Pokémon An expanded bunch of prompts based around types and type of stuff, feat. Nori/Prema metaseries

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In a nutshell: Stellar and Tera
In various parts of the world, most prominently the Paldea region, there exist minerals known as Tera Crystals. These have trace amounts of typed essence within them. Occasionally, a Pokemon can be found covered in these crystals like a thin sheet of ice. This has the effect of changing their type. Unlike temporary forced evolutions or form changes, this does not seem to have any ill effects on the Pokemon. For some reason, the crystals tend to form into shapes which humans commonly imagine to be associated with each type. They will crumble and will not function without the presence of a Master Crystal within a certain range, such as the one in the center of Paldea. Special jewels called Tera Orbs have been created as "receivers" allowing their power to be used at longer range, and to call it upon a Pokemon. In most cases, crystals of one of their types manifests, but nonmatching ones have been observed in nature. Research is underway as to how to replicate this.

On even rarer occasions, Pokemon that take on a rainbow, starlike pattern when terastallized have been found. This was confirmed as not being typelessness, but a type of its own. It was coined the Stellar type after its appearance and taking part of the phenomenon's name. This type has no properties, but is particularly effective on terastallized Pokemon. It has caused scientists to wonder if it is an alien type: it is well known that the Great Crater of Paldea was created by a meteor strike, and that it's likely the Tera Crystals came here with it. Where the ones in places like the Kitakami region came from are a good question indeed.

Who's who of type experts 1: Turo and Sada Esente
Affectionately called the Professorial Power Couple of Paldea. They have a similar story: they grew up fascinated by the tale of the Expedition Team of Area Zero. Sada loved the idea of ancient Pokemon, whereas Turo liked to speculate what they might appear like in the future. They met in university, and though they had differing opinions on which is real, they fell in love over their mutual interest of the expedition (and old American cartoons) and had a child they named Arven.

They primarily research the Terastal Phenomenon, and have managed to artificially synthesize a Stellar crystlal. The two have a habit of getting wrapped up in their work, and frequently have to hire nannies for little Arven. Sada and Turo have gotten criticism for being somewhat amoral in their research, but they haven't crossed any lines. They have received private and government funding for their work, such as from various academies, but are otherwise independent. They live and work out of the lighthouse near Cabo Poco. While neither is not officially recognized by the Officials as a regional professor, they are collectively the most respected in the region for the advancements they made in understanding terastallization.

In what looks to be history repeating itself, they have gotten permission by Paldean authorities to head into Area Zero. Their goal is to settle the truth once and for all. With the proper equipment and precautions this time, thank you very much. Time will tell how it turns out for them.

Who's who of type experts 2: Yukito Masuku
A man who lives in Kitakami and one of the primary researchers of the phenomenon there. The Masuku family are adept at making masks, but are also researches of the Terastal phenomenon. Their finest creations are masks that are interweaved with Tera Crystals, which besides looking pretty, will react and transform along with the Pokemon. He has a son named Takumi, who has two children of his own: Carmine and Kieran.

The Masuku family is one of the few in Kitakami aware of the true legend of Ogerpon, having offered them shelter when shunned by others. Yukito's ancestors crafted a set of very special masks for the visiting Pokemon: made not only from Tera Crystals but from elemental stones. Though it was not their intent, the masks had the unusual effect of changing her type. But that's another section.

Pokemon commentary 1: Glimmet and Glimmora
Sentient, floating Rock-type Pokemon that subside on minerals in earth. Anything part of rock or soil they cannot consume is excreted as crystallized poison in a way that gives them a flower-like appearance. A strong enough impact will knock them loose from the Pokemon, but having or losing them has no ill effect on their health or abilities.

Two things are baffling about these Pokemon. One is they have determinate genders. The other is that their floral forms bear an uncanny resemblance to Tera Crystals. They have been known to consume them. Given they have no special abilities when terastallizing and they're the same anywhere in the world with no minor variant, this is likely a coincidence. That said, they are a common sight to see around Tera Crystals. If there's indeed a connection, science hasn't proven it yet.

Pokemon commentary 2: Terapagos
An extremely rare tortoise-like Pokemon that, due to its only being found in the Great Crater of Paldea and other factors, is thought to be an alien species. They are near extinct in the modern age. Attempts to save them with unmanned probes has been unsuccessful, and so far no further manned expedition that far in has been approved.

They are thought to have been naturally of the Stellar-type, but can only manifest it through terastallization in the modern age. As of now, they're simply Normal-types. It is believed the form they take on while doing so - with a flat shell and crystal-like fur on the front and back - was actually an evolution in the past, which is now only indirectly accessible through energy manipulation. Because of this, it's believed that the method was to be around another Stellar-type. Someone on the infamous Expedition Team also sketched what some believe is a final stage, sitting atop a giant mirror ball.

They have been contacted with the help of powerful Psychic-types using telepathy. While they are long-lived, there are none around old enough to be around during those bygone days. The species is naturally cautious for obvious reasons, but also very curious about the outside world. They apparently sleep most of the time, and feed off minerals and energy. It may be possible to free them from their only known habitat on Earth someday, but it's not a high priority among those who know.

Menacing moves:
• Tera Blast: While this move is normally just a strong energy beam, a Terastralized Pokemon will draw power from the crystals on its body to change its type. This includes the Stellar-type.
• Tera Starstorm: An extremely rare and more powerful version of the above that surges and hits a wider area if the Pokemon is terastallized to be Stellar.
• Spectrum Spike: Few actual moves of the Stellar-type have been observed. This is one which appears to be a weak stabbing attack with Tera Crystals.
• Fulgurite: A Stellar-Tera Galvantula was observed using this move. It had the effect of damaging the target and creating a field that prevented it from drawing strength from objects, like the move Embargo. However, the Pokemon is left fatigued afterwards.
• Barite Jail: A trainer in Paldea recounts a Stellar-Tera Palossand using this move before escaping. From their observations, It appeared to either be a version of False Swipe or Super Fang involving creating pillars of crystallized sand around the target.

Noteworthy Pokemon in-fic: ???
I tend to stay away from generational gimmicks, but this one fit the theme of this type prompt/worldbuilding exercise. So I suppose it is something that will preliminarily be in my ficverse. I'd need to have a specific setting for this one.

 

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In a nutshell: Pseudo and Nothing
Pokemon moves can have properties that are not tied to a type. Abilities can affect specifically them, just like there are abilities that affect types. The most notable of these are sound moves, which gained a bizarre following among fiction writers who enjoy turning it into its own type. They will even cast aside established types such as Jigglypuff's Normal or Toxtricity's Electric to suit this. Few seem to like talking of the similarly hypothetical Punch, Dance, or Contact types, however.

There has been speculation that these used to actually be types before they became consolidated into others. One of the biggest points of evidence against this comes from religion of all places. It is known that there are plates attuned to different types which have a connection with a Pokemon that Japanese creation myth describes as the creator of the species. Any Pokemon that holds these will have their moves of the matching type enhanced, but said Pokemon can use them to change type. While multiple copies of these plates have been discovered scattered worldwide, they have not matched any hypothetical type. Various human-crafted held items with similar boosting effects to these plates have been made since antiquity, but there remains very limited success in creating items that can boost a hypothetical type.

Oddly, a journal by a potential Kannagi heir from 1867 recounts catching sight of what looked to be the creator of Pokemon with a dull green coloration not matching any type when she scaled Mt. Coronet during the conclusion of her Rite to become worthy of ascending to the position of Master. It is hypothesized that this is a form without any type; typelessness can exist under unusual circumstances, such as a Pokemon of a single type suppressing it with a move.

Who's who of type (?) experts 1: Evander Tyler and Fabio Starr
A pair of mercenaries from Unova and Paldea respectively. Tyler is an ex-boxer who was thrown out of the sport for his brutality. Fabio used to serve as a Pokador known for his signature claw before the sport was outlawed. They gained infamy for their connections with the organization called Ordershade and were even part of the group's Elite Four. The two never liked each other, but they were mutually betrayed, and in turn, assisted the International Police in helping stop the group's plans.

Tyler practiced boxing with his Pokemon, many of which have the Iron Fist ability. Starr preferred slicing moves and some of his Pokemon used their Sharpness to amplify them. Both are very talented trainers. There were offers from Leagues as usual for anyone of their skill level, but one thing they both could agree on (besides love for money) was not liking type specialization. Plus both kind of had problems with authority from their prior treatment.

They're currently just doing whatever. Tyler has been doing some bodyguard work. He even once worked with the Esente family. It's otherwise been dull and there has been no chance of a boxing comeback, so he's been toughing it out in other places – martial arts and Pokemon. Starr was recently in the news for brutalizing Paldea's newest battle obsessed Champion in a battle. He humbled her badly, made her cry and everything. School aged kids in Mesagoza silently cheered for the masked fighter since she could be something of a bully.

Who's who of type (??) experts 2: Sarah Sashay
Jokes aside, some trainers have a specialty, but they aren't in types. Sashay is the stage name of a popular dancer and Pokemon Breeder. Despite her love for theatrics, she is not a Coordinator. Her specialty? All over the place. She's a serious trainer and a student of the Koga clan who has done some work at Battle Facilities around the world, including Mt. Battle in the Orre region.

These places have their roots from the Battle Tents in Hoenn, which featured alternative means of battling that aren't just one or two Pokemon against the other. One of these evolved into Pokemon Contests, but that's another story. What Sashay is most known for is her experience in what's known as Little Battles. This involves competitors taking recently hatched Pokemon and pitting them against each other. Without a chance to train them, they need to come from excellent stock to use more than just basic attacks.

Of course, they're going to start growing up sooner or later. Sashay raises these Pokemon from there to compete in double battles. She uses strategy and Pokemon specifically tailored for it. And when it comes to standard battles, she makes liberal use of status moves. Confusion, paralysis, raising evasion, healing, all to frustrate her opponents and gradually wear down their Pokemon. Unlike some who generally move to finish off the other Pokemon from there, she goes all in on the stall strategy. Her battles tend to be plodding. Some have even gone to the time limit, so she keeps the crowd entertained with her dance moves. That said, she far prefers Little or double battles, openly finding them more interesting. She's said her strategies in singles are an attempt to change things up from the norm. And it's found her success, so people have to begrudgingly accept it.

Pokemon commentary 1: Dhelmise
Pseudo types often stand out because of abilities associated with them. But Dhelmise, while not technically having anything fitting the definition of these pseudo types, stands out anyway. Their one and only ability, at least before canon somehow contradicts me, is Steelworker. It is known that Pokemon of type can use moves of the type more effectively. One would think Dhelmise would be Steel, particularly given its connection to Anchorage and indeed being partially made out of metal, but it is not: instead, the Grass and Ghost types take dominance. Yet its ability lets it use Steel-type moves just as effectively as a Steel-type would. Hypothesis is that this is the Pokemon compensating for not having the type in a formal capacity, or that it's otherwise the third type manifesting a different way. Other such abilities exist (like on Bombirdier on occasion) but Dhelmise always has one without being of the type.

While they appear to be spirits possessing fallen boat anchors or similar metals, the actual soul is spread throughout the plants and seaweed encasing them. The wheel section is its main body. Decay gradually ravages their physical form, so they need to constantly gather materials to sustain themselves. The life force of other Pokemon is a delicacy that they can process to revitalize their seaweed instead of gathering more fresh stuff. They are particularly daring and like to test themselves by targeting large Pokemon. Oddly, smaller herbivores who eat seaweed are their greatest predators, which can destroy parts of their ectoplasm. Dhelmise has trouble hitting them if they get close; even if they land a Giga Drain, they may sustain permanent damage, and can be overwhelmed by groups. This is another reason why they enjoy the company of Anchorage, who eat these small fish and Pokemon. They also get along with Skrelp for the same reason, who also help them find the seaweed they both like to hide in. Dhelmise returns the favor with transport and protection.

If the seaweed they live in becomes unusable and the spirit cannot find more, it will quickly weaken. It cannot hold its anchor and thus simply becomes a helpless floating wheel. If it is not saved or eaten before then, the soul will eventually dissolve, ending its lifespan. To contrast if the anchor becomes unusable, it remains in a weakened but still capable state. However, it maintains its Steelworker ability in the meantime. This was eventually used for the theorem that types are embedded into Pokemon on a spiritual level more than they are a physical level.

Pokemon commentary 2: Type: Full
An artificial Pokemon created by the Aether Foundation to combat the Pokemon filtering in from another dimension called the Ultra Beasts. There was no information on them or what their types could be. Were one to appear in an urban area, a quick subduing would be necessary no matter what it was. Thus, the idea of a Pokemon of all types was born.

They took inspiration from the aforementioned creator of myth. An old writing recalls a special plate that would allow it to strike any weakness without fail. Things went well at first. The Pokemon wasn't the prettiest from the mishmash of DNA they used, but it was healthy. It turned out to be Normal-type, and the machinery they grafted didn't add a Steel-type. Its combat capabilities were average, but it was a good first step. They managed to create a move that could hypothetically change type.

Their next step was to give it an ability that would allow it to change its type. They then created experimental discs they called "memories" in that would stimulate the Pokemon's brain impulses and distribute typed energy throughout their body. It was just one step towards making it omnitype. It seemed to work, but then things went bad: three specimens went into a frenzy, rampaging around the lab. They were subdued and the memories removed, only for them to go on another rampage even without them. It was the RKS System itself causing it. It could not be removed without threatening their lives or setting back their work. The brilliant Faba was able to create a restraining helmet, but they found themselves at a scientific impasse. While trying to figure it out, the president suddenly ordered them disposed of. It was uncharacteristic of her, but all the Foundation scientists could do was obey. Though, they were placed into cryogenic status instead of done away with entirely.

Menacing moves:
• Hidden Power: The Pokemon reaches deep into its soul to unleash a burst of energy seemingly corresponding with their personality. Intense training can make it possible for a Pokemon to change this.
• Flying Press: This is an extremely rare move of two types at once. Even if the Fighting-type is changed through certain effects, its Flying-type remains.
• Wide Slash: A rare move. The Pokemon swings its claws, etc. without infusing any sort of type into it. While it is weak, it can hit anything.
• Struggle: A Pokemon somehow rendered unable to use any of its moves and without other means to attack may use this out of desperation. It is a wild and reckless attack not of any type, that often hurts the user more than it hurts the target.
• Curse: A move of dubious typing. A Ghost-type will tear away part of its own body, manifest it into a grudge, and cast it upon the opponent's soul to gradually sap their energy. Other types will bear down, boosting their physical stats but slowing. There was a time when the latter variation of this was thought to be a move called Slow, only for during the semifinals of the 1983 Hoenn League, a Dusknoir was Soaked right before using Curse. That was a surprise, but the fact that the Pokemon used the move wasn't: humans are the one who come up with 99% of move names, and Pokemon have the ability to understand the gist of what a human is saying no matter their language. To them, "Use Curse" and "Use Slow" were the same thing all along.

Noteworthy future not-a-type thing in-fic: Evelyn O'Moore
This is really kind of specific and I haven't gone out of my way to think up something for the sake of having it. So it's better to say noteworthy trainer eventually going to be in the fic: one of the daughters of the O'Moore family. Evelyn was chosen to be the Battle Maison's double battle host. Not by her choice, but she doesn't want to let her family down. She is sent on Hoenn on a journey to put some of what she learned into practice. At least her family is able to arrange some traveling companions for her. However…

 

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In a nutshell: Type changes
One of the more unusual things about a Pokemon's type is that it can temporarily change. While their genetic makeup stays the same and the type will eventually revert to normal after time or changing to energy form, there are a multitude of moves and abilities that can alter them on the surface/skin level. This is enough to affect how well they use moves and how they take moves.

Pokemon commentary 1: Stunfisk
The common Stunfisk is a marsh-dwelling species. These dopey, flat fish possess a special gland that allows them to produce electricity. Despite living in swampy water if not outright mud and being capable of using many Water-type moves, they are actually primarily Ground-type Pokemon with Electric as a secondary type. It is believed they developed the type as a means of not harming themselves with their own electricity. Because it coarses through their facial muscles, it gives the illusion of them smiling whenever they use electricity.

Stunfisk are naturally cunning, yet cowardly. They sit patiently in mudflats, waiting for potentially days for prey to come by. They can use Camouflage to adapt their skin and type to different terrains, hiding in tall grass, etc. When something steps on it, the Stunfisk delivers a powerful electric shock. They usually go for smaller things; heavier or larger ones are too big to eat. However, if the prey fights back or is immune, they hastily retreat. While they can move on land, water, and even fly, they're not particularly quick.

They have a regional variant found in places rich in earthen metals, and have come to be associated with Galar. Their behavior is much the same, except they live underground and trade their electrical abilities for being able to fold themselves up and tear into things. They are one of a few Pokemon capable of using the move Snap Trap, though this move has Grass-type properties instead owing to its usual users. Their lips look like the common Poke Ball, but it's believed this is a simple coincidence. Unlike similar Pokemon, they don't use this to (try to) trick anything. They're even better at adapting to their surroundings, and can passively do so in the middle of a battle with a special ability.

Pokemon commentary 2: Kecleon
These lizard-like Pokemon are well known for their natural ability to alter the texture of their body to perfectly blend in with any environment. They can mask their heat signature in the process. Trainers and wild Pokemon alike have been known to bump into Kecleon standing in the middle of paths. But they can't hide their shadow, and there is a small striped part of their body that they cannot change. The stripe is also the part of the body that changes when the shiny gene is active. They are otherwise known to come in a variety of colors. Most are green by default, with purple as the next most common color, but the whole spectrum has been witnessed.

A Kecleon uses this ability to sneak up on unsuspecting prey (often mice or similarly small Pokemon) and devour it after grabbing it with their long tongue. They also use this to grab fruit and berries from trees without having to climb them. Some Pokemon have been known to work with Pokemon that can sense an invisible Kecleon, like with scent and even echolocation. The Devon Corporation developed a special eyewear that uses beams of light to detect and imagery to show unseen Pokemon to deal with an outbreak of Kecleon threatening the ecosystem. When forced into combat, a Kecleon fights with their claws and the occasional beam of psychic power.

Kecleon notably have two abilities that change their type in the middle of battle. With Color Change, they absorb type energy from moves that strike them and distribute it across their body, changing into that type themselves. And with Protean, they use excess power from a move they are about to use in much the same way to preemptively change their type before using it.

Pokemon commentary 3: Oricorio
These bird Pokemon are known for their dancing, and were one of the first form changes observed by ancient humans. By drinking the nectar from certain flowers, their body undergoes rapid changes. While we know how to detect typed essence, the nectar is not actually of those type. Instead, Oricorio have a high metabolism and special enzymes that allow them to rapidly process it, changing their color and type in a matter of minutes and growing/shedding their plumage in hours. This also has an effect on their personality, which changes how they move. By using their Revelation Dance, they move with fervor and draw out raw typed energy from within themselves to attack.

Four forms are confirmed and were named in the modern age after traditional Alolan terminology, and also cheerleading for some reason (which was inspired by Oricorio itself, so it went full circle). These are yellow/Electric/Pom'Pom, red/Fire/Baile, pink/Psychic/Pa'u, and purple/Ghost/Sensu. Oricorio show little if not no other move potential for these types beyond Revelation Dance, which is highly unusual in Pokemon.

While no further forms have been discovered, forcibly changing an Oricorio's type does change the type of Revelation Dance, so it's hypothesized that there may be more or that a new one could be synthesized. On the other hand, any Pokemon that copies the move is capable of drawing out their own typing as well. Which one takes precedence in one with two or more depends on which is more prominent within them.

Pokemon commentary 4: Ogerpon
Very friendly Pokemon with a naturally curious side. They are some of the most intelligent and long-lived species of Pokemon in the world, and have been proven to have a sense for fashion. An Ogerpon can easily be mistaken for a human child at a glance. They only willingly show their true face to those they trust, and tend to wear masks otherwise. While they are just rare in some parts of the world, an infamous one who traveled to Kitakami was given the status of a Legend by the superstitious natives.

Ogerpon has an unusual means of changing type. The closest counterpart would be the Original One and its plates, but it's not exactly the same. More often than not, they'll simply be their usual Grass-type. However, the masks they wear can cause them to gain a secondary type by absorbing energy from the materials into their cloak-like body (which also changes it color). Wild ones will craft masks from vines, stones, or whatever they can get their hands on. This usually results in staying a pure Grass-type or gaining a Rock-type, but others types are not unknown – especially from manmade masks. They like those too. They'll refuse one if it's not up to their standards, but it's said you have a friend for life if one accepts the mask you made for them.

Menacing moves:
• Trick-or-Treat: Infuses the target's body with Ghost-type essence, giving them a temporary type on top of whatever else they have. The name of the move was a joke that stuck.
• Soak: Hits the target with so much Water-type essence that it temporarily replaces their types altogether.
• Conversion: The programmers behind Porygon wanted it to be able to adapt to different environments. Early versions had this as a copy of Reflect Type which mimic a target's types, but later revisions allowed it to use a move's energy to alter its code.
• Camouflage: The Pokemon changes its body texture like a chameleon while absorbing material from its surroundings to blend in further. The coating on its body has the effect of altering its type, depending on what gets absorbed. It even works on artificial terrain.
• Ion Deluge/Electrify: These two attacks are very similar and involve releasing charged particles into the air or a Pokemon respectively. The former is enough to somehow change Normal-type moves into Electric, but the latter will change any move. Unlike Soak, these last briefly and are targeted specifically at moves (for lack of a better descriptor, it's unknown why the two work differently)

Noteworthy Pokemon in-fic: Kallisto Keravnos' Oricorio
Kallisto is one of the most popular and talented trainers not just in Sinnoh, but the world. He's talented, friendly, smart, attractive, and inspiring. It's widely agreed he's already surpassed Volkner (who he is a Gym Trainer for), and becoming a Champion like his cousin is inevitable. He has even spoken of becoming a multi-region Champion like Lance. His Oricorio is one of his key team members. She can be Electric-type whenever necessary, but with the nectar he buys she can be Psychic, Fire, or Ghost depending on Kallisto's needs. The change was shown on-camera as tripping up at least one person. Like most of his Pokemon, she has no nickname, because he's comically bad at coming up with them.

 

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In a nutshell: Forms
Pokemon of the same species generally all look very similar to one another, besides some minor height/weight differences or slight color variations. Except when not.

One of the common ones is the shiny gene. These bizarre pigmentations appear to be triggered by just the right alignment of recessive genes. Pokemon of this color are sometimes branded outcasts in their colonies, and are very popular targets among trainers for vanity purposes. They came to be known as shinies due to the effect accompanying them in the games rather than any special luster. They were called alternate colors before.

Some Pokemon have notable differences between in their gender. Usually these are minor. Kangaskhan, Oinkolonge, and Meowstic are particular cases where they aren't enough to be considered separate species, unlike the Nidos or Volbeat/Illumise. Others like Frillish and Pyroar do look very different between the genders but have no differing abilities. There are occasional explanations as to what makes these Pokemon different – such as the female Kangaskhan being stronger to protect their young – but others are still a mystery.

Regional variants are the big standouts; these are Pokemon which adapt to live in an environment their normal form wouldn't be able to or for some other reason. These typically offshoot from the original form over many years, or result from unexpected mutations like Alolan Grimer.

Finally, some of these are simply Pokemon specific. Shellos/Gastrodon have been mentioned, Deerling/Sawsbuck change with the seasons, Flabebe attach themselves to different colored flowers, and so on. Again, many of these are just differences of appearance. It all depends on the Pokemon. Some just seem to be more special than others!

Who's who of form experts 1: Professor Rowan
The regional professor of Sinnoh, who has done extensive research into Pokemon forms and their effects on evolution. He is one of the most respected Professors in all of Japan; just about everyone defers to him, even Oak. One time a traveling trainer and Champion who became fascinated at the mysteries of how his Pokemon changed and evolved. He spent much of his spare time researching, and was able to fully dedicate his time to it when he lost his title. Serious and stern, but he has a hidden goofy side.

Who's who of form experts 2: Professor Elm
Elm has been assigned by the Officials to be the regional professor for the Johto Region. While he was an unassuming boy growing up, he quietly worked hard and gained a doctorate in general Pokemon research. Elm's specific focus is the evolutionary stages of Pokemon, including their time as eggs. He is currently doing research into why some regional variant Pokemon evolve differently or at all compared to others. He can be somewhat spacey, miss the obvious sometimes, and doesn't have a creative mind (preferring what he can confirm to what he can imagine). It led to him being robbed by a teenager, but things worked out there eventually.

Pokemon commentary 1: Burmy
One of the more notable Pokemon with form differences because they have been extensively studied due to being one of the first known. These tiny worms wrap themselves in materials. It does little except keep them warm and seems to be more as a means of feeling safe. They are neat freaks and will frequently rebuild them with whatever's handy if they're damaged even a little. They will bind these with their silk.

They seem to be able to produce material from nowhere; the truth of this is, they can absorb the energy of the earth to rapidly grow a new cloak if materials are scarce. Their so-called trash cloaks are especially notable for this and have come about due to human influence. They can come from any sort of dust, metals, and garbage, but they resemble building insulation for whatever reason. There are three common types of cloaks, but there are unusual ones such as those made of snow or magnetic stones (first witnessed in Chargestone Cave in Unova).

While males shed it upon their evolution to Mothim, the females' current cloak at the moment of evolution into Wormadam becomes infused into their body and manifests into a new type. In the rare event they do not have a cloak, one will manifest from the environment anyway. Six different types have been recorded naturally: Grass, Ground, Steel, Ice, Poison, and Electric. A Rock cloak from solid stones that can't be broken down into dust has only been observed in laboratory testing; attempts to urge anything further has met with the Burmy rejecting the cloak or it turning into one of the common types.

Pokemon commentary 2: Galarian Zigzagoon, Linoone, Obstagoon
Actually, the original form of these Pokemon. The ones seen in most of the rest of the world changed to be more docile. Strangely, this had the side effect of causing them to lose their Dark-type and become unable to evolve into Obstagoon. Attempts to find a means of evolving these pure Normal versions, such as bringing them up in similar harsh conditions to their Galarian variants, have proven unsuccessful. It's generally agreed that they did so to better integrate with the species around them, or possibly to better deal with Fighting-types.

These Zigzagoon are very hyperactive. They're always on the move and challenging things to fights, even opponents that are far stronger than they are. They at least have the sense to stay away from predators, who they confuse with their erratic movements while escaping. Their behavior doesn't change much upon evolution to Linoone, and if anything they get more reckless. Unlike their relatives, they are good at running in different directions while still being able to run fairly quickly. Once bipedal and fully evolved, Obstagoon are far calmer and confident, showing it by crossing their arms and menacingly standing in one place. They use their newfound power and derive enjoyment from scaring weaker Pokemon. While they don't start as many fights, they will goad others into doing so. It's a ruse, so they can use their defensive move Obstruct to weaken foes who rush in before striking them down. Smarter Pokemon will either ignore them or attack from a distance.

Menacing moves:
• Transform: The most famous move that changes a Pokemon, which sees the user change into a duplicate of what's before it. People like to joke about imperfect transformations, but the only imperfection is that the Pokemon's stamina remaining the same. It actually takes skill to get those altered/imperfect physical appearances.
• Minimize: A Pokemon that uses this alters its size to become smaller and more difficult to hit. This also makes it more vulnerable to crushing attacks, which can hit more easily. Don't be fooled: not every Pokemon can shrink itself.
• King's Shield: An Aegislash uses this variant of Protect to shift into its defensive stance and ward off almost any attack, while cursing opponents that physically strike it. Like its relatives, the Pokemon must gather itself to reliably use this repeatedly.
• Relic Song: An ancient rallying cry used by Meloetta to gather energy and change its stance.
• Secret Sword: Knowledge of this technique is what separates the young Swords of Justice from the matured Swords of Justice. The horns of a Cobalion, Terrakion, Virizion, or Keldeo that have mastered this this grow larger. Some are known not to make use of it in their older age, so it's more like a rite of passage.

Noteworthy Pokemon in-fic: Prema Kannagi's Sinnohian Qwilfish "Puku"
Hisui has been damned to fictionification due to stupidity and total incompatibility with my worldbuilding when it came out partway through. And it's silly to restrict them to time travel nonsense (though Kitikami made a step in the right direction). She was captured by a trainer looking to expand their team. When it turned out training an aquatic Pokemon to function out of water was more effort than expected, she was released into Route 32 during a swarm of regular ones. This Qwilfish is extremely neurotic and tragically slew a celebrity conservationist who was checking on her, sending the public out for blood. She's given to Nori Carino, Pokemon Rehabilitator, in a farcical attempt to save her. He gives her to Prema after, out of concern of not being able to care for her due to his aquaphobia, though he unwittingly provided her name.

 

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In a nutshell: Holon Pokemon
Sometimes called Delta Species. Holon is a microregion in Japan with an unusual amount of magnetism and energy on the invisible spectrum. It is believed this is due to the presence of a powerful Pokemon; although a Mew is known to live in the region, they aren't capable of generating so much energy. Holon Town is one of the few major settlements, which mostly functions as a base for research. The tower in the middle harnesses the waves to act as a beacon to search for Pokemon.

While there are only as many regional variants as you would expect to see in a region even like Holon, the massive electromagnetic energy in Holon stimulates the brainwaves of even otherwise physically normal Pokemon in strange ways. This results in them being able to use attacks they normally wouldn't, and conversely not be able to use some moves they can. It's been shown that just about every Pokemon can use every move, but aside from Mew, they do not have natural access. Moves like Metronome and Copycat trick a Pokemon's brain into manifesting a move not normally possible, and Smeargle's Sketch can imitate anything that doesn't require some sort of internal ability inherent in another Pokemon as another point of example.

Who's who of alteration experts: Professor Veneer
The head researcher in Holon, 61 years old. His wild hair and bushy mustache makes him seem like a mad scientist. And well, you'd have to be a little mad to go chasing Mew in. You'd have to be especially mad to want to go looking a Pokemon that may or may not even exist. Some people are worried about him, but so far, so good…

Veneer has no particular specialty as a Pokemon researcher, unless you count Holon itself. He is a driven and impassioned man with little frivolity to spare. He has a reputation of being a workaholic and a slave-driver who does not care about anything but results. The man himself has some standards. He'll give proper thanks. Destroying habitats is a no-no, as are experiments that cause permanent damage. As the de facto regional professor, the Japanese government turns to him for guiding the newest of new trainers. He takes a very hands-off approach to doing so, giving them the bare necessities and cutting them loose. This isn't out of apathy: instead, he strongly believes in allowing things to play out. Not everyone trainer in the world sees a professor when starting out, but he thinks any who come to one to do so must be serious enough to know what they'll be doing with their life. Watching how these people grow is actually something he enjoys.

Luminous locale: The Research Tower
The Holon Research Tower is located in the center of Holon City and is where most of the region's work takes place. It is a state-of-the-art radio tower capable of sending and receiving electromagnetic waves. While self-sustaining for the most part, Magneton serve as an auxiliary power supply. Due to the interference in the region, it is the only place where radio communication is reliable. Psychic-type Pokemon or good old-fashioned mail are used elsewhere.

Pokemon commentary 1: Holonese Shinx, Luxio, Luxray
Even Electric-types won't necessarily prosper in a region like Holon. In particular, ordinary members of Shinx line find it difficult to function due to their X-ray vision not working well. There's just too much interference from the high electromagnetic activity. The ones who remained adapted.

They have a similar body shape to their normal versions, but their bodies are pure orange covered by gray titanium plating on their heads, back, and legs. They compensate for the loss of their enhanced vision with a strong sense of smell. Even if they get separated from their pack or their friends, they can track them down. They are Steel/Normal types who strike with fangs and claws instead of electricity – in fact, aside from potentially absorbing it with an ability (although it's rare compared to Intimidate or Strong Jaw) or using Thunder Fang, they don't use it at all. Their armor makes them even more sluggish, but also tougher.

Pokemon commentary 2: Horsea, Seadra, Kingdra
A fine example of the madness that can happen in Holon. These aquatic Pokemon are well known for their newly awakened ability to use Fire-type moves. Unlike similar Pokemon or their usual Dragonbreath, these are not moves that work underwater. Flame also completely incinerates the little bugs the species are known for shooting down with ink and eating. The glands that produce their flame are in their fins, which normally contain poison in Seadra. Summarily, contact with one may induce a burn instead. This change also causes them to lose access to Ice-type moves.

Wild members of this evolutionary line rarely use their flame except to defend themselves from an attack on the surface. With seemingly no biological advantage to this change, they are a point of research and a popular tourist attraction.

Menacing moves:
• Buzzap: Certain species in Holon are capable of incapacitating themselves and transferring their energy to another Pokemon, similar to the move Healing Wish except with stamina.
• Extra Ball: A Steel-type move used by Magneton and Magnezone from Holon. This move hits with a series of spheres and is particularly effective against Pokemon stronger than the attacker.
• Dazzle Blast: An Electric-type move used by Voltorb and Electrode from Holon. The electricity in this move frazzles an opponent's mind like a Confuse Ray might.
• Mindshock: Holonese Spoink and Grumpig are a regional variant that make use of magnetized stones. This Psychic-type move has a chance to paralyze the target by messing with nerve impulses.
• Piercing Gnash: The signature move of Holonese Luxray. This Steel-type biting attack ignores the target's defensive boosts.

Noteworthy Pokemon in-fic: Random challenger from Holon at Sunyshore Gym
Someone randomly mentioned in Month 4, Part 1 of Official In-Training for flavor. Also used the above. A Psychic-using Vileplume and Fire Punch-using Jynx were mentioned, but Nori was astounded by the firebreathing Seadra for reasons mentioned above. All based off cards. Actually, out-of-universe if you don't know/haven't realized, that's just what these are: Pokemon with different attacking types. They maintain the same weakness, so I took that to mean "same type with different moves".

 

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In a nutshell: Environmental Power!
Just as humans are affected by the world around then, so are Pokemon. They can take advantage of it in unique ways. For example, rain empowers Water-type moves by adding to them, but partly douses Fire-type moves. Rock-types can use the dust from a Sandstorm as a shield against special attacks. A current of electricity at their feet can strengthen Electric-type moves, and the pulsation keeps Pokemon awake.

There are moves that seem to change the weather. Excepting in the cases of the gods of the land, sea, and sky, this is not a true alteration. Which is a good thing, because that would mess with the climate badly, cause all sorts of problems, and not work indoors. For example, a sandstorm won't fill your lungs with dust, rain will evaporate quickly, and so on. Nevertheless, these artificial recreations are just as capable of affecting Pokemon as the real thing. They're more like specialized type essence! They take a lot of effort to execute, but some Pokemon can use energy from their ball and the adrenaline from a battle starting to activate them without as much effort.

Others are more unique in Pokemon, such as the ability to cover the ground with a sheet of typed power (often referred to as Terrain moves), or create a unique field with strange effects (usually called Room moves). It's not just limited to these and the weather: certain moves can use or interact with the environment itself in unique ways. A Surf taking less effort on the ocean, Earthquake being dampened on sand or other things like thick grass, and so on. Some official battlefields, especially Gym ones, are specially designed so that Pokemon can take advantage of these unique conditions. For example, Lavaridge Gym's use of heated sand, or many Water-type Gyms' use of a pool. They're things for any trainer to be aware of.

Who's who of environment experts 1: Raihan Dayton
Competition in the Galar region is fierce, and none are more indicative of this than who is recognized as one of the fastest rising Gym Leaders in the Galar Region. He has a rivalry with the current Champion of Galar going back to when they went on their challenge a few years back. Despite never beating him, he has come the closest to doing so out of anyone in the region who's tried. Besides challengers, the only other person he has a noticeably negative record against is Melony, who brings weather of her own and steps it up when facing him. He almost failed his Gym Challenge altogether at her.

He easily could've become a Champion elsewhere, but he wanted to stay in Galar. With no other option to keep competing, he applied to be one of Galar's Gym Leaders and easily passed the test. Then he was forced to pick a type specialization, despite his protests that the Champion didn't need to. There were two reasons he went with Dragon-type: first, his signature Pokemon and ace was that and the Steel-type. And at the time, Galar already had a Steel-type Gym Leader in the Major Division. He also wanted to get one over on Leon, who expressed an interest in becoming a Dragon-type Leader himself before excelling further.

Raihan loved the weather growing up. His favorite television show was the weather channel. He got into photography for a while, mostly taking pictures of cloud formations. He would've ended up a meteorologist if Pokemon didn't work out. He was known as "that weather-using challenger" even on his journey. Everyone was impressed to say the least: many consider him to be better than his rival, even if he's not stronger. Fortunate for him that leniency in type specialization exists even in Galar. His Gym in Hammerlocke rose out of the minor division (something that is derogatory and rarely ever spoken about by the League in the region, basically only placeholders that can immediately jump in if a Leader isn't performing to their absurd standards) almost immediately when no one there could actually beat him. It's hard for many to believe that him and Leon are still technically just teenagers, although it's not unique: for example, a mute 11-year-old won the Kanto Championship three years back. People wanted to see him battle Raihan and especially Leon who were also child prodigies, but the kid just up and disappeared one day.

He's become active on social media lately, and has quickly amassed followers from not just within the region, but from others as well. The guy's Flaps on Tweeter have amused many with their insanity, as do his impromptu selfies: sometimes he takes them right in the middle of a match. His use of his Rotom to take them has also caused several to do the same thing, though people have been warned not to do so unless their device can handle it.

Who's who of environment experts 2: Kaede Minmei
A ninja of the Iga Clan, born in Geosenge Town, Kalos. A naturalized Japanese citizen (given name Colette Kaede Aubry) who was fascinated with their culture, especially ninjas. By chance, one of her neighbors used to be one and took her under his wing. She did well enough that he sent her Japan for further training, after which she was dispatched to Sinnoh for a permanent assignment. While she is only in her early 20s, she has been trained to be a bodyguard to the Kannagi family. Casual, friendly, and even flashy, this is all a disarming act. When things get serious, she can wield elemental ninjutsu and has some tough Pokemon.

Part of the Iga Clan's ways is manipulating or taking advantage of the world around oneself. Fohoshi can particularly manipulate weather, terrain, and even set up a Wonder Room. Her Gourgeist uses plant power to attack in unique ways, and can also change space with a Trick Room (she was a little disappointed to find it couldn't learn Grassy Terrain). Vivillion doesn't fit the usual mold since that came in before her training. She has a high sense of battlefield control, and if it were not for wanting to put her ninja talents to practical use, she could have easily become a htop level trainer.

Kaede actually isn't too into the Kannagi faith, being a non-exclusive practitioner. However, she is still as loyal as they come. And since the shrine more or less created modern Pokemon sensibilities, she has no problem with serving and fulfilling any other duties as needed. Master Haruto assigned her as Prema's personal bodyguard in hopes that she will have someone to depend upon long into the future. She passed her first major test in an acceptable fashion.

It was sheer coincidence that she had a middle name she could go by; it came from one of her mother's favorite manga. Similarly, her naturalized last name came from one of her favorite anime.

Pokemon commentary 1: Castform
A Pokemon that is the embodiment of weather. Their body is 90% water, and the rest of their cells are similar to water molecules. In spite of this, they are Normal-type Pokemon. Besides their default shape, they have three primary form changes: one seen in the sun, one seen during rain, and one seen during snow or sleet. While these changes happen due to the weather that affects the water molecules in their body (which is why there is none for a sandstorm, fog, etc.), it is the atmospheric pressure that induces the changes and not the temperature alone.

The type of a Castform will change according to the weather. Every Castform responds differently to the weather. Trainers who raise one are advised to learn their partner's preferred pattern and adjust accordingly. Holonese Castform have a unique form seen during electrical storms. Another regional variant from the tropics appear different in sun and rain, and instead of having a form for snow, take on a green tornado-shaped form during windy conditions.

While they are not native to Japan, the Weather Institute in Hoenn has recently been conducting experiments in genetically altering Castform in attempt to create new forms or induce the regional variants' transformations. They have successfully managed to create new ones from scratch, but thus far their attempts haven't seen success. At least, they haven't seen catastrophic failure either!

Pokemon commentary 2: Skiddo and Gogoat
On rare occasions, these two goat-like Pokemon come with a special ability that allows them to use the energy of the grass around them to defend themselves by using it as a cushion against physical attacks. However, it needs to be either a Terrain or very tall grass in order to work. Oddly, they're capable of photosynthesis with the plants on their back despite being closer to mammals in biology. This allows them to survive in many places: if they can't find one source of food, they can work with another.

In terms of battle capabilities, they're more flexible than your average Grass-type. Unlike some, they prefer to fight physically, and are more than capable of doing so. These Pokemon may seem like an unorthodox choice of mount. It's simply a matter of convenience and comfort: they're friendly, they can subside on sunlight and water, their horns can be held like reins, and they can use Vine Whip to steady a rider. Their horns act as aura sensors, although physical contact is required, limiting their ability to use them.

The milk of a Gogoat may not be as popular as those of cows (including Miltank), but it's what some folks in mountainous regions are used to and perfectly healthy. They were actually farmed for it before Miltank were (let alone things like Oasump). In what can only be described as a mystery, male Gogoats are capable of producing milk and using Milk Drink as well. Paternal lactation isn't well understood here or in the animal kingdom.

Menacing moves:
• Weather Ball: This move gathers power from the air around the Pokemon and turns into a matching type. Strangely, this has even adapted to Shadow Sky, not turning into the Shadow-type itself but something else. Few are willing to test further, for obvious reasons.
• Wonder Room: This generates a space in which physical attacks strike special defenses and vice versa. There is at least some understanding as to how this works beyond destroying physics. When something is about to physically hit, one's usual response is to brace, tense up, roll with it, and similar things. This won't help to mitigate things like flame or electricity, but in a Wonder Room, it does.
• Secret Power: The Pokemon manifests a blast of force that picks up a trace amount of energy from the ground around them. This changes the force's shape, but the power it accumulates can sometimes spark out onto the target, affecting them in various ways.
• Steel Roller: Absorbs any typed energy from Terrain moves beneath the Pokemon to energize and send them into a high speed spinning ram attack. Without that or similar empowerment, the Pokemon can't pick up enough speed.
• Morning Sun/Synthesis/Moonlight: These moves make use of filtered light particles to restore the Pokemon's health. They're at their best when the sun is out during the morning or day, or when the moon is out at night respectively. All three can also benefit from Sunny Day's artificial light.

Noteworthy Pokemon in-fic: Tono Takuma's Pincurchin "Unira"
The Shocking Genius of Sunyshore Gym traveled abroad to capture this key member of his team. While normally a very immobile species, Unira is adept at moving around with Water-type moves. His primary role for Tono lies in his ability to generate Electric Terrain right at the start of a battle. A very good thing for an Electric-type trainer, even if Tono didn't fully rely on them in serious battles.

 

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In a nutshell: Original sin
At some point or another, Gamefreak decided that every generation of Pokemon had to have some sort of gimmick shoehorned into the battle system. I'm going be a heretic here and say I don't like Mega Evolution. Slow down: I have a good reason why! I like the designs! But there's too many of them that should've been actual evolutions instead of a gimmick that never get used because of the in-game limitations. Like, why should Scyther get two evolutions (AND a Mega for one of them), and Pinsir only get the gimmicky Mega? Or Mawile and Sableye, why shouldn't those have evolutions? Why's Banette only get a Mega but Dusclops gets Dusknoir? It doesn't help that the implementation is a mess.

In my ficverse, and in any sort of romhack or fangame I might make, I would include them all in some sort of capacity. Be they regular evolutions, regional variants (sometimes with more in a line), other forms, special abilities, or even Paradoxes for lack of anything else. Also Tectonic does this! Tempted to play that one because of the like-mindedness.

Who's who of gimmick experts: Rocket Scientists?
That said, I had an idea to keep it anyway: the keyword behind it is "infinity". It's an unnatural form change that uses the power of unlimited potential to temporarily change a Pokemon's form or induce temporary evolution – hey, if PMD can pull that stuff, it should work in the normal world, right? This can be painful for the Pokemon, however. For example, a Houndoom that does this has trouble maintaining its flames, but a proper evolution into Houndeign can perfectly control them. A Pinsir unnaturally temporarily evolving might be overwhelmed by the urge to fly, but one that evolves normally to Pinyen will get over it soon enough. These changes also come with equally unnatural power boosts from the energy involved.

One problem with this is that it requires jewels that are attuned to each Pokemon, or fossilized portions, and whatnot. Some of these proper evolution methods are also very hard to come by. It's not just these Mega forms: anything can change in this way. The Rocket remnants in Johto were experimenting with radio signals as a means to artificially induce evolution as a ways around both of these. One of the victims of this was the Red Gyarados, whose body did not properly change color and became very emotionally unstable as a result of the experience…

Pokemon commentary 1: Dymawile
The problem with being a trickster is that sooner or later, others are going to grow wise to your tricks. When this happens to a Mawile, they may either find a new place to take up residence, find a trainer (they're loved for their cuteness), or evolve into Dymawile. They require experience and victories for this.

These aggressive Pokemon drop all pretenses of trying to fool others and attack viciously with their jaw-like horns. Wild ones are particularly dangerous because they will not hesitate to attack anything they think they can take. Which can be everything. Ones that evolve in human captivity, however, tend to retain a lot of the behavior of a Mawile. Some will even completely embrace their cute side to where they rarely open their horn-jaws.

Pokemon commentary 2: African Lopunny
The fight or flight response is something seen in all living beings. For these regional variants that grew up on the harsh savannas of Africa where even hungry packs of regular old lions can prove to be a threat to Pokemon, they adapted to fight back. With less fur and a more lithe body for better freedom of movement, they swing their ears like whips and attack with powerful kicks. They're better at fending off individual attacks, and are faster at escaping when things go badly. However, Buneary does not have a counterpart. They instead rely on their evolved brethren to protect them.

Pokemon commentary 3: Synchro Mode Lucario
The Battle Bond phenomenon is something that is rare. It happens with certain Pokemon when a Pokemon and a trainer's auras become in sync and the former defeats an opponent, but the conditions for this to happen are a mystery even to Pokemon themselves. It allows for instant communication of orders, feelings, and even senses. Because of the latter, Trainer and Pokemon may feel the other's pain.

When a Lucario with the Battle Bond ability triggers it, their golden fur suddenly puffs out with power (even on its tail where it normally doesn't have any), they sprout more claws, and their hair billows wildly with power. This enhances their Aura Sphere attack to split into three homing missiles that are overall a little stronger than a standard one.

Pokemon commentary 4: Mewtwo mod.X and mod.Y
What happens with further genetic modification? Not Mewthree, not as they're officially named! These two were created by a particularly mad scientist in Belgium and his team to enhance the so-called Ultimate Pokemon's physical and mental abilities respectively. There seemed to be no other reason other than science, and they were promptly taken into care to prevent misuse. They couldn't do one thing without weakening the other however: mod.X is bad at using its psychic powers when not concentrated into an attack (and strangely gained the Fighting-type) and mod.Y is particularly frail.

Noteworthy (future?) Pokemon in-fic: Sofie Shadden's Sablegis "Baubgoblin"
While Volkner had to train Nori as part of his test for Elite Four promotion, Flint was given this edgy girl from Jubilife who stopped some street violence. Sablegis, one of the few names I'm 100% sure is perfect, is certainly going to be one of her Pokemon. It was her newest capture and only actually seen as a Sableye, but she trained it well enough to be a match for Flint's Plusle in a training battle. Still lost, but the subject of its eventually evolution came up in conversation where Sofie dismissed Flint's constructive criticism that he wasn't taking advantage of Keen Eye because it loses it upon evolution. He had to concede that one.

 

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In a nutshell: Banned from Smogon frame 1
Similar to Mega Evolution, I've definitively thrown out GMax. It's definitively regional in the plot anyway, besides the logistical headaches of anything being able to grow giant (except those that arbitrarily can't). Much like it however, using the forms themselves aren't necessarily off the table. As for GMax moves? Well, I'll get to that and Z-Moves right after this.

While the idea of Pokemon growing to giant proportions is simply a power fantasy, there is an element of truth in it. The remains of much larger than usual Pokemon have been discovered in various parts of the world, such as Pokemopolis or Paldea. Dinosaurs are known to have existed, of course, and ruled the world before Pokemon or humanity. The most famous are the Totem Pokemon of Alola, who have grown large due to energy from Ultra Wormholes. A similar phenomenon occurred in ancient Sinnoh, being dubbed Alphas (and were the basis of the fictional Hisui stories).

Who's who of something experts: Merian C. Cooper
A former aviator who served in the first great war. His unit consisted of several pilots and several Flying-type Pokemon. He fought valiantly alongside his Bombirdier and turned to geographing after.

But that's not what we're here to talk about that, we're here to talk about the 1933 film King Kong. It went similar to the real world: he had a nightmare of a giant Gorillaimo attacking Castelia City. He thought it would make an excellent story, and movies were just starting to come out. The plan changed several times: famously, the final product featured an actual animal who lives on an island of dinosaurs, of which he is just as giant. The titular Kong gets captured and sent to Unova, where he breaks free and goes on a rampage around its biggest city. He barely feels gunfire or Pokemon attacks, and he has a female Gorillaimo he is enamored with, causing complications.

It was a hit. The idea of an actual animal that stood over humanity and Pokemon alike had never been done before. While it was not the first of its kind, it paved the way for many films, involving similar giant animals, Pokemon, and more unusual creatures. Kong famously fought a giant lizard-like monster (loosely based on a Tyranitar) in a clash of West vs East.

A little known fact was that the original plan for Kong was actually a giant Pokemon battle, but movie and set making was too limited back then. The giant lizard also gave its name to a Pokemon discovered shortly after its release: Godzillante.

Pokemon commentary 1: Krustidor
These evolutions of Kingler grow massive, powerful legs and are the reason why the entire line is capable of using Stomp. With their pointed tips, they're even capable of climbing cliffs or the walls in undersea caves. They encase themselves in foam-like bubbles in order to protect their bodies, which has a funny beard-like appearance. They release these if an enemy gets too close.

The one pincer grows even larger while the other remains proportionately the same. While it now has the strength to lift even this, its arms have also grown very long. Swinging the pincer is still difficult for that reason; they tend to try to punch instead. Or pinch – their crushing power is at least twice the power of Kingler's, so they're still dangerous. Spikes have grown on their arms and legs to protect them from mundane predators, but there are still plenty who can and know where to target them.

It's extremely uncommon to find these evolved in the wild. Those that do tend to be very cautious. It takes a while for them to get used to their new bodies, and skill/practice to know how to bend their arms and use their pincer accurately.

Pokemon commentary 2: Ancient Butterfree
An older form of the species now only seen in fossilized records and certain parts of the world. These Pokemon have massive wings and a tiny body. Despite their unwieldly size, they can stay aloft with sheer power. With a strong flap, they can blow gusts of wind that are strong enough to knock almost any bird out of the sky. They then often scatter poisonous wing scales and turn their would-be hunters into their own meal.

Like its counterpart, Beedrill, it is believed they adapted to better fly around in forests and make up for the decrease in size/power by focusing on the collective. It's also hypothesized that adapting predators may have had something to do with this.

Pokemon commentary 3: Meowth and Perrserker
Meowth is the Pokemon with the most regional forms in the world. These particular variants are found in western Canada. These long cats may look goofy and similar to the standard form, and are even still the Normal-type. But they are capable of extending their rubber-like bodies to climb tall trees and grab out-of-reach bird Pokemon. They will stretch out high in open fields to serve as lookouts for their friends or themselves.

Like the ones in Galar, they evolve into Perrserker and not Persian. They gain a secondary Fighting-type and fend off foes with their extendable arms and legs. They're also known for winding back and delivering a springing headbutt. Or snapping at their prey.

Pokemon commentary 4: Dipplin???
I mean, GMax Flappletun basically is this with a slightly different design. I honestly don't know what to do about this one, it's the one thing I'm stuck on. The infinity power allowing them to temporarily change their evolution?

Noteworthy offscreen Pokemon in-fic: Ryoma Homura's Orrean Orbeetle "Melia"
A happily adopted son of two mothers, Ryoma hails from the region of Orre. His family moved away from it to give him a better future than what awaited him in the legend-ravaged region. Ironically, he chose one of the most common paths in his home region. His Orbeetle is one of his best and most distinct partners. She is a fearsome opponent who controls the air thanks to her species' signature Gravitas Blast bringing others to the ground. She's been nicknamed the Bird Slayer by her foes because anyone who goes in with a Flying-type expecting an easy win gets it turned around on them between that and her Thunderbolt, but her actual nickname is Melia.

 

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In a nutshell: Super Moves
There was a time when Pokemon were much stronger and maybe even more vicious. They ended up restraining their powers, being made weaker by the progenitor, or something else unknown – and yeah, this is just me settling on "it's supposed to be ambiguous, some ambiguity never hurt anyone". Max moves and Z-Moves are the manifestations of these times. However, they expend so much energy in one burst for a modern age Pokemon that they need a focus, special powers, or intense training to access them. Even then in the latter case, they require recharge time.

I haven't fully decided what I want to do with these. But luckily, I probably won't have to. And there's already some canonical precedent with Eternabeam and Clangorous Soul(blaze) too, so this is less headcanoning than normal here!

Who's who of move experts 1: Kukui
I guess since he's canonically one? I was maintaining this section as a gimmick when it was originally posted, really.

A researcher of dubious credentials who studies Pokemon moves by taking them himself. Humans in the Pokeverse are more durable than you'd expect, they're certainly not as frail as we are, but sometimes he's pushed it too hard. Possibly enjoys pain. He lives a double life as a wrestler who has had exhibition matches (in the ring and in Pokemon) with fellow masked wrestler Crasher Wake. Hard to line up his canon history with what I have, so I'd probably give him multiple journeys besides the Island Challenge and Kanto, probably to Johto to rectify the Lance thing and separating the Leagues. Then he later settled into the researcher role.

Who's who of move experts 2: Priestess Satomi Kurusu
There are many means of bringing these long forgotten moves to the fore. One way is through the powers of the diviner, humans who have awakened their latent spiritual power. Satomi is one of the longest serving faithful of the Kannagi Shrine. She's in her 90s, and has served four different generations of Masters. If the shrine were ever not ruled by blood, she would be the one to take over.

By focusing her diviner energy, praying to the heavens, and encouraging her Pokemon to call upon their latent powers, Satomi is capable of enhancing her Pokemon's moves in a pinch. Unlike psychic powers, this is permissible in an official battling context as it is only used similarly to focuses for the power like Z-Rings. However, not every place allows those focuses and therefore these abilities.

Menacing moves:
• Breakneck Blitz: While this move resembles your average body blow, it's far stronger. It causes massive recoil without a secondary focus on a modern user, to where they'll be left at the brink of fainting.
• Max Guard: A highly effective protection move. Even the few moves that can make it through this will not remove the barrier itself.
• Sparksurf: The signature move of Alolan Raichu. The Pokemon rides a wave of electrical energy and crashes it over multiple foes (and even allies). Like Surf, it expends a lot stamina to use unless Electric Terrain or something similar is around to draw from instead of creating it manually.
• Splintering Shards: A barrage of stones tears up any Pokemon-induced terrain and tear into the target. It's not good at hitting things in the air.
• Foam Burst: Krustidor expels all the foam on its body at once. It's like a super Bubblebeam! The move cannot be used repeatedly, as the Pokemon needs to build up more foam after.
• Septic Shock: This Electric-type move can either poison or paralyze its target.
• Centiferno: The Pokemon coils around the foe and ignites its body. It's a burning Wrap attack.
• Eternabeam: An laser of raw infinity energy, so powerful that its wielder must change its body shape to endure the blast, and they're left exhausted when all is said and done.
• Genesis Supernova: An ultimate move used by Mew, which are believed by some to be the mind of the True Original One. The knowledge of all moves comes together in one powerful Psychic-type energy blast!

Noteworthy users in-fic: The Terror of Edinburgh
A Pokemon that will appear in the future and has actually already appeared in RP. About fifty years ago, a very large and very powerful Frosmoth took over the castle on top of Crown Mountain after defeating its king. Vicious and territorial, she attacked humans and Pokemon alike and amassed many followers, including the former king's icy steed and an Articuno variant. She was especially beloved by the Pokemon that humanity thought extinct, as her actions protected them. Initially contained to the mountain, her scope spread further after an incident five years prior. Bad news for gung-ho trainers from Galar looking for a new team member. Attempts to capture or subdue her over the fifty years of her reign have been unsuccessful whenever people bothered. While she's mostly been left alone (if not out of respect, then out of sanity), the feeling is that sooner or later, she'll have to be dealt with.

She is a firm believer in Pokemon superiority, though is sensible enough not to antagonize all of humanity. She questioned why they chose to be subservient to humanity; it was so ingrained it was part of most's nature, and those old enough to remember either wouldn't answer or gave her poor ones as far as she saw it. Her actions have been rejected by many of her peers, being called things like tyrant, false monarch, race traitor, and even enemy to all Pokemon. Her followers title her utmasbdokrul: great conquering night queen. Her name above is what the media in Galar calls her.

Just to show how insanely strong she is, she'll have access to the Ice-type variant of whatever I'm doing with these. Whenever she feels like using it. A diet of Max Mushrooms may be implied to have helped learn these and use them without much effort. I'll figure it out.

 

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In a nutshell: Ultra Beasts and other worlds
It's well known that there's a multiverse out there. Some of these are more mundane, familiar yet unfamiliar. Others are stranger, like the world where Pokemon somehow became the dominant species (and have to kidnap/transform humans from other worlds to counter the startling amount of Pokemon-soul specific threats they face, often with a healthy amount of amnesia and gaslighting to make them complicit). Then there's the world these things came from.

Ultra Space is a strange and surreal place, believed to have a connection to Giratina's realms or otherwise related to them. At times, portals linking the real world and Ultra Space appear – the Alola region in particular is a hotspot for some reason. Pokemon occasionally drift through these, getting very frightened and confused in the process. It is believed this is either from the influence of a Pokemon native to the world or an experiment gone wrong in that world. Due to the unnatural way in which the Pokemon cross over, they become infused with power and become much stronger.

Experimentation with opening a portal to Ultra Space is underway. Unmanned probes have been sent into the world, revealing the existence of not only dozens of Pokemon native to the world but also humanoids. Attempts to contact them has been met with limited success due to language differences. Occasionally, people and Pokemon have fallen into these rifts. They frequently return unable to recall much; this is not memory sealing but rather a case of trauma or being delirious during it. Psychic Pokemon have helped to unravel the memories in these instances; it turns out that the power boosting goes both ways. It's something of a small miracle these portals infrequently appear and haven't shown where they could cause serious damage. Yet. The Officials are keeping an eye on things and planning for the possibility of a crisis.

However different or strange they may look, these are still Pokemon. No alien types have been observed in them so far. The only problem with capture is that regular Poke Balls have trouble with recognition due to the residual energy interfering with them, causing the system allowing a Pokemon the chance to break out to be much more easily defeated.

Who's who of alien experts 1: Faba Schulze
The head of research at the Aether Foundation. He is a shrewd and gifted, yet somewhat amoral man. He's not a bad guy, though! Out-of-universe, he's mostly SM Faba. One of the foremost researchers into the Ultra Beasts.

Billionaires can spend their money just about any way they want. For the man who created the Aether Foundation, he spent it all creating a non-profit organization with a focus on preserving and protecting Pokemon. Any and all of them. The company and his values were passed down to his daughter, who fell in love with one of their scientists. One day, they happened upon a jellyfish-like Pokemon neither had seen personally. The scientist and his coworker – Faba – studied it. Faba made good strides into their mind with his Psychic Pokemon.

The Officials and governments had known about Ultra Beasts, and they didn't want the public knowing that Pokemon from other dimensions were creeping in periodically. It was Faba who acted as the middleman when the International Police attempted to intervene with Aether. Loyal to a fault, he threatened to expose them if the Pokemon was confiscated and destroyed. It was his job on the line, not to mention a life. Mutually assured destruction, as he called it. Eventually, when it became apparent that Aether was taking care of the UB initially codenamed the parasite, they reached an agreement where they could continue their research into the Pokemon. Maybe they could solve some of the mysteries about them.

Aether ultimately concluded they would be unable to create a suitable environment for it, so the decision was made to send it home. You know where this is going: the scientist vanished, leaving behind a grief-stricken wife who may have been corrupted. The company has since then continued with their research in absolute secret in cooperation with the Officials. Faba in particular has developed a Poke Ball attuned to their energy signatures to make capture easier and has even caught one himself; before then, Master Balls were the most reliable means, and they were costly to manufacture (and seen as immoral by many). Always one to have his finger on the pulse, he was very unimpressed by Dr. Fuji's attempts to create an ultimate Pokemon and tried creating one of his own that could adapt to any situation to fight any Ultra Beast. Fuji retorted afterward that at least his could function. He is growing increasingly concerned about the demands and mental state of the president, but he has a job and SCIENCE to do. Mysteries of the multiverse to solve! Why, he could even be among the famed greats some day…

Who's who of alien experts 2: Fennel Winks
Some otherworlds are actually just different planes of reality. The Dream World is one such place. Under most circumstances, a person, Pokemon, or even animal will dream on their own. Sort of a self-contained world in a sense, though it's actually all in the mind. Some don't dream. On the other hand, a larger communal Dream World for Pokemon exists.

The exact nature of the Dream World is unknown, and Fennel is a researcher who is looking into it. Alongside her contemporary, Burnet Lucilia, they have made significant strides into Pokemon dream research. Fennel has managed to use Munna excrement to visualize dreams. She named it Dream Mist. She has been able to determine that Pokemon that have sleep artificially induced through Dream Mist end up in the Dream World together. The Entralink in Unova is known to be a hotspot of dimensional distortions and is where the experiments are primarily conducted.

She recently made a disturbing breakthrough: a Pokemon from the Dream World emerged out of the Entralink after befriending a dreamer. They seemed to have simply not existed outside the dream. Research on just what in the world happened is currently underway; preliminary tests show the Pokemon to be perfectly healthy and normal.

Pokemon commentary 1: Poipole and Naganedal
Pokemon that resemble vaguely resemble draconic insects and exhibit much of the same behavior as Beedrills, Vespiquens, etc. Poipole is covered in a sticky fluid that seems to be some sort of honey, although it is highly toxic. Naganadel are hive leaders who defend their territory with large stingers. They seem to have a maniacal side to them. However, they do not have a swarm mentality. Poipole who pass through are actually quite timid, attacking out of desperation more than anything.

When communication with words failed, pictures were sent to the humans of Ultra Space. One of these was of new trainers with their starter Pokemon. The probe returned with pictures of young kids with a Poipole. This suggests it is considered a starter Pokemon in their world, or at least one that's commonly caught and raised.

Pokemon commentary 2: Nihilego
The first Ultra Beasts to cross over into the world, and one of the most alien. While it appears to be vaguely reminiscent of a jellyfish, its body structure is made up of crystalline material. It's a Rock-type and Poison-type! It was originally called the Parasite before further research showed it did not have an entirely negative relationship with its host as parasites are defined as being. The president of the Aether Foundation gave it its current codename: the Symbiont.

They behave oddly, seeming to randomly break into what looks like a dance in particular. A Nihilego does not directly control its victims. The neurotoxins it injects is similar to alcohol in how it impairs inhibition, causing the infected to act on their impulses. One infected started breaking things while laughing madly. However, another infected who suffered from chronic depression was barely changed. It is theorized because of this that the Pokemon feeds off satisfaction of having accomplished something, amplifying the host's enjoyment of it. Thus, someone with no impulses to act on is relatively immune to the psychological effects. Sustained contact with a Nihilego can cause mental and physical fatigue from overworking oneself and not recognizing pain. They otherwise take care of their hosts, although will use them as a shield if need be.

A Nihilego can also "merge" with a host, pulling them into their body. The toxins flowing between their brains creates a link where the two can see the other's memories. They can take full control of the host at this point by pulling them around, but it works in reverse. One with sufficient virtue and willpower or discipline can overcome this and forcibly take control of the Pokemon. A Nihilego that suffers this will eject its host in a panic and flee when it can. If it can: the human can keep it fused when in control.

Noteworthy Pokemon in-fic: Kallisto Keravnos' Xurkitree
Being a super popular trainer who's famous, talented, and even related to top-level trainers has its advantages. When one of these crossed over into the world and was successfully contained, the Officials gave it to one of the fastest-rising Electric-type masters in the world. It was part of their plan to gradually ease them into the public eye. Wanting Kallisto as a Champion, possibly a multi-region one, might also have something to do with it. The only condition was to not say its exact origins; so Kallisto said they're a rare species on South Pacific islands, and this one was particularly unruly and needed a good trainer. Nori was a little suspicious, especially because rehabilitating Pokemon is his job. But the subject got dropped because of their battle. Besides there, it made a couple other appearances.

Why does he have one? Because he's Kallisto Keravnos. Why didn't Nori get it? Because Pokemon Rehabilitators allegedly only get those no one else can handle.

 

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In a nutshell: Snake! You can't do that!
Who'd have thunk that in the future Pokemon will be extinct, and a mad scientist will create a bunch of robots? Or that prehistoric Pokemon have modern influences? That's the very definition of a paradox to me. Are they really from another time? From another universe? Another dimension like the Ultra Beasts? Or somewhere else? One thing is for certain, they exist and they're dangerous.

Working with both sets is a thing. Then again, I may be one of the few doing a variant Sapphire plot instead of Emerald when it comes time for Hoenn, so I'm no stranger to that. It just goes to show, you need to be creative! Version differences and potential paradoxes with no third version to lazily pull from anymore be damned. So let's be creative and try to figure this out. I wrote a chunk of this before DLC2, which didn't call any of it into conflict, though I already pushed the expedition up several decades.

Who's who of dubious book experts: Heath Clifford
Area Zero is a giant crater in the Paldea region. It is known for its treacherous terrain and dangerous Pokemon. The ancient king of Paldea built a wall around it, forbidding commoners from entering. After all, he both needed to protect his people and prevent them from gaining the power to overthrow him. This was maintained for a long time, more for the safety concerns, until 1907 when a researcher with a doctorate in Pokemon Biology specializing in fossil research – that's this guy – gained approval to enter the crater. It would be the first explicitly permitted civilian entry into Area Zero in hundreds of years. Accompanying him would be several other scientists, two of the Officials' top trainers, a government worker in Paldea, and a reporter. They came to be known as the expedition team. The group became famous and renowned before even heading in. That all came crashing down when they returned from their trip, with one less member.

While the reports among everyone match up before heading into the depths, that's when accounts started to differ. What is generally accepted as fact is that what happened before and after was true. The common consensus in the scientific community is that hallucinogenic gases rising from the bottom of the crater caused the team to see ordinary Pokemon or weather balloons as warped, distorted versions of themselves. Heath himself had wandered from the group at one point, drawn by something. He was found unconscious, believed rescued by the Pokemon believed to be resting in the crater or some altruistic Pokemon. That was the last straw, and they decided to turn back. Heath's personal recollection on the experience came to be known as the Scarlet Book.

It was derided for being outlandish and speculative. The surviving Official agreed to be subjected to a Psychic analysis; there didn't seem to be anything wrong with her memory. While the expedition team had their share of believers, Heath was effectively laughed out of the scientific community. He eventually disappeared from the public eye and adopted a pseudonym. One of the people who accompanied him, Jonathan "Jack" Gabbiani-Schrader, wrote a science fiction novel based around the team's experiences. This was much more warmly received. He instead reported seeing cybernetic Pokemon, driving in the point that no one could really agree what they saw that day. But the two most commonly accepted accounts among those who believe there is any truth are Heath's and Jack's. What's less known is that subsequent satellite imagery, unmanned probes, and investigation by Officials has actually shown signs of these Pokemon existing. But they're not about to go telling the public this.

Who's who of weird stuff experts: Jacob Chavez
A former Champion of Paldea, and a massive fatalist. Ever since he saw a certain movie when he was young, he had horrifying and incredibly vivid nightmares. Drowzee and Munna refused to eat them after a look, if not a taste. Specifically, he was frightened of the future and what might await them. Going on a journey helped him – he gravitated towards Psychic and Ghost-types. Everything went well until he beat all the Gym Leaders, the Elite Four, and the Champion, having the position thrust upon him at the age of 16. He approached life from there with a pessimism that would make a certain modern-day salaryman tell him to cheer up.

While Paldean officials kept monitoring Area Zero after the ill-fated and high profile expedition, they never went too deep in. They kept it contained for the most part, although they couldn't stop things from flying in or out. Eventually, they were forced to stop dedicating resources and make it an "at your own risk" thing. A spike of energy in 1961 made them put together another expedition team in secret. Chavez was asked to participate, as not only was he an exceptional trainer, but his Pokemon were sure to keep everyone level. His response wasn't a yes or a no, it was doomsaying.

Days before the expedition, Chavez failed to make a public appearance. Everything was put on hold as Paldean authorities scrambled to figure out what happened. Just as they were considering that he went to Area Zero on his own, he returned from it with one new partner: a Venomoth that had the Stellar Tera type. He refused to talk about any of his experiences in there, besides mentioning Pokemon that were suffering an inevitable fate. His new partner became a perfectly healthy member of his team from then until his retirement a few years later.

Officials believed he simply cracked under the pressures of being a Champion, which is why the region devised a "Top Champion" designation to separate talent from figureheads. Many regions followed suit in an informal capacity. Some in hindsight believe he was born with powers that he never got the chance to properly develop.

Pokemon commentary 1: amogus
To talk about this sus Pokemon, we must first talk about what it is supposedly a variant of. Pokemon know what Poke Balls are. They know they are the things trainers use to capture them. The red and white coloration they're famous for was first used 800 years ago and became standardized during the Industrial Revolution when they started to become mass produced. Pokemon, most infamously Voltorb, have adapted over the ages to the evolution of Poke Balls, using their appearances to deceive predators (and lure in careless trainers who think they're similar to the common item ball). Galarian Stunfisk's maw also resemble these, and of course, there are Foongus and Amoongus.

It's unknown why these mushrooms adapted to look like Poke Balls. The rumor that the developer of the modern Poke Ball based their design off them has been quashed: older Voltorb and Electrode variants were using the color long beforehand. When they sense prey approaching, they kneel down and use their Poke Ball cap as a disguise. It's not reliable because of their scent, so they often fall back on releasing spores from there. Amoongus by contrast try to lure prey by waving their arms. They have no hypnotic powers and it's obvious to even an untrained eye that they're part of its arms, so this is unsuccessful. (Out-of-universe, White and Violet dex entries blatantly contradict each other…) It's unknown why they even bother, other than to annoy inattentive humans. When asked, they have unanimously answered that they just do and that it does work sometimes, and therefore it is worth it. To that end, they have been dubbed as not a very smart species – you know, the type that are not as smart as they think.

In this sense, Brute Bonnet is strictly an impossibility. They simply should not have existed in the prehistoric form that Heath speculates. There would be even less point to trying to fool Pokemon with something that wasn't yet invented. Yet as stated, they do exist. So what are they? The running theory is that they're some sort of unrecorded variant. Their maws point towards them being more carnivorous, and the leaves around their caps point toward a more tropical or forested disguise. From the limited research able to be performed, they have spores mostly as potent as their more well-known modern day variant and seem to have the same lack of intelligence. However, they prefer to attack with punches and bites. Their behavior has otherwise not been well-documented like many of these so-called Paradoxes, but that will hopefully change…

Pokemon commentary 2: Strange Kanto Starters
With so many Pokemon out there but not available in the virtual adventures, there were bound to be rumors about those that weren't, especially early on. With some of the liberties taken, some even speculated there were all new Pokemon programmed specifically for the game available. It let you catch very rare Pokemon, so why not more? They made up insane things like trading over a Pokemon with Cut and pushing a truck, beating the Elite Four hundreds of times, going to a secret garden on Route 25, or flying away from a trainer right as they were about to see you before fighting a very specific Pokemon and returning to where the trainer saw you (which turned out to be real).

These so-called PokeGods were imagined, of course. But oddly, unmanned probes heading into Paldea's Area Zero and other locations where the Terastal Phenomenon is active have spotted Pokemon that bear an uncanny resemblance to them. Are they illusions, or were they really imagined into existence? In honor of that, they've been named after the term. The purported evolutions of the Kanto starters, for example, are named Godly Flower, Godly Drake, and Godly Cannon.

Strangely, a different set also resembling the starter Pokemon of Kanto have been sighted as well. These others seem to heavily exaggerate their features: a flower blooming out of control, a dragon engulfed in flames, and a tortoise with a huge arsenal on its back. They've been named Huge Petals, Wild Blaze, and Armed Harbor. It's believed these are some of the Pokemon that Jacob Chavez saw. Whatever they are, the truth will eventually come to light.

Pokemon commentary 3: Iron Jugulis
The stripes running down the bodies of Hydreigon and their evolutionary relatives have reminded many people of a snake's body or even tank treads. Some have wondered if the species used to be different, multi-headed serpents that slithered along the ground. And others, if they were actual tank-like Pokemon.

While no such variant exists in real life, at least in the past, what appear to be mechanical Hydreigon have been observed in areas with Paradox Pokemon. An unknown purple liquid flows through their body. While they hover instead of moving like tanks, their extra heads are able to be launched like cannons. Aside from one instance, the idea of Pokemon becoming mechanical in the future has been seen as laughable, so it's unknown what this could be.

Noteworthy Pokemon in-fic: Future mons that attacked Taiyoko in a ficfic
I put in an application to have Pokemon featured in "borrow characters" fic crossover thing here. Had to be Pokemon. So I nominated Taiyoko after some thought. She came in (likely from a portal Prema found that needed to be dealt with) as a voice of reason in a kooky group getting them to get their butts in motion. They met with a denizen of the world who asked them to help with an investigation. However, unbeknownst to them while setting out, a mad scientist was at work trying to revive ancient and future Pokemon. The gang split up and both were on a collision course with these Paradoxes.

Luckily for the fic's logic, she was part of the group that ended up with the future versions, coming face to face with an Iron Moth. It took her off guard, needless to say. She probably wouldn't be phased by an alleged ancient form (or know it was or wasn't true), so happy little accident there. It has interesting implications and directions I could go in given what I've established above. She knew about Ultra Beasts, but not these.