Local Ex-Raid (and Complications), 6/21/2018

So yes, today was again the day of an Ex-Raid scheduled at the (so far) only spot in my area for an Ex-Raid. The story of this one actually began almost two weeks ago. Those who have been reading this blog might have noted that around back then, I posted something on "the spirit of giving"; the activity of giving that I partook in with my Pokémon style actually occurred around the same spot with the Gym where the Ex-Raids take place, and since at that time an Ex-Raid had been completed just three days before, raids would naturally show up there for players to take part in and qualify for an Ex-Raid Pass. A raid did occur while I was in that activity, and I also did almost everything that I mentioned in that post for that raid. The result, of course, was an Ex-Raid Pass given just a few days later for the Ex-Raid today.

Not only that, this Ex-Raid had another commonality with one that took place two months ago: it was scheduled at 6 PM in the evening. It should be noted that the one that occurred then occurred one month before the extension of raid times into the night, which meant that for all practical purposes it could be considered the last raid of the day, but now with raid times extended, it may just be the prelude to more raids; this in fact did happen, but I didn't take part because I had to go and do other things. Meanwhile, this extension has brought about the possibility for an Ex-Raid being scheduled even later, perhaps at 8 PM. This possibility is remote or perhaps simply impossible, but it is at least a conjecture, given the situation.

As for the "complications" part, quite a few people were still in a "special time" mood, so they had to make alternative arrangements or bow out altogether. Notably, one of the "generals" that usually obtains an Ex-Raid Pass (and did in this case) had to suddenly bow out for reasons unknown to me. Things may become clearer once I talk again to the person. Another complication was the issue of whether the Gym of the Ex-Raid should be blanked out or left belonging to one team or another - in a way supporting that team. For the past few Ex-Raids, this was the case: the Gym was blanked out and left belonging to no team, with no Pokémon. Today the practice was to be repeated, but then at the last moment, someone - whether accidentally or intentionally - filled the Gym, and there was not enough time to empty said Gym once it happened. This becomes a debatable practice that may or may not be continued.

"What's next?" (I took the picture.)

The only complication I had today was being patient in capturing Mewtwo, which is also true for practically any raid, but perhaps more so for this one. The patience involves making sure that a Golden Razz Berry was given before each throw and then landing each throw so that the Pokémon enters the ball. I accomplished both, but it did take six throws before Mewtwo finally cooperated. I have to say that the challenge will be repeating this for any and all raids, including Ex-Raids. It's a complication that I may be able to work out.

All complications aside, this was a successful Ex-Raid to say the least. It's safe to say that almost no raid is completely free from complications, but this one was quite noticeable. And yet that's a good thing; it means they can be recognized and prevented in other raids later on. That remains to be seen and told, as are the stories that may unfurl before, during, and after the raids take place. I can't wait.

One year ago: Resets and Redos