#basically it’s the same as mega evolution in that the pokémon with the battle bond ability is the ‘lock’ and the trainer is the ‘key’.

[wild-battlebond]

and the b-side of this is what i’ve always taken to imply that the proper activation of bond phenomenon takes a trainer with aura reader (or similar) capabilities

yadayadayada Basically it's just in-anime confirmation that bond phenomenon partially relies on the presence of the ability battle bond in a pokémon.

[pokemon-academy-official]

Hello, Academy! I've always wondered what the measurements are in galarian battles. Simply put, how do you allow a mon' to get HUGE and nobody get hurt? I'm sure there must've been an accident at least once, right?

Especially with mons like hatterene, which from what I've read in the pokedex is already extremely upset by emotions, in its gigantamax form it becomes much more violent in that aspect.

How can it be that they battle in stadiums with hundreds of people and that they can concentrate on the battle without being distracted and upset by the emotions of all those people?

Sorry if this question is a bit silly, but I'm genuely curious..

Greetings!

Woohoo, Wooloo! This is a question about the Dynamax phenomenon of the Galar region. Specifically, about how battles involving the phenomenon can be safe and comfortable for the Pokémon involved.

The Dynamax Phenomenon, Abridged

Note: Much of this section is a summary of the work of Professor Magnolia.

Dynamaxing is a phenomenon observed in the Galar region, in specific areas known as "Power Spots". While many of these spots have been left in their natural state as Pokémon Dens in Galar's iconic Wild Area and less populated surrounding areas, some have had stadia constructed upon them to engage in thrilling Dynamax battles, most often in the region's Gym Challenge and Champion tournaments.

The phenomenon itself is the temporary enormous growth of a single Pokémon, granting it increased strength and modified offensive moves. Some Pokémon undergo a more dramatic transformation, called Gigantamaxing, which further improves certain moves and changes the Pokémon's appearance.

The phenomenon appears to be caused by the absorption of Dynamax energy in the form of Galar particles. This energy is most easily concentrated by artifacts called Wishing Stars, which are often incorporated into a Dynamax Band for a Trainer to wear.

Isn't That Dangerous?

Simply put: yes.

Dyamaxed Pokémon are inherently more dangerous than non-transformed Pokémon for two main reasons.

Size. A Dynamaxed Pokémon is significantly bigger, heavier, and stronger than a non-transformed Pokémon. This increases the risk of getting hurt or trampled intentionally or accidentally, as well as the resultant injury being much more likely to be grievous.

Agitation. Dynamaxing puts considerable strain on a Pokémon, making it more likely to lash out.

So, with that in mind, how can the Dynamax battles of Galar be safe?

Dynamax Saftey

The first thing to mention is that, in the Gym Challenge and Champion tournament matches, there are several protections in place for the audience, such as invisible solid barriers maintained by groups of worker Mr. Mimes. No Dynamax accidents involving the audience have been recorded in an official Galar League battle.

So, what about the safety of the Trainers and Pokémon? Well, this is largely taken care of by the fact that not every Trainer is given a Dynamax Band. A Dynamax Band can only be granted to a Trainer after a successful evaluation by a member of the Galar League. This consists of evaluating basic safety measures, such as throwing the Dynamaxed ball well behind oneself, as well as an evaluation of the bond and trust between Trainer and Pokémon.

As is the case with so many other battle strategies, trust between the Trainer and Pokémon is the key. A Dynamaxed Pokémon may become more easily agitated, but if it has a trusting bond with its Trainer, it will know to forge on and continue battling. This is the same concept behind the successful use of Mega Evolution, Z-Moves, Battle Bonding, and Terastalization.

Consider Pokémon Dens and Wild Max Battles. These are considered extremely dangerous, and Trainers may only enter in a group of four. This is because wild Dynamaxed Pokémon are indeed a terrific danger, due to their agitation. But a trained Pokémon will know to put trust in its Trainer and continue to obey commands as normal.

But What About Hatterene?

The asker mentioned that the Hatterene line is extremely sensitive to the emotions of others and can be easily overwhelmed. Surely this would make it a poor candidate for Dynamax battles, with the excited audience of hundreds and tense situations, as well as becoming significantly more powerful?

Well, while wild Hatterene are indeed extremely reactive and dangerous, a well-trained Hatterene is among the most disciplined of Pokémon. In a Dynamax battle, with its Trainer standing before them, it will power through the psychic noise to defeat the opponent!

There is one other detail that may be of help to the Hatterene. The Gigantamax form is still not well understood, nor why only some Pokémon are able to utilize it. But Hatterene is one such Pokémon. This may suggest some natural aptitude in the Dynamax phenomenon, further explaining why a Hatterene might actually be among the better choices to Dynamax in a battle.

We hope this answers your question!

[damientheionandroid]

Damien's 20 Favorite Pokémon (Finalé)

Here it is.

My Number 1 Favorite Pokémon.

Ever since I've started this list on November 3rd 2024, I have gone over choices that either no-brainers or out-of-pocket choices. And while it was tempting to subvert expectations, in the end...

Its got to be a no-brainer!

1. IRON! FREAKING! VALIANT!

I mean, you all saw this coming by a mile. If the Profile Picture, Blog Banner, and my former Internet Name didn't clue you in (Damien The Valiant Crusader): I FREAKING LOVE IRON VALIANT!!! It is the sole reason why I asked my dad to buy me Pokémon Violet instead of Scarlet, and had not regreted that decision since!

But overtime, I begin to ponder on why I picked this mechanized Gen 3/4 Pokémon as not only my Favorite Pokémon, but as the poster-bot of my Internet persona. But before we get to that answer, I'm gonna gush about everything I love about Iron Valiant!

Much like how Roaring Moon takes its design from Mega Salamance, Iron Valiant is inspired by not one, but TWO Mega Evolutions (though they're from the same line). The floating pieces around its waist borrow from Mega Gardevoir, as are the extended parts around the eyes. The overall frame as well as the arm blades borrow from Mega Gallade. Said arm blades morphed into a double-bladed glaive (though Bulbapedia insists that it's a halberd) during battle, and there's no arguing on how cool that actually looks.

And then there's its lore: according to an occult magazine, Iron Valiant was the result of a mad scientist's effort to create the most powerful Psychic Pokémon (Mewtwo entered the chat). That is pretty ironic considering I.V. is weak to Psychic, but nevertheless the result is a powerful machine without a heart, thus becoming as cold and vicious as humanly possible, nothing like the emotion-based Pokémon it was based on. This piece of lore is one of my favorites for the sheer amount of irony: a project to create the strongest Psychic Type Pokémon by using as a base template a Pokémon known for empathy and detecting one's emotions and a Pokémon who is honorable in battle, only to end up with a being so ruthless and empty, it will do anything to win no matter the cost to its master, the opponent, or even itself.

And best be sure this mentality is exercises quite well in battle!

You see this? THIS is what a glass cannon attacker looks like! A great Speed stat for its Tier, amazing digits on both ends of the offensive spectrum, and all of that tied together neatly with one of the most unique type combinations I have ever seen.

Iron Valiant is the only Pokémon to date that has the Fairy/Fighting type combination. It is able to hit an astounding 7 Types for super effective damage, 3 of them are common OU staples. However, this type combination is balanced by having 5 weaknesses, including one to Steel and Fairy. Not that it's an issue for Iron Valiant, but I'll cover that later.

Finally, Iron Valiant shares the same Ability as the other Future Paradox Forms, that being Quark Drive. It basically has the same effect as Protosynthesis, but only when Electric Terrain is up. This is much harder to achieve due to the lack of powerful E.T. setters, forcing Iron Valiant and other Future Paradox Pokémon to hold the Booster Energy. However, once I.V. got those boosts, don't be surprised if the opponent keeps getting out-sped or Iron Valiant dishes out OHKOs it has no business to.

Speaking of, Iron Valiant has NO business having a movepool this BIG! You got powerful STAB options in Moonblast and Aura Sphere for a Special set and Spirit Break (sorry, no Play Rough) and Close Combat for a Physical set. There's also amazing coverage moves such as Shadow Ball, Shadow Sneak, Knock Off, Psychic, Psyshock, Thunderbolt, the Elemental Punches, and Poison Jab just to name a few.

And that's only the DAMAGING moves! I could not count the amount of viable status moves Iron Valiant has on all 10 fingers: Swords Dance, Calm Mind, Taunt, Destiny Bond, Disable, Encore, Dual Screens, Substitute, Thunder Wave, Trick, Wide Guard, Coaching, Trick Room; I.V. even used Hypnosis at one point until the Sleep Ban!

It is UNBELIEVABLE how Iron Valiant can learn so many useful moves, leading to so many movesets be it Physical, Special, Mixed, and even Hex-Hypnosis! It's no wonder this Pokémon stayed in the OU Tier even to this very day!

Okay.

Now that I've gushed about Iron Valiant, it's time I answer the question I've brought up at the start of this post: why is the Future Paradox form of Gallade and Gardevoir my favorite Pokémon?

And the answer is...

...not as straightforward as you may think.

Okay, hear me out:

When it comes to picking their favorite Pokémon, some people have their own ways of doing so.

Some Pokémon are loved the instant they are announced, while some don't sit well with people the first time but gradually gain popularity overtime.

Some people pick their favorites based on design; some pick based on lore and backstory; and some for their excellent performance in the competitive scene.

The point I'm trying to make is that everyone in the Pokémon community has their own personal favorite Pokémon and their reasons why, and I love it! I'm always curious about everyone's favorite Pokémon and what qualities they found in it that I can't.

As for me, my personal favorite Pokémon is one that I resonate the most; one with a cool and creative design; one with rich lore and interesting origins; one that can sweep an entire team; and one that embodies the best parts of being a Pokémon.

That's why Iron Valiant is my favorite Pokémon ever, and I will be surprised that anything before and after it will surpass it.

So if you ever want to know what your favorite Pokémon is, just remember: it's your choice and no one will stop you!

[xamaxenta]

We know in Canon, Boa and her sisters created a lie in order to hide their history with the Celestial Dragons and how they got their devil fruits. Did they do something similar in your Pokémon AU?

Ah!!!! Anon!! You just made me realise who the “big bad” is in the Pokémon au

Oh it was so easy… lmao im stupid as fuck thank you

If you’re the same person whos been sending all of these asks recently you’re so big brain, your synapses on point they must be very healthy 💪🏽if not youre all cool peeps thanks for hanging out with me im really grateful you guys stick around

the marines and the world government and pirates dont really exist in this au obs hahdvdb but i was hinting that the league committee was sus, sussy as hell but i didnt have much else to pad this concept out

General concept is there’s a big “calamity” incoming for this story, what it is i still dunno but the league committee is absolutely at the center of it all, as is the general??? Government? We have to assume theres a political presence in pokemon?? So we have a overarching government power and they oversee the entirety of the grandline and the islands i guess and theyre in cahoots with the league committee

So there’s this concept that trainer’s and their bonded pokemon can “sync” when they mega evolve , this phenomenon is present in other “gimmicks” but for the sake of mega evolution being the first big game changer of its kind and Ash having ash-greninja as a alt form im going to use this for the au

This means a variety of things but mostly what kind of bond is needed for this perculiar sync to occur? How strong is it, is it emotional attachment? Or not?

The boa sisters were experiments, for this phenomenon, the result was a sense of detachment for all of them, specifically hancock as she seemed to have the most promising temperament for this special bond

As a result, Hancock does not use mega evolution, she despises it and maybe as a shield, to protect herself has built her empire and gym (she is the 5th? Gym leader) over a dynamax spot, the gargantuan size of her pokemon helps her feel safe and thats all she is willing to say about any of the competitive battle tactics she likes to see her pokemon tower over the challengers so she feels in control, at all times no matter what

Marco and Ace can use mega evolution and their bonds with their available Pokémon who can evolve this way are stable, trusting and loving, this is the best possible outcome for a mega evolution bond sync, this is what every top tier trainer should be aiming for if they want to utilise such a powerful form

Sabo however is like Hancock, he’s got potential, and it helps that he’s highly attuned to his Garchomp

There’s a second tier to mega evolution where a trainer and partner pokemon sync so closely its hard to tell where their personalities start and end, for Hancock she was experimented on with charizard mega stones (she has a great fear of dragons…) she became violent as did the bonded charizards, but the bond was forced and painful and left a scar on their minds

For Sabo which many would say is a good relationship, becomes more bestial, taking on Garchomp’s hotheaded animal mind so that Chompy can become more level headed, its like a trade in a sense, Sabo takes the animal impulse from Garchomp so he can become more rational, this is because mega evolved garchomp are violent, uncouth beasts that should never even have such a demonic temperament, without a good trainer they’re unstoppable creatures out for blood

Basically Sabo becomes a bloodthirsty feral bastard so Chompy can use his mega form without fear of hurting anyone, any physical changes on either is most likely a trick of the light but there have been photos of Sabo with slit pupils thrown around the forums

Luffy also has potential too but he doesnt know it yet, he currently has no mega stones or pokemon who can evolve this way

[sockori]

The Akatsuki But. Pokémon (2)

Not trainers, not preexisting Pokémon- but Pokémon themselves. I mean, Kishimoto’s original plan for them was to all be monsters- so why not reimagine them as pocket monsters?

(Notes:

- Covers Kakuzu, Hidan, Kisame, Itachi, Sasori, and Deidara.

- See Part 1′s notes. )

Kakuzu

(The Zombie Pokémon)

(The Ragdoll Pokémon)

Type: Dark/Ghost

(Dark fits the greed aspect, Ghost fits his transformation.)

Abilities (1): Cursed Body “May disable a move used on the Pokémon.”

Hidden Ability: Heart Harvest “Steals the stat changes of the Pokémon it takes out.”

(Can only happen once. If multiple faints by a spread move, the first Pokémon that faints gets stolen from.)

General Stats: Largely set on Attack and Defense; rounded everywhere else, with slightly higher HP Stat.

Pokédex Entries (1, 2): 

A story told: wronged by those it once trusted, this outraged Pokémon stole the hearts of its superiors, literally- transforming itself into a horrifying beast of immortality. It takes the appearance of a ragdoll, a form made of loosely stitched up parts, its core a mass of strange, elusive black threads.

It holds a reputation for taking other’s wealth, eliminating powerful Pokémon and trainers to steal their riches, hoarding the treasures in an unknown location. Because of this, many have desired to capture it to become rich themselves- though, such a daunting task has, so far, only resulted in many... unfortunate disappearances.

Mega Evolution

Type: Dark/Ghost

Mega Ability: Mold Breaker

“Moves can be used on the target regardless of its Abilities.”

(still not sure on a Mega Ability- resorted to this one.)

Pokédex Entries (1, 2): 

The Pokémon’s entangled core bursts forth, rapidly expanding the physical form into a terrifying mass of threads. It rapidly repairs the body, quickly stitching back up the parts it loses along the way, though the effort is not exactly permanent.

The rapid physical transformation reveals strange masks on the Pokémon’s back, each a heart of the superiors it once trusted long ago. These strange creatures aid Kakuzu in masterfully performing Fire, Water, Electric and Flying type attacks, despite not having priority.

Hidan

(The Cult Pokémon)

(The Voodoo Doll Pokémon)

Type: Dark/Fighting

Abilities (1): Reckless

“Powers up moves that have recoil damage.”

Hidden Ability: Justified

“Boosts the Attack stat when it's hit by a Dark-type move.” 

General Stats: Very high Attack Stat, with moderate speed and slight but relative bulk.

Pokédex Entries (1, 2): 

A wild, cultish Pokémon with no desire for pacifism, it eliminated the peaceful village it came from in the name of violence. Hidan now roams the surrounding region in search of blood, looking for people to sacrifice in the name of a paranormal beast known as Jashin.

Hidan possesses strange power in immortality, able to suffer great injury, even severing, without a care in the world- perhaps even enjoying it. It shares bonds in immortality with Kakuzu, another Pokémon with similar zombie-like qualities.

Mega Evolution

Type: Dark/Fighting

Mega Ability: Cursed Blood

“This Pokémon, upon fainting, takes the opponent down with it.”

(Guaranteed Destiny Bond.)

General Stats: Equal Boosts to Attack, Speed, and Defense. 

Pokédex Entries (1, 2): 

It draws a strange symbol below its feet, activating an inner dark, arcane power, the sheer aura tainting its skin with a skeleton-like pattern. It can now pass its suffering to others if it so desires, making it a living voodoo doll of sorts.

Fueled by cultish energy, its newfound abilities in pain splitting give it the wild desire to maim in the name of Jashin. It tortures opponents it ensnares in its odd circle, passing on each injury, howling with nefarious laughter all the while.  

Kisame

(The Shark Pokémon)

(The Swordsmen Pokémon)

Type: Water

Abilities (1): Rough Skin

“Inflicts damage to the attacker on contact.”

Hidden Ability: Shark Skin

“Inflict additional damage on the opponent when making contact.”

(Attaches Rough Skin to contact moves.)

General Stats: Emphasis on Attack and HP. Slow but bulky, with relatively high defenses. 

Pokédex Entries (1, 2): 

Losing its faith in the world, it lost the desire to stay in the Mist region, now affiliating itself with the mysterious Pokémon of the Rain. Despite its large, intimidating appearance and thirst for combat, this Shark Pokémon is actually relatively docile, intensely loyal to those it gains trust for.

Kisame possesses one of the legendary Seven Swords- a scaly-skinned, sentient weapon known to absorb the power of anyone it pleases. The bond Kisame holds with this weapon is strong, perhaps even affectionate, giving the strange creature poffins after battles.

Mega Evolution

Type: Water

Mega Ability: Dry Skin

“Restores HP in rain or when hit by Water-type moves. Reduces HP in harsh sunlight, and increases the damage received from Fire-type moves.”

(casually puts skin abilities on Kisame)

Stat Boosts: Trades out its bulk for offensive power, with crazy high Attack and Speed, but lower defenses.  

Pokédex Entries (1, 2): 

It fuses itself with the legendary Sword, inheriting its regenerative abilities, transforming into a large, more shark-like beast. It captures opponents with its strong jaws, dragging them under the surface without mercy.

Now fused with the legendary Sword, it fights with every last effort against its opponent. Its strange loyalty compels it to fight, willing to exert everything for those it trusts- even if it means sacrificing itself.

Itachi

(The Illusive Pokémon)

(The Optical Pokémon)

Type: Psychic/Fire

Abilities (1): Illusion

“Comes out disguised as the Pokémon in the party's last spot.”

Hidden Ability: Illusive World

“It traps the foe in illusions whilst they’re confused, reducing their HP.”

(Bad Dreams but different. Tsukuyomi would be Dark Void for Confusion.)

General Stats: Highest in Special Attack, good in Attack and Speed. HP is moderate, Defenses are low.

Pokédex Entries (1, 2): 

The legendary Pokémon known as the Uchiha were wiped out in a single night by the mysterious Itachi for reasons of testing strength- or so many assume. It now walks outside of the Leaf region, refusing to walk its home grounds once again, though sightings of the Illusive Pokémon inside its borders persist anyway...

It is infamously known as The Optical Pokémon, for its strange changing eyes that are said to stare directly into the soul. It channels Psychic energy into them, generating life-like and sometimes horrific illusions on its opponents- though, doing so further wears down its eyesight.

Mega Evolution

Type: Psychic/Dark

Mega Ability: Susanoo Armor

“The Pokémon’s stats are dramatically increased (3.5x), though it reduces its HP (1/6) every turn.”

(a unique ability, but not signature- as obviously the other Uchihas can have it as well. The HP reducing sucks but without it would be absolutely broken)

(Susanoo Armor is the Mega Evolution stats boost.)

Pokédex Entries (1, 2): 

A gigantic armored spirit appears, enveloping the Pokémon in a virtually indestructible armor. However, this armor also dramatically strains the Pokémon, inciting excruciating pain the longer it continues.

Due to the drawbacks of the armor, this Mega Evolution is relatively short-lived. Despite this, it spreads mass destruction, able to topple a nation in just one swing of its sword.

Deidara

(The Explosive Pokémon)

(The Transient Pokémon)

Type: Ground/Rock | Ground/Fire (I’ll let you choose.)

Abilities (1): Flame Body

“Contact with this Pokémon may burn the attacker.”

Hidden Ability: Firecracker

“Gives priority to bomb/ball moves.” 

General Stats: Great Sp. Attack and Speed. Moderate everywhere else; slight advantage in Attack.

Pokédex Entries (1, 2): 

An intense Pokémon with a taste for art, it searches the region for inspiration- and destruction. Championing the art of “Transient Beauty”, it takes pleasure in bombing and setting fire to anything it finds pleasing, typically without any regards to who may be there.

The odd mouths on Deidara’s body churn up fiery power into clay, giving it an unusually explosive quality. This Explosive Pokémon regularly uses its mouths to create destructive clay creatures; they follow its every will, dutifully guiding themselves into their target like missiles.

Mega Evolution

Type: Ground/Dragon

Mega Ability: Transient Art

“Powers up Bomb/Ball moves by 40%.”

(Yeah he gets two unique abilities. What Of It)

Stat Boosts: Both offensive stats and speed stats boosted. Minor boosts here and there.

Pokédex Entries (1, 2): 

Deidara churns up an intense amount of clay, forming a massive, strange white creature in the shape of a dragon. It churns out explosive attacks on the opponent in rapid succession, taking a notch off of its tail in the process.

Creating a giant clay dragon, Deidara hops onto its back and hovers into the air. It proudly proclaims its Transient Art from above, raining down a series of bombs on the opponent- and whoever else is in the area.

Sasori

(The Scorpion Pokémon)

(The Eternal Pokémon)

Type: Poison

Abilities (2): 

Poison Touch “Coming into contact with this Pokémon may cause poisoning.”

Battle Armor “Hard armor protects the Pokémon from critical hits.” (In reference to Hiruko.)

Hidden Ability: Contaminated  

“All contact moves this Pokémon uses gains a 45% chance to poison the opponent.” (Contact moves that already have a chance to Poison get boosted by the same amount.)

General Stats: High Attack and Speed Stat. Slight emphasis on the defenses, moderate everywhere else.

Pokédex Entries (1, 2):

Unfortunate events turned this Pokémon toward inhumane reason. Fascinated with “Eternal Beauty”, Sasori performed an unknown technique that altered its appearance with semi-immortality. The specifics of this strange transformation remain undiscovered.

This poisonous Pokémon roams the sandy dunes, stealing items and trainers for its grizzly fascinations. It is said that the poison it excretes is so powerful, not even a basic Antidote can cure it. Unlucky victims undergo three agonizing days before meeting their fate.

Mega Evolution

Type: Poison / Steel

Mega Ability: Merciless

“The Pokémon's attacks become critical hits if the target is poisoned.”

General Stats: Massive increase to Attack and Speed. Loses some of its bulk in the process, but its relatively minor.

Pokédex Entries (1, 2):

The Pokémon takes off its cloak, revealing the secrets of its transformation- an intricate puppet body. It uses its sharpened blades and deadly poisons to cut through waves of opponents. It is merciless in its outrage, sparing no sympathy for those it targets.

A wide-eyed, empty stare is plastered over the face of this now revealed puppet. This Pokémon believes it is sparing the foe it poisoned by fainting it swiftly and powerfully- it spares no mercy for those it shreds.

[shining-ranch]

Directory/Info

Basic Background: 

“Shining Ranch” is a Johtonian Pokémon ranch owned and run by the elder Professor Dracaena, her husband, and children, which Nova is one of. On the ranch, the family follows a tradition of Eevee and Shiny breeding and conservation. In recent years, Shiny research is their main focus, and both Professors’ specialty. 

All the main series game’s plots are (mostly) canon to the blog (ex: characters are aware of both mega evolution and dynamaxing). I’ll cherry-pick from other media, but the blog is game based.  The blog exists in real time. The timeframe of the blog will always be modern and current, and up to date with the existing games (SWSH wrapped up a year or so ago, SuMo/USUM wrapped up a few years before that). Timeline-wise, it has been 16 years since the events of the Kanto games, and 13 years since the Johto games (making the Johto kids the same age as Nova)

Character info/intros:

As characters/Pokémon are mentioned on the blog, their intro’s may be posted, then linked here:

Nova and Umi 

Battle Party (Umi, Batsy, JiJi, Fay, Missy, Snips) 

Z 

Dusty and Jem 

Dan (Shiny Aerodactyl, intro needed)

Hoops (Shiny Hoopa, intro needed)

Rules

This blog is run by a 23 year old, and I would like to keep most character interactions (specifically relationships/crushes/etc) to just other 18+, as that is what I am comfortable with. Nova is an adult, and will talk about adult things. If you are younger that 18, please block the tag “not safe for kids”

But, other than that, there’s not much, honestly! Anyone can interact, as long as you aren’t a creep! The blog is casual, and run like an blog created by the actual character. I will be picky when it comes to rping with canon characters, since the blog does have a story of sorts, and lore/headcanons that build up its world building, so I don’t want anything to get messy. But, you can still interact and send asks, and, if you are really want to rp with me, pm and we can talk things out <3

Posts that ‘Nova’ makes are in character social media posts, and are things they are aware of and are comfortable sharing to the world. I may post art and story comics that are ooc as fun things, as a glimpse into their life, and might do short, in person interactions in reblogs (although, these aren’t things that Nova is posting, canonly). Feel free to PM me with questions! It would be super sick if I could find people who want their characters to be buds with Nova, or have a relationship with with them. I don’t bite lol

Lore Notes:

Legendaries and Mythicals ARE Pokémon that can be owned, however permits must be filled ASAP, and, typically, only researchers, League members (Champions, Kahunas, Gym Leaders, etc), and those that have proven themselves as skilled trainers (all 8 badges, completed trials, etc) are approved. Exceptions are made, but uncommon, usually if a legendary has deeply bonded to the person. All Legendary/Mythicals have a breeding population. Asks and characters with them ARE allowed, as long as they follow these guidelines

Johto is almost directly south of Sinnoh, and the two are separated a large, mostly uninhabited mountain range. This is where the Sinjoh Ruins are located, and the area as a whole tends to be called Sinjoh. Average Joe Johtonian has heard about it but doesn’t really know too much about it. All of this isn’t too important to the blog or its story, but is something to remember, and I like it lmao

Real animals exist to a certain extent. Things like worms, insects, and microscopic life like plankton and bacteria, which are necessary for life on Earth exist on PokéEarth, but not things like real dogs, cows, or birds. On that note, Pokémon and Pokémon products are eaten by a large majority of people and other Pokémon, and Pokémon byproducts, such as fur and leather, are commonly used (although, like in our world, there are those morally against it)

Pokémon are mostly magical creatures, and their biology and genetics do not match creatures of our world. They grow up at incredibly fast rates, but most live relatively long lives. Pokémon reproduce magically, and I will not discuss Pokémon S*x on this blog (leave that to the legal, human characters, please)

[wonderfulworldofmichaelford]

Psycho Analysis: Mewtwo

“Diary: Feb. 6. Mew gave birth. We named the newborn Mewtwo.”

And so a legend was born unto the Pokemon world, one who to this day is still massively popular as evidenced by his two Mega Evolutions (a feat matched only by Charizard currently) and his reappearance in the Smash Bros. series after years of absence. Still, nowhere was Mewtwo’s popularity more apparent than in his appearance as the main antagonist of the Pokemon franchise’s first foray into feature films.

Mewtwo is perhaps the most fascinating and philosophically charged antagonist of the entire franchise. From his creation, his tragic backstory, his murderous rampage that starts off the film, and his numerous bitter actions as he lashes out at a world he feels created him just to use him, he is a much darker and more terrifying character than one would expect coming off the mostly lighthearted and kid friendly Pokemon anime. However, he is handled extremely well, even in the English dub; this will be mostly based off of how he appears in the English dub. Keep in mind The Birth of Mewtwo prologue has been dubbed in English, and I will be treating it as canon, so while there is a bit that sadly is lost between English and Japanese, the basic gist is still there.

Actor: Jay Goede, under the alias Philip Bartlett, voiced Mewtwo in what is easily the biggest role in his filmography, and he does an absolutely fantastic job, giving Mewtwo exactly the sort of voice you’d expect from the original ultimate badass of all Pokemon-kind.

Motivation/Goals: Mewtwo’s ultimate goal in the English dub is to completely eradicate all non-clone life and create a world where only clone Pokemon exist, as he views clones to be superior beings. He is utterly incapable of believing Pokemon and humans could be friends after his horrific upbringing, where he was created at the behest of Team Rocket to be the ultimate weapon of Giovanni. In a lot of ways, Mewtwo is similar to the villains of Pokemon Black/White, due to his desire to liberate Pokemon from the bonds of trainers, though Mewtwo goes a bit beyond what N wanted by cloning the Pokemon into more ‘perfect’ states and outright attempting planet-wide genocide. Honestly though, it is really hard to blame Mewtwo for his sheer anger, as after bonding with the cloned child of the scientist who created her, she not only suffered clone degeneration and died, but Mewtwo was then from childhood into maturity kept in his tube and pumped full of drugs to forget this event, and then moments after being awakened for as far as he knows the first time is told he is a tool for humans to use while a bunch of scientists high five each other. If that happened to me, I’m pretty sure I’d go insane and want to wipe out humanity too. Of course, in the original Japanese, his goal was much more existential; he was attempting to find his purpose by toying with trainers and cloning Pokemon, and ultimately prove the worth of his existence. There are still traces of this in the English version, and this can easily be inferred, but it is a bit of a shame this wasn’t translated over. It does detract a bit from Mewtwo, but only a little bit, because he is a fascinating and tragic antagonist regardless of what his goal is.

Personality: Mewtwo is, in a word, badass. He is calm, collected, stoic, and affable at almost all times when interacting with the trainers… which is a stark contrast to his earlier life post-awakening, in which he not once but twice nukes an entire facility out of sheer anger at his creators. Mewtwo’s temper is obviously nothing to mess with. Keeping in mind his backstory, it is very much possible that Mewtwo’s mind was warped by the drugs pumped into him during development to help him forget Ambertwo, the little clone girl he befriended, thus leading to much of the exacerbated negative traits, traits which were likely only worsened by Giovanni’s tutelage. Thankfully, even as bitter, resentful, and lost Mewtwo is, there is still a spark of good in him, one that eventually comes out.

Final Fate: Mewtwo, so moved by Ash’s sacrifice in the finale, ultimately realizes the worth of all life, and decides to do the right thing and fix everything… though by doing so he erases everyone’s memories and removes all the lessons they learned. Mewtwo would show up again once more in the film Mewtwo Returns, this time in a much more heroic role.

Best Scene: Mewtwo is a walking moment of awesome, but he truly cements it from his very first scene, in which he unleashes the full extent of his power on the scientists that made him. "We dreamed of creating the world's strongest Pokémon...and we succeeded."

Best Quote: "I see now that the circumstances of one's birth are irrelevant; it is what you do with the gift of life that determines who you are." The fact a quote so beautiful, existential, and philosophical came out of a movie that was made to sell video games to children is just one of those magical things about this strange world we live in.

Final Thoughts & Score: Mewtwo is the benchmark by which all Pokemon villains after him are judged by, and, to this day, I don’t think there has ever been one that surpasses him. He has a fantastic character arc, though one that is sadly a bit watered down in the English adaptation, numerous fantastic scenes, a great voice, an intimidating presence, and in general just lives up to the hype that children who grew up playing the game surely had for him.

Now, keep in mind that I do take into account what sort of films the villains I analyze are in when I assess and score them. It’s the same as with movies; a 10/10 comedy is not good for the same reasons as, say, a 10/10 crime drama. And so when I grant Mewtwo a 9/10 it is because as far as villains in children’s movies go, Mewtwo is one of the richest and most fascinating of the lot. The only reason I deduct a point is because the English dub, while good in its own right, admittedly does lose a little bit of the existential quality of Mewtwo that I love and The Birth of Mewtwo prologue which contextualizes a lot of his motivation and the reason why he ended up the way he does is sadly very obscure unless you’re really in the know. All that being said, Mewtwo is still fairly morally complex for a villain in a film like this, and if nothing else he is undoubtedly awesome. But in the end, what makes him so great is that the former wasn’t even necessary; they could have made Mewtwo a generic doomsday villain who had cool battles and we would have eaten him up regardless. The fact the creators saw fit to add complexity and morality that not even the people at 4Kids could eradicate really does just cement how magical the Pokemon franchise is.

[blightarts]

POKÉMON SUMMER VERSION CHAPTER 5: MEGA EVOLVE!

Previous Chapter: A Spectacular Performance

Next Chapter: Our First Step

Disclaimer:  Pokémon is a property of Game Freak and Nintendo, while Endless  Summer is a property of Pixelberry. I do not claim any rights here.

Author’s Note: If the “Keep reading” doesn’t work, go here for the full post.

@princesstopgun, @mechaspirit, @queenaryn, @kaitloyalist, @choicesmarvel, @sceptilemasterr, @hey-its-vy, @skyila, @choicesyouplayandmore, @choicesaholic, @caroonfire, @roseblake, @choices-herald, @jakemckenzietrash, @xo-endlessmayhem-xo, @abhirio, @diego-vii, @izzycheeese

Music: Endless Summer - The Hunted

As the Metropeal City Contest comes to a close, the city is suddenly invaded by an army of Water-type Pokémon. They are led by a large amphibian-like Pokémon with a primarily cobalt-blue body, known as Swampert, as it is shrouded in dark aura.

Diego, analyzing the situation, clutches his teeth and turns to Aryn and the others.

Diego: There’s no time. We need to get everyone safe and away from these corrupted Pokémon until we can eliminate the dark aura corrupting them. Zee, you and the children should evacuate the citizens. Lead them away from the corrupted Pokémon.

Zee: Understood!

Diego: Aryn, you help me defeat the Shore Guardian. As long as it’s corrupted, its influence over its minions corrupts them as well. We need to take out their leader.

Aryn: Got it! I’ve been itching for a battle!

Diego: All right! Let’s do this!

All: YEAH!!

Music: Wild Pokémon Encounter (Gen 1 Version)

The group splits into two teams and separate in order to do their respective tasks. Aryn and Diego rush towards the corrupted Swampert and call out their Pokémon.

Diego: Come out, Stoutland!

Aryn: Leafeon, I choose you!

As Diego and Aryn’s Pokémon come out of their pokéballs, Swampert lets out a loud cry. The pressure its giving away tenses up the two adults.

Meanwhile, Vishakha and the evacuation team call out their Pokémon to fight against the Shore Guardian’s minions.

Vishakha: Pikachu, I choose you!

Rachel: Wartortle, let’s go!

Taari: Come out, Turtwig!

Kaitlyn: Let’s do this, Riolu!

Mika: Absol, I need your help!

Reginald: Go, Metagross!

While the children are warding off the minions of the Shore Guardian, Zee and a group of Vaanti Police officers help the citizens evacuate to a safer location. Suddenly, two corrupted minions, another Wartortle and a Croconaw, dash past the children and rush towards the citizens. Taari and Reginald immediately act.

Taari: Oh no, you don’t! Turtwig, use Razor Leaf on that Wartortle!

Reginald: Metagross, use Thunder Punch on that Croconaw!

Turtwig and Metagross soon unleashed their attacks to their designated targets. Turtwig swings his head to fire multiple sharp leaves towards Wartortle. The move was super-effective and Wartortle drops to the ground, fainted. The dark aura shrouding it recedes.

Meanwhile, electricity starts to engulf one of Metagross arms. It rushes towards Croconaw and delivers a powerful punch. The Water-type Pokémon receives massive amounts of super-effective damage and faints, with the dark aura no longer shrouding it.

The girls do the same for the other corrupted Water-type Pokémon. Soon after, the citizens were able to get to safety. Zee approaches the children.

Zee: Nice job, all of you. Now, let’s get you to safety.

Taari: But what about Mister Diego and Miss Aryn?

Vishakha: Don’t worry. They got this.

The evacuation group turn towards Diego and Aryn, as they are almost done defeating the Shore Guardian. But to their dismay, Stoutland and Leafeon seemed to be tired.

Aryn: How has it still not fainted?

Diego: The Shore Guardian is much stronger than a regular Swampert. Its stats are higher by fifty percent. We’re almost done here, but we have to hurry befo—

Music: Pokémon - Regi Trio Battle Theme

Before Diego could finish, the Shore Guardian is cloaked in light. Diego clenches his teeth.

Diego: Damn it. We’re too late. Return, Stoutland. Let’s go, Lopunny!

Diego returns Stoutland to his pokéball and calls out Lopunny. Aryn looks at him, concerned.

Aryn: The Shore Guardian can do THAT?!

Diego: Yes…

Aryn: But how? For that to work, it has to have a special bond with a trainer.

Diego: Well, something else in this island is giving the Shore Guardian a way to use that.

Taari stares at the phenomenon and turns to the group, confused.

Taari: Guys?! What’s happening?

Kaitlyn: The Swampert… it’s… it’s…

Mika: It’s going through MEGA EVOLUTION!

Taari: What’s Mega Evolution?

Reginald: Mega Evolution is a type of evolution where Pokémon gain an ultimate form of themselves. Mega Evolution does more than just change a Pokémon's appearance, it also changes their types, ability and stats. What makes Mega Evolution so special is that it requires a special bond between a Pokémon and its trainer. But it seems that the Shore Guardian has another way to obtain it.

Vishakha: This is bad. We have to help them.

As the evacuation group rushes towards the fight, Swampert completes its Mega Evolution process.

Diego and Aryn prepare themselves.

Diego: Here it comes!

The Shore Guardian slams one of its fists on the ground and uses Stone Edge. Sharp pillars of stone begin to rise from the ground making their way to Lopunny and Leafeon.

Diego: Lopunny, jump high!

Aryn: Leafeon, do the same!

After hearing the commands of their trainers, the two Pokémon immediately leap from the ground in order to avoid the stone pillars. Diego removes the Canis Pin off of his tie.

Diego: Now it’s our turn. Blessed by the powers of Vaanu… Lopunny, MEGA EVOLVE!

Lopunny begins to glow with light as it undergoes Mega Evolution as well.

Taari is surprised at what was happening.

Taari: Mister Diego can also Mega Evolve his Pokémon?!

Reginald: Yes. And so does my mother… and my father…

Reginald looks away, clenching his teeth. Taari was not able to notice as Kaitlyn responds to his question.

Kaitlyn: Basically, all the Gym Leaders, Elite Four members and the Champions have Pokémon that can Mega Evolve.

Taari: Wow! That’s awesome!

With Lopunny reaching Mega Evolution, Diego goes in for the attack. Aryn joins as well.

Diego: Lopunny, use High Jump Kick!

Aryn: Leafeon, use Leaf Blade!

Lopunny jumps high and prepares to drop down to deliver a strong kick. Meanwhile, the leaf strand on Leafeon’s forehead starts to glow into a green blade. As the two rush towards the Shore Guardian, it prepares to counter. It dodges Lopunny’s High Jump Kick. This, in turn, results in Lopunny receiving massive amounts of recoil damage as she lands on the ground. Afterwards, before Leafeon could strike the Shore Guardian, the latter grabs the former and slams her on the ground.

Diego: Lopunny, no!

Aryn: Leafeon!

The Shore Guardian stands before the two injured Pokémon and raises both of its arms, as it prepares to use Hammer Arm. Vishakha rushes towards to help.

Vishakha: No! I’m counting on you, Mawi—

But before she could call out her Pokémon from its pokéball, Taari exclaims.

Taari: Guys, look! What is that?!

He points towards a silhouette in the sky, rushing towards the Shore Guardian.

Reginald: That move… It’s Brave Bird!

Taari: Brave Bird? That’s the same move that finished the Araquanid that attacked me before I reached Mansingh Town. Does that mean…

Kaitlyn: The Flame Vigilante is here!

The silhouette soon gets close to the Shore Guardian and is able to strike it at full force before Lopunny and Leafeon could get hurt. The Shore Guardian staggers backwards and loses composure, as the silhouette disappears into the trees. Seeing an opportunity, Diego and Aryn finish the job.

Diego: Lopunny, use Dizzy Punch!

Aryn: One more time, Leafeon! Use Leaf Blade!

Lopunny spins and launches itself towards Swampert, delivering a confusion-inducing punch. Meanwhile, Leafeon once again gets its leaf strand to glow into a green blade and strikes the Shore Guardian. After taking three strong attacks, the Shore Guardian goes down, reverts to its original form and faints. The dark aura surrounding it disappates.

As the group tends to the unconscious Water-type Pokémon, Rachel notices something on the corner of her eye. She sees someone wearing a familiar. The person is trying to put an unconscious Poliwag in a napsack. She calls out the person and warns the group. Diego immediately recognizes the person.

Diego: It’s an Arachnid soldier! SOMEONE STOP HIM!

The soldier tries to run away, but is soon struck unconscious by a hooded person. The group rushes towards the fallen soldier and the person who stopped him. Diego approaches the hooded stranger. The face of the stranger seems to be concealed by a mask.

Diego: Whoever you are, thank you. And also thanks for saving us out there. You’re like the Dark Knight of La Huerta. I presume that the Pokémon that helped us earlier is yours?

The person does not reply, but instead leaps on to the trees, disappearing. Everyone was left wondering who it was, but immediately went back to work. Two Vaanti Police Officers take the Arachnid soldier in custody for interrogation.

After a few minutes, everyone’s Pokémon is fully healed and the Shore Guardian and its minions regain consciousness. Taari and Reginald is then approach by the Shore Guardian and the two Water-type Pokémon they defeated earlier.

Taari: Hey, Wartortle! What’s up?

Reginald: What’s going on here?...

Wartortle starts to embrace Taari, while the Croconaw does the same to Reginald. The Shore Guardian smiles and Diego approaches the kids.

Diego: I guess the Shore Guardian wanted to thank you for saving these two, by bestowing them to you.

Reginald: So, we get to keep them?

The Shore Guardian nods and smiles form on the faces of Taari and Reginald.

Taari: That’s so cool! Thank you so much!

Reginald: Thank you too.

Afterwards, the Shore Guardian and its minions leave Metropeal City and return to their homes. The group gathers around to talk about what happened.

Aryn: Well, that was… umm… something.

Diego: You’re right. Usually, it’s just normal Pokémon getting corrupted and the Vaanti Police Force usually handles them pretty easily. But now, we have one of the Guardians of La Huerta getting corrupted. This Corruption of Pokémon has to be stopped or else it could even reach the Legendary Pokémon. I have to contact the other Catalysts later.

Aryn: I have to make sure the same thing doesn’t happen in my kingdom.

Aryn goes on her phone and Diego turns to Taari, Kaitlyn and Reginald.

Diego: I’m sorry that you guys have to go through that.

Reginald: It’s okay, Mister Diego. We’re trainers. We do what we have to do.

Kaitlyn: He’s right.

Diego: Now, Taari. I’ve heard that you had an encounter with the Flame Vigilante?

Taari: Yes. It was during my journey to Mansingh Town. A corrupted Araquanid attacked me and I was eventually saved by the Vigiliante’s Pokémon.

Diego: The fact that the Pokémon can use Brave Bird and Flare Blitz proves that it can either be a Talonflame or a Blaziken.

Taari: Well, after it saved me, the Pokémon did leap on to the trees instead to flying away.

Kaitlyn: It has to be a Blaziken!

Diego: This further moves our investigation on who the Flame Vigilante is. But that’s enough of that. You must be getting tired after that all of that. I’m proud of you guys by the way. You’re like a Pokémon version of the Avengers.

Kaitlyn: Oh! Oh! I could be Scarlett Witch!

Reginald: I would prefer to be Tony Stark.

Taari: I’m the Hulk! RAWR!!

Diego: Okay, okay. You guys should really get some rest. We’ll have our gym match tomorrow.

Taari: Okay!

Kaitlyn: Sure thing!

Reginald: Understood.

The kids spent the night in Diego’s place. They ate dinner and eventually went to sleep. While the kids are sleeping, Diego returns to his room and sees his window open with the picture of him and his friends gone. Meanwhile, on the outskirts of Metropeal City, the Flame Vigilante stands on a cliff overlooking the city. He speaks to himself.

Flame Vigilante: So, the corruption has finally reached the Guardians of La Huerta. All of this trouble happening on the island, and yet… where have you been all of this time?...

The Flame Vigilante pulls out the photo of the Catalysts that he stole from Diego’s home and stares at it with anger.

The next day, the kids are standing in front of the Metropeal City Gym, ready to face their first Pokémon League challenge.

Will they be able to succeed? Find out on the next chapter of Pokémon Summer Version! Just so you know, it’s out now! CHAPTER SIX! CHAPTER SIX!

[the-weekend-whip]

Ok i did some research and (yeah i lied i’m awake) i found the pokemon references:

(Source: https://youtu.be/6Z9dkVj2ZbI)

The two evolutions and the mega evolution are The King. To be honest, this fan game is really well made. Even the names manage to reference the character in two languages, The King and さま (ou-sama).

Masking, Masquerade pokemon. Maskings type is psychic, ability is illusion (goes into battle disguised as the pokemon in the back), hidden ability is synchronise: Passes poison, paralyze, or burn to the Pokémon that inflicted it. Description of Masking: “It is capable of disguising itself as anything it likes. Although it appears to be a bird Pokémon, this is just an illusion. No one has seen its true form.” It’s a rare pokemon that is very powerful even at low levels.

Shiny sprite:

Dramsama, Masquerade pokemon. Dramsamas type is psychic and ghost, evolves from Masking at level 42. Abilities are the same as Masking. It’s mega form has an ability called Bad Dream, which reduces the hp of opposing sleeping pokemon. Description of Dramsama: “A sinister and vengeful Pokémon, it puts its foes into an eternal sleep and steals their souls to add to its tail.” From Wiki: “Dramsama are inscrutable, mysterious, and dangerous. They have powerful memories and will remember those who have wronged them in order to exact their revenge with deliberate force. Their minds work in a way that's dramatically different from humans so their trainers often have difficulty understanding them. Few trainers are capable of forming a strong bond with this Pokémon.” This pokemon is also very rare, and in fact it’s impossible to encounter it in the wild, only evolve from Masking.

Mega shiny sprite:

Normal shiny sprite:

Their natural enemy is known to be Antarki.

Antarki:

Guide star pokemon. Types: Ghost, Fire. It doesn’t have any evolutions nor does any pokemon evolve into it. Ability: Illuminate. “Raises the likelihood of meeting wild pokemon.” Hidden ability: Prankster: “Gives priority to a status move.” It has the same EV yield as Dramsama. Description of Antarki: “Said to be the ghost of a Pokémon that died before its time. It guides lost souls into the afterlife using the light of its small star.” It’s a small, levitating pokemon with igniting fire in it’s center. Antarki walk the line between the living and dead. They can communicate with recently-passed souls and guide them safely to the afterlife. Antarki is very rare, and is encountered in places with souls of pokemon and people. It also has the same moveset as Dramsama, except for Transform. Antarki cannot learn a fire-type move in natural circumstances, however. It can only learn them through Tutors or TMs, also hinting at Nageki, who was basically forced to burn the lab. It’s design is based off of the star Antares, and the scorpion constellation - Scorpius. It’s name is based on the star Antares and Nageki. The reason for the burning fire of the pokemon is tied to Nagekis death also.

Shiny Antarki:

It’s Christmas sprite looks like an angel, indicating it’s afterlife guiding powers:



And that is it, i think. Thanks for reading <3

I see iceberg meme and I go

we can go deeper

[pokemaniacal]

Rockruff and Lycanroc

Lycanroc comes in two varieties, one associated with the day, and the other the night.  The way its path is chosen is a new one for split evolutions: Rockruff evolves differently depending on which version of the game you have, Sun or Moon, though wild Lycanroc of the opposite form can be found on both games.  This is put down to the “influence” of Solgaleo and Lunala, which could mean almost anything and doesn’t appear to have any effect on other Pokémon in Alola.  In future generations we can probably expect this to become a straightforward day/night fork like Espeon and Umbreon.  Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon are planned to add a new Dusk form with characteristics of both, which requires a unique Rockruff with the Own Tempo ability to evolve between 5 and 6 pm, on either game.  The solar “Midday” form is wolf-like, and feels to me like a more “natural” evolution of Rockruff than the lunar form, keeping Rockruff’s colour scheme and emphasising his most distinctive feature, the “collar” of stones.  The lunar “Midnight” form is werewolf-like, as hinted by Lycanroc’s name, which seems to derive from “lycanthrope” (from the Greek λύκος/lukos, wolf, and ἄνθρωπος/anthropos, person); the same connotation goes through all of his alternative names in other languages, some of them via the French loup-garou.  Modern werewolves tend to have a specific laundry list of traits like vulnerability to silver and the ability to transfer their curse via a bite, which are not properties Lycanroc shares, although his posture could be taken from the human/wolf hybrid forms of many modern werewolves, and of course he has the most important feature of all: a connection to moonlight (werewolves transform when exposed to the light of the full moon).  He also gets eyes that glow blood-red in battle, for an added sinister air.

The lunar form seems like a much more drastic change from Rockruff, with a shift to a hunched but bipedal posture and an obvious colour change from brown and cream to a striking crimson, as well as the replacement of the stone “collar” with an impressive and luxuriant white mane.  I’m not sure how I feel about one of these evolved forms being clearly so much more divergent than the other – like the solar form is the “true” one and the lunar form is “deviant” – because the whole context of their links to the two versions of the game implies that they should be “balanced,” equal and opposite, but both obviously natural progressions from Rockruff, in the way the “Eeveelutions” are.  This comes through quite strongly with the twilight form, which you can tell is supposed to be a merging of the sun and moon forms’ traits by the way they talk about it, but comes across as much closer to the sun form (and might even work as a Mega Evolution of the sun form).  I’m not sure whether the design has messed up the ideas it’s trying to convey, or I’ve just misunderstood what it’s trying to convey.

Where the sun and moon forms do act as opposites is in their personalities.  Lycanroc’s solar form, provided it is raised well, retains and even accentuates Rockruff’s loyalty and sense of duty, but becomes disciplined and honourable instead of playful and affectionate.  The lunar form, on the other hand, becomes aggressive, violent, and uncontrollable, with a battle style that centres on goading opponents into reckless attacks and then crushing them with overwhelming force.  The Sun and Moon website is careful to point out, however, that a good relationship with this Pokémon in the Rockruff stage will carry over to a strong bond with a lunar Lycanroc.  It further claims that Rockruff will often leave their trainers for a short time to evolve (regardless of which evolution it takes), which could be a reference to “lone wolves” that have left their packs to avoid competition with their parents and siblings.  This is generally a temporary status; a lone wolf can find a mate and start a new pack, and Rockruff will return to their trainers after evolving.  However, there are also wolves that remain solitary indefinitely, and there is a kind of mystique that surrounds them as symbols of individualism and dark, brooding strength.  That seems to fit Midnight Lycanroc – but it’s actually Midday Lycanroc that are explicitly said to hunt on their own rather than in packs.  I don’t think there’s any official word on lunar Lycanroc at all – on the one hand, their sociopathic disposition seems like it wouldn’t lend itself to complex social behaviour, and in the absence of any other information maybe we should assume they act like solar Lycanroc… but on the other hand, maybe it makes just as much sense to assume the reverse, since these forms are paired opposites.  The description we’re given on the website says that Midday Lycanroc “lives solo in mountains and deserts, not creating a pack… and they live without interfering with one another, which helps to avoid unnecessary fights,” which seems like it’s meant as a contrast with a Pokémon that does create a pack and embraces unnecessary fights – otherwise, why else would you mention it?  Maybe Midnight Lycanroc have super-complex social structures mediated by constant supremacy duels?  I don’t know, and I don’t think Lycanroc wants to tell me.

The distinction between the solar and lunar Lycanroc forms’ battle roles is mercifully straightforward.  Both are powerful physical attackers with mediocre defences, which is not a terrible thing for Rock-types to be, since Rock hits a lot of things for super-effective damage.  The Midday form is much faster than the decidedly average Midnight form, but that extra speed comes at a fairly steep cost to its defences, leaving Midday Lycanroc quite fragile, while Midnight Lycanroc can at least claim to be passable.  No word yet on the new twilight incarnation, but it seems like a reasonable guess that it will have stats midway between the other two.  The solar Lycanroc, then, is fairly specialised towards a sweeper or revenge-killer mindset, whereas the lunar form’s natural inclinations are a bit less clear.  Each form gets three attacks that aren’t accessible to the other: Quick Guard, Quick Attack, and the signature move Accelerock for Midday; Counter, Reversal and Taunt for Midnight (at least, in theory – Taunt isn’t on Midday’s level-up list, but is available as a TM, and to add insult to injury, Midday is probably the better Pokémon to use it because of his high speed).

Midnight Lycanroc’s exclusive moves produce exactly the fighting style described in his flavour text: forcing foes to attack directly with Taunt, turning their physical strength against them with Counter, and becoming ever more incensed as the battle goes on with Reversal.  The only problem is that Counter and Reversal are not great attacks.  Reversal requires you to hang around at 1 HP, or close to it, for multiple turns to get any benefit, while Counter will probably only work once in a battle, has to be timed perfectly if you want to actually kill something with it, and doesn’t do anything to special attackers.  Neither of them are actually terrible moves, just very tricky to use to their full potential, and if you’re going to take either, Lycanroc should probably be equipped with a Focus Sash to improve your odds of surviving a strong attack with 1 HP so you can retaliate at full force.  The only really important thing on the Midday form’s exclusive list is Accelerock, best described as a Rock-type Quick Attack.  I’m not entirely certain a Pokémon as fast as Midday Lycanroc actually needs a move like this, especially since his best ability, Sand Rush, doubles his already impressive speed in a sandstorm.  On the other hand, Lycanroc is not a Pokémon who is prone to having a super-packed moveset, so you can just stick Accelerock in as insurance against something even faster than you, or with priority moves of its own (Talonflame, I’m looking at you).

Details are still sketchy on Dusk Lycanroc.  We know he gets both Accelerock and Counter, though it remains to be seen whether he’ll have access to Quick Guard, Reversal, etc, and again, we don’t know exactly what his stats will look like.  We do know he’ll have the useful Tough Claws ability, a hefty +33% damage bonus for “contact” attacks – this doesn’t apply to Stone Edge, Lycanroc’s primary attack, but will significantly improve most of his other physical attacks, making it probably the best ability available to Lycanroc of any form.  Unfortunately, without knowing his exact stat profile, it’s hard to know how this will affect Dusk Lycanroc’s fighting style right now.

Lycanroc gets Swords Dance, and unlike most of the Alola Pokémon we’ve seen together so far, he’s actually fast enough to make good use of it – or, at least, his solar incarnation is.  In theory that should suggest a pretty straightforward moveset; Sand Rush for your ability with some kind of set-up from another Pokémon, Swords Dance, and then three solid attacks.  The trouble is, Lycanroc doesn’t really have three solid attacks.  Your primary attack is Stone Edge, which is great; then there’s Crunch, which is nothing to write home about but basically fine, and then… well, there’s Brick Break, which combos well with Crunch but is starting to get on the low side for power, and there’s Fire Fang and Thunder Fang, which are so weak you’re basically taking them just to victimise Pokémon with a double-weakness, like Scizor.  This is far from an inspiring movepool.  Still, at least solar Lycanroc’s strategy is straightforward.  The poor lunar bastard isn’t fast enough for a Swords Dance sweep to make sense, doesn’t get Sand Rush either, and without Accelerock or Quick Attack, his only priority attack is Sucker Punch, which suffered a power nerf in Sun and Moon, has limited PP, and can be countered by using non-damaging moves.  Lycanroc can also learn Rock Polish, so you can boost his speed that way, but then it becomes almost impossible to justify having Swords Dance as well, and Lycanroc’s base attack stat isn’t high enough to outweigh his lacklustre physical movepool without some kind of boost.  What Midnight Lycanroc does have over his diurnal counterpart is No Guard as a hidden ability, which sets the accuracy of all his moves – as well as all moves that target him – to 100%.  For the most part, the benefit of this is having a 100%-accurate Stone Edge.  That’s not nothing; in fact it’s pretty awesome, but it’s also not Machamp’s Dynamicpunch (the traditional use for No Guard), or even Golurk’s, and remember that it also makes incoming attacks 100% accurate against you (Focus Blast, anyone?).

This is normally the point at which I would describe other options that are probably terrible but at least seem amusing enough to be worth mentioning; the trouble is that not only have I still not come up with anything worth doing with the Midnight form, Lycanroc in general just doesn’t have all that many interesting options.  He is, at present, one of only a handful of Pokémon that can learn Stealth Rock within generation VII (though a bunch of older Pokémon have access to it from the Alpha Sapphire and Omega Ruby move tutors), which could be important if you don’t have the older games, but it’s a good bet there’ll be a Stealth Rock tutor in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon.  Bulk Up is there, but I doubt even the slightly tankier Midnight form really has any business trying a Bulk Up set, since Lycanroc has no healing.  And… I honestly think that’s about it.  Lycanroc’s overall movepool is surprisingly shallow and I’m not sure there’s more than one or two basic strategies for each form.

I really want to like Rockruff and Lycanroc, I really do, because Rockruff is adorable and the day/night thing is at least passingly interesting, but I’m having trouble.  Lycanroc’s forms are both fine, I suppose, but I don’t think they work as well as a pair as they’re supposed to, and the addition of the twilight form doesn’t really change that.  Maybe when we actually see Dusk Lycanroc it will make sense; maybe Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon will reveal some new information about them, or about their relationship with Solgaleo and Lunala, that will make the whole idea seem perfectly elegant in hindsight; heck, maybe there’s even a fourth Dawn Lycanroc form that Game Freak are still hiding from us that will render everything pleasantly symmetrical.  The other problem is that Midnight Lycanroc in particular just has so few options I’m genuinely not sure what we’re supposed to do with him, and the extent to which Midday Lycanroc clearly makes more sense is unfortunate.  Part of me is left wondering whether Midday Lycanroc was originally designed on his own as a single evolution to Rockruff, and then Midnight Lycanroc was tacked on later and accordingly doesn’t mesh very well with the other forms – but then again, if we just take Midday Lycanroc as a stand-alone Pokémon, he’s simply not very interesting.  What do you know?  Maybe I do still have it in me to give critical reviews after all…

[wild-battlebond]

Snowbelle Gym (gym match 1, sulking in the forest, and gym rematch) arc thoughts:

120

bonnie is the backbone of this show with how often she names incredibly important things

ability combo - abomasnow's snow warning is set-up for avalugg's healing-in-hail ability (first parallel to first gym? similar to viola's so-called 'frame and snap' strategy that requires surskit to setup sticky web so vivillon can hit trapped opponents with solar beam)

he's very obviously pressured by sawyer being there. everyone else is expecting a lot from him too… he's really never liked being in the spotlight

[use that tension to activate bond phenomenon] & everyone assumes he can take the pressure… and not just take it, but use it to his advantage

the way moves like water shuriken are interacting with the ice battlefield … chefs kiss . tbh water-types in an ice gym are kind of underutilized

i know that the veil-less forme of ash-greninja is the ideal form, but it looks so cool with it… it must have been a pain to animate tho. furthermore, this forme seems to put less strain on them with a comparable power output, but at the same time it does act as a visual signifier that they're not understanding each other as well as they could be, so…

he's not even having fun in this battle…the look greninja gives him, too… ohh is this what olympia's sincerity warning meant

half the things i say about bond phenomenon probably sounds kind of farfetched to an audience. anyways with the way this is worded i am convinced that the two of them do get each other mixed up. like greninja looks towards ash, worried about his injury & he says you're alright.. (…this could be chalked up to the dub's particular interpretation/translation of the line tho, it's likely he didn't specify who he was talking to in japanese because the language doesn't work that way.)

and then he loses

the way he specifically apologies to pikachu for leaving… agh

121

Serena's Famous Moment is basically just a statement of how the group has come to view Ash. endlessly positive, never unhappy, never gives up - they've grown to idolize him (…this is also how XY as a show views him, but that's a separate can of worms). in Serena's case specifically, she's unable to really reach out to Ash because of how she has simultaneously put him on a pedalstal and has kept him at arm's length due to her crush on him. without meaning to, she (and the others) has created a gap that can't be bridged, and that leads to Ash feeling like he has no one to talk to and running off into the forest the fact that she gets mad at him for not resembling the idealized form she's used to… is ultimately just emotional immaturity, which is reasonable. (it snaps him out of it either way, so…) (…ultimately the way that the show treats that scene and the the way I'm able to interpret it are very different.)

but even when he can't communicate well with other people, he gets along great with pokémon… similarly, permanent perfect synchro comes from him doing what he does best, helping pokémon, rather than doing what he thinks others expect of him

i've said this before about various things but i always like when trainers/similar ask to keep being friends, rather than taking their partnership for granted. (also, good ol' moon motif)

this is also one of those episodes where I feel so bad for nurse joy because she tells them to come inside and then they all immediately leave to go play in the snowstorm. that must be kind of nervewracking.

122 GYM REMATCH BABEY

It's fun that Wulfric picks out a different send-out order in the rematch

it's also interesting how pikachu's the one who comes up with the idea of melting the ice. all ash has to do is implement it. (in at least BW and XY, pikachu is also commonly used as a signifier that ash has gone back to being normal after having a bad day)

greninja's encore! no more "stronger, stronger!" mantra + the activation of bond phenomenon is now presented in a way very similar to how mega evolution is shown. and just like a successful mega evolution, the full synchro forme is formed by a shared, stable bond. also funny as hell to have a water-type metaphorically represented by a burning fire

wulfric was hiding a mega stone… that's awesome! what a fun twist. i do like how trainers with key stones treat mega evolving as a type of honor/courtesy to those at a similar strength level (whether it's an opponent that can mega evolve or something of similar strength like bond phenomenon)

and greninja ice skating goes just as hard as ever

ultimately a lot more fun to watch than the original gym battle, which was the point. honestly one of the top gym matches of kalos for me

[kalosstarters]

keep-on-trying replied to your post “Happy (or not so happy for some people lmao I know the salt is still...”

I'm kinda on the same boat? (With your tags :D) I'm actually glad Satoshi didn't win because it was realistic progression, you don't go to top 1 from top 8 which he was in last league (previous record being top 4), even with satoshi gekkouga and whatnot :p And Alan did deserve to win :3 If there's another league, I expect Satoshi to win the next one :p

Yes! I could write a long post about why I’m fine with the result, and whooops, apparently that’s exactly what happened (btw if I sound aggressive, which I might because I’m tired of the hate, remember that I’m not targeting this at you or anything, I just want to explain my opinion)

1) Alain _did_ deserve it. Don’t go saying that he never did anything to be that strong because honestly, he _did_ work very, very hard. Take for example the 10 battles challenge in tsme act 4. He even beat an elite four member, and all those challengers were clearly strong. I doubt Ash could have done it even with Ash-Greninja.

2) Believe it or not, Alain is _not_ a Tobias. Man I hate Tobias (I also hate Cameron from BW). Tobias was definitely, 100% brought into the Sinnoh league to beat Ash so he couldn’t win. Alain? Yes, the league was a big part of his arc, but his character was _far_ more complex than any character who was there just to beat Ash. 

First of all, he was introduced after episode xy21. Pretty early for someone who just battled in the league 100 episodes later, don’t you think? And boi those were some good episodes that showed what kind of character _he_ is, not having anything to do with Ash or the Kalos league (tbh sometimes I wish we would have gotten more tsme acts instead of bringing A&M in the main series but let’s not go there). 

Second of all while the writers made a mistake by making Alain seem totally uninterested when Ash asked him about the league in xy&z episode 23, and giving him badges in such a short time (they could have introduced him in the main series earlier??), I still feel him participating did make sense. He was severely depressed by the time the league started, and battling Ash was one of the few things that made him feel something (some people argue they could easily have battled in some other circumstances and that’s true but the league is every competitive trainer’s main goal so it was the most meaningful way that battle could have happened). Not to mention, he also got some mega evolution energy from those battles, which, he thought, would help his friend to get her dear Pokémon back.

 And then there’s the whole Team Flare arc in which he’s basically the main character and finally gets his redemption! So, yes, Alain is much more than that one challenger in the Kalos league.

3) Even if it was just for a moment, I was also very, very happy to see my depressed baby boy happy and proud of himself and his pokes (ngl what made it even better was Mairin’s reaction, those happy tears never fail to touch me ;___; ahhh good scene)

4) After the setback that was BW (I’m talking about Ash’s training skills, you should all know I like BW a lot despite the soft reset) it didn’t really make sense that all of a sudden he was so strong, coming second to only one person at the league and barely losing any battles during the series (IIRC he only lost to Alain, Viola and Diantha, and Sawyer and Wulfric before mastering the bond phenomenon and that’s not a lot. Yet most of his training was blasting TRio off and not only did he get a special evolution for one of his mon, he also got two fully evolved dragons without them even battling a lot (remember that dragons are the most difficult ‘mon to evolve). Talk about an issue in writing (I’m sorry this is becoming an xy critique. But they really could have handled some things better). 

Uh, my point is that I felt Ash gained all those things too easily (particularly compared to the earlier series) and it didn’t make me feel he deserved all of it. 

5) I wanted to believe, but honestly, I wasn’t _that_ surprised that the writers still didn’t break the status quo. As long as the series keeps going, our poor boy is doomed :/ But in his words: “never give up until the end!”

So, these things among with the fact that it’s just a show are why I have never been salty about the Kalos league. And never will be.