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

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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.