Pokémon The Alola Pokedex

[Persephone]

CN: Sexual Assault

Golduck (Psyduck)

Overview

Female golduck are relatively well adjusted and nurturing pokémon, albeit ones with an understandable misandrist streak. Male golduck are entirely unpleasant to each other and every species around them and can not be recommended under any circumstances. The males are still more common than females in captivity in large part because of the Kappa Order named and modeled after them. The last four governors, nine DNR heads, and three state supreme court justices have all been Kappa alums making the removal of golduck from the archipelago nigh-impossible. Until political realities change the people and psyduck of Alola must continue to suffer the wrath of golduck and their human imitators.

Physiology

Both golduck and psyduck are classified as pure water-types. Despite their appearances and name, golduck are not birds but rather monotreme mammals. This makes them poor candidates for a flying-type designation. While a psychic typing seems logical at first glance, golduck have rather weak psychic powers and psyduck only begin to display telepathic abilities when under extraordinary stress. This is common in the wild, especially among males (see Illness), but as it is not present in healthy juveniles and fades by adulthood a psychic typing has not been granted at this time. Golduck have mildly venomous claws, but not to the extent typical of poison-types.

Psyduck are stout bipeds with thick but short gold fur. A large bill extends from their head. The bill is lined with small jagged ridges that are useful for cutting vegetation. The pokémon have webbed feet and a short tail that is used as a rudder. A sparse tuft of black fur adorns the top of their head. Most of the time psyduck’s pupils are very small compared to the sheer size of their eyes. This is a sign of a headache (see Illness).

Golduck are much more slender and have blue fur instead of gold. Their toes and fingers are longer with webbing between them and the tail grows longer and more maneuverable as well. Four spines extend from the back of golduck’s head. These spines, as well as the claws at the ends of their fingers and toes, are mildly venomous. The venom can cause dizziness, nausea, short term memory loss, and impulsive behavior in humans. A small red bump rests between both eyes. This functions in a similar way to the lateral lines on sharks and lets golduck detect nearby organisms in the water.

Golduck can reach heights of 1.8 meters and typically weigh 30 to 45 kilograms. Males typically live for three to five years in the wild and captivity but can live up to fifteen. Females routinely live for ten to fifteen years.

Behavior

Golduck live in sex-segregated groups. Sororities of female golduck tend to be relatively calm arrangements with an elder in charge of a loose hierarchy. Psyduck are typically nurtured by all adult females. Adults spend most of their day in the water eating grasses and any fish unfortunate enough to swim too close. They also appear to swim for recreational purposes. As they grow older psyduck begin to enter the water and browse under the supervision of the golduck. Despite their reputation for peacefulness, any golduck that gets too fat or thin tends to be first mocked and later banished from the group. Psyduck whose fur isn’t blond enough for their mother’s tastes are often abandoned.

Fraternities are an entirely different story. Strict but fluctuating hierarchies are enforced by brutal acts of dominance including anal rape, physical violence, group harassment, and the force-feeding of cucumbers. Psyduck are exploited and bullied by adults. In fact, psyduck do most of the resource gathering for golduck instead of the other way around. Most juveniles end up sleep deprived and incredibly stressed to the point where they can barely think. While this altered state does awaken latent powers the psyduck are unable to focus well enough to control them. Any mistakes are socially, physically, or sexually punished by the entire fraternity. Hazing continues at least up to evolution, at which point the new golduck is eager to vent their frustrations on any unfortunate psyduck or golduck that is weaker than them.

Sororities often dig riverside tunnel systems for young to rest in. Alternatively they have been known to rest on cliff faces overlooking the water. Many Kappa Orders build large houses and give them to wild golduck fraterinities to reside in and eventually destroy. At this time another, typically better, house will be provided in short order. In 2013 then-Governor Griswold was recalled for using tax dollars to construct a lavish mansion for the wild golduck of North Hau’oli. The election was later voided by the state Supreme Court in an opinion written by another Kappa Order member. The golduck mansion has a paid cleaning staff and even a chef to care for the pokémon. At least one maid broke her NDA after quitting to discuss the treatment shown to her by the people and pokémon at the site. The state supreme court subsequently upheld a defamation judgment of $7,000,000. She was subsequently arrested for pokémon abuse by a Kappa alum sheriff and tried by a Kappa alum judge. Even after the key witnesses admitted to perjury the state supreme court upheld her conviction.

Husbandry

Psyduck are one of the very few pokémon that are best obtained as an egg and then entirely raised by humans. Virtually all psyduck raised by golduck, male or female, have behavioral disorders that are only likely to worsen with time. Psyduck raised by humans are often playful, loyal, affectionate, and surprisingly intelligent pokémon. Even outside of Kappa Order families psyduck has gained some popularity as a starter Pokémon. Children are given the egg months before they would set off on their journey and then get to raise a pokémon under their parent’s watchful eye. By the time the journey comes around the psyduck is grown enough to battle and has a connection with their trainer.

Wild-born male psyduck typically need a period of recuperation where they are kept away from battles and given adequate food and plenty of time to rest. Any larger pokémon that might pick on the new team member should be kept in line or at least kept away from the psyduck.

Wild-caught female psyduck and golduck tend to have problems with their diet. The best diet for psyduck and golduck is primarily based on seaweed (or freshwater grasses if readily obtainable) with crustaceans and small fish thrown in as an occasional treat. Female psyduck and golduck often outright refuse to eat anything and can suffer health consequences as a result (see Illness). Female golduck are also well-known for their misandry. Male trainers will be ignored or outright attacked. Even female trainers can see their male pokémon, friends, or relatives harassed. This problem is seldom present in females raised by humans.

Males are known for very different behavioral issues. In particular they are fond of shoving their hand into the anus of other pokémon and even humans. Females in particular are often targeted. They will do anything to access their beloved cucumbers and will throw tantrums if deprived. Giving in hardly makes the situation better as the newly emboldened pokémon will often break property or hurt itself or others. Males will often attempt to bully weaker pokémon on the team with occasionally lethal results. Again, these issues are seldom present in golduck raised by humans who do not emulate these behaviors.

Outside of their unique behavioral needs golduck have more standard care requirements. Golduck prefer to have regular access to freshwater to swim in. When possible golduck should be allowed to forage for their food underwater. Alternatively simple pokémon toys can be used for enrichment.

Female golduck naturally live in burrows. As such they like enclosed spaces and can learn to use closed-top litter boxes. Captive-raised psyduck of both sexes will happily do the same. Golduck-raised males will invariably trash any dwelling they are given and defecate wherever they wish. They are best held outside with a shed or doghouse for shelter from the elements. Be advised that the golduck will attempt to break into nearby homes out of spite. Additionally the DNR and most district attorneys are extremely sensitive to any complaints about golduck welfare.

Illness

Due to a strange blend of bacteria in their gut golduck can get drunk by eating cucumbers. Golduck-raised males prefer to be inebriated and will do everything in their power to obtain cucumbers. Wild females and hand-reared males still enjoy occasional access as a reward. There are no direct health concerns from feeding an adult golduck a cucumber every one to three weeks. Indirect health risks include injuries suffered on accident or as a result of dares from other golduck. Long-term perpetual intoxication can lead to organ failure and death.

Females often struggle with an unwillingness to eat. Many trainers unwittingly exacerbate the problem by providing a subpar diet or limiting food intake. Female golduck, unless chronically overweight, should be allowed to eat as much food as they want. Ideally foraging games will be provided to encourage eating. In dire situations an abundance of treat foods (eggs, cucumbers, crustaceans, fish) can be offered.

When under extreme stress psyduck can develop powerful migraines. These headaches are nearly incapacitating and make the pokémon avoid bright lights, loud noises, and most social interaction. In this state they can also use powerful telepathic attacks. The psyduck has little to no control over these powers and is prone to hurting itself just as much as its enemies. Migraines can easily be avoided by treating the pokémon with a modicum of decency.

Evolution

Psyduck flash evolve after enduring a certain amount of lifetime stress. Male psyduck raised by golduck typically evolve nine to fifteen months after hatching. Female psyduck and hand-raised males evolve twelve to twenty months after hatching. Later evolutions tend to produce larger and more emotionally stable golduck.

Battle

Golduck have a niche as a counter to weather teams. For reasons that are currently unknown some golduck can greatly weaken attack-summoned weather. In turn they resist the main attacks of hail, sun, and rain teams and can punish most sand setters and abusers. Unfortunately golduck are somewhat lacking in power or speed outside of the water and can be easily overpowered on the competitive circuits. =

Casual trainers do not frequently run weather teams. As such golduck are relegated to the role of a decent mixed attacker that can abuse pools of water. There is another small niche: golduck are effective taunters and psychological warriors. They can quickly strip psychology-based boosts and manipulate the mood of their opponents.

Many trainers believe that psyduck are powerful telepathic attackers. This is false in captivity. In fact a psyduck that does develop these powers is likely to result in a pokémon welfare investigation if used in any official battle. Instead psyduck can be used as modestly powerful special attackers for their size and maturity. Water, ice, and psychic attacks can strike down relatively weak foes from a distance and desperate claw attacks can work up close. Psyduck are not built for the rigors of combat but can at least hold their own against other small pokémon until they evolve.

Male psyduck are often reluctant to battle as this is seen as their trainer bullying them via another pokemon. By contrast, male golduck are often all too eager to vent their rage on weaker opponents. Trainers should keep both reactions in mind.

Acquisition

Golduck can be found in the wild in the freshwater streams and ponds of Melemele and Poni Islands. Psyduck can be captured with a Class III license. Fraternities will typically refuse to relinquish their psyduck. However, the individual psyduck will be quite happy to run away with a human if confronted alone. Proving battles are not only unnecessary but likely to convince the pokémon that his trainer is just another bully.

Sororities typically do require proving battles to capture a psyduck. Be forewarned that male trainers will be rejected, perhaps violently so. It is a good idea to use a female pokémon in the proving battle.

Many “wild” psyduck and golduck are in fact owned by a Kappa Order chapter. Ordinarily it is not legal for private individuals to own pokémon that live exclusively in the wild on property not owned by the individual. There is an exception written into the law for golduck and psyduck. If a pokéball fails to catch a wild psyduck this is why.

Golduck can also be captured with a Class III license. This is generally only viable for recently evolved females. If a golduck wants to go with a trainer she will engage in a proving battle instead of a psyduck. Male golduck rarely wish to go with a human trainer. Those that do, typically newly evolved males that are disgusted with their fraternity, will privately seek out nearby humans.

As mentioned above it is best to raise golduck from an egg when possible. These eggs can be obtained directly from a Kappa Order chapter at a high price. Alternatively some local breeders sell eggs or hatchlings. Hand-reared hatchlings are typically more expensive than an egg but have often already gone through the most difficult stages of husbandry (see Breeding) and are already attached to humans. Psyduck can be purchased with a Class I license. Golduck require a Class II license to purchase. Neither can be adopted as all abandoned members of the line are given to the Kappa Order.

Breeding

Golduck fraternities are known to raid the territory of sororities at night. It is possible that two wild golduck have had consensual reproduction. It has never been observed. Typically the males will compensate for their smaller average size by taking advantage of the element of surprise or banding up with another fraternity to be able to overpower more females. In some parts of their range the females have begun setting up so-called “mixers” to make the process less painful. In these events some females will consume multiple cucumbers and then wander into fraternity territory. The fraternities, in exchange, are expected to stop raids on sororities. The process seems unpleasant for the females that do attend but spares psyduck and absolutely unwilling golduck from the trauma of a raid.

Pregnancy lasts for five months at which point eggs are laid. The eggs take another six weeks to hatch. Golduck lack mammary glands and young psyduck are immediately put onto a solid diet. Psyduck do not leave their burrow for the first three months of life and are not allowed to roam unsupervised for another three to four weeks.

Hand-raised golduck often mimic human relationship dynamics. They often form monogamous pairings, although they seldom mate for life. The male sometimes helps raise the children and the trainer is usually expected to help. For advice on egg incubation consult the specialist literature. After hatching the psyduck should be kept in a warm, enclosed space that both parents have access to. The psyduck can either be handfed or additional food can be given to the parents to distribute. Psyduck are not capable of swimming until they are three months old. Do not give a younger psyduck access to deep water.

Subspecies

Golduck are native to southern Japan but have since been distributed worldwide. Particularly large concentrations exist in the American Southeast, Australia, and Eastern Europe.

No subspecies are recognized.

 

[Pen]

Well, this was everything I really didn't want to know about ducks! A quick verifying google search informed me that you could have made this even weirder, so, kudos for the restraint.

The social commentary was strong in this one. The bit about mixers was particularly oof. I also liked the crazy story about the governor building a mansion for the goluduck--is this based on something real-world? Nice touch showing how members of elite groups then end up in elite institutions and protect each other.

I feel terrible for these poor psyduck. I'm glad human-raised ones get to escape that cycle of abuse. If I lived in the pokeworld, I'd probably want to adopt a psyduck right now.

In 2013 then-Governor Griswold was recalled for using tax dollars to construct a lavish mansion for the wild golduck of North Hau’oli. The recount was later voided by the state Supreme Court in an opinion written by another Kappa Order member.

Recalls and recounts aren't the same thing, so the wordchoice here was a bit confusing.

 

[kintsugi]

The males are still more common than females in captivity in large part because of the Kappa Order named and modeled after them.

Huh, interesting, I wonder if this is going to touch on the idea of entrenched power systems and how those might interact with other entrenched power systems? Nah, it's probably just--

Until political realities change the people and psyduck of Alola must continue to suffer the wrath of golduck and their human imitators.

oh. well then.

(maybe could use a cw on this chapter for references to sexual assault. It's discussed as tastefully as I think possible, but also lines like "they'll shove their hands up your anus" are sort of,,, a lot to leave untagged)

Most juveniles end up sleep deprived and incredibly stressed to the point where they can barely think. While this altered state does awaken latent powers the psyduck are unable to focus well enough to control them. Any mistakes are socially, physically, or sexually punished by the entire fraternity. Hazing continues at least up to evolution, at which point the new golduck is eager to vent their frustrations on any unfortunate psyduck or golduck that is weaker than them.

I think there's excellent missed potential for a Haze joke either here or in the Battle section, maybe along with a note about how most other species stop doing this after leaving the juvenile phase and/or competitively it stopped being very useful.

Wild- and Kappa Order-raised males are known for very different behavioral issues. In particular they are fond of

The paragraph spacing here made me think that this was a difference between Wild and Kappa Order males, not between males and females/psyduck.

Proving battles are not only unnecessary but likely to convince the pokémon that his trainer is just another bully.

I thought this was an interesting concept to touch on, combined with how psyduck are notably bad in battle as well--if proving battles make them think that trainers are bullies, do they like regular battles against other trainers either or is that also just seeing as extended bullying?

Overall this was a really fascinating chapter, lol--definitely disturbing, but in an enjoyable way. Animal allegory is a fascinating lens for viewing some of the more horrible elements of society that we tend to just bear with and/or think are acceptable. Is this particular selection of golduck as the vehicle for this allegory based on duck mating habits in general, or is there like a very elaborate Kappa joke based on ducks/buying frat mansions that I'm missing?

 

[Persephone]

Huh, interesting, I wonder if this is going to touch on the idea of entrenched power systems and how those might interact with other entrenched power systems? Nah, it's probably just--

oh. well then.

(maybe could use a cw on this chapter for references to sexual assault. It's discussed as tastefully as I think possible, but also lines like "they'll shove their hands up your anus" are sort of,,, a lot to leave untagged)


I think there's excellent missed potential for a Haze joke either here or in the Battle section, maybe along with a note about how most other species stop doing this after leaving the juvenile phase and/or competitively it stopped being very useful.


The paragraph spacing here made me think that this was a difference between Wild and Kappa Order males, not between males and females/psyduck.


I thought this was an interesting concept to touch on, combined with how psyduck are notably bad in battle as well--if proving battles make them think that trainers are bullies, do they like regular battles against other trainers either or is that also just seeing as extended bullying?

Overall this was a really fascinating chapter, lol--definitely disturbing, but in an enjoyable way. Animal allegory is a fascinating lens for viewing some of the more horrible elements of society that we tend to just bear with and/or think are acceptable. Is this particular selection of golduck as the vehicle for this allegory based on duck mating habits in general, or is there like a very elaborate Kappa joke based on ducks/buying frat mansions that I'm missing?

You're right on all counts. Especially the content notice. I'll add a warning to the start of the chapter.

 

[Starlight Aurate]

Hello hello. Saw that there was an entry on Golducks, so of course I had to come read it.

I like how you took heavy inspiration from real life platypuses. I had never thought about Golduck having poisonous claws but I think it's a neat touch.

Sororities often dig create crude dams a la bibarel or riverside tunnel systems for young to rest in.

Looks like either "dig" or "create" should be omitted.

When I saw the content warning about sexual assault, I thought you were going to mimic their breeding on that of real life ducks don't look up how ducks reproduce if you don't know already so I was surprised with the route you did take! I know several animal species in real life do use such tactics so I guess you had plenty to draw inspiration from.

Like others said before me, the social commentary here was pretty great. The split into sororities/fraternities, the hazing, the inebriation and reproduction--and the government "owning-but-not-really" the species were all neat to see through the lens of Pokemon wildlife.

As a Golduck/Psyduck fan, this made me feel sad for Psyduck. I'm happy there's at least hope for them outside of the abuse that their lives seem to consist of.

This was fun (if somewhat disturbing at certain parts) to read!

 

[Persephone]

Jynx (Smoochum)

Overview

Even by the standards of true psychics jynx are strange creatures. They possess a limited ability to temporarily discard or entirely reform their body from moisture in the air. Rather than feeding on emotions jynx feed on general brain activity of creatures they are linked to. Strangest of all jynx readily change their behaviors and even their appearance to match the human society around them.

While jynx do not require high PSY scores to wield they are unable to provide translation. Trainers who want a psychic-type for that purpose should look into another species. Musically inclined trainers, aspiring researchers, and rain specialists can still find jynx a strange but friendly and relatively low maintenance pokémon.

Physiology

Jynx and smoochum are classified as dual psychic- and ice-type pokémon. Their nature as true psychics necessitates the first typing. While technically jynx exhibit a form of hydrokinesis rather than proper cryokinesis their very low body temperature and propensity for ice-type attacks suggests a secondary ice typing is suitable.

Jynx is notable for changing the appearance of all individuals worldwide within a generation. It is widely believed that jynx’s skin was previously pitch black. This is inaccurate: jynx had no skin. A shadowy form held up a set of clothing and hair made of slightly impure ice crystals. When frightened jynx would fade into the shadows around them and abandon their physical trappings.

In the 1960s jynx began to grow skin. The trend started in North America where changing attitudes around proper conduct led to a backlash against blackface. Jynx shows were caught up in the backlash and often cancelled as a result. Within five years most of the jynx around Unova had developed a physical form with dark purple skin. This body is not properly organic but is instead made of ice crystals. Despite this there are layers of different densities and structures that seem to function as organs. Whether or not they serve a purpose or are merely ornamental is unknown. From Unova the trend of making physical bodies to inhabit spread worldwide until by 1985 every population of jynx in the world, even the remote wild populations, had adopted it.

Smoochum were first sighted in 1999. They, too, have spread across almost every jynx population. They are roughly humanoid with slightly exaggerated feminine proportions. Most populations have blonde hair and a mix of purple and light brown skin. As with jynx multiple hair colors have been detected. As jynx bodies are purely ornamental the pokémon can presumably have whatever hair color she wants.

Smoochum appear to be biological organisms in a way that jynx simply are not. To start with they regularly eat food, drink water, and excrete waste. Their lips also seem functional and highly sensitive as smoochum insist on pressing them against any new surface they encounter. Furthermore damage short of the total destruction of their physical body can result in death (see Illness).

The largest jynx can reach heights of 1.7 meters and weigh up to 46 kilograms. Increasing size is usually a sign of power and comfort as more mass requires more psychic energy to maintain. Like most true psychics jynx have an average lifespan equivalent to the nearby human population.

Behavior

Jynx appear to have a very complex language system that sounds nearly human. Across the world jynx language shifts to mirror the sounds of the local human tongues. These languages are entirely incomprehensible. Linguists have spent their entire lives trying to decipher jynx languages and failed. Even telepathic humans and pokémon have never been able to receive an understandable response from a jynx. Mind links can even be painful and result in a long bouts of vertigo and/or aphasia. Recent lab studies suggest that jynx communicate with each other through telepathic signals and that their language is purely for show.

Unlike most true psychics jynx do not feed on emotions. Instead they seem to absorb either kinetic or mental energy through their dances. When jynx begin to dance and sing it creates a signal sent out to all humanoid organisms in the area. Eventually their nervous systems are coopted and they begin to join in the movements. The process is harmless aside from potential damage from being made to perform maneuvers the body may not be fit enough to comfortably handle. In the worst case scenario people with some control over their legs but very low leg strength can involuntarily get up and collapse after a few seconds or minutes. Jynx do seem apologetic when this happens and immediately stop dancing.

Most jynx have voluntarily moved into captivity, especially after the invention of air conditioning. They perform in dance halls or, increasingly, yoga studios. Some have private trainers that feed them and, in turn, ask them to dance, battle, or sing. Jynx do have beautiful, surprisingly deep voices even if they cannot perform conventional lyrics. In return the jynx are showered with attention and allowed to regularly feed in a safe environment. While all of the attention can lead to jynx becoming spoiled narcissists this somehow only adds to the appeal of their dance halls. In recent years several jynx have begun social media accounts where they post pictures with nonsensical captions or vlogs of a jynx complaining or singing to a camera in their own language. These behaviors do not seem to be a form of feeding. In any case several jynx have millions of followers on Snap, Trozei, Play It!, Shuffle, and the Pokémon Channel.

Small wild populations exist. Their behaviors, including the methods they use to feed, are poorly understood.

Smoochum mostly stay close to their mothers and explore their environment. They have a lot of attitude for their apparent stage of human development and are known to be more demanding than even the most narcissistic of jynx. Near constant attention from one of her mothers or a human is required to satisfy their emotional needs and ward off tantrums and to make sure that the smoochum doesn’t accidentally hurt herself or eat something she shouldn’t. Preventing her from doing so is a surefire way to start a tantrum. Thankfully smoochum have short memories and quickly forget why they were angry in the first place.

Husbandry

A jynx requires cool environments and either moist air or frequent access to ice or cool water. Her environment should usually be kept below fifty-five degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures as high as seventy-five Fahrenheit can be tolerated for periods of an hour or less. Glacier and Polar balls can work for transport through warmer climes. In general jynx do not make good companions for traveling trainers in Alola, although the presence of an aurorus, ninetales, vanilluxe, or other powerful cryokinetics can offset this. Humanoid pokémon also make good partners as they reduce the time jynx has to feed from any single source. Intelligent Pokémon, especially singers such as primarina, can properly shower jynx with attention. Oricorio can at least provide dancing partners.

Jynx feed through linked dancing with humanoids and humans in particular. Flexibility and cardiovascular exercises are recommended for jynx trainers to help them get through long feeding sessions. Even outside of dancing jynx are socially demanding and will need near-constant socialization or other enrichment. Thankfully jynx are willing to vent to mirrors from time to time.

A smoochum is generally best cared for by her mothers with occasional trainer assistance. Baby-sitting mostly consists of making sure that smoochum doesn’t kiss anything sharp, toxic, or attached to a potentially aggressive pokémon. Unlike most pokémon smoochum are curious enough about literally everything in their environment that they have little need for proper toys.

Illness

Prior to forming bodies jynx suffered illness typical of true psychics and phantoms. For the most part rates of these diseases have greatly decreased among the now-physical jynx. The only real maladies adult jynx suffer from are the occasional bout of exhaustion, vertigo, or discoloration from inadequate feeding. In particularly severe cases the jynx will not be able to dance, dooming it to starvation unless another jynx steps in and shares energy.

Their gains from reduced emotion sicknesses jynx and offset by new physical weaknesses. Previously jynx could only truly die of old age, although they might go comatose from starvation or particularly severe illnesses. Now the total annihilation of their body in an environment that is not very cool and moist can result in death. Even in ideal environments annihilation combined with dark- and ghost-type attacks can prevent reformation and be fatal as a result.

Smoochum can suffer from more conventional illnesses such as food poisoning and respiratory infections. Ensuring that the smoochum eats only soft foods for the first three months of life and only things edible to humans from then on until evolution can reduce rates of food poisoning. Keeping a clean home and, paradoxically, reducing the use of harsh chemical sanitizers can also reduce illness rates. Respiratory infections are best prevented by keeping the smoochum in a consistently cool and moist environment.

Evolution

Once a smoochum is around eight years old her parents will take her to an extremely cool and moist area nearby. The smoochum will meditate for two to six days before attempting to form a new body. A flurry of ice, snow, and cool water will coalesce into a proper jynx body. Upon the body’s completion the smoochum will keel over dead and begin her new life controlling the newly created jynx.

After evolution jynx continue to grow as long as they train and become more powerful.

Battle

Given enough ambient moisture, especially cool moisture, a jynx can reform her entire body in a matter of seconds. On rain and hail teams this can make jynx astonishingly durable. In addition to their durability jynx can also employ moves such as sweet and lovely kiss to disrupt enemy plans. Nasty plot and calm mind boosts can let jynx unleash powerful blizzards or psychic attacks.

Jynx’s second biggest advantage lies in their ability to freeze or otherwise disrupt the movements of humanoid pokémon. A handful of non-weather quickstall teams have used jynx to force humanoid pokémon such as machamp to stand stock still as passive effects drain their health. Alternatively jynx can force other pokémon to punch themselves. The jynx herself will hardly be damaged given her weak arm strength but fighting-types can be seriously hurt.

The main downside to using jynx is that outside of rain or hail they are extremely frail creatures. In very harsh sunlight jynx passively degrade. Fire-type attacks only speed the process up. Even in ideal weather conditions a few powerful ghost or dark hits can keep jynx from reforming all of the way.

Given the climate of Alola jynx are only useful with a partner pokémon or two capable of setting up rain or hail. Ninetales, aurorus, castform, politoed, or pelipper are the ideal partners. Vanilluxe are powerful hail setters but are strongly discouraged for the amateur trainer. Vanillite and vanillish are unfortunately far less effective at weather control than their adult form.

Smoochum are decently powerful ice- and psychic-attackers that can also pull off the occasional lovely or sweet kiss. They are also modestly more durable and less sensitive to adverse climes than jynx are. In low level matches smoochum can disrupt or overpower a handful of common pokémon such as non-pikipek birds. Still, smoochum’s long evolution time and reliance on her mothers makes her a subpar pick for new trainers.

Acquisition

Jynx are best acquired from breeders in Hau’oli and Malie. These organizations regularly import and breed jynx and are capable of providing specimens adjusted to close human contact and with a detailed record of likes, dislikes, and personality traits. Trainers seeking a wild jynx can find them near the entrances of Melemele caves, and the meadow entrances of Seaward Cave in particular. Wild jynx are often somewhat skittish around humans they are not actively controlling. Even if she bonds with a human a wild jynx will be initially confused and scared in cities and unused to prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

Smoochum capture remains legal due to relaxed capture rules around non-native species. It is not recommended for practical reasons as smoochum are reliant upon maternal supervision and do not typically adjust well to human care.

Smoochum can be captured, adopted, or purchased with a Class IV license. Jynx can be obtained with a Class III.

Breeding

Like most true psychics jynx reproduce through asexual partnered courtship. All jynx are automatically classified as female as they have no reproductive organs and typically perform feminine gender roles of the nearby human cultures. It is impossible to simply ask a jynx about questions of gender identity and receive a coherent answer.

Two jynx will bond through a dancing and singing competition, the details of which vary regionally. If both are satisfied with the other they will stay close for several months. Eventually one or both will create an egg from ice crystals. Through a process that is not well understood the ice egg will gradually begun to house organic life. A smoochum will hatch after four to six months. Some jynx couples have another child or two while raising their first to evolution. In any event once all children have evolved the couple will go their separate ways. If confined to the same space they will proceed to ignore each other and their newly evolved offspring.

Captive breeding of jynx is relatively easy in theaters or studios that own multiple jynx. Trainers with a single jynx will have to take her to an organized gathering of jynx to evaluate potential mates. One trainer will then need to take care of both jynx for several years. Once the last smoochum has evolved new homes will need to be found for one parent and the child or both parents. If enough food and space is available multiple jynx can tolerate each other with only the occasional fight. Trainers who cannot bear the thought of losing one or both of their jynx should plan to open or join a jynx-related business well in advance.

Subspecies

The dances, language, and mannerisms of jynx vary by culture. Eye and hair color frequencies also vary regionally. Jynx are originally from the Korean peninsula, Amur basin, and Japanese isles. Traders had spread them to Scandanavia by 800 CE, Tibet by 1100 CE, and New Zealand by 1400 CE. The Europeans subsequently spread them to much of the globe, including Alola in 1811.

 

[kintsugi]

This was a really fun entry that as a bit of all the good things normally in the dex entries, I think--a bit of nodding to historical things in the franchise, some creepy interpretations of psychics, interesting reproductive/rearing habits with gendered species, and lol this was a really clever way to dance around the color swap. There were also a lot of fun worldbuilding details here and there; my favorites were the polar/glacier balls, vanilluxe still being a bad plan, and the line "upon the body’s completion the smoochum will keel over dead and begin her new life controlling the newly created jynx." Really fun stuff this week!

Despite this there are layers of different densities and structures that seem to function as organs. Whether or not they serve a purpose or are merely ornamental is unknown. From Unova the trend of making physical bodies to inhabit spread worldwide until by 1985 every population of jynx in the world, even the remote wild populations, had adopted it.

I thought this was particularly interesting, especially since they end up losing physical invulnerability as a result, and it seems mostly based on human perceptions. Pokes a lot of questions about the empath/feeling-feeding, and if that's really as one-directional as I was thinking before reading this lol.

Smoochum were first sighted in 1999.

haha, I like the Crystal reference. And in this case it makes sense that these only got discovered late, given their life cycles/elusivity with the young.

Furthermore damage short of the total destruction of their physical body can result in death (see Illness).

I think the phrasing here was kind of weird--I realize that it's contrasting with the fact that you'd need to completely destroy a jynx's physical body (since most pokemon presumably die short of total destruction of the physical body), but we don't really learn about that until the Illness/Battle sections anyway. Maybe move this one later or drop a mention that jynx are nigh-indestructible ice murder wraiths a bit earlier?

Mind links can even be painful and result in a long bouts of vertigo and/or aphasia. Recent lab studies suggest that jynx communicate with each other through telepathic signals and that their language is purely for show.

nothing to say here; just thought it was a neat detail

In recent years several jynx have begun social media accounts where they post pictures with nonsensical captions or vlogs of a jynx complaining or singing to a camera in their own language. These behaviors do not seem to be a form of feeding. In any case several jynx have millions of followers on Snap, Trozei, Play It!, Shuffle, and the Pokémon Channel.

This line felt particularly Persephone-flavored, and I loved it.

In low level matches smoochum can disrupt or overpower a handful of common pokémon such as non-pikipek birds.

I wasn't fully sure why they would struggle against pikipek specifically? In the toucannon entry they seem pretty tame until they get the cannon beaks. Also felt weird not to just name a non-pikipek bird species instead?

If confined to the same space they will proceed to ignore each other and their newly evolved offspring.

lmao.

 

[Persephone]

Readers with a soft stomach may want to skip the illness section on this one. Nature can be viscerally upsetting.



Magikarp (Gyarados)

Overview

Magikarp barely qualifies as a pokémon. It boasts one of the lowest energy potentials of any known pokémon and survives mostly on the basis of its prodigious spawn rate than its skill in combat. Of course, there are plenty of rare pokémon with extremely high fecundity but low adult numbers. Alomomola is one such example. What lets magikarp survive in large numbers without combat skill, then?

The answer is gyarados. Relatively few magikarp evolve but those that do become some of the strongest pokémon in the world. Gyarados do not reproduce. Instead they serve as protectors for magikarp’s habitat. If any predator species starts eating too many magikarp its numbers can be halved overnight. Environmental alterations, whether from humans or pokémon, can be undone with a single well-aimed hyper beam. Few species dare to subsist entirely or even primarily on magikarp and the fish pokémon thrives.

On the island challenge magikarp is not recommended due to its aquatic nature and general weakness. Gyarados is not recommended due to its uniquely unpleasant combination of a bad temper and city-breaking power. Gyarados is also far stronger than a pokémon needs to be to make it through the challenge. Powerful water-types such as primarina, araquanid, and golisopod are far better options. Even aspiring herpetologists and dragon masters are better off raising milotic, lapras, or even carracosta.

Physiology

Magikarp appear to be red or orange compressiform fish with the expected gills and fins. In reality magikarp are more closely related to aquatic reptiles such as lapras and blastoise than to actual fish. In addition to their gills magikarp also have lungs that allow them to breathe out of the water. Magikarp can cross short distances on land by flopping around and breathing air. Alternatively, they can use limited aerokinesis to make surprisingly high jumps out of the water and clear as much vertical or horizontal distance as possible.

Once they reach a body of water magikarp are almost always hardy enough to thrive there. Magikarp can tolerate salinities ranging from almost pure water to seawater to some parts of the dead sea. Pollution is seldom a problem for magikarp and the factories or pipelines that do cause problems are quickly destroyed by gyarados. Crude lateral lines allow magikarp to navigate in particularly murky waters.

Gyarados are long serpentine pseudodragons. A blue bone trident adorns their forehead and long whiskers extend below their fangs. Arrays of backward-facing scales form the appearance of multiple segments and guard against almost all attacks. These scales are typically counter-shaded with white or cream scales on the bottom and blue scales on top. Gyarados occasionally have red back scales. This may help disguise them in bloody waters or when the water’s surface is reflecting flames. Four dorsal fins and a tail fluke help the pokémon swim.

Gyarados have aerokinesis considerably more advanced than their preevolution. With a little effort gyarados can fly. As fights wear on and gyarados tap into more and more energy the pokémon can find itself surrounded by hurricane-speed winds. While gyarados has trouble directing the winds into attacks the summoner itself seems to be unbothered by them. If anything higher wind speeds lead to faster flight while grounding other fliers. In addition to their aerokinesis gyarados are adept at using water, fire, ice, and dragon energy. With training gyarados can use attacks of almost every type. Ordinarily this versatility would warrant a normal or dragon typing, but gyarados have much stronger aerokinesis and hydrokinesis than any other elemental affinity. As such a secondary dragon typing will only be added in the event that triple typings are allowed.

Magikarp are primarily aquatic and do not have aerokinesis powerful enough to warrant a flying-typing. As such they are classified as pure water-types.

Particularly large magikarp can reach lengths of over one meter and weigh over ten kilograms. They can live for three years in the wild or ten in captivity. Gyarados can reach ten meters in length and weigh over a metric ton. In the wild gyarados can live up to eighty years, although in captivity they seldom survive for more than thirty.

Behavior

In freshwater environments magikarp prefer to live in slow-moving areas at the bends of rivers. These small ponds are easy to swim in and new zooplankton, small fish, and crustaceans are constantly brought to them by the river. Bibarel ponds serve a similar purpose. When they must swim in fast-moving waters magikarp prefer to stick near the surface and move primarily by jumping through the air to avoid the current altogether.

In saltwater environments magikarp typically stick to lagoons, bays, and estuaries. Ponds in tidally influenced marshes are particularly good as they fill up with prey during high tide and are isolated from large predators during low tide.

Magikarp are not particularly social although they do tend to end up living around many other conspecifics. They seldom interact beyond occasional cooperation to figure out a way around a barrier or to trap and kill larger prey.

Gyarados are the defenders of magikarp populations and ecosystems. Ordinarily they stay still at the bottom of shallow lakes, bays, or slow-moving rivers and only move once every few days to ambush and kill a large pokémon in the area, look around the surface, and then submerge again. When disturbed by dredging, divers, or submarines gyarados tend to overreact and destroy not only the offender but almost everything in the area before calming down again.

When magikarp populations decline too much, breeding routes are interrupted, or the environment is threatened by pollution gyarados go on rampages. Sometimes these are surprisingly targeted against a single species or ship. Usually they are far more general. One or more gyarados team up to summon a massive storm before moving ashore and destroying a city with rogue waves, gale force winds, and dragonfire that is not put out by rain or seawater. Several ancient civilizations are believed to have collapsed after angering a gyarados. Even in the modern era where captive electric-types and even legendary pokémon are available to defend a city rampages can still kill thousands of people and cause hundreds of millions of dollars in damage. The gyarados have also adapted and begun to send up to a half dozen individuals on rampages to account for better defenses.

In Alola the last large scale rampage was in 1951 following changes in fishing laws that depleted the magikarp population. Small rampages are common and increasingly aimed at ultra beasts such as guzzlord. Even these attacks are declining in frequency as milotic diplomacy increasingly gives warning of conditions that would lead to rampages.

Husbandry

Magikarp are best held in small fish ponds or dechlorinated swimming pools. Because magikarp eat mosquito larvae these pools are usually not breeding grounds for unwanted insects. One magikarp can comfortably be held for every two hundred gallons of space available, although some specialists insist on at least five hundred gallons per specimen. There should be sufficient room above the pond to jump and either soft or curved edges to prevent abrasive wounds. The water should have a filtration system capable of handling the waste produced. While magikarp can survive in somewhat murky water very high nitrite loads can still result in fish deaths.

In addition to insect larvae magikarp should be fed brine shrimp, live or frozen crustaceans, and live or frozen minnows equal to two to three percent of the body mass of the fish in the pond every day.

Occasional enrichment such as singing to the fish, making a game out of obtaining food, or wading into the pond and standing very still is useful for trainers wanting to evolve a magikarp. It is otherwise unnecessary as magikarp have very low stimulation needs.

Gyarados require either a several hundred gallon aquarium or a large pond or sea pen to be comfortably enclosed. If a gyarados is uncomfortably enclosed it will probably rampage and destroy, at minimum, the enclosure. The habitat should have a layer of soft substrate several feet deep at the bottom. Curved or soft edges are encouraged as gyarados can be wounded by rubbing against concrete too often. Wounds often lead to rampages. Glass is not recommended as a barrier as gyarados are prone to not noticing it, swimming into the wall, becoming enraged, and destroying it. Only constantly and powerfully shielded barriers can withstand a gyarados attack. Bubble curtains or geometric patterns on the glass can reduce collisions. The Monterey Bay Aquarium employed one way mirrors with some success while it had a gyarados in its collection.

In almost all cases two gyarados held in close quarters will lead to one living gyarados and a badly damaged habitat. The one exception is that gyarados that knew each other as magikarp and live in an environment with adequate space and food will sometimes tolerate or even enjoy the other’s company. Most gyarados will tolerate magikarp in their environment. For freshwater ponds the magikarp can provide pest control as well.

Magikarp can tolerate a wide range of salinities. Most aquariums use either seawater mixes or fresh water to house them. Newly evolved gyarados have similar tolerances, although older ones tend to prefer somewhat brackish water. Filtration systems are more important for gyarados care in aquariums than for magikarp. Gyarados will seldom die from nitrite loads but they may kill several humans before flying off to cleaner waters. Fully developed pond ecosystems typically have a robust nitrogen system and do not require external filtration.

Younger gyarados need to eat food just a little bit smaller across than the thinnest part of their body once every week. Older gyarados can comfortably go four to six weeks without eating, although they may begin to get cranky towards when hungry. Gyarados prefer live food but most will happily eat frozen fish, reptiles, invertebrates, or mammals. Public aquariums have had great difficulty keeping gyarados from eating tankmates out of boredom or hunger or coaxing the snake to eat frozen food instead of the live food all around it. A combination of danger to tankmates and exorbitant insurance costs have led to most aquariums that once held gyarados to phase them out, the Hau’oli Aquarium among them. The remaining captive gyarados are mostly owned by professional trainers and either held on the trainer’s personal property or loaned to a public aquarium when not in use. These specimens typically have enough discipline to follow basic orders.

Because they have crude lateral lines magikarp and gyarados enclosures should take care to insulate from currents in filtration systems or other nearby electronics. Most home aquaria stores sell insulation guides and equipment. Trainers and institutions with the money to build a non-pond enclosure for gyarados should also have the resources to consult professional architects and electrical engineers.

Any facility keeping a gyarados is strongly recommended to either have a full troupe of Mr. Mime on site or enough powerful electric-types to quickly knock the gyarados out (see Battling). Even calm gyarados should have these counter-measures available to reduce insurance costs.

Magikarp can live out of water for some time, especially with the help of dive balls. Even in the fairly wet environment of Alola they are not recommended for traveling trainers as they require daily feedings that are best done in the water. Gyarados make poor traveling companions as the constantly changing environments of the trail can be stress-inducing. A stressed gyarados is a dangerous gyarados. Additionally it can be difficult to properly feed a gyarados while traveling, although their infrequent feeding schedule does make them somewhat easier to feed than large carnivorous mammals.

Illness

One of the most common ailments for wild magikarp are parasites. These parasites, typically isopods, will enter magikarp through the gill area. They will then crawl into the mouth and proceed to eat the tongue. The isopod will then settle into the place the tongue formerly occupied and serve as the magikarp’s new tongue, taking a cut of the food ingested along the way. As parasites the isopod are incentivized not to kill their host and to make sure it continues to swim and eat: they are seldom a serious health threat to the magikarp and removing them can be fatal as the pokémon suddenly lacks a tongue or any replacement. Parasites are best prevented by occasional doses of fish-friendly pesticides into the water. Unfortunately this does remove insect larvae that the magikarp would otherwise feed on.

Isopods are no real threat to gyarados due to the sheer size of their tongue. If something were to begin nibbling away the gyarados would simply surface and begin unleashing powerful attacks through their mouth such as hydro pump, hyper beam, or ice fang until the disturbance was killed or removed. Tongue-less magikarp rarely evolve and, if they do, seldom survive for long. One researcher experimented with using a wimpod as a tongue-replacement. The gyarados survived for a little over six months before dying.

The main captive health problem in magikarp and gyarados is abrasion. Repeatedly swimming into concrete or other rough surfaces can wear away at scales and leave open wounds that can become infected. While they are capable of killing large parasites even gyarados cannot easily defend against bacteria. The best way to prevent these injuries is to design a habitat with soft or rounded edges and minimal glass to bump into. Thick substrate beds can prevent injuries from rubbing against the bottom of the tank. Wounded magikarp can be treated by most veterinarians. Gyarados typically require dragon or herptile specialists and/or the assistance of a blissey. Sedating a fully grown gyarados is difficult (see Battle) but useful.

Evolution

When population numbers rapidly decline, magikarp are unable to complete migrations (see Breeding), or pollutant levels tick up magikarp begin to release chemical signals. When the water becomes sufficiently saturated the most healthy magikarp in the area evolves in a flash evolution. Newly evolved gyarados are typically about five meters long and grow throughout the course of their life. Despite their relatively small size newly evolved gyarados are overflowing with elemental energy and more dangerous than all but the most powerful and well-trained of adults.

In captivity evolution can be triggered by dosing a magikarp habitat with distress chemicals. Containment measures should remain on hand until evolution happens as a rampage is almost inevitable. Deliberately evolving a magikarp without a Class V license is a crime.

Battle

The real reason anyone takes the financial and safety risks involved in raising a gyarados is the sheer power they can bring to bear on the battlefield. Between their storms, physical power, and elemental attacks gyarados are one of the strongest pokémon in the world.

Most professional trainers play gyarados defensively at the start of the match using tactics such as protect, rest and sleep talk, substitute, and taunt to set up opportunities to build a storm and boost through dragon dance. With gale force winds and a few minutes of dragon dancing on its side a gyarados are almost impossible to wall.

In turn gyarados are difficult to knock out. Electrical attacks are the easiest means of doing so. These attacks deal decent physical damage and cause severe disorientation and pain by overloading the snake’s lateral lines. Hurting a gyarados has the unfortunate side effect of enraging the gyarados. On the bright side, the pokémon becomes increasingly less likely to obey orders and follow the multistage strategies that make gyarados so dominant. Conversely an angry gyarados boosts its storm much faster and attacks with more savagery than a calm one. It may be easier to win the match but a loss has a much higher chance of being lethal and, given the known risks of enraging a gyarados, referees are unlikely to award excessive force penalties.

The best hard counters to gyarados are capable of negating powerful winds or changing the weather. Salamence, especially in leagues where mega evolution is allowed, routinely uses its own raw power to knock out its opponent before reverse sweeping with the winds coopted.

Without a hard counter or electric-type powerful enough to knock out gyarados within a minute the best strategy to dealing with gyarados is to put offensive pressure on it early in the round to minimize the energy it can put into setting up winds and dragon dances.

Magikarp, while not entirely unable to battle, will seldom win a matchup on land. Their options are limited to flailing around with enough force to hopefully injure something else and, with sufficient training, slinging weak water attacks. In the water magikarp are at least capable of decent tackles.

Acquisition

Magikarp are found in most estuaries, bays, shallow ponds, and river bends in Alola. They are easily captured without a fight. So long as their new habitat is adequate the magikarp will seldom make a fuss. Alternatively many fish and landscaping stores sell magikarp. Magikarp can be caught or purchased with a Class I license. Few shelters will adopt magikarp and they can be easily released to the wild with no ecological problems.

Gyarados that begin to rampage are either put down or captured. The Ranger’s Union has a waiting list to obtain a gyarados. If the trainer did not attend the battle themselves a proving battle or two will be necessary to get the gyarados to obey their new trainer. Alternatively some private trainers may be willing to sell a trained gyarados. Gyarados can only be possessed with a Class V license.

Breeding

To breed magikarp return to the place they were born en mass. Magikarp are surprisingly adept at moving through obstacles such as rapids. Some even cross entire mountain ranges. Once enough magikarp have arrived a mass spawning event begins. All magikarp subsequently die so that their corpses can help feed the hatchlings.

Gyarados are incapable of reproduction.

Magikarp have never bred in captivity. Some institutions do take fingerlings from spawning areas and raise them in captivity. This does lead to a very high survival rate but has no conservation purpose given the abundance of wild magikarp.

Subspecies

Subtle variations, in length, body shape, mass, and coloration can be observed between populations.

Magikarp inhabit most coastal waters and near-coastal river systems in the Old World. The population in Alola was introduced from Japan. Gyarados have reduced the populations of some large fish species such as alomomola, bruxish, and sharpedo. In turn their ferocious protection of habitats has let smaller fish species thrive despite competition from magikarp.

 

[Persephone]

Whiscash (Barboach)
Piscisdeluto sp.

Overview

Whiscash are one of the most prolific pokémon worldwide, boasting scores of species on six continents. They are an important food fish in some parts of the world. Several species are valued in the aquarium trade. But, like most wholly aquatic fish, they are not often sought out by traveling trainers.

Alola boasts three fascinating species of whiscash. The Mississippian, or farm, whiscash (P. della) is the most commonly raised whiscash species and one of the most commonly farmed fishes in the United States. It can often be found in farm ponds on Akala. The Melemele whiscash (P. insulantrum) is a blind cave-dwelling species that lives in the cold subterranean rivers in the north and eastern parts of the island. Finally, the Poni whiscash (P. perfodit) is a semi-troglomorphic species that spends the day in the caves and aquifers of the island before coming up to surface waters to feed every night.

Aspiring farmers and aquaculturists may wish to try their hand at caring for a tank of farm barboach or a pond of whiscash. Scientifically minded aquarists may be interested in the other two species.

Physiology

Both stages of all three species are classified as dual water- and ground-types.

Barboach is a serpentine pokémon with two pectoral fins, a dorsal fin, and a rounded tailfin. Large barbels are used for sensing tiny seismic vibrations and water currents. Most of barboach’s face is covered in taste buds to help differentiate between food and other objects in murky waters. Barboach is coated in a layer of bacteria-heavy slime to deter predators, slip away from tight spots, and keep itself moist for very short periods out of the water.

Farm barboach are dark grey on top and pale blue on the bottom. A wavy black stripe runs along the sides and separates the two colors. They are the largest of the three barboach species in Alola and have by far the strongest vision and, proportionally, the shortest barbels.

Melemele barboach are entirely devoid of pigment. Shortly after birth skin grows to cover their eyes. The barbels grow longer to compensate. Melemele barboach have extremely low metabolisms.

Poni barboach are somewhat larger than their Melemele counterparts but much smaller than farm barboach. This species are mottled gray all around with only a slightly lighter bottom coloration than top. The eyes remain functional but weak. Poni barboach tend to flee at the first sign of light while Melemele barboach are entirely oblivious to it.

Whiscash tend to be twice as long and far broader than the serpentine barboach. Their tail turns into a proper dorsal fin and the barbels grow wider. The old lower fins are replaced by a set of pectoral fins and a set of belly fins. In addition to barboach’s ability to sense vibrations and currents, whiscash can predict and cause low level seismic shifts with their terrakinesis. This ability is often used at very low levels to move mud and detritus around to root through it or bury into it.

The Alolan whiscash species mostly retain the color schemes and other notable attributes of the barboach stage.

Farm whiscash can grow up to six feet in length and weigh up to seventy pounds. On average they live for six years in the wild and eight in captivity.

Melemele whiscash reach lengths of thirteen inches and usually weigh around three pounds. Their wild lifespan is unknown. Most specimens live thirty years or more in captivity.

Poni whiscash reach lengths of twenty-two inches and weigh up to twelve pounds. Their wild lifespan is not known. Captive specimens have only recently begun to survive for more than five years in captivity, but the wild lifespan is almost assuredly higher.

Behavior

Mississippian barboach,prefer to rest in shallow waters filled with plants. Their tail is wrapped around a plant to provide an anchor outside of hunting times. A large part of Mississippian barboach’s diet comes from worms and other insects discovered by rooting through the detritus at the bottom of the water. The rest comes from slow-moving fish that swim nearby or particularly unlucky insects or amphibians that come near and rest. In turn barboach fall prey to anything with a strong enough stomach to handle the bacteria in their slime. A variety of poison-types and amphibians subsist primarily upon barboach. Snorlax have also been known to fish for barboach and whiscash when food is particularly scarce, sometimes by belly flopping into the water in the hopes of knocking prey onto land.

Farm whiscash are ambush predators that submerge themselves almost entirely in mud and detritus at the bottom of the pond. When something comes close the whiscash will bolt towards it and give chase for a few seconds if the initial lunge does not capture the prey. When food has been scarce they may also root around in the substrate for worms, arthropods, and other burying pokémon.

Melemele barboach and whiscash live in the cool, slow-moving subterranean streams under Melemele. They have few predators but limited prey options. All but the youngest or smallest of magikarp are too small to fall prey to the small whiscash species. Instead barboach and whiscash mostly subsist on insects, guano, and the occasional bat corpse that falls into the water. Their slow metabolisms allow them to go weeks between feedings to compensate for the rarity of food in their environment.

In contrast to the relatively stationary Mississippian and Melemele barboach, the Poni barboach and whiscash are highly migratory. Around dusk the pokémon rise from the caves and aquifers of Poni Island and swim or dig their way to the surface. Once there they feed upon any drowsy, slow, or small creatures they can find in the ponds and rivers. Before dusk they make their way back down to the relative safety of the deep and dark. Their primary predators are dragonair as the dragon-types are quite capable of diving down into whiscash’s hiding place and eating barboach or young whiscash. Dragonair often drag the corpse up to the surface to roll around in, transferring some of the prey’s slime to their own body and making themself unsafe to eat in the process.

Husbandry

Traveling trainers who insist on caring for a whiscash are best off sticking close to Pokémon Centers and lakes. Oddly enough the Melemele barboach fares best on the trail as it can stay in a dive ball for days on end without needing to feed due to the species’ naturally low metabolism. In any case it is not recommended due to the difficulty in using the pokémon in battle on the island challenge.

Farm barboach are typically raised in large tanks from hatching until evolution. They prefer fresh or slightly brackish water, a thick layer of substrate, and lots of plants in their tank. A stocking rate of thirty to forty gallons per barboach is recommended for near-evolution barboach. Hatchlings can live in much higher densities due to their small size. Farm barboach prefer a worm and arthropod based diet with some mollusk and fish meat mixed in. Many commercial suppliers mix grain into their food to save on money, although this is usually phased out for whiscash to avoid off-flavor (see Illness). They seldom fight other barboach so long as food and space are adequately provided.

Farm whiscash are nearly impossible to raise profitably in tanks. Shallow ponds are preferred. Each whiscash requires at least forty square feet of space to itself. They will otherwise will become aggressive with each other even with adequate food. Food should be distributed in such a way that roughly equal amounts fall into each fish’s territory. High water quality is important both for monitoring the pokémon and preventing off-flavor. Many whiscash ponds are artificial with hard bottoms and an attached filtration system. Aerial predators typically do not prey upon whiscash but particularly concerned farmers or those living near braviary may wish to invest in guard pokémon such as manectric.

Melemele whiscash are surprisingly easy to care for. They prefer cool waters (50 to 60 degrees Celsius) with a pH between 6 and 7.5 and moderate hardness. Light is optional: it does not seem to bother the fish and they do not require it to navigate. Hiding places are good for preventing stress. Many aquarists prefer to have rocky decorations such as hollow columns and stone floors with small caves. Melemele whiscash are surprisingly tolerant of conspecifics. One barboach typically requires five gallons and each whiscash requires roughly twenty-five gallons. Vibrations in the area should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing the fish.

Poni whiscash were not successfully raised in captivity until 2013. In recent years the Hau’oli Aquarium has had great success raising and even breeding the species through innovative exhibit design. A layer of substrate at the bottom of the Local Waters tank blocks off a tunnel that leads down to another, quieter tank two floors down. During the day the whiscash burrow through the substrate into the tunnel and down to a quiet, isolated tank in a dark gallery. At night they tunnel back up into the main tank to feed before retreating around the time the aquarium opens to the public. Private aquarists have managed to replicate the setup with a night and day tank, both kept in dark rooms with a slight elevation disparity and a tunnel between them. They can tolerate slightly warmer waters and higher currents than Melemele whiscash and are strongly averse to light. Tank specifications are otherwise similar. Poni whiscash generally require about 50% more space than Melemele whiscash, although this can be split between their two tanks.

Illness

The main “health” problem for whiscash farmers is off-flavor, and the related issue of off-odor. These do not seem to affect the pokémon during life. Rather they affect the resulting flavor or odor at death. Sometimes an entire pond of whiscash will come out foul-tasting or smelling. The reasons behind this are not presently understood. The condition seems to be tied to water and diet quality. As such farm whiscash are actually some of the cleanest and healthiest of any food fish, despite their reputation. Farmers will start the harvesting season by catching and preparing one whiscash. If the flavor is good the rest will be harvested and sent to a processor. If it is not the fish are left to spend another year in the pond, this time with even more attention paid to water and diet quality. Most farmers keep a second pond available in case one year’s batch cannot be harvested. It provides a place for the newly evolved whiscash to go when they outgrow their tank.

Evolution

Around the time they reach full size (which varies depending upon the species), barboach begin to seek out much more food to eat. Melemele barboach’s already low metabolism plunges even farther for several months to allow for weight gain. Over a period of time ranging from of three to six weeks (farm whiscash) to an entire year (Melemele whiscash) growth gradually occurs. New fins slowly grow in and the tail fin first fades before eventually becoming a dorsal fin. The pokémon mostly grows wider with some slight length gains during evolution.

Battle

In the wild whiscash primarily hunt prey through ambush attacks and powerful bites and gulps. Their defenses mostly come from their foul-tasting and bacteria-laden slime. While they are capable of summoning moderately powerful seismic attacks, this is not something that whiscash often do in the wild. The reason they abstain from their most powerful defensive strategy is not well understood. At present the leading theory is either fear of retaliation from gyarados, milotic, or another keystone species or social pressure from conspecifics not to create powerful and annoying vibrations unless absolutely necessary.

The largest whiscash species have seen some use in circuits that guarantee freshwater pools at either trainer’s request. Their massive bulk and potent venom or seismic attacks makes them difficult to remove from the water and hard to harm inside of it. The venomous species in particular can hide in deep water and stall out land threats. Unfortunately, several of these species (Javan, Indian, Caspian) are now endangered or critically endangered and difficult to obtain. They all suffer from competition with dondozo, a closely related species that is even larger than these whiscash species.

Mwasaa binti Musa, reigning champion of the Pan-African Conference and world-renowned water-type expert, famously uses a massive Nile whiscash that is almost thirteen feet long. Miguel Cabrera, champion of the Amazonian Federation and fifth-highest ranked trainer in the world, occasionally uses an electric whiscash.

The farm whiscash is large enough to be decent in battle, provided that there is fresh or brackish water available. Brackish water tolerance must be built up over time before battling in it. Whiscash rely mainly on staying submerged in the water while unleashing seismic attacks to slowly whittle down opponents. Dragon dance can be taught with some effort or considerable funds. The effects of dragon dance allow whiscash to temporarily leave the water, although they are often slow and unwieldy in the air.

Barboach are essentially limited to spraying weak water guns and unleashing slightly stronger seismic attacks. In the water itself barboach can use their knowledge of and ability to create vibrations to throw off other fish. Very few trials have water pools available, making barboach difficult to justify on the island challenge.

Acquisition

Farm whiscash and barboach can be found and caught in the Brooklet Hill watershed. As a reward for bringing in one of these invasive pokémon some local restaurants will fry any farm barboach or whiscash brought to them. Alternatively, they can be purchased directly from farmers or through many aquarium or farm supply stars.

Poni and Melemele barboach and whiscash have rather strict annual quotas. Trainers wishing to capture one should consult with the local Pokémon Center before doing so. Melemele Barboach are best found by following the streams in Seaward Cave, either from the Kala’e Bay or Melemele Meadow entrances. Do careful research and extensive preparations before heading off path in the cave; more than one spelunker has set out into the cold, slippery tunnels in search of barboach and never returned. Trainers who wish to avoid the quotas and danger can also purchase Melemele barboach through specialty aquarium stores.

Poni whiscash and barboach can thankfully be caught at the surface. Ponds in the area of Poni Meadow and Vast Poni Canyon are frequent feeding sites for the pokémon. Trainers with night vision goggles can watch them as they surface and feed. Any light at all can scare off the nocturnal pokémon. Barboach can be caught by insect and worm-based bait a few meters below the surface. Whiscash feed near the bottom and are more likely to bite lines with fish, especially live ones. Barboach are too small and slippery for net fishing but some whiscash can be caught that way in shallower waters. Scuba divers with another water-type can also try their hand at the traditional battle and capture fishing.

Farm and Melemele barboach can be obtained with a Class I license. Those species of whiscash require a Class II to capture, adopt or purchase. Poni barboach and whiscash require a Class III license to possess.

Breeding

Whiscash mate with a nearby partner of the opposite sex. Eggs are laid three days later and hatch after another two. Newly hatched barboach are less than one tenth the length of their maximum pre-evolution size. Cannibalism from older barboach and whiscash is common.

In captivity a pair must be isolated from other whiscash before they will breed. Once eggs are laid the adults should immediately be withdrawn and moved back to their normal enclosure before they can eat their progeny. Once the barboach hatch they should be moved to a shallow tank with very gentle currents and no larger Pokémon. As they grow up the barboach can be introduced into successively larger tanks. Barboach that have reached about half their maximum pre-evolution size can introduced to a tank or pond with whiscash. Most farmers never mix barboach and whiscash to avoid any potential aggression and keep track of the populations.

Relatives

There are dozens, if not hundreds, of whiscash species. Temperate whiscash, and especially cave whiscash, are smaller than tropical whiscash. Most temperate or subtropical swamp-dwelling species are similar to the Mississippian whiscash, albeit a little bit smaller.

Tropical rainforest and swamp dwelling whiscash can grow to be massive. The Indochinese whiscash (P. titanus), the largest species, can grow to lengths of nearly twenty feet and weigh over a ton. On top of their sheer size, the Indochinese whiscash, along with its close relatives in Java and the Sundurbans, have a venom that breaks down plant matter. They mainly hunt by staying near the surface and unleashing seismic attacks when primates, large bug-types, or other pokémon try to cross through the canopy over them. the resulting shockwaves often knock prey into the water and let the whiscash feed. They can also unleash venom near tree roots to break down the foilage and expose the prey underneath. Grass-types with a mix of plant and animal traits also often fall prey to the Indochinese whiscash as they attempt to drink or ford the river. Deforestation, dam construction, and increasing water diversion for agriculture have made the Indochinese whiscash critically endangered. There are now more captive specimens than wild ones. Similar forces are pressuring the Javan and Indian whiscash.

The Nile whiscash (P. nubia) is another tropical species with a somewhat different hunting strategy. The Nile whiscash prefers to burrow into the side of the river or pond in areas where land pokémon frequently come to get water. Several whiscash can burrow at once. Once a very large individual or a herd of pokémon approach the water to drink, the whiscash unleash seismic waves and literally collapse the ground over them where the prey are standing. As water rushes in the whiscash work together to fatally bite or drown their quarries before they escape. The spoils are shared equally by all whiscash with the barboach getting any remainder.

Across the Atlantic the Amazonian, or electric, whiscash (P. rexatrox) is one of the top predators in the Amazon River. The Amazonian whiscash is unusually fast and somewhat poisonous, although it is not venomous. Its bright red tail and streaks of yellow scales make it one of the most colorful species. The electric whiscash traded its ability to generate seismic waves for an unusual talent at creating and withstanding electrical currents. The Amazonian whiscash most commonly hunts by either hiding in the substrate or darting into a school of fish and then unleashing an electric pulse. Smaller fish are instantly killed. Larger fish can usually resist the comparatively weak hunting pulses but will be killed by stronger defensive attacks if they stay in the area or try to steal the whiscash’s food.

 

[Persephone]

Dewgong (Seel)
Stellari tropicorum tropicorum

Overview

Dewgong is one of the few ice-types in Alola, and one of even fewer that does not primarily live in the area around Mt. Lanakila. They are still less desirable than other ice-types on the island challenges. To start with, the Alolan dewgong is critically endangered. Some orphans unable to return to the wild are distributed to conservation facilities on a case-by-case basis. No wild take is allowed. Even if a trainer does obtain one, seel come with most of the challenges inherent in raising aquatic species. In truth, dewgong are much better home companions or aquarium animals than they are battling pokémon for a traveling trainer. Water- and ice-type specialists, as well as coordinators who want a rarer alternative to primarina, may still find reason to seek out a seel to raise.

Physiology

Seel are classified as pure water-types due to their limited cryokinesis. Dewgong are classified as water- and ice-types. They are primarily aquatic and have moderately potent crokinesis to chill themselves and the waters around them. Unusually for Alolan species, both stages quickly grow uncomfortable in warm weather and must either seek out cooler climes or chill the air themselves. There are those who maintain that dewgong’s lack of a fully aquatic lifestyle or unusually aqueous body precludes a water-typing. This is a minority view and has been rejected by the United States Department of Agriculture and every league that has considered the issue.

Seel are born hairless with black skin. A coat of fur, dark grey on top and light brown on the bottom, grows in as they age. The skin itself gradually lightens with age. A seel’s body is smooth and hydrodynamic. Powerful front flippers and somewhat smaller back flippers are used to navigate in the water. On land the flippers can be used for scooting and sliding. Alolan seel possess tusks and a small horn for defense.

Dewgong look much the same as a very large seel. There are a few key differences. The back limbs fuse and end in a large, frilly fluke. The front flippers also grow frillier and proportionally larger. Frills may seem impractical, but they can spread out to create more surface area for losing heat. It is also likely that a predator will nip a useless part of the fin rather than muscle or bone, giving dewgong a chance to counterattack or escape. Dewgong shed their tusks upon evolution. The horn remains.

Dewgong possess very sensitive hearing underwater. It is less potent on land. The opposite is true for smell: dewgong cannot smell underwater, but they have a nose comparable in strength to a canine’s when beached. The species’ vision is weak and mostly limited to black-and-white images, although recent studies have provided evidence for some blue-green vision. Dewgong and seel also possess very sensitive whiskers that can help them navigate in the water.

Dewgong can grow to be seven feet long and weigh over four hundred pounds. They can live up to thirty years in captivity, although ten to twenty years is more common in the wild.

Behavior

Seel have difficulty cooling themselves off in Alola. Dewgong are much better at cooling the air around them than seel are, making it important for thermoregulation for children to keep close to mother. During deeper dives, the mother will leave her offspring with another female or in the cool waters around Kala’e Bay and Mt. Lanakila. As they grow older, seel will begin to hunt on their own in cool, shallow waters. Cave systems that connect to the ocean are also common hunting and hiding grounds for seel.

Dewgong prefer to hunt in the open ocean. Six hundred feet below the surface, water temperature begins to rapidly decline. In these cold waters dewgong can satisfy their temperature needs and hunt for fish. Dewgong only sleep with one brain hemisphere at a time. The other is used to control diving and breathing. During the day dewgong spend almost all their time asleep. They will surface, take a deep breath, and dive back down to spend up to thirty minutes at rest beneath the thermocline. Then they will surface again, breathe, and dive back down. This is all done while asleep. At night dewgong typically hunt or haul themselves onto a secluded beach to spread their fins and enter into a deeper, bihemispheral sleep.

Outside of the rare deep sleep or pup care, dewgong only beach themselves to molt. Once a year, usually in September, every dewgong in Alola comes to land to molt. All hair is shed and regrown over the course of two weeks. Most mating also occurs during this period. Outside of molting season and mothers with pups dewgong are solitary pokémon.

Fully grown dewgong have few predators. Dragons and large birds fear ice attacks. Most aquatic predators are too small to actually penetrate their thick blubber and score a kill. Only gyarados and sharpedo regularly prey on dewgong. The horn mostly deters direct attacks on the head. Dewgong’s real defense is the threat of abruptly freezing the water around them and inducing cold shock in cold-blooded predators.

In recent years dewgong populations have declined not due to an abundance of predators, but due to shortages of habitats and prey. Increased tourism in Kala’e Bay has discouraged dewgong from visiting to hunt or raise pups. Development and fishing in the minor outlying islands has dramatically reduced the population of Alolan dewgong there. The Tapu Islands contain introduced rodent, feline, and canine pokémon that often harass or kill seel. Strict conservation laws have led to a slight resurgence in recent years, but there remains a real possibility that the Alolan dewgong will be extinct in the wild within fifty years.

Husbandry

Dewgong are obligate carnivores. They are fed raw fish in captivity. Fresh fish is best, but frozen fish can also work after being thawed. A mixture of at least three different type of fish and one or two aquatic invertebrates is required to ensure a nutritionally balanced diet. Dewgong have a poor sense of taste, however, some individuals still develop preferences for different types of fish. Basculin, wishiwashi, remoraid, and barboach are all good choices for dewgong. Non-pokémon fish can also be used, although they tend to be less dense in calories and nutrients. Squid are the best invertebrates for dewgong and seel. Young seel can eat up to 10% of their bodyweight; older seel and dewgong typically only need 4% unless pregnant or nursing. Neither stage regularly drinks salt or freshwater.

Both stages are very food motivated. Giving fish as a reward for obeying commands is the most effective way to train the species. Outside of hand-fed fish, good rewards include fish frozen into a block, bloodsicles, or dog toys with bits of fish or squid in them. Kelp, rope, and sprinklers are also popular enrichment items with captive dewgong and seel.

Seel and dewgong fare poorly, physically and mentally, when kept without access to water. A cool saltwater pool should be provided when outside of their pokéball. The pool bottom should have dark coloration to regulate temperature and prevent glare. Land should be accessible from a ramp beginning beneath the water level, especially for seel. Freshwater can be tolerated in the short term but causes deleterious health effects such as blindness in the long run. Pools should ideally be at least fifteen deep. Open ocean access is an acceptable substitute, but supervision should be maintained to prevent gyarados or sharpedo attacks. Fenced off coves cannot stop a gyarados, but they do a good job of keeping dewgong happy and deterring sharpedo.

One problem that coordinators regularly have with dewgong is that their bladder is very small. As such they are impossible to truly housebreak. As a saltwater species, dewgong urine tends to be highly concentrated. It carries an unpleasant odor. If dewgong are taken somewhere out of their ball, it must be somewhere where the trainer is prepared to clean up a mess.

Seel will often want to cuddle their mother or surrogate mother. Dewgong are not physically affectionate. Trainers should never touch the sensitive whiskers. Better petting methods involve scratching the area around the base of the horn or running a hand through their fur from front to back. Seel, and even many dewgong, enjoy having their nose poked while playing. Putting a hand near a less playful dewgong’s mouth is not recommended.

Canines and felines make poor teammates due to potential health problems. Smaller fish and aquatic or amphibious pokémon can also be mistaken for prey. Dewgong seldom become fond of their teammates, including conspecifics. Keeping two or more males with a single female can also be dangerous (see Breeding). Primarina can make suitable partners in an enclosure so long as both pokémon have their own spaces to retreat to. If both are kept together it may be best to have two separate pools connected by a land area. This ensures that primarina can retreat to warm water and dewgong to cold temperatures.

Primarina themselves look down upon dewgong due to the latter’s lesser intelligence and mobility, but sometimes enjoy their fellow pinniped’s company in the same way a human can appreciate a bumbling pet.

Illness

Dewgong’s main health problems in the wild and captivity stem from exposure to other pokémon or animals. Specifically, cats and dogs. Toxoplasmosis, a pathogen carried in cat urine, can cause swelling of the heart or lungs. Untreated, these conditions can easily be fatal. They sometimes will be anyway even with the best treatment available. Dewgong are also susceptible to canine heartworms. Thankfully, most veterinarians are well-trained on handling that parasite. The best treatment for both is prevention. Keeping a dewgong on the same team as cats or dogs is not recommended, and when done both pokémon must constantly be monitored for potentially communicable disease.

As ice-types, dewgong are also susceptible to hyperthermia. The presence of fans in the habitat, regular access to cool or cold water, ice-based enrichment items, hail-setting teammates (sans ninetales), and air-conditioned spaces can all help. Just having the option to spread their fins out and rest with a nice breeze running over them is often enough treatment.

Seel are also vulnerable to hypothermia. Symptoms include sluggishness, loss of appetite, unusual amounts of vocalizations while on land (seel are usually only talkative in the water), and aggression can all be possible symptoms. If hypothermia is suspected the water temperature should be raised and the seel should be monitored on land for some time. If a climate-controlled simulation ball is being used, the suspected hypothermic pokémon should not be withdrawn into it until symptoms subside or a veterinarian has ruled out hypothermia.

Both stages enjoy scooting and sliding around on land. Rough surfaces can lead to lost hair and even torn skin. Care should be taken when selecting the locations where dewgong are released and the materials used in building a more permanent enclosure for them.

Evolution

Seel typically evolve around their fourth birthday when their tusks fall out and their back flippers start to fuse. With enough food and battle, seel can evolve as early as their second birthday. As soon as the flipper fusion is finished the mother will start ignoring her child. If the new dewgong insists on sticking around, aggressive posturing and even violence can occur.

Battle

Dewgong are in an unfortunate position between walrein and primarina. Walrein are larger, stronger, and have more powerful tusks. Primarina are faster in both land and water, have useful combat arias, and are generally intelligent enough to think on their feet. The titan dewgong of the southern hemisphere do see some use in local circuits where walrein are banned, but otherwise dewgong are simply not used in competitive battling.

On the island challenge dewgong can be used as a utility-laden tank. Opponent’s weaker attacks seldom pierce the blubber. In the meantime, dewgong can fire off whirlpool and perish song to trap and defeat enemies. Dewgong can also combine water and rest to heal off all but the most severe of puncture and slash wounds. Very powerful attacks can still knock out dewgong in one hit. Low land mobility severely limits the pokémon’s ability to dodge even heavily telegraphed charge attacks.

Seel are more offensive and can harm opponents with tusk or horn strikes. Unfortunately, seel are rather slow on land and can struggle to close the distance with opponents to land a strike.

Both stages are also sensitive to electrical currents, even to a greater extent than most water types. Electrical fences cannot be used in dewgong enclosures and all electrical equipment in the filtration and cooling systems must be well insulated. Actual electric attacks will break concentration at a minimum and either score a knock out or shatter the will to fight with enough power.

Lapras is generally a better choice on the island challenge, as they are more intelligent, possess a wider movepool, and can still tank plenty of hits with their shell. It is also easier to obtain one and they remain good pets and partners that can look after themselves in coastal areas.

Acquisition

Male dewgong are most often found on the minor outlying islands. Females are often sighted in Kala’e Bay and Route 15. Wild capture is prohibited.

Orphaned dewgong seldom survive for long. Several agencies in Alola and on the mainland care for orphans until they are old enough to go on display at a zoo or aquarium or be given to a traveling trainer. This reduces the incentive for poaching. Adopting a seel requires a Class IV license, a course on seel care, and the approval of the facility’s director. The number of pups available in a given year varies depending upon local fish numbers and the El Niño / La Niña cycle.

Breeding

Dewgong mate in the water. If all goes well, the female will surface after a five-month pregnancy to give birth to one to two pups. The pups are only nursed for four to six days before being weened. During this time the mother stays on land with her pup. The pup will stay with the mother until it involves.

Unfortunately, dewgong mating often goes wrong. More males are born than females, so during mating season females are often mobbed by multiple males wanting to mate. The female often dies of either drowning or repeated lacerations if mobbed. This leads to the gender ratio growing even worse and more female dewgong being mobbed the next year. Captive breeding programs can relieve some of the stress and are increasingly being turned to for the species’ survival.

Orphaned pups are usually hand-raised by humans. Baby seel do not have an instinctive ability to eat whole fish and must be taught, either by their mother or a human. Rewarding interest in live fish with toys, embraces, or more milk can help reinforce this behavior.

Captive breeding is best handled by specialists who have devoted their lives to dewgong care. Trainers with a dewgong can contact the Hau’oli Aquarium to discuss using the pokémon in a breeding program.

Relatives

The Alolan dewgong is the last relict of almost a dozen subspecies that once inhabited the archipelagos of the tropical Pacific. Most subspecies live in much colder climes.

The most numerous subspecies lives in the Arctic Ocean. Other populations live on the coast of Asia as far south as Japan and Manchuria in Asia and Cascadia and Unova in North America. The arctic species (S. stellari) has much thicker fur and longer horns. The fur is useful for staying warm in very cold environments while the horn can be used to dig a hole through an ice floe and find a place to rest.

A population (S. selkie) used to live in much of Europe, but they were hunted to extinction due to their blubber and local folklore. Galarian mythology held that dewgong were simply wetsuits for a type of fey. They would come to shore, seduce men, and then haul them into the water to drown. One of the last Galarian kings to reject the church of life was found dead off the coast from his summer home. The court used this as pretext to declare war on the old gods and their servants, killing every dewgong around the island in the process. Superstitious sailors brought the legend to other country’s ports and the killings continued around the continent.

The other northern species is the freshwater or lake dewgong (S. nepissepag). The smallest species, lake dewgong seldom grow more than five in length. They live in the Great Lakes of North America and hunt for fish in the deep, cool waters. They haul out on the beaches and small islands of the lakes to rest. Pollution in the area has led to the death of many formerly common prey species and widespread illness among dewgong. The remaining wild populations are mostly found on and around protected island parks with large no fishing zones around them. More lake dewgong can be found in captivity than in the wild.

The Antarctic dewgong (S. meridonionalis) is much sleaker and longer than its Alolan counterpart. These dewgong primarily hunt seabirds around Antarctica, sometimes even by charging out of the water onto land and snatching one up near the shore. High speeds and maneuverability help them outpace their prey in the water; sharp teeth help hold and kill it. Unlike the other species, Antarctic dewgong have no tusks and only a small knob of a horn. There are very few predators that would attack and Antarctic dewgong and a horn would not help against any of them. Ice floes are not as all-encompassing in the sub-Antarctic waters as they are in the polar ones, making the horn less necessary.

Titan dewgong are by far the largest species (S. atlas). Males can be up to twenty feet in length and weigh several tons. Titan dewgong hunt much like Alolan dewgong do, by diving deep underwater and snatching up fish and squid there. Titan dewgong are even better divers, capable of diving over 3000 feet and holding their breath for over an hour at a time. While they hunt alone, titan dewgong beach in harems of one or two powerful males and all of the females in the area. The other males are forced to live at the outskirts and rely on stealth and distractions to mate without the dominant male noticing and lashing out with incredible strength and long tusks.

Curiously, the Alolan dewgong is the most potent cryokinetic of the living species. They must cool their own environments on and near the surface, unlike the other subpecies that ordinarily live in cold waters. This is similar to the abilities the Alolan ninetales have adopted to survive as ice-types in a tropical climate.

 

[TheGOAT]

Dartrix (Rowlet, Decidueye)

Overview

Rowlet is one of the three traditional starters in the Alola region, alongside litten and popplio. It is something of a middle ground between the ease of care but aloofness of torracat or the difficult but highly social and intelligent brionne. The species has a long history of coevolution with the seafolk. While not domesticated, they are easily adjusted to working with humans. Rowlet born in captivity seem to accept humans as large, featherless decidueye.

Physiology

Rowlet and dartrix are grass- and flying-types. Decidueye are officially grass- and ghost-type, although there is some controversy over whether or not they should retain the flying classification as well. This guidebook will not delve into the controversy over the so-called triple-typings and adheres to the official rulings of the Department of Agriculture.

All stages of dartrix possess excellent hearing and night vision. Rowlet and dartrix can see perfectly well on cloudy nights with a new moon. Captive decidueye have been able to strike targets in near-perfect darkness in laboratories. It is presently unclear how they manage this, as there is no evidence they use echolocation. Rowlet are born pure white and slowly develop their colors as photosynthetic symbiote colonies grow inside of their feathers.

Rowlet resemble a small, almost spherical owl with pale brown body feathers, a white mask and a green crest on their chest. It is widely, and incorrectly, believed that this crest forms two intersecting ovals in the rough shape of deciduous leaves. While some Rowlet do have crests like this, the exact shape and shade is unique to each rowlet. The crests of related rowlets are usually similar, allowing them to serve as an identifier.

Dartrix are slightly wider than rowlet. Adults in Alola are usually about 60 centimeters tall, but with controlled diet, humidty and sunlight, some captive dartrix have grown up to one meter They gain a green headcrest and the brown feathers on their body darken considerably. Mature dartrix have developed projectile "blade feathers" that aren't actually feathers at all, but rather thin hairs coated in keratin. These replace their talons as their main form of defense.

Decidueye are usually between 1.7 and 2 meters tall. Their green crests grow to surround their entire head and an orange one forms where their crest originally was as a rowlet. Decidueye wings are dark brown. Their quills are much sharper and harder than those of dartrix, and a trained decidueye is capable of shooting them at speeds of up to fifty meters per second at ranges of up to five-hundred meters.

Dartrix can live up to thirty years in the wild and twenty-five in captivity. Decidueye never die of old age in the presence of combat and stress.

Behavior

Wild rowlet are nocturnal, although captive rowlet can be quickly trained to be crepuscular or diurnal. They perch on top of the highest trees in their area and spread their wings to allow their symbiotic bacteria to photosynthesize. At night, they leave their perches and eat leaves. This is both for nutritional reasons and to clear up more space to roost in direct sunlight during the day. In spite of their representation in folklore as powerful hunters, all stages of the evolutionary line are strictly herbivorous (this is not true for all subspecies, see Subspecies).

Their reputation comes from the hunts of decidueye. When dartrix face predators, the decidueye in the flock are known to set out at night (or, for diurnal predators, in the day) and assassinate all members of the predator species within a several kilometer radius. Some subspecies have also been documented killing even the predators that did not hunt dartrix so, in the future, those predator species will aggressively cull any others that get too aggressive with dartrix nests.

In captivity, rowlet are intensely social while awake and prefer to rest in direct sunlight or cuddle against warm-blooded animals or other rowlet for warmth. When allowed to do so, they will frequently perch on top of their trainers. Dartrix, thankfully, grow out of this practice. They still enjoy engulfing their trainer in their wings. The purpose of this behavior is unclear.

Decidueye's behavioral differences will be further detailed in the Evolution section.

Husbandry

It is best to acquire a member of the line while it is still in its first evolutionary stage. As it develops into an adult (see Evolution), it should seldom be placed inside of a pokéball or separated from its trainer for more than twenty-four hours at a time. Separation for any length of time is stressful for very young rowlet and should be avoided whenever possible. They should be exposed to direct sunlight for at least six hours a day, five days a week. If this is infeasible, most Pokémon Centers in Alola have rooms which can simulate natural sunlight. These rooms in the busiest Centers are typically filled with rowlet and dartrix, allowing for socialization (and an exercise in remembering your rowlet's crest). During periods of particular stress, rowlet prefer to be cradled by humans or dartrix or, at the very least, given a cramped space to hide in.

The dartrix line have very inefficient digestive systems and, like most birds, they tend to defecate whenever they get ready to fly. Thankfully, rowlet and dartrix much prefer short hops and walking on their talons to flight (see Battling). They are still quite difficult to housebreak and the only real consolation is that their waste is more solid, and thus easier to clean up, than most birds. There is a five hundred dollar fine for not cleaning up your dartrix's waste in a public area.

All stages of the dartrix line should be fed a special blend of leaf-based food sold in all Pokémon Centers in Alola, and most pokémon equipment and sporting goods stores. Adult dartrix can be held in pokeballs for considerable lengths of time, although most find this irritating and using their pokéball frequently will undermine their trust in you as their trainer. Dartrix without a photosynthesis-condusive pokéball should get thirty hours of direct or simulated sunlight a week. Decidueye need only three hours of sunlight per week, although they will become more active if exposed to more light. Decidueye also tend not to have strong feelings on being held in their pokéballs.

Illness

The most common illness by far for all stages of the dartrix line is feather bleaching. During a bleaching episode, a dartrix loses all color in their feathers and become pure white across their entire body. Bleaching can be caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, severe injury, inadequate exposure to sunlight, low humidity, isolation, disease, starvation, overeating or for no apparent reason at all. So long as conditions are quickly rectified and the dartrix is given a few days to rest and either exposure to other dartrix or injections of symbiotic bacteria the problem will usually be resolved within a week. If your dartrix begins to bleach, immediately consult a veterinarian.

It should be noted that molting, the loss of feathers in certain parts of the body and slow regrowth of initially white feathers, is separate from bleaching. Unless feathers don't gain color for over a month in an adult or three months in a juvenile or molting occurs across the entire body at once it is not necessary to consult a veterinarian.

Evolution

Rowlet naturally evolve into dartrix provided food, sunlight, companionship and time. The formal point where a rowlet becomes a dartrix is the growth of a full headcrest. This typically occurs when a rowlet is nine months old. It takes another five for a dartrix to fully mature and become ready for their next evolution.

Wild decidueye are exceedingly rare. In times of great external stress, such as pandemics, sudden habitat loss, natural disasters, competition for their roosting spaces, or predation, the eldest dartrix in the quiver will begin to rapidly gain size and start to develop projectile quills. This will continue to happen with more dartrix evolving one by one until the crisis is resolved. Decidueye only live for one to three years after the most recent crisis.

In captivity, projectile quills can be surgically removed, rendering evolution impossible. Otherwise, a dartrix exposed to enough battles over the course of roughly one year (or a handful of particularly dire ones in rapid succession) will begin to evolve on its own. During evolution, dartrix should be offered greatly increased amounts of food and sunlight and given as much as it wants of both.

For a variety of reasons, dartrix evolution is not recommended for all but the most serious of trainers. Decidueye cut off from frequent, high-level battles tend to decline in health and die within a few years. This makes retirement effectively impossible for decidueye trainers. Decidueye also undergo a change in temperment arguably greater than their change in appearance. Decidueye sleep less than two hours a day and spend the remainder of their time hyper-vigilant and seeking out battles. If no opponents are presented to them in formal engagement, they will tend to pick their own fights.

They otherwise lose almost all of the cuddly and expressive nature that dartrix are known for. While they will usually not decline physical affection, they will almost never initiate it. They will stand guard for their trainer when outside of their pokéball and do little else. Because of this, many trainers who evolve their dartrix complain about a death of personality in their beloved pet and some will lose interest and abandon their decidueye. The shock of losing the quiver they evolved to protect paired with the combat withdrawal will usually kill the decidueye within six months. Decidueye seldom accept new trainers once abandoned, although many will adopt a new trainer when their old one dies.

Battle

Rowlet and dartrix are relatively durable pokémon and both are far more clever than they would appear. They have naturally good aim for the handful of projectile attacks they have. Unfortunately, they are not so capable at flying as to be able to dodge projectile attacks. Most dartrix and all rowlet are unable to dodge melee moves from average-size pokémon. They also tend to loathe battling and must be bribed into each individual fight. As such, they are not the recommended starter for trainers interested in serious battling.

Decidueye, as mentioned above, are addicted to combat and violence. They are much more adept fliers than dartrix, have near-silent movement and can put their natural aim to much better use with their quills. The species signature attack, spirit shackle, allows them to pin foes down for a short period of time, making it harder for the opponent to dodge shots or close the distance. The species has two groups of counters. The first are pokémon capable of taking a quill to any point of their body and continuing to fight because they are very durable and have no exploitable weak points. Opponents with no major weak points that can take an arrow or two and then retaliate with an even more powerful fire- or ice-type projectile move. Decidueye tend not to surrender fights until they are physically incapable of continuing, so a trainer should be mindful of the above and withdraw their decidueye if they appear to be visibly hurt.

On the professional circuits, Alolan decidueye were one of the top 1000 most used pokémon in Global Battle Federation tournaments until the late 2000s which was impressive given their very limited range and the control the Alolan government exercises over the species distribution. Their usage has declined due to the corresponding rise in South Island decidueye usage (see Subspecies)

Acquisition

Children between the ages of ten and twenty can obtain a rowlet from certified distributors free of charge with a Class I certification. Children who have cleared the grand trial on at least one island and did not receive a rowlet as a starter can purchase or adopt an additional one. Dartrix in licensed shelters can be adopted with a Class II license or higher. Decidueye adoptions are handled on a case-by-case basis.

Dartrix quivers are found in Poni Meadow, Exeggutor Island, Tapu Forest and Lush Jungle. It is illegal to collect any member of the line from the wild without explicit government approval. It is also entirely unnecessary given the strength of captive breeding programs.

Breeding

In the wild, dartrix pairs mate for life. Every three years, all of the unpaired dartrix gather away from the rest of the flock. One or two decidueye will keep watch. The males engage in an elaborate competition of skill and showmanship, including an archery contest. The females will then select their mates. Homosexuality has been observed in wild and captive dartrix with the rate appearing to increase in larger quivers. It is speculated that this evolved as a form of population control. Every Spring, dartrix mate and bring the eggs to a central location in the territory. Most of the flock's decidueye will shift to guarding the eggs, with a few watching the rowlet and dartrix instead. If there are no decidueye, the oldest dartrix will take over egg-watching duties. The eggs hatch after roughly three months. All adults help raise all of the quiver's rowlet.

Captive breeding requires a Class IV license with an additional certification in dartrix breeding. The certification course has further information.

Subspecies

As island-dwellers with limited flight, there are nearly two dozen subspecies of dartrix. As such, this section will not cover them all in detail.

Indonesian and Filipino dartrix (Filipino, Sumatran, Javan, Bornean, Varirata) typically have wingspans twice those of their Alolan counterparts at all stages. They are also much more capable fliers, and even some rowlet are capable of sustained, powered flight for a kilometer or more. Most of these subspecies are omnivorous during the wet season. However, their quills are not nearly as developed as the other subspecies and they hunt primarily through a combination of their talons and their silent flight.

The Queensland dartrix is the only subspecies with naturally venomous quills. Queensland decidueye are less than a meter tall and their dartrix are correspondingly small. Their quills take several weeks to regenerate. Between these two drawbacks, they have not gained much popularity in the competitive battling scene.

The small islands of the Pacific are littered with different dartrix subspecies. Most of them are quite similar to the Alolan dartrix, but smaller. Almost all are endangered. The Heahea conservatory has an exhibit showcasing several of these subspecies.

New Zealand previously had two subspecies of dartrix. The North Island dartrix is now extinct and the South Island dartrix at risk of extirpation. South Island dartrix regularly evolve into decidueye, regardless of external stressors. They are also nearly as large as the Sumatran decidueye and have much thicker coats. Despite their wingspan, they are nearly flightless and only use their wings for getting into and out of trees and slowing falls. Their primary weapons are their quills, by far the largest of any subspecies of decidueye. South Island decidueye make up for the seasonably variable amounts of sunlight in their environment by being carnivorous. During the summer they stay nearly stationary with their wings spread out in a field. In the long winter nights, they take up position on a low tree branch and wait to kill anything that crosses by.

South Island decidueye form mated pairs until their chicks evolve into dartrix, at which point the pairs split up and leave the dartrix on their own.

While they have nearly been hunted to extinction in New Zealand, an invasive population in the Canadian boreal has grown tremendously over the last two decades. The latest estimates placed the decidueye population in Alberta alone at over ten thousand, almost as large as the population of the total population of the Alolan decidueye. They have become a major safety risk for humans in the area, as they will kill and eat any human who enters their territory in the winter and it is all but impossible to notice a South Island decidueye before it notices you.

Due to legalized hunting and capture of Canadian decidueye, they are now the most common subspecies on the international battling scene. Seven of the Top 100 Trainers have a South Island decidueye on their main team, with only one currently using an Alolan decidueye. Further down the rankings, the Alolan decidueye is more commonly used, but still not more used than the South Island decidueye.

The South Island decidueye is also the ninth most lethal pokémon to humans worldwide (excluding disease transmission) and require a Class V license to possess in the United States.

Decidueye Review

— Interesting that Dartrix, a middle evolution, is the primary focus of the chapter as mentioned at the start, whereas Rowlet and Decidueye are only mentioned afterwards in parenthesis. Though, the title (on FFN, at least) is Decidueye. I’m guessing each chapter refers strictly to a whole evolution line?

Rowlet born in captivity seem to accept humans as large, featherless decidueye.

— This is naturally a rather unique “fanfiction,” and thus doesn’t have a traditional beginning or setup. That said, you still made me laugh with this particular sentence in the very first paragraph. One way or another, not a bad hook.

— I like how, in so few words, you establish quite a lot about how types work. Just from a single paragraph, I can derive that typings aren’t typically considered black and white, that many Pokémon are even considered triple-typed (for example, might Latias be a flying type here?), and that there is a respectable organization that has established the traditional two-typing system. Just explaining it all here ends up taking longer to write out. You do a great job at being concise!

Some subspecies have also been documented killing even the predators that did not hunt dartrix so, in the future, those predator species will aggressively cull any others that get too aggressive with dartrix nests.

— That’s badass.

Decidueye sleep less than two hours a day and spend the remainder of their time hyper-vigilant and seeking out battles.

— On one hand, these things are ice cold and kinda scary. On the other, the idea of a ghost type sleeping is pretty funny.

— I like how you sometimes mention Rowlett’s status as a starter in a way that would give new trainers information on whether they should pick it or not. It makes it feel more like a book that could exist in an actual Pokémon world.

 

[TheGOAT]

Jynx (Smoochum)

Overview

Even by the standards of true psychics jynx are strange creatures. They possess a limited ability to temporarily discard or entirely reform their body from moisture in the air. Rather than feeding on emotions jynx feed on general brain activity of creatures they are linked to. Strangest of all jynx readily change their behaviors and even their appearance to match the human society around them.

While jynx do not require high PSY scores to wield they are unable to provide translation. Trainers who want a psychic-type for that purpose should look into another species. Musically inclined trainers, aspiring researchers, and rain specialists can still find jynx a strange but friendly and relatively low maintenance pokémon.

Physiology

Jynx and smoochum are classified as dual psychic- and ice-type pokémon. Their nature as true psychics necessitates the first typing. While technically jynx exhibit a form of hydrokinesis rather than proper cryokinesis their very low body temperature and propensity for ice-type attacks suggests a secondary ice typing is suitable.

Jynx is notable for changing the appearance of all individuals worldwide within a generation. It is widely believed that jynx’s skin was previously pitch black. This is inaccurate: jynx had no skin. A shadowy form held up a set of clothing and hair made of slightly impure ice crystals. When frightened jynx would fade into the shadows around them and abandon their physical trappings.

In the 1960s jynx began to grow skin. The trend started in North America where changing attitudes around proper conduct led to a backlash against blackface. Jynx shows were caught up in the backlash and often cancelled as a result. Within five years most of the jynx around Unova had developed a physical form with dark purple skin. This body is not properly organic but is instead made of ice crystals. Despite this there are layers of different densities and structures that seem to function as organs. Whether or not they serve a purpose or are merely ornamental is unknown. From Unova the trend of making physical bodies to inhabit spread worldwide until by 1985 every population of jynx in the world, even the remote wild populations, had adopted it.

Smoochum were first sighted in 1999. They, too, have spread across almost every jynx population. They are roughly humanoid with slightly exaggerated feminine proportions. Most populations have blonde hair and a mix of purple and light brown skin. As with jynx multiple hair colors have been detected. As jynx bodies are purely ornamental the pokémon can presumably have whatever hair color she wants.

Smoochum appear to be biological organisms in a way that jynx simply are not. To start with they regularly eat food, drink water, and excrete waste. Their lips also seem functional and highly sensitive as smoochum insist on pressing them against any new surface they encounter. Furthermore damage short of the total destruction of their physical body can result in death (see Illness).

The largest jynx can reach heights of 1.7 meters and weigh up to 46 kilograms. Increasing size is usually a sign of power and comfort as more mass requires more psychic energy to maintain. Like most true psychics jynx have an average lifespan equivalent to the nearby human population.

Behavior

Jynx appear to have a very complex language system that sounds nearly human. Across the world jynx language shifts to mirror the sounds of the local human tongues. These languages are entirely incomprehensible. Linguists have spent their entire lives trying to decipher jynx languages and failed. Even telepathic humans and pokémon have never been able to receive an understandable response from a jynx. Mind links can even be painful and result in a long bouts of vertigo and/or aphasia. Recent lab studies suggest that jynx communicate with each other through telepathic signals and that their language is purely for show.

Unlike most true psychics jynx do not feed on emotions. Instead they seem to absorb either kinetic or mental energy through their dances. When jynx begin to dance and sing it creates a signal sent out to all humanoid organisms in the area. Eventually their nervous systems are coopted and they begin to join in the movements. The process is harmless aside from potential damage from being made to perform maneuvers the body may not be fit enough to comfortably handle. In the worst case scenario people with some control over their legs but very low leg strength can involuntarily get up and collapse after a few seconds or minutes. Jynx do seem apologetic when this happens and immediately stop dancing.

Most jynx have voluntarily moved into captivity, especially after the invention of air conditioning. They perform in dance halls or, increasingly, yoga studios. Some have private trainers that feed them and, in turn, ask them to dance, battle, or sing. Jynx do have beautiful, surprisingly deep voices even if they cannot perform conventional lyrics. In return the jynx are showered with attention and allowed to regularly feed in a safe environment. While all of the attention can lead to jynx becoming spoiled narcissists this somehow only adds to the appeal of their dance halls. In recent years several jynx have begun social media accounts where they post pictures with nonsensical captions or vlogs of a jynx complaining or singing to a camera in their own language. These behaviors do not seem to be a form of feeding. In any case several jynx have millions of followers on Snap, Trozei, Play It!, Shuffle, and the Pokémon Channel.

Small wild populations exist. Their behaviors, including the methods they use to feed, are poorly understood.

Smoochum mostly stay close to their mothers and explore their environment. They have a lot of attitude for their apparent stage of human development and are known to be more demanding than even the most narcissistic of jynx. Near constant attention from one of her mothers or a human is required to satisfy their emotional needs and ward off tantrums and to make sure that the smoochum doesn’t accidentally hurt herself or eat something she shouldn’t. Preventing her from doing so is a surefire way to start a tantrum. Thankfully smoochum have short memories and quickly forget why they were angry in the first place.

Husbandry

A jynx requires cool environments and either moist air or frequent access to ice or cool water. Her environment should usually be kept below fifty-five degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures as high as seventy-five Fahrenheit can be tolerated for periods of an hour or less. Glacier and Polar balls can work for transport through warmer climes. In general jynx do not make good companions for traveling trainers in Alola, although the presence of an aurorus, ninetales, vanilluxe, or other powerful cryokinetics can offset this. Humanoid pokémon also make good partners as they reduce the time jynx has to feed from any single source. Intelligent Pokémon, especially singers such as primarina, can properly shower jynx with attention. Oricorio can at least provide dancing partners.

Jynx feed through linked dancing with humanoids and humans in particular. Flexibility and cardiovascular exercises are recommended for jynx trainers to help them get through long feeding sessions. Even outside of dancing jynx are socially demanding and will need near-constant socialization or other enrichment. Thankfully jynx are willing to vent to mirrors from time to time.

A smoochum is generally best cared for by her mothers with occasional trainer assistance. Baby-sitting mostly consists of making sure that smoochum doesn’t kiss anything sharp, toxic, or attached to a potentially aggressive pokémon. Unlike most pokémon smoochum are curious enough about literally everything in their environment that they have little need for proper toys.

Illness

Prior to forming bodies jynx suffered illness typical of true psychics and phantoms. For the most part rates of these diseases have greatly decreased among the now-physical jynx. The only real maladies adult jynx suffer from are the occasional bout of exhaustion, vertigo, or discoloration from inadequate feeding. In particularly severe cases the jynx will not be able to dance, dooming it to starvation unless another jynx steps in and shares energy.

Their gains from reduced emotion sicknesses jynx and offset by new physical weaknesses. Previously jynx could only truly die of old age, although they might go comatose from starvation or particularly severe illnesses. Now the total annihilation of their body in an environment that is not very cool and moist can result in death. Even in ideal environments annihilation combined with dark- and ghost-type attacks can prevent reformation and be fatal as a result.

Smoochum can suffer from more conventional illnesses such as food poisoning and respiratory infections. Ensuring that the smoochum eats only soft foods for the first three months of life and only things edible to humans from then on until evolution can reduce rates of food poisoning. Keeping a clean home and, paradoxically, reducing the use of harsh chemical sanitizers can also reduce illness rates. Respiratory infections are best prevented by keeping the smoochum in a consistently cool and moist environment.

Evolution

Once a smoochum is around eight years old her parents will take her to an extremely cool and moist area nearby. The smoochum will meditate for two to six days before attempting to form a new body. A flurry of ice, snow, and cool water will coalesce into a proper jynx body. Upon the body’s completion the smoochum will keel over dead and begin her new life controlling the newly created jynx.

After evolution jynx continue to grow as long as they train and become more powerful.

Battle

Given enough ambient moisture, especially cool moisture, a jynx can reform her entire body in a matter of seconds. On rain and hail teams this can make jynx astonishingly durable. In addition to their durability jynx can also employ moves such as sweet and lovely kiss to disrupt enemy plans. Nasty plot and calm mind boosts can let jynx unleash powerful blizzards or psychic attacks.

Jynx’s second biggest advantage lies in their ability to freeze or otherwise disrupt the movements of humanoid pokémon. A handful of non-weather quickstall teams have used jynx to force humanoid pokémon such as machamp to stand stock still as passive effects drain their health. Alternatively jynx can force other pokémon to punch themselves. The jynx herself will hardly be damaged given her weak arm strength but fighting-types can be seriously hurt.

The main downside to using jynx is that outside of rain or hail they are extremely frail creatures. In very harsh sunlight jynx passively degrade. Fire-type attacks only speed the process up. Even in ideal weather conditions a few powerful ghost or dark hits can keep jynx from reforming all of the way.

Given the climate of Alola jynx are only useful with a partner pokémon or two capable of setting up rain or hail. Ninetales, aurorus, castform, politoed, or pelipper are the ideal partners. Vanilluxe are powerful hail setters but are strongly discouraged for the amateur trainer. Vanillite and vanillish are unfortunately far less effective at weather control than their adult form.

Smoochum are decently powerful ice- and psychic-attackers that can also pull off the occasional lovely or sweet kiss. They are also modestly more durable and less sensitive to adverse climes than jynx are. In low level matches smoochum can disrupt or overpower a handful of common pokémon such as non-pikipek birds. Still, smoochum’s long evolution time and reliance on her mothers makes her a subpar pick for new trainers.

Acquisition

Jynx are best acquired from breeders in Hau’oli and Malie. These organizations regularly import and breed jynx and are capable of providing specimens adjusted to close human contact and with a detailed record of likes, dislikes, and personality traits. Trainers seeking a wild jynx can find them near the entrances of Melemele caves, and the meadow entrances of Seaward Cave in particular. Wild jynx are often somewhat skittish around humans they are not actively controlling. Even if she bonds with a human a wild jynx will be initially confused and scared in cities and unused to prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

Smoochum capture remains legal due to relaxed capture rules around non-native species. It is not recommended for practical reasons as smoochum are reliant upon maternal supervision and do not typically adjust well to human care.

Smoochum can be captured, adopted, or purchased with a Class IV license. Jynx can be obtained with a Class III.

Breeding

Like most true psychics jynx reproduce through asexual partnered courtship. All jynx are automatically classified as female as they have no reproductive organs and typically perform feminine gender roles of the nearby human cultures. It is impossible to simply ask a jynx about questions of gender identity and receive a coherent answer.

Two jynx will bond through a dancing and singing competition, the details of which vary regionally. If both are satisfied with the other they will stay close for several months. Eventually one or both will create an egg from ice crystals. Through a process that is not well understood the ice egg will gradually begun to house organic life. A smoochum will hatch after four to six months. Some jynx couples have another child or two while raising their first to evolution. In any event once all children have evolved the couple will go their separate ways. If confined to the same space they will proceed to ignore each other and their newly evolved offspring.

Captive breeding of jynx is relatively easy in theaters or studios that own multiple jynx. Trainers with a single jynx will have to take her to an organized gathering of jynx to evaluate potential mates. One trainer will then need to take care of both jynx for several years. Once the last smoochum has evolved new homes will need to be found for one parent and the child or both parents. If enough food and space is available multiple jynx can tolerate each other with only the occasional fight. Trainers who cannot bear the thought of losing one or both of their jynx should plan to open or join a jynx-related business well in advance.

Subspecies

The dances, language, and mannerisms of jynx vary by culture. Eye and hair color frequencies also vary regionally. Jynx are originally from the Korean peninsula, Amur basin, and Japanese isles. Traders had spread them to Scandanavia by 800 CE, Tibet by 1100 CE, and New Zealand by 1400 CE. The Europeans subsequently spread them to much of the globe, including Alola in 1811.

Jynx Review

After realizing these can be read in virtually any order, I figured I’d take a gander at what different Pokémon you’ve covered. I’ll likely do a run-through of all the BLC characters that you happen to have made chapters for (i.e. Luxray, Incineroar…) very soon. But first, I simply could not resist stopping here.

— Huh. Never thought Jynx of all Pokémon would be low-maintenance. But I kind of get it, in a sense.

— I am dying at the lore behind Jynx growing skin here correlating with Jynx’s irl design changes. The fact that the nonfiction reason for the latter and the fictional reason for the former are the same is beautiful.

— How were Smoochum first sighted so late? Is it implied that they don’t inherently grow up into Jynx all the time? If I recall correctly, some eggs can canonically hatch Jynx straightaway and skip Smoochum entirely, so I can see how that would be reasoning for this.

In any case several jynx have millions of followers on Snap, Trozei, Play It!, Shuffle, and the Pokémon Channel.

— Jynx Instagram thot culture is a fascinating mental image. I’m not entirely sure how I feel about it; it’s cursed, but it also fits. Jynx is a weird Pokémon. But that’s why I stopped here, so you could say I’m getting what I came for.

Their gains from reduced emotion sicknesses jynx and offset by new physical weaknesses.

— I had trouble parsing this sentence. Is there a typo in here somewhere?

— Oh wow. So Jynx just… ignore each other after their mating sequence is finished. It’s almost like they’re endlessly reluctant to attach themselves to other Jynx, but do so anyway for the sole purpose of creating more.

— Having fun reading these!

 

[Persephone]

Machamp (Machop, Machoke)

Overview

Machamp are the fighting-type that all other fighting-types are measured against. Only the toughest of dragons can match them in raw strength. An equally small number of pokémon have a comparable drive to train. The two traits combine to make machamp the quintessential melee-ranged powerhouse of competitive battling.

In addition to their power in combat, pokémon of the machamp line also enjoy helping others, especially if the task involves heavy lifting or clever applications of raw strength. This makes machamp one of the most popular pokémon for construction projects. In Alola, machamp are also often used as ride pokémon. Unusually for a ride pokémon, machamp prefer it if their trainer also brings along heavy gear or other pokémon to carry. The main problem with training machamp is simply finding things for them to do.

Physiology

Machop, machoke, and machamp are classified as pure-fighting types.

Machamp are one of the few surviving therapsid pokémon, making them technically not either reptiles nor mammals. In practice they function much the same as mammals and can be treated as such most purposes.

Machop are short bipeds with a human-like shape, a stubby tail, leathery gray skin, and three ridges above their head. The ridges are useful for increasing the machop’s surface area, helping vent the massive amounts of heat that their bodies can generate while exercising. A quirk in machop’s muscles lets them exercise for long periods of time. They also require much less caloric intake that their physical exertion would suggest. On balance, machop must sleep for almost fourteen hours a day.

Machoke are taller and have much larger muscles than their pre-evolution. The head shape slowly grows into a more typical one for a therapsid, as opposed to the machop’s rather human-like face. Several long red markings appear on the arms and legs. A series of dark gray armored flaps grow over the groin area to help protect it and support the yellow plate above it. The yellow plate has an armored exterior.

The plate connects to several nerves, tendons, and strange cords that weave throughout the machoke’s body. These serve to sharply limit the amount of power that machoke can bring to bear, although they are still capable of lifting several tons. The plate can be removed in a pinch, lifting the physiological and psychological limits it imposes on the muscles. Machoke grow incredibly strong as a result, but this comes with a price. While machoke have bones much denser than an ordinary human’s, they are still not nearly strong enough to withstand a machoke’s full strength. Firing off uninhibited punches can literally shatter the pokémon’s body in the process. In the wild the plate is only removed when the pokémon is already dying and wants to accomplish one last thing.

Machamp have two key differences from machoke, one obvious and one not. The visible one is the growth of two new arms, both every bit as strong as the old ones. More subtle, but more important, is the strengthening of bones and connective tissues. A full grown machamp has ligaments with the tensile strength of silicon and bones tough enough to withstand their own punches. Even without removing their plate, machamp can punch 1000 times a second and exert energy equivalent to a kiloton of TNT. Unfortunately for humanity (but fortunately for machamp), the ambient energy that strengthens them dissipates after death, making machamp bones unviable as an industrial material.

Many people are surprised to see how small machamp actually are. Even the tallest of machamp only grow up to one hundred and seventy centimeters. They can still weigh over two hundred and fifty kilograms. Machamp can live up to ninety years in captivity. Wild lifespans are not well documented, but they are probably similar.

Behavior

Machop spend all of their time browsing, sleeping, or training. Their preferred food is shrubby vegetation that is relatively low to the ground. Fruits and root vegetables are also eaten from time to time. Machop train in the evening, usually with other machop but sometimes with machoke or other species. Sparring is their exercise of choice, although more typical strength and flexibility exercises are also mixed in. As they grow older machop will pick a single style of combat and focus all of their energies on it.

Machoke start to branch out and learn other styles of combat from the machamp in their dojo. While machop are somewhat shy, machoke often seek out fights with other pokémon to test their strength and strategy. Many trainers are terrified the first time a machoke jumps into their path and demands a battle. They pose very little risk in practice: the entire line is herbivorous and machoke try not to seriously hurt their opponents. The challenge that looks scary to humans is just a standard greeting in machoke society.

Machamp do not live in the same dojos as machoke and machop. Instead they start to wander the world, settling down only long enough to figure out a new style or move that they did not previously know. Once they have obtained mastery they will move on. Machamp are less aggressive at picking fights than machoke. They tend to hang back and watch others battle before deciding if it’s worth issuing a challenge or not. In the wild machamp often follow apex predators around to watch for prey species that can put up a solid fight.

Husbandry

Many pokémon can live happy lives as household pets or zoo animals. This line is not one of them. Caring for a member of the line requires daily training for both trainer and team. Still, each of them have different training needs.

Very young machop should be exposed to many different fighting-type pokémon or human martial artists. Once they take a special interest in one style, they should regularly be brought back to someone who could teach them. Ideally the trainer would also take lessons at the same time. Machoke prefer rotating between a few different instructors. Teaching others, including their trainer, can also make machoke happy. Machamp simply need a wide variety of opponents and teachers to work through. This is easiest to satisfy in major cities where many different types of people and pokémon are gathered in one place.

Standing water troughs or bottles should be available in the pokémon’s quarters. Machamp can go some time without water, but they drink a lot at once. Their diet should primarily consist of shrubs with small amounts of leaves, roots, shoots, and fruit mixed in. Wild-raised specimens will regulate their own eating. Captive-born machop must be taught to do so, ideally by a machoke. All three stages are easily housebroken. None of them like pokéballs, but they will tolerate them for short periods, especially in the lead up to a major battle.

One of the line’s most endearing qualities is their desire to give back to their community. In the wild this is the dojo for machop and machoke. Machamp are loyal to wherever they are currently training. In captivity this typically means the trainer, the team, and human society at large. As long as training is adequate the pokémon will gladly assist with chores, construction, or even public service. Be aware that machoke and machamp are not built for delicate hand movements. They can safely carry bulky goods, people, or mid-size to large pokémon. Items smaller than their hand are often broken, especially if moving them requires dexterity.

Illness

There are very few theraspids alive. This means that there are very few generalist diseases that affect machamp. The handful of specialist diseases and parasites usually don’t slow the afflicted pokémon down very much, but can nevertheless be easily vaccinated or medicated against.

Machop and machamp recover very quickly from almost all wounds. Machoke do as well, but they are still the most vulnerable stage. Self-inflicted injuries can occur even with the limiting plate intact. These injuries can be quite severe, although most will eventually heal. With the plate removed machoke can literally tear themselves apart. Intentional removal of the plate creates a presumption of pokémon abuse under commonwealth law.

Evolution

Machop flash evolve upon obtaining mastery of their main fighting style. They will flash evolve again after gaining proficiency in about a dozen styles. The first evolution usually occurs around the tenth birthday with the second occurring around the fiftieth birthday. Newly evolved machamp leave their dojo to wander around the wild, only briefly rejoining machoke dojos to breed.

These evolution times are very long. While they can be slightly shorter in captivity, especially for the machoke to machamp evolution, they will still take years or decades to occur.

Battling

Machamp are one of the most metagame defining pokémon in the world. Their serious attacks can bend metal and eventually overwhelm all but the sturdiest of opponents. They can even punch up to a thousand times a second, although these punches aren’t terribly strong. If machamp can reach their opponent they will usually win. Even the bulkiest of walls tend to be steel- or rock-types that fall sooner rather than later. The few pokémon that can take multiple hits can also fall prey to machamp if they have a conventional head. Machamp are prone to striking particularly stubborn opponent’s heads with enough force to cause a concussion. While they seldom outright kill opponents, the attack is disorienting enough to give the machamp and its trainer time to think.

There are a handful of ways to deal with machamp. Many exploit the species’ relatively inaccurate throws by staying at a distance. Ranged flying pokémon can fire at machamp while dodging the occasional rock slide or stone edge. Teleporters can stay away from machamp and fire back with powerful psychic attacks that machamp has no real resistance to. Ghosts can turn intangible to avoid normal blows and then use trickery moves and spectral attacks to wear machamp down. This strategy is risky because machamp are very good at weathering status effects and often only hit harder out of spite. Most machamp have also picked up a dark-type move or two and can punish ghosts that turn intangible but don’t run.

Some dragons can match machamp in brute strength and hold on long enough to run out the switch clock and get a counter in. Fighting-types can usually pull this off, too, by making machamp want to drag out the fight long enough to get a proper measure of their opponent. Rare pokémon that the machamp has not fought before can gain a similar reaction. Some particularly strong fire -type pokémon can either create an inferno so hot that the machamp dares not approach. Water-types with great bulk or speed and a very strong surf or hydro pump can potentially knock a machamp of its feet and keep it pinned and drowning under the crushing torrent of water.

Every serious team needs at least one counter and multiple checks to machamp. Care should be taken not to knock out a pokémon with something machamp can beat until the machamp is taken care of. Otherwise the machamp will easily revenge kill it. Trainers facing machamp should do everything they can to knock it out before the switch timer runs. Otherwise the machamp will be withdrawn and come back in later to score a free knockout on another pokémon.

Machoke are much weaker and a fair bit less bulky than machamp are. This makes them far more manageable to face with strong pokémon that are not particularly weak to it. All of the tactics that can check machamp work extremely well against machoke.

Machop are strong for their size, but not overbearingly so. Facing one in a straight physical brawl isn’t recommended, but at least most similarly experienced pokémon can take a few hits without fainting.

Acquisition

Machoke dojos are typically found in rocky areas where scrub plants are common. The two Alolan dojos are located in Ten Carat Hill and the Vast Poni Canyon.

The best way to lure a machop or machoke away from its dojo is to battle it with a fighting-type pokémon, or something else with a style that it can replicate. If the pokémon takes interest it might decide to focus on that style and come with its new mentor. This can require several days or even weeks living near the dojo, potentially without anything to show for it. Outright capture is not recommended as it may provoke other dojo members. Even if the captor gets away, the pokémon is unlikely to listen to commands.

Machamp capture is not possible or legal in Alola. Newly evolved machamp are typically relocated to a larger landmass where they can explore without getting upset when it runs out of styles to learn. Occasionally the DNR will allow a trainer a chance to bond with a soon-to-be-relocated machamp.

Adoption is possible, especially from injured or elderly trainers who can no longer give their pokémon the attention it needs. Shelters occasionally have machop, machoke, or machamp whose old trainer recently died.

Machop can be captured or adopted with a Class II license. Machoke can be captured or adopted with a Class III license. Machamp can be adopted with a Class IV.

Breeding

Machamp that cross path with a machamp of the opposite sex will engage in a duel. If the winner is impressed, they will mate. The female will lay a clutch of three to five eggs about sixteen days later. She will drop them off at the nearest machoke dojo. Then she will leave. The male will stay another thirty to forty days until the eggs hatch. Then he will leave to resume his travels.

Captive breeding is surprisingly easy. Two machamp brought together will challenge each other. The female will be quite content leaving her eggs with the male’s trainer. Unfortunately, the male is reluctant to directly assist with childrearing. It is best to get at least one machoke to help train the babies on the basics of combat and life skills.

Subspecies

Machamp are native to the mountainous areas, deserts, and dry grasslands of the old world. Occasionally a vagrant machamp will enter into a rainforest, marshland, or prairie but machoke dojos are not found in these locations. Because machamp have wide ranges, genes mix across large distances. As such there is only one machamp subspecies.

 

[TheGOAT]

Torracat (Litten, Incineroar)

Overview

Fire-types have a reputation for forgoing strategy in favor of a barrage of smoke and flame. Torracat largely avert this; in the wild they are pack hunters that barely use their flames. Incineroar, however, plays the reputation straight. Contrary to the stigma around fire-types that they are difficult to control, Torracat are the tamest and friendliest of the Alolan feline pokémon, even if their means of expressing affection can come off as detached and distant to those unused to working with cats. Incineroar have odder behaviors, but are perhaps friendlier to humans while in captivity.

The primary appeal of torracat as a starter rests in their typicality. Children who grew up in a household with a pet feline already have a headstart in caring for and understanding their first partner. Additionally, torracat avert the typical territoriality of felines and are quick to accept new partners.

Champion Luna's incineroar has inspired a great many trainers hoping to get into serious battling to pick a litten as their first pokémon. It should be noted here that incineroar evolution takes time, luck and a willingness to go without the torracat for a while. Unevolved torracat are still lovable and capable of winning even moderately high level battles if used well. Going without evolution is a perfectly reasonable choice for a trainer on an island quest.

Physiology

Litten and torracat are classified as pure-fire types. Incineroar is classified as a dual fire- and dark-type due to their resistance to telepathic attacks.

Litten have a rather typical feline bodyshape, with the exception of a larger-than-average head for their size. They are colored black with red stripes on their legs and a red crest on their forehead. The exact hue and the shape of the crest vary by age and individual. Litten possess an internal flame sac right below the junction of their neck and torso. All stages of the torracat line have thick, flame-resistant skin. Their fur is surprisingly flammable. It is the fur they collect during grooming that serves as their primary flame source. However, the time required for fur to regrow does provide a limit to how much fire they are able to use in a given period of time, even with diet supplements.

Torracat are physiologically similar. They are far larger than their juvenile counterpart, growing up to roughly 0.75 meters in height at the shoulder, but the growth is mostly proportional. Red stripes cover their back and tail, and their head crest becomes more prominent. More pronounced red whiskers that give them a sense of the thermal gradient around them. The most significant change is the growth of a bell-like structure protruding from the flame sack. This bell is not metallic, rather, it is made of bone and coated in natural oils. It helps regulate the release of flames, something litten tend to struggle with. Torracat are capable of emitting a variety of sounds that other torracat can pick up on up to two kilometers away.

Incineroar are far larger with external flames around their waist. They typically reach roughly one meter in height at the shoulder. Contrary to popular belief, incineroar are primarily quadrupeds that sometimes rear up on two legs to reach higher, deliver more powerful blows with their forelegs, or intimidate opponents. Their paws, claws and teeth are proportionally larger than torracat's, and their muscles are more powerful and prominent. The incineroar's headcrest has grown to encompass almost the entire head. Incineroar have replaced their reproductive system with additional flame sacs, allowing for more control and power. These replace the torracat's bell.

Torracat can live up to twenty-five years in captivity and fifteen in the wild. Incineroar typically live about ten years after evolution, regardless of their age beforehand.

Behavior

Torracat, like most felines, understand human behaviors and desires through the lens of their own. Many people are vexed by their tendency to stay within the same room as their trainers, but seldom initiate physical affection. They will even frequently reject petting or grooming from even longtime trainers. This is not because of a lack of love, although many litten are initially skeptical of terrifyingly large non-torracat mammals with unknown intentions. They do this because of a belief that humans desire the same personal space as a torracat does.

Additionally, due to the use of fur as a fuel source, it is extremely uncommon for a torracat to allow someone else to groom them. As such, the offer of grooming (which is what they interpret petting as) is an insult to them. They sometimes allow humans to do it for reasons that are poorly understood, and this should be treated as a great honor.

In captivity, torracat will frequently approach other mammals and offer to groom them to build up their fuel reserves. They will even do this with humans, although their preferred method of doing so is licking human eyebrows with their rather coarse tongues. Simple negative reinforcement with a spray bottle can usually stop this behavior. Many trainers are reluctant to irritate their pets, but torracat are quick to pick up on humans' boundaries with regards to grooming and will usually stop after the first one or two reprimands from a human they respect. If a torracat does not like their trainer, they will weather sprays out of wpite.. This is a sign that either the litten needs to be replaced with a more compatible companion or serious effort needs to be put in to earning the litten's respect.

Torracat seldom harm humans in the wild or captivity and very well-trained torracat can be trusted alone with infants and toddlers.

Incineroar spend most of their time caring for their young in the wild. Typically one incineroar in a pair will hunt or sleep while the other watches the litten. Once a pair's litten have evolved and left them, they will often appear to be lost and sleep far more than they previously did. They will sometimes seek to rectify this situation by adopting orphaned babies of other pokémon species. Sometimes they will even adopt babies that are orphaned because of the incineroar's own hunts.

Husbandry

At eighteen months of age, litten can be used in battle or gifted to trainers without a Class I breeding license and DNR approval. At this point litten have fully developed coats and flame sacks. The litten provided to trainers are almost all male, as female litten are retained in the breeding program. Sometimes a female litten that is particularly curious or combative will be given to trainers alongside the males, or a male litten that is physically or tempermentally unsuitable to be given to children will be retained.

Litten will generally provide their own exercise if allowed out of their pokéball for at least twenty hours a week for non-battling purposes. This exercise may be detrimental to the integrity of furniture and camping supplies, so it is advised to let them blow off steam in battle or more structured play with other team members or their trainer.

Even when properly exercised, torracat and litten are well-known to scratch furniture and walls to mark their territory. This makes them somewhat unsuitable to be indoor pets for retired trainers without either extensive training and a close bond or a professionally done cat-proofing. They do not mark their territory through urination and are easily trained in the use of litter boxes and, on walks, vacant lots while no other humans are around.

All stages of the torracat line are not averse to rain and quite enjoy playing in it. Torracat and litten will even take submerging baths if water is provided, although they will not do so if they are forced to take them. Torracat can not be safely submerged for more than ten minutes at a time. Incineroar can not be safely submerged for any length of time (see Illness). However, moderate rain and almost all water-type attacks will not be enough to kill an incineroar.

Torracat and litten are omnivores. They will happily eat feline pokémon food sold in every Pokémon Center and pet shop in Alola, although they will require roughly 30% more food than recommended for a generic feline pokémon as they literally burn more calories than other cats. They will also happily eat most produce given to them. They prefer dried produce as it is more easily ignited. Torracat will not eat more dried fruit than they need. As such, it is advised to give them an overabundance at meal times and then simply remove and repackage what was not eaten.

Unlike most felines, torracat crave additional fur to eat. This makes pokémon with high maintenance needs and thick fur, such as furfrou, lopunny or cinccino, ideal partners. Vulpix also qualify provided the torracat or litten is adopted first. See the entry on vulpix for more information. If it is not possible to provide a mammalian partner, fur supplements can be purchased in Pokémon Centers. However, these supplements, especially the high quality ones, are rather expensive for pokémon food.

Incineroar are carnivores and apex predators and will require very large amounts of calories and fur to sustain themselves. The exact details vary by incineroar, but it is best to assume they will need 20% of their body weight in meat and 10% in fur every week. Incineroar will continue to groom team members that allow them to do so, but most pokémon that did not grow up with the incineroar while it was a torracat will be too nervous to allow it.

Incineroar are fiercely protective of anything they see as their baby, which often applies to young trainers as well as small or unevolved pokémon on their team. They will often growl or rear up on their hind legs if they perceive another human as threatening their trainer, or if they see one of their teammates hurt in battle. It is recommended that incineroar be withdrawn during battles, not used in double battles and kept away from stressful situations.

All stages of the evolutionary line require scratching posts to keep their claws in check. Otherwise they will seek out wood, be it forest logs or furniture, and take care of their needs.

Wild torracat can live in mated pairs, litter groups, groups of multiple mated pairs, mixed groups, or on their own As such,hey can adapt to almost all team dynamics in captivity.

Illness

All stages of the evolutionary line have illnesses similar to most felines. Rabies vaccines are compulsory and usually handled by the DNR. Trainers breeding their own litten (see Breeding) should vaccinate their litten on their first birthday.

A torracat exposed to particularly heavy rains or submersion for long periods of time will develop waterlogged hypothermia, the most common illness for all fire-types. A waterlogged torracat will become very inactive, refuse to eat and obsessively groom its own fur to the point of ripping out entire patches and even tearing into the skin. They will not produce flames. Waterlogging is rather easily cured in torracat with the provision of oils under the supervision of a veterinarian. If a torracat becomes waterlogged and there is not a Pokémon Center readily available, withdraw it and keep it in its ball. Drop it off at a veterinarian or Pokémon Center as soon as possible.

Parasites are particularly tricky to deal with in torracat as they will almost never allow a human to groom them. Fortunately, the few parasites that do prey on the species are usually near-harmless. Make sure your torracat has a full checkup by a veterinarian at least once a year.

Any immersion of an incineroar's open flames in water should be assumed to be life-threatening.

Evolution

Litten naturally progress into torracat as they age. This process usually takes roughly two years. The formal demarcation between litten and torracat is the first vocalization with their bell.

Torracat evolve after reproducing with another torracat. The male will begin to eat and hunt more while the female is pregnant and begin the process of evolving, which will be completed by the time the female gives birth. After delivering a litter of four to six kittnes, the female will begin to evolve in turn.

In captivity, all torracat breeding and evolutions are handled by DNR approved breeding facilities. Contact the DNR if interested in evolving a male torracat. Female torracat can be handed over for evolution, but they will only be returned to their trainer after their litten have been adopted out.

Battle

Wild litten and torracat primarily hunt with their claws and save their fire for self-defense, distractions, intimidation and mating displays. They can be trained to use fire more regularly in captivity, although their diet will need to be adjusted to compensate. Torracat are capable of fighting at range with (relatively inaccurate) embers and streams of flame, or up close with their claws and teeth. As such, they should be trained in a variety of strategies and the one picked in battle should be determined by their opponent.

In the wild, torracat hunt through the use of rough terrain and large packs communicating over long distances to set up traps. In captivity this strategy is often unable to be replicated, as only the most experienced of trainers will be able to understand their torracat's vocalizations in any detail and double battles are rare in Alola. It does mean that torracat are quite clever and can pick up on new moves and tactics quickly. This, combined with their reluctance to use fire, makes them less directly powerful than brionne or dartrix, but capable of using more complex maneuvers to compensate.

They are most easily countered by rock-types that can shrug off their claws and aren't seriously hurt by fire. Very accurate or powerful water- or ground-types can also force a torracat into surrender by targeting its bell. Litten are not particularly water averse and have no direct opening to their flame sacs, allowing them to take hits from those attacks more easily.

Incineroar in the wild hunt with powerful flame blasts, bites and paw strikes. This makes them far more direct battlers than torracat. However, like most carnivores, they sometimes have trouble holding back. Incineroar seldom bother to defend themselves if they weren't trained in defensive maneuvers as a litten. Instead they prefer to rush their opponents, rear up to bring their flame belt into play, and start scorching and slashing until one pokémon or the other is knocked out. This means that incineroar can reliably win against anything they can win a close-quarters slugging match against, and they are doomed when they can't. They also struggle against birds and quick stall teams who can keep away from incineroar while slowly chipping away at them. But outside of those two exceptions, incineroar battles tend to be brutal and short.

Incineroar directly competes for a spot with arcanine and pyroar on international competitive circuits. They are usually considered to be a weaker option due to their open flames. Their small geographic range and rarity contributes to this. But their open flames also make them far weaker to water-types than arcanine and pyroar. As such, Champion Luna is the only trainer on The Battler's Top 100 list who uses one on their main team.

Acquisition

Children between the ages of ten and twenty can obtain a litten from certified distributors free of charge with a Class I certification. Children who have cleared the grand trial on at least one island and did not receive a litten as a starter can purchase or adopt an additional one. Torracat in licensed shelters can be adopted with a Class II license or higher. Incineroar can be adopted by trainers aged 16 or under with a Class II license. Trainers above the age of 16 require a Class IV license, as they are often unwilling to cooperate with an adult human.

Wild torracat colonies exist within Poni Island National Park. It is forbidden to capture wild litten or torracat without the explicit approval of the National Park Service. Following the introduction of pyroar to Poni Island a fierce territorial dispute has emerged. The pyroar have all but entirely won the conflict through their greater size and social cohesion. Incineroar without a current litter will frequently hunt and kill pyroar in an attempt to reduce the threat to torracat and incineroar.

Wild incineroar will often attack adult humans on sight, or younger humans if they get too close to their litten. Trainers are advised not to enter Poni Island National Park alone without a pokémon capable of reliably defeating a wild incineroar. Never approach a wild litten in the park, as at least one of its parents will always be close by.

All feral torracat encountered outside of Poni Island National Park are the property of the Commonwealth of Alola and, if captured, must be dropped off at a pokémon center within thirty days. Due to abuse of the system, bounties for returned torracat are no longer offered.

Breeding

Torracat breeding with other torracat is handled exclusively by the DNR.

In captivity, torracat will mate with other felines and even some non-canine mammalian fire types, as well as subspecies of natural fire-types that are not themselves fire-types, such as Lanakilan vulpix. This reproduction will not trigger evolution and the babies will seldom be fertile, if reproduction is even possible. Torracat pregnancies typically last four months. They should not be withdrawn into pokéballs once the pregnancy becomes visible, and neither the mother nor her litten should not be withdrawn into their pokeballs until the babies are six months old.

Litten typically abandon their parents at eighteen months of age in the wild. Litten of this age can be gifted to the DNR. Trainers will receive a $1200 tax break per litten handed over.

Subspecies

None known.

Incineroar Review

And now we have arrived at Starr. Let’s see what we’ve got here…

— As usual, I’m loving the implicit details you sprinkle in. When you touch on what situations choosing a Pokémon (in this case, Litten as a starter) are ideal, it makes the world of Broken Things feel lived in. I think if/when I eventually read it, this will help me starting out.

Incineroar have replaced their reproductive system with additional flame sacs

— Interesting. So they can’t reproduce after evolution then? The thought is a funny one, I have to admit: it’s like they just give up on mating and say fuck it, time to pour all biological resources into combat. Lmao. It does make me wonder, though… what happens to a pregnant Torracat who evolves before giving birth? Or is evolution only ever tied directly to childbirth?

— I lol’d at the part where Torracat will specifically go for the eyebrows when trying to groom humans. The idea that they think they’re helping build up fuel reserves with hair is incredibly cute.

Sometimes they will even adopt babies that are orphaned because of the incineroar's own hunts.

— Well geez. That’s harrowing.

— How odd. Cats are well known for their typical aversion to water/being wet, and the obvious fire hates water schtick is a thing as well. Yet members of the Litten line enjoy the rain? That’s a fun detail.

 

[Persephone]

Gigalith (Roggenrola, Boldore)

Overview

Gigalith are a popular choice in competitive battling due to their durability and sheer firepower. Boldore have found more use on the concert stage. The line has the peculiar ability to attune and amplify energy waves around them. While gigalith use this to unleash powerful solar beams, roggenrola and boldore generally stick to sound waves or electrical currents. Upscale concert venues typically keep a few sound-tolerant roggenrola around as part of their acoustics system.

Fans of all types of “rock” can usually find a place for the line on their team.

Physiology

All three stages are currently classified as pure-rock types. There is some dispute. Competitive battlers and the leagues that support them often push for gigalith to have am additional fire-typing as they naturally attack with weaponized heat and light. The proposed typing is what trainers facing the line should prepare to deal with. While this view has fallen out of favor in most of the world, it might find success in reclassifying the vulcan gigalith (see Behavior, Subspecies).

Roggenrola have a small, roughly spherical body with three layers. The outside layer is primarily composed of obsidian. It has no curves. It is instead made of flat plates connected by a network of sharp edges. This layer is typically black, but other colors such as brown are not uncommon. A middle layer of basalt comprises most of the pokémon’s weight. The three legs protruding from the body are also made of basalt. These help the roggenrola move, either underground or on the surface. The connective tissue between the main body and the legs is made of Pele’s hair.

The interior is rather different. A hexagonal “ear” connects the interior and exterior. Roggenrola’s core contains a powerful energy crystal that powers them through two evolutions. Quartz structures hold the crystal in place and help it amplify or cancel out energy wavelengths around it. Gigalith can simply nullify any sounds they do not wish to hear; roggenrola, however, are irritated by loud noises or powerful vibrations. Boldore are generally fine with noise as long as they are actively amplifying or otherwise controlling it. Unfortunately for trainers, this means that they are prone to magnifying the sounds of crying babies or loud arguments without being asked to do so. It is only through prolonged exposure to loud sounds and experience controlling them that boldore can learn what sounds humans want amplified and learn to simply ignore or suppress others.

Boldore’s legs have expanded and developed an obsidian coating. Each is also tipped in a colorful crystal tip that helps the pokémon sense the world. The ability to walk on three legs at once makes boldore much better adapted for relatively fast surface movements. Many other crystal spikes protrude from the body. In addition to sensory functions, these help the pokémon control the vibrations around it. Finally, a protective guard develops in the middle of the ear to make direct attacks to the weak point harder.

Gigalith are far larger than a newly-evolved boldore. They also have a much more upright body shape. More connective tissue is visible between the legs and main body. This is necessary as, unlike with boldore, the body typically rests on the ground. It must be raised up above the legs for movement. The legs do not move down with the gigalith when at rest; instead the pokémon simply extends the pele’s hairs down and lowers itself. When it wants to move, the pele’s hair is withdrawn and the body rises up to rest directly on the legs. Gigalith also have four legs, compared to boldore’s three.

The protruding crystals have developed into massive spikes, ridges, and other formations that allow for light absorption and more sophisticated vibration manipulation. The ear-guard has grown and the original ear has separated into two separate ones that do not connect before reaching the core.

A fully grown giglaith can reach a height of 2.4 meters while sitting down, including the crystalline “crest” on top of its head, and weigh over 4000 kilograms. Vulcan gigalith have much shorter lifespans than their continental counterparts. The oldest vulcan gigalith are only about 120,000 years old.

Behavior

Relatively little is known of roggenrola behavior. Most of their life is spent deep underground, and only small glimpses of it are on display when mines cut into their home. By and large, roggenrola seem to do nothing. They will occasionally eat rock by digging into it and letting some slip into their core. This slowly leads to growth. Humans seem to move too quickly to catch the pokémon’s attention. The only way a wild roggenrola will react to people is if they stay almost entirely still for several hours. Even then it can take the pokémon several days to decide to approach.

Boldore spend more of their life on the surface and are thus better understood. They live in flows of fifty to three hundred boldore. The flows slowly migrate over the island they live on, entering different caves and eating minerals found within. If a boldore dies, its body is cannibalized by other members of the flow and the area is left immediately. Boldore are relatively curious about the world and prone to spending years at a time studying interesting things, living or otherwise.

Gigalith tend to stay put for centuries or even millennia. They subsist off of the energy from sunlight, which they absorb with their crystal formations. When damage is sustained from attack or erosion, kinetic vibrations are used to lift the broken obsidian shards and move them back into position. An abrupt burst of heat then seals them in place. While gigalith can use their vibrations to create sandstorms or seismic attacks, or their sunlight absorption to unleash powerful bursts of light or fire, they seldom feel the need to do so. Very little attacks gigalith. Even the invasive larvitar on Akala tend to stick to easier targets, such as geodude, rockruff or boldore.

Small pokémon often use gigalith as a warm perch to rest on, confident that the gigalith will retaliate against anything that tries to start a fight on its body. Small felines are particularly prone to doing this. Psychics have discovered that the gigalith are seldom able to differentiate the cats currently living on them from their distant ancestors.

In general, gigalith seem to have an odd cognitive structure. While recently evolved gigalith and those whose trainers constantly move them around have some ability to identify individuals around them and remember their history and relevance, older wild gigalith are almost unthinking. They react to threats, absorb sunlight, and repair damage. Otherwise they seem to have very little cognition at all. Gigalith simply have no need for thought or memory unless their environment drastically changes. Then and only then will gigalith start accessing memories and slow their relative sense of time down for a long enough period of time to find another sunny perch to sit in.

Husbandry

Roggenrola require a lot of patience. Socializing with them will require a minimum of several hours. Unfortunately, most similarly patient pokémon are other mineral pokémon that roggenrola may try to eat. Even recording devices playing soft music or recorded pokémon sounds are often made of metal and, therefore, are potential food. Roggenrola are also prone to trying to eat tile floors, jewelry, and anything else made of stone. This is much less common if there is a pile of basalt, quartz, obsidian, and miscellaneous igneous rocks in their enclosure. The pile will almost always be more appetizing than other available food sources, especially if the food can outrun the roggenrola. Some particularly curious roggenrola may not be satisfied with the pile and will still attempt to eat other minerals.

Boldore are far more social and curious than roggenrola. Thankfully, this allows them to bond with even somewhat fast-paced pokémon. However, they do require far more socialization than roggnrola do. Frequent attention from either a human or at least one another pokémon (preferably a boldore or roggenrola) is required. Ideally over a dozen boldore would be housed together. The environment should be altered every few months, with new toys added and old ones occasionally removed. Boldore can tolerate, and even enjoy, louder music.

Gigalith are traditionally housed outside, at least during the dry season. They are very comfortable living alone and will seldom interact with humans or other pokémon. For the most part they will sit still and absorb sunlight unless disturbed. Trainers who do wish to bond with their gigalith must battle with it or move it around rather frequently. This has the unfortunate side effect of irritating the pokémon, sometimes to the point of attacking the nuisance trainer.

Rock-type specialists have recently discovered that gigalith enjoy being placed in enclosed structures with retractable glass roofs. The roof can be opened up on sunny days to allow for maximum solar energy absorption and closed on rainy ones to minimize erosion. The setup tends to interest gigalith enough to partially bring them out of hibernation to study their environment. Trainers, especially those with other rock-types, can bond with their pokémon in relative safety. Gigalith enjoy having their obsidian polished but exposed crystal and connective tissue should seldom be touched, much less polished. Even the most social of gigalith will seldom play with toys. However, at least one has become fond of games in which they move around obsidian marbles. Marble games are a good way to train the pokémon in more subtle uses of their vibrations.

Illness

The only way to truly kill a member of the line is by causing irreparable damage to the core. This is usually only possible by specifically targeting the weak point with a powerful attack. Once the core has broken to the point where further functioning is impossible, the pokémon will stop moving and partially collapse. In the wild, it will then be cannibalized by other members of the species. Core damage is borderline impossible to treat in captivity and should be avoided at all costs.

Normal wear-and-tear damage is far easier to fix. A gigalith can simply move the severed portions of its body back into place and seal them there. Roggenrola and boldore prefer to simply eat enough rock to grow larger and replace the damaged area (see Evolution). Medical attention is not typically required and may actively slow the pace of evolution.

Evolution

Roggenrola eat infrequently when they do not need to heal damage. When injured they will immediately eat enough food to not only repair the wound but to actively grow larger when the rocks are repurposed. They evolve into boldore once they reach about 100 kilograms in weight. Battling with roggenrola can make them evolve on a human-friendly timescale rather than on that of a rock. Evolution is marked by a series of abrupt physical and behavioral changes.

Boldore do not go from their first to second evolution quickly, even when near-constant battle. Trainers who wish to one day have a gigalith are advised to start by catching a rather large boldore. After a long period of battle, boldore will start to seek out and eat an unusual amount of crystal. Ideally they will cannibalize parts of an existing gigalith. Memories are stored at the base of crystals, allowing newly evolving boldore to gain some of the memories of a gigalith that came before. As they grow larger, other members of the flow will help move the last pile of obsidian, pele’s hair, quarz, and basalt to a high location with direct sunlight. They will then leave their flowmate behind to complete the final few growths and become the island’s newest gigalith.

Battle

Vulcan gigalith are powerhouses of sun teams or solid physical tanks on weatherless ones. Defensively, gigalith can rely on their obsidian armor to deflect very weak attacks. Stronger, physical ones are prone to shattering the armor into sharp glass that punishes follow up attacks. Beneath the armor is still sturdy basalt protecting the core. The adage goes that the best defense is a good offense, and gigalith also embrace this. Getting a chance to land a hit at all is not common.

Gigalith’s offensive capabilities include extremely powerful solar beams and fire blasts unleashed from the stored energy in the core. Alternatively, gigalith can use vibrations to weaken or create seismic attacks, launch volleys of small rocks, or blunt or slightly redirect beam-based attacks. Powerful sonic attacks are the go-to for gigalith that were trained as boldore to amplify sounds.

The pokémon’s biggest weakness comes from their limited energy supply. Gigalith tend to unleash all their stored power within a few spectacular attacks. Then they must rely on sunlight to recharge themselves. On sun teams this allows them to keep going for quite some time. On weatherless ones, especially if the battle is fought at night, gigalith must spend a substantial amount of time recharging between attacks. While they are still bulky enough to stall out this period, it is not ideal. Gigalith trainers, if they can train their pokémon at all, are encouraged to work on moderating the initial attacks.

On the island challenge, six-on-six battles are rare. This means that gigalith only having a few attacks in them barely matters as most battles can be finished quickly enough. Totem battles in particular can be short with a gigalith’s firepower.

Boldore really prefer not to fight. When placed into battle they will usually attempt to leave the battlefield. They will only attack as a last resort. Boldore used as amps are more likely to defend themselves from the start, using sonic attacks to deter potential attackers. Unfortunately, very loud music is seldom enough to outright knock out a pokémon. Even well-trained boldore that can use rock attacks do not hit particularly hard.

Roggenrola seldom attack anything but other mineral pokémon. The most use they serve is being a very dangerous targe to hurt with melee attacks and potentially stalling out the timer on a pokémon afflicted with toxic poisoning, perish song, or other residual damage.

Acquisition

Roggenrola and boldore are now uncommon on Akala due to predation by introduced larvitar. They were never particularly common on Ula’Ula as it lacks the extensive cave systems of Melemele, Akala, and Poni.

Roggenrola are only found in abandoned mines, cooled lava tunnels, and other caves deep underground. They seldom make an effort to flee from trainers and can usually be caught with a few pokéballs or one great ball without a battle.

Boldore are normally found on the surface, moving between caves and mines as part of their flow. On Melemele they are most common in the stretch of land along Routes 1 and 3 connecting Ten Carat Hill to the Verdant Cavern system. Flows will seldom collectively defend themselves, although individual boldore might fire off a few attacks to prevent capture. Gaining loyalty or imposing meaningful training regimens can be difficult, especially if the flow was about to migrate or was in the process of doing so when the pokémon was captured.

Gigalith can be found at high elevations with direct sunlight. Alola’s largest lives on the steps of the Altar of the Moone. Other notable gigalith live in Wela National Park and at the summit of Ten Carat Hill. Capture of gigalith is illegal due to their very long lifespans and the probability of collateral damage to a protected site during a capture battle.

Roggenrola and boldore can be captured with a Class II license. All stages can be adopted or purchased, often from music or mineral stores, with a Class II license.

Breeding

No one knows how roggenrola are formed. Psychic questioning of gigalith has yet to yield any meaningful results.

Subspecies

Gigalith are separated by the most common minerals they are made from. Vulcan gigalith are scattered throughout the volcanic islands of the Pacific Ocean and are made primarily of basalt and obsidian because of it. Sunlight is seldom an issue during the dry season and rainy seasons can be waited out by entering an even deeper hibernation than normal.

Sandstone gigalith live in the Sahara Desert and Arabian Peninsula. These gigalith are particularly adept at manipulating sand to ensure that they do not get buried by it. Ancient civilizations in the area exploited this by building massive pyramids, pedestals, or temples in their cities. The gigalith would be placed on top, away from nuisances and closer to the sun. In exchange the gigalith would ward off the worst sandstorms and keep the site from being reclaimed by the desert. Most of these ancient gigalith were captured and relocated to European or American museums during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Many archeological sites have been covered in sand during the intervening years, and the Egyptian government has formally called on Galar, Kalos, and the United States (among others) to return the rock-types. These pleas have yet to be answered, and at least five of these Egyptian gigalith have been killed on the competitive battling scene.

Continental gigalith are by far the most common subspecies. These gigalith live on every continent but Antarctica and most non-volcanic islands. Japan is a rare exception, as the native aggron and tyranitar have driven the population to extinction. Introduced aggron are steadily reducing the population of gigalith in mainland Europe as well.

This subspecies is almost entirely composed of granite and quartz. While they possess neither the obsidian armor of vulcan gigalith nor the fine sand manipulation of their sandstone counterparts, continental gigalith can grow to be up to five meters tall. They can also live for hundreds of thousands of years, unencumbered by sinking islands, lava flows, or the need to constantly move the sand around them.

 

[Adamhuarts]

Review for Decidueye Chapter

As someone who regularly watches science videos on animals, paleontology and similar topics, this fic ended being perfect for me and I can't believe I hadn't checked it out sooner.

I could tell just how much research you put into crafting this entry and nothing I read in it feels fake. It almost feels like I'm reading a scientific paper about a group of animals that actually exist. I liked the fact about Decidueye being obsessive fighters who literally die unless they keep battling. It's an extreme survival adaptation and it makes sense that they're short-lived given how vicious they are as hunters. Decidueye actually being herbivorous was intriguing to me, but it appears some of the subspecies are omnivorous and even carnivorous as well. It makes me wonder if the common ancestor of these birds started out as a carnivore to begin with and the Alolan Rowlet line are like the pandas of the group. ie A herbivorous species descended from carnivores.

All the other subspecies are also pretty fascinating and I wish you'd included more of them in there. I liked the poison types as well as the South Island species that have been invasive in Canada. Speaking of which, this is only a personal bias, but I just can't get used to real world countries and regions being present in the pokemon world/fics. It feels weird to me that Alola exists alongside Canada, New Zealand, etc. Does that mean Hawaii doesn't exist in their world or is it a separate unaffiliated polenesian country? I know this is a personal preference of yours as I noticed USA being mentioned in Broken Things as well, so I'll not ask you to change it or anything. I just personally don't like the idea.

That aside, this is a very unique "fic" that I enjoyed, and I hope to check out the other entries later down the line as well.

 

[Persephone]

Carbink

Overview

Carbink must compete with rockruff for the role of introductory rock-type. Carbink have much easier care requirements, but rockruff have more familiar ones. More trainers had a rockruff or growlithe pet growing up than those that had a sentient rock in the home. There is a perception that the mammalian rockruff are more social and affectionate than the silicon-based carbink. This is actually untrue. While lycanroc can be standoffish, carbink stay affectionate and social throughout their lives. They are also a good introduction to the fascinating world of inorganic mineral pokémon. Trainers who hope to someday wield a magnezone, golem, or gigalith are strongly encouraged to start with carbink.

Physiology

Carbink are classified as dual rock- and fairy-type pokémon. The typing is disputed. Carbink can levitate using electromagnetic repulsion or localized gravity manipulation, but they can also use telekinesis to lift themselves. Diancie have also been confirmed as telepathic. Many of carbink’s utility moves are more aligned with psychic energies than fey ones. Yet, carbink’s main defense in the wild is unleashing moonblasts. They are also nocturnal and prone to congregate outdoors in large groups during full moons. For the time being, the Department of Agriculture has settled on a secondary fairy-typing out of tradition. Further research by geologists and psychics, as well as revelations about diancie, may change the designation.

Carbink have conical and botryoidal bodies. The body’s exterior is composed of basalt. Peridot crystals, silicon, and magnetite make up much of the core. Peridot occasionally grows out through the basalt, exposing the gemstones inside. Mental processing is done with a silicon-based nervous system. The peridot appears to generate, channel, and store energy, although the exact mechanisms for this are poorly understood.

A small “head” sits on top of the main body. Two specialized crystals rest here. While they resemble eyes, carbink are blind. One eye crystal senses radiation and the other is dedicated to picking up electromagnetic waves. Two soft “ears” on top of the head are used to sense movement and sounds through air currents.

A small white mane wraps around the head. This is not part of the carbink’s body. It is actually a lichen. In exchange for a place to live, the lichen helps carbink socialize. The lichen is partially unwrapped with gentle telekinesis and then used to polish another carbink’s protruding gemstones.

Beneath the mane is a small slit for ingesting finely ground rocks. Carbink rarely eat in captivity, only ingesting rocks once every one to two decades. Their digestive system moves equally slowly. As such laboratory studies must be long-term, limiting the amount of research available. In any case, carbink seem to get most of their energy from floating in strong magnetic fields and absorbing moonlight with their peridot crystals.

The largest carbink are around 33 centimeters in height and weigh around twenty-five kilograms.. Analysis of the peridot in carbink has determined that carbink can live for over two million years.

Behavior

Carbink live in social groups, or hardnesses, of thirty to fifty individuals. During the day the carbink retreat into the cooled lava tunnels of Melemele and Poni. On clear nights, especially during full moons, the entire hardness will emerge and bask in the moonlight. Sometimes they will interact with nearby pokémon. Carbink tend to see organic life as both curious and harmless. Some will even approach humans without fear and try to polish eyeglasses or phone screens as a sign of good will.

Telepathic conversations with diancie and continental carbink have hinted at a large underground kingdom filled with carbink and ruled by diancie. This may very well be true for corundum carbink. In Alola this seems not to be the case. Carbink are seldom found deep in the caves of Melemele and Poni. They seem to be entirely absent from the caves of Akala and Ula’Ula where the volcanoes are still active.

The species had very few natural predators before the introduction of sableye. Unfortunately for them, the sableye of Alola prefer to dine on carbink. As such all hardnesses have taken to keeping a few members on sentry duty when inside of caves. Individuals seldom wander away from the main group anymore. Spelunkers have seen carbink floating through the caves en masse, frequently casting dazzling gleams to drive out sableye. A blinding volley of moonblasts follows each successful reveal.

Husbandry

Carbink rarely need to eat. A small tray of gravel can be kept around but is not necessary. On the very rare occasions when it is hungry, a carbink will seek out small rocks to ingest. Carbink should be allowed to bask during full moons, and at least a few other moons a month. This keeps them energetic and allows them to put more energy into battle.

They are rather independent pokémon and, in areas away from sableye populations, can be granted a fair amount of freedom to wander. There is a tradition in Alola where retired people and young children help return lost carbink to their homes.

Sableye are terrible teammates for carbink. The arrangement will end with at least one of them dead. Carbink are naturally distrustful of other ghosts as well. Most lithovores are good teammates for carbink. This is unusual for rock-types and is a major boon for would-be specialists. Carbink simply float above most would-be predators, shrugging off weak attempts to strike them down to earth.

Most people do not realize that carbink are highly intelligent and social pokémon. They resent being stored in their pokéball and prefer to be exploring or floating around near their trainer at almost all times. Mechanical devices, from grandfather clocks to electronics, are fascinating toys to observe. Carbink are also quite good at not frying electronics, although a newly captured carbink will still occasionally break a device. Other pokémon can make for stimulation opportunities as well, and carbink are prone to floating just out of reach of available teammates.

The best way to show affection to a carbink is to gently dust off the stone portions of its body and to polish the exposed gemstones. Do not polish the eye stones.

Illness

It is difficult to seriously hurt a carbink. Carbink typically stop battling when they deplete their moonlight reserves or get bored. Conscientious steel-type trainers will focus on breaking down carbink’s shields and exhausting them rather than going in for the kill. While this does help keep carbink alive, responsible trainers should simply withdraw their pokémon when faced with a potentially fatal matchup.

Carbink can regenerate surface level damage by bathing in moonlight and slowly fusing small stones to their body. Anything that strikes the core or seriously cracks the peridot is likely to be fatal. Surgeries on mineral pokémon are still largely experimental. Surgery is further complicated by carbink’s nature as psychic or fey creatures: once one has been dead for a fairly short period of time, its peridot begins to crumble and the body falls apart. Only well-timed interventions by a small number of ghost, psychic, and fairy-types (sableye included) can prevent this.

Most “illnesses,” such as an abrupt inability to stay floating, are really the result of exhaustion. A break from battling and plenty of time to rest in the moonlight should be enough to fix the problem. More serious cases may require the proximity of a moon stone or healing from a fairy-type such as clefable or comfey.

Evolution

Peridot diancie is currently just a myth. However, corundum diancie exist and it is widely believed they evolve from corundum diancie. As such it is possible that peridot carbink can evolve.

Battle

Carbink are incredibly durable utility pokémon. Most attacks, physical or elemental, simply do not phase them. In the meantime they can set up trick room, reflect, light screen, sunny day, sandstorm, hail, or stealth rock. Magic coat can be used to deter taunt users. The pokémon’s intelligence lets them learn many tricks and use them as necessary.

On balance, carbink are incredibly passive. Even their strongest moonblasts and power gems aren’t enough to put a real dent in anything that is not both weak to the attack and relatively frail. Even on the island challenge carbink struggle as offensive threats. This passivity allows other pokémon to freely set up against them or steadily whittle carbink down. Furthermore, carbink’s role as the ultimate utility pokémon is compromised by their real limit: energy. Once a carbink becomes exhausted it will simply stop battling. This will occur long before it can set up screens, trick room, weather, and hazards. Trainers will need to prioritize the most important field advantage for a given battle.

Acquisition

During the day, carbink are often found just inside the caves under Ten Carat Hill and Vast Poni Canyon. They venture outside at night. Carbink were once common, but the introduction of sableye led to a dramatic decline in their numbers. Sableye themselves are almost entirely gone from Alola due to carbink hunts and DNR action, but the damage has been done. Carbink numbers are unlikely to fully recover before the islands are subsumed by the waves.

The easiest way to catch a carbink is to simply show up in the caldera of Ten Carat Hill or the bottom of Vast Poni Canyon night after night around the time of a full moon. Small gadgets should be gathered and laid out. Interesting but inoffensive pokémon will also help the process. A carbink may eventually take interest in a prospective trainer and agree to travel along for some time. Proving battles are unnecessary.

Breeding

No one has ever documented carbink reproduction. Even the chattiest of carbink do not wish to discuss the matter with psychics. Given the absurdly long lifespans involved, it is probable that no carbink has been born in Alola since the kingdom was founded over five hundred years ago. There are still theories. Early scientists speculated that carbink were formed by the pressures deep within the earth. No active participation by extant carbink was required.

Recent research in mineral pokémon has revealed that most are not formed ex nihilo in this way. Instead, extant members of the species carefully assemble their offspring, either within their own bodies or outside of them. Whether carbink do this, and what involvement diancie might have in the process, is currently a subject of scientific debate.

Subspecies

Carbink on mainland Europe, Africa, and Asia are mostly of the corundum subspecies. These are mostly identical to peridot carbink, except their gemstones are blue or red corundum. The one major biological difference is that these carbink live much longer lives as their homes are not slowly sinking into the waves. Some corundum carbink are over seven million years old.

 

[Persephone]

Sableye

Overview

Sableye were first sighted in 1841 by spelunkers deep in the bowels of Mammoth Cave. They were sighted again in the upper levels of the cave in 1857, and a crypt of sableye explored a nearby farm in 1871. Sableye have since used their stealth and intelligence to find their way across the world, finding new caves and mines to live in.

Despite their unsettling appearance and creepy laughter, sableye do not represent a serious threat to humans. They are, however, an existential threat to gemstone-based pokémon. Carbink populations have plummeted in Alola and are only now starting to level off. Sableye are now rare themselves, although dedicated trainers can find one by spelunking into the depths of Melemele and Poni islands’ cave systems. In return they will find themselves with a surprisingly fast and durable trickster that can slowly wear down opponents many times larger than itself.

Physiology

Sableye are classified as dual ghost- and dark-types. There is a school of thought that sableye should be classified as ghost- and rock-types due to the prominence of crystals in their body. This theory is currently not dominant. Sableye are highly resistant to telepathic assault, can meld into shadows better than most ghosts, and originally lived in total darkness. These traits make them well-qualified for a dark-typing.

Sableye are small bipeds. Their dark purple “skin” is actually a variant of ectoplasm that fades into nearby darkness very well. Each limb ends in three sharp claws. A variety of gemstones rise to the surface of the pokémon’s body, typically on the head and torso. Many sableye have eye-like gemstones. The evolutionary purpose of faux eyes for a creature that lived in total darkness is disputed. It may have helped deter bioluminescent threats, but relatively few have been documented in the Mammoth Cave system.

One of sableye’s more unusual features is often hidden. When leaping or falling, sableye can extend shadowy “wings” from their upper arms, allowing them to make slightly higher jumps or break falls. The wings can also be used to appear larger than the pokémon is, deterring predators and competitors.

Unusually for a phantom, sableye eat like an organic or mineral pokémon. They seldom feed on emotional energies in the wild, although research has suggested that they can passively feed on curiosity and fear. Instead, they primarily feed on rocks, particularly coal and gemstones. Sableye use an unusual curse-like process to break down the rocks into spectral energy that is ingested. Some of the physical stone remains and leaves the body with a gemstone impurity. These stones make sableye harder to take down, but they also gradually slow the pokémon until it is nearly immobile and unable to reliably feed.

Sableye have fluorescent green fluid in their body, presumably fulfilling a similar purpose to blood. The liquid evaporates rapidly at room temperature, forcing sableye to keep their own bodies highly pressurized. Wounds are almost-instantly sealed with a smell stretch of shadowy skin.

The oldest of sableye can weigh up to twenty-five kilograms, although most weigh barely more than ten. Fully grown sableye are forty-five to fifty-five centimeters tall. Captive sableye’s lifespans vary depending on the frequency of gemstone feedings. Specimens fed gemstones every day usually die within ten years of capture. Those fed gemstones sparingly, once a month or less, can live for several decades.

Behavior

Most wild sableye, in Mammoth Cave and around the globe, live far underground in gemstone mines or large cave systems. They live in crypts of four to eleven individuals. Most of their diet seems to be made up of limestone, with slate and granite rounding out their meals. Gemstones such as quartz, peridot, diamond, and corundum, are less frequently consumed but highly desired. Most of the gem is ingested and transformed into spectral energy. Some remains and physically fortifies the body, boosting the pokémon’s strength and durability at the cost of speed.

The depths of Mammoth Cave are still poorly understood. Strange energy fields block teleportation to and from all but the uppermost caverns and tunnels. This makes exploration even more dangerous, as there is no good means of escape should something go wrong. Drones that attempt to explore the deep reaches of the cave system are quickly destroyed, usually by curious sableye. The spelunking expeditions that dare to venture down are notoriously unlucky, with electronics breaking, fires quickly going out, and strange accidents plaguing the crew. Many camps have been found years or decades after the fact, stones and gemstones consumed but otherwise intact. The remains of spelunkers are rarely found.

All of these obstacles mean that not much is understood about the environment sableye first adapted to. A need to defend against predators would explain the slow accrual of gemstone armor and social behaviors. Lithovores and the rare predator of phantom pokémon go after sableye in other parts of the world. There are roggenrola in the Mammoth Cave system, but it is the unencumbered, young sableye that can climb up stalagmites and cling to stalagtites that fair best against roggenrola. Very old sableye often meet their end at the hands of the small rock-types.

Circumstantial evidence suggests an agile but weak predator, making a lithovore unlikely. There are many ghost-types in Mammoth Cave, but most seem to prey on living pokémon or the humans that wander in. Others wander up to the surface to hunt. A handful have been documented feeding on other ghost-types when starving, but this does not seem to be a common occurrence. Scholars, paranormal enthusiasts, and spelunkers continue to speculate on the identity of Mammoth Cave’s apex predator.

Sableye usually just dig for their food. On occasion they will have individual crypt members lure a target away from its social group, only for the others to surround and overwhelm it in the darkness. Carbink is their most common target in Alola, although they will occasionally go after a stray roggenrola or boldore.

Unfortunately for sableye, carbink have adapted to their presence. Individuals rarely stray from their hardness. Carbink have also been documented hunting the ghost-types by scouring the cave system, flushing out sableye with dazzling gleam, and then going for the kill with repeated fairy-type attacks. What sableye remain typically live deep inside the cave systems of Poni and Melemele, away from the territory of carbink. It is presumed that they just dig for rocks rather than hunt them, but it is difficult to document sableye behavior. Spelunkers are likely to miss them in the darkness, and cameras are quickly dismantled or devoured by sableye or other lithovores.

Husbandry

Do not keep sableye on a team with carbink, minior or a member of the gigalith line. Conversely, lithovores that are faster than sableye are prone to hunting them. Garchomp and gabite are particularly likely to eat their would-be teammate.

About 80% of sableye’s diet should be made up of limestone, with shale, magnetite, and granite making up the rest. Sableye should eat about two hundred milligrams of stone a week. Gemstones should either be mixed into the diet or presented as a reward on special occasions. Quartz is the most cost-efficient means of meeting this need for most trainers, although those living in some parts of Ula’Ula and Akala may find obsidian easier to come by.

Gemstones should be kept away from sableye in the home, but this is a futile endeavor in the long run. Sableye are intelligent, patient, and have very sharp claws. In time they will pilfer any gemstones in their home. Many trainers do not think to protect their electronics. Synthetic diamond is extremely useful for absorbing heat. Quartz semiconductors are also common. Between the two, sableye are known to rip apart computers, phones, and gaming consoles to get to the gemstones inside. There is no cheap way to safeguard these, beyond experimental technology that withdraws pokémon when they cross certain boundaries. This is generally useless on the strongest of pokémon, but it can work for the relatively small sableye. Keeping the electronics in a room with constant, extremely bright lighting can also help deter the ghost-types.

It is unwise to let a sableye out in public unless it is constantly supervised. Trainers otherwise run the risk of their pokémon eating something rather expensive.

Sableye living in one place should have a space dedicated to them. It should be kept dark, humid, and cool at almost all times. The sounds of running water help calm sableye, but it may be difficult to play the sounds with a device that the sableye will not dismantle or eat. Poles, especially stone poles, help sableye interact with their environment as they would in the wild. Sableye also enjoy scratching posts, most cat or dog toys, blocks of ice, and, strangely, stuffed animals. These toys can be occasionally placed in or removed from the habitat or moved around within it to stimulate the pokémon.

Zoos and farms typically keep entire crypts of sableye to ensure that social needs are met and reduce the need for toys. Individual trainers, especially traveling ones, should spend lots of time with the pokémon to help compensate for the absence of conspecifics. Other ghost-types will rarely prey upon sableye and make for decent companions or playmates. If nothing else, sableye see other ghost-types as fascinating creatures to observe.

Polishing the protruding gemstones is a good method of bonding with a sableye. Even the eyes can be polished with no negative reaction. Physical affection, by contrast, is not recommended due to sableye’s sharp claws.

Battling can also serve as enrichment, especially against opponents that have little to no chance of harming sableye. They are cruel pokémon that enjoy steadily wearing their opponents down while dodging hits or shrugging off damage.

Illness

As they are not aminivores, sableye do not suffer from the same illnesses as most ghost-types. Most sableye illnesses instead stem from physical damage. Blood loss and massive trauma, especially if it damages crystals, can result in difficulty moving or reforming, loss of senses, an inability or unwillingness to eat, memory loss, or strange deviations in future crystal growth. The causes and treatments for all of these illnesses are poorly understood. Prevention is the only real solution. Keep sableye out of fights with very powerful fairy-types or pokémon that can strike with enough power to instantly shatter gemstone.

At the end of their natural life, sableye are gradually encumbered by their gemstones to the point where they can no longer move. In the wild they will be killed by lithovores. Captive sableye can survive for some time longer, but eventually will die when they can no longer eat. Their gemstones survive them, making sableye farming a difficult but lucrative venture. A great deal of small, low-quality gems must be fed to a sableye but, in turn, a few pure, massive gemstones will be harvested.

Evolution

There is some debate as to whether the oldest sableye, encumbered by their gems, constitute a separate evolutionary stage from younger ones. At present most paranormal studies researchers reject this view. The oldest of sableye are differentiated from the youngest only by the exaggeration of a single feature that the youngest already possess. There is no substantial difference in size or biological processes. Even their elemental signatures are nearly identical.

Sableye are capable of mega evolution. The process removes all the gemstones from the pokémon’s body and reforms them into a single large one outside of it. This gemstone can be used as a powerful shield and a source of energy for spectral attacks. However, sableye will faint and the mega evolution will be reversed if they come out of contact with the gem for more than a few seconds. This makes mega sableye bulkier and stronger at the cost of speed and stealth. Competitive battlers and analysts are torn over whether mega sableye is better than its base form.

Battle

Sableye are a quintessential component of quick stall teams. Their ability to slip in and out of shadows to dance around attacks helps them dodge hits. Weak attacks can be tanked and then shrugged off with recover or pain split. In the meantime, sableye can wear down opponents with taunt, night shade, and will-o-wisp.

Strong attackers and fairy-types with dazzling gleam can overpower sableye before it can be too annoying. However, powerful normal- and fighting-type pokémon may need to rely on elementally charged attacks to hit sableye in the first place.

In practice, sableye is disadvantaged by the tendency of competitive matches to take place on open fields of dirt or grass under bright lighting. There are relatively few places to hide and shadows to move in. There are also few things to climb on to use for escape or a better attacking point.

The island challenge is a very good environment for sableye. Few pokémon can harm the average sableye. Most totem matches and some kahuna battles will take place in non-standard battling environments, such as caves and buildings. These environments present plenty of opportunities for sableye to avoid and wear down opponents.

The main drawback of sableye on the challenge is the difficulty of feeding them. Rocks are heavy and, unlike most lithovores, sableye are not able to help carry the weight. Teaching sableye all the tricks they need to win matches with passive damage can also take time and money.

Acquisition

The easiest way to find sableye is to go spelunking into the depths of either Verdant Cavern or Ten Carat Hill. Deep down in the tunnels, sableye start to appear. The pokémon are not particularly shy, but they are also difficult to spot in a dark cave system. Laying out bait of some sort, such as a large quartz crystal, is the best way to lure them out. Then more quartz should be shown, with the implicit promise that there will be more waiting on the surface. After a quick proving battle, the sableye will follow its new trainer.

There are very few restrictions on sableye capture given their status as a particularly destructive invasive species. Anyone with a Class II license can capture them, and they can be handed over the DNR or sold on the open market for a fair bit of money. In turn, importing sableye is illegal and purchases with the intent to keep the pokémon in the region are discouraged. Sableye that would be placed up for adoption are usually either put down or transferred to the mainland.

Breeding

Sableye do not have sex and do not appear to have gender. Any two sableye can mate. The pair gathers a few small gemstones. Then they both pour shadows into the stones, creating a new sableye nearly as large as its parents. Newborn sableye are not particularly durable but can slip in and out of shadows with ease.

Captive breeding is prohibited on Alola. While a few laboratories breed sableye as part of their research on phantom pokémon reproduction, the captive demand is easily met by capture from the places where sableye are disrupting ecosystems.

Subspecies

None known.

 

[Persephone]

Mawile
Mendax magnicornu cinere

Overview

Mawile’s central appeal to trainers lies in their rare combination of cuteness and danger. They are adorable pokémon prone to playing up their innocence and acting like a petulant preschooler. Mawile also have sharp teeth, an astonishingly powerful bite, and a sadistic streak. Despite their lethality and notorious temperament, mawile almost never attack their trainer. The species gives plenty of warning before biting anything but its usual prey. Most victims of mawile attacks are children who are unable or unwilling to respect the pokémon’s boundaries.

Trainers that don’t plan on having children of their own might be drawn to mawile as a substitute. Fairy-type specialists used to navigating the whims of the fey may find mawile to be a good addition to the team due to its near-immunity to toxins and ambivalence towards cold iron. Some trainer just want a sense of danger in their lives without actually catching a pokémon that attacks unprovoked. Regardless, mawile make for a good battler and pet so long as their needs are met and their boundaries are respected.

Physiology

Mawile are classified as dual steel- and fairy-type pokémon.

There is fierce debate as to whether mawile are a mineral pokémon or an organic one. They have the organ systems that one would expect from a mammal of its build, but much of its body is made of metal. The parts that are made of flesh, such as the skin, muscles, and digestive tract, tend to have metal closely bound to the organic material. Iron sheaths protect blood vessels. The blood, unsurprisingly, has an extremely high amount of copper and iron in it. As is fitting for a borderline organic-inorganic pokémon, mawile eat both minerals and meat.

Mawile are bipeds. Their skin is pale yellow, as is most of their fur. The head is hairless, with progressively thicker and longer fur going down. The fur at the end of the pokémon’s limbs is black. Three sharp claws adorn the hands and feet. Mawile have very large eyes to help them see in the dark. Prehensile ears extend from the forehead, most of their length covered in a thin coat of black fur.

The pokémon’s most distinctive feature is their horn. The horn is made almost entirely of a blend of iron alloys. It is long and black, making it appear as a large ponytail at a glance. The horn is prehensile and can be opened to reveal a second mouth. The bite force comes not from muscles, but from a series of electromagnets that can be turned on or off. When activated, the magnets draw the horn closed with over 3000 PSI of pressure. Between their serrated teeth and awesome bite force, mawile can kill most small pokémon in a single attack. All but the toughest pokémon can be grievously wounded by a bite, especially since mawile’s small stature lets them target feet and legs in order to knock opponents off balance and limit future movements. This allows mawile to simply wait around for particularly dangerous prey to die of blood loss or starvation. Mawile can swallow food with their horn, and the lack of taste buds makes it useful for eating food that the pokémon dislikes.

Early scholars theorized that mawile were formed when a gumshoos fetus partially split, creating two heads. This theory fell out of favor when genetic sequencing showed that mawile’s closest living relative is rhyhorn, making the second mouth a horn. More recent studies have led to a variant of the earlier theory. Mawile fetuses, when accounting for their low amount of organic tissue, have extremely high amounts of the sonic hedgehog protein. The protein is associated with facial width; in other animals a high amount can lead to the partial or total development of multiple faces. Similar protein levels are seen in pokémon such as dodrio that naturally have multiple heads. At some point, a rhyhorn mutated to have two heads. Some of these mutants may have survived, and eventually evolved into a form that could make better use of having a second mouth.

Mawile can grow up to two feet tall, horn excluded, and weigh over forty pounds. They typically live for fifty years in captivity; their wild lifespan is unknown.

Behavior

Mawile are solitary pokémon that usually live inside of cave systems, especially those with large crystal deposits. Mawile enjoy eating energy-laden crystals, whether they come from pokémon or not. Sableye and carbink are some of their preferred prey. However, mawile are unable to jump very high and even with their long horn mawile have a limited vertical reach. As such, sableye are much easier targets than carbink. The small population of mawile in Ten Carat Hill helps check the local sableye population, and the DNR has flagged the species as having a low priority for removal.

Mawile often investigate strange objects, especially metallic ones, by eating them. Cameras in mawile territory tend to meet quick ends. Most of what is known about mawile comes from their behavior in captivity and near the surface. The pokémon often comes to the entrances of caves to hunt for meat. In the rainy season, mawile will go outside from one cave entrance, get soaked, and then go to another entrance. It will make a big show of being cold and vulnerable, tucking their horn down and keeping it shut. If a maternal pokémon takes pity on the mawile and tries to snuggle, it will be ripped apart and eaten.

The problem with this strategy is that pokémon with sophisticated enough social systems to feel sympathy for a pokémon of another species quickly learn not to trust the mawile in their range. Mawile eventually need to stray farther from the cave to find berry bushes. Mawile can stand in berry bushes and emit a sweet-smelling scent from a gland near the back of the horn’s mouth. When something small and relatively slow approaches the bush, mawile will snap them up. Smaller prey are eaten whole.

Alternatively, mawile can hunt in still, murky water by wading in and breathing through their second mouth, the rest of their body concealed underwater. When something approaches for a drink or swim, it can be snapped up and held underwater until it drowns. This comes at the risk of the mawile itself drowning and is only done in areas with no good prey to con at cave edges and no berry bushes to hide in. Underwater ambush hunting can also be done inside of shallow, slow-moving cave streams. The water washes away the mawile’s scent leaving them free to keep the entire horn above water rather than just the tip. Some particularly gutsy mawile will even keep their face above the surface. When something approaches for a drink, mawile will sense the movement, lunge forward, and either break the prey’s neck or drag them into the stream to drown.

Mawile lead solitary lives when not nursing or raising young childrene. They strictly enforce territorial boundaries within caves, although main thoroughfares for getting to and from the surface seem to be shared. Mawile that encounter each other in shared spaces may still become aggressive. However, it is more likely that the two will ignore each other entirely, keeping wide distances. Mawile refuse to look at other mawile, with the exception of current mates and children. Even in the thick of fights mawile prefer to keep their backs turned on each other and fight with their horns. Looking directly at another mawile is considered an act of submission.

This reluctance mostly extends to humans. Many trainers are confused when their pokémon refuses to look directly at them, preferring to watch their trainer through mirrors or furtive glances. On the rare occasion when they will look at their trainer, it is typically to ask for something with wide, pleading eyes and pathetic mewling.

When mawile do strike humans, it is usually after first begging and then pouting with a fearsome glare and a stamp of the foot. If this goes unanswered, they will nudge and then slap their horn into the human’s leg. Then and only then will they attack. The best way to avoid mawile attacks is to not take anything from them, especially mega stones and other beloved crystals.

Husbandry

Mawile eat a mixture of meat and minerals. They prefer their meat raw. Cooked meat or even cat or dog mixes can work in the short term, but the mawile will be displeased. Eventually, displeasure will give way to tantrums, and then to attempted violence or escape. The pokémon may suddenly appear to get over their displeasure when it starts eating nearby wild pokémon, strays, and any pets that get a little too close to the mawile and a little too far away from their trainer. Mawile have prodigious appetites and will eat as much as they can. The minimum amount of meat they should be fed in a week is half their body weight split over one to four feedings. Because they are quite heavy, this is a lot of food. More will be needed if the specimen is regularly battling.

They are less gluttonous for metal. Iron, cobalt, aluminum, and magnesium scraps will be eaten with the horn, but mawile only require about one-fifteenth of their body weight a week in metal. Very young individuals require more, and very old ones require slightly less. It is best to let mawile eat their fill of metal, as they will stop eating when their needs are met. A small dish of water should be made available, although mawile will use it infrequently unless they are only given dried meat or kibble.

Mawile can be housebroken. They prefer shallow pans of litter to proper boxes as it is difficult for them to fit their body and horn into a standard box.

As intelligent pokémon, mawile require frequent enrichment. They are quite possessive of their favorite toys and beds. If a toy must be cleaned, it is best to lead the mawile to the washing and drying machines so they can watch over it. Some mawile have been taught how to do their own laundry. This usually requires strategically placed stepladders to compensate for the pokémon’s short stature. In general, mawile prefer if many locations in the home are accessible for them so they can at least pretend to do human things. Whether they find this to be a form of helping, a game, or a sort of mockery is unclear. Trainers with translator pokémon have suggested that it may be a mix of the three.

Mawile, like most steel-types, enjoy being polished. This only extends to their horn; the exposed metal on their claws should not be polished. Despite their cuteness and human-like appearance, mawile resent having ribbons or other clothing placed on them. Attempts to make them wear an outfit for Halloween or a beauty contest typically result in some form of retaliation, such as the trainer’s entire wardrobe being shredded or a water pipe being torn open.

Illness

Mawile are very resistant to rust due to enzymes in their blood. Still, mawile that have been underfed or hurt in battle may begin to rust from the inside out. This is the most serious of mawile illnesses and can only be treated by blood transfusion from another mawile. Early warning signs include exhaustion, an inability to open the horn, and anorexia. It is best to treat internal rust as soon as possible as damage may not be reversible.

Evolution

Mawile’s mega evolution results in the pokémon growing an extra horn and gaining a much more powerful bite in each one. Unusually, some wild mawile can mega evolve. There have also been wild mega mawile documented that never seem to revert, even when seriously hurt. Captive mawile can retain their mega-evolved state for much longer than most species can. Some trainers have reported that their mawile has figured out how to mega evolve on its own after years of practice with a trainer’s help.

There is a school of thought that mawile’s mega form is actually a stone-facilitated evolution. The working name for the proposed evolution is mysdouble.

Wild and captive mawile are extremely possessive of their mega stones and will resort to lethal violence to protect or retrieve them. Trainers should rely on soothing words, lots of patience, and very thick gloves when they must take one away. Even then, it is best to simply wait until the pokémon trusts the trainer with its stone before even attempting to remove it.

Battle

Mega mawile, or mysdouble, is a phenomenally powerful fairy-type that can (literally) rip apart most opponents while shrugging off hits that most fairies quickly succumb to. This makes mysdouble one of the most popular pokémon in Kalos’s league, due the region’s love of both mega evolution and fairy-types.

Ordinary mawile is still usable in the circuits that ban mega evolution, although it is seldom used by anyone but fairy-specialists looking to patch up a team weakness. As slow ambush predators, mawile rely on prey getting close to its prey while it is relaxed. Neither of these are likely to happen in a standard fight, even with the use of fake tears. A devastating bite is simply not helpful if nothing ever gets into biting range.

Mawile still make very effective counters to some fighting-types that have to get in close to unleash their full power. Between a powerful bite and a strong play rough, mawile can easily put down melee fighting-types that rely on stone edge or rock slide for ranged coverage. This is particularly true on the island challenge or in street tournaments where casual trainers are somewhat unlikely to have taught their melee attackers more than one option for striking at a distance.

The best way to counter mawile is to use ranged attackers and fliers to stay well out of the way of a bite. Mawile’s ranged options tend to be relatively weak, as the pokémon’s ordinary muscles have nothing on its magnet-powered bite.

Acquisition

Mawile are found in the caves and caldera of Ten Carat Hill, as well as in the surrounding forests. The prior description of mawile hunting techniques can be used to locate one. The easiest way to get a mawile to come with a prospective trainer is to display a mega evolution. This will entice the mawile into coming along in hopes of finding a mega stone. Presenting an actual mega stone to a wild mawile is a terrible idea: the pokémon will try to kill the trainer and walk away with the stone. This is only recommended with multiple strong mawile checks present to show that the stone can not be taken by force. This is still a dangerous strategy, as the scuffle may attract even more mawile.

Since mega evolution is not accessible to the average trainer, offering donations of meat and quartz is a good alternative. Coming back to the same territory regularly will allow for chances to bond with the mawile and eventually pave the way for capture. It is legal to feed wild mawile, but there must be intent to capture and a ranger must be notified beforehand.

Mawile are not easily bullied into submission. Instead, they must be treated with kindness and deference until the pokémon sees their trainer as either a true friend or an easy mark.

A few specialty breeders on Melemele regularly hatch mawile eggs. Most are bred and raised specifically for either battle or contests, making them rather expensive. The babies that don’t take to either can sometimes be purchased for a reduced price.

Mawile can be purchased, adopted, or captured with a Class II license.

Breeding

Mawile mate every five years. One of the only times a wild mawile will look directly at another is when a female evaluates a suitor. If she is interested the two will mate and the male will leave. The female will be pregnant for roughly five months before laying one large egg. The egg will then be presented to the male to guard. Males raise the offspring for roughly three years before kicking the babies out and leaving them to find their own territory. In the unlikely event that the male dies during the pregnancy, the female will reluctantly raise the offspring herself.

Captive mating requires having pens for two separate mawile. Males and females can occasionally meet in a common area for evaluation and, if a suitable match is found, mating. Mawile are not shy about mating. Both should then be separated until the egg is laid, at which point the female should be allowed to personally present it to the male. Removing a mawile’s egg is a terrible idea that will end in lots of property damage at best or multiple deaths at worst.

Males will accept plenty of help raising the children, as mawile do not seem to actually enjoy doing this. As long as he can make sure that the children are fed and generally healthy, he will be content to sit back and let his trainer do much of the childrearing. Mawile that are going to be sent to battlers can be trained from a young age to play fight. Future coordinator pokémon can slowly be acclimated to wearing clothing and holding back from doing anything too grisly in battle.

Relatives

There are two mawile species, each with several subspecies. Cave mawile (M. tenebris spp.) are generally larger and have proportionally more metal. Their eyesight is very poor or nonexistent. They live in cave systems where organic food is relatively abundant. They have no real need to leave their cave. Instead, they tend to reside at the deepest depths and subsist primary on the crystals found there. The kalosian mawile is the most famous example, but they have a curious quirk not seen in other cave subspecies. Kalosian mawile (M. t. tricapita) do not seem capable of breeding in captivity; there is some speculation that only mysdouble can successfully mate.

Forest or surface mawile (M. mendicornu spp) tend to spend less time in their cave and more time on the surface looking for food. These mawile have more developed scent glands and more powerful bites, at the cost of having less armor as they have less time to forage for metal and crystal. The mawile in Alola are descended from Galarian mawile (M. m. pernicius) a subspecies that can spend days or even weeks at a time outside of caves. In Alola the abundance of food lets them spend more time inside of Ten Carat Hill. Over a few generations they have gained heavier armor while retaining most of their bite strength. Kalosian mawile are the most popular for their size and ease of mega evolution, but Alolan mawile are starting to gain popularity abroad. A few breeders have already begun to cater to this demand.

 

[WildBoots]

Taking a quick writing break! (I’m not procrastinating, you are!) I’m super overdue for a few more of these. Not sure how many I’ll be able to get to, but it’ll do my best! 💪

So here comes incineroar.

CAT CAT CAT

I know this one is a bit older, but I’ve got some nitpicks mixed in with the glowing praise.

Torracat largely avert this

*subvert?

Incineroar, however, plays the reputation straight.

I was confused at first because I couldn’t parse that this was a difference between the two evolutionary stages. But I love the nod to incineroar as heel wrestler. (A little strange that it’s singular here maybe?)

Additionally, torracat avert the typical territoriality of felines

Avert/subvert again. This is also a repeat of a distinct word in a short space.

Champion Luna's incineroar

Hollllll up. Her name is Selene Luna? 🤣

incineroar evolution takes time, luck and a willingness to go without the torracat for a while.

I noticed you’re not using Oxford commas. I think it’s consistent (noticed it twice), but pointing it out just in case. (Might be nice to direct towards the husbandry section here.)

bodyshape

Should be two words.

with the exception of a larger-than-average head for their size.

Oh we’re rolling with it, huh? Meowth’s head seems so much bigger though!

Their fur is surprisingly flammable. It is the fur they collect during grooming that serves as their primary flame source.

OMG flaming hair balls, amazing.

even with diet supplements

*dietary
Also: Spider-Man meme over supplements as scam.

More pronounced red whiskers that give them a sense of the thermal gradient around them.

Ooh, neat idea!

They typically reach roughly one meter in height at the shoulder. Contrary to popular belief, incineroar are primarily quadrupeds

At first I thought they were tiny in this canon and I was disappoint. Quadruped is a good look though! You get the sense that most people’s idea of incineroar comes from, like, one famous poster or photo where kitter was pissed off enough to rear up.

Incineroar have replaced their reproductive system with additional flame sacs, allowing for more control and power. These replace the torracat's bell

No bells, no balls, no belles.

Incineroar typically live about ten years after evolution, regardless of their age beforehand.

This detail adds to the sense of weird magic biology, despite the realism throughout: this type of growth changes them forever and takes something out of them.

Many people are vexed by their tendency to stay within the same room as their trainers, but seldom initiate physical affection.

I’d replace the “but” with “yet” here.

They will even frequently reject petting or grooming from even longtime trainers.

Double even.

As such, the offer of grooming (which is what they interpret petting as)

*which is how they interpret petting
Nice!

If a torracat does not like their trainer, they will weather sprays out of wpite..

Oops

This is a sign that either the litten needs to be replaced with a more compatible companion or serious effort needs to be put in to earning the litten's respect.

Suggestion: put towards earning. Would be nice to suggest strats for earning that respect!

They will sometimes seek to rectify this situation by adopting orphaned babies of other pokémon species. Sometimes they will even adopt babies that are orphaned because of the incineroar's own hunts.

Aww, baby. I love that big, macho wrestler really just wants to cuddle.

The litten provided to trainers are almost all male, as female litten are retained in the breeding program.

Nice way to justify those weird in-game gender ratios.

This exercise may be detrimental to the integrity of furniture and camping supplies,

🙃

vacant lots while no other humans are around.

The “while no other humans are around” segment lands a little oddly.

All stages of the torracat line are not averse to rain and quite enjoy playing in it.

The all/not hits my ear weird. Maybe instead “no stage is.”

However, moderate rain and almost all water-type attacks will not be enough to kill an incineroar.

Suggestion: are insufficient to kill.

although they will require roughly 30% more food than recommended for a generic feline pokémon as they literally burn more calories than other cats.

Omg

Incineroar are carnivores and apex predators and will require very large amounts of calories and fur to sustain themselves.

Suggestion: Incineroar are carnivores and, as apex predators, will require

They will often growl or rear up on their hind legs if they perceive another human as threatening their trainer, or if they see one of their teammates hurt in battle.

He protecc, he attacc.

As such,hey

Oops!

A waterlogged torracat will become very inactive, refuse to eat and obsessively groom its own fur to the point of ripping out entire patches and even tearing into the skin.

I think my cat is waterlogged. :c

The formal demarcation between litten and torracat is the first vocalization with their bell.

Cute detail.

a litter of four to six kittnes

Oops!

save their fire for self-defense, distractions, intimidation and mating displays.

Another non-Oxford comma.

Litten are not particularly water averse

I feel like water-averse wants a hyphen.

can reliably win against anything they can win a close-quarters slugging match against,

Suggestion: can reliably win against anything they can best in a close-quarters slugging match

They are usually considered to be a weaker option due to their open flames. Their small geographic range and rarity contributes to this. But their open flames also make them far weaker to water-types than arcanine and pyroar.

Struggled with the repetition of “their open flames also make them far weaker” but not sure how to reword.

and did not receive a litten as a starter can purchase or adopt an additional one.

It wouldn’t be additional if they hadn’t gotten one though, right?

They should not be withdrawn into pokéballs once the pregnancy becomes visible, and neither the mother nor her litten should not be withdrawn into their pokeballs until the babies are six months old.

Hahahaha pokeball technology sounds totally chill and not scary.

I like how you make the wrestler vibe a little more complicated—sometimes yes, sometimes no! Like scary incineroar is just protecting baby hooman. (Adds something nice to the Selene and Necrozna scene! I wish these two texts were hyperlinked or footnotes to each other yet again.)

One final nitpick: in wasn’t sure why the husbandry and breeding sections weren’t closer together.