atlas just blows him away with a boosted Flamethrower. Mycon is scorched.

*Results*

http://veekun.com/dex-images/rusa/066.png
Atlas / Machop (male)
Health: IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII II (84%)
Energy: IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII (50%)
Status: Satisfied.
Attack boosted (1/6)
Defense boosted (1/6)

http://veekun.com/dex-images/rusa/285.png
Mycon / Shroomish (male)
Health: IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII (63%)
Energy: IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII (61%)
Status: Freed, but roasted.
Sp.Attack boosted (1/6)

*Other Remarks*

- Sunny Day for 5 more rounds.

[Dark Sage]

Okay, Atlas, you've expended a lot of energy, so let's take it easy this round.

First, I want you to set up a Light Screen.

Then, I want you to try to scare that Shroomish with Scary Face.

Finally, since you're doing so well, I want you to attack using Return.

[Master of Paradox]

Mycon, let's blitz him. We don't have many other options due to that damn rule...

First, before the Light Screen is fully formed, blast Atlas again with a Solarbeam. Next, counter his Scary Face with a Flash - you won't be able to see it when that happens. Finally, when he comes in to land Return, suck the life out of him with Giga Drain.

Solarbeam - Flash - Giga Drain

[MeLoVeGhOsTs]

*Dark Sage Vs. Master of Paradox*
OOOO|OOOO

*Banned Moves and Music*

Banned moves: Rest, Substitute, Destiny Bond, Perish Song, any direct status inflictors (no Toxic or Thunder Wave, Body Slam and Poison Fang are okay) and any direct healers (no Recover, Giga Drain is okay).

Music: "The Original", Guilty Gear XX

*Arena*

Zepp Junkyard: As the name implies, this place is a mess. It's an arena of about a square mile, penned off by chain link fencing. Despite its appearance, the fence is indestructable - they build them sturdy in Zepp. Piles of scrap metal and broken machinery abound, some still throwing off sparks, but there's enough clear space for a good fight. (It is possible to Dig into piles of junk.)

Over on the far eastern side is a giant robotic claw, perpetually sorting through deliveries of scrap; anything it deems dangerous is dropped onto the conveyors and delivered to the compactor. If any non-Steel-type Pokemon makes contact with the claw, it grabs them and rejects them. Rejection involves getting hurled back into the arena, which may cause damage at the referee's discretion. Steel-types are dropped onto the conveyor.

On the far northern side is the compactor and conveyor system. Anything that gets put on the conveyor will end up here in about the space of two actions. Getting dropped into the compactor is obviously a bad idea.

This junkyard is a very busy place. Every fifth round, a zeppelin will pass overhead and drop a new delivery of metal garbage onto the field. This is, in effect, a Hail that ignores types - even a Steel or Rock Pokemon can't avoid getting banged up when a compact car falls on their head.

*Stats*

http://veekun.com/dex-images/rusa/066.png
Atlas / Machop (male)
Health: IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII (84%)
Energy: IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII (50%)
Status: Satisfied.
Attack boosted (1/6)
Defense boosted (1/6)

http://veekun.com/dex-images/rusa/285.png
Mycon / Shroomish (male)
Health: IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII (63%)
Energy: IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII (61%)
Status: Freed, but roasted.
Sp.Attack boosted (1/6)

*Trainer Issued Commands*

Team Sage:

Lightscreen ~ Scary Face ~ Return

*
Team Paradox:

Solarbeam ~ Flash ~ Gigadrain

*Round Four Begins*

Now fully freed, Mycon sends out a Solarbeam before Atlas was able to complete his Lightscreen, the attack hit Atlas with full strenght, but after that the shiny armor was completed.

Atlas tries to intimidate Mycon and puts up a very scary face, who Mycon counters with a flash, who not only deletes the Scary Face effect, but also makes Atlas’s vision blurry. Atlas is pretty angered now and rushes forwards, the effects of Return aren’t at it’s best and the attack deals not much damage to Mycon who calmly attacks his attacker with Gigadrain, sucking out energy. Atlas screams.

*Results*

http://veekun.com/dex-images/rusa/066.png
Atlas / Machop (male)
Health: IIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIIII (65%)
Energy: IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII (35%)
Status: Sucked.
Lightscreen for 4 more rounds.
Attack boosted (1/6)
Defense boosted (1/6)

http://veekun.com/dex-images/rusa/285.png
Mycon / Shroomish (male)
Health: IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII (63%)
Energy: IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII (44%)
Status: Satisfied.
Sp.Attack boosted (1/6)

*Other Remarks*

- Sunny Day for 4 more rounds.

[Master of Paradox]

Well... that went better than planned, but now we seem to be fully in the soup, my little fungus.

Start by performing a Swords Dance, and then leap in with a Headbutt. End the round with a Double-Edge. If Atlas tries to perform a Flamethrower or Cross Chop, drop that attack and switch to Protect.

Swords Dance - Headbutt - Double-Edge
Sub: Protect (Flamethrower or Cross Chop)

[Dark Sage]

Okay Atlas, listen up...

While he's doing the Sword's Dance, just relax.

When he comes in for a Headbutt, use Karate Chop.

Then, when he comes in for a Double Edge, let it all out. Use Fire Blast!

[Dark Sage]

I hate to bump, but it looks like I have to. I don't want this match to be forgotten.

[MeLoVeGhOsTs]

It's not forgotten. I've posted in the absence tower. Sorry for this inconvience.

[Dark Sage]

Bring

Up

My

Post

Is MeLoveGhosts back? I wish we could start again...

[Chris 2.1]

MLG is reffing some of my matches, too, and has explained he is still busy. Don't worry, I'm sure he hasn't forgotten; once he has his priorities sorted, he will undoubtedly continue his excellent reffings.

[MeLoVeGhOsTs]

That I'm not going to promise. I'm really sorry for doing this gusy, but you'll have to search for a subref. Dealing with some shit, and I have no time to ref for a while. Very sorry, I really enjoyed reffing this.

I wish I could have posted this sooner.

[Dark Sage]

Well, anyone want to take over as ref? Four pokemon each, lots of points...

Anyone?

[Phoenixsong]

Oh, hell. I'll do it. I won't be able to start *right* away, as I have a few other reffing obligations to attend to, but if I can get those out of the way tomorrow afternoon then I should have yours up... Wednesday? Maybe earlier? Smack me if I forget, please.

[Dark Sage]

Okay Phoenixsong, you're in, but I will smack you if you forget. MeLoveGhosts was the most unreliable ref I have ever had, and I don't want to go through that again. I'm tired of not being able to evolve my pokemon because they never get experience, because I simply cannot finish a battle because the ref can never finish it!

[Chris 2.1]

Dark Sage that is enough. MLG obviously has problems going on outside TPM and it's basic human nature to want him to deal with whatever is going on. Demanding this, demanding that and calling him unreliable when he's clearly made an apology for having to drop out is the epitome of rudeness and this hasn't been the first time you have shown disregard for others.

This is not a job, it is not a profession and it is not prioritised over school work or family problems. ASB and TPM as a whole is supposed to be somewhere where people can come to relax and have fun, chat with friends and battle. So give the poor guy a break and step off your high horse.

Any more complaints about you and I'm docking points.

[Dark Sage]

Okay, okay, I apologize.

It's just far from the first time this has happened. I seem to have the worst luck with referrees.

I'm sorry.

[MeLoVeGhOsTs]

If I may say that I do reffed the first rounds fast, one a day, sometimes even twice a day. Don't go around complaining that I'm unreliable, when I'm not.

I have some serious problems going now and I'm sorry if this got in the way of your reffing.

Eventhough, apology accepted.

[Phoenixsong]

Ooh... everyone is so grumpy and mad these days... perhaps getting the reffing underway will make everyone all smiley again?

...Or not, I don't know. I've not been very smiley myself as of late. Anyway. Here ya go.


Dark Sage vs. Master of Paradox, Round Five

Pre-Round Stats

Team Sage

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa066.png
Atlas (M)
Health: 65%
Energy: 35%
Status: Attack +1 (+2% physical damage), Defense +1 (-2% physical damage); sucked
Dark Sage’s Commands:
Relax ~ Karate Chop ~ Fire Blast

Team Sage’s Light Screen: 2 actions remaining

Team Paradox

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa285.png
Mycon (M)
Health: 63%
Energy: 44%
Status: Special Attack +1 (+2% special damage); satisfied
Master of Paradox’s Commands:
Swords Dance OR Protect ~ Headbutt OR Protect ~ Double-Edge OR Protect

Arena

Zepp Junkyard

As the name implies, this place is a mess. It's an arena of about a square mile, penned off by chain link fencing. Despite its appearance, the fence is indestructible - they build them sturdy in Zepp. Piles of scrap metal and broken machinery abound, some still throwing off sparks, but there's enough clear space for a good fight. (It is possible to Dig into piles of junk.)

Over on the far eastern side is a giant robotic claw, perpetually sorting through deliveries of scrap; anything it deems dangerous is dropped onto the conveyors and delivered to the compactor. If any non-Steel-type Pokémon makes contact with the claw, it grabs them and rejects them. Rejection involves getting hurled back into the arena, which may cause damage at the referee's discretion. Steel-types are dropped onto the conveyor.

On the far northern side is the compactor and conveyor system. Anything that gets put on the conveyor will end up here in about the space of two actions. Getting dropped into the compactor is obviously a bad idea.

This junkyard is a very busy place. Every fifth round, a zeppelin will pass overhead and drop a new delivery of metal garbage onto the field. This is, in effect, a Hail that ignores types - even a Steel or Rock Pokémon can't avoid getting banged up when a compact car falls on their head.

Round Five: Begin!

The dark and forbidding atmosphere of the Zepp Junkyard (albeit brightened a bit by two consecutive Sunny Day attacks) is a strange and dangerous place to hold a Pokémon battle. Nevertheless, Dark Sage and Master of Paradox are willing to brave the heaps of electrified metal scrap for the sake of some sport. Dark Sage’s male Machop, Atlas, is growing tired and feeling a bit drained; Mycon, Master of Paradox’s male Shroomish, is also beginning to feel weak, but at least he feels a tad better than his opponent does. Despite their growing fatigue, however, the two battlers take their latest commands to heart and leap back into the fray.

Mycon, encouraged by the fact that he has recovered a bit of health, is feeling quite warlike as the fifth round kicks off. The Shroomish capitalizes on this feeling by dancing. He sways back and forth, to and fro, chanting an ancient rhyme as he moves; his ancestors, pleased by his performance, pump up his adrenaline and bolster his strength. Atlas, meanwhile, has been sitting back and relaxing, rather enjoying the free Swords Dance show. He has to admit that he is beginning to feel a bit better himself.

Feeling completely invigorated after his dance, Mycon launches himself straight at his foe. Atlas scrambles up from his sitting position and swings his hand downward in an attempt to stop the oncoming Headbutt with a hearty Karate Chop. The two Pokémon connect painfully; Atlas draws back, shaking his stinging hand, while Mycon drops to the ground and staggers, reeling from a sharp headache. Atlas in particular is further disappointed as the shimmering wall of pale light around him fades away.

Okaaaay… thinks Mycon. That didn’t go as planned… nonetheless, he is more than ready to try again. The Shroomish soars forward once more, this time with a wild, reckless energy behind his assault. Atlas, sensing that this attack is going to be a lot more painful than some Headbutt and figuring that just waving his arm is not going to stop the ballistic flying mushroom, decides to try something else. The Machop opens his mouth as wide as it will go and lets out a stream of searing flames; the flames have just enough time to form into the shape of a blazing red kanji symbol before Mycon blasts through it. The pain that the Shroomish feels is absolutely excruciating, especially given the warm sunlight streaming over the junkyard, but even Atlas’s Fire Blast is not enough to stop his momentum. Mycon slams into Atlas’s chest, bowling the Machop over with a fearsome Double-Edged blow. The force of the impact only serves to increase Mycon’s severe pain.

Both Atlas and Mycon are feeling some serious hurt as Round Five ends. Mycon in particular is in extreme pain from the powered-up Fire Blast, plus the recoil of his Double-Edge. Both of them are also dog-tired, even with Atlas’s little break early in the round. The sun is still shining high overhead as Dark Sage and Master of Paradox consider their next moves. The next few decisions are going to be critical ones, as this battle is fast coming down to the wire.

Round Five: Close

Post-Round Stats

Team Sage

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa066.png
Atlas (M)
Health: 46%
Energy: 29%
Status: Attack +1 (+2% physical damage), Defense +1 (-2% physical damage); exhausted, to put it lightly

Team Sage’s Light Screen: Faded

Team Paradox

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa285.png
Mycon (M)
Health: 29%
Energy: 28%
Status: Attack +2 (+4% physical damage), Special Attack +1 (+2% special damage); rolling on the ground in agony

Arena Status

Sunny Day: Three battle rounds remaining

Some rocks, most of them shattered by Atlas’s Rock Smash, litter one side of the field. The sun is still shining.

Ref’s Notes
-I don’t ref Light Screen/Reflect/Safeguard as lasting for rounds, but for actions. Therefore, Atlas’s Light Screen did not last as long as MLG would have had it last. It also costs 2% energy per round of upkeep.

-It’s late, I’m tired and I have my internship to go to tomorrow (today). If something seems strange and you need me to explain it, feel free to ask.

-Dark Sage attacks first next round.

[Dark Sage]

Atlas, time to shake, rattle, and roll.

First, shake things up with an Earthquake.

Next, close in for a Seismic Toss.

Then, use Flamethrower again.

If he tries to use Solarbeam, use Protect to deflect it. We can't have that.

[Master of Paradox]

That turn turned out worse than I thought, Mycon. Just cling on and hope for the best.

Begin with a Giga Drain while he's sending the earth into an uproar - you're a pure Grass-type, so all the shaking means relatively little. Next, Body Slam him when he comes in for the Seismic Toss, and Protect yourself from the Flamethrower.

Giga Drain - Body Slam - Protect

[Phoenixsong]

Dark Sage vs. Master of Paradox, Round Six

Pre-Round Stats

Team Sage

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa066.png
Atlas (M)
Health: 46%
Energy: 29%
Status: Attack +1 (+2% physical damage), Defense +1 (-2% physical damage); exhausted, to put it lightly
Dark Sage’s Commands:
Earthquake ~ Seismic Toss ~ Flamethrower

Team Sage’s Light Screen: Faded

Team Paradox

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa285.png
Mycon (M)
Health: 29%
Energy: 28%
Status: Attack +2 (+4% physical damage), Special Attack +1 (+2% special damage); rolling on the ground in agony
Master of Paradox’s Commands:
Giga Drain ~ Body Slam ~ Protect

Arena

Zepp Junkyard

As the name implies, this place is a mess. It's an arena of about a square mile, penned off by chain link fencing. Despite its appearance, the fence is indestructible - they build them sturdy in Zepp. Piles of scrap metal and broken machinery abound, some still throwing off sparks, but there's enough clear space for a good fight. (It is possible to Dig into piles of junk.)

Over on the far eastern side is a giant robotic claw, perpetually sorting through deliveries of scrap; anything it deems dangerous is dropped onto the conveyors and delivered to the compactor. If any non-Steel-type Pokémon makes contact with the claw, it grabs them and rejects them. Rejection involves getting hurled back into the arena, which may cause damage at the referee's discretion. Steel-types are dropped onto the conveyor.

On the far northern side is the compactor and conveyor system. Anything that gets put on the conveyor will end up here in about the space of two actions. Getting dropped into the compactor is obviously a bad idea.

This junkyard is a very busy place. Every fifth round, a zeppelin will pass overhead and drop a new delivery of metal garbage onto the field. This is, in effect, a Hail that ignores types - even a Steel or Rock Pokémon can't avoid getting banged up when a compact car falls on their head.

Round Six: Begin!

The owner of the Zepp Junkyard is angry. Those idiots with the zeppelin were supposed to bring a shipment of scrap in a while ago; they’re still not here yet. He screams at them over the communicator, cursing the hapless workers out for being fifty different kinds of moron, and then settles down to watch the Pokémon battle going on outside his window. Atlas the Machop and Mycon the Shroomish have been giving each other a serious beating for quite some time now and are about to start at it again. Hmm… the two exhausted battlers seem to be standing right where the zeppelin usually drops its load… the scrap will probably fall on them. He thinks about getting up to warn them, but then changes his mind. No; let them find out for themselves. It’ll make this already heated battle much more interesting…

Atlas is quite tired, but he still has enough energy to jump up into the air and come down for a rather hefty landing. The earth begins to shake at the spot where he comes down; the rumbling and shaking intensifies until a rather impressive Earthquake is roaring beneath the junkyard. Mycon is tossed about for a few moments, and the constant thrashing of the earth beneath his feet is painful, but he hangs in there and rides it out. The Shroomish then skitters towards his foe, mouth agape, and latches on to Atlas’s arm. Atlas cries out as he feels his health sucked away by another Giga Drain.

The Machop has had about enough of all this Giga Drain business, and he lets his foe know it by grabbing him, lifting him above his head and heaving him into a junk pile with a mighty Seismic Toss. Not to be deterred, Mycon picks himself up and leaps forward again, nailing Atlas with a fierce Body Slam; the Machop falls backward, clutching his chest in pain.

As painful as that Body Slam was, Atlas is well aware that Mycon is much closer to fainting than he is; surely a nice, toasty Flamethrower will clinch this round for him. He opens up his mouth and sends another stream of flames straight at Mycon, and the attack seems to hit straight on. When the flames die away, however, Mycon is just fine! To Atlas’s great dismay, the Shroomish has shielded himself with a shimmery Protect, which fades away. Erecting the barrier was incredibly taxing, but at least Mycon is still hanging in there.

Mycon’s health is dangerously low, and both he and his opponent are close to fainting with exhaustion. As if things aren’t already bad enough, both Pokémon and their trainers can hear a whirring sound overhead. As the four of them (and their tired subref) look up into the bright sky, they can see a large dirigible carrying a massive container fly over. Before anyone has a chance to react, the container opens up and releases a monsoon of assorted scrap; the hunks of metal come zooming downward and strike everyone present. Atlas and Mycon cry out as some axles and elevator flaps bounce off of their heads, and Dark Sage and Master of Paradox are forced to huddle under some overhanging sheets of metal to avoid being brained by ballistic ship parts and God-knows-what-else. The majority of that God-knows-what-else ends up burying the poor ref, who really should have known to look out for it ever since last round. The junkyard owner, safe in his shack, grins. So the zeppelin idiots were a little late. Watching those fools outside get showered with scrap was well worth the wait.

Round Six: Close

Post-Round Stats

Team Sage

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa066.png
Atlas (M)
Health: 22%
Energy: 10%
Status: Attack +1 (+2% physical damage), Defense +1 (-2% physical damage); hurting and absolutely exhausted

Team Paradox

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa285.png
Mycon (M)
Health: 11%
Energy: 7%
Status: Attack +2 (+4% physical damage), Special Attack +1 (+2% special damage); about to fall over

Arena Status

Sunny Day: Two battle rounds remaining

Some rocks, most of them shattered by Atlas’s Rock Smash, litter one side of the field; far more plentiful, however, is the scrap scattered around by the zeppelin’s visit. The sun is still shining.

Ref’s Notes
-Stupid me, I forgot about the zeppelin; it should have come last round. Watch out; it’ll be showing up regularly from now on…

-Master of Paradox attacks first next round.

[Master of Paradox]

You've done well with such a fierce handicap, Mycon. Time to go down shooting.

And I mean that. Bullet Seed until you pass out.

Bullet Seed x3

[Dark Sage]

This might be it Atlas. I'm proud of you. I promise to evolve you once this is over.

So you use Flamethrower until you aren't able to any more.

[Phoenixsong]

Dark Sage vs. Master of Paradox, Round Seven

Pre-Round Stats

Team Sage

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa066.png
Atlas (M)
Health: 22%
Energy: 10%
Status: Attack +1 (+2% physical damage), Defense +1 (-2% physical damage); hurting and absolutely exhausted
Dark Sage’s Commands:
Flamethrower ~ Flamethrower ~ Flamethrower

Team Paradox

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa285.png
Mycon (M)
Health: 11%
Energy: 7%
Status: Attack +2 (+4% physical damage), Special Attack +1 (+2% special damage); about to fall over
Master of Paradox’s Commands:
Bullet Seed ~ Bullet Seed ~ Bullet Seed

Arena

Zepp Junkyard

As the name implies, this place is a mess. It's an arena of about a square mile, penned off by chain link fencing. Despite its appearance, the fence is indestructible - they build them sturdy in Zepp. Piles of scrap metal and broken machinery abound, some still throwing off sparks, but there's enough clear space for a good fight. (It is possible to Dig into piles of junk.)

Over on the far eastern side is a giant robotic claw, perpetually sorting through deliveries of scrap; anything it deems dangerous is dropped onto the conveyors and delivered to the compactor. If any non-Steel-type Pokémon makes contact with the claw, it grabs them and rejects them. Rejection involves getting hurled back into the arena, which may cause damage at the referee's discretion. Steel-types are dropped onto the conveyor.

On the far northern side is the compactor and conveyor system. Anything that gets put on the conveyor will end up here in about the space of two actions. Getting dropped into the compactor is obviously a bad idea.

This junkyard is a very busy place. Every fifth round, a zeppelin will pass overhead and drop a new delivery of metal garbage onto the field. This is, in effect, a Hail that ignores types - even a Steel or Rock Pokémon can't avoid getting banged up when a compact car falls on their head.

Round Seven: Begin!

What to do, what to do… Mycon and Atlas are dead tired. Neither one is ready to admit defeat, however, and so they try out what is most likely their final exchange of desperate attacks. They’ll probably collapse from exhaustion doing so, but they know that they will have given it their all…

Slowly, painfully, Mycon picks himself up from the floor. He’s absolutely exhausted and is convinced that he simply can’t go on any longer. Still, he’s got to give it one last shot… the little spotted mushroom bows his head toward his foe, almost as if in submission, and then without warning fires a battery of Bullet Seeds right at Atlas. The Machop stumbles backwards, shielding his face from the barrage of seeds, and sits down hard. Boy, is he tired. He’d like nothing more right now than to just relax in his Pokéball… but no such luck. Mycon has simply got to go. Atlas opens his mouth and belts out another stream of searing flames; the Flamethrower strikes true and thoroughly sautés Mycon. The Shroomish simply can’t take anymore and falls over backward, beaten.

Mycon has been defeated and the first victory goes to Dark Sage and Atlas. Pleased with himself though he is, Atlas is far too fatigued to even think about celebrating just yet. Besides, Master of Paradox still has three other Pokémon waiting in the wings, all of them fresh and fighting fit. What on Earth—or, rather, what on Zepp—is the worn and weary Atlas going to have to contend with next?

Round Seven: Close

Post-Round Stats

Team Sage

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa066.png
Atlas (M)
Health: 14%
Energy: 2%
Status: Attack +1 (+2% physical damage), Defense +1 (-2% physical damage); would just love to take a nap now, thank you very much

Team Paradox

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa285.png
Mycon (M)
Health: 0%
Energy: 4%
Status: Attack +2 (+4% physical damage), Special Attack +1 (+2% special damage); knocked out

Arena Status

Sunny Day: One battle round remaining

Some rocks, most of them shattered by Atlas’s Rock Smash, litter one side of the field; far more plentiful, however, is the scrap scattered around by the zeppelin’s visit. The sun is still shining.

Ref’s Notes
-Master of Paradox chooses his next Pokémon, then Dark Sage attacks first next round.

I don't suppose it would make much sense for you to PM your Pokémon to me, as DS is attacking first anyway. Go ahead and post it right here.

[Master of Paradox]

Return, Mycon.

*Reaching into his coat, the Master of Paradox pulls out Mycon's Pokeball and calls him back.*

I have several options for this next one, but I will go with the one you cannot counter so easily.

*He reaches into his coat for the next Pokeball...*

Go, Light, my Staryu!

*With a flick of his hand, he hurls the Pokeball, which expands and opens in flight. From it emerges a floating starfish, gem at its center. It lets out a loud, "HYAH!"*

[Dark Sage]

Atlas, you have one attack left, so let's make it count.

Put all your energy into one, big Earthquake.

[Master of Paradox]

Light, Protect yourself... assuming Atlas doesn't pass out just trying to cause the Earthquake. If he does, don't waste the energy.

Moves: Protect (Earthquake works)/Watch (Earthquake fails)

[Phoenixsong]

Dark Sage vs. Master of Paradox, Round Eight

Pre-Round Stats

Team Sage

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa066.png
Atlas (M)
Health: 14%
Energy: 2%
Status: Attack +1 (+2% physical damage), Defense +1 (-2% physical damage); would just love to take a nap now, thank you very much
Dark Sage’s Commands:
Earthquake ~ X ~ X

Team Paradox

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa120.png
Light (X)
Health: 100%
Energy: 100%
Status: Fresh as a daisy and bright as a star *ref shot*
Master of Paradox’s Commands:
Protect ~ X ~ X

Arena

Zepp Junkyard

As the name implies, this place is a mess. It's an arena of about a square mile, penned off by chain link fencing. Despite its appearance, the fence is indestructible - they build them sturdy in Zepp. Piles of scrap metal and broken machinery abound, some still throwing off sparks, but there's enough clear space for a good fight. (It is possible to Dig into piles of junk.)

Over on the far eastern side is a giant robotic claw, perpetually sorting through deliveries of scrap; anything it deems dangerous is dropped onto the conveyors and delivered to the compactor. If any non-Steel-type Pokémon makes contact with the claw, it grabs them and rejects them. Rejection involves getting hurled back into the arena, which may cause damage at the referee's discretion. Steel-types are dropped onto the conveyor.

On the far northern side is the compactor and conveyor system. Anything that gets put on the conveyor will end up here in about the space of two actions. Getting dropped into the compactor is obviously a bad idea.

This junkyard is a very busy place. Every fifth round, a zeppelin will pass overhead and drop a new delivery of metal garbage onto the field. This is, in effect, a Hail that ignores types - even a Steel or Rock Pokémon can't avoid getting banged up when a compact car falls on their head.

Round Eight: Begin!

Before Atlas, who has just (barely) triumphed over the Shroomish Mycon, has a chance to catch his breath, Master of Paradox springs into action and releases his next Pokémon choice. With a flash of red light a Staryu emerges from the Pokéball, its red madreporite gem glittering in the slowly fading Zepp sunlight. The starfish, nicknamed Light, lets out an energetic battlecry; make no mistake, because this thing means business.

Atlas is well aware that he is in no shape to compete with Light, who is brimming with energy and not tired in the least. This is definitely his last shot, and the little martial artist intends to make it count. Light “watches” (?) as Atlas picks himself up from the ground and leaps into the air, preparing to land a final Earthquake; as it appears that Atlas’s final attack is going to succeed, Light Protects itself and braces for the coming shock. That last action, however, completely drained the last of Atlas’s energy; the Machop no longer has the strength to focus any earth-shaking power into his landing, and he simply falls back to the ground, unconscious. Light drops its forcefield, pleased that it was able to finish off Mycon’s opponent with little effort.

The strain of prolonged battle has finally proved too much for Atlas, and the score is quickly evened out at three Pokémon apiece. Light barely had a reason to move at all during this round, so it will be evenly matched with whatever opponent Dark Sage has in store for it. As Dark Sage considers his choices, the bright light finally fades away into a rather beautiful (due to all of the filth and smog in the air) Zepp sunset as the effect of Mycon’s Sunny Day ends.

Round Eight: Close

Post-Round Stats

Team Sage

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa066.png
Atlas (M)
Health: 14%
Energy: 0%
Status: Attack +1 (+2% physical damage), Defense +1 (-2% physical damage); knocked out from fatigue

Team Paradox

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa120.png
Light (X)
Health: 100%
Energy: 98%
Status: Feels as though it can take whatever Dark Sage throws at it

Arena Status

Sunny Day: Faded

Zeppelin: Three rounds until arrival

Some rocks, most of them shattered by Atlas’s Rock Smash, litter one side of the field; far more plentiful, however, is the scrap scattered around by the zeppelin’s visit. The sun has just about set.

Ref’s Notes
-Light’s Protect only cost 2% energy because he didn’t expend the energy to support it for the entire round.

-Dark Sage chooses his next Pokémon, then Master of Paradox attacks first next round.

[Dark Sage]

Atlas, return.

(Atlas retreats to his pokeball)

I choose... Thunderclap, my male Pikachu!

I choose you!

"Pika-pika!"

[Master of Paradox]

...right. Forgot you had him. Light, we may be in trouble.

Still, be that as it may, begin by establishing a Light Screen - even if he does Brick Break it, it'll force him to waste that move. Next, pepper Thunderclap with Swift and end on a Bubblebeam.

Light Screen - Swift - Bubblebeam

[Dark Sage]

Thunderclap, start by smashing that Light Screen with Brick Break.

Next, hit him with Thunderbolt.

Next, I want you to get in a good lead early, so use your best attack.

Use Volt Tackle!

[Phoenixsong]

My apologies for the lateness, you two. Here it is.


Dark Sage vs. Master of Paradox, Round Nine

Pre-Round Stats

Team Sage

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa025.png
Thunderclap (M)
Health: 100%
Energy: 100%
Status: Confident
Dark Sage’s Commands:
Brick Break ~ Thunderbolt ~ Volt Tackle

Team Paradox

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa120.png
Light (X)
Health: 100%
Energy: 98%
Status: Feeling fine, but a tad nervous about the Electric-type opponent
Master of Paradox’s Commands:
Light Screen ~ Swift ~ Bubblebeam

Arena

Zepp Junkyard

As the name implies, this place is a mess. It's an arena of about a square mile, penned off by chain link fencing. Despite its appearance, the fence is indestructible - they build them sturdy in Zepp. Piles of scrap metal and broken machinery abound, some still throwing off sparks, but there's enough clear space for a good fight. (It is possible to Dig into piles of junk.)

Over on the far eastern side is a giant robotic claw, perpetually sorting through deliveries of scrap; anything it deems dangerous is dropped onto the conveyors and delivered to the compactor. If any non-Steel-type Pokémon makes contact with the claw, it grabs them and rejects them. Rejection involves getting hurled back into the arena, which may cause damage at the referee's discretion. Steel-types are dropped onto the conveyor.

On the far northern side is the compactor and conveyor system. Anything that gets put on the conveyor will end up here in about the space of two actions. Getting dropped into the compactor is obviously a bad idea.

This junkyard is a very busy place. Every fifth round, a zeppelin will pass overhead and drop a new delivery of metal garbage onto the field. This is, in effect, a Hail that ignores types - even a Steel or Rock Pokémon can't avoid getting banged up when a compact car falls on their head.

Round Nine: Begin!

Mycon’s Sunny Day has ended and night has fallen upon Zepp. After Atlas’s defeat, Dark Sage has chosen his next Pokémon. A flick of his wrist and a flash of red light later, a male Pikachu—Thunderclap is his name—stands across the field from Master of Paradox’s most recent Pokémon choice, Light the Staryu. The two fresh battlers square off and prepare to strike.

Light is first out of the gate, focusing its energy into forming a glittering wall of light in front of it. The starfish is no fool; it knows that its opponent has a pretty gnarly type advantage and so sets up a nice Light Screen to protect against any electrical assaults. Thunderclap pouts; aww, hiding behind a Light Screen is no fun! He decides to throw a wrench in Light’s plans and dashes forward on all fours. Right as he nears the Light Screen Thunderclap leaps into the air fist-first and shatters the energy wall with Brick Break. A few sharp shards of energy fly into Light and sting it a little before they fade away.

If Light had a face, it most certainly would be frowning right now. Of course, the Light Screen did cause Thunderclap to waste some extra energy getting rid of it, but Light would have liked it a bit more if the defensive wall could have hung around a bit longer. Ah, well; time for a change of tactic. The Staryu angles its top arm at Thunderclap and launches a Swift straight at its foe. Thunderclap throws up his paws in a vain attempt to shield himself from the stinging stars. When they finally stop, the Pikachu’s cheeks begin to spark and crackle with electrical energy, and then… Crack! The Thunderbolt flies forward and electrocutes Light. Light falls to one “knee” as the attack finishes.

That last attack was a painful one, to be sure, but Light isn’t down for the count yet; not even close. It picks itself up and points its top arm at Thunderclap again. This time, a stream of bubbles strikes the electric mouse; the pestilent little globes of air and water sting even more than the Swift stars did. The Bubblebeam doesn’t bother Thunderclap too much, however. The Pikachu smiles an evil little smile as his cheeks flare up again. Instead of sending a lightning bolt at Light, however, the energy begins to surround Thunderclap himself. Thunderclap is veritably glowing with a fierce, whitish light as he dashes forward again, moving even faster this time as the electricity fuels his muscles. Thunderclap barrels straight into Light, the built-up electricity of the Volt Tackle transferring from the mouse to the starfish on impact. Light lets out a garbled cry and Thunderclap backs off, massaging the top of his skull. It felt good to give that funky star-thingie a smashing, but his head is pretty darn sore now.

Light was pretty confident at the beginning of this round… not so much anymore. Without its Light Screen to ward off some of the damage, Thunderclap’s explosive assault has proved incredibly, unbelievably painful. Thunderclap smiles again, knowing that his Volt Tackle-induced headache is nothing compared to his foe’s extreme agony. It looks like he’s got this one in the bag… or has he? Master of Paradox is certain to have quite a few tricks left up the sleeve of that coat…

Round Nine: Close

Post-Round Stats

Team Sage

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa025.png
Thunderclap (M)
Health: 77%
Energy: 77%
Status: Has a bit of a headache and is a teensy bit tired, but otherwise pleased

Team Paradox

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa120.png
Light (X)
Health: 47%
Energy: 85%
Status: Ouch… *twitch* *twitch*

Arena Status

Zeppelin: Two rounds until arrival

Some rocks, most of them shattered by Atlas’s Rock Smash, litter one side of the field; far more plentiful, however, is the scrap scattered around by the zeppelin’s visit. The sun has set, casting a pall of darkness over the junkyard.

Ref’s Notes
-Brick Break’s damage was reduced because the attack never connected with Light; only the “glass” shards did.

-Dark Sage attacks first next round.

[Dark Sage]

Good job, Pikachu.

Now, first, I want you to throw up your own Light Screen.

Next, close in for a Slam.

Then, use Thunderbolt again.

[Master of Paradox]

Light... sorry about this.

Start with a Flash to cut off his Light Screen. Then get serious - when he comes in for the Slam, Hydro Pump him. End with an Ice Beam.

Flash - Hydro Pump - Ice Beam

[Phoenixsong]

Dead, you say? Nay, say I! Gwahar, Round Ten!


Dark Sage vs. Master of Paradox, Round Ten

Pre-Round Stats

Team Sage

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa025.png
Thunderclap (M)
Health: 77%
Energy: 77%
Status: Has a bit of a headache and is a teensy bit tired, but otherwise pleased
Dark Sage’s Commands:
Light Screen ~ Slam ~ Thunderbolt

Team Paradox

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa120.png
Light (X)
Health: 47%
Energy: 85%
Status: Ouch… *twitch* *twitch*
Master of Paradox’s Commands:
Flash ~ Hydro Pump ~ Ice Beam

Arena

Zepp Junkyard

As the name implies, this place is a mess. It's an arena of about a square mile, penned off by chain link fencing. Despite its appearance, the fence is indestructible - they build them sturdy in Zepp. Piles of scrap metal and broken machinery abound, some still throwing off sparks, but there's enough clear space for a good fight. (It is possible to Dig into piles of junk.)

Over on the far eastern side is a giant robotic claw, perpetually sorting through deliveries of scrap; anything it deems dangerous is dropped onto the conveyors and delivered to the compactor. If any non-Steel-type Pokémon makes contact with the claw, it grabs them and rejects them. Rejection involves getting hurled back into the arena, which may cause damage at the referee's discretion. Steel-types are dropped onto the conveyor.

On the far northern side is the compactor and conveyor system. Anything that gets put on the conveyor will end up here in about the space of two actions. Getting dropped into the compactor is obviously a bad idea.

This junkyard is a very busy place. Every fifth round, a zeppelin will pass overhead and drop a new delivery of metal garbage onto the field. This is, in effect, a Hail that ignores types - even a Steel or Rock Pokémon can't avoid getting banged up when a compact car falls on their head.

Round Ten: Begin!

What to do, what to do… Thunderclap has taken an early lead in his battle with Light the Staryu and is confident about the match’s outcome (although he does have a teensy headache at the moment). Light… Light has felt better. Two electrical attacks in a row are not good for starfish, oh, no… still, Light is not in the mood to give up, and it prepares a fresh assault.

Thunderclap raises his paws, which begin sparkling and crackling with electricity. The intensity of the energy builds up and the light generated by them grows brighter and brighter, forming a shimmering wall of light in front of the yellow mouse. Before Thunderclap can finish, however, Light’s ruby-red madreporite Flashes brilliantly; the sudden surge of excess light completely scrambles Thunderclap’s carefully constructed Light Screen. Light twinkles smugly; if it can’t have a Light Screen, nobody can.

Angry with the starfish for foiling his Light Screen, Thunderclap drops to all fours and sprints toward his opponent. Leaping into the air, Thunderclap spins around and Slams his tail right into the center of Light’s body. Before the mouse has a chance to distance himself from his foe again, Light blasts Thunderclap with a fierce Hydro Pump. No need for Thunderclap to run back to his end of the yard when he can be flung there by a high volume of frigid water.

The Pikachu standing across the battlefield from the Staryu is freezing cold, soaking wet and hopping mad. As Thunderclap’s cheeks begin charging up energy, excess electricity can be seen snaking all over his soggy fur. Finally, the Pikachu lets a massive Thunderbolt fly, frying Light for a third time. Reeling with pain and yet unwilling to concede defeat just yet, Light responds with a bright blue beam of energy. The Ice Beam strikes Thunderclap; chunks of ice and frost lightly coat Thunderclap’s wet fur and chill him even further.

The junkyard owner is still watching the match from the safety of his shack; the battle between Dark Sage and Master of Paradox is no less interesting now than it was from the start. Light’s type disadvantage has ended up causing it severe suffering at the paws of its Electric-type enemy, and it is very close to fainting as Round Ten ends. Not that Thunderclap is in the greatest shape, either; his wet fur is icy, restricting his movement and weighing him down. Oh, and it’s damn cold, too. A cruel smile creeps over the owner’s face as he notices something. As much fun as he’s having watching the two Pokémon beat each other up, the match is about to get a lot more entertaining. If his ears aren’t deceiving him, the whirring of the scrap zeppelin can be heard drawing closer overhead…

Round Ten: Close

Post-Round Stats

Team Sage

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa025.png
Thunderclap (M)
Health: 51%
Energy: 61%
Status: Slightly frozen (will have some difficulty moving); cold and rather unhappy

Team Paradox

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa120.png
Light (X)
Health: 17%
Energy: 67%
Status: Oh, by Mew, make the hurting stop…

Arena Status

Zeppelin: One round until arrival

Some rocks, most of them shattered by Atlas’s Rock Smash, litter one side of the field; far more plentiful, however, is the scrap scattered around by the zeppelin’s visit. It is dark.

Ref’s Notes
-Flash managed to cancel Light Screen out, but Thunderclap’s attention was not on the attack’s source and as such he did not suffer a drop in accuracy.

-Ice Beam did a bit more damage (+2%) because Thunderclap was already cold and quite wet.

-Master of Paradox attacks first next round.

[Master of Paradox]

Light, it's last-stand time.

Start things off with a Psychic - try to throw Thunderbolt onto the conveyor belt. Then, use another Ice Beam. For your last maneuever...

Call down the force of Nature. Blizzard!

Psychic - Ice Beam - Blizzard

[Dark Sage]

Thunderclap, first, use Thunderbolt again.

Then, I want you to use Dig. Burrow under the ground.

Use the second part of the move to come up under Light and throw it.

"Pika-Pik!"

[Phoenixsong]

Sorry, heh... been rather preoccupied. And ill. All the same, I'm just glad you two are so on top of this battle... you have no idea how glad I am not to have to worry about DQ'ing this match, at least.


Dark Sage vs. Master of Paradox, Round Eleven

Pre-Round Stats

Team Sage

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa025.png
Thunderclap (M)
Health: 51%
Energy: 61%
Status: Slightly frozen (will have some difficulty moving); cold and rather unhappy
Dark Sage’s Commands:
Thunderbolt ~ Dig under ~ Resurface

Team Paradox

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa120.png
Light (X)
Health: 17%
Energy: 67%
Status: Oh, by Mew, make the hurting stop…
Master of Paradox’s Commands:
Psychic ~ Ice Beam ~ Blizzard

Arena

Zepp Junkyard

As the name implies, this place is a mess. It's an arena of about a square mile, penned off by chain link fencing. Despite its appearance, the fence is indestructible - they build them sturdy in Zepp. Piles of scrap metal and broken machinery abound, some still throwing off sparks, but there's enough clear space for a good fight. (It is possible to Dig into piles of junk.)

Over on the far eastern side is a giant robotic claw, perpetually sorting through deliveries of scrap; anything it deems dangerous is dropped onto the conveyors and delivered to the compactor. If any non-Steel-type Pokémon makes contact with the claw, it grabs them and rejects them. Rejection involves getting hurled back into the arena, which may cause damage at the referee's discretion. Steel-types are dropped onto the conveyor.

On the far northern side is the compactor and conveyor system. Anything that gets put on the conveyor will end up here in about the space of two actions. Getting dropped into the compactor is obviously a bad idea.

This junkyard is a very busy place. Every fifth round, a zeppelin will pass overhead and drop a new delivery of metal garbage onto the field. This is, in effect, a Hail that ignores types - even a Steel or Rock Pokémon can't avoid getting banged up when a compact car falls on their head.

Round Eleven: Begin!

Light the Staryu is in pain, plain and simple. It’s tired of dealing with the constant threat of electric attacks from its opponent, Thunderclap the Pikachu, and now that it’s on its last legs it wants to teach Thunderclap a lesson or two in pain.

Every inch of Light’s body is tingling and stinging as it picks itself up from the ground. Its red madreporite flashes menacingly as it concentrates hard… Thunderclap, meanwhile, is convinced that he’s got the battle in the bag. Sure, he’s freezing and covered in fairly heavy ice, but that shouldn’t matter too much; he doesn’t have to move to blast Light with the Thunderbolt that will certainly finish him off. Before he can finish charging the attack, however, the Pikachu feels a sudden foreign presence in his mind. Light has gripped its foe’s brain with Psychic and lifts him into the air. Thunderclap struggles and tries his best to fight off the painful mental assault, but to no avail; Light flings him clear across the junkyard to the north. The starfish’s aim is not perfect and instead of planting the mouse on the conveyor belt Thunderclap is slammed into the side of the clunky contraption.

Had Light’s assault gone according to plan, Thunderclap would have landed on the conveyor belt, been painfully rejected and then returned to the main battlefield. The only problem now is… the assault did not go according to plan and Thunderclap is still slumped, cold and hurting, on the ground by the conveyor. As a result, Light cannot even see its target; all it can do is fire off an Ice Beam in the Pikachu’s general direction. The blue light travels a short distance before striking a pile of scrap and coating it with ice. Not that Light would have hit Thunderclap even if it could find him; the Pikachu has forced his chilled and heavy muscles to help him Dig into the earth, and even now he is tunneling doggedly back to the arena.

Light still has no idea where its foe is, and as a result cannot attack him directly. Still, it hopes that it can impede Thunderclap somewhat; it launches a Blizzard of frigid wind and ice at all and sundry, glazing some more scrap over with ice and coating the ground as well. All this really manages, however, is to add slightly to Thunderclap’s work as he Digs back up to the surface. The little yellow mouse is so cold and his limbs are so heavy and stiff with ice that he does not have the momentum or the energy to slam into Light as his trainer would have liked; all Thunderclap can manage is a little smack with his tail before he slips on a frosty patch of earth.

Isn’t it frustrating when plans go awry? Neither the frozen Thunderclap nor the aching and tingling Light managed to achieve much of anything this round. Neither the Staryu nor the Pikachu has much time to complain about it, however… with a sinister clunking, clanking and whirring, the zeppelin passes overhead and releases its load of assorted deadly scrap. Gears, panels, car parts, cars, any and all sorts of metal refuse imaginable come raining down, shattering some of the ice that coats the ground and striking both Pokémon painfully.

Round Eleven: Close

Post-Round Stats

Team Sage

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa025.png
Thunderclap (M)
Health: 36%
Energy: 43%
Status: Slightly frozen (will have some difficulty moving); cold and suffering from a rather nasty falling-metal-induced headache

Team Paradox

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa120.png
Light (X)
Health: 9%
Energy: 45%
Status: Thankful that Thunderclap himself didn’t hurt it much at all this round, but still in a lot of pain

Arena Status

Zeppelin: Five rounds until arrival

Some rocks, most of them shattered by Atlas’s Rock Smash, litter one side of the field; far more plentiful, however, is the scrap scattered around by the zeppelin’s visits. Some of the ground and the piles of scrap are icy; some areas of the ice have been shattered somewhat by the falling junk. It is dark.

Ref’s Notes
-Thunderclap began his Thunderbolt attack but was unable to complete it; as a result, he lost some energy, but not the full amount.

-Digging and resurfacing cost Thunderclap a little extra energy because of his minor freezing. The freezing also prevented him from attacking Light with any real force.

-Dark Sage attacks first next round.

[Dark Sage]

Thunderclap, you can do it.

Start with a Quick Attack.

Then, use Thunderbolt.

If that doesn't finish it, use Thunder.

If it tries Blizzard again, switch your current move to Protect. We can't have that. But only the first time he tries it - not if he does so multiple times. We can't use Protect multiple times.

[Master of Paradox]

Well... You tried your best, Light. I sent you into a fight you couldn't win, and now I'll let you take the honorable way out.

Blizzard. Blizzard until you fall.

Blizzard x3

[Phoenixsong]

I meant to write this right after I finished my tourney reffing. Really I did. Really.


Dark Sage vs. Master of Paradox, Round Twelve

Pre-Round Stats

Team Sage

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa025.png
Thunderclap (M)
Health: 36%
Energy: 43%
Status: Slightly frozen (will have some difficulty moving); cold and suffering from a rather nasty falling-metal-induced headache
Dark Sage’s Commands:
Quick Attack ~ Thunderbolt ~ Thunder

Team Paradox

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa120.png
Light (X)
Health: 9%
Energy: 45%
Status: Thankful that Thunderclap himself didn’t hurt it much at all this round, but still in a lot of pain
Master of Paradox’s Commands:
Blizzard ~ Blizzard ~ Blizzard

Arena

Zepp Junkyard

As the name implies, this place is a mess. It's an arena of about a square mile, penned off by chain link fencing. Despite its appearance, the fence is indestructible - they build them sturdy in Zepp. Piles of scrap metal and broken machinery abound, some still throwing off sparks, but there's enough clear space for a good fight. (It is possible to Dig into piles of junk.)

Over on the far eastern side is a giant robotic claw, perpetually sorting through deliveries of scrap; anything it deems dangerous is dropped onto the conveyors and delivered to the compactor. If any non-Steel-type Pokémon makes contact with the claw, it grabs them and rejects them. Rejection involves getting hurled back into the arena, which may cause damage at the referee's discretion. Steel-types are dropped onto the conveyor.

On the far northern side is the compactor and conveyor system. Anything that gets put on the conveyor will end up here in about the space of two actions. Getting dropped into the compactor is obviously a bad idea.

This junkyard is a very busy place. Every fifth round, a zeppelin will pass overhead and drop a new delivery of metal garbage onto the field. This is, in effect, a Hail that ignores types - even a Steel or Rock Pokémon can't avoid getting banged up when a compact car falls on their head.

Round Twelve: Begin!

It appears to be Light’s last stand as the Staryu picks itself up, slowly and painfully, to give Thunderclap the Pikachu one final beating. Thunderclap, meanwhile, is aching all over—that falling scrap last round sure didn’t help—and desperately hopes that he’ll be able to finish Light off this time.

Ready to end this battle, Thunderclap prepares to dash forward towards his weakened foe in a blazingly Quick Attack. Before he gets too far, however, he sees Light point its top arm threateningly at him. The temperature drops as a blast of icy wind is launched at the Pikachu, who is forced to skid to a halt and throw up a Protective barrier against the cruel Blizzard. Thunderclap pants nervously as he drops his shield; that was a close call.

Now that this recent close call has been averted—Thunderclap really didn’t need any more ice on his fur, thank you very much—the little yellow mouse is now ready to finish his enemy off. With a cry, Thunderclap’s cheeks flare up with sparks and he lets a Thunderbolt fly at his foe. The electrical blast strikes the starfish before it can try to freeze its opponent again, and with a final sigh Light falls over backward, unable to continue on.

With Light’s defeat, Master of Paradox has lost his second Pokémon and must now choose a third; he returns the Staryu to its Pokéball, congratulating it on its valiant effort. As Paradox chooses his next battler, Thunderclap slumps to the ground, exhausted and in pain. Paradox’s new Pokémon is sure to be full of energy and not tired in the least… this won’t be easy…

Round Twelve: Close

Post-Round Stats

Team Sage

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa025.png
Thunderclap (M)
Health: 36%
Energy: 29%
Status: Slightly frozen (will have some difficulty moving); cold and tired, but happy

Team Paradox

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa120.png
Light (X)
Health: 0%
Energy: 37%
Status: Knocked out

Arena Status

Zeppelin: Four rounds until arrival

Some rocks, most of them shattered by Atlas’s Rock Smash, litter one side of the field; far more plentiful, however, is the scrap scattered around by the zeppelin’s visits. Some of the ground and the piles of scrap are icy; some areas of the ice have been shattered somewhat by the falling junk. It is dark.

Ref’s Notes
-Since Thunderclap started his Quick Attack but called it off to use Protect, he only lost a tiny bit of energy for it (-1%) and full energy for Protect (-7%).

-Master of Paradox sends out and attacks first next round.

[Master of Paradox]

*Master of Paradox fishes out his Pokeball and calls Light back into it.*

Well, so much for that. Sorry... my bad strategizing left you to suffer. Either way...

Now, how to deal with Thunderclap. There are two obvious answers, and I'll go with one of them. Go! Matthias, my male Flygon!

*He throws the Pokeball, and the vaguely insectile dragon emerges.*

Matthias, this is your first time out with me, so just relax and try not to overcompensate. I don't know what your last trainer taught you, but I'll try to keep it simple.

Begin by spraying down Thunderclap with a Dragonbreath. Next, give him a Crunch, and finally seal him in a Rock Tomb.

Dragonbreath - Crunch - Rock Tomb

[Dark Sage]

Thunderclap, first use Double Team.

Next, run up to him, and use Iron Tail.

Then, since you're running on fumes anyway, hit him with a Double Edge.

You took down one guy - let's leave a mark on this one.

[Phoenixsong]

Whee, fastreffingyayzorz.


Dark Sage vs. Master of Paradox, Round Thirteen

Pre-Round Stats

Team Sage

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa025.png
Thunderclap (M)
Health: 36%
Energy: 29%
Status: Slightly frozen (will have some difficulty moving); cold and tired, but happy
Dark Sage’s Commands:
Double Team ~ Iron Tail ~ Double-Edge

Team Paradox

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa330.png
Matthias (M)
Health: 100%
Energy: 100%
Status: Confident and full of energy
Master of Paradox’s Commands:
Dragonbreath ~ Crunch ~ Rock Tomb

Arena

Zepp Junkyard

As the name implies, this place is a mess. It's an arena of about a square mile, penned off by chain link fencing. Despite its appearance, the fence is indestructible - they build them sturdy in Zepp. Piles of scrap metal and broken machinery abound, some still throwing off sparks, but there's enough clear space for a good fight. (It is possible to Dig into piles of junk.)

Over on the far eastern side is a giant robotic claw, perpetually sorting through deliveries of scrap; anything it deems dangerous is dropped onto the conveyors and delivered to the compactor. If any non-Steel-type Pokémon makes contact with the claw, it grabs them and rejects them. Rejection involves getting hurled back into the arena, which may cause damage at the referee's discretion. Steel-types are dropped onto the conveyor.

On the far northern side is the compactor and conveyor system. Anything that gets put on the conveyor will end up here in about the space of two actions. Getting dropped into the compactor is obviously a bad idea.

This junkyard is a very busy place. Every fifth round, a zeppelin will pass overhead and drop a new delivery of metal garbage onto the field. This is, in effect, a Hail that ignores types - even a Steel or Rock Pokémon can't avoid getting banged up when a compact car falls on their head.

Round Thirteen: Begin!

The victorious Thunderclap has no time to relax. Master of Paradox has selected his third Pokémon, and the new opponent is quite a worrying one. A Pokéball flies through the air and disgorges a large, greenish creature with wings—a male Flygon by the name of Matthias. Matthias stretches his wings and cracks his whiplike tail experimentally, then turns to smile confidently at Thunderclap. Oh, great… a Ground-type… what is the weary Pikachu going to do?

As this is Matthias’s first battle with his new trainer, he doesn’t want to let Paradox down by messing up what seems to be an easy win. The dragon opens his mouth and lets a streamer of green flames shoot straight at Thunderclap. The searing Dragonbreath engulfs the Pikachu… and apparently, burns him straight down to ash! Matthias’s large eyes widen in shock behind their outer membranes; what has he done to Dark Sage’s Pikachu? Before he has too much time to worry, however, a movement by some shattered rocks catches his attention. Aha! There’s Thunderclap, still cold and uncomfortable but very much in one piece. Matthias’s fear turns into frustration as it hits him—that wasn’t Thunderclap at all, was it? Rascally little rat, escaping damage with Double Team… Thunderclap sighs with relief. He was too stiff to vibrate fast enough to create multiple clones, but at least that one saved his hide for this action.

Not to be deterred, Matthias spreads his wings and takes off, zooming towards his foe with jaws agape. The Flygon’s mouth isn’t all that large or impressive, but Thunderclap soon finds out that his fangs are plenty sharp enough for an extremely painful Crunch. Matthias smiles as he lets go, a bit of blood dripping from his teeth… and gets a hearty smack in the face with a tail so stiff it appears to be made of metal and not fur and bone. The dragon staggers back, smarting from the Iron Tail.

Angry now, the dragon-fly smacks his tail against the ground as hard as he can, earth energy lifting several large hunks of dirt and stone up from the ground. Another slap of Matthias’s tail sends the rocks flying forward and crashing down on top of Thunderclap. The mouse tries to escape the Rock Tomb that bars his way, but the stones that aren’t in directly front of him have pinned his tail and one back leg to the earth. He can’t go anywhere for now.

Oh, how the tables have turned! Thunderclap had such a large advantage in the last round; now, it seems, his fresh and energetic opponent is the one who holds the upper hand, especially with Thunderclap trapped as he is. Matthias is a bit annoyed at his minor panic attack early in the round, but he’s feeling pretty upbeat right now.

Round Thirteen: Close

Post-Round Stats

Team Sage

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa025.png
Thunderclap (M)
Health: 23%
Energy: 15%
Status: Slightly frozen (will have some difficulty moving); trapped by Rock Tomb; desperate to break free and regain mobility, but dog-tired

Team Paradox

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa330.png
Matthias (M)
Health: 95%
Energy: 82%
Status: Feeling pretty good about his first battle for Master of Paradox

Arena Status

Zeppelin: Three rounds until arrival

Some rocks, most of them shattered by Atlas’s Rock Smash, litter one side of the field, while others hold Thunderclap fast where he is; far more plentiful, however, is the scrap scattered around by the zeppelin’s visits. Some of the ground and the piles of scrap are icy; some areas of the ice have been shattered somewhat by the falling junk. It is dark.

Ref’s Notes
-Thunderclap’s mild freezing prevented him from creating more than one clone. Normally, Double Team costs 3% energy per clone, but the extra effort required to create even one doppelganger increased the cost (-2%).

-Thunderclap lost a little bit of energy struggling to break free of the rocks (-2%).

-Dark Sage attacks first next round.

[Dark Sage]

Okay, TC, time to go for broke.

First, smash your way out of those rocks by... uhm... Well, why not use Rock Smash?

Then, get right in his face, and try to use Double Edge again.

Then, since it's likely the best time for this, use Frustration. Let it all out!

[Master of Paradox]

Matthias, let's see if we can't finish this in one shot.

First, while Thunderclap is breaking out of the Rock Tomb, take a quick breather and stay away from it. Body Slam him down when he tries to Double-Edge, and then... well, the supervisor will be pissed, but touch off an Earthquake for the last move.

Take a break - Body Slam - Earthquake

[Phoenixsong]

Even faster reffing, whee! Of course, I'm rushing out the door as I finish this, so point out any mistakes I may have made.


Dark Sage vs. Master of Paradox, Round Fourteen

Pre-Round Stats

Team Sage

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa025.png
Thunderclap (M)
Health: 23%
Energy: 15%
Status: Slightly frozen (will have some difficulty moving); trapped by Rock Tomb; desperate to break free and regain mobility, but dog-tired
Dark Sage’s Commands:
Rock Smash ~ Double-Edge ~ Frustration

Team Paradox

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa330.png
Matthias (M)
Health: 95%
Energy: 82%
Status: Feeling pretty good about his first battle for Master of Paradox
Master of Paradox’s Commands:
Relax ~ Body Slam ~ Earthquake

Arena

Zepp Junkyard

As the name implies, this place is a mess. It's an arena of about a square mile, penned off by chain link fencing. Despite its appearance, the fence is indestructible - they build them sturdy in Zepp. Piles of scrap metal and broken machinery abound, some still throwing off sparks, but there's enough clear space for a good fight. (It is possible to Dig into piles of junk.)

Over on the far eastern side is a giant robotic claw, perpetually sorting through deliveries of scrap; anything it deems dangerous is dropped onto the conveyors and delivered to the compactor. If any non-Steel-type Pokémon makes contact with the claw, it grabs them and rejects them. Rejection involves getting hurled back into the arena, which may cause damage at the referee's discretion. Steel-types are dropped onto the conveyor.

On the far northern side is the compactor and conveyor system. Anything that gets put on the conveyor will end up here in about the space of two actions. Getting dropped into the compactor is obviously a bad idea.

This junkyard is a very busy place. Every fifth round, a zeppelin will pass overhead and drop a new delivery of metal garbage onto the field. This is, in effect, a Hail that ignores types - even a Steel or Rock Pokémon can't avoid getting banged up when a compact car falls on their head.

Round Fourteen: Begin!

Facing an opponent that he is completely mismatched against is taking a serious toll on Thunderclap. Just his luck that he’s up against a Flygon… Matthias certainly seems to find the situation enjoyable, even if Thunderclap doesn’t. The Pikachu prepares himself for one last ditch effort to pound Matthias as best he can.

In a desperate bid for freedom, Thunderclap pounds away at the stones pinning him to the earth. The efforts of his Rock Smashing pay off after a moment or two and the boulders shatter. Thunderclap looks around nervously, certain that Matthias is going to attack him; he is surprised, therefore, to see his opponent sitting several yards away, calmly watching him and relaxing. No need for Matthias to expend any energy just yet.

Now that he’s free of his bonds, Thunderclap marshals his tired limbs into action and sprints forward. With a flying leap, the mouse throws himself forcefully—and painfully—at the dragon. Matthias rolls backward, winded, but regains his composure quickly; he stands up and, before Thunderclap has a chance to get away, Body Slams him, nearly flattening the little rodent underneath his greater weight. Smirking, Matthias picks himself up again and steps back to watch Thunderclap groan and twitch before attempting to rise amidst some cracked snow and broken ice crystals from his coat. Let’s see him Double-Edge me again after that, thinks the smiling Flygon.

Thunderclap is on his last legs; not only did having one hundred and eighty-one pounds of green dragon-insect-thing on him hurt like almighty hell, he is completely exhausted. No way is he going without leaving a lasting impression on Matthias, though… Thunderclap runs at his foe to let out all of his energy in one last attack fueled purely by Frustration. Faster and faster he runs, faster and faster… and slower… and slower… until the Pikachu stumbles over his paws, gives Matthias one last dirty glare, and then hits the ground, too tired to keep going.

Like Atlas the Machop (er, Machoke, I suppose) before him, Thunderclap fought viciously and valiantly until there was simply no fight left in his little body. As Master of Paradox congratulates his Flygon on his first victory, Dark Sage ponders his choices for his third competitor. From his vantage point behind the shack window, the junkyard owner smiles. Both trainers are down to two Pokémon left, and the match can only get more interesting from here…

Round Fourteen: Close

Post-Round Stats

Team Sage

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa025.png
Thunderclap (M)
Health: 11%
Energy: 0%
Status: Knocked out due to fatigue

Team Paradox

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa330.png
Matthias (M)
Health: 83%
Energy: 86%
Status: Quite pleased with himself

Arena Status

Zeppelin: Two rounds until arrival

Some rocks, most of them shattered by Atlas and Thunderclap’s Rock Smashes, litter one side of the field; far more plentiful, however, is the scrap scattered around by the zeppelin’s visits. Some of the ground and the piles of scrap are icy; some areas of the ice have been shattered somewhat by the falling junk. It is dark.

Ref’s Notes
-Dark Sage sends out, and then Master of Paradox attacks first next round.

[Dark Sage]

Thunderclap, return!

(Thunderclap retreats into his pokeball.)

Okay, lets see...

Dragons hate Ice... Flygon even more so because they're half Ground... But Flygon knows a few Fire attacks and at least one Dark attack, so Yumi is a bad idea...

So...

I chose Kandy, my female Spheal!

I choose you!

[Master of Paradox]

...I so hate typematching.

Matthias, we can blunt some of the aggression near by forcing sunrise - open with Sunny Day. Then rake Kandy with a Dragon Claw, and finally... suck the life out of her with a Giga Drain.

Sunny Day - Dragon Claw - Giga Drain

[Dark Sage]

Kandy, listen.

I knew he was going to use Sunny Day, so I'm prepared. When he does so, use Encore so he'll waste his next move.

Then, while he's spending energy using Sunny Day again, use Ice Beam.

Then, use Aurora Beam for one more shot.

[Phoenixsong]

Mrowr.


Dark Sage vs. Master of Paradox, Round Fifteen

Pre-Round Stats

Team Sage

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpffa/dpffa363.png
Kandy (F)
Health: 100%
Energy: 100%
Status: Spunky-spunky!
Dark Sage’s Commands:
Encore ~ Ice Beam ~ Aurora Beam

Team Paradox

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa330.png
Matthias (M)
Health: 83%
Energy: 86%
Status: Quite pleased with himself
Master of Paradox’s Commands:
Sunny Day ~ Dragon Claw ~ Giga Drain

Arena

Zepp Junkyard

As the name implies, this place is a mess. It's an arena of about a square mile, penned off by chain link fencing. Despite its appearance, the fence is indestructible - they build them sturdy in Zepp. Piles of scrap metal and broken machinery abound, some still throwing off sparks, but there's enough clear space for a good fight. (It is possible to Dig into piles of junk.)

Over on the far eastern side is a giant robotic claw, perpetually sorting through deliveries of scrap; anything it deems dangerous is dropped onto the conveyors and delivered to the compactor. If any non-Steel-type Pokémon makes contact with the claw, it grabs them and rejects them. Rejection involves getting hurled back into the arena, which may cause damage at the referee's discretion. Steel-types are dropped onto the conveyor.

On the far northern side is the compactor and conveyor system. Anything that gets put on the conveyor will end up here in about the space of two actions. Getting dropped into the compactor is obviously a bad idea.

This junkyard is a very busy place. Every fifth round, a zeppelin will pass overhead and drop a new delivery of metal garbage onto the field. This is, in effect, a Hail that ignores types - even a Steel or Rock Pokémon can't avoid getting banged up when a compact car falls on their head.

Round Fifteen: Begin!

Matthias is feeling quite pumped; he’s just dispatched a rather annoying little Pikachu and is confident that he can deal with the next opponent as well. Imagine his surprise and dismay, then, when he sees that Dark Sage has chosen to continue the battle with a Spheal! The little female seal, named Kandy, rolls about playfully on the ground as she warms herself up for what should be a fun battle.

Matthias does not relish the idea of having to deal with extreme Spheal-induced cold, especially not on a chilly Zepp night like this; he decides to change things up a little bit and bring on the sun. The Flygon closes his eyes and raises his talons to the sky, praying for the sun to return again. And so it does—the moon and stars fade away in the growing light of the soon-to-be Sunny Day. He looks down to sneer at Kandy, expecting her to be crestfallen at the change of events… her reaction is not quite what the dragon had expected. The spherical little seal is rocking back and forth gleefully, cheering exuberantly and clapping her flippers in appreciation of the display. Why, Kandy’s not upset at all; she wants Matthias to give an Encore! Matthias swells with pride, more than happy to give a repeat performance for his lovely audience.

Eager to please the adoring Kandy, Matthias appeals to the good nature of the sun gods again, trying to execute another Sunny Day. The sun is already shining so brightly, however, that his prayers have no effect whatsoever. The Flygon is puzzled; why didn’t it work? Well, that’s no good at all. Kandy wanted to see another spectacular Sunny Day, and dadgum, she’s going to get it! Kandy, however, doesn’t seem all that broken up about it. She’s more focused on forming a ball of bright blue light in her mouth, finally launching it straight at Matthias. The confused Flygon screeches as the freezing Ice Beam strikes his wings.

Now, why the heck did Kandy attack him? Matthias just can’t work out why she’d try to distract him when he’s working so hard to pull off his show-stealing Sunny Day. Perhaps she is upset with him for failing on the second attempt… not wanting to deal with a disappointed Kandy’s wrath again, Matthias prays even harder. He begs and pleads with Ra, Helios, Groudon, anyone at all who might be listening… nothing. Kandy vents her “rage” at this second failure by firing off an Aurora Beam at her foe.

Matthias, Kandy and their trainers are quite oblivious to all that is going on outside the immediate area. Matthias is grumbling to himself about how cold he is, even with the sun shining merrily down over the battlefield, and about how very annoying it is that he’s been unable to give a repeat performance of Sunny Day; Kandy is too busy snickering at him to notice much else. Dark Sage and Master of Paradox, meanwhile, are concentrating very hard on deciding their next moves from here. Therefore, it is only the junkyard owner who notices the clunking and whirring of the approaching zeppelin. Damn right, those idiots had better keep to their schedule. Not so much to keep the junkyard running smoothly, mind you… moreover because he happens to enjoy watching the battling Pokémon and their trainers panic as heaps of dangerous scrap come raining down on their heads.

Round Fifteen: Close

Post-Round Stats

Team Sage

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpffa/dpffa363.png
Kandy (F)
Health: 100%
Energy: 84%
Status: Still super-spunky-spunky!

Team Paradox

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa330.png
Matthias (M)
Health: 47%
Energy: 68%
Status: Damn, that’s cold!

Arena Status

Sunny Day: Five battle rounds remaining

Zeppelin: One round until arrival

Some rocks, most of them shattered by Atlas and Thunderclap’s Rock Smashes, litter one side of the field; far more plentiful, however, is the scrap scattered around by the zeppelin’s visits. Some of the ground and the piles of scrap are icy; some areas of the ice have been shattered somewhat by the falling junk. No matter what its condition, however, the ice is beginning to melt in the heat. It is sunny.

Ref’s Notes
-Sunny Day has cut the damage from the Ice-type attacks more or less in half.

-Dark Sage attacks first next round.

[Dark Sage]

Whoa, I didn't expect Encore to be that powerful...

Okay, Kandy, listen up...

Use Ice Beam again for the first move. Then use it again for the second move.

Once he's done using Sunny Day, change the weather to your advantage. Use Rain Dance.

[Master of Paradox]

Well... Between that *******ed Spheal and the ref's ****ing RNG, what's the point?

Matthias, you have no choice for the first two actions. Spit a Fire Blast for the last one. If you get KOed then good ****ing riddance.

Sunny Day - Sunny Day - Fire Blast

[Dark Sage]

I'd like to appeal to the ref here on MoP's behalf. Even though this ruling benefitted me, it is an unfair ruling. I honestly thought that Encore would only make it repeat the move once.

I'm asking for a more official ruling, and hopefully a change of the current ruling.

Thank you.

[Phoenixsong]

Well, my personal opinion is that TPM's Attack List is not quite as complete as it could be; it doesn't exactly specify certain things about attacks, such as around how long Encore should last. Both my book and the other attack list I use list Encore as working 3-5 or 3-6 times. If, however, you both feel that that was unfair then I can certainly change it. I'll go edit that in, then; I'm sorry you were upset by that, and you can both change your attacks.

EDIT: Actually, just go ahead and repost, don't edit. Otherwise I won't see them.

[Dark Sage]

Okay, reposting...

Kandy, first change the weather using Rain Dance.

Then, attack with Water Pulse.

Then, well, use Water Pulse again.

We'll conserve energy this round.

[Elec Man EXE]

I always thought the attack list was fairly clear on it lasting for only 1 turn.


Encore: The victim’s trainer’s orders are rewritten so that the last move taken is done again, overwriting whatever was there before. The victim pokémon will be under the mistaken impression that it has successfully carried out its trainer’s orders, so ordering substitutions to bypass Encore is an exercise in futility. For instance, if a Clefable’s attack orders were “Clear Skies, Moonlight until successful, and then Flamethrower if you have time” and the Clear Skies was Encored, the Clefable would Clear Skies twice and then Flamethrower, under the mistaken impression that its second order was successful. However, it is difficult to maintain this illusion if the Encore is overused. Excellent but decreasing accuracy.

The normal description isn't too specific (but it does only say again, which is kind of singular, not for repeated actions). But the bolded example seems to illustrate somewhat clearly that its 1 attack.

I'm not an "official" of course, but maybe that'll help. I did love the way you described the second failed Sunny Day though.

[Chris 2.1]

Agreed. It does state that encore will generally only work for one more consecutive action.

[Master of Paradox]

Matthias, let's give the Spheal an unfortunate taste of reality.

First, wait until the Rain Dance is complete, and then counter it with another Sunny Day. (Oh, the irony...)

Then blast Kandy with a Solarbeam, full power.

Finally, channel a Rock Tomb to give her more headaches. Your Dragon side will keep the Water Pulse damage to a minimum.

Sunny Day - Solarbeam - Rock Tomb

[Phoenixsong]

Fair enough. I have absolutely no problem changing things if there's confusion on anyone's part. Considering the fact that I am trying to juggle this as well as senior year in high school, however, the fact that I'm still ironing out several things about my reffing system and the fact and I'm only doing this because I like to, I would appreciate it if you could constrain your temper just a bit, MoP.

[Shuppet Master]

Instead of editing the last round to correct the ruling, let's just make an exception and never let that happen again, okay Phoenixsong? This isn't the games, where Encore is very dangerous if used against you(in Pokemon XD: Gales of Darkness, one of the Battle CDs requires you to use Encore to stop your opponent from sweeping you while you beat the crud out of it, making it waste three turns using Swords Dance), this is anime-style battling. :D

EDIT: Darn it, omitted a word. :(

[Phoenixsong]

Well, really, Shup, in this particular case it was easier to change the ruling to meet the satisfaction of both battlers anyway. Besides, since I don't watch the anime and have certainly never seen Encore performed, I don't have that as a reference anyway... I can only go by whatever rulings I have access to, and since I obviously missed the TPM attack list description I went with the only other one I knew. It was a mistake on my part and I personally think it was better to make the adjustment when it wouldn't change the outcome of that round anyway.

Ahem. Now, if the issue has been resolved to everyone's satisfaction, we can move on with our lives and onto the next round, eh?


Dark Sage vs. Master of Paradox, Round Sixteen

Pre-Round Stats

Team Sage

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpffa/dpffa363.png
Kandy (F)
Health: 100%
Energy: 84%
Status: Still super-spunky-spunky!
Dark Sage’s Commands:
Rain Dance ~ Water Pulse ~ Water Pulse

Team Paradox

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa330.png
Matthias (M)
Health: 47%
Energy: 68%
Status: Damn, that’s cold!
Master of Paradox’s Commands:
Sunny Day ~ Solarbeam ~ Rock Tomb

Arena

Zepp Junkyard

As the name implies, this place is a mess. It's an arena of about a square mile, penned off by chain link fencing. Despite its appearance, the fence is indestructible - they build them sturdy in Zepp. Piles of scrap metal and broken machinery abound, some still throwing off sparks, but there's enough clear space for a good fight. (It is possible to Dig into piles of junk.)

Over on the far eastern side is a giant robotic claw, perpetually sorting through deliveries of scrap; anything it deems dangerous is dropped onto the conveyors and delivered to the compactor. If any non-Steel-type Pokémon makes contact with the claw, it grabs them and rejects them. Rejection involves getting hurled back into the arena, which may cause damage at the referee's discretion. Steel-types are dropped onto the conveyor.

On the far northern side is the compactor and conveyor system. Anything that gets put on the conveyor will end up here in about the space of two actions. Getting dropped into the compactor is obviously a bad idea.

This junkyard is a very busy place. Every fifth round, a zeppelin will pass overhead and drop a new delivery of metal garbage onto the field. This is, in effect, a Hail that ignores types - even a Steel or Rock Pokémon can't avoid getting banged up when a compact car falls on their head.

Round Sixteen: Begin!

Matthias shakes his head vigorously as the next round begins in an attempt to clear it. Wait a minute… that Encore… dammit! That slimy Spheal tricked him! Furious at being duped, the Flygon bares his fangs and hisses. That sea weasel is so in for it now.

Amusing as it was to watch Matthias screw up, the intense sunlight beating down on Kandy’s thick fur is making her most uncomfortable. She presses her little flippers together and rolls about in prayer and ever-so-humbly requests that the powers-that-be do something about this annoying heat; the powers-that-be respond by casting dark clouds across the sunny sky. The clouds burst forth with sheets of cold rain, and Kandy claps appreciatively at her successful Rain Dance. The angry Matthias claps as well, albeit sarcastically. Oh, very nice… but of course she liked his Sunny Day better. Why else would she have asked him to do it four frickin’ times? Well, since she liked it so much, maybe she’d like to see it just once more. Matthias beseeches the gods a fourth time and, even though the gods are beginning to get rather annoyed with the Flygon’s constant pleading, the rain ceases, the clouds part and the sun shines brilliantly once again.

Kandy frowns; of course the Flygon had to willingly change the weather back to sunlight when she actually needs it to be otherwise. Nevertheless, she draws upon the reserves of cool water deep inside her little round body and releases a stream of water with a simultaneous high-pitched scream. The combined sound waves and water blast strike Matthias’s belly; the cold water quickly heats up and evaporates and the Water Pulse leaves Matthias none the worse for wear. That’s a lot more than can be said for Kandy after Matthias retaliates with a powerful sun-charged Solarbeam. The Spheal howls and is sent rolling and skidding across the melting ice.

Kandy vents her pain and anger at the searing burn left by the concentrated sunlight by screaming and spraying water at her foe again. Once more, the Water Pulse strikes Matthias; once again, it hardly does much at all. Grimacing nastily, Matthias smacks his long tail against the ground, sending shockwaves through the earth. The shockwaves lift several large stones up out of the ground and cause them to come crashing down again, encasing Kandy in a Rock Tomb. The dragon smiles wickedly as he watches the seal squirm to free a trapped flipper. No one makes a fool out of Matthias…

…with the slight exception of the junkyard owner. Like heedless and clunky clockwork the zeppelin passes overhead, relieving itself of its heavy cargo of scrap. The owner slaps his thigh and laughs heartily as he watches Matthias screech in pain due to a falling pipe landing on his head; Kandy misses most of the falling scrap due to the rocks over her head, but several nuts and bolts manage to find their way through a few openings and pour over her. Man, that never gets old…

Round Sixteen: Close

Post-Round Stats

Team Sage

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpffa/dpffa363.png
Kandy (F)
Health: 64%
Energy: 67%
Status: One fin stuck beneath the rocks; help…

Team Paradox

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa330.png
Matthias (M)
Health: 35%
Energy: 48%
Status: Vengeance is ever so sweet, oh, yes.

Arena Status

Sunny Day: Five battle rounds remaining

Zeppelin: Five rounds until arrival

Some rocks, most of them shattered by Atlas and Thunderclap’s Rock Smashes, litter one side of the field; far more plentiful, however, is the scrap scattered around by the zeppelin’s visits. Some of the ground and the piles of scrap are icy; some areas of the ice have been shattered somewhat by the falling junk. No matter what its condition, however, the ice is beginning to melt in the heat. It is sunny.

Ref’s Notes
-Sunny Day has cut the damage from Water- and Ice-type attacks more or less in half.

-Master of Paradox attacks first next round.

[Master of Paradox]

Oh, Gods of the Sun, I thank you for fulfilling my Pokemon's requests. In exchange, I hereby sacrifice this umbrella.

*He sets an umbrella on the ground and smashes it several times with a hammer.*

That done... Matthias, let us press the advantage while we have it.

Begin by flying over Kandy and performing a Giga Drain while she's pinned; if she fires a Beam attack at you (since that doesn't take fins), Protect instead. Next, give her a Crunch, and end with Dragonbreath.

Giga Drain/Protect (beam attack) - Crunch - Dragonbreath

[Dark Sage]

Okay, Kandy, time to get nasty... This Dragon is asking for it.

Since he destroyed that umbrella, let's turn the weather TRULY in our favor. Use... Hail.

Then, fire an Ice Beam at him while he tries to use Crunch.

Finally, go for the gusto with your most lethal move...

SHEER COLD!

[Dark Sage]

Hello? Phoenixsong? You still around?

We're waiting...

[Phoenixsong]

Sorry, sorry. PM me if you're getting impatient though, as due to the fact that vB automatically marks any posts I may have missed as unread I don't always notice this stuff. PMs will always get my attention, though.


Dark Sage vs. Master of Paradox, Round Seventeen

Pre-Round Stats

Team Sage

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpffa/dpffa363.png
Kandy (F)
Health: 64%
Energy: 67%
Status: One fin stuck beneath the rocks; help…
Dark Sage’s Commands:
Hail ~ Ice Beam ~ Sheer Cold

Team Paradox

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa330.png
Matthias (M)
Health: 35%
Energy: 48%
Status: Vengeance is ever so sweet, oh, yes.
Master of Paradox’s Commands:
Giga Drain OR Protect ~ Crunch ~ Dragonbreath

Arena

Zepp Junkyard

As the name implies, this place is a mess. It's an arena of about a square mile, penned off by chain link fencing. Despite its appearance, the fence is indestructible - they build them sturdy in Zepp. Piles of scrap metal and broken machinery abound, some still throwing off sparks, but there's enough clear space for a good fight. (It is possible to Dig into piles of junk.)

Over on the far eastern side is a giant robotic claw, perpetually sorting through deliveries of scrap; anything it deems dangerous is dropped onto the conveyors and delivered to the compactor. If any non-Steel-type Pokémon makes contact with the claw, it grabs them and rejects them. Rejection involves getting hurled back into the arena, which may cause damage at the referee's discretion. Steel-types are dropped onto the conveyor.

On the far northern side is the compactor and conveyor system. Anything that gets put on the conveyor will end up here in about the space of two actions. Getting dropped into the compactor is obviously a bad idea.

This junkyard is a very busy place. Every fifth round, a zeppelin will pass overhead and drop a new delivery of metal garbage onto the field. This is, in effect, a Hail that ignores types - even a Steel or Rock Pokémon can't avoid getting banged up when a compact car falls on their head.

Round Seventeen: Begin!

Matthias smiles wickedly. Poor Kandy. She’s stuck under some rocks. Isn’t it terrible? Haha… and wouldn’t it be even more terrible if he were to take advantage of her tear-jerking predicament? Of course it would, but at this point the Flygon is beyond caring about common decency. He beats his wings, takes to the air and flies over the imprisoned Kandy, finally perching on some rocks and sticking his head through a fairly large gap. Matthias sinks his fangs into the Spheal’s back and begins siphoning some tasty life force out of her body with Giga Drain. Kandy writhes in pain but does her best to focus. The gods are probably about ready to smite the next person who asks to change the weather, but she’s got to try anyway… with all her little heart and soul the Spheal prays for Hail. Her devotion is rewarded a few moments later; just as Matthias releases his grip and pulls his head free, hailstones the size of golf balls pelt him mercilessly.

Golf ball-sized hail pounding away at one’s head is not a pleasant experience, and as such Matthias is more than happy to shield it by plunging it back between the rocks and Crunching down onto Kandy’s back. Once again the trapped Spheal is forced to grit her teeth and bear it; ooh, when he lets go… and “when he lets go”, Kandy is ready for him. Matthias, unwilling to expose any more of himself to the bothersome hail, is a bit too slow in drawing his head back and as such gets a face full of Ice Beam.

By this time Matthias has figured out that it’s not a very good idea to have his head so close to the angry little seal; maybe dealing with the hail isn’t such a bad thing. He opens his mouth and sends a stream of green Dragonbreath through the opening in the rocks. Kandy shrieks as the flames scorch her already sore back, and screams even louder when she feels her muscles begin to tingle and seize up. Fighting her paralysis, the Spheal calls upon every last reserve of icy energy in her body and releases it in one blast, creating an atmosphere of intense, Sheer Cold. Matthias is lucky enough to escape the full brunt of the attack, but the sting of the cold is still fairly painful and all the hail isn’t helping.

The junkyard owner shivers and pulls his jacket tighter around him, grateful for the roof over his head keeping out the hail. The heck is with these Pokémon things, messing with the weather like that?! The abrupt and constant changes in temperature are beginning to annoy him, and as much as he’s enjoying watching the creatures beat each other’s brains out he’ll be glad to see the last of them. At any rate, Matthias doesn’t seem to be doing too well; all the same, he puts on a brave face for Master of Paradox and does his best to ignore the hail pounding away at him. Kandy is feeling a bit better than her foe, yes, although she really wishes her fin wasn’t stuck. She wonders if the fact that she can no longer feel it is due to its being pinned down or her paralysis.

Round Seventeen: Close

Post-Round Stats

Team Sage

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpffa/dpffa363.png
Kandy (F)
Health: 36%
Energy: 43%
Status: Paralyzed (moderate); one fin stuck beneath the rocks; help…

Team Paradox

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa330.png
Matthias (M)
Health: 19%
Energy: 31%
Status: Trying his best to ignore the hail, but still pleased about paralyzing Kandy

Arena Status

Hail: Five battle rounds remaining

Zeppelin: Four rounds until arrival

Some rocks, most of them shattered by Atlas and Thunderclap’s Rock Smashes, litter one side of the field; far more plentiful, however, is the scrap scattered around by the zeppelin’s visits. Some of the ground and the piles of scrap are icy; some areas of the ice have been shattered somewhat by the falling junk. Golf ball-sized hail is all over the place and shows no signs of letting up soon.

Ref’s Notes
-Sheer Cold missed, for the most part; Matthias did take 2% damage due to the extreme cold, but was otherwise unaffected.

-Dark Sage attacks first next round.

[Dark Sage]

Kandy...

First, use Rock Smash to free your fin.

Next, use Blizzard on that thing.

Then, just take a break and relax.

[Master of Paradox]

Matthias, go for broke. No time to waste conserving the energy now. *Hiding under an overhang, takes out the megaphone again*

Begin the round by hitting it with another Giga Drain, to recharge the batteries. Protect yourself from the Blizzard, and then punish her for resting at a critical moment with a Dragon Claw.

Giga Drain - Protect - Dragon Claw

[Phoenixsong]

Dark Sage vs. Master of Paradox, Round Eighteen

Pre-Round Stats

Team Sage

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpffa/dpffa363.png
Kandy (F)
Health: 36%
Energy: 43%
Status: Paralyzed (moderate); one fin stuck beneath the rocks; help…
Dark Sage’s Commands:
Rock Smash ~ Blizzard ~ Relax

Team Paradox

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa330.png
Matthias (M)
Health: 19%
Energy: 31%
Status: Trying his best to ignore the hail, but still pleased about paralyzing Kandy
Master of Paradox’s Commands:
Giga Drain ~ Protect ~ Dragon Claw

Arena

Zepp Junkyard

As the name implies, this place is a mess. It's an arena of about a square mile, penned off by chain link fencing. Despite its appearance, the fence is indestructible - they build them sturdy in Zepp. Piles of scrap metal and broken machinery abound, some still throwing off sparks, but there's enough clear space for a good fight. (It is possible to Dig into piles of junk.)

Over on the far eastern side is a giant robotic claw, perpetually sorting through deliveries of scrap; anything it deems dangerous is dropped onto the conveyors and delivered to the compactor. If any non-Steel-type Pokémon makes contact with the claw, it grabs them and rejects them. Rejection involves getting hurled back into the arena, which may cause damage at the referee's discretion. Steel-types are dropped onto the conveyor.

On the far northern side is the compactor and conveyor system. Anything that gets put on the conveyor will end up here in about the space of two actions. Getting dropped into the compactor is obviously a bad idea.

This junkyard is a very busy place. Every fifth round, a zeppelin will pass overhead and drop a new delivery of metal garbage onto the field. This is, in effect, a Hail that ignores types - even a Steel or Rock Pokémon can't avoid getting banged up when a compact car falls on their head.

Round Eighteen: Begin!

Kandy strains and struggles against the rock that holds her down; Matthias is coming at her, ready to chomp down on her back again, and she’d really rather not be stuck here and helpless when it happens. Try as she might, though, the Spheal simply cannot muster the muscle coordination necessary to perform the Rock Smash that would free her. She is forced to sit and grit her teeth as Matthias attacks her with Giga Drain a second time.

Shaking herself as vigorously as she can to get her muscles moving again, Kandy tries her next command. Once again she forces a steep drop in her body temperature, this time letting all of the icy energy out of her mouth in a wild howl of wind. While some of the blast is obscured by the rocks in Kandy’s way, a veritable gale of ice and snow still manages to rush out of the various openings and bombard the junkyard. Matthias is definitely feeling very cold, but the Blizzard in and of itself doesn’t bother him unduly; he’s sheltering behind a Protective shield in relative comfort. It also prevents the hailstones from striking him for a few precious moments.

This battle has been particularly stressful, and Kandy is ready to take a little break. She takes a deep breath and tries her best to relax, given her spastic muscles and trapped flipper. As much as Matthias would like to take a break himself, hiding under a rock to keep the hail away, he’s got orders. To be more specific, he’s got orders that involve hurting Kandy and he’s more than happy to follow them. The Flygon wings his way over to the mound of rocks through the falling hail, lights on them and prepares to score the Spheal’s back with his vicious Dragon Claws. There is, however, a minor technicality. Matthias’s arms, while thin and flexible, are not particularly long enough to reach into a long crevice and effectively slash a little Spheal. Matthias does the best he can given the situation, jamming his hand into a hole and swiping blindly at Kandy. He does manage to scratch her a few times, but not too significantly.

Master of Paradox and Dark Sage have taken refuge underneath some overhanging scrap, and Kandy is still covered by the rocks over her head; the hail pings and ricochets harmlessly off of their roofs. Matthias… Matthias is not so lucky. The hail continues to bounce painfully off of his scales, and the desert-loving dragon dearly wishes he could be somewhere else. A nice, bracing sandstorm is preferable to this awful weather any day. Still, tired as he is, he seems to have Kandy worn down… if only he could reach her through those stupid rocks…

Round Eighteen: Close

Post-Round Stats

Team Sage

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpffa/dpffa363.png
Kandy (F)
Health: 18%
Energy: 45%
Status: Paralyzed (moderate); one fin stuck beneath the rocks and back incredibly tender

Team Paradox

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa330.png
Matthias (M)
Health: 20%
Energy: 13%
Status: Tiring and sick of the hail, but rather enjoying himself all the same

Arena Status

Hail: Four battle rounds remaining

Zeppelin: Three rounds until arrival

Some rocks, most of them shattered by Atlas and Thunderclap’s Rock Smashes, litter one side of the field; far more plentiful, however, is the scrap scattered around by the zeppelin’s visits. Some of the ground and the piles of scrap are icy; some areas of the ice have been shattered somewhat by the falling junk. Golf ball-sized hail is all over the place and shows no signs of letting up soon.

Ref’s Notes
-Kandy was fully paralyzed on the first action.

-Dragon Claw’s damage was reduced (-4%) due to the difficulty in reaching Kandy with limited visibility and short arms.

-Master of Paradox attacks first next round.

[Master of Paradox]

Matthias, let's face facts. Odds are good you're going to burn out on this turn. I don't know specific energy costs well enough to gauge them, so let's go for the last, killing blow.

Dragonbreath until you collapse.

Dragonbreath x3

[Dark Sage]

Kandy, let's try it again. First, use Rock Smash to try to free yourself.

It if works, use Blizzard. If it doesn't, try it again.

If you're still trapped, use Rock Smash a third time. If you aren't, use Sheer Cold.

[Phoenixsong]

Dark Sage vs. Master of Paradox, Round Nineteen

Pre-Round Stats

Team Sage

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpffa/dpffa363.png
Kandy (F)
Health: 18%
Energy: 45%
Status: Paralyzed (moderate); one fin stuck beneath the rocks and back incredibly tender
Dark Sage’s Commands:
Rock Smash ~ Blizzard OR Rock Smash~ Sheer Cold OR Rock Smash

Team Paradox

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa330.png
Matthias (M)
Health: 20%
Energy: 13%
Status: Tiring and sick of the hail, but rather enjoying himself all the same
Master of Paradox’s Commands:
Dragonbreath ~ Dragonbreath ~ Dragonbreath

Arena

Zepp Junkyard

As the name implies, this place is a mess. It's an arena of about a square mile, penned off by chain link fencing. Despite its appearance, the fence is indestructible - they build them sturdy in Zepp. Piles of scrap metal and broken machinery abound, some still throwing off sparks, but there's enough clear space for a good fight. (It is possible to Dig into piles of junk.)

Over on the far eastern side is a giant robotic claw, perpetually sorting through deliveries of scrap; anything it deems dangerous is dropped onto the conveyors and delivered to the compactor. If any non-Steel-type Pokémon makes contact with the claw, it grabs them and rejects them. Rejection involves getting hurled back into the arena, which may cause damage at the referee's discretion. Steel-types are dropped onto the conveyor.

On the far northern side is the compactor and conveyor system. Anything that gets put on the conveyor will end up here in about the space of two actions. Getting dropped into the compactor is obviously a bad idea.

This junkyard is a very busy place. Every fifth round, a zeppelin will pass overhead and drop a new delivery of metal garbage onto the field. This is, in effect, a Hail that ignores types - even a Steel or Rock Pokémon can't avoid getting banged up when a compact car falls on their head.

Round Nineteen: Begin!

Desperate to break free of the rocks, Kandy makes a second attempt at shattering them with her free fin. Once again, however, her muscles seize up and refuse to cooperate with her, and she is forced to sit as Matthias flies over, wincing as hailstones strike him, and fires off another Dragonbreath through an opening in the rocks. The Flygon is panting hard with exertion—this match has taken a serious toll on him—but he is still able to crack a smile as Kandy shrieks loudly.

Furious and in severe pain, Kandy thrashes about wildly. Her muscles twitch and whine, but she forces them to obey her and Smashes the Rock encasing her. Chunks of stone fly in all directions—one of them slams into the junkyard owner’s window and cracks it—and a few strike Matthias in the face. Snarling, the Flygon retaliates by spewing even more of his fiercely hot Dragonbreath at the Spheal.

Finally freed from her stony prison after several painful rounds, Kandy is ready to give back some of what she got. For a second time she concentrates and drops her body temperature sharply as she builds up a store of powerful Ice energy. For a second time, she releases it in a blast of painfully Sheer Cold… and for a second time, the brunt of the blast misses Matthias and leaves him with nothing but an increased sensation of chilliness. Or, it would have, if Matthias had any feeling left in his body. At this point the desert dragon is so cold and so utterly exhausted that he cannot feel a thing. He is about ready to collapse and almost does so… but then, his misty eyes settle on his fuzzy little foe, who is whimpering from severe pain and trauma. Oh, he’s going down, all right… but if he can then, dammit, he’s taking that wretched Kandy with him! Greenish flames amass in Matthias’s mouth for one last time and seconds later he launches his final Dragonbreath. Completely tired out, the Flygon slumps to the hail- and rock-strewn ground, his eyes flickering shut before he can see Kandy scream and shudder in agony. The Spheal cannot take any more and blacks out, taking some small comfort in the knowledge that she was, at the very least, able to wear Matthias’s strength down to nothing.

In an astounding twist of events, both Matthias and Kandy have fainted at the same time. The hail, which is beginning to thin just a teensy bit, continues to fall and bounce off of the Flygon and the Spheal’s limp forms. Master of Paradox and Dark Sage recall their two battlers, thanking them for their patience and a job well done, and plan their next moves as they continue to shelter underneath their makeshift metal awnings.

Round Nineteen: Close

Post-Round Stats

Team Sage

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpffa/dpffa363.png
Kandy (F)
Health: 0%
Energy: 27%
Status: Knocked out

Team Paradox

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa330.png
Matthias (M)
Health: 16%
Energy: 0%
Status: Knocked out due to fatigue

Arena Status

Hail: Three battle rounds remaining

Zeppelin: Two rounds until arrival

Some rocks, most of them shattered by Atlas, Thunderclap and Kandy’s Rock Smashes, litter one side of the field; far more plentiful, however, is the scrap scattered around by the zeppelin’s visits. Some of the ground and the piles of scrap are icy; some areas of the ice have been shattered somewhat by the falling junk. Golf ball-sized hail is all over the place; the hail is beginning to slow a bit.

Ref’s Notes
-Kandy was fully paralyzed on the first action.

-Kandy lost extra energy while attacking (-1% each time) due to the strain of battling while paralyzed.

-Sheer Cold missed.

-Master of Paradox sends out, then Dark Sage sends out and attacks first next round.

[Master of Paradox]

Return, Matthias. Not bad for a first showing. *He takes out the Pokeball and calls him back into it.*

I've done some serious consideration, and to be honest, there aren't too many team members I can really count on to have a fair advantage in this battle... but for one.

Go! My male Persian, Pudge!

*Taking out the Pokeball, he hurls it, unleashing his large and slightly overweight cat. Pudge purrs, tail flicking.*

[Dark Sage]

Kandy, return!

Well, you took down that Dragon... Not bad...

I choose...

Blast, my male Charmander!

I choose you!

[Dark Sage]

It's D/P time.

Blast, charge that cat, and chomp on it with a Fire Fang.

Then, use Dragon Rage.

Follow up with a Flamethrower.

[Master of Paradox]

Pudge, let's show him how crafty a kitty can be.

When he goes for the Fire Fang, give him a Fake Out. Dig into a junk pile during the Dragon Rage, and then send it tipping over onto him when you come out - let's see a Flamethrower get through that!

Fake Out - Dig (into junk pile) - Emerge (tip junk pile)

[Dark Sage]

I hate to bump, but I don't want this battle to be forgotten.

Me an MoP are down to our last pokemon. Let's finish this.

[Dark Sage]

I hate to bump again, but I want this battle to be finished.

MoP and I are down to our last Pokemon. We should be allowed to finish it. Phoenixsong, please come back.

[Phoenixsong]

My sincere apologies for taking this long. I know this sounds like a repeat of MLG's deal, but life just doesn't want to let me ref. Really it doesn't. Add to the fact that, quite frankly, reffing isn't really fun for me anymore, and, well... I told you I'd see you through, though, and I intend to keep that promise. Ergo, let's start the last match. Let's see if I still remember how to do this...


Dark Sage vs. Master of Paradox, Round Twenty

Pre-Round Stats

Team Sage

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa004.png
Blast (M)
Health: 100%
Energy: 100%
Status: About to torch the ref for being a lazyass and leaving him and DS hanging
Dark Sage’s Commands:
Fire Fang ~ Dragon Rage ~ Flamethrower

Team Paradox

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa053.png
Pudge (M)
Health: 100%
Energy: 100%
Status: Would really like to sink his claws into the annoying ref’s arm, but will settle for the little red lizard
Master of Paradox’s Commands:
Fake Out ~ Dig ~ Resurface

Arena

Zepp Junkyard

As the name implies, this place is a mess. It's an arena of about a square mile, penned off by chain link fencing. Despite its appearance, the fence is indestructible - they build them sturdy in Zepp. Piles of scrap metal and broken machinery abound, some still throwing off sparks, but there's enough clear space for a good fight. (It is possible to Dig into piles of junk.)

Over on the far eastern side is a giant robotic claw, perpetually sorting through deliveries of scrap; anything it deems dangerous is dropped onto the conveyors and delivered to the compactor. If any non-Steel-type Pokémon makes contact with the claw, it grabs them and rejects them. Rejection involves getting hurled back into the arena, which may cause damage at the referee's discretion. Steel-types are dropped onto the conveyor.

On the far northern side is the compactor and conveyor system. Anything that gets put on the conveyor will end up here in about the space of two actions. Getting dropped into the compactor is obviously a bad idea.

This junkyard is a very busy place. Every fifth round, a zeppelin will pass overhead and drop a new delivery of metal garbage onto the field. This is, in effect, a Hail that ignores types - even a Steel or Rock Pokémon can't avoid getting banged up when a compact car falls on their head.

Round Twenty: Begin!

The owner of the Zepp junkyard grimaces. He’s certainly glad that those two particular creatures appear to be finished; all of this hail and flying rock is becoming awfully destructive and annoying. Just when it looks like everything is over and the junkyard will be able to return to its regular disorderly peace, Master of Paradox and Dark Sage, still hiding under some overhanging metal, toss out their last two Poké Balls, revealing a male Charmander—Blast—and a mildly chubby Persian, aptly named Pudge. Both Pokémon wince a little bit as the hail hits them and then stretch their claws in anticipation of this final showdown.

Ready for action after an obscenely long wait, Blast dashes towards his foe as fast as his little legs will carry him. The salamander opens his mouth wide and allows a ball of flame to build up in his mouth and lick around his pointed teeth. Right as he reaches a seemingly nervous Pudge and is about to sink his Fiery Fangs into the cat’s side, the Persian’s paw shoots out quick as a bullet and catches Blast full in the face. Completely Faked Out by this surprise maneuver, Blast flips backward head over tail, lands on a slippery patch of ice and slides for several feet. The Persian smiles a little Cheshire Cat smile at his foe’s undignified state.

Annoyed and humiliated, Blast picks himself up and immediately fires off a blast of draconic flame and energy. Pudge is too busy trying to force his way into a towering pile of junk to notice, and so the Dragon Rage hits him in the tail end. Pudge has his own brief undignified moment as he yowls in pain and hits his head on an old sink, but recovers quickly and gets back to work. It’s a lot harder to Dig through large and often heavy or pointy trash than it is nice, soft earth, but after a few minutes the cat has successfully burrowed about halfway through the big mound.

Blast is confused. How, exactly, is he supposed to hit his opponent with Flamethrower if said opponent is hiding in a pile of trash? Not wanting to just sit and wait out in the hail any longer than he has to, Blast simply shoots the stream of fire straight into the lopsided hole Pudge made. The Flamethrower doesn’t quite reach the Persian, although it does make all of the metal around him painfully hot. Eager to get out of the hot, confined, pokey and generally uncomfortable mess, the Persian begins Digging again. This time, Pudge writhes and wriggles as best he can, trying his best to loosen up the mountain of scrap. By the time he emerges, slightly scratched up, from the other side, the foundation of the pile has been weakened enough that Pudge is able to topple it with one hearty shove. There is an ominous rumble as the pile of scrap begins to shake and then comes crashing down all over the field. Blast yelps and curls up into a little ball in an attempt to shield himself; all the same, the heavy junk comes pouring down on top of him. Indeed, much of the once-relatively-clear arena is now almost completely covered with more trash than the zeppelin ever managed to scatter in one place.

The hail continues to fall over the battlefield, hitting both Pudge and Blast and not really improving their respective moods. Add to that the fact that it will now be quite difficult to move around the junkyard, and, well…

The junkyard owner has just about had it at this point. How dare these freakish animals and their masters destroy his precious dump?! Too angry to pay attention to the fact that a junkyard is by nature a giant mess anyway, the owner grabs his communicator and screams at the zeppelin crew, urging them to hurry up and bury the two destructive battlers.

Round Twenty: Close

Post-Round Stats

Team Sage

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa004.png
Blast (M)
Health: 82%
Energy: 85%
Status: Ouuuch…

Team Paradox

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa053.png
Pudge (M)
Health: 84%
Energy: 83%
Status: Kind of tender and covered in miniscule cuts and bruises, but feeling smug

Arena Status

Hail: Two battle rounds remaining

Zeppelin: One round until arrival

Some rocks, most of them shattered by Atlas, Thunderclap and Kandy’s Rock Smashes, litter one side of the field; far more plentiful, however, is the scrap scattered around by the zeppelin’s visits. On top of all of that, the junk that Pudge caused to cascade over the field makes it nigh impossible to move around this particular area. Some of the ground and the piles of scrap are icy; some areas of the ice have been shattered somewhat by the falling junk. Golf ball-sized hail is all over the place; the hail is slowing moderately.

Ref’s Notes
-Fake Out caused Blast to flinch. As such, he only lost half of the normal energy required for Fire Fang (3%).

-Pudge received a tiny amount of damage (2%) while digging because he was poked by sharp… stuff. God knows what, really. He received a further 2% while in contact with the heated metal.

-The phrase “mildly chubby Persian” is fun to say.

-Master of Paradox attacks first next round.

[Master of Paradox]

...Pudge, this is actually less disastrous than some things you've done back home, but...

Okay, start with a Pay Day to get Blast's attention. Next, move to a less crowded section of the field and Bite him when he joins you. Finally, hit him with a Water Pulse.

Pay Day - Bite - Water Pulse

[Dark Sage]

Okay Blast, listen closely.

Start out with an old, reliable Flamethrower.

Next, when he comes at you with that Bite, meet him and use Metal Claw.

Next, use Protect to shield yourself from that Water Pulse. That's the last thing we need.

[Phoenixsong]

Due to unfortunate circumstances *gestures at absence tower* no, this post is not a reffing and it'll have to wait until I get back home. However, since I was lucky enough to get at least some brief internet access, I would like to take this time to point the two of you in the direction of the Xmas Tree. Yes.

[Phoenixsong]

Dark Sage vs. Master of Paradox, Round Twenty-One

Pre-Round Stats

Team Sage

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa004.png
Blast (M)
Health: 82%
Energy: 85%
Status: Ouuuch…
Dark Sage’s Commands:
Flamethrower ~ Metal Claw ~ Protect

Team Paradox

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa053.png
Pudge (M)
Health: 84%
Energy: 83%
Status: Kind of tender and covered in miniscule cuts and bruises, but feeling smug
Master of Paradox’s Commands:
Pay Day ~ Bite ~ Water Pulse

Arena

Zepp Junkyard

As the name implies, this place is a mess. It's an arena of about a square mile, penned off by chain link fencing. Despite its appearance, the fence is indestructible - they build them sturdy in Zepp. Piles of scrap metal and broken machinery abound, some still throwing off sparks, but there's enough clear space for a good fight. (It is possible to Dig into piles of junk.)

Over on the far eastern side is a giant robotic claw, perpetually sorting through deliveries of scrap; anything it deems dangerous is dropped onto the conveyors and delivered to the compactor. If any non-Steel-type Pokémon makes contact with the claw, it grabs them and rejects them. Rejection involves getting hurled back into the arena, which may cause damage at the referee's discretion. Steel-types are dropped onto the conveyor.

On the far northern side is the compactor and conveyor system. Anything that gets put on the conveyor will end up here in about the space of two actions. Getting dropped into the compactor is obviously a bad idea.

This junkyard is a very busy place. Every fifth round, a zeppelin will pass overhead and drop a new delivery of metal garbage onto the field. This is, in effect, a Hail that ignores types - even a Steel or Rock Pokémon can't avoid getting banged up when a compact car falls on their head.

Round Twenty-One: Begin!

The battle rages into its twenty-first round, accompanied by the merry plinking of hail striking metal and the sinister thunking of hail striking exposed bodies. Still, the unfavorable weather is beginning to clear up at last, so Blast and Pudge stomach the annoyance as best they can and push forward.

Pudge watches Blast’s movements for a moment, considering how best to aim his next attack. Finally satisfied, the red gem on his forehead flashes and something small, bright and golden shoots out of it. The false coin arcs upward slightly before coming down and bonking the Charmander on the head with a loud “clink”. Rubbing his head angrily, Blast retaliates with a second Flamethrower, aiming it around several large heaps of garbage. The stream of flames glances off of several piles, reducing its effectiveness by the time it reaches Pudge. Still, it does more damage than the fat cat’s Pay Day managed.

Rather tired of sitting back and having his gorgeous fur singed, Pudge decides to go on the direct offensive, leaping over little piles of junk as he charges towards his little reptilian foe with mouth agape and sharp fangs bared. Ready for this, Blast slashes at the Persian’s face with hard, Metal Claws; Pudge hisses and spits, but reacts quickly enough to Bite down hard on Blast’s arm while it is still extended.

When at last the cat releases the little salamander, he draws back a pace and opens his mouth again for a point-blank Water Pulse. A torrent of water gushes forth from some hidden reserve deep inside of him, accompanied by an extremely high-pitched shriek. To Pudge’s dismay, however, the water strikes something invisible in front of his target and sprays harmlessly off of it. Curses! Blast was able to erect a Protective shield just in time.

Both battlers do their best to shield themselves from the falling hail, but to no avail; it patters away at them all the same. The owner, meanwhile, is pleased that this particular exchange of attacks, at least, was nowhere near as destructive as the last one. All the same, he smiles wickedly as the zeppelin trundles by overhead, disgorging its trashy contents and causing Pudge and Blast further damage.

Round Twenty-One: Close

Post-Round Stats

Team Sage

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa004.png
Blast (M)
Health: 61%
Energy: 70%
Status: Glad that he isn’t soaked

Team Paradox

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa053.png
Pudge (M)
Health: 62%
Energy: 69%
Status: Protect sucks. :(

Arena Status

Hail: One battle round remaining

Zeppelin: Five rounds until arrival

Some rocks, most of them shattered by Atlas, Thunderclap and Kandy’s Rock Smashes, litter one side of the field; far more plentiful, however, is the scrap scattered around by the zeppelin’s visits. On top of all of that, the junk that Pudge caused to cascade over the field makes it nigh impossible to move around this particular area. Some of the ground and the piles of scrap are icy; some areas of the ice have been shattered somewhat by the falling junk. Golf ball-sized hail is all over the place; the hail is much smaller and slowing significantly.

Ref’s Notes
-Flamethrower did not hit Pudge with full intensity, so its damage was reduced (-3%).

-Dark Sage attacks first next round.


Also, I would like to take this opportunity to ensure that MoP knows that Ryuhaeru is out of battle, so he can have her now. Merry Christmas in July.

[Dark Sage]

All right, the fight is back on!

Blast, get right up and grapple with Pudge. Start by using Brick Break.

Then, give him a Dragon Claw.

Then use Metal Claw again.

[Master of Paradox]

Let's see if we can't use that momentum against him.

Pudge, when he comes in for the Brick Break, respond with a Shadow Ball. Match the Dragon Claw with a Water Pulse, and then go for broke - when that Metal Claw comes in, blow him out of the arena with a Hyper Beam.

Shadow Ball - Water Pulse - Hyper Beam

[Phoenixsong]

Dark Sage vs. Master of Paradox, Round Twenty-Two

Pre-Round Stats

Team Sage

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa004.png
Blast (M)
Health: 61%
Energy: 70%
Status: Glad that he isn’t soaked
Dark Sage’s Commands:
Brick Break ~ Dragon Claw ~ Metal Claw

Team Paradox

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa053.png
Pudge (M)
Health: 62%
Energy: 69%
Status: Protect sucks. :(
Master of Paradox’s Commands:
Shadow Ball ~ Water Pulse ~ Hyper Beam

Arena

Zepp Junkyard

As the name implies, this place is a mess. It's an arena of about a square mile, penned off by chain link fencing. Despite its appearance, the fence is indestructible - they build them sturdy in Zepp. Piles of scrap metal and broken machinery abound, some still throwing off sparks, but there's enough clear space for a good fight. (It is possible to Dig into piles of junk.)

Over on the far eastern side is a giant robotic claw, perpetually sorting through deliveries of scrap; anything it deems dangerous is dropped onto the conveyors and delivered to the compactor. If any non-Steel-type Pokémon makes contact with the claw, it grabs them and rejects them. Rejection involves getting hurled back into the arena, which may cause damage at the referee's discretion. Steel-types are dropped onto the conveyor.

On the far northern side is the compactor and conveyor system. Anything that gets put on the conveyor will end up here in about the space of two actions. Getting dropped into the compactor is obviously a bad idea.

This junkyard is a very busy place. Every fifth round, a zeppelin will pass overhead and drop a new delivery of metal garbage onto the field. This is, in effect, a Hail that ignores types - even a Steel or Rock Pokémon can't avoid getting banged up when a compact car falls on their head.

Round Twenty-Two: Begin!

Satisfied that he’s perfectly safe and dry, Blast dashes forward with a little fist raised in the air. Or, at least, he tries to dash forward. What he actually manages is a hasty and clumsy scramble over several trash piles before he reaches Pudge, slightly tired out. It takes Blast a moment to catch his breath; Pudge purrs at this nice little window of opportunity and takes the chance to fire off a Shadow Ball. Every shadow in the area rushes forward, finally forming a vaguely sphere-shaped amalgam in front of the Persian’s gem; the seething bundle of darkness surges forward and hits Blast hard before it dissipates and the shadows return to their respective places. Blast staggers, but recovers quickly enough to sock Pudge in the face with enough force to Break Bricks.

The Charmander’s claws glow a bright green as draconic energy surrounds them; with as fierce a roar as he can muster, Blast jumps forward again to score Pudge with his Dragon Claws. Summoning a torrent of water is not as easy for a Normal-type as it is for a Water-type, and so Pudge, doing his best to ready a second Water Pulse, does not have time to react; his face is torn up by the Charmander’s tiny talons. Furious, Pudge finally manages to let loose the stream of water, screaming as he does so; Blast has no time to prepare a protective shield this time, and the water hits him full force. The horrible noise, combined with the pain and chill of the rushing water, ends up messing with Blast’s head, effectively confusing him.

Soaking wet, ears ringing and head spinning, Blast tries his best to keep his cool. He knows he’s supposed to attack the cat in front of him… the only problem is, there are about eleven cats moving in and out of focus over there, all looking superior and rather amused, and he’s not quite sure which one he should be going after. A temporary inability to think rationally finally has the salamander convince himself that he can take all of them down with just one attack because he’s that awesome, and so his claws shimmer with Steel energy and harden again as he stumbles to the attack. Pudge laughs to himself as Blast spins and slashes at the empty air on either side of him; as such, he fails to notice that Blast’s last swing is right on target and yowls angrily as the Metal Claws cut into his flank. The Persian has just about had it with this wretched little orange lizard ruining his beautiful coat, and so he takes a step back to give himself room for his most powerful assault yet. Blast is too busy congratulating himself on defeating all thirty-seven nasty fat Persians (the original eleven called their friends for backup, of course) to see Pudge’s gem sparkle violently with a bright, blinding white light. Without warning, a massive beam of energy shoots out of the gem and at the swaying Blast, punching into his little chest and sending him flying backwards. Blast plows right through a pile of trash before his momentum slows and he slams into a second, sturdier mound, finally slumping to the ground. The powerful Hyper Beam was incredibly taxing to execute, and Pudge sinks to the ground himself, panting heavily.

Too tired and achy to worry about the weather, Blast and Pudge simply lay on the ground and allow the last few hailstones to bounce off of their bodies. The junkyard owner frowns. It looks like these two oddball animals are growing tired, but the raw power of that cat-thing’s last attack has him worried…

Round Twenty-Two: Close

Post-Round Stats

Team Sage

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa004.png
Blast (M)
Health: 22%
Energy: 55%
Status: Moderately confused; O.o …brain huuuuurts… so much paaaaaiin…

Team Paradox

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa053.png
Pudge (M)
Health: 38%
Energy: 48%
Status: Tiring, but pleased.

Arena Status

Hail: Dissipated

Zeppelin: Four rounds until arrival

Some rocks, most of them shattered by Atlas, Thunderclap and Kandy’s Rock Smashes, litter one side of the field; far more plentiful, however, is the scrap scattered around by the zeppelin’s visits. On top of all of that, the junk that Pudge caused to cascade over the field makes it nigh impossible to move around this particular area. Some of the ground and the piles of scrap are icy; some areas of the ice have been shattered somewhat by the falling junk. Golf ball-sized hailstones are all over the place, but the hail has finally let up.

Ref’s Notes
-Due to Blast’s erratic flailing around, he used a bit more energy and did a bit less damage while using Metal Claw. (+1% energy, -1% damage)

-Blast took extra damage from flying through/slamming into the trash mounds (+4%).

-Master of Paradox attacks first next round.

[Master of Paradox]

Pudge, time for the conclusion to begin.

I'm not sure if you get a first turn or not, but if you do, start with a Slash. Then Bite him and end with a Shadow Ball. No need to burn ourselves out with a rush.

[Dark Sage]

Blast, time to use your most powerful weapon. Wait until he gets close to you, and then use Overheat.

When he goes in to use Bite, answer him by using a Crunch.

Finally, give him a Fire Fang for good measure.

[Phoenixsong]

...Almost... *gasp* finished... *wheeze*


Dark Sage vs. Master of Paradox, Round Twenty-Three

Pre-Round Stats

Team Sage

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa004.png
Blast (M)
Health: 22%
Energy: 55%
Status: Moderately confused; O.o …brain huuuuurts… so much paaaaaiin…
Dark Sage’s Commands:
Overheat ~ Crunch ~ Fire Fang

Team Paradox

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa053.png
Pudge (M)
Health: 38%
Energy: 48%
Status: Tiring, but pleased.
Master of Paradox’s Commands:
Slash ~ Bite ~ Shadow Ball

Arena

Zepp Junkyard

As the name implies, this place is a mess. It's an arena of about a square mile, penned off by chain link fencing. Despite its appearance, the fence is indestructible - they build them sturdy in Zepp. Piles of scrap metal and broken machinery abound, some still throwing off sparks, but there's enough clear space for a good fight. (It is possible to Dig into piles of junk.)

Over on the far eastern side is a giant robotic claw, perpetually sorting through deliveries of scrap; anything it deems dangerous is dropped onto the conveyors and delivered to the compactor. If any non-Steel-type Pokémon makes contact with the claw, it grabs them and rejects them. Rejection involves getting hurled back into the arena, which may cause damage at the referee's discretion. Steel-types are dropped onto the conveyor.

On the far northern side is the compactor and conveyor system. Anything that gets put on the conveyor will end up here in about the space of two actions. Getting dropped into the compactor is obviously a bad idea.

This junkyard is a very busy place. Every fifth round, a zeppelin will pass overhead and drop a new delivery of metal garbage onto the field. This is, in effect, a Hail that ignores types - even a Steel or Rock Pokémon can't avoid getting banged up when a compact car falls on their head.

Round Twenty-Three: Begin!

The time of Blast’s reckoning has come now, Pudge tells himself as the dazed little reptile finally manages to pick himself up from the trash- and hail-strewn earth. The fat cat stands slowly, takes a moment to stretch his aching muscles and then daintily picks his way over to his opponent. Blast is completely out of it; there’s no need to rush. Smiling wickedly at his foe, Pudge raises a paw, extends his sharp claws and Slashes at the Charmander’s face. Blast cannot manage more than a forlorn little moan; he’s too busy trying to stop the world from spinning wildly to really worry about the pain in his face. What… what is he supposed to be doing right now? The fact that he can’t remember what his orders are is really heating him up… heating up… Overheat! Blast manages a weak but snide smile of his own as his flickering tail flame suddenly roars into life… higher and higher it burns, and a nervous Pudge begins backing away, only to find his retreat blocked by a large mound of rubbish… and then… FWOOOOOM! Intense flames spread out over the junkyard, spilling out from Blast’s mouth and tail and completely engulfing Pudge and the surrounding debris. As the cat’s screams of pain and horror echo over the yard and much of the trash has been reduced to ash or molten slag, Blast finally calms down and the towering inferno dies away. That attack was certainly taxing… the Charmander’s internal flame is burning rather low at this point…

Pudge’s once sleek, soft, cream-colored fur has been badly singed, and several blisters have sprung up on the skin beneath it. His coat… his beautiful coat… that tears it. With a howl of fury, the Persian bounds forward at the exhausted Blast and begins Biting him viciously, sinking his needle-like fangs into his foe’s orange scales again and again and again… Blast cries out in pain and flails helplessly around, unable to stop his attacker. Pudge finally comes up for air and is about to resume his attack when the fading Blast sees an opportunity and Crunches down on his enemy’s tender, blackened paw. Pudge yowls again, shaking his foreleg as hard as he can for a good minute or two before the little salamander finally lets go.

Thoroughly annoyed, Pudge nevertheless decides that directly attacking the lizard is not the brightest idea; keeping his distance seems to work a bit better. As such, the Persian backs up again before collecting all of the junkyard’s shadows in front of him again. Blast, who is still seeing quadruple, is unable to do anything other than watch as the Shadow Ball slams into his chest before dissipating. The little Charmander pants and gasps… his mind still feels like it’s been run through a blender and he is only vaguely aware of the crippling pain that wracks his body. Still… he has to keep trying… he won’t let this stupid cat get the better of him… Blast stands, mustering the last of his strength, and bares his fangs; flames begin to circle and lick around them. Blast cannot run—he is much too weak and tired for that—but he strides slowly forward, as purposefully as he can manage, ready to give Pudge a hearty Fire Fang. The cat is transfixed by the salamander’s performance… he, too, is incapable of doing anything other than watching as his foe trudges onward… several paces to the left of him. And as he finally lunges to the attack, Blast realizes too late that he was aiming at the wrong Persian. The confusion-induced image fades away right as Blast collides forcefully with the pile of trash behind it. Blast strikes his head on the debris… and cannot continue any further. The Charmander slides slowly off of the trash pile onto the ground and moves no more.

His gorgeous fur may have been charred, he might be covered in numerous cuts and bruises, he might be limping and he might be exhausted, and yet Pudge the Persian cannot help but smile. He’s done it; it’s over. Dark Sage’s Pokémon fought valiantly down to the wire, but their efforts were simply not enough. The chubby cat sits back and begins licking his wounds smugly. Serves the little scaly rat right for singeing his coat.

The junkyard owner breathes a hefty sigh of relief. One of those crazy people seems to have run out of mutant animals for destroying his dump, and the one mutant animal that remains apparently has no further desire for vandalism and violence. Good; they’ll be leaving him in peace soon. He grabs his radio and calls the zeppelin pilots, telling them to take their time with the next shipment of garbage. No need to rush. Everything’s finally going back to normal.

Round Twenty-Three: Close

Post-Round Stats

Team Sage

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa004.png
Blast (M)
Health: 0%
Energy: 31%
Status: Knocked out

Team Paradox

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa053.png
Pudge (M)
Health: 14%
Energy: 27%
Status: Winnahz, yeah boy! Definitely in a helluva lot of pain, though, and not as pretty as he was when he woke up this morning.

Arena Status

Zeppelin: Three rounds until arrival

Some rocks, most of them shattered by Atlas, Thunderclap and Kandy’s Rock Smashes, litter one side of the field; far more plentiful, however, is the scrap scattered around by the zeppelin’s visits. On top of all of that, the junk that Pudge caused to cascade over the field makes it nigh impossible to move around this particular area. Some of the ground and the piles of scrap are icy; some areas of the ice have been shattered somewhat by the falling junk. The ice in the area of Blast's Overheat has melted completely, and the trash in the same vicinity is now either ash or slag. Golf ball-sized hailstones are all over the place.

Ref’s Notes
-To answer the question I believe you were asking, MoP, no, I don’t always ref Hyper Beam as causing recoil. I still haven’t decided whether I like using recoil or not. (Not that it matters any more…) Nope, normally I just knock off a nice, huge chunk of energy, maybe increase energy use afterwards. Which is what I did here, by the way… all of Pudge’s attacks for this round cost an extra 2%.

-In his confusion, Blast mistargeted his attack and crashed into a trash mound instead, causing 2% damage. Pudge’s Shadow Ball had left Blast with only 1% health remaining, and so the stumble ended up knocking him out.




Grah. That's everything over and done with; this last match is finished, and now no more ASB for teh Phoenix for a while. Sorry I was so difficult to work with, thanks for being patient with me, and good game to both of you. If I am understanding the system correctly, Dark Sage gets 4 points; Master of Paradox and I each get 8 points. Yeah. Y'might wanna verify that before you cash in so that you don't get yelled at because I did something stupid. Faretheewell, then.

...That was so loooong... I feel draaiiined...