[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Iron]

Shiva, I forgot to give you 4 Trainer XP during your Safari Shenanigans. No matter what you do in the Safari Zone it's worth 2 additional trainer XP per encounter.


It is now Day 71.
It's a nice day! Tonight is supposed to be unseasonably cold, however, dropping to near-freezing temperatures.

Everyone who is doing the Safari Cup is invited to meet at the gate at 7:00am. Shiva had to get there a little early in preparation for her Ranger duties.
Ranger Hismo is officiating. "Does everyone know the rules? Starting at 7:30, you have 24 hours to gather yourself a team of Pokemon using just 20 Safari Balls."
Usually, that's 3 Encounters today, 10 hours of survival work and sleeping, then squeezing in 2 more Encounters in the morning before the Tournament portion. You can push yourself to go without sleep, but you'll accrue penalties. Energy drinks and napping areas are provided during breaks from the Tournament, so if you still have one Encounter for Day 72, you won't have any trainer penalties during the tourney.

Safari Balls work as Great Balls, 4 Seals.

"Your packs and permits are here. Please return them at the end of your Safari. You'll be assessed a fee for any unreasonable damages you incur to our equipment. If your tent catches fire, you better hope you win third place!" Laughter.

"Ordinary wear and tear is fine. Your food and water is included, or some choose to live off the land. You may not leave the Safari Zone, starting at 7:30. Each of you has a whistle; blow it if you have an emergency and need the Rangers. No fainting of Pokemon. I believe you're all familiar with the prizes, and the six Areas of the Safari Zone, so meet back here in half an hour!"

Make any last-minute preparations and let me know your first goal/Area! Rules:
http://pokemonuranium.co/forum/showthrea...0#pid57050
http://pokemonuranium.co/forum/showthrea...6#pid57656
For the Safari Cup, you may tell me you're seeking a Horde encounter, usually containing multiple members of a single evolutionary line.


Shiva, the Rangers get to sign up for 3 Areas they're going to work during the Cup, 6 hour shifts in each area + 1 nap. Ranger Hismo immediately signs up for Area 1, Area 3, and Area 3 again.

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

Shiva, I forgot to give you 4 Trainer XP during your Safari Shenanigans. No matter what you do in the Safari Zone it's worth 2 additional trainer XP per encounter.


It is now Day 71.
It's a nice day! Tonight is supposed to be unseasonably cold, however, dropping to near-freezing temperatures.

Everyone who is doing the Safari Cup is invited to meet at the gate at 7:00am. Shiva had to get there a little early in preparation for her Ranger duties.
Ranger Hismo is officiating. "Does everyone know the rules? Starting at 7:30, you have 24 hours to gather yourself a team of Pokemon using just 20 Safari Balls."
Usually, that's 3 Encounters today, 10 hours of survival work and sleeping, then squeezing in 2 more Encounters in the morning before the Tournament portion. You can push yourself to go without sleep, but you'll accrue penalties. Energy drinks and napping areas are provided during breaks from the Tournament, so if you still have one Encounter for Day 72, you won't have any trainer penalties during the tourney.

Safari Balls work as Great Balls, 4 Seals.

"Your packs and permits are here. Please return them at the end of your Safari. You'll be assessed a fee for any unreasonable damages you incur to our equipment. If your tent catches fire, you better hope you win third place!" Laughter.

"Ordinary wear and tear is fine. Your food and water is included, or some choose to live off the land. You may not leave the Safari Zone, starting at 7:30. Each of you has a whistle; blow it if you have an emergency and need the Rangers. No fainting of Pokemon. I believe you're all familiar with the prizes, and the six Areas of the Safari Zone, so meet back here in half an hour!"

Make any last-minute preparations and let me know your first goal/Area! Rules:
http://pokemonuranium.co/forum/showthrea...0#pid57050
http://pokemonuranium.co/forum/showthrea...6#pid57656
For the Safari Cup, you may tell me you're seeking a Horde encounter, usually containing multiple members of a single evolutionary line.


Shiva, the Rangers get to sign up for 3 Areas they're going to work during the Cup, 6 hour shifts in each area + 1 nap. Ranger Hismo immediately signs up for Area 1, Area 3, and Area 3 again.

Heart did not wake very much well today. He did fall sleep with the books and scrolls around his face. Chespin was problably in Heart side, with a book in his face too. He go to the lobby and make a quick change in his team:

- Delta Pineco
- Hypno/Alphonse
- Natu
- Lairon/Percival
- Chespin
- Delta Onix

Heart also sends a quick message to Terra/@Lord Windos. 

"Howdy Terra. Good morning. Need to discuss you in particular if you somehow have the time. Its very quickly I promise. Meet me in the lobby."

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Heart did not wake very much well today. He did fall sleep with the books and scrolls around his face. Chespin was problably in Heart side, with a book in his face too. He go to the lobby and make a quick change in his team:

- Delta Pineco
- Hypno/Alphonse
- Natu
- Lairon/Percival
- Chespin
- Delta Onix

Heart also sends a quick message to Terra/@Lord Windos. 

"Howdy Terra. Good morning. Need to discuss you in particular if you somehow have the time. Its very quickly I promise. Meet me in the lobby."

(Mate, I'll be blunt: I don't want to Roleplay this out and create anymore delays for our Encounters, so I'll just say that Terra meets up with you, discussion happens, Heart gets $5000 Poke to entering into the S.C., while he gets the Spell Tag + Life Orb, and they go their separate ways. Simple as that.)

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

Heart did not wake very much well today. He did fall sleep with the books and scrolls around his face. Chespin was problably in Heart side, with a book in his face too. He go to the lobby and make a quick change in his team:

- Delta Pineco
- Hypno/Alphonse
- Natu
- Lairon/Percival
- Chespin
- Delta Onix

Heart also sends a quick message to Terra/@Lord Windos. 

"Howdy Terra. Good morning. Need to discuss you in particular if you somehow have the time. Its very quickly I promise. Meet me in the lobby."

(Mate, I'll be blunt: I don't want to Roleplay this out and create anymore delays for our Encounters, so I'll just say that Terra meets up with you, discussion happens, Heart gets $5000 Poke to entering into the S.C., while he gets the Spell Tag + Life Orb, and they go their separate ways. Simple as that.)

(Alright. Trade make, and Heart go to the Safari Cup and have the registration to participate @Iron)

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Shiva, the Rangers get to sign up for 3 Areas they're going to work during the Cup, 6 hour shifts in each area + 1 nap. Ranger Hismo immediately signs up for Area 1, Area 3, and Area 3 again.

Shiva's up and about unnaturally early this day, if Ventus would share the room overnight with her they'd get up at the same time. The sight of the sun just starting to rise at the horizone is a fascinating and beautiful sight for her, though unfortunately there's not much time to admire the peacefulness of the early morning! She'll enjoy breakfast in her room in the hostel while watching the weather forcast and daily horoscope in the news. Her two extraordinaire Ice Types seem excited over the drop in temprature tonight and Shiva promises them to take them for walk through the cold and darkness.

She mindfully packs everything she'll need as a Volunteer Ranger tonight, checks it twice and makes haste to get to the Pokemon Center at first in order to welcome Purrloin back in her ranks (She should be healed up from fainting by now) with a fond hug and eventually pick up her party of six Pokemon she's going to carry during today's duties.

That is her current party.

Nightshade, Delphox, Raphael, Vaporeon, Primal Glaceon, Lilith + the three Pokemon Eggs. It HUUUURRRTTTTSSS to leave Cottonee out for a day, but if something would happen to her much-beloved fluffball due to the nasty and omnipresent Poison Types Shiva will have a hard time forgiving herself, so she eventually chooses her gothloli fortuneteller. Held Items are also rearranged.

Humm, is only one Ranger allowed per Area? I believe not, but the Chief Rangers would probably make sure that every Area is covered by a suitable number of Rangers. Shiva's definitely signing up for Area 4 and 5, as well as for...Area 6 ONLY if she can join an experienced Ranger during that shift OR receiving back-up from one. She has four Gym badges and capable Pokemon by her side, but visiting that infamous Area alone - she's not confident enough for that. (If that's not possible, she'll sign up for Area 4 again.)

AND: I'll be able to collect things and crafting material or go for a Pokemon my self during the time assigned for nap = the downtime, correct? Though will there be any penalties if I do so?

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Instead of Nathan seeming down about being admonished for putting himself down, Nathan just chuckles at the irony of the situation.  "...well, look at you, nailing me for the exact same thing I said you shouldn't do...heh..."  Gallade's chuckling as well.  It doesn't seem as bad when you're able to laugh about it together, right?


Once Nathan and Gallade stop chuckling, he makes one more comment.  "...I'm not really the professional artist type, and that's fine by me.  I'm not trying to put my own work down, though I guess I could have worded that a bit better...drawing is more of a hobby for me than a passion, let's just say that.  History, though...oh, the wonders of history...you wouldn't believe some of the things I could tell you about the past...well, maybe you would, actually, given what we all just experienced...what's important is what we learn from it, though.  I'm getting off track though.  You're right, Terra.  I shouldn't directly compare my art to Keni's.  It's kinda hard to compare most art to his work, after all, given that he's dedicated his whole life to it..."

--------------------------

Now then, on to teaching ROCK SMASH to various pokemon!

Teaching ROCK SMASH to Shiranui, Basteele, Anubi, and Genie should be a fairly straightforward affair.  Gallade's a bit more stoic and distant than usual while Basteele's out (though he does his best to hide any outward reactions), but he's definitely more than happy to see the two Fighting types learn the move.  He thinks they're trustworthy enough.  And Genie...well, let's just say Nathan partially hopes teaching her the HM helps act as an apology for what transpired in the introductory battle...

As far as Yogi the Medicham goes...well, Gallade tenses up immediately, ready in case the Medicham decides to cause any trouble.  Nathan eyes Yogi a little warily the entire time, but provided Yogi is willing to keep the move a secret and has no problems with learning the move from Nathan (nor causes any trouble), that'll probably be fairly straightforward too.  Given that Terra trusts that Yogi will use ROCK SMASH responsibly, Nathan will do so with few complaints despite his own (or rather, Gallade's) biases.  Gallade won't object either simply to be polite about it, but mostly because he doesn't want to be the one who starts any kind of fight here.  That'd be rather rude of him if he did.

As for Angie...well...Nathan coughs, then says, "...so, uh, about Angie...I kinda took the liberty of already teaching her the move ahead of time...ya know, when ya borrowed Gallade to go to Stair and loaned her to me so we could talk...*ahem*...figured that'd be a good time to do it, considering nobody else was around at the time..."  Nathan doesn't outright say it, but he definitely already trusted that Terra would use the HM responsibly at that point, and Nathan also likes Angie, so...(if ya need me to, @Iron, I can forward the PMs involving that part of the private scene as evidence to ya)

Spoiler

Yogi maneuvers so that he's second in line to receive the HM. Seems to think he might need it. He puts a hand on Nathan's shoulder, and on Terra's shoulder, trying to indicate that he will use this move only responsibly.

No need to show me the PM as this isn't really a problem that's mechanical in nature. I like what Nathan's done here though. Nathan and Terra both gain 4XP.

*Flashback!*

Hearing the boy laugh at his stern suggestion momentarily threw Terra for a loop, his face scrunched up in pure confusion at their reaction - 'Did I  say something funny? Don't think so, but....Nathan is laughing, so.....?' - but when they responded back to him he is left blinking in even more surprise again, stunned. Then, after a minute passed, a wide smile stretched across the sagely monk's face, and he slowly began to chuckle himself, breaking his stoic facade.

"Heh......You are right. Did not think I was doing that, but I am. Heh..."

When they made their second comment, the mountain of a man mostly nods along without comment, smile still playing out across his face, but as they speak of History his expression perks up and he smile grow a bit wider.

"Right, and true. Would like to learn more about History from you, though. Trips to past......made me more interested about it. Like......King Sammy's time, and about Legends. Hm.....need to make time for sword lesson from Gallade too, but that can come later."

After the young intellectual said he was right, though, he again looked taken aback, before he was smiling again as he reached over to pat their head.

"Glad you......see my perspective, and understanding. Thank you, Nathan."

~~~

Since you left most of my Pokemon's reactions blank, I'll take that as clear to do them myself!

Shiranui and Anubi: They're pretty much thrilled and absolutely tickled pink at learning ROCK SMASH, with the sumo wrestler feeling gratified after FINALLY learning the legendary Move since he first saw it being used on his old ironclad insect partner, and the aural jackal simply overjoyed at getting access to such a POWERFUL technique! Of course he was firmly told not to use it unless given explicit permission for it, which dampened his enthusiasm a bit, but if they was the price he had to pay, then he'll grit his teeth and bear it!

Genie: Similarly, the dragonfly princess was excited to learn the HM, but judging by the fae gleam in her eyes and the smirk she was sporting as she flexed her claws, her ideas around the stone shattering Move was hardly innocent. Oh, the things she can do and the mischief she can get up to with this, te he he he..... She didn't hold anything against Nathan for their battle (A Fight is a Fight, no matter how tricky it gets!), but if she was still made, learning ROCK SMASH was a fitting apology! Terra didn't notice his desert djin's behavior, but Gallade would!

Basteele: The bold bombshell was less overtly enthused about acquiring ROCK SMASH than her peers, only thumping a couple time on the floor as she got PUMPED, before settling down. Unlike the others, she had actually been on the receiving end of the Legendary Move, and boy did that leave an impression on her, in every sense of the word! Add in the fact that her Typing leaves her leave inclined towards Fighting Moves, and overall she's much more subdued and respectful in learning the HM.

However, she almost instantly picked up on the psychic knight's stoic and slightly chilly mood towards her once she gets a good look at them, and fixes them with a stern look and hopped closer, clearly broadcasting the message 'What, you got a problem with me?' In or out of battle, she was direct, blunt, and entirely unsubtle with her interactions, so was getting straight to the bottom of this pronto!

Yogi: You already brought up their reaction, but I'll mention Terra has complete confidence and faith that they will use the HM justly, so he needed no reassurance from them. Still, he appreciated it none the less!

(...)

Needless to say, Terra is shocked again, as the revelation his friend had that much faith in him to teach his daughter ROCK SMASH prior to him asking was stunning, to say the least. Did they....really have that much confidence in him? Shouldn't have been that much of a surprise, as the both of them had supported each other greatly ever since they've meet each other, but when you're given an direct example of how much they trusted you......

It took him about a minute for him to absorb everything, but when he did a brilliant smile broke out across his face, and before Nathan knew it he was in the middle of an hug. Which, considering how uncomfortable he was with that sort of thing, was saying how strongly he felt about his friend's earlier gesture.

"Thank you very much. You are a great, great friend....."

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

*Flashback!*

Hearing the boy laugh at his stern suggestion momentarily threw Terra for a loop, his face scrunched up in pure confusion at their reaction - 'Did I  say something funny? Don't think so, but....Nathan is laughing, so.....?' - but when they responded back to him he is left blinking in even more surprise again, stunned. Then, after a minute passed, a wide smile stretched across the sagely monk's face, and he slowly began to chuckle himself, breaking his stoic facade.

"Heh......You are right. Did not think I was doing that, but I am. Heh..."

When they made their second comment, the mountain of a man mostly nods along without comment, smile still playing out across his face, but as they speak of History his expression perks up and he smile grow a bit wider.

"Right, and true. Would like to learn more about History from you, though. Trips to past......made me more interested about it. Like......King Sammy's time, and about Legends. Hm.....need to make time for sword lesson from Gallade too, but that can come later."

After the young intellectual said he was right, though, he again looked taken aback, before he was smiling again as he reached over to pat their head.

"Glad you......see my perspective, and understanding. Thank you, Nathan."

~~~

Since you left most of my Pokemon's reactions blank, I'll take that as clear to do them myself!

Shiranui and Anubi: They're pretty much thrilled and absolutely tickled pink at learning ROCK SMASH, with the sumo wrestler feeling gratified after FINALLY learning the legendary Move since he first saw it being used on his old ironclad insect partner, and the aural jackal simply overjoyed at getting access to such a POWERFUL technique! Of course he was firmly told not to use it unless given explicit permission for it, which dampened his enthusiasm a bit, but if they was the price he had to pay, then he'll grit his teeth and bear it!

Genie: Similarly, the dragonfly princess was excited to learn the HM, but judging by the fae gleam in her eyes and the smirk she was sporting as she flexed her claws, her ideas around the stone shattering Move was hardly innocent. Oh, the things she can do and the mischief she can get up to with this, te he he he..... She didn't hold anything against Nathan for their battle (A Fight is a Fight, no matter how tricky it gets!), but if she was still made, learning ROCK SMASH was a fitting apology! Terra didn't notice his desert djin's behavior, but Gallade would!

Basteele: The bold bombshell was less overtly enthused about acquiring ROCK SMASH than her peers, only thumping a couple time on the floor as she got PUMPED, before settling down. Unlike the others, she had actually been on the receiving end of the Legendary Move, and boy did that leave an impression on her, in every sense of the word! Add in the fact that her Typing leaves her leave inclined towards Fighting Moves, and overall she's much more subdued and respectful in learning the HM.

However, she almost instantly picked up on the psychic knight's stoic and slightly chilly mood towards her once she gets a good look at them, and fixes them with a stern look and hopped closer, clearly broadcasting the message 'What, you got a problem with me?' In or out of battle, she was direct, blunt, and entirely unsubtle with her interactions, so was getting straight to the bottom of this pronto!

Yogi: You already brought up their reaction, but I'll mention Terra has complete confidence and faith that they will use the HM justly, so he needed no reassurance from them. Still, he appreciated it none the less!

(...)

Needless to say, Terra is shocked again, as the revelation his friend had that much faith in him to teach his daughter ROCK SMASH prior to him asking was stunning, to say the least. Did they....really have that much confidence in him? Shouldn't have been that much of a surprise, as the both of them had supported each other greatly ever since they've meet each other, but when you're given an direct example of how much they trusted you......

It took him about a minute for him to absorb everything, but when he did a brilliant smile broke out across his face, and before Nathan knew it he was in the middle of an hug. Which, considering how uncomfortable he was with that sort of thing, was saying how strongly he felt about his friend's earlier gesture.

"Thank you very much. You are a great, great friend....."

*Flashback!*

No elaboration is necessary for teaching the move to Shiranui and Anubi!  They're obviously happy to learn the move, and Nathan's happy to teach it since Terra's making sure to stress to the young jackal that the move isn't for everyday use.

Yogi purposely maneuvering so that he's second in line to learn the move (probably right after Shiranui) does raise an eyebrow from both Gallade and Nathan.  Particularly Gallade.  No objections are raised, though, and while Gallade does have...issues with Yogi, he can tell that the Medicham is earnestly indicating that he'll use the move responsibly, and indicates as much to Nathan.  Phew, no problems tonight!

In the case of Genie's reaction, Gallade does indeed alert Nathan about that.  Nathan gives Genie a stern look.  "...we're trying to keep the fact that we have this move a secret for the time being, alright, Genie?  This is a move with enough strength to harm some Legendaries.  It's not an everyday toy.  Terra's going to be making extra sure you're using it responsibly now that you know it."  *looks at Terra expectantly*

As for Basteele's...inquiry...Gallade politely shakes his head to indicate 'no' and continues tensely standing in front of the door, his arms behind his back, doing his best to not flinch as the Forretress inches closer.  He's not quite as tense as he was around Yogi, though.  Nathan picks up on it almost instantly and coughs to get Basteele's attention.  "...*ahem*...do excuse my friend for seeming a little more...distant.  He's not usually very comfortable around Steel types.  It's nothing to do with you specifically, though, I assure you.  Just give him a little space and some time, alright?"

-----------------

*hurk!*

That's a tight hug, right there!

Despite that, though, it's feels really, really nice for Nathan when Terra calls him a great friend.

"...well, just make sure to tell Angie that ya know she knows the move now, alright?"

Aside from that, Nathan doesn't really have much to say to Terra about this.

He doesn't really need to say anything about it, to be honest.

--------------------

Unfortunately, there's still other topics that need to be discussed...but at least the ice is broken a little more now, I guess?  Maybe that'll help a little bit...

[Iron]

Shiva, the Rangers get to sign up for 3 Areas they're going to work during the Cup, 6 hour shifts in each area + 1 nap. Ranger Hismo immediately signs up for Area 1, Area 3, and Area 3 again.

Shiva's up and about unnaturally early this day, if Ventus would share the room overnight with her they'd get up at the same time. The sight of the sun just starting to rise at the horizone is a fascinating and beautiful sight for her, though unfortunately there's not much time to admire the peacefulness of the early morning! She'll enjoy breakfast in her room in the hostel while watching the weather forcast and daily horoscope in the news. Her two extraordinaire Ice Types seem excited over the drop in temprature tonight and Shiva promises them to take them for walk through the cold and darkness.

She mindfully packs everything she'll need as a Volunteer Ranger tonight, checks it twice and makes haste to get to the Pokemon Center at first in order to welcome Purrloin back in her ranks (She should be healed up from fainting by now) with a fond hug and eventually pick up her party of six Pokemon she's going to carry during today's duties.

That is her current party.

Nightshade, Delphox, Raphael, Vaporeon, Primal Glaceon, Lilith + the three Pokemon Eggs. It HUUUURRRTTTTSSS to leave Cottonee out for a day, but if something would happen to her much-beloved fluffball due to the nasty and omnipresent Poison Types Shiva will have a hard time forgiving herself, so she eventually chooses her gothloli fortuneteller. Held Items are also rearranged.

Humm, is only one Ranger allowed per Area? I believe not, but the Chief Rangers would probably make sure that every Area is covered by a suitable number of Rangers. Shiva's definitely signing up for Area 4 and 5, as well as for...Area 6 ONLY if she can join an experienced Ranger during that shift OR receiving back-up from one. She has four Gym badges and capable Pokemon by her side, but visiting that infamous Area alone - she's not confident enough for that. (If that's not possible, she'll sign up for Area 4 again.)

AND: I'll be able to collect things and crafting material or go for a Pokemon my self during the time assigned for nap = the downtime, correct? Though will there be any penalties if I do so?

You still get your 3 Encounters per day, which you can spend on foraging or Pokemon, and 5 Safari Balls. But your hidden Encounter list will be shorter because you spend some of that time on chores and such.

You are partnered up with Ranger Jiordan in Area 6, but he'll be on the edge of shouting distance.

[Iron]

If you're geared up, you can post an Area and any kind of goal you want, and I can get to rolling out your Safari Adventures!

[Dragonstrike]

A Safari Excursion!: Hoenn Safari Zone Remix by Nick 0

Nathan's trying to keep his mind off of last night, to be honest.  Even though I don't know how exactly that conversation with Terra fully went when it turned to other topics yet, I do know that Nathan wants to give this Safari excursion his all, and he can't afford to be too distracted.

Good news, though!  D-Hippopotas and Vibravas' Obedience Camp session is finally over!  The +1 Loyalty means that D-Hippopotas should now be fully obedient (1/1 until she evolves and that Disobedience shoots up to 5, that is) and Vibrava should now be mostly obedient (2/3), which is definitely a lot better than what Nathan started with before the group reached Atheneum.

So, prep time...hmmm...well, best start with Nathan's team of 6 (plus the Dratini egg) for the day and their initial hold items!

- Gallade (holding the Clamperl Pearl)
- Juliet (holding Eviolite)
- Grid (holding Itching Powder)
- Solomon (holding the obsidian Hard Stone)
- Calam (holding Leftovers)
- Swiftfire (holding Lucky Egg)

After hearing from Heart that something might be about to happen soon in Teazel Valley, Nathan doesn't want to take very many chances and get caught without some of his stronger pokemon.  And after hearing that it's going to be kinda cold tonight, he definitely wants Swiftfire on hand.  Gallade should hopefully be able to supplement any healing that needs to be done, and he's got plenty of items that can restore HP and a decent amount of status healing items.  And seeing as the whole point of this is to catch pokemon, and lots of them, Nathan definitely wants to ensure he has a whole bunch of status effects that he can inflict to help make it easier!

With this lineup, he should also hopefully be prepared for all the Grass, Bug, Normal, and Poison types that are common in the area.  And if he happens to encounter one, Delta Parasect as well.

...the only part he's kinda uncertain about still is the general survival stuff.  Food, water, and shelter (provided the tent doesn't get damaged beyond usability) are all covered already, though, and the group has been in rougher places before, so maybe it will be fine?  And the best way to learn is by doing, right?

For good measure, though, Nathan purchases 3 Revives and a Full Heal ($5100 total, and I double checked my math this time).  Ideally, he wants to save those Revives for the tournament, obviously, just in case he happens to need them.

------------------------------------

So, with all the prep work done, on to the Safari Challenge!

Well, let's start off with Nathan heading to Area 4!  A decent chance of some rare stuff, and hopefully not so difficult that he burns out before he's even begun.  After all, if he wants a good shot at winning this cup, he's going to have to catch some decently strong pokemon.

His other goal besides the cup: see if he can't find that Delta Parasect.  But given that it seems to be more common at nighttime in Areas 5 and 6, he'll have to keep himself occupied for the time being!