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[Event] The Infernal Parade [Halloween Challenge 2024]

Eleanor

Eleanor

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    >> The Infernal Parade

    2024 Halloween Challenges Event




    It has been some time since the last Event Challenge hosted on this forum section, so here is a new one just in time for Spooky Season!

    General Rules

    ⭐ The challenge will run from September 30th to November 3rd, 2024.
    ⭐ This challenge can be completed on any main series Pokémon Game, Hack Rom or fangame that follows the typical 8 Gyms + League challenge structure. The challenge is completed when the game credits roll.
    ⭐ For games set in Alola: in the place of gyms/badges, please consider every Grand Trial, as well as the Trial of Verdant Cavern, the Trial of Wela Volcano Park, the Trial of the Abandoned Supermarket, and the Trial of Vast Poni Canyon.
    ⭐ Legendary and Mythical Pokémon can be used. Trading Pokémon is allowed for evolutions, but only after they have reached lv. 40 in game.

    Teambuilding Rules

    This challenge is mostly a team building challenge, similar to the Random challenge or "The ones that got away" challenge. Your goal is to complete the game with the scariest team you can come up with... for you and for everyone else who may want to follow your progress.

    Build your infernal parade this year!

    ⭐ Below is a list of traits a Pokémon can have in order to be considered "scary", alongside the points that each trait is worth - plus some team-wide conditions that can also yield bonus points if they apply. Sorry, but this challenge relies on math.
    ⭐ On sign-up you will have to declare a team of six fully evolved Pokémon. Each of these Pokémon needs to have one or more of these traits.
    ⭐ All of the Pokémon in your declared team need to be of different species (but different final stages of a branched evolution family are ok to use).

    ⭐ Add together all of the points for your Pokémon's scary traits, and you have your initial amount of Challenge Points for your run.
    ⭐ Hacking in Pokémon is allowed, but only up to two times in a run, and only if one of these Pokémon replaces your Starter.

    Gameplay Rules

    ⭐ Your battle mode should be on "SET" at all times. Please remember to either change this option at the start of the game, as it is on "SHIFT" by default in all games where it exists, or never switch out your Pokémon after getting a KO (if prompted to).
    ⭐ You should battle all the gyms / trials in the order shown on your trainer card.
    ⭐ Only the Pokémon you declared at the start may be used in battle. That said, you are allowed to bring HM slaves and Pokémon with abilities that work outside of battle (i.e. Synchronize) with you if needed.
    ⭐ Remember that certain actions will make you drop points - the list is below as well. Reaching zero points does not mean anything; negative point counts are perfectly legit and every mechanic will continue to work as normal. Theoretically, it is possible to be the winner of the challenge with a negative point tally.

    ⭐ Once per every badge you obtain, you can temporarily replace one member of your team with a different Pokémon (you do not need to specify which Pokémon it is at the start of the game, it just needs to be legitimately caught in game). This new Pokémon is a Wild Card and needs to be permanently boxed as soon as you get your next badge. Also remember that:
    🧩 You may only have one Wild Card Pokémon in your team at a time.
    🧩 Wild Card Pokémon still need to be of different species across your run (species clause), and cannot be the same species of a Pokémon already in your declared team.
    🧩 This Pokémon is not required to have any "scary" trait, but adding it to the team will cost you a variable amount of Challenge Points (see below).
    🧩 You may not replace any specific Pokémon in your declared team with a Wild Card more than two times during your run.​

    Challenge Victory

    ⭐ The player with the most amount of Challenge Points left at the end of their run will be the Event winner!
    ⭐ Completing the challenge will grant you a Banette VPP - and if you are the event winner, your Pokémon will be shiny! Just claim it in the Obtain a Pokémon thread with a link to your final challenge update.

    Scary traits!

    Here are all the ways you can obtain Challenge Points!
    Spoiler:

    Scary mishaps!

    And here is how to lose points instead...
    Spoiler:

    Sign up

    🎭 Name:
    🎭 Game of choice:
    🎭 Declared Team and point count:

    (in the case of the restrictions based on moves: you don't need to declare right away the moveset of your Pokémon, you can just declare the traits themselves and add the points to the count).

    Challenge by Eleanor. Thank you Explorer of Time, Devalue, Janp and PoryKid575 for the feedback and the edits!
     
    Last edited:
    Created a spreadsheet of Infernal Parade values for Diamond/Pearl. Why not share it with everyone?
    [Google Sheets Link]

    Some important notes:
    • Applies to Generation 4 only. Adjusts stats and weaknesses a little in other generations.
    • Cannot guarantee the pre-National Dex thing for Diamond/Pearl is correct. Did not look too close.
    • Does not account for obtaining this Pokemon with 6 or more badges (+6)
    • Assumes you get the ability for points, if it has it.
    • Assumes you evolve your Pokemon at level 40, for those eligible for that trait.
    • Could have made some errors. Double-check the calculation for yourself.

    🎭 Name: Devalue
    🎭 Game of choice: Diamond
    🎭 Declared Team and point count: Golem :golem:, Wormadam (Plant Cloak) :wormadam-plant:, Masquerain :masquerain:, Shedinja :shedinja:, Alakazam :alakazam:, and Gyarados :gyarados: for 327 points.

    Selects Surskit and Nincada as the two Pokemon to hack in. Will do so from the start.

    Spoiler: Point Calculation and thoughts

    Golem: 51
    • +18 for 2 x4 weaknesses
    • +15 for 6 weaknesses
    • +10 for base 45 Speed
    • +8 for evolving it at level 40, eventually
    18 + 15 + 10 + 8 = 51

    Excellent value for the points.

    Wormadam (Plant Cloak): 78
    • +18 for two x4 weaknesses
    • +15 for 6 weaknesses
    • +10 for base 36 Speed
    • +10 for being Bug and Grass.
    • +10 for base 59 Attack and 79 Special Attack
    • +15 for a base stat total of 424.
    18 + 15 + 10 + 10 + 10 + 15 = 78

    The highest scoring Pokemon available (and for good reason). Chose it for points. Expects nothing from it.

    Masquerain (Hacking in): 45
    • +10 for a x4 weakness
    • +10 for base 60 Speed
    • +10 for base 60 Attack and 80 Special Attack
    • +15 for a base stat total of 414.
    10 + 10 + 10 + 15 = 45

    The highest point Intimidate Pokemon around (in this generation). Brings Stun Spore as an option.

    Went back-and-forth between Probopass + Rampardos and Masquerain + Wormadam. Learns kind of trash moves all on four. Hates to lose Probopass's Steel typing for its Dark and Ghost resists. Keeps paralysis (Thunder Wave versus Stun Spore) either way. Gains Intimidate and 34 points. Spends those points on TMs or wipes.

    Shedinja (Hacking in): 33
    • +10 for base 40 Speed
    • +8 for base 45 Defense and 30 Special Defense
    • +15 for a base stat total of 236
    10 + 8 + 15 = 33

    Hard-counters several issues. Shuts down Garchomp and likely others. Also seems like a great value at 33 points.

    Alakazam: 18
    • +10 for being Psychic
    • +8 for evolving it at 40 via trade eventually
    10 + 8 = 18

    Needs to actually deal damage with someone. Brings good Special Attack. Comes early too. Solid for 18 points.

    Gyarados: 10
    • +10 for one x4 weakness

    Intimidate and all-around powerhouse for 10 points. Has good level-up moves. Means not wasting points on TMs. Likes having a Surf Pokemon on the team as well.

    Kind of wanted Electivire on the team. Requires the National Dex before the Fire Red insertion thing works, unfortunately.

    Worried a lot about Roark when team-building. Enters with 5 Pokemon, two of which are Magikarp and Abra. Doubts Nincada accomplishing much. Suffers super-effective damage on Surskit. Potentially falls to Geodude to solo most or all of it.

    Team Bonuses: 32
    • +12 for four pre-2nd badge Pokemon (Abra at Route 203, Geodude at Oreburgh Gate, Wormadam on a honey tree, Magikarp at Route 203)
    • +80 for weaknesses to four types (Fire, Ice, Flying, Rock) with at least one resistance/immunity on all of them.
    12 + 80 = 92

    Point total: 51 + 78 + 45 + 33 + 18 + 10 + 92 = 327
     
    Last edited:
    Devalue said:
    • +20 for three types (Bug with Wormadam (Plant Cloak), Masquerain, and Shedinja)
    Click to expand...
    The type bonus isn't for your types, it's for types that your team is weak to.
    Your team should remove this bonus and add:

    +20 points for each type that three of your team members are weak to, with a resistance or immunity.

    Since this is Fire, Flying, Rock, and Ice, that's a total of +80 points, or +60 once you remove the incorrect Bug bonus.
     
    Explorer of Time said:
    The type bonus isn't for your types, it's for types that your team is weak to.
    Your team should remove this bonus and add:

    +20 points for each type that three of your team members are weak to, with a resistance or immunity.

    Since this is Fire, Flying, Rock, and Ice, that's a total of +80 points, or +60 once you remove the incorrect Bug bonus.
    Click to expand...
    Fixed. Thanks. Brings it to 327.
     
    🎭 Name: Explorer of Time
    🎭 Game of choice: Pokemon Shield
    🎭 Declared Team and point count: Armaldo (Hacked Starter), Aurorus (Hacked Pokemon #2), Orbeetle, Frosmoth, Mr. Rime, Lunatone
    392 Points

    Spoiler: Point Calculation


    Thoughts on my team:

    I decided not to go for many high-point-value Pokemon, like Devalue did, in favor of a weakness-combo maximizing strategy that'll still leave me without too many team-wide weaknesses. Seeing that six types offer some bonus points, I decided to take four of those (excluding Grass and Poison) and form a "type square", where each of my team members has one of the six possible dual-type combinations of those four types, which leaves me with seven 3+ weaknesses, six of which are not resisted.

    What's more, only two of those weaknesses (Rock and Steel) have more than three Pokemon weak to them, the other five all have exactly three and no more. Thankfully, in Shield, there are no boss battles that specialize in Rock since Gordie is only in Sword, and I only have Chairman Rose to deal with for a Steel specialist. Rose is very lategame and only uses physical moves, so I should have more than prepared my team for him by the time I face him, but he's still likely going to be the game's hardest boss, except maybe for Leon.

    Furthermore, while the rules forbid stacking Attack/Special Attack stages to more than +2, they do not do the same for defenses, and I can give Armaldo Iron Defense to form a physical wall, which is immune to crits because of Battle Armor. Lunatone's Cosmic Power will also make it an excellent mixed wall if I have time to set it up. Orbeetle can be an early screen setter, and later on use Calm Mind twice to be a special wall and decent special attacker, even if I can't boost Sp Atk by more than +2. Likewise, Frosmoth can get Quiver Dance and shouldn't need to go above +2 for that, and Mr. Rime should also be a good special attacker. Aurorus gets me access to Thunder Wave for status, can auto-start Hail with its ability, which helps my half-Ice team somewhat, and will eventually be able to use Aurora Veil to defend itself once I can get an Abomasnow to breed for it and use the Nursery to transfer it onto my original Amaura.

    One thing I am worried about (aside from Rock/Steel moves) is that every one of my team members except Armaldo is a special attacker; I'm going to have a hard time with Pokemon that boost their special defense if I can't raise my own special attack to match them without losing points. I'm also worried about potentially overleveling; I have not played SwSh before and I'm a little worried about not being able to control the mandatory EXP Share, though I do at least have five of my six Pokemon available early, counting both hacked-in Fossil Pokemon.

    That being said, I have an extremely high starting point value; I don't expect to boost it further with move-related challenges and have lots of room for TMs and TRs. Assuming no other mishaps on my part, I could use all but three of my moveslots on TM moves and still beat Devalue's starting point total.
     
    Last edited:
    Question: Does the Move Relearner count as a move tutor? Assumes not. Wanted to be sure.

    Explorer of Time said:
    I'm also worried about potentially overleveling; I have not played SwSh before and I'm a little worried about not being able to control the mandatory EXP Share, though I do at least have five of my six Pokemon available early, counting both hacked-in Fossil Pokemon.
    Click to expand...
    Unsolicited leveling advice. Kept it vague to not spoil too much.

    Spoiler: Advice

    Usually begins the gym challenge one level under the gym leader's ace. Feeds the team candy for the remaining bit. Gives you a little space between completing the gym challenge and starting the gym leader fight to do that.

    Operates mainly on memory for this:
    • To the first gym: Not in major danger of overleveling. Deposit a Pokemon if you need to, though.
    • To the second gym: Not too bad. (Recalls the early game gyms being pretty good on the level curve.)
    • To the third gym: Might want to fly to the gym after you exit the cave, rather than go on foot.
    • To the fourth gym: No danger. Expects you to explore the Wild Area a lot or something.
    • To the fifth gym: A short section, but also only a two level difference. Try to find the town first, then backtrack if you can take more experience.
    • To the sixth gym: Should be okay. Might need to deposit someone, just in case.
    • To the seventh gym: Avoid trainers as much as possible. Backtrack only after you enter the city.
    • To the eighth gym: Might want to deposit any Pokemon at level 47 until you reach the gym. Is a very short trip to the gym, however.
    • To Leon: Do not worry about overleveling. Jumped the level way up for this section.

    Are you using the DLC? Recommends avoiding the Dojo on Isle of Armor (gives you the Exp Charm for +50% experience that you cannot turn off).

    For Max Raids: Wait to reach the first gym's town before you do raids. (Earns no experience points for defeating Max Raids, just candy.) Will probably be stuck at 1-star raids for the first few badges. Probably farmed 2- and 3-star raids for candies after getting Badge #5 or so? Deals with your allies being absolute anchors at 4-star and up. May occasionally run into raid battles that you have no chance at (see: Pokemon with spread moves like Surf and Earthquake).

    Details when the stars of raids go up (and also stop spawning) on this Bulbapedia page.


    Badge 1: Roark

    Level limit for this segment: 14 (Cranidos)

    Rolled a 1 for the trainer, so female once again. (Already broke the streak with the spotlight challenge, however.) Named them "Thanato", after the fear of death (thanatophobia). Chose the name "Chrono" for Barry, after the fear of being late.

    Set the battle style to Set. Almost spaced on that. Thank goodness for wanting fast text speed. (Would have figured it out sooner or later, though.)

    Took Piplup as the starter. Prefers facing Torterra whenever Barry appears.

    Hacked in Nincada and Surskit, as declared when signing up. Generated three of each and chose the best. Randomized the gender, nature, and IVs. Started them at level 5, also.

    Nincada 1: Female. Brave (+Attack / -Speed). 21/24/22/17/23/26 IVs.
    Nincada 2: Male. Hardy (Neutral). 28/10/31/5/10/12 IVs.
    Nincada 3: Female. Gentle (+Defense / -Special Defense). 10/15/23/11/22/16 IVs.

    #1. No doubt. Named it Algo :nincada:, after algophobia (fear of pain).

    Surskit 1: Male. Modest (+Special Attack / -Attack). 3/27/0/4/20/5 IVs.
    Surskit 2: Female. Rash (+Special Attack / -Special Defense). 20/5/19/30/14/25 IVs.
    Surskit 3: Male. Calm (+Special Defense / -Attack). 0/17/25/3/24/24 IVs.

    Good natures all-around. Not #1. Basically decides between a 25% boost to Special Attack damage or a 25% Special damage reduction.

    Notes a 63 power Hidden Power Ground on the damage dealing set. Could be fantastic. Kind of needed a TM as-is. Lives with Bubble (20 power) on the Special side until either Gust at 22 as Masquerian or Bubblebeam at 25 as Surskit. Picks up no other particularly great status moves (Flash? Defog?) besides Stun Spore. Hits things super-effectively it does not really want to face, as a downside (Rock, Fire, Electric, Steel, Poison).

    Selects #2. Wants Masquerain to do something besides Intimidate and Stun Spore. Named it Petra :surskit:, after a fear of rocks.

    Continued onto Jubilife City. Is not impressed by this damage so far. (Had no expectations, to be fair.) Picked up the Old Rod. Reeled in three Magikarps.

    Magikarp 1: Impish (+Defense / -Special Attack). 22/28/2/24/17/16 IVs.
    Magikarp 2: Sassy (+Special Defense / -Speed). 1/20/23/10/6/0 IVs.
    Magikarp 3: Modest (+Special Attack / -Attack). 17/20/4/9/23/20 IVs.

    #1. Views it as an above average Magikarp with a neutral nature. Figures it was the lower level one (7). Named it "Geloto" :magikarp:, after the fear of being laughed at. Will not be laughing at it once it evolves.

    Leveled the two attackers up to level 8 before taking on the level 6 Hidden Power Abras. Remembered them being terrors in Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl. Sure enough: 8 and 9 damage (out of 24 hitpoints) on a neutral Hidden Power against Algo :nincada:. Just came from an area doing 1-2 damage (...5 on criticals, oddly). Appreciated Leech Life a lot here. Barely missed the one-shot with it.

    May have named Chrono incorrectly. Clearly felt no time pressure with setting up six Withdraws on Turtwig. (Only hit for 4-5 damage, also, as a level 9.)

    Caught some Abras. Save-scummed to not spend oodles on Pokeballs from failed attempts. Did not need to do that. Caught 3 Abras in 4 attempts, which is phenomenal luck. Has a 27.973% chance of capturing per Abra. Now, are the Abras as amazing as the luck?

    Abra 1: Quirky (Neutral). 3/12/22/25/17/22 IVs. Hidden Power: 38 power Electric.
    Abra 2: Brave (+Attack / -Speed). 22/3/22/9/3/30 IVs. Hidden Power: 59 power Electric.
    Abra 3: Quirky (Neutral). 29/14/15/4/13/10 IVs. Hidden Power: 38 power Fire.

    Nope. Takes #1. Is not too bad. Named it Nycto :abra:, after the fear of darkness. Liked that sound of that name better than Aichmo, which is fear of sharp objects (leading to spoons).

    Will not waste the Hidden Power TM on it. Costs 6000 coins for another at the Game Corner. Hands it to Petra :surskit: instead for -3 points. Accepts the loss for what was gained. Was not going to live with Bubble and Gust until level 40. (Technically might be able to get Ominous Wind at the Move Reminder, but still.)

    Sighs. Foresees a lot of switch training ahead. Chose three Pokemon that are utterly helpless before evolving.

    Went to Oreburgh Mine for Geodudes. Held out for the rarer level 10s. Expects #2 and #3 to be on the opposite ends of Special Defense. Hit one for 90% and another for 60% with Bubble.

    Geodude 1: Hasty (+Speed / -Defense). 8/23/11/22/13/23 IVs.
    Geodude 2: Naive (+Speed / -Special Defense). 17/20/30/31/25/4 IVs.
    Geodude 3: Careful (+Special Defense / -Special Attack). 31/14/7/7/23/16 IVs.

    Eh. Amounts to choosing between more specialized defenses or more general defenses. Selects #3. Named it Botano :geodude: for a fear of plants.

    Finished catching Pokemon for this segment. Grinded on a whole lot of Geodudes and Machops. Required double the experience for Algo :nincada: to get to 14 (4749) than for Botano :geodude: to reach the top edge of 14 (2010).

    Strategy: Beat Roark's Geodude with Botano :geodude:. Levels up to 15 during the fight and learns Magnitude. Ideally beats the rest. Turns to Algo's :nincada: Sand Attacks and some Hidden Power Grounds from Petra :surskit: if that goes bad. Gave the Quick Claw to Petra :surskit: too.

    Set up two Defense Curls while the opposing Geodude put up Stealth Rocks. Forgot about Roark's Potions. Dropped to 16/41 from the Rock Throw battle. (Took one critical in there for...9?)

    Was not prepared for Cranidos second. Worked out just fine, though. One-shot it with a Magnitude 8. Defeated Onix in two Magnitudes and hit level 16. Not too bad.

    [PokeCommunity.com] The Infernal Parade [Halloween Challenge 2024]

    Glanced at Algo's :nincada: EVs, out of curiosity. Currently has 121 EVs total, with 60 of them in Attack.

    Spoiler: Team

    Botano :geodude:
    Level: 16
    Nature: Careful
    Ability: Sturdy
    Moves: Rock Throw, Defense Curl, Tackle, and Magnitude

    Algo :nincada:
    Level: 14
    Nature: Brave
    Ability: Compoundeyes
    Moves: Scratch, Harden, Leech Life, and Sand Attack

    Geloto :magikarp:
    Level: 12
    Nature: Impish
    Ability: Swift Swim
    Moves: Splash

    Petra :surskit:
    Level: 14
    Nature: Rash
    Ability: Swift Swim
    Moves: Bubble, Quick Attack, Hidden Power (Ground), and Sweet Scent

    Nycto :abra:
    Level: 12
    Nature: Quirky
    Ability: Inner Focus
    Moves: Teleport


    Spoiler: Mishaps

    Details all the mishaps for the entire playthrough here.

    • TMs: 1 (Hidden Power on Petra)
    • In-battle items: 0
    • Whiteouts: 0

    Total point loss:
    (1 * -3) + (0 * -1) + (0 * -10) = -3

    Defeated at least one gym leader Pokemon with Botano.
     
    Last edited:
    Devalue said:
    Usually begins the gym challenge one level under the gym leader's ace. Feeds the team candy for the remaining bit. Gives you a little space between completing the gym challenge and starting the gym leader fight to do that.

    Operates mainly on memory for this:
    • To the first gym: Not in major danger of overleveling. Deposit a Pokemon if you need to, though.
    • To the second gym: Not too bad. (Recalls the early game gyms being pretty good on the level curve.)
    • To the third gym: Might want to fly to the gym after you exit the cave, rather than go on foot.
    • To the fourth gym: No danger. Expects you to explore the Wild Area a lot or something.
    • To the fifth gym: A short section, but also only a two level difference. Try to find the town first, then backtrack if you can take more experience.
    • To the sixth gym: Should be okay. Might need to deposit someone, just in case.
    • To the seventh gym: Avoid trainers as much as possible. Backtrack only after you enter the city.
    • To the eighth gym: Might want to deposit any Pokemon at level 47 until you reach the gym. Is a very short trip to the gym, however.
    • To Leon: Do not worry about overleveling. Jumped the level way up for this section.

    Are you using the DLC? Recommends avoiding the Dojo on Isle of Armor (gives you the Exp Charm for +50% experience that you cannot turn off).

    For Max Raids: Wait to reach the first gym's town before you do raids. (Earns no experience points for defeating Max Raids, just candy.) Will probably be stuck at 1-star raids for the first few badges. Probably farmed 2- and 3-star raids for candies after getting Badge #5 or so? Deals with your allies being absolute anchors at 4-star and up. May occasionally run into raid battles that you have no chance at (see: Pokemon with spread moves like Surf and Earthquake).

    Details when the stars of raids go up (and also stop spawning) on this Bulbapedia page.
    Click to expand...


    Thank you for the advice, I'll follow the gym leveling as best I can.

    I have the DLC but do not plan to go there until after the main game is complete; nothing I need is there.

    That being said, I don't plan to follow your Max Raid advice. Two of my Pokemon (Mime Jr. and Snom) seem easiest to catch at 1-star raids, and I'd like them both ASAP so I can have a near-full team before the first gym. Besides that, the main thing I'd need Max Raids for would be TRs and Watts to buy them with rather than EXP Candies, and I don't think those are different up until after you fight Eternatus which is right before Leon.
     
    Badge #2: Gardenia

    Level limit: 22 (Roserade)

    Started catching Pokemon. Apparently needs 35 Pokemon for the Experience Share (or get stupid lucky and match 3 numbers in the Lottery).

    Ran into some trouble with Commander Mars. Calls foul on the enemy Zubat having Toxic. Sent Petra :surskit: out first. Hit for almost no damage (like, 7-hit knockout territory). Swapped to Botano :geodude: to chuck a rock at it. Suffered Toxic for doing so. Swapped to Algo :nincada:, who only did a little damage and one Sand Attack before fainting. Dealt good damage with Magnitude, but not enough to defeat it. Fell to Petra :surskit: to finish the job. Took 18 damage (out of 38 hitpoints) in a single hit.

    Leveled up Nycto enough in Eterna Forest to :abra: evolve :kadabra:. Feels good to have one of the powerhouses online. Worried about things like +3 Budew using Mega Drain just a few trainers ago.

    Slathered honey on trees to attract Pokemon in great numbers. Waited until after the forest because of this particular tree on Route 205 (near Eterna) being a Munchlax tree. Has a 1% chance of giving Munchlax. Cannot use Munchlax. Wants the Leftovers it holds, however. No luck (yet), though. Caught three female Burmys first.

    Burmy 1: Lonely (+Attack / -Defense). 9/19/8/13/23/19 IVs. Hidden Power: 56 power Dragon.
    Burmy 2: Calm (+Special Defense / -Attack). 3/8/13/19/13/28 IVs. Hidden Power: 40 power Psychic.
    Burmy 3: Adamant (+Attack / -Special Attack). 3/22/7/20/28/20 IVs. Hidden Power: 34 Flying.

    Three underwhelming Burmys. Looks like #2 by process of elimination. Gains very little from that Hidden Power. Learns Confusion 3 levels later. Holds no major plans for this Pokemon, but still. Named it "Pyro" :burmy-plant:, after pyrophobia (fear of fire).

    Identifies one positive of this particular Burmy: level 15. Beats the level 8 and 10 Burmys on that, if nothing else.

    Hit 35 Pokemon with that. Found the Experience Share in Eterna City (or close enough). Thank goodness. Comes at a great time.

    Beat the gym trainers. Stands at level 18 on four Pokemon, 17 on Nycto, and 15 on Geloto. Siiiiighs. Takes forever to grind on level 12-14s. Started getting rough moves on the Bidoofs too, like Defense Curl + Rollout. Mentions the Bide-spamming Meditites too. At 11:46 as of the start of this grind.

    Finished grinding at 15:59, so over four hours. Reached level 22 on everyone. Spent about an hour (not included in there) trying to get a Munchlax for Leftovers too. No luck. Remembered to turn off move animations kind of late. Leapt way up in power, at least. Evolved :nincada: Algo :shedinja:, :surskit: Petra :masquerain:, :magikarp: Geloto :gyarados:, and :burmy-plant: Pyro :wormadam-plant: during the grind.

    Now then, the gym strategy: Get in a kill for the three weaker members. Leads with Pyro :wormadam-plant: for Cherubi. Sends in Algo :shedinja: (who cannot be hurt by any of Gardenia's moves except Cherubi's Leech Seed) against Roserade. Deals with Turtwig with Petra :masquerain:.

    The fight: Laughed off Cherubi's 1 damage Grass Knot, even at +1. Cost about 4 weak Hidden Power Psychics for a full health bar, which turned into more with Gardenia's Super Potions. Swapped in Algo :shedinja: for Roserade. Took a while using Fury Cutter while paralyzed. Swapped in Petra :masquerain: for Turtwig. Almost one-shot it with Gust. Ended the fight having taken only 3 damage total (from 3 of Cherubi's Grass Knots). Went precisely as planned.

    [PokeCommunity.com] The Infernal Parade [Halloween Challenge 2024]

    Currently at 294 EVs on Algo. Is only at 117 for Nycto, which tells you how much more experience Shedinja needs over Kadabra at the start.

    Spoiler: Team

    Botano :geodude:
    Level: 22
    Nature: Careful
    Ability: Sturdy
    Moves: Rock Throw, Defense Curl, Rollout, and Magnitude

    Algo :shedinja:
    Level: 22
    Nature: Brave
    Ability: Wonder Guard
    Moves: Scratch, Fury Cutter, Leech Life, and Sand Attack

    Geloto :gyarados:
    Level: 22
    Nature: Impish
    Ability: Intimidate
    Moves: Bite, Tackle, Splash

    Petra :masquerain:
    Level: 22
    Nature: Rash
    Ability: Swift Swim
    Moves: Bubble, Quick Attack, Hidden Power (Ground), and Gust

    Nycto :kadabra:
    Level: 22
    Nature: Quirky
    Ability: Inner Focus
    Moves: Confusion, Teleport, Disable, Miracle Eye

    Pyro :wormadam-plant:
    Level: 22
    Nature: Calm
    Ability: Anticipation
    Moves: Protect, Tackle, Hidden Power (Psychic)


    Spoiler: Mishaps

    Details all the mishaps for the entire playthrough here.

    • TMs: 1 (Hidden Power on Petra)
    • In-battle items: 0
    • Whiteouts: 0
    • Levels over the cap: 0

    Defeated at least one gym leader Pokemon with Botano, Pyro, Petra, and Algo.

    Total point loss:
    (1 * -3) = -3
     
    Note: My first update's going to take a little while because I'm spending time in the Wild Area grinding 1-Star Max Raids for Watts and TRs right now. I have most of the TRs I need for my final movesets, but I still need 8000 more Watts for a Thunderbolt TR and Liquidation TR, plus enough Wishing Pieces to get me my Mime Jr. and Snom before I move on to the first gym. Once that's out of the way, I won't ever have to return to the Wild Area and can speed through most of the rest of the game without having to grind much.
     
    Last edited:
    Explorer of Time said:
    You only need to see 35 Pokemon, not catch them. I've done it several times before.
    Click to expand...
    Good to know for future playthroughs. Played Brilliant Diamond last. Has not started a playthrough of DS Sinnoh since its release. Is a bit rusty on the knowledge front, naturally.

    Explorer of Time said:
    Note: My first update's going to take a little while because I'm spending time in the Wild Area grinding 1-Star Max Raids for Watts and TRs right now. I have most of the TRs I need for my final movesets, but I still need 8000 more Watts for a Thunderbolt TR and Liquidation TR, plus enough Wishing Pieces to get me my Mime Jr. and Snom before I move on to the first gym. Once that's out of the way, I won't ever have to return to the Wild Area and can speed through most of the rest of the game without having to grind much.
    Click to expand...
    Recommends going to the Digging Pa on Isle of Armor for that big of a grind. Digs up Watts for 7 Armorite Ore. Also gives you the first digging session for free. (Always keep digging, by the way.) Unearthed 19500 watts for the person in a video. (Checked it out to confirm the free first dig.) Believes that to be relatively common. Visited them for Watts before.

    Obtains 1 Armorite Ore per 1-2 star Max Raid in Isle of Armor, if you need more Watts. May also get some from the Digging Ma, who appears in random(?) spots around the island. Notes that the Digging Ma has a choice of 1 Armorite Ore or a gamble. Cannot say how well the gamble pays off.

    Finds the Digging Pa in the Training Lowlands, just outside of a cave entrance. Serebii link.

    Be ready for the first Isle of Armor trainer, if you do that. Should have a level 10 and 12 on their team.


    Badge 3 + 4: Maylene + Crasher Waker

    Level limit: 30 (Lucario/Floatzel)

    Remembers the level limit being pretty scary in Brilliant Diamond. Doubts it to be as severe without the Generation 8 Experience Share. Demands a little caution, regardless. Might fight all the gym trainers, Maylene at 29, then Crasher Wake at 30.

    Deals with something else before that. Approaches level 25. Are any of the move points viable? Hates to weaken Geloto :gyarados: with Splash. Relies heavily on it and Nycto :kadabra: as the team's muscle. Ought to plan everyone's final moveset now.

    • Geloto: Ice Fang, Dragon Dance, Waterfall, and...Bite? Leaves Surf off, but oh well. Would not get Waterfall for ages anyways, probably.
    • Nycto: Psychic, Calm Mind, Recover?, Shock Wave / Shadow Ball / Energy Ball. Declines to go for the all-Psychic moveset.
    • Algo: Shadow Claw, Sand Attack, Fury Cutter, Confuse Ray. Wants actual attacking moves to kill stuff and not take forever. Also prefers to keep Confuse Ray as an option for when they switch to a new Pokemon.
    • Petra: Bug Buzz, Air Slash, Stun Spore, and Hidden Power Ground / Ominous Wind. Values Stun Spore too much to drop it.
    • Botano: Earthquake, Rock Throw/Slide/Blast, Brick Break, Gyro Ball? Are two HMs (Rock Smash + Strength) viable? ...Sure? Does not have Strength yet. Believes that to be on the way, though. Doubles as no status moves too.
    • Pyro: Psychic, Leaf Storm / Giga Drain / Energy Ball, Captivate, Growth? Likes the idea of Captivate, particularly on a double Intimidate team.

    So...Rock Smash + Strength for Botano and nothing else. Must be careful on leveling them until that HM comes in.

    Why are the grunts in the Eterna building level 13-15? Why was this not before the gym? Crushed them. Danced around Jupiter's Skuntank a bit between multiple Smokescreens and Screeched. Nailed Botano :geodude: down to 21/57 health on a single critical Night Slash (no defense drops). Feels like a lot of damage. Beat it regardless.

    Grabbed the bicycle. Tried to attract another Munchlax. Bars you from leaving the town to the left. Forces you to the cycling road. Continues doing so until you meet Lucas, presumably. (Tried entering the area and going back to the tree. Nope.) How annoying.

    Handled Barry no problem.

    Whines about Teleport out-of-battle. Attempted to use it multiple times. Does not work in buildings or something. Only worked once, when trying to switch Nycto out of the lead spot. Figures.

    Climbed the Lost Tower for Botano's :geodude: Strength HM. Taught that and Rock Smash at level 23.

    Ugh. Hit a decision point: Rock Blast (2-5 hits, 25 power each, 80% accuracy) or Rock Throw (50 power, 90% accuracy). ...Rock Blast, right? Always hits at least as hard as Rock Throw. Hates that 1 in 5 miss chance, though. Also :geodude: evolved :graveler:. Will be the last one for a while (next: two at level 40 via "trades").

    Waaaait a minute. Fought a double battle just before Veilstone City. Had a Kadabra and Gyarados too. Was not expecting a mirror match.

    Continued onward to Pastoria City. Remembered an HM in the Great Marsh. Thought it was Surf, but no, just Defog. Collected a few items on the ground. Waited for the time to run out, and...
    [PokeCommunity.com] The Infernal Parade [Halloween Challenge 2024]

    A shiny Starly in the Great Marsh. Caught it on the first ball. Will be using it for Fly and Defog.

    Grinded up to level 29. Backtracked for trainers. Was in no danger of overleveling. Rematched the Happiny trainer (near the Psyducks) a few times for levels

    Strategy for Maylene: Lead with Algo :shedinja:. Wait for Meditite to activate the Wonder Guard. (Learns about the AI, if it does not play out like that.) Switch to Nycto :kadabra: when Maylene switched to Machoke (the only one with anything that can hit through Wonder Guard). Blow it up. Let Algo :shedinja: sweep the rest...probably slowly, given Detect on Meditite and Lucario being very resistant to Bug.

    The fight: Switched to Machoke immediately without even attempting an attack. Swapped to Botano :graveler: to try to bait a Fighting move before the switch to Nycto :kadabra:. Proved unnecessary. Only Leered at them. Blew Machoke's mind with Psybeam. Swapped back to Algo :shedinja:. Took 10 Fury Cutters (no misses) to defeat Lucario, thanks to Lucario's Sitrus Berry and a healing item from Maylene. One-shot Meditite. +1 Cobble Badge.

    Found a triple Ponyta trainer. Handed out more experience than the Happiny trainer. Hit 30 on everyone.

    Strategy for Crasher Wake: Leads with Botano :graveler:. Hopefully baits a Brine. Switches immediately to Geloto :gyarados:. Will try Biting first. Bets on Dragon Rage barely being a 3-hit kill. Ideally stacks an Intimidate or two on Floatzel. Likely sacrifices someone to give Nycto :kadabra: a clean switch. Also plans to use Algo :shedinja: to wall Quagsire (and force a switch, potentially). Might be a rough fight. Lacks good answers for most of this team.

    Turn 1: Already in the weeds. Used Swagger over Brine against a Graveler? What? Could have just Rock Blasted.
    Turn 2: Not confused. Lopped off 75% of the enemy Gyarados's health and flinched it.

    Healed the Gyarados. Was not confused for the following two turns. Devoured it with no damage taken. Gobbled up Quagsire as well, who chose Mud Sport over Slam and Tail Whip. What is this AI doing? Burned the other Super Potion as a bonus. Trashed Floatzel next, as Ice Fang + Swift only did 35 damage (out of 108 health).

    [PokeCommunity.com] The Infernal Parade [Halloween Challenge 2024]

    Lucked out so hard. Is not going to complain. Hopes all the iffy fights go this well.

    Spoiler: Team

    Botano :graveler:
    Level: 30
    Nature: Careful
    Ability: Sturdy
    Moves: Rock Blast, Magnitude, Strength, and Rock Smash

    Algo :shedinja:
    Level: 30
    Nature: Brave
    Ability: Wonder Guard
    Moves: Scratch, Fury Cutter, Leech Life, and Sand Attack

    Geloto :gyarados:
    Level: 30
    Nature: Impish
    Ability: Intimidate
    Moves: Bite, Tackle, Dragon Rage, and Twister.

    Petra :masquerain:
    Level: 30
    Nature: Rash
    Ability: Swift Swim
    Moves: Bubble, Quick Attack, Hidden Power (Ground), and Gust

    Nycto :kadabra:
    Level: 30
    Nature: Quirky
    Ability: Inner Focus
    Moves: Confusion, Psybeam, Reflect, and Recover

    Pyro :wormadam-plant:
    Level: 30
    Nature: Calm
    Ability: Anticipation
    Moves: Confusion, Razor Leaf, Tackle, and Growth.


    Spoiler: Mishaps

    Details all the mishaps for the entire playthrough here.

    • TMs: 1 (Hidden Power on Petra)
    • In-battle items: 0
    • Whiteouts: 0
    • Levels over the cap: 0

    Defeated at least one gym leader Pokemon with every Pokemon.

    Total point loss:
    (1 * -3) = -3
     
    Explorer of Time said:
    I don't believe it does. If it was, it would've been mentioned specifically in the mishap section.
    Click to expand...
    Just talked to the Move Relearner in Diamond. Complicated things a bit.

    Move Relearner said:
    Everyone calls me the Pokemon Move Maniac. I prefer Move Tutor.

    I know every move that Pokemon learns while they're leveling up, and I can teach Pokemon those moves.
    Click to expand...
    Oh! That's it! That's an honest-to-goodness Heart Scale!

    Let me guess, you want me to teach one of your Pokemon a move? Which Pokemon needs tutoring?
    Click to expand...

    @Eleanor What is your ruling on this? Does the Move Reminder count as a move tutor, as far as mishaps go?
     
    I really want to participate in this event because I love teambuilding, but Dragon Ball Sparking Zero releases next week (Monday for people like me who preordered the digital deluxe), and as if that wasn't enough, Sonic X Shadow Generations releases on October 25th (also releasing three days early for preorders). There's so much going on this month that I don't know that I can finish the game by the deadline. Can I please sign up and, if I don't finish the run, I forfeit.

    EDIT: Can I hack two National Dex Pokémon into FRLG as long as one of them replaces my starter? For that matter, can I please replace my starter with a non-Kanto starter (like Mudkip which upon evolving into Marshtomp has a 4x weakness to Grass).
     
    Last edited:
    Reginald Cosmic said:
    I really want to participate in this event because I love teambuilding, but Dragon Ball Sparking Zero releases next week (Monday for people like me who preordered the digital deluxe), and as if that wasn't enough, Sonic X Shadow Generations releases on October 25th (also releasing three days early for preorders). There's so much going on this month that I don't know that I can finish the game by the deadline. Can I please sign up and, if I don't finish the run, I forfeit.

    EDIT: Can I hack two National Dex Pokémon into FRLG as long as one of them replaces my starter? For that matter, can I please replace my starter with a non-Kanto starter (like Mudkip which upon evolving into Marshtomp has a 4x weakness to Grass).
    Click to expand...

    Absolutely! You can keep going after the deadline if you can't make it; you'll just miss out on the VPP Banette if you don't meet the deadline.

    As for National Dex Pokémon, by all means, do so. Devalue hacked in a pair of Hoenn Pokemon for Diamond and I hacked in a pair of Fossil Pokémon from the Crown Tundra, and Eleanor hasn't had any issues with either team.
     
    I thought I did a pretty good job building my team, then I looked at the competition, and you two both have 300+ points from the get go while I would have only 156 [this number accounts for TM usages and one use of a move tutor]. I might have to rethink how I approach this challenge. I don't expect to win, but I'm a bit embarrassed by how low my score will probably be in the end.
     
    Devalue said:
    Just talked to the Move Relearner in Diamond. Complicated things a bit.
    @Eleanor What is your ruling on this? Does the Move Reminder count as a move tutor, as far as mishaps go?
    Click to expand...

    Sorry I'm late, but no, the relearner is totally fine to use with no point deduction - also considering how much easier it is to use the move relearner in newer games!
     
    Reginald Cosmic said:
    I thought I did a pretty good job building my team, then I looked at the competition, and you two both have 300+ points from the get go while I would have only 156 [this number accounts for TM usages and one use of a move tutor]. I might have to rethink how I approach this challenge. I don't expect to win, but I'm a bit embarrassed by how low my score will probably be in the end.
    Click to expand...
    Hint: This rule is your friend:
    Eleanor said:
    🔥 At least three Pokémon weak to the same type (+20). If you also have no Pokémon that resist or are immune to said type, you get more points instead (+30).
    Click to expand...

    Assuming you're hacking in two National Dex Pokemon, I've found a way to get 462 points in LeafGreen and a slightly-lower 455 in FireRed, prior to move bonuses and mishaps, and 190 of those points are from the above rule. That's more than enough to blow through both of our point totals, so it is possible to beat our scores in FRLG, provided you can figure out how to win with the team without losing a hundred points in the process.

    ...No, I won't tell you what the combination is. It's something you'll have to figure out yourself.
     
    I can figure this out! Just gotta study Bulbapedia for 30 hours!
    [PokeCommunity.com] The Infernal Parade [Halloween Challenge 2024]
    (Please ignore the cigarette used by Charlie Day's character. I don't smoke, and I would never recommend picking up tobacco and/or nicotine products.)

    Thank you for the hint by the way.
     
    Badge 5: Fantina

    Level limit: 36 (Mismagius)

    Ignored Lucas's pleas for help on his missing Pokedex before. Rectified that, with the level limit no longer a problem. +1 Fly HM.

    Smirked at Barry's non-shiny Starly. Destroyed the team afterwards, to no surprise.

    Talked to the Move Relearner to grab Ominous Wind on Petra. Still awaits a Bug move on it. Somehow has 1 Bug move on a team with 3 Bug-types.

    Did not appreciate Pyro missing two straight 95% Razor Leafs. Happened on a random trainer and not something important, at least.

    Reports nothing interesting on the way to Celestic. Returned to Hearthome City to beat up the gym trainers. Suffered way too much damage there, primarily thanks to confusion luck. Stood at level 31 and 32 (except Algo at 36 from the Experience Share). Grinded for about 1:45, in-game time, on trainers west of Celestic Town. Upgraded Geloto's moveset massively with Ice Fang and Aqua Tail, plus Earthquake for Botano. Also farmed up a batch of Sitrus Berries, plus a few back-up Leppas.

    Strategy for Fantine: Hope for no bad luck. Probably should have grown some anti-confusion berries, but whatever.

    The fight: Hit both Rock Blasts with Botano, which was a massive step up from all those battles against Noctowl. (Two hits on the first one, admittedly.)

    Predicted a Magical Leaf from Mismagius. Sent in Petra to take...Psybeam. Only hurt for 30 damage, so whatever. Inexplicably chose Magical Leaf the next turn (and again later). Does not understand this game's AI at all. Chose to paralyze it. Contended with some bad confusion luck from there, with confusion damage on 2 of 3 attacks. Swapped to Geloto to finish the job. Also took some confusion from the following Gengar, leading to hitting itself twice in a row. Scored a critical Bite on Gengar to evaporate it eventually.

    Received the Shadow Claw TM. Mulled over using it or not. Will never really make a difference in anything other than time. Either walls something or dies. Has Confuse Ray and Sand Attack to punish switching. Could also pick Screech up from the move relearner for speed. So...no. Declines the point loss for now.

    Badge 6: Byron

    Level limit: 39 (Bastiodon)

    Oh, surprise Barry. Zero issue.

    Cleared the Canalave gym trainers. Waved to Byron before hightailing it to Iron Island.

    ...Actually called someone "Sailor Eldritch". Wants to avoid that boat like the plague.

    Grumbles. Why does an enemy Graveler get a 5-hit Rock Blast? Cannot recall getting one yet, despite using it quite a lot. (Probably defeated the target before then, to be fair.)

    Played too cautiously on experience in Iron Island. Still needed 2 levels on most Pokemon. Mooooore grinding near Celestic later: level 39 on everyone.

    Strategy: Lead with Geloto. Blow up Bronzor with one Aqua Tail, hopefully (but probably not). Swaps to Botano, expecting an Ancientpower (which, given past battles, will probably not happen.) Might sneak Petra in there if that goes bad.

    The fight: Took Bronzor into the red with one Aqua Tail. Fell asleep from Hypnosis. (...Has that move missed once this entire playthrough? Usually lasts 4 turns too.) Woke up and beat it up eventually. Cost Byron one of his Hyper Potions, at least.

    Swapped Botano in for Bastiodon. And what move does Bastiodon choose during that switch? Rest. At full hitpoints. Whatever. One-shot it with Earthquake. Defeated Steelix with two more Earthquakes. +1 Mine Badge.

    [PokeCommunity.com] The Infernal Parade [Halloween Challenge 2024]

    Evolves both trade evolutions during the next update. Looks forward to that.

    Spoiler: Team

    Botano :graveler:
    Level: 39
    Nature: Careful
    Ability: Sturdy
    Moves: Rock Blast, Earthquake, Strength, and Rock Smash

    Algo :shedinja:
    Level: 39
    Nature: Brave
    Ability: Wonder Guard
    Moves: Shadow Sneak, Fury Cutter, Leech Life, and Sand Attack

    Geloto :gyarados:
    Level: 39
    Nature: Impish
    Ability: Intimidate
    Moves: Bite, Ice Fang, Dragon Rage, and Aqua Tail.

    Petra :masquerain:
    Level: 39
    Nature: Rash
    Ability: Swift Swim
    Moves: Ominous Wind, Stun Spore, Hidden Power (Ground), and Gust

    Nycto :kadabra:
    Level: 39
    Nature: Quirky
    Ability: Inner Focus
    Moves: Confusion, Psybeam, Reflect, and Recover

    Pyro :wormadam-plant:
    Level: 39
    Nature: Calm
    Ability: Anticipation
    Moves: Psybeam, Razor Leaf, Captivate, and Growth.


    Spoiler: Mishaps

    Details all the mishaps for the entire playthrough here.

    • TMs: 1 (Hidden Power on Petra)
    • In-battle items: 0
    • Whiteouts: 0
    • Levels over the cap: 0

    Defeated at least one gym leader Pokemon with every Pokemon.

    Total point loss:
    (1 * -3) = -3
     
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