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What's Mega Evolution?

Mega Evolution is a powerful, temporary form of evolution that a few select Pokemon appear to be capable of. While it has been known of for generations, its effects and more intricate details are but recent discoveries. The world's still trying to research and understand it, just as we ourselves are.

To use Mega Evolution, you're gonna need a Key Stone first. Without that, the Mega Stones are little more than giant, elaborate marbles. An accessory isn't necessary to use the Key Stone, but it can help and the Snag Machine can be upgraded to allow one to be inserted.

What's a Key Stone and Mega Stone?

The Key Stone is an unusual stone often found in Hoenn or Kalos, usually embedded into an accessory for easy access at all times. Mega Stones need this to function at all, as the Key Stone unlocks the stones' true potential. While one CAN acquire Mega Stones first, it's better to focus on the Key Stone above all else. In Kalos, there's a place called the Tower of Mastery where one can take the so-called "Test of Mastery." Should one scale the tower and pass its trials, they will be given a Key Stone and can access Mega Evolution. We hear that this place can also give Mega Diplomas, which Ambrosia has found to be equal enough to alchemize a Key Stone.

Mega Stones, the other part of the equation, are a special sort of held item that a Pokemon that's needed for them to Mega Evolve. They're usually crafted at Ambrosial Alchemy, but can sometimes be given out during special events in the guild.



What are Z-Moves?

Like Mega Evolution, Z-Moves are also something that's been known for generations and had its information lost to the throes of time. While these are something we're just now learning about, it seems that the people of Alola consider the ability to use these moves not just part of their way of life, but a rite of passage. The islands' Kahunas are able to refine the Sparkling Stones found there into a bracelet that facilitates these moves, which we've been able to replicate and alter thanks to Ambrosia's help.

Using these will not only require that Sparkling Stone, but also Z-Crystals to perform the moves. And maybe a crash course in hula poses.

What are the Sparkling Stone and Z-Crystals?

The Sparkling Stone is a stone found only in Alola, with the Kahunas deeming those who find one to be chosen by their guardian deities. It's said to be quite similar to a Key Stone, though the refining process makes it difficult to do much more than Z-Moves with them, just as a refined Key Stone can only handle Mega Evolution. Z-Crystals, of course, can be obtained before getting a Sparkling Stone, but it'll be useless unless they're paired together. The people of the region tend to do Island Trials often, so that might be your best bet about trying to learn about and harness this kind of power. Apparently, they can also give out Z-Writs, though we're not sure how we're even able to get those. Maybe some dealing Nebu's done, who knows.

Z-Crystals aren't unlike the Elemental Gems that are plentiful around Unova. Both are tied to given types, and bolster those sorts of moves. But that's where the similarities end. A Pokemon holding the Z-Crystal that matches one of its moves is able to charge it with an immense amount of energy, unleashing a powerful Z-Move instead. The base move determines exactly how it'll work, though some may require more to it. For example, Electrium Z can be used by any Pokemon that can use an Electric move, while Pikanium Z won't work unless a Pikachu's Volt Tackle is powering it. Like Mega Stones, however, these can largely be crafted at Ambrosial Alchemy or given from an event.

Anything else I should know?

Key Stones, Mega Stones, Sparkling Stones and Z-Crystals all unleash a lot of energy all at once, and it takes time to recharge after using so much power. As such, Mega Evolutions and Z-Moves can only used once per Mission or Team Mission, and using them are an either/or deal. If you use a Mega Evolution, you cannot use a Z-Move and vice versa. This also applies to Z-Status Moves. Either way, trying to do much more than that runs a risk of destroying the stones and crystals, nevermind the harm it could bring to the Pokemon or hybrid trying to use it. The Snag Machine can only take so much, too.

Also, while hybrids can use Mega Evolution and/or Z-Moves, they must also complete their Grand Master Mission before they can do so. There are no limits to how many Mega Stones or Z-Crystals one can have, but each character will need to get their own Key Stone and Sparkling Stone. These can be acquired in one of three ways: Either by doing the Test of Mastery and/or Island Trial again, or getting a Mega Diploma or Z-Writ through rewards or the Golden Sarcophagus' daily rarity. Finally, there's also a separate mission that grants a Key Stone in its rawest form. While the last of these can only be undertaken after one of a member's characters has acquired Mega Evolution AND Z-Move access, the Key Stone granted will give access to both for the character that does it.

So, if you're ready to undertake these arduous trials, pick up the mission or missions and post them in your Mission Archive thread once you're done. If there's any questions, however, feel free to contact the Administration.

Recognition of the Tapu

The Tapu, guardians of Alola's four main islands, protectors of all threats foreign and domestic. The Tapu not only protect their respective islands but they also choose who is to become that island's Kahuna. Yet their role does not end there either, their final purpose, the one that should interest you the most at this time, is to recognize those trainers it deems skillful enough to wield the power of Z-Moves. When the Tapu find recognize a powerful or brave trainer they bestow upon them a Sparkling Stone which is then crafted into a Z-Ring by the island's Kahuna, said Z-Ring then used by a trainer to utilize Z-Moves.

So want a Z-Ring of your own? Visit one of the four Tapu shrines across Alola, each shrine resting in the ruins of monuments dedicated to them long ago. Whether or not the Tapu reveals its self to you depends on the Tapu, each of them have their own unique personalities and particularities. If the Tapu reveals its self to you then it shall put you through a trial of its own, an ancient trial created by the Tapu which humans have tried to recreate in their own trials. The variety of trial depends on the Tapu you visit, each trial details below:

Tapu Koko (Ruins of Conflict): The Trial of Conflict, a test of your desire to survive. Without conflict there can be no life, conflict being the darkness which always light to shine. Tapu Koko's trial is simple; chase him down across Melemele Island and defeat him in battle. Storm clouds will follow Tapu Koko across the island to guide you, however to draw the Tapu out you must give him an offering of conflict, that is you must please him with a battle against someone in the area in order for him to come out and face you. Tapu Koko may not remain in one place for long even as he battles you, you see the Tapu is fickle and if at any point the battle bores him he will flee for another location. Not only must you defeat Tapu Koko but you must appeal to his desire of proper conflict to earn your Sparkling Stone.

Tapu Lele (Ruins of Life): The Trial of Life, a test of the life within you. It is said from the Ruins of Life and Tapu Lele shrine was life bestowed upon the islands of Alola. Tapu Lele's trial is a reflection of its self; an unintentionally cruel trial. As the harbinger of life and healing Tapu Lele wishes to see you bring forth life its self, however to do so you must brave death. Tapu Lele possesses scales which can heal and reinvigorate anyone who comes in contact with them, however too much contact can cause harm. Tapu Lele will present you with a Pokemon it 'healed' too much just for your trial (it doesn't understand right and wrong). Your job is to undo the effects of its scales which requires a bath in the waters of Brooklet Hill (not really, once you get there Tapu Lele heals them). However Tapu Lele will throw a few...obstacles in your way there, you see the Tapu likes to play but it complete guileless, to a fault, childlike. Play is innocently cruel game and the Sparkling Stone is yours.

Tapu Bulu (Ruins of Abundance): The Trial of Abundance, a test of your restraint. The Tapu of Ula'ula is a peaceful Pokemon, despite its physical strength and bouts of rage. Tapu Bulu does not like battle and as such attempts to scare away those that would fight, a Tapu that will do everything it can to avoid conflict. As such its trial will test your own restraint and desire for peace. Tapu Bulu will bestow upon you a massive Watmel Berry from its private gardens. You must then, without any water on your person, take the berry with you into Haina Desert (the desert you came through to get here) and simply make your way out of the maze-like desert to the oasis on Route 13. Carrying such a juicy berry will tempt the wild Pokemon to attack you and should you find yourself in the desert for too long you might be tempted to eat it yourself, your thirst overcoming you. Not only must you come out on the other end with the berry but you must also restrain yourself from attacking the wild Pokemon, never using your Pokemon unless you absolutely must do so to protect others. Show restraint and the Sparkling Stone is yours.

Tapu Fini (Ruins of Hope): The Trial of Hope, a test your own perseverance and hope for a better future. This particular Tapu is the most reclusive one, befitting of its almost untouched island. Tapu Fini not only possesses powerful healing powers and strength but it also possesses a mistrust and disinterest of people, having been pursued for countless years for its special waters. As such Tapu Fini's trial is a lighter version of the tribulations it puts seekers of its healing waters through. The trial is simple, Tapu Fini will flee across the ocean off of Poni Breaker Coast, your job is to pursue it across the turbulent waters and dense fog it creates. Normally Tapu Fini would show the true extent of its water controlling abilities, creating massive waves and whirlpools against those who desire its waters but when it comes to a Sparkling Stone it holds back a little. Brave the obstacles the Tapu throws at you as well as the savage water Pokemon that make such dangerous waters their home. Should you make it through the Tapu will wait for you on a small island to grant you the Sparkling Stone you so desire.


-Objective:
---Visit one of the four shrines dedicated to the Tapu and endure their trial.

-Opposition:
---Varies on which Tapu you appeal to. Tapu Koko and to a lesser extent Tapu Fini will fight you.
---Wild Pokemon in the areas you will be led to in the various trials.
---Trainers you may have to face in the trials.

-Pokemon:
---You may not capture the Tapu and they do not take kindly to capturing wild Pokemon during their trials.

-Rewards:
---10 Snag Coins
---Sparkling Stone
---Additional rewards for story, facing additional battles, and forth.

-Bonus:
---You may blend this mission into your Island Trials for story purposes and additional rewards. Rewards vary on which Tapu trial you undertake with Tapu Koko being the lesser and Tapu Fini the greater due to their shrine placement in your path.