#prof.cycad

[prof-cycad]

It is always a much better idea to adopt a hand-reared Fossil Pokémon rather than having an inert fossil resurrected in a Laboratory. The global breeding population of all Fossil species are well documented and regulated to ensure both health and happiness. Documents are often offered to Trainers in the event they wish to show off their new partner's' pedigree and good grooming.

An unexpected side effect of this regulation is the advent of pedigrees in Fossil 'mons. Just like the grand events to show off purebred Furfrou and Meowth, Fossil aficionados will often tout their partners as the perfect example of their species. This actually benefits the species as a whole due to the human-assisted expansion of a very limited gene pool!

This public adoration may be a net positive for the Pokémon themselves, but they are no longer the same organisms they were in the past. Many Collectors and Fanatics view this as an unavoidable flaw in the object of their obsession.

[prof-cycad]

Hey Cycad, I’ve fairly recently picked up a decent handful of aquatic fossil Pokémon, namely a Kabuto and several Anorith. I’m trying to keep on top of everyone’s health, but I’m a little worried that I don’t know exactly what to check for? Do you have any advice for concerns I should look out for in them, or any common illnesses?

(Because of how I got them I don’t know if they were bred in the modern era or revived but the chances are it’s the latter, if it matters)

-Test

What a great question!

It may come as a surprise, but Anorith and Kabuto are actually very similar when it comes to medical needs! The most common issues (fungal infections and calcium deficiency) are those found in any aquatic invertebrate. Supplements that help boost the water's calcium level are in such demand that they can be purchased at some PokéMarts!

Personally, I recommend keeping the Anorith and Kabuto apart. Anorith are predators that specialized in cracking hard shells of Omanyte and the earlier relatives of Kabuto, so safety must come first. Anorith were alive so long ago that they were some of the only predatory creatures in the seas, so they can prove to be quite fierce.

A word of advice from someone who kept many a Kabuto: don't forget to take them out for walks on dry land. As they mature, they spend more and more time crawling out of the water. This behavior may seem a little scary for an aquatic Pokémon but it actually strengthens their gills in preparation for Evolution! If they spend too much time submerged during their early years they can become stunted and frail.

Best of luck to you and your new Pokémon! If you're still worried about caring for such special creatures, I recommend getting to know each one individually. Spending quality time with your Pokémon not only helps strengthen the bond between Pokémon and Trainer but allows for up close and personal observation! What some call scrapbooking others call data collection!

-Professor Cycad, Vesper Isle Laboratory.

[prof-cycad]

(ooc: i absolutely SMASHED my foot at work moving a pallet and i had to console myself. if only i had a klefki to blast my foot with a pink energy beam.)

The mysterious power of Fairy Types is a hotbed of scientific controversy but the results cannot be ignored. Most Fairy Types can heal the injuries of others, which gave rise to the modern style of treatment in Pokémon Centers.

A recent case study has shown that even Klefki, which was originally believed to lack any healing abilities, can help patients to a limited degree. A Trainer who grievously hurt their foot while moving a stubborn Graveler had their injury fully healed after their partner Klefki focused on the foot!

[prof-cycad]

Another note from Professor Cycad, this time a few excerpts from emails.

“We keep getting cases from Po Town, and they’re getting worse.

What started off as a few Loudred losing their voices and a couple bruised Wimpod have turned into severely poisoned Yungoos and discolored Grimer. Team Skull has been very helpful to our cause of helping Pokemon, and we want to return the favor. 

I’ll set out with Lab Assistants Vale and Ripley, alongside my Muk, Garbodor and Weezing, to help Team Skull clean up their hangout and stay safe. We can’t keep acting like they’re Team Rocket instead of some hoodlums.

Please keep me updated on your Golisopod’s shedding issue. Humidity and cold water are the best ideas to help ease those old shell plates off. I may be a Poison Type expert, but Bug Types are a close second.”

[prof-cycad]

A note from Professor Cycad:

“While cleaning out some of the old-school tech left behind by the Lab’s previous owners, I came across a totally ancient PC shoved between a few crates. After booting it up and shooing the Joltiks off of the hardware inside, the whole system was infested with Porygon! There must’ve still been 20 non-corrupted individuals stuck in legacy coding.

Moving them directly from 30 year old Pokemon Center Computers to a new age Laboratory System must’ve been a shock, but now they are safe and sound in a program made only to house Porygon. 

My theory is that when the PC was retired, a few “wild” Porygon sneaked in from another infected computer and dwelled in the comfort of an empty Pokemon Storage device. Once the power was cut, the Pokemon entered a form of stasis much like a very very long sleep.”

[prof-cycad]

Contrary to popular belief, Diglett and Dugtrio do have bottom halves. Their bottom half is very similar to that of Morpeko but with large claws made for digging.

The rumors and conjecture relating to Diglett’s backside is akin to a cautionary tale to told children. When pulled out of the ground, Diglett will either bite or scratch their captor. This defensive behavior can seriously harm young and curious children and thus had to be warned of!

Diglett and Dugtrio very rarely leave their burrows, but often scamper out of them when faced with pavement or asphalt. This has lead to many inexperienced or unwary Diglett being preyed upon by Fearow or Meowth.

[prof-cycad]

While staying in Galar for a few weeks to study brumation behaviors in Toxtricity, I had the chance to attend one of the orchestral performances in Hammerlocke!

Neither my Pokemon or myself do well with exceptionally loud noises, but it was an enjoyable experience. The person next to us had a Noibat (I thought they were incredibly sound-sensitive??) that absolutely adored the performance!

Apparently, well trained Exploud can produce sounds identical to Brass instruments like the Kalosian horn or trumpet!

-Cycad

[prof-cycad]

Tangela and Tangrowth, known for their ensnaring vines, sometimes produce small yellowish berries in the late Autumn months. These berries have a very hard pit, and are covered in a thin yellow skin.

Curiously, these are not how Tangrowth reproduces. Mature Tangrowth produce runners that break off into little Tangela once grown enough. The astringent little fruits were used in the prehistoric past as an ingredient in yellow dyes.

Scientists are unsure why Tangela and Tangrowth grow these berries, but they may be a deterrent to the Pokemon that often feed on them.