>>51435599It's been a few days, but eventually I did press on.
With a bit of planning, I skimmed through the fight with Commander Mars unharmed. In Eterna Forest I barely nabbed a Buneary that Cheryl was determined to kill. A few more encounters followed, but the only one that would become relevant is Gastly in the Old Chateau.
Gardenia was an absolute clean sweep with Golbat, who evolved immediately after the fight per my friendship grinding (slapped the soothe bell on as I level grinded).
On the way to Hearthome City my Psyduck would die, to a wild Onix, that broke out of 19 Poké Balls, all while at red health, and crit Rock Throw 7 times. It brought my Shellos and Bibarel quite low as well, since I was switching between the 3 to avoid one dying. Lucky me I have 2 backup water types (Bibarel and Shellos)
The Jupiter fight also went off without a hitch, by the way. Intimidate pivoting and a bit of luck (which would evidently be rebalanced by the Onix) helped me breeze through.
Next up was Fantina. I trained up a few new team members, as I knew beforehand that Fantina is an infamous run-ender. The result of that fight is Picrel.
I really thought Sucker Punch would deal enough to take out Mismagius. Whatever, at least Crobat would lay waste to the thing, because Fantina Super Potioned rather than possibly OHKO with Psybeam.
Not sure I have a plan for the upcoming rival fight, Maylene or Wake. I'll post my box in a reply if anyone has some suggestions.
