The URPG Times. [A LONG TIME AGO -- 16/07/12]

Credit to Buoy.​

Contents:
1. A word from your Editor(s).
2. Announcements and News.
3. Trading Section.
4. Comics.
5. Interview (with AIRIK).
6. Story of the Week.
7. Roleplayer of the Week.
8. Pokémon of the Week (with article).
9. Target of the Week.
10. Closing comment(s).

***

A word from your Editor:
by Buoy.
YO. So, it has been quite a while since the last issue of the Times, and I apologise for any inconveniences as a result -- I know there have been a few raised eyebrows here and there about the absence of this feature. Between people going AWOL and just not bothering, I've had a hard time finding people to write the articles that you hopefully read every issue. IT'S HARD. Finally, I've managed to get enough people to write things so that we can actually get back in business. So here we are. Word.

You'll notice we've skipped the Quiz this week. Go blame WebMaster. By the way, if anyone wants to become a Quiz Master, please contact me, Alaska or Gmandiddy (or all of us). It's probable you'll only do it when Web's absent, but we do need someone to write quizzes in his stead, especially since he's less active due to work.

Have fun reading through this -- maybe somewhat short -- issue of the URPG Times!

***

News and Announcements:
by Buoy.
(PROTIP: If you want something announced in the next issue, shoot one of the Times' Editors a PM.)

Promotions: Head Grader and Second-In-Command!
It's sad to say that we're saying goodbye to Scourge as our loveable Head Grader and Moderator, and that Phantom Kat isn't going to be acting as URPG's Second-In-Command. Thank you both for your hard work in your respective positions. With that, however, we have other people to step up to the plate and give their best just as Scourge and Kat have. A new Head Grader has been found in EmBreon, and our new Second-In-Command is We Taste Pies! Congratulations to those two!

Summer Writing Competition!
One of the bi-annual writing competitions in URPG, the Summer Writing Competition is a chance for you to show off your prowess as an author. You might even win a Legendary! Hosted by yours truly, the SWC promises to be fun, but you need to get your submissions in before the deadline, August 1st. As summer heats up, so will the competition. Do you have what it takes to be a prevailing author, or will you wilt under the pressure? Let's write!

Banner Contest!
Good with graphic art? Fantastic! Not so good? Don't worry, just give it a shot! The Banner Contest is back again for 2012, and in that thread you can design banners to your heart's content and submit them. You'll have a chance at some cool prizes (most likely), and your work could even be displayed in the various threads around URPG. If you decide to participate, good luck!

E4 Reserve VACANT!
The Jr. Trainer has left his position as E4 Reserve, and a replacement for him is needed. In this thread, you can put forward an application for the position. Before you apply, however, be aware that there are requirements for applicants, and you can't be chosen if you don't meet those. You need to own 12 Pokémon, and you must have an entire region of badges -- discounting the Orange Island league, of course.

Forum FFA!
If you haven't already, sign up for the Forum FFA taking place very soon. If you don't sign up on time, you won't be able to participate! Free-for-alls are basically massive Pokémon battles, but you must fend for yourself against everyone else. Forum FFAs tend to be larger than your usual FFA, so the challenge is very difficult.

***

Trading Section:
by Buoy.

Alaskapigeon is hunting for non-mart Steel-type Pokémon. She has great beauties to offer, but you'd better ask her exactly what she's willing to trade. ;>

Nitro is looking for these Pokémon:
Ludicolo
Sawsbuck
Abomasnow
Tangrowth
Rotom

***

Comics:
Each week, besides the submissions from our employees for the Comics section of the URPG Times, we also welcome submissions from the community! We pay 1,500 Pokédollars for each submission usually. The amount paid might be adjusted accordingly based on your comic and permanent employees will be paid slightly higher. You don't have to be a professional as well; the only criteria is for it to be funny! PM comic submissions to Alaskapigeon, Buoy or Gmandiddy.

Our only submission this week is by PigeonMasta:


***

Interview with AIRIK:
by BlazeMaster.
Today I’m interviewing the Grass-type Dojo Leader Airik. He hasn’t been with the URPG for long but already he feels like he’s developing his battling style and soon he’ll be able to overturn his Dojo record of No wins and Two Losses.

Me: How long have you been doing URPG?

Airik: As of the date of this interview, I've been in URPG for a month.

Me: And what have your first impressions been?

Airik: I’m really enjoying it. There are a lot of really friendly and helpful people, and I like the whole set-up, from the 'mart through to the National Park, and especially the new Dojo League. I run the Grass Dojo there, by the way.

Me: Have any areas of URPG attracted you more than others?

Airik: Not really. The only thing in URPG I haven't tried yet are the Contests, but other than that, I’ve tried to have a go at everything.

Me: So you said that you run the Grass Dojo. How have you found the experience of being a Leader?

Airik: To be honest, I've lost my first two battles, but I feel I am getting to grips with the mechanics behind the URPG battling system. It's very different to Wi-Fi battling, just because Pokémon have access to their entire movepool.

Me: So, now you've got to grips with the "mechanics", do you have a particular strategy?

Airik: I'm developing one. Anyone who has battled me recently -- or watched one of my battles -- will know I’m rather fond of just trolling the opposition. Sleep Powder, Stun Spore, Encore, Attract: these are all moves I like to use. Lots of battles tend to be long, drawn-out affairs with hopefully the other side getting more and more annoyed and making more mistakes.

Me: I guess that you're pretty passionate about Grass types, but are there any other Pokémon that you particularly love?

Airik: There are a few. I've always liked Eevee and its evolutions. I also like it as it's like a real world tie-in to Darwinian evolution. I also rather like Mareep, but that's mostly because my last name is Lamb and Mareep happens to be a sheep. Actually, it would probably be easier to list the ones I don't like.

Me: Could you elaborate on some of these?

Airik: Well, really, they're the gimmick Pokémon like Ditto, Smeargle, Castform, Kecleon or Shuckle. Shuckle had its gimmick in Gen II. It was able to break down Berries into Berry Juice and after a while that would turn into Rare Candy, but they did away with that from Gen III onward, and it [Shuckle] just became a bit pointless.

Me: OK, cool. What's your most memorable moment here so far in URPG?

Airik: Beating CommBA the other day. It was my first successful Gym challenge and I owe it all to my Jumpluff. It was also a turning point for me in terms of my own tactics and style of play.

Me: Wow, I'm envious of you even for beating a leader. Who do you look up to in URPG?

Airik: There are a few people I really respect. First and foremost is The Pokémaster as a fellow Grass-type fan. I can't help but really like the guy. Also, I respect Jess [Dog of Hellsing] as one of the older people about in URPG. I feel it’s important we [~Buoy note; read: OLD PEOPLE] stick together.

***

Story of the Week:
by Buoy.
This issue's Story of the Week goes to Smiles for her story called Between Scylla and Charybdis! A new member, this story was Smiles' first, but it's easy to see that she's already an experienced writer, and I thoroughly enjoyed her tale of Huey and Horsea in an underwater kingdom. Huey, a young man, finds himself in the aforementioned kingdom, and is soon faced with his own death or the death of his companion, Horsea. How does he react? Find out by reading the story!

Smiles, you can post in this thread to claim your 1,000!

***

Roleplayer of the Week:
by WinterVines.
This week's Role Player is MidnightGhost! His character, named Geoffrey Keeper, is currently on an Individual Run to the Great Lakes with his Metagross and Charizard. The run's just started, but he's already en route to capturing a Psyduck that he's battling. MG is new to the Park, but he's doing a good job so far. Curious readers check it out, and MG, you can collect your 1,000 this week.

***

Pokémon of the Week:
by The Pokémaster.

So coming to you today with Pokemon of the Week, is none other than myself, your lovable Pokémaster. Buoysel came to me for help, and I am happy to oblige in bringing you the star of this Times; Meganium! Meganium is the unloved Grass Starter from Generation II, and sadly she cops all the hate that Pokémon fans can dish out. However, if you're one of the dedicated Johto fans or just a Grass Maniac like myself, and you actually own one of these Flowery Pokemon, feel free to claim $1,000!

​

Overview of Meganium

Spoiler

This Sauropod is often overlooked because of it's meager stats, not specialising in anything, and having almost no coverage. However, she does boast above average attacking stats, and a respectable bulk, along with average speed, so she can keep up with a lot of commmon competitiors.

HP: 364
Attack: 263
Defense: 299
Sp.Attack: 265
Sp.Defense: 299
Speed: 259​

Her attacking stats, while not being anywhere near ideal, can still let dish out a hit or two, and her bulk will also let her take a hit or two. In most circumstances though, her movepool makes her a Pokémon that you would not want to use, and is outclassed by bulkier Pokémon like Venusaur. She does have a limited use as a bulky staller, but for that reason alone, she is overlooked, but she fits a very nice niche as a Supporter or Cleric in a Double or Triple battle.

Her Abilities, unfortunately, drag her down as well;
Ability: Overgrow: Raises the power of Grass-type moves 1.5x when at 1/3 HP or less.
Dream World Ability: Leaf Guard: Prevents status effects in sun.

Overgrow, while being useful in certain situations, Meganium is still has relatively bad offensive stats, and the only powerful Grass moves she has that are worth using are Petal Dance and Frenzy Plant, which are unreliable in Double/Triple Battles and have heavy drawbacks. She also has SolarBeam, but the two turn charge-up isn't worth it. In single battles though, Petal Dance can still be used to get in a power last hit, same with Frenzy Plant, or combine Overgrow with Giga Drain to heal up considerably. Leaf Guard could be used to give her an immunity to status, but in sun, she is outclassed by Leafeon and most Chlorophyll users. However, she does pack both Earthquake and Bulldoze, which is something some other grass types can't utilise.

Moves

Spoiler

Meganium get the following moves through Leveling Up;
Tackle, Growl, Razor Leaf, PoisonPowder, Synthesis, Reflect, Magical Leaf, Natural Gift, Petal Dance, Sweet Scent, Light Screen, Body Slam, Safeguard, Aromatherapy, SolarBeam. She also gets a myriad of moves through EMs, but I will list the ones you should focus on getting.

TMs: Curse, Toxic, Protect, Giga Drain, Earthquake, Energy Ball, Swords Dance, Captivate, Grass Knot, Substitute, Bulldoze, Dragon Tail
BMs: Counter, Heal Pulse, Leech Seed, Nature Power
MTs: Magic Coat, Worry Seed, Frenzy Plant

Strategy

Spoiler

So, as I mentioned, Meganium's two main uses is a bulky stall, and a bulky support in Double/Triple battles. By level up, she learns the dual screens, Safeguard, Aromatherapy, and Synthesis. This gives her access to a full range of quick defense buffing, and healing. Combined with the Poison Powder she gets level up, and Toxic that she learns from TM, she makes a great staller, utilising all of these tools with her considerable bulk. Leech Seed is also a recommended move for a stalling Meganium, providing extra damage on top of Toxic, and healing at the same time. Substitute and Protect are great moves for helping Meganium to prolong her stall, and Dragon Tail can be used to force out anything that might be able to seriously hurt or out-stall her. A well timed Magic Coat can be used to deflect a Taunt or Encore aimed at Meganium, and keep Meganium alive while crippling her opponent.

The only main drawback to Meganium's stall tactic is her lack of defense boosting moves outside of dual screens. She learns Curse, but that isn't the most reliable of moves. She is also susceptible to a well timed Encore, and an early Taunt shuts her down and renders her a lot less useful. Since her only counter to these moves is Magic Coat, if you can catch her offguard, then you can easily get the advantage. Brick Break is also a common move carried by many Pokémon, and will remove both of Meganium's screens if used against her, so that is something else to watch out for.

Meganium is theoretically a powerful supporter for Double and Triple Battles, but then again, Double Battle are rare and Triple Battles are just yuck. However, Meganium can utilise her dual screens to boost up the defences of everyone on her team. She can use both Safeguard and Aromatherapy to keep her team safe of status, and combine Synthesis and Heal Pulse to heal herself and her team. If you have the right team-mate, (i.e. a Flying Pokémon, or one with Levitate) then Earthquake is a powerful move at her disposal, which can be powered up with Swords Dance. Dragon Tail is a great phazing move, and Bulldoze can be used to lower an opponent's speed, while keeping the offensive pressure up. Counter is a good option for inflicting heavy damage quickly, and works well with Meganium's bulk.

Ideally, a good partner to work with Meganium is a powerful attacker, that could benefit from defensive support. Staraptor is a suggestion, having immunity to Earthquake, and being able to inflict heavy damage with Reckless Brave Bird/Double-Edge while Meganium heals the recoil damage. She can heal both Paralyse and Burn, which are both very crippling to Staraptor, and her dual screens are also able to compensate for the stat loss from Staraptor's Close Combat.

Meganium's shortcomings when it comes to double battles are her lack of coverage and being able to deal good damage quickly. Double battles can sometimes rely on both of your Pokémon hitting one of theirs quickly for an easier KO, and Meganium often can't deal the damage needed. She also takes a good few turns to set up, and if she isn't able to set up properly, both her and her partner are susceptible to being easy KO targets.

Obtaining one

Spoiler

The best method of obtaining a Meganium is through purchasing a Chikorita from the Pokémart. It will cost $8,000 and needs a total of ten battles to evolve into a Meganium. Chikorita is a Hard ranked Pokémon if you want to write for one, and Meganium is Demanding. In the National Park, Chikorita is a Borderline Pokemon, and Meganium is a rare. Therefore, I highly recommend simply buying one if you wish to obtain one.

Final Verdict

Spoiler

Ideally, experienced battlers with money to spend on EMs will have better options available to them for stalling and team support. However, for newer members, Meganium is a perfect choice as she comes with most of the general moves she needs Level Up, and doesn't need money to be spent for her to be used. She is still a good team-mate in Double battles, however, I do not recommend using her in more important battles.

***

Target of the Week:
by Fossil Fusion.
Editor's sidenote: Buoysel isn't responsible for any injuries caused by bad grammar or general inability to read this. GO BLAME CHRIS.

Target Week: time a random active trainer is selected and the first 3 people to beat them earn a special prize! URPGers have to beat them before the time runs out (the time runs out once the next issue is up, usually). If somebody loses to the Target Week trainer, they cannot rechallenge.

For the third issue of Target Week, there will be only one Target and this could involve beating them in Battles with Special Rules or B/W Contests, etc. Activity is key. If the Target disappears for unknown reasons, a new Target will be selected.

Payments for reffing/judging are as $2000 for refs and $3000 for judges per Battle/Contest. They get paid in the next URPG Times. All logs should be posted in the current URPG Times thread!

Defeat the Target: $2000
Lose to the Target: $1000
Target Wins: $2000
Target Loses: $2000

So these past couple of weeks, I decided to force Mubz into some strange Trovita like rules. He did pretty well, however nobody noticed that he was like using the same team every time. He won 3 battles, and lost 2! Let’s take a look at who he crushed!

Blazemaster got beaten in the first 2 rounds of the 3.
Akdude got beat down by Mubz as well.
Mubz also beat down Ebail!

However, I reffed Krummhorn vs. Mubz. It was a strange battle with weird matchups from Krum. What else do we expect from this madman?

Mubz - Infernape | Dragonite | Porygon-Z
Krumhorn - Yanmega | Crustle | Politoed

If I remember correctly, mubz’ Pokemon were running Choice Items, and lacking a certain move. It came down to Porygon Z and Politoed. It was hard to do Choice vs Choice in Rain. Lacking Thunder cost him. Congrats to Krummhorn for the win. Then there was Ash K who also won, apparently it took two hours, enough said about that. Congrats Ash for winning too.

Here are your prizes! Oh, look: it’s a special digging pass to the Underground. @Ash K.; @Krummhorn; claim here for your free Underground dig. Just go to the underground and quote the Times for your Dig. You have two weeks to use this dig before it expires. Enjoy!

Here are the Ref Wages for this Target Week:

@Krummhorn;: 4000
@Buoy;: 2000
Fossil Fusion: 2000
@WinterVines;: 2000

NOW FOR THIS TARGET WEEK!

It's a guy known as…

Spoiler

The pokemaster
AIM: darkdrakk

He wanted to be beaten up, so go find this target and beat him up. This weeks rules are the following.

Rules: Let’s see how risky you can be!
1 v 1
Revolution
Helds Yes/No
No Weather
Referees get $1000 for this, and the winner gets $2000, and the loser gets $1000

This week you must be fearless and go it alone with 1 Pokemon! Do you have what it takes to beat someone with a type advantage or not? Go beat this Target!

First 3 people to defeat the Target Week this week with these rules will receive a special prize for being fearless. Got what it takes? Then Go!

Remember to log here, refs! Enjoy and get dat target!

***

Closing comment(s):
by Buoy.
That's it for another issue of the URPG Times. I hope you've all had fun and stuff. I'd say something inspirational, but I'm not hipster (though I was practising being hipster last night) or in good health at this present moment in time.

PEACE OUT, GIRL SCOUT
~ Buoy.

p.s. claiming my 2,000 for reffing that target thing.

 

omg I actually own the Pokemon of the week.

Claiming my moneyz, thanks <3

 

I will claim my 1000 pl0x and thank you. Feeling so epic right now XD

 

Its finally up ^^. Lets no tlet the next one get this late

And I can claim mah comic monies here yes?

 

Oh wow some reffing wages. That's awesome. Thanks, Buoy ^^

 

Awesome issue. Claiming $0 for nothing. D:

 

Also Claiming my 1k for mon of the week

 

Claiming my 2000 yay

 

Common mon and I don't own it, go me

 

Neat.

Claiming 1k for Meganium. ^_^

 

TARGET WEEK BATTLE.
1v1.
Revo.
Helds.
Default weather/terrain.

Buoy vs. The Pokémaster.

Buoy: Sigilyph.
The Pokémaster: Infernape.

***

SIGILYPH > INFERNAPE YEAH

***

Buoy wins and gets 2,000.
The Pokémaster loses and gets 1,000.
GMANDIDDY refs and gets 1,000.​

 

I totally did notice Mubz used the same Pokémon every time. I did not, however, notice that Scarfed Nite OHKOs Haxorus, which I brought as a counter to it (ended up as Nite vs Nite anyways, which came down to a Speed tie)

Ended in such an awesome way...

Porygon-Z uses Trick.
Clefable uses Encore.
Porygon-Z is badly poisoned by the Toxic Orb.

Also, please add Machamp with TMs: ThunderPunch, Ice Punch, Payback, Fissure, Rock Tomb; Cacturne, Aipom, Armaldo to trades.

Battle 647

Target of the Week PokéMaster vs Brave Soul Elamite

1v1
Revolution
Default Terrain
No Starting Weather
Holds

Infernape vs Crustle

I had both of them AND a spectator ask about Encore after a move failed to Taunt.

[Infernape | Crustle]: Taunt | Shell Smash (fails); Nasty Plot | Earthquake; Flamethrower (Sturdy, no burn, recoil) | Earthquake KO;

Elamite wins and gets $2,000 + ???
PokéMaster loses and gets $2,000
Ash K. refs and gets $1,000
Ash K.'s unpaid Target salary: $1,000
Ash K.'s all time ref wages: $491,000
​

 

Battle 648

Target of the Week PokéMaster vs Brave Soul Mubz

1v1
Revolution
Default Terrain
No Starting Weather
Holds

Whimsicott vs Metagross

[Whimsicott | Metagross]: Cotton Guard | Icy Wind (hits, Speed drop); Light Screen | Sludge Bomb (no poison); Leech Seed | Sludge Bomb (no poison); [M|W]: Sludge Bomb (poison) | Endeavor | Leech Seed KOs Metagross;

PokéMaster wins and gets $2,000 + defends
Mubz loses and gets $1,000
Ash K. refs and gets $1,000
Ash K.'s unpaid Target salary: $2,000
Ash K.'s all time ref wages: $492,000
​

 

1v1
Revolution
Default Terrain
No Starting Weather
Holds

The pokemaster vs Ash K

Mismagius v Machamp

TPM picked the best mon possible against Ash's Machamp No Guard trickery. Ash also used a scarf which pretty much meant he had no way to win

TPM wins and gets $2,000 + defends
Ash loses and gets $1,000
Me gets $1,000