Automatons
A unique aspect of Obleta is that, alongside regular Pokemon, there's also **automatons**, machines in the shape of Pokemon. They have the sapience and capabilities of non-mechanical Pokemon, so they can walk, talk, and are citizens of Obleta like any other Pokemon.
Each automaton has a Z-Crystal that powers them and gives them life, though they still need fuel to function, such as coal.
Automatons are created by other Pokemon for a variety of purposes, whether that be companionship, needing an extra worker, populating a newly established town, and many more reasons.
Automatons also, at least in the vast majority of Obleta, share the same rights as non-mechanical Pokemon, though the Monsoon Continent is a notable exception.
There are several "versions" of automatons, developed as the technology became better. The current version is Mk. VIII. The first two versions, Mk. I and Mk. II, are the subject of much debate, as they were more akin to a particularly smart animal than a sapient Pokemon.
There are also rumors about a "Mk. 0", prototypes that existed before the official Mk. Is.
Here's a version log of all the known automaton versions to date, along with the colloquial terms for each version.
Mk. 0 "Genesis" - It is unknown if this version truly exists.
Mk. I "Gear" - Clunky, slow, and not quite sapient, but functional. They have the intellect of an average dog. Originally created to help adventuring teams with venturing into mystery dungeons.
Mk. II "Furnace" - The first batch able to use moves, these automaton were created for more advanced and difficult mystery dungeons. A bit more intelligent than Mk Is.
Mk. III "Pory" - The first automatons with the intellect of an average Obletan, were not treated as citizens at first, but after protests, have the same rights as any other Pokemon on Obleta.
Mk. IV "Equal" - These automatons were the first created since automatons were given the same rights as other Pokemon. Now more closely resembling existing Pokemon, these automatons were the peak of technology for the time.
Mk. V "Sturdy" - "Sturdy bodies, sturdy minds" was the motto for these automatons. More efficient, and with better construction, these were built to last as long as they could without repairs.
Mk. VI "Ultra" - This version was fitted with Ultra shields, allowing them to survive the desolation of Ultra Space. Now automaton could traverse the beyond, provided they had a way of getting there.
Mk. VII "Generation" - Upon demand of automaton who wished to have family, this batch was the first to have child automaton. While previously there was almost exclusively automatons of fully evolved Pokemon, this version included child, teen, and adult Pokemon at approximately equal rates.
Mk. VIII "Sustain" - The current version of automaton in production. With the ability to continue running for a bit if they lose their Z-crystal, and perform basic repairs on themselves, these models are purportedly able to self-sustain longer than any prior model.
