STAGE 15 - GLIMWOOD TANGLE

As summer draws to a close and ushers in the cool breezes of autumn, our heroes venture forth onto the next step on their journey: the gloomy, mysterious, overgrown forest, known only as the Glimwood Tangle. This enormous woodland stretches between the mountains of Eastern Galar and the isolated town of Ballonlea, and is home to endless kind of plant and Pokemon life, ranging from gigantic trees as old as the mountains themselves, to swarms of mischievous fairy-types ready to play a trick on travelers.

Most notably, the forest is covered in massive, glowing mushrooms, giving the paths an air of mystery and beauty that brings adventurous hikers from all over the world to it. It is also the setting for the local Halloween festival! This little festive fair is a Stow-on-Side and Ballonlea tradition, and locals from both towns come together to celebrate harmony among spirits and the living, with fun activities for children and adults alike.

Yet among the beautiful trees and festive air, darkness lurks as well… travelers have been advised to watch out for red shadow Pokemon attacks on this route, and traveling at night is strongly discouraged. Will our heroes make their way safely through the tangle and reach the next stage of their challenge?

Pokémon Available to those on Mission 1:

Pokémon Available to those on Mission 2:

Pokémon Available to those on Mission 3:

MISSIONS:

[OPEN][CATCH CHANCE] Mission 1:
The Glimwood Tangle is home to some of the rarest species of mushroom, not just in Galar, but in the entire world. Naturally, many mushroom-based species of Pokemon have sprung up in the forest as a result, many of which draw nutrition from the enormous fungi in the area. A little bait might even get one of these critters to come out...
Reward: Balm Mushroom or Large Mushroom

[CATCH CHANCE] Mission 2:
Help! This little tree-like Pokemon is not in its right element. After taking a tumble down from the rocky cliffs of Stow-on-side, it found itself stranded in a giant, unfamiliar forest… And every Pokemon it asks for help thinks it’s a phantump! Give this little stranded pseudo-sapling a helping hand.
Reward: Miracle Seed

[CATCH CHANCE] Mission 3:
One little-known fact about the Glimwood Tangle is that it is home to one of the rarer species in Galar: the Grookey line. Often living with Passimians and Orangurus, these little mischievous monkeys love to play tricks on travelers just like the fairy-types, and it seems they've gone into a bit of a 'prank war' by trying to out-trick the fairies - all at the expense of poor traveling trainers. Perhaps you can deal with this little debacle.
Reward: Big Root

Mission 4:
The ghost-types around this part of the forest seem to be particularly agitated. They’re howling and swarming erratically around a peculiar dead tree, but it doesn’t look like there’s anything particularly different about it. Perhaps you should take a closer look?
Reward: Reaper Cloth

Mission 5:
It is said that deep, deep in the dark forest, where the foliage is so thick that light never penetrates through, a certain species of Pokemon lives… Barely researched due to their stealthiness, mobility and aggression towards any trespassers, these groups are so exceedingly rare that some scientific communities have deemed them extinct: the Pokemon Zarude. (Well that’s a relief, it means the dark woods should be safe then… right…?)
Reward: Zarude Pokedex Entry + Tutor move Grassy Glide OR Lash Out

[MULTI] Mission 6:
Spooks galore! The Glimwood Halloween Fair is organizing a costume competition, and offering rewards for several categories - and here’s the catch: judges aren’t just people, but also ghost-types! These Pokemon are experts on spooks, so be sure to satisfy them. The categories are:
Best Trainer Costume (solo)
Best Pokemon Costume (solo)
Best Couples Costumes
Best Trainer-Pokemon Costumes
Reward: Pokémon Egg + Will-o-wisp

Mission 7:
Cases of disappearances have been occurring recently in the forest, from Pokemon, to even children who played around there. What could possibly be the cause of all this, and why? Where are all the victims located? Someone needs to solve this mystery…
Reward: TR Nightmare

Mission 8:
"GET OUT… GO AWAY…" Echoes of a haunting, eerie voice have been reported in the forest as of late. Many people don’t dare venture too deep into the woods now, because of the rumored hauntings… of a real ghost. Is this ghost really true? Or is there an explanation for it? Another haunted mystery is afoot, needing to be solved.
Reward: Dusk Stone

Mission 9:
There’s rumors that a lone, abandoned hut had been found within the forest, and within that, psychic-type Pokemon have been seen, playing among each other, dancing the night away. But, with this rumor comes poachers and hunters, ready to bag these carefree Pokemon for themselves. They need a hand!
Reward: Twistedspoon

ADDITIONAL MISSIONS:

[OPEN] ★ Mission B1:
There have been recent reports of red shadow Pokemon rampaging through the Glimwood Tangle, with both wild Pokemon and travelers being subject to these random attacks. The ranger organization still has still little information about how these Pokemon are cropping up in both wild and populated areas, but is advising all trainers on the path to remain in well-lit areas and avoid going too deep into the forest, where the red shadow Pokemon are most active. They seem to be even more aggressive and powerful than those in the wild area...
Reward: Wishing piece

[OPEN] ★ Mission B2:
While traveling through the forest, you hear the sound of people and the hum of machinery in the distance. A machine, this deep into the forest? Curious, you approach the area carefully, and find a group of the notorious Black Suits, armed with Dark Balls and strange, chainsaw-like devices. They do not seem to be hunting Pokemon this time, however... as you take a closer look you notice they are harvesting the giant mushrooms you've seen everywhere- with little care for the trees around them or the small Pokemon living inside. Stop these people from endangering the forest!
Reward: Max Mushrooms

STAGE 16 - BALLONLEA

After a treacherous trek through the eerie woods, our traveling heroes reach the next step of their league challenge; a beacon of light in this dark forest, the beautiful village of Ballonlea. Home to the fairy-type and psychic-type gyms, run by Bede and Avery respectively, this little town sits at the outskirts of the Glimwood Tangle, and is one of the most notoriously difficult places in Galar to get to - land travel being inconvenient and dangerous due to the ghosts and fairies, and flying taxis having little space to land among the dense treetops.

As a result, the untouched beauty of nature has thrived in Ballonlea, where houses and buildings have been built around the trees rather than replacing them, and wild Pokemon roam freely among its inhabitants. With the arrival of the fall season, the leaves in the forest provide a beautiful rainbow of colour, reds and oranges mixing with the greens and pinks of the fairies. On top of the gym challenge, Ballonlea has also been chosen to be the host of the third Galar Contest League event! Contestants and spectators can expect unique performances in this unique environment, and the guest judge for this show can be described as just that.

With new, mystical opportunities on the horizon, what will fate hold for the graduates of Wedgehurst academy?

Pokemon available in mission 1:

Pokemon available in mission 2:

Pokemon available in mission 3:

Pokemon available in mission 1:

GYM LEADERS:

Gym Mission:
Before facing either of its gym leaders, trainers must first go through the Ballonlea scavenger hunt! This mission drops challengers into an enclosed part of a Glimwood Tangle, where fairy-type illusions and mist make seeing even a few feet in front of you impossible. The task is simple: find the silver soothe bell hidden somewhere in the area, and bring it back to the entrance. But beware… you’re not just racing against time, but against a Pokemon as well! That’s right, a greedy little Impidimp will also be released into the forest with you, and it will try its darndest to tail you and steal that bell from right under your nose. Be on the lookout for it, and try not to get lost in the tangle of trees and fog!

Battle!
Located in the heart of the forest and village, the Ballonlea Stadium is quite special: both Misty and Psychic terrains are active at all times, covering the battlefield in a thin layer of mist and aura. Status effects and priority moves are ineffective here, and challengers will be forced to direct offense in order to overcome this challenge. The format is 1 versus 1, and gym leaders each choose two Pokemon out of their three.

[OPEN][GYM] ★1:
Bede serves as the first gym leader of the Ballonlea stadium and is the recent successor to Opal, the fairy-type specialist who dominated the gym for almost 50 years. Bede has been hard at work in legitimizing Ballonlea Stadium and cleaning out the marks left by ex-chairman Rose and Opal, and regaining the people’s trust. He is a serious but passionate individual, often expecting the best from his opponents and gym trainers, and is prone to anger if things don’t go the way he wants. He isn’t afraid to speak his mind, and could be deemed unapproachable - if not for his ability to wow audiences with his beautiful battles.


Bede’s battling style is calculated, ruthless yet elegant, and utilizes every part of the fairy-type’s natural strengths to eliminate his opponents swiftly and with dazzling beauty. As a former psychic-type specialist, Bede is an expert at psyching out his opponents, using mind games to outsmart challengers and give them a proper test of wit as well as strength. He alternates between Pokemon depending on his opponents’ overall Defense or Special Defense - Mawile is a physical fighter, while Hatterene is more special-focused, and his Rapidash excels in both. He is most likely to bring out Hatterene as his ace Pokemon.

Bede’s Pokémon:

[OPEN][GYM] ★2:
Following intense training at Mustard’s famed Isle of Armour dojo, Avery has since gone to represent the psychic-type gym in the major Pokemon league and established himself as a gym leader in Ballonlea stadium. This psychic is known for his impressive telekinetic skills, which he often entertains the crowd with before a match. Avery is a proud and sometimes arrogant man, but is quite lighthearted once you get to know him. He is fond of psychic-type-themed wordplay.


As a psychic-type specialist, Avery is aware that battles are won not just on the battlefield, but in the mind as well - and his strategy reflects that. This gym leader relies heavily on setups and subterfuge to outsmart, and ultimately outpower his opponents. He uses psychic terrain expertly, and his Pokemon’s attunement to it will give challengers a run for their money. Avery switches between Swoobat and Alakazam depending on his opponents’ reliance on physical or special moves, in order to set up Reflect or Light Screen, and usually falls back on Slowking as his final Pokemon.


[OPEN][CONTEST] ★3: Various television and movie directors are lined up to participate and help film their next production: The next Contest, set in Ballonlea! What sort of rules and special circumstances await our Coordinators? What will the stage be like this time? Lights… Camera... Action!




Fantina is an energetic, yet sophisticated Gym Leader and coordinator from Sinnoh. As an expert of Pokemon Contests, she’s competed with the best of the best, showcasing her dazzling and mesmerising Ghost-type Pokemon. She often travels to various regions, finding more coordinators and Pokemon to inspire her, and now, as the guest judge in the Ballonlea Contest Hall, she seeks to find Coordinators who will bring out the most of their Pokemon, doing the most amazing and dazzling performances they can do. As she would say, this contest will surely be très fantastique!

Venue:
The stage this time will be like a set of a movie, very similar to the ones from Unova’s PokeStar Studios. Various cameras are pointed right directly towards the stage, and there are hordes of seats for a live studio audience.

Objective:
For this performance, all coordinators are tasked with making their own magical shoujo styled performance, in front of a televised production! You can use up to three Pokemon for this! This magical performance can include: a transformation, a special attack, or generally something you can think of to wow the crowd!

IMPORTANT FOR COORDINATORS:
Contests are expected to occur with all participants posting their routines at around the same time, with all other contest centric posts happening at around that time as well. As such it is extremely important that you have your performance ready and prepared when the contest begins. Later in January (the date will be announced!), the contest will begin with an announcement in the discord and you'll have 24 hours to post your performance. If it's not posted during this time your performance will not be counted! So make sure you have your piece ready!


[CATCH CHANCE] Mission 1:
Several locals have been complaining that the air around their house has been much more humid than normal, and is making sleep unbearable. It can only be the work of one Pokemon: Galarian Weezing, known to absorb unclean air and release steam once purified. Shoo away this floating humidifier back into the woods.
Reward: Weezing catch chance + TR Dazzling Gleam

[CATCH CHANCE][MULTI] Mission 2:
A Pokemon research organization from Unova has been studying the relationship between the Glimwood Tangle’s local monkey-Pokemon population and the three elemental monkeys, Panpour, Pansear and Pansage. They have concluded their research, and are now looking to rehome these three Pokemon to loving trainers. Plus, there’s a little TR incentive.
Reward: Panpour/Pansear/Pansage (pick one) + TR Grass/Water/Fire Pledge (pick two)

[CATCH CHANCE] Mission 3:
Recently a group of wild Smeargles have been found wandering around the town at night, though nobody really knows where they came from or what they are doing. Observers have noted that the Pokemon seem to be wandering around aimlessly, scribbling things on their bodies at times, but it’s unclear if they’re really dangerous or not…
Reward: Smeargle with Confide + 5 Sketch moves

[CATCH CHANCE] Mission 4:
Henry McFlamesman, an artist from Ballonlea, infamous for setting his paintings (and nearby trees) on fire during his art shows, is obsessed with the idea of captivating the ‘burning spirit’ of people and Pokemon. After finding his muse from a mysterious trainer a few years ago, he has announced his newest project: Slugma art.
Reward: Slugma catch chance + TR Overheat

Mission 5:
A new television show is now in production: Baking with Jigglypuff! But they are looking for a certain someone, hopefully a cute someone, to fill the role of Jigglypuff’s cooking assistant! As one, you are tasked with baking a variety of treats and sweets for the audience watching! Loads of singing and dancing are also in store, so if you’re enthusiastic, if you love baking, then please sign up!
Reward: TR Sing

[OPEN] Mission 6:
The relentless and always journeying Karate Master is back, and this time, he’s developed a teaching session, helping to tutor new moves for pokemon! Do your pokemon have what it takes to learn his moves?
Reward: Tutor move: Thunder Punch OR Ice Punch OR Fire Punch

Mission 7:
Another anime production is in the works: Sailor Guardian, Gardevoir. This was an anime that had quite the following over a decade ago, but now the anime is being remastered! With the pilot episode coming, the production is looking for able people to voice act as the characters: Gardevoir, Lopunny, Medicham, Milotic, Tsareena, or any other roles seen fit. Will you be part of the show?
Reward: TR Moonblast OR TR Baton Pass

[OPEN] Mission 8:
Project Mew is a special research project in which different Trainers are recruited from around the Pokémon world to find Mew and collect genes of various Pokémon. A helicraft of theirs has been seen around the area, and now, they’re looking for new members. Do you have what it takes to be part of the team?
Reward: Project Mew token

STAGE 17 - POST-TIMESKIP - ROUTE 8

With Ballonlea gym now a month in the past and the Gym Challenge on hold for the winter, the former students of Wedgehurst Academy have spent their time journeying through Northern Galar, whether through the Wild Area or previously travelled routes, honing their skills with their Pokemon

With the next city on the horizon, they now find themselves entering Route 8 for the first time. The path through Route 8 is a rugged one. Although the weather is cold this time, the landscape remains arid. The terrain is hilly and treacherous, dotted with ancient ruins that are intriguing for those willing to brave them, but often unexplored and at risk of toppling under those who climb their platforms and onto those who explore within.

The road ahead is a rough, and the Pokemon here tend to be the sort that thrive in harsher landscapes or that enjoy challenging themselves against nature. Fighting, rock and steel types are particularly abundant, with Falinks making dens in valley walls and rock types appearing to be part of the scenery at a glance. It’s best to watch one’s step here lest you accidentally infringe on the territory of the locals.

Our heroes’ rewards for successfully making it through to Steamdrift Way isn’t far though. As they head northward and the weather gets ever colder, they will soon reach Chichester, home to the Rock and Ice gyms… what will these harsh lands have in store for the trainers?

TIMESKIP RULES:

Almost a month has passed since the last stage, and your character would have reasonably experienced growth during this time and had several new adventures. These may include:

• Catching up to two Pokemon from any previous routes, except mission-exclusive Pokemon.
• Evolving any number of currently-caught Pokemon, within reason.
• Completing any missed gyms from previous routes.

Pokémon Available to those on Mission 1:

Pokémon Available to those on Mission 2:

MISSIONS:

[OPEN][CATCH CHANCE] Mission 1:
Along with the fighting and ground-types, Route 8 is home to a fair share of dragon-types, living in its caves and hunting at night. While most tend to stay away from humans, there have been warning to stay away from these caves as dragons are fiercely territorial. As with most dragon-fighting adventures, however, there is a reward for those brave enough to explore them.
Reward: Dragon Scale

[MULTI][CATCH CHANCE] Mission 2:
An old mining operation near Route 8 has left behind several pieces of equipment and a sizable dent into the side of the mountain. It seems whatever the miners were looking for wasn’t here, but since there’s a few pickaxes lying around, why not look around yourself?
Reward: Old Amber or Plume Fossil (Two are available, they can be revived in Circhester).

Mission 3:
While walking through the ruins, you come across a distressed hiker: she has lost a treasured family heirloom inside one of the many holes used by the local Falinks, but doesn’t have the guts to go in there herself.
Reward: Pearl Necklace

Mission 4:
Route 8 is unsurprisingly home to more fighting types than any other region in Galar, likely due to the harsh environment. What is surprising, however, is coming across a wild Pokemon ‘fight club’ of sorts… The Pokemon have even allowed humans to watch! Tonight’s match is ‘Stone Cold’ the Throh versus ‘Iron Sumo’ the Makuhita. Who are you betting your berries on?
Reward: TR Close Combat

Mission 5:
Ugh! The path ahead is blocked by rocks… and one of them is alive! It’s none other than the Pokemon Crustle. It refuses to move from its spot, though… Will you negotiate with words, brute force or with something else?
Reward: Soft Sand

Mission 6:
The fluctuating temperatures of the area combined with the cold weather have made some of the rocky structures on Route 8 fairly unstable. You come across a den of baby Pokemon that happens to be built right under one of these structures, but the Medicham mother threatens to attack you every time you approach.
Reward: Smooth Rock

Mission 7:
Traveling Galar sure works up an appetite! You should probably sit down and have a meal with your Pokemon and fellow travellers; everyone loves a good curry. You can follow a recipe, or get creative! Just don’t burn anything.
Reward: Three berries of your choice

Mission 8:
An archaeologist exploring the local ruins is in a bit of a pickle: they’ve gotten themselves cornered by several hungry Gibles, and were forced to climb onto a priceless ancient statue to get to safety. The problem is now, they’re stuck, and dare not use their own Pokemon in case the statue is destroyed…
Reward: TR Stone Edge

STAGE 18 - CIRCHESTER

Winter is coming to an end as the remaining gym challengers converge upon the historic city of Circhester, but you would never know it. Surrounded by mountains and perpetually carpeted in snow and ice, the city is locked in an isolated ice age by its mountainous climate. Regal stone buildings and cobbled streets give Circhester a feeling like it belongs to a time gone by, and the city tends to have a sleepy aura. But all that is forgotten at this time of the year as, despite the cold, Circhester comes alive for the arriving league hopefuls.

There is much for the Wedgehurst graduates to see and do in Circhester. Businesses look to capitalize on their fame, many ice-types begging to be battled and captured call the city home, and trainers are eager to test their mettle against would-be-champions. Those who are more interested in landmarks than hustle and bustle can visit the city’s hot springs like the legendary Hero’s Bath, check in at the famed Hotel Ionia or visit the stunning central plaza in the south of the city.

Of course, the real draw to the city is the grand gym stadium in its north where the heat of battle awaits. What future do these frigid walls hold for our heroes?

Pokémon available to those on Mission 1:



Pokémon available to those on Mission 2:



Pokémon available to those on Mission 3:

GYM LEADERS:

Important Note:
For this stage, as well as any following stages with two gym leaders, you will have the option to take on both gym leaders at once by teaming up with another player. The same rules as a solo battle apply and both gym leaders have the normal amount of Pokemon. You can also take on the gym mission with the other player. You cannot take on both gym leaders at once with a single character.

Gym Mission:
Combining both its rock and ice themes, this stadium’s mission involves getting through a dizzying maze obstructed by a sandy snowstorm. While the ground appears flat at first glance, it is littered with pitfalls, quicksand and powder snow, with gym trainers lying in wait at the bottom for battle. Challengers must take one Pokemon and navigate through the maze without getting knocked out by any of the obstacles or gym trainers.

Battle!
Much like the gym mission preceding it, the Circhester arena is equally as treacherous to navigate, though it is far from flat ground. Instead, large spikes and pillars of ice and stone jutting out of the ground cover most of the battlefield, creating a rough terrain that can hamper less agile Pokemon, and discourages regular switching-out as the floor creates an entry hazard for attackers. Using the unique environment is key to victory here, as any wrong move can land a trainer between a rock (literally) and a hard place.

[OPEN][GYM] ★1:
The first gym leader at the Circhester stadium is Melony, a veteran of the league who has consistently maintained her status as one of the stronger leaders in the challenge. She is a strict and stoic ice-type battler with a hint of playfulness to her. As such the gym trainers who have been resilient enough to go through her coaching are extremely loyal and powerful battlers. She has conceded a few times that she would like to find a successor, especially after the infamous battle with her son led to the gym’s type being split.


Mastering the fragile ice-type has made Melony an extremely resourceful battler who wastes no time taking down her opponents before they can react to her strategy. Her Darmanitan, known as the “freezer burner”, rushes down opponents with its deadly combination of Belly Drum and Zen Mode, while her Eiscue uses Hail and strong coverage to power through blows and refresh its defences when hit. Her ace, Lapras, is ultimately a test of trainers’ efficiency: with a combo of Perish Song and Sing, the battle becomes a time trial which only the strongest can get through.

Melony’s Pokémon:

[OPEN][GYM] ★2:
The younger of the Circhester gym leaders is Gordie, a rock-type specialist and Melony’s son. He rose to stardom during his own run of the gym challenge as a teen, blitzing through the competition and even participating in the final tournament. His talent as a trainer, as well as his mother’s insistence to make him her successor, landed him a role as a gym leader - but against his mother’s wishes, Gordie remained a rock-type specialist, leading to a destructive battle that split the gym’s types. He is a flashy and sometimes stubborn trainer, but will do anything for his eager fans.

Also, he can pull off a pretty sick backflip.


Despite his differences with his mother, Gordie has inherited her ruthless battling style, and strikes down opponents with equal speed and efficiency. His ace, Coalossal, is usually the first to be sent out, charging its ability up with its own Scald and smashing through its enemies like an unstoppable freight train. In scenarios that call for more strategy, Shuckle is used to control the battlefield and weaken his opponents, while Tyranitar is his backup for strong type coverage.

---

[OPEN][CATCH CHANCE!] Mission 1:
A large group of flying-type flocks have decided to rest at Circhester’s warm springs while travelling for the winter. Many of these Pokemon happen to come from other regions, too. Tourists are beginning to complain about the noise and bird poop though, so it wouldn’t hurt to thin them out and scare them off.
Reward: Special feather of your choice (Health, Muscle, Resist, Genius, Clever or Swift)

[CATCH CHANCE!] Mission 2:
An unfortunate Lickitung seems to have been the victim of a cruel prank (or a lapse judgement) - its tongue has been frozen to a pole! The poor Pokemon has been stuck out there for hours and it doesn’t look like anyone has noticed it. Will you save the day in just the ‘lick’ of time?
Reward: Sweet of your choice OR Leftovers

[CATCH CHANCE!] Mission 3:
The cold waters of the north bring with them many species of ocean-dwelling ice types, as well as several hardy water-types. One such Pokemon, exceedingly rare in regions outside of Alola, has been spotted in town, and appears to be lost. The local rangers would reward anyone who helps find and rehome this Pokemon.
Reward: TR Liquidation

[OPEN] Mission 4:
Steamdrift way, the path connecting Circhester to Route 8, is home to many ice-types as well as some wandering Pokemon from the adjoining environment. This year, the winter temperatures have begun to warm up earlier than normal, and these rock-types have been encroaching on key spawning areas often frequented by ice-types. Local environment groups have asked trainers to help ward off these invasive Pokemon.
Reward: TR Ice Spinner

Mission 5:
The historic Circhester Hotel Ionia has been the target of food raids by some wild Pokemon for the past few weeks, just ahead of a world-famous hotel critic arriving in town. They need help getting rid of the issue lest they lose their coveted five-star rating.
Reward: Amulet Coin + Free stay at Hotel Ionia

[OPEN] Mission 6:
Now beyond the halfway point, a solid 70% or so of trainers have dropped out of the gym competition. A news crew is doing interviews with standout trainers, and offering a little incentive for those who battle for the cameras.
Reward: TM Protect

[MULTI] Mission 7:
The two sides of the Circhester gym, Ice and Rock, are as at odds with each other as their leaders, and they want to settle their dispute with the challengers themselves. A few of the gym trainers have set up a three-way competition: rock versus ice versus the challenger. Whoever knocks out the challenger first wins. In exchange for your participation in this strange game, the winner will reward you with a powerful TR.
Reward: Any Ice or Rock TR with Power 60-90

Mission 8:
“Bob’s Your Uncle”, a local fast food restaurant, is hiring part-time workers for the busy gym challenge season. While not as exciting as the battle cafes, you’ll be able to enjoy some relaxing minimum-wage work in the food service industry.
Reward: Full Incense (a little greasy)

STAGE 19 - ROUTE 9

As trainers descend from the sheltered peaks of Circhester and begin feeling the welcome warmth of the springtime sun, the next step in their journey is none other than Route 9. This stretch of ocean and sand connects directly to the river on Route 8, the warm land near Spikemuth, and the cold waters of Circhester bay. These conflicting temperatures coupled with a surprising early heatwave have resulted in the area becoming a tourist hotspot for swimmers and sightseers, and it’s not rare to find sunbathers gathering in the sparse sandbanks littering the waters.

While there’s no harm in a little beach fun, the trainers of Wedgehurst academy still have one common goal in mind: reach Spikemuth and continue their gym challenge.

Pokémon Available to those on Mission 1:


Pokémon Available to those on Mission 2:


Pokémon Available to those on Mission 3:


Pokémon Available to those on Mission 4:

MISSIONS:

[OPEN][CATCH CHANCE] Mission 1:
As a result of spring’s early arrival and a subsequent heat wave, many of the ice sheets around Circhester’s waters have begun to melt. These environments usually serve as habitats for ice-types, several of which have now found themselves fighting for reduced territory. This in turn has led to more aggressive Pokemon popping up around route 9, and rangers are warning trainers to be cautious.
Reward: Snowball x 10

[CATCH CHANCE] Mission 2:
A swimmer informs you that she’s spotted a slowpoke floating around the nearby beach, and is worried for the Pokemon’s safety. She wishes she could do something, but without her Pokemon, only you can help! …wait, how come this one can swim?
Reward: King’s Rock or Rocky Helmet

[CATCH CHANCE] Mission 3:
It is a little-known fact that despite being bipedal mammals, the Oshawott line rarely ventures on land and spends most of their life in the ocean. Strangely, however, this one seems terrified to go back in the water, and has found itself stranded on a rock… surrounded by water.
Reward: Shell Bell

[MULTI][CATCH CHANCE] Mission 4:
The Galar Fossil Research Lab’s Circhester location has been conducting tests on recently-revived water types and examining their rehabilitation in the wild - namely, a Tirtouga and an Omanyte. With the tests complete, are looking to rehome these Pokemon with the hopes that trainer ownership may prove healthier for the Pokemon in the long term.
Reward: Move Tutor: Ancient Power

[OPEN] Mission 5:
The Poke-job Drednaw ferry, a popular way to travel down Route 9, is experiencing heavy delays due to being overworked by tourists coming for the beaches, and eager fans headed down to Spikemuth. Any help in lightening the load is appreciated, and the company is offering TR rewards for trainers.
Reward: Any Status move TR

[OPEN] Mission 6:
With the advent of spring and tons of newly-exposed sand ripe for investigating, Dowsing-Machine treasure hunters have taken to the beaches of route 9. One company is even offering hourly rentals of the devices, for those who want to try their luck at scouring for valuables.
Reward: Any Physical move TR (power 90 and below)

[OPEN] Mission 7:
With spring now here at last and the icy waterways unfrozen, it’s time for the return of the Circhester Bay Circuit. What is that? A high speed water race where participants on waterskis are pulled along by one or two of their Pokemon. There’s always an exciting prize waiting for first place.
Reward: Any Special move TR (power 90 and below)

Mission 8:
The freshly available sand isn’t just of interest to treasure hunters. Spring also brings out sand castle enthusiasts looking to practice their art. With so many sandcastle fans gathered, it’s only natural some might get a bit extravagant.. A particularly invested individual is even offering a prize for the best sandcastle on display.
Reward: Soft Sand or Hard Stone

STAGE 20 - SPIKEMUTH

As the spring months continue on, the academy graduates find themselves reaching Spikemuth, the smallest city in Galar. That is not to say that Spikemuth is unimpressive though, thanks to Marnie’s efforts leading up to the second Darkest Day and continuing thereafter, Spikemuth has experienced a few years of much better publicity and is steadily growing and improving - especially now that a lack of a Power Spot isn’t such a detracting feature.

Many areas of Spikemuth are now in the process of being reinvented and rebuilt, replacing the dusty and old with the shiny and new to better fit the new Spikemuth image. It also meant that the dingier, shadier parts of town only became more obvious as remnants of Team Yell and local street gangs crammed themselves into such places.

Spikemuth is a place of duality. A cramped city where one side of a street will be lined with neon lights, shops pressed side by side windows full of new merchandise and lines of people gathering outside clubs; and on the other side, the lights are dim and the buildings abandoned but for illicit gatherings in the narrow alleyways and underground punk shows held in ramshackle basements.

Towards the back of the city, a stadium stands tall… and unfinished. Not yet ready for use, it is simultaneously a monument to Spikemuth’s progress and to how far it still has to go. Instead, gym battles here are held at an outdoor concert venue until construction of the new stadium is completed. Only time will tell what the graduates will gain from their experiences in a place of such transition.

Pokémon available to those on Mission 1:


Pokémon available to those on Mission 2:


Pokémon Available to those on Mission 3:

GYM LEADERS:

Important Note:
For this stage, as well as any following stages with two gym leaders, you will have the option to take on both gym leaders at once by teaming up with another player. The same rules as a solo battle apply and both gym leaders have the normal amount of Pokemon. You can also take on the gym mission with the other player. You cannot take on both gym leaders at once with a single character.

Gym Mission:
Spikemuth’s straight, narrow alleyways are known for their dangerous Pokemon street races at night. However, rather than outlawing them, its gym leaders have decided to make them a feature of the gym mission. In order to pass, challengers must beat an opposing Team Yell member’s Pokemon in a street race. Rotom cameras follow the racers and each Pokemon is equipped with an earpiece for trainer communication. The track itself goes through the entire town and the first to complete a full loop wins - be warned, however, as Spikemuth racers are not known to play nice…

Battle!
Since her debut as Spikemuth’s gym leader, Marnie has kept her brother’s rock-band aesthetic for the Spikemuth arena. Both she and her co-leader Klara use this area for concerts as well as battling - as such, it is outfitted with several pieces of equipment that can be used for both. The stage itself is extremely dim, only lit up by bright pink neon signs and a few spotlights. Challengers must battle in this near-total darkness, all while being surrounded by bombastic pyrotechnics, overzealous Team Yell fans on the sidelines, and blaring speakers blasting out the respective leader’s music. This is the Spikemuth way of battle - get used to it!

[OPEN][GYM] ★1:
Marnie took over the Spikemuth gym from her older brother Piers shortly after the second Darkest Day and has been spearheading the efforts to put Spikemuth back on the map ever since - and arguably before then too. When not participating in league battles or exhibition matches, she can usually be found adding her talents to Spikemuth's renaissance in other ways.

Marnie tends to shy away from the limelight, but don't let that fool you into thinking she's soft. Marnie is calm, composed and tough as nails. Behind her static exterior is the soul of a fierce competitor who is dedicated to Spikemuth's future. While she is difficult to rile up on her own, her well-hidden competitive streak can come out during battle and she tends to get caught up in the enthusiasm of her Pokemon.


Unlike her brother, who was known for his aggressive and ruthless fighting style, Marnie is a more more methodical and controlled fighter, rarely letting her emotions show in the heat of battle. She uses the stage to its fullest extent, often relying on surprise tactics to gain the upper hand. Her strongest Pokemon, Grimmsnarl, uses a powerful combination of Trick Room and Hammer Arm to wear down foes and outspeed even the most dextrous opponents. Scrafty is an endurance fighter with strong coverage, intimidating opponents before catching them off-guard with its surprising speed. Finally, her Morpeko’s cuteness should never be confused with weakness, with a devastating arsenal of bite moves and a second wind from its berry - just beware its hanger once that berry is gone…

Marnie’s Pokémon:

[OPEN][GYM] ★2:
Unlike her contemporary, Klara thrives on being in the spotlight and loves being the centre of attention. Originally a struggling pop singer with limited popularity, she turned her goals towards becoming a gym leader instead.

Although there were hiccups along that road too, Klara proved to be dauntless and soon found herself joining the league circuit as the second leader of Spikemuth. Klara can come off as ditzy, but this is an act for the sake of the public. In reality, she is calculating, cunning and devious and determined to bask in the glow of the spotlight for as long as she can.


Klara’s battling style can be described in one sentence: she will poison you, and once that happens, the battle becomes a ticking time bomb. This simple strategy has been known to bring even the strongest fighters to their knees, and this late in the challenge, Klara knows how to use it with deadly effectiveness. Her Weezing and Drapion, special and physical fighters respectively, set up the poison using clever tricks and the stage’s blind spots. This sets up her quick-drawing Slowbro, who then quickly disposes of any stragglers with its devastating nasty plot and shell side arm combo.

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[CATCH CHANCE!] Mission 1:
There are rumours floating around town that a Spikemuth perfume store is using illegal exotic ingredients to make their products more valuable. One such ingredient is Ivysaur nectar, a highly-sought additive in Galar. Will you investigate the truth of these claims?
Reward: Black Sludge

[CATCH CHANCE!][MULTI] Mission 2:
For years now the dastardly Gliscor nicknamed ‘Shadow Bat’ has been terrorizing the people of Spikemuth, hiding in the darkness and always evading capture. Its archnemesis, ‘Sword Claw’ the Scizor, is the only one capable of standing up to the Bat’s villainy. Will you side with the villain or hero of this story, and will you recruit them into your own justice (or injustice) league?
Reward: Razor Fang (Gliscor) or Razor Claw (Scizor)

[CATCH CHANCE] Mission 3:
You’re enjoying a leisurely stroll down the tall grass around Spikemuth when suddenly you trip and fall over an invisible obstacle. You look behind you and realize it’s… a floating stripe? Oh! No, it’s a Kecleon. The Pokemon seems angry at you, and is pointing at an item you seemed to have stepped on, then at your pockets. You’ve heard of a coin-collecting Pokemon from a distant region before, but this is the first time you’ve heard of one demanding coins as payment.
Reward: Light Clay

Mission 4:
Wait… why is that Zigzagoon brown? Why are there so many brown Zigzagoons hanging around? The Galarian Zigzagoon are not happy about these Hoennian imposters invading their territory, and they’re doing everything in their power to drive them out. It seems something (or someone) is keeping them here. Maybe they’re aiming to make a profit at this invasive species’ expense?
Reward: Silk Scarf

Mission 5:
You know what they say: Hyperfans ruin everything. The Pokemon Center staff find themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place as two groups engage in a battle of petty insults and references. What’s the topic of debate this time? Who is Best Girl obviously! Are you Team Klara or Team Marnie? You might not be able to definitively settle the dispute, but it would be nice if you could get these fanboys and fangirls to take their arguments elsewhere so people can heal their Pokemon in peace.
Reward: TR Hyper Voice

Mission 6:
Club Soundwave has a problem! Their scheduled bouncer, Lenny, threw his back out and can’t make it to work. The club can get a little rough, and with no one to keep the customers in line, something’s bound to get broken fast. You must be pretty tough to have made it this far, you want the job? The pay is decent, and you get a cool pair of sunglasses for keeps.
Reward: Black Glasses + 1,000 Poke

Mission 7:
Marnie is working hard to make Spikemuth a better place, but not everyone’s on board. In fact, a small group has been roaming the streets at night trying to undo what’s been done to improve the look of the place. They could really use your help cleaning up, and maybe, if you come across the crew that’s messing everything up, convince them that a little change might be good.
Reward: TR Encore

[OPEN]Mission 8:
“Máquina Técnica Co.”, a foreign TM and TR retailer and manufacturer, has recently opened a large shop in Spikemuth ahead of the incoming wave of battle-hungry tourists. Challengers can browse their selection of high-power TRs at their leisure… but at a (probably exorbitant) price.
Reward: Any move TR of 90+ power (you must have at least 10,000 Poke on hand).