This is pretty Awesome!

Not the original source, but I wasn't able to refind it.

http://ashyboy.com/coma/index.htm

US Arceus Event Announced

This is copied from Serebii in case any of you haven't seen it yet.:
The new issue of Nintendo Power has supposedly announced the US dates for the giveaway of the final fourth generation Pokémon, Arceus. According to it, Arceus will be given away in Toys 'R' Us Stores across America from November 7th to November 15th onto your Diamond, Pearl or Platinum games. This Arceus will unlock a special event in Platinum which gives some of the theoretical back story of Arceus and when transferred to HeartGold & SoulSilver, it unlocks a special area called the Shinto Ruins and gives you access to a Level 1 Dialga, Palkia or Giratina. Click the picture to go to the HGSS page.

Shock and Awe, Mario-Style

Breeding Relicanth

My god is it a pain.I can't breed it with a ditto because I need it to have head smash. It only has a 12.5% chance of yielding a female, so I have precisely a 0.5% chance of getting one with the nature I want. On the plus side, I'm keeping every female I get, so if anyone ever needs a female relicanth of a particular nature, there's a good chance I'll have it when I'm finished with this ordeal. Has anyone else ever had some weird breeding circumstance like this? There hasn't been a legit post on the blog in a while, so let's have some input!

We were SPAMed!!!

I disabled the feature that allows members to email posts to the web log. My guess is that a web crawler found the address and started to hit it with SPAM. Other than changing the address, I removed the feature. I suggest that the admins of this site NOT re-enable this feature.

21 Crossover Pictures of Pikachu

http://geekpadshow.com/2009/08/12/gotta-catch-em-all-21-crossover-pictures-of-pikachu/

Does Nintendo/Game Freak Care About Us?

This article that I'm posting the link to here is a few months old, but if nothing has changed in the minds of the developers then in a Kanye West-ish moment, I feel comfortable in proclaiming that Nintendo/Game Freak does not care about Pokemon players.

Say it ain't so, Nintendo, say it ain't so!

Finally, A New Event

In a very late afternoon change over on pokemon.com, they have announced that the "member's card" will be distributed via wifi connection starting August 3rd (until September 13th). For those who don't know, the member's card allows you to go through the in-game process of catching darkrai. For more information, click here.

A New Way to Get Shinies

So I happened to check pokemon.com this evening and there was a new article up about the GTS. Personally, I thought this was kind of odd since there is nothing particularly new about GTS....BUT! They tossed out a little known fact that may be a change in the game mechanics because they said that if you use a pokemon you got from a foreign country (via GTS) to breed, your odds of breeding a shiny pokemon increase. Now as is pokemon's style, they never actually publish their probabilities, but it is safe to say that the odds are better than the 1/8192 that you ordinarily have of breeding a shiny (or running into a wild one). Note the fifth slide on the GTS tutorial when you follow this link.

A little change...

Just bred me a poliwag with perfect attack, speed, and HP IVs with everything else at least a 20. It's all trained up, and now I need some help. It's utilizing a salac berry, and it's HP is not divisible by 4 at lvl 50. Is it too late to fix that? Will I only be able to use him properly in 100 set battles? I don't want to mess with it further until I get some feedback.

Secret Key Event (Part 2)

For those who may have missed it the first time, Pokemon.com announced another chance to obtain the secret key. You can find the instructions on how to get the key here. It appears that this is only obtainable if your ds has access to WiFi at home, or you can get to one of the many places that will let you access their WiFi for free. It ends on July 19th.

The Results Are In!

How many gyms must a trainer defeat to be considered elite?
All Gyms 17/17 ..... 19 votes
8 out of 17 Gyms .... 8 votes

How many Pokemon (registered roster size) should a challenger be allowed to use to face ALL gyms?
1-6 ......... 11 votes
7-12 ........ 11 votes
13-18 ....... 3 votes
Unlimited ... 2 votes

Stay tuned for more polls!!!!

Bundled pedometer with Gold/Silver remakes

June 8, 2009 - Nintendo is remaking Pokemon Gold and Silver into Pokemon Heart Gold and Soul Silver. We've known this much since last month.

But what no one knew about until now is the little special extra Nintendo is preparing for the title. In Japan, each copy of Heart Gold and Soul Silver will come bundled with a PokeWalker, a pedometer that looks like a Pokeball.

You can transfer a single Pokemon from Heart Gold and Soul Silver into this device, carrying your little friend with you when you go out. As you walk, the internal Pokemon gains experience and grows happier.

Additionally, the PokeWalker converts your steps into watts, a currency that can be used to catch wild Pokemon and shop for tools. These can then be sent back into Heart Gold and Soul Silver.

Philly VGCs

Hey everyone, I just wanted to share the pictures my girlfriend took while we were at the Philly VGC's. Too bad this and our milotic are the only things Mike and I have to show for it. I can only hope Nintendo returns to a Journey Across America format or something because they way they handled this tournament kinda stunk.

Sample Trainer Card

Really Small Post

I don't want to overshadow the post that R.C. did, so I'll wrap this up by saying that the vs. recorder code for the final match of the Dallas Seniors' Tourney is 11-07776-66386.

Pokemon Event at R.C.'s House

Okay, so here is my effort at getting something going. I have invited pretty much everyone I know personally that plays pokemon to my house on June 20th for a pokemon event as I described it, this list is about fourteen people, NOT including myself or you guys. I have a couple people already saying that they can come and a couple people I know will come. My estimate is around eight of them will actually show up. Now this may not be as glamourous as going to some place and renting it out for the weekend and having a huge tournament and all that other crap, this is still a good start if you ask me. If most of you come, as well as a fair amount of others I have invited, this could be considered a decent pokemon event and a fair chance to get the league rolling. And its still more then just seeing the people we see every time we get together.

I think we should hold official gym battles for once, rather then using our gym teams and not counting them as real battles. I was even thinking of creating stickers for our gym badges and maybe printing up personalized member cards for the league. The date is subject to change.. but I think by this point we need to actually get moving, have some set league rules and actually do something more then just five or six of us hanging out at Jason or Mikes house. Granted, this is still somebodies house and its not a LARGE event by any means, but its still a chance to double the amount of activity as a league and get things running... officially.

Of course... if we do this we have to have our rules set in stone.
I think gym rules are a pretty easy one...
Anyone can be part of a gym so long as they have a full team of that gyms type.
Gym leader can use any pokemon in each battle so long as they are of that type.
To become gym leader you must either be the first with a full team of that gyms type, or beat the gym leader with your own team of that gyms type.

Other rules have been discussed, but nothing has really been set in stone. As far as your 'challenging team' what are you allowed and not allowed to use? How many reserves do we get? We can't be limited to JUST six pokemon to battle everyone.. so we should be able to have like.. a total of ten or twelve pokemon we can use. and of course it has to be limited to such, otherwise if we were free to use ANY pokemon in our roster we could just use all water types vs the fire gym, all ground types vs the electric gym and so on. Not exactly fair. But we can't be eternally limited to those ten or so pokemon either.. so how long do we have to wait to change our roster? One month, two months? More? Which pokemon are banned from use for official league battles? Legendary is an obvious choice. Most likely Wobuffet too. Anyone else?

These are things that as far as I know, still havn't truly been decided and if I am wrong, please correct me. But If I'm right, I think we should get to it. I also think those who have yet to, should create their gym badges... or else suffer having... generic badges created by me used for your gym badge! I made my fire badges, and Arsonist(I accidently said his name first and realized my mistake!) made a Dark badge, did anyone else?

I just want to see more progress as a league and though my little event isn't huge progress, I think if we get ready for it, and enough of you guys, and enough of the other people come, it will help alot.

Half Way Finished

For some reason, people haven't been as youtube crazy with the Phoenix tournament, but here is the final match of the seniors' competition. Just a reminder, this coming weekend the Dallas area gets their turn and then it's the east coast's time to shine.

San Francisco Seniors' Video

And once again, another regional competition has come and gone. Fortunately, people have been willing to videotape competitions that have taken place thus far. You can view the video here. In my opinion, this battle was a bit more interesting that the final battle from Seattle. Looks like the Smeargle/dark void thing is popular, but considering there's no sleep clause, it makes sense.

Seattle Seniors' Video

I would have loved to actually put the video into this post, but since I can't download it from youtube, you'll have to settle for seeing it here. I was actually kinda surprised by the make-up of the final teams, but it was a cool match nevertheless. Enjoy!!!

One of Six Is Now History

Hey all,
I really hope there will be video available of some of the latter matches, but pokemon.com has an article up about the outcome of the Seattle competition. You can find that article here. One important thing I noticed when I read it is that battles were displayed on a large screen. The teams the finalist used were also pretty interesting as well.

The Vs. Recorder Is Very Cool

Hey all, just had a second battle with Dreamer (Jesse). The video can be seen using this code: 30-44234-30077. If we get to do a second battle this evening, I'll post that code after that battle as well.

Intense Battle

So yeah, I'll just post two of these in a row. I'm really liking this vs recorder. Anyway, here is a really close battle between myself (NormalGymLeader) and Jesse (Dreamerofryleh).

61-84306-32263

Serious BS

The most frustrating Tower Tycoon battle I've ever had. Check it out:

93-86274-68152

This is awesome!

Someone just forwarded this link to me.

Move Tutor Stuff

It's probably safe to say that we all acquired that encyclopedia of a strategy guide for platinum. It's probably also safe to say that finding specific things can be a pain in the butt sometimes. If you're anything like me, remembering which move tutors teach what, for how much and where they are is not second nature yet. So hopefully you'll find THIS link helpful. Enjoy!

Secret Key Details

So pokemon.com has revealed the details for the secret key to change rotom's formes. It appears that you can get at Toys R Us from the 19th to the 26th, OR you if you have access to WiFi, you can download it starting the 20th until May 12th. I think that covers the most important stuff, but if you'd like more information you can go here.

June 6th In Philadelphia

I haven't even read all of the details of the competition yet, but it appears that the nearest (and only) competition in mid-atlantic area will take place on June 6th at the location listed below:

Valley Forge Convention Center Montgomery and Lancaster Rooms 1160 1st Ave King of Prussia, PA 19406

And the registration takes place during the following times:
Senior: 8:30 - 9:30 A.M.
Junior: 11:30 A.M - 12:30 P.M.

Also, it appears that ONE shiny milotic will be distributed per person.

Dragon and Bug Gyms

So it seems that the Dragon and Bug clause was not as unanimously agreed upon as I had thought. So I welcome further discussion on the matter. Currently we are allowing members of the Dragon Gym to use not only Dragon Types, but also non-Dragon Types from the Dragon Egg Group, with a similar exception made for the Bug Gym and Bug Egg Group.

Make your voice heard. Do you agree/disagree? Why? Any other options to explore?

Rotom Insert

You may not have paid it attention, but aside from detailing how to get the secret key for the new rotom forms, the insert that came with your platinum game also gives you a code to enter here.

Thus far, with Parivir's help, we have two codes:
6TS8ORF (unlocks frost forme wallpaper)
T8A6EH7 (unlocks heat forme wallpaper)

If you got a different code with your insert, please post it in reply to this post. Something happens once all five formes have been unlocked. And while that could simply be more wallpaper, it could be something good.

Happy Platinum-ing!

Shaymin and Regigigas

Hey everyone, I just wanted to remind you all that shaymin's event has been officially announced on pokemon.com here. Also, I believe the regigigas has also been leaked via Toys-R-Us' facebook page even though it hasn't been mentioned on pokemon.com yet. See the information about that here.



P.S. Also, please r.s.v.p. me (yea or nea) in the previous post if you're able to come over on the 21st. Thanks!

February 21st

In the spirit of keeping the monthly thing going, I'd like to invite those who can make it to my place on the 21st. I think just about everyone's been to my place, but if anyone needs directions, just let me know. Also, like the last event, I think 4pm is a good time to begin. The table will be set up for the TCG, so if you'd like to battle or trade cards (a new set comes out just before we meet) don't forget to bring them with you! Hope to see you all then!

P.S. Don't forget, shaymin comes out the week before, so we can all see who got the best ones.

Shiny Grid

Lately, shinies have been a frequent topic of conversation and we'd all like to know how to be better at it. There is a grid I've seen a few times, but never really paid attention to whether I was following it. To the extent that it posts well, it looks like this:

X 4 4 4 X 4 4 4 X
4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4
4 3 2 2 2 2 2 3 4
4 3 2 1 1 1 2 3 4
X 3 2 1 U 1 2 3 X
4 3 2 1 1 1 2 3 4
4 3 2 2 2 2 2 3 4
4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4
X 4 4 4 X 4 4 4 X

Where:
U = you
1 = least safe
4 = most safe
X = patches you should avoid at all costs

Smeargle Breeding

This is something I do a lot, so I figured I'd write up some of the things I've learned that help speed things along.

What is Smeargle Breeding? Smeargle Breeding is using a male Smeargle to pass on moves that may otherwise be difficult to pass. For example one time TMs, or moveset combinations that are impossible to breed otherwise. It may also be worth considering if the conventional breeding chain for the moves you are intending to pass along goes several pokemon deep.
*This assumes you are already familiar with regular breeding and breeding chains. If not, you may want to read up on that before continuing. Here are a few links: [legendary pokemon], [bulbapedia], [serebii] (there are plenty of other good resources as well).

Why Smeargle? Smeargle can learn any combination of moves imaginable (with a few exceptions such as Transform). Once he's learned these moves, a male Smeargle can pass them on, just as any male could. Thus you can have him learn virtually any moveset of egg moves and TMs you would like to pass along.

What's the Catch? Smeargle is in the Field egg group (also sometimes called Ground). The Pokemon you want to learn the moveset must also be in this group, or have a breeding chain that leads to Field. This is usually not an issue for passing on single moves. This may be tougher for passing multiple moves, since each pokemon in the chain will have to have all the moves in the intended moveset as an egg move or learnable TM. This does limit the usefulness of Smeargle breeding, but it is another option to consider when regular breeding chains won't get the job done.

Give me an example. Say hypothetically Ranger Steve calls me up, and the topic of giving a Lapras the move Avalanche comes up. I let Steve know that his options are 1) use his Avalanche TM, or 2) Smeargle Breeding. Conventional breeding will not work, since the only Pokemon that can learn Avalanche, Jynx, is always female, and thus cannot pass along the move. Steve can use his TM, and then reset and play through the game again if he ever needs another one, or have Smeargle learn Avalanche from Jynx, breed Smeargle with a Delibird, then breed a male child Delibird with a female Lapras, thus keeping his TM for a Pokemon that Smeargle Breeding will not work for.

Will Smeargle Breeding work for me? If the pokemon you want to pass moves to is in the Field egg group, then the answer is always yes. You will not need to chain, so you can pass up to four egg moves or TMs with little difficulty. If this is not the case, you will need to make sure there is a breeding chain for the moves you want to pass. This is pretty easy for one move, but the more moves you have planned, the harder they will be to chain. I find this search tool to be very useful. To start, I suggest adding Field egg group to the search, and add each move you wish to pass (check the TM and Egg option, but not the level). This will let you know if there is a simple chain (one intermediary Pokemon). If one of the resulting dual egg group Pokemon shares an Egg group with the Pokemon you wish to ultimately learn the moves, then this will be your "bridge" Pokemon. If not, remove the Field egg group condition, and see if there is a chain with the resulting Pokemon listed. When doing either, remember you will have to ignore any Pokemon that isn't the first stage of its evolution. If a Pokemon can use a TM after it evolves, but not in its first stage, it will be no use in breeding chains. Also remember to ignore Pokemon that only come in one gender (or no gender). Your end result Pokemon can be female only, but everything in the chain must come in both genders.

What do I need? You will of course need a male Smeargle. They can be caught on Rt. 212 with a PokeRadar, or Pal Parked over from a GBA version of the game. You will need to have a Pokemon that knows the move you are trying to pass on (in the case of multiple moves, the moves can be spread over multiple Pokemon). You will need a female of the pokemon you wish to learn the move(s). You may also need other female pokemon depending on whether or not you need to chain breed. Heart Scales may be needed if you need to have your Smeargle relearn sketch and you can't/don't want to level up to learn it again. The Vs. Seeker is also very helpful.

How do I get Smeargle to learn the moves I want? Sketch works by permanently learning the last move it's target used. This can be tough to time or even survive against an opponent. The easy way to ensure success is to use it on your partner in a doubles battle. Have Smeargle and a pokemon that knows the move you want to learn be in the first two slots in your party, so they both come out in a doubles battle. Then find yourself some doubles opponents. I generally use the father / daughter pair just north of Solaceon Town, since its close to where I'll be breeding anyway. Use the Vs Seeker to get them ready to fight. If your Smeargle has a lower Speed than your other pokemon (the best case), have your other pokemon use the move you want to learn (it doesn't matter who is targeted), then have the Smeargle use sketch on your other pokemon. As long as Smeargle survives until its turn, the move will be learned. If the Smeargle happens to be faster, have it use another move (either killing an opponent, or protecting is preferable) while your other pokemon uses the move you want to learn. Then have Smeargle use sketch on your other pokemon second turn. Once this move is learned you can heal up, learn sketch again via leveling or heart scale, then repeat for the next move you want to learn (if any).

Got the moves I want on my Smeargle. Now what? Now you get to breedin'! Take that Smeargle to the Day Care Center. If you don't need a breeding chain, then give them the female of the Pokemon you want to learn the move, and wait for your results. If you do need to chain, give them a female of the first Pokemon in your chain, and wait for a male child. Retrieve the parents, then enter the male child and a female of the next pokemon in the chain (you may first need to evolve the child if it is a pre-evolution such as pichu or cleffa, make sure not to lose those bred moves). Repeat this down the chain until you get to your end result pokemon.

So there you have it. Sometimes it's quick and painless, sometimes it takes a bit of work. But it's an option to consider if you're hesitant to use that TM you got from a Gym Leader, or can't seem to chain a specific moveset through normal means.

1/17 Meeting - Last Minute Advice

Hi folks, with regards to the meeting tomorrow at my place, a slight wrench has been thrown in the plans. Turns out Obama is speaking tomorrow in Baltimore, so it's going to be crowded as hell and some roads are going to be closed. If you're route takes you 83 South via 695, you should still be fine, but anyone coming from South Baltimore is going to have to be creative (or just take 695 to 83 South). Here's an article with road closure info, if anyone doesn't think they can make it or would like some advice on how to get here feel free to give me a call.

Listserv

A listserv has been created for ECPL members. It will be used to send notifications to ECPL members. It will be:

"A nice Pokemon related mailing list that isn't a mailing list filled with 12 year olds. This will notify blog members of up coming events and social gatherings."

Pool League Play

The Normal Gym Leader and the Dark Gym Leader will not have league pool matches on the following Sundays:

Dec 14, 2008
Dec 21, 2008
Dec 28, 2008
Jan 04, 2009

However, they will play pool on December 27, 2008 at Fantasies Night Club after the UFC matches.

Next ECPL Meeting - 1/17

Alright, after chatting with people it looks like our next meeting will be on Saturday, January 17th at my place in Baltimore. We'll be starting around 4 or so and going until whenever. As per usual, there will be battles, trading, and general video gaming. Friends are welcome, just give me a heads up if you or anyone else is coming. My e-mail is mridgaway@gmail.com, you get a hold of me there for directions as well. Hope to see you there!