trainingblitz | 1. The Story Begins [Video]

[The camera is on a new face today. Ludwig stares into the camera with an even gaze, then begins his little introductory speech.]

Hello. I am Ludwig Beilschmidt, a new arrival to Johto. The first matter I would like to ask about is... I was recently informed by a nurse at the Pokemon Center here in New Bark Town that I have been started on what is called a "Pokemon journey." I received some details on what to do, but I would like to ask the rest of you... how should I start this "journey?" I think I'll stay in New Bark Town for a day or two before I begin traveling, but I need to know what to do from there.

The second matter is about the flyers for the breeding center that I have seen posted around town. I would like to take advantage of the "newbie deal" to get another Pokemon, but I'm unsure of what Pokemon I should get. Can you give me any recommendations? My first Pokemon is Elekid, an electric-type, so that should factor in your recommendations. [The camera pans to an Elekid, who jumps and gives a cheery "Ele!" in response to the camera being pointed at him. The camera then goes back to Ludwig's face.] See?

My final request is that, if you have encountered any people who refer to themselves as "countries" or "nations," please tell me who they are. I might know them. Thank you, and goodbye.

[The video feed ends here.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Grass or water... duly noted. You have a guide? I would like to see it, then. I could definitely use any information I can get.

Sure thing. I'll go ahead and attach it; just keep in mind that it's kind of wordy. I wanted to make it as detailed as possible.

[And okay, he's kind of an overachiever.

At any case, here's that attachment.]

[Ludwig doesn't reply till he's read the whole thing from top to bottom. When he does, though...]

So collecting the badges won't get us home... that was what I was thinking was going to happen. [He frowns deeply, but it quickly goes away.] I'll certainly keep your Pokemon recommendations in mind. I think several of the Pokemon I plan to get evolve into your recommendations, so I feel I'm on the right track. [And of course, if it's by the book, it's right in Ludwig's eyes.]

Oh yeah? What Pokémon have caught your eye so far?

[That's always a good way to catch his interest; discussing Pokémon comes easy to him.]

My starting Pokemon is an Elekid, and I plan to get a Turtwig, a Squirtle, and a Growlithe from the Breeding Center. Also on my to-catch list are Pidgey and Onix. Pidgey will come in handy when I get the Fly HM, and I've heard that Onix will be good to ride on and cut my travel time. The other three are more strictly for battling purposes, but I hear Arcanine is good to ride on, too.

An Elekid, huh? Well, if you want something to shoot for...

[Give him a second as he slips into another room.]

Ouja! Get over here.

[There's a sound of crackling and static before a big, fuzzy Electivire stomps into view. He puts his hands on his hips and stares at the feed for a good five seconds before waving his hand and wandering off.]

Train up your Elekid and then give him an Electrizer, and he'll evolve into an Electivire. You'll just need someone to do a temporary trade with, but I'd say the extra power's more than worth it.

That's certainly an impressive-looking Pokemon. It's almost a little hard to believe that Elekid eventually evolves into that.

[An "Ele!" can be heard from offscreen, and a big Elekid paw waves in front of the camera.]

...Seems he knew we were talking about him.

Pokémon usually do have a knack for that, especially if they're close by.

[There's a sound of BLRZBLRZBLRZZZ off camera from that Electivire. Pff, is that an Elekid?]

Should see my Weavile. He'll take any chance he gets to go on and on about silly things like horror novels.