So I decided to randomly write something completely off the wall and I quite like my idea. It is no where near the commitment my other stories are like which suits my hectic life perfectly. This is was inspired by A Beginners Guide to Pokemon by Thanos6 so much so its almost become something I should reference since I shouldn't lie I have stolen some ideas from them which I do apologise for. The story is in my favourites so do check it out.
As I was reading it I was essentially inspired as a biologist/zoologist to think about how pokemon would act in the wild if they were to exist. All we really get are pokedex entries with little bits of information so using these, their design inspirations and my knowledge on animals in our world I figured I'd sort of write about my own theories and head-canons on what pokemon get up to in the wild.
This first chapter is sort of set up explaining some of the laws of the pokemon world with respects to having pokemon as wild animals. Next chapter I will start with the actual pokemon reports.
The best thing about this is I am willing to take requests about which pokemon I should do next from anyone who reviews otherwise I will just choose randomly when i feel like it. So please review and let me know what you think :)
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: A Zoologists guide to life outside the Pokéball
By Professor Baobob
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Hello, and Welcome to a World of Pokémon like you've never seen it before.
My name is Professor Baobab, for those of you who don't know who I am. I am a world class Pokémon Professor specialising in the study of wild Pokémon in the field and the book you are now reading is my comprehensive encyclopaedia of Pokémon and how they exist within nature. Pokémon are studied for the most part based around their interactions with humans – whether it be with trainers, breeders or otherwise – This book's main focus however will be the biology and ecology of Pokémon in their natural habitat.
Of course Pokémon and Humans are innately linked and many Pokémon cannot survive or grow to their fullest potential without human influence. An excellent example of this would be Magnemite and Magneton who only live in areas where electric and magnetic fields are in abundance such as major cities. In this case a symbiotic relationship has been produced where these Pokémon rely on humans and their abundant use of electricity to survive. Hence It will be necessary to go into some details of human influence on Pokémon and their influence on us.
It should also be noted that Pokémon are very unique and varied life forms so much so that if they were the only creatures to exist on this planet they would without doubt go extinct. Many people fail to realise the importance of normal animals in maintaining the ecology of Pokémon. Normal animals sustain the environments in which Pokémon live often balancing the effects that Pokémon have on the environment. They also provide an essential food source to the omnivorous and carnivorous species of Pokémon such as Druddigon and Fearow. So while this is a study of Pokémon please be aware that there is a plethora of other life both supporting and supported by these creatures.
Now to the actual meat of what this book is and how it will work. This book is made up of many studies of various species of Pokémon found all across the globe. Each study will be based on the entire evolutionary line of a Pokémon as in the wild Pokémon evolution is an essential part of the lifecycle of many species of Pokémon. These studies will include relevant details on their behaviour, reproduction, evolution, and distribution. There will be little order to this book due to the difficulty of studying some Pokémon in the wild. Sentret for example are highly abundant and hence can easily be studied, studying Flygon however is difficult since Flygon are often solitary and can have an enormous home range making it very difficult to properly study. So while this book's studies are highly detailed, it is (for now at least) incomplete. One day perhaps this book will include every Pokémon in the known world however we all know that with the constant discovery of new Pokémon this will likely never happen. Truly it is a shame.
Finally, this book is of course subject to change, note that within the past decade the emergence of the fairy typing threw the scientific field and even the world into disarray changing a lot of what we know about Pokémon. So whatever edition you are reading will only be accurate to the date of edition release.
And so without further ado, let me introduce you to the World of Pokémon like you've never seen it before. Let me tell you about these fantastic beasts and where you will find them.
What is a Pokémon?
The question of what a pokémon is, is a difficult one. Despite this you could place a caterpillar and a Caterpie in front of even a child and even they would tell you that the Caterpie was the pokémon. While most pokémon both resemble and act like animals many do not, taking the form of plants, inanimate objects or even more exotic forms. All however are closely related and despite pokemon having unknown origins they all share incredibly similar genetic codes suggesting perhaps a common ancestor to all pokémon. However, this is just one of the many mysteries surrounding pokémon and is a subject that is far too vast and off topic for the likes of this book.
As far as we are aware there are two things that separate a pokémon from an animal the first is the several fantastical powers that pokémon possess. Whether it be manipulation of fire and electricity or the causation of monumental events such as storms and meteor summoning. The power of pokémon is vast and incredible and sometimes downright terrifying.
Fortunately, these powers are not subject to mindless beasts that can cause catastrophe at will. No, the second difference between animal and pokémon is intelligence. While the intelligence of pokemon is variable it has been proven that all pokémon have the potential to be as intelligent or even more so than humans. This proven by their ability to work with a trainer in battle and their ability to understand the human language. This has been confirmed by pokémon with the capabilities to speak to both Humans and pokémon through powers such as telepathy.
This however raises the question as to why pokémon don't just constantly battle against each other and us for supremacy. The simple answer is they don't feel the need to. pokémon are not bound by human nature. While humans can become overly greedy, envious or dare I say it overly lustful, pokémon do not appear to be effected by such things either this or they can exercise greater control than we can. This is not to say that all pokémon are perfect, pokémon must survive too and will go to more extreme lengths if they need to. However, you should all know by now that NO pokémon is inherently evil and all can be befriended to become powerful friends and allies.
My colleague and close friend Professor Samuel Oak is the current leading scientist in this field of pokémon science and has spent his entire life studying the interactions between humans and Pokémon.
Some Pokémon also appear to undergo a type of metamorphosis during their life known as evolution. Normal metamorphosis happens in some animals such as insects and amphibians this happens over a long period of time and can be quite drastic. In pokémon it is even more phenomenal. Pokemon evolution is the changing of a pokémon from one form to another stronger, often larger, form. This takes place in a matter of seconds to minutes and is activated with various complex genetic triggers.
There is a multitude of ways to activate these genetic triggers which are essential to know about in studying pokémon ecology as this heavily effects the life cycle of many pokémon. The genetic trigger can be activated through age, strength, exposure to radiation, the learning of certain moves and most peculiarly from happiness although the exact triggers are unknown for this specific method. Some of these methods also require a catalyst to trigger evolution, this may be a specific item, time of day or even place in the world.
The final activation factor for evolution is down to the pokémon itself, evolution is very much a conscious decision that pokémon make. In the wild pokémon simply let themselves evolve when they are ready due to the survival benefits of being stronger or larger. However, it is sometimes the case that pokémon become attached to a lower evolutionary form and choose to stay that way for the time being.
Pokémon will only evolve when all the criteria for evolution is met. Forcing a genetic trigger can lead to awful results that can be painful or potentially deadly for the pokémon. I can therefore not convey the importance of not forcing a pokémon you own to evolve if it does not want to. I recommend researching the incident of the red Gyarados at the lake of rage for further evidence as to why forced evolution is a bad idea.
Evolution is one of the great mysteries of pokémon. Why is it that some pokémon evolve and some don't? Why do some pokémon have branched evolutions? Why do pokémon sometimes choose to remain in less evolved forms of themselves? Does this make them less complete? This book may answer some of those questions but once again I will recommend you to my good friend Professor Rowan and his research into Pokémon evolution if you would like to find out more.
Finally, is pokémon reproduction. Pokémon have gained a peculiar trait in that each Pokémon has what is known as an egg group. These are circles of pokémon that are compatible for interbreeding it is thought that these pokémon are more closely related however evidence for this is shallow and contradictory. I truly feel sorry for all those pokémon taxonomists out there.
It is unknown why pokémon egg groups exist but it is likely due to the genetic similarity between different pokémon. In the wild pokémon almost only breed within their own evolutionary lines however there are many exceptions to this. The most popular theory currently as to why egg groups exist is that it increases genetic diversity within a type of pokémon. This can lead to offspring learning new moves previously locked away from them and, although far rarer, the passage of unusual stat spreads and alternate forms for various pokémon. Pokémon variations are however a controversial topic as it is a very recent branch of research with very little surrounding the subject as of yet. Professor Samson Oak is currently in the Alola region researching the phenomenon I greatly look forward to reading into his findings there.
Pokémon types
Now, as mentioned one of the major characteristics of pokémon is the incredible power that they wield. pokémon, depending on their environment and lifestyle will develop an affinity to certain elements. This determines a pokémon's typing. There are 18 currently known types that all interact in different ways in a complex web of relationships akin to an elemental game of rock, paper, scissors. These types are of most interest to trainers for these reasons as battling heavily involves the exploitation of these relationships to do damage to the opposing pokémon. However, through the lifestyle and ecology of a pokémon we can understand how this pokémon has come to possess this typing and its importance in a species survival.
Type classification is rather simple. A pokémon that can summon ice at will no doubt be classified as an ice type. If that pokémon also specialises in the use of their body in physical combat they may also gain the fighting type as a secondary typing. This kind of typing would arise with Pokémon that have evolved to exist in ice cold conditions where it would need to use overwhelming physical power to survive. This fighting type trait could be used to battle for mates or to simply blast through difficult obstacles it may encounter in such an environment.
A pokémon's typing is manifested though it's use of moves. Again this has most interest to trainers due to the variety of moves a pokemon can learn and how they can be used in battle. However, in the wild an ice/fighting type is likely to specialise in moves of this type to help them survive. This pokémon may also be able to use moves of other types such as a water type move. This does show the pokémon has an affinity to this type however it is far overwhelmed by the other two types leaving it largely ignored. This move however will have been learned in order to increase the survivability of the pokémon. Perhaps this pokémon once lived in the water or perhaps it is simply making up for its weakness against fire type pokémon allowing it to defend against fire type predators.
Pokemon moves in the wild are used for survival and are often learned at the stage of life when they need such abilities. The Pokémon League states that pokémon only have the ability to learn four moves or at least only 4 moves may be allowed to a pokemon in battle. However, this has not been proven to be the case in the wild. more research into this is required.
As mentioned there are 18 types and like evolution these are essential to the ecology of Pokémon and so I will give a basic run down as to the characteristics of each pokémon typing.
Normal: not really a type but more of a lack of typing. Normal type pokemon are not strongly affiliated with the other 17 types however they if there is some affiliation to an element they may gain a secondary elemental typing. They are found all across the globe, in every possible habitat their greatest trait is there adaptability allowing them great fluidity in life style. A prime example of this is Eevee.
Flying: This is a strange typing since there is not much that defines a flying type pokemon other than the ability to fly. However, the ability to fly is of course not an elemental affinity in most cases but a simple ability hence there are no confirmed sole flying types outside of rumours. All flying types have a secondary typing with most being normal and others having an affinity to the other typing making them more unique. Of course not all pokemon with the ability to fly are known as flying types for example Dustox and Beedrill. This is because both their types vastly outweigh the small flying trait that they have. Much like Normal types these have enourmous global distribution and while secondary typing may link in to their preferred habitats it is safe to say that wherever you go you are likely to see a flying type pokemon.
Grass: A strange variety of pokémon that blurs the line between plant and animal. It is a known fact that grass pokemon must possess cells with a cell wall and vacuole in some section of their body and the proportion of animal to plant tissue often defines it's exact typing. Grass types are in my opinion one of the most interesting pokémon due to their environmental powers and ability to potentially create even forests in arid places. Grass types are most often found in temperate climates preferring habitats with lots of sunlight, water and shelter. Carnivorous species amongst grass types are rare but do exist.
Water: The most abundant typing in the world. Not surprising due to the enormous percentage of the world that is covered in water. Water types have the remarkable ability that no other type has in that they can control the bodies water to produce a variety of effects. This can allow them to live in water, shoot powerful jets and even become pure water themselves. This does come at the price that all water type pokemon need water to continue survival and while all can survive on land for prolonged periods of time (even fish-like pokemon) all must at some point return to the water.
Fire: All fire types have somehow managed to incorporate fire into their very biology through a range of ways. Some mystically, some chemically, some even literally. There is no other set rule that defines a fire type due to the differences in their ability to manipulate their personal blazes and so each study will go into detail as to how each pokemon produces their flames. They tend to prefer drier habitats such as mountains and deserts but some have a fairly extensive range.
Poison: Poison types are incredible. All toxins from pokemon appear to originate from the same original molecule meaning they are all treatable with the same drugs however each toxin has apparently evolved independently in each species. Hence, almost every poison type has a unique application to these toxins. Whether they are used to break down food, capture prey or defend themselves all toxins remain peculiarly similar. Poison types can be found almost anywhere, some prefer urban environments these are often trash eaters however some do prefer forests and caves these are normally eat natural products.
Electric: fast, powerful and often fragile electric types are truly the glass cannons of the pokemon world. All electric types have adapted what we call electrocytes in their cells. These can be localized to electrical organs like pikachu's cheeks or can run through the entire body like in a tynamo. These electrocytes work in the same way as in an electric eel however are much more powerful and much more potent. Like Normal Type pokemon have a vast range, they prefer wide open spaces like fields where they can run however smaller species prefer the shelter of forests. Some only exist in areas of intense electro-magnatic radiation like cities or mountains.
Ice: Ice types are similar to water types however what sets them apart is their ability to use cryogenic chemicals to keep their internal water stable at freezing or near freezing. They have learned to use this in a plethora of ways to ensure their survival in some of the planet's most difficult environments. It is not a stretch to say that Ice types prefer cooler temperatures and therefore are less widely dispersed than most pokemon. They do often move away from the frigid regions of the world in winter for food however.
Bug: Bug type pokémon are made up of pokemon that resemble insects, arachnids or other arthropods but not all count as bug types (looking at the crustacean-like pokemon here). They have an affinity to sound or light effects produced by their moves and often have a larval stage. These also have an enormous distribution perhps more so than most Normal types. Most do prefer forests however.
Ground: Ground types are another odd one to define, they tend to enjoy burrowing in sand, dirt and clay which makes up a large amount of their diet and often body composition. They all have an innate connection with the earth and appear to harness its power. Strong and sturdy defines the ground type perfectly. Ground types are split into two types, either they love water or the HATE it. This is what normally determines their favoured habitats.
Rock: Rock types use heavy minerals to augment their body. The amount of which determines there exact typing as many rock types also have a ground secondary typing. They often eat rocks themselves and spend most of their lives in mountainous or cavernous areas. They are known to be often nigh unbreakable and highly defensive. Rock types for the most part cannot stand water and so avoid large amounts of it by living deep in the mountains and deserts of the world.
Steel: similar to rock types steel take mineral augmentation to the next level augmenting themselves with purer more metallic minerals. Pure Steel types are very rare due to the rarity of the metal they need for their diet. Pure steel types often gain their energies through methods outside of food like the photosynthetic ferrothorn or rarely eat at all, probopass. It is likely only through human intervention that steel types exist at all since we can easily produce the pure metals they crave most.
Fighting: Fighting types are a lineage of pokémon that have taken to body augmentation through the use of martial arts and combat. They are often masters of battle which often becomes central to their lifestyle and survival. Through such mastery they can use a mystical power called chi which they use in battle. Humans can also achieve the ability to use this power. The use of this ability however requires them to adhere to a strict code of honour making them very disciplined and morally strong even in their natural habitats. Fighting types can be uncommon in many places you they are most likely to be found up in the mountains.
Dark: Dark types are not evil! It is essential to destroy this misconception surrounding them. Yes, it is true that they enjoy the dark, are generally cunning and mischievous however that does not mean they are evil. Dark types command a strange energy that has no real known source. All we know is that it is associated with darkness and shadow dispels the psi power of psychic types and is repelled by Fighting types chi. Is it simple coincidence scientists use the term dark matter to explain the unexplainable?
Ghost: Ghost types are another unexplainable phenomenon. They are characterised only by their ability to transverse through solid objects they can use this both offensively and defensively when attacking other pokemon. The origins of ghost type pokemon is unknown. Are they really the spirits of the dead? Are they the result of something less or more spiritual? Do they simply act like ghosts due to Human stigma or did they create the concepts of ghosts themselves?
Dragon: Dragons are almost always reptilian in nature and have bodies that contain huge amounts of immense internal energy which they wield with volcanic potency. Very little can go up against a raging dragon due to their power however Ice appears to be the best absorber of dragon's energy and the new fairy types are immune to a dragon's power for currently unknown reasons. It should be noted that Dragon types are rare, solitary creatures often with enormous territories seeing a dragon type in the wild can be a once in a life time deal for most.
Psychic: A powerful type that uses the mental energy of psi to effect the world around them. They are often attracted to areas with high spiritual levels and hence have peculiar lifestyles. An even more peculiar factor is the effect they have on humans and their ability to give certain humans psychic powers of their own.
Fairy: the last of the 18 types and the most recently discovered or rediscovered as some suggest. Research is going into this type in an attempt to figure out what links these pokémon. Heavy influences and archaeological references to the moon may be a factor. We will hopefully have a better idea of what a fairy type is in the future but for more information I suggest looking to Professor Sycamore's research on the subject.
Space, dimensions and legendaries
The world of pokémon is Vast with a capital 'V'. As such there are pokémon that cannot be studied ecologically because they fall outside this scope. Many pokemon fall into the realms of stories and are known as mythical or legendary pokémon. This is not a book of mythology however and so there will be few studies on legendary pokémon if at all.
The main reason is that, Legendary pokémon are extraordinarily rare so rare their very existence is under constant debate. Seeing one is not even a once in a lifetime opportunity. Many legendary pokemon are thought to be the only one of their kind, these generally fall into the category of myth. However, there are some that may have larger populations. One confirmed example is Shaymin which according to various sources congregate in a random flower patch across the globe annually. However, tracking down which flower patch they will congregate at is an impossibility without following a Shaymin there. This in itself is hard since they seem to vanish at every other time of year making them impossible to study in an ecological sense.
Another type of pokémon that we have an impossibility of studying is pokémon that are seemingly extra-terrestrial or even extra-dimensional. It sounds ridiculous and unscientific I know but they do exist. Unown are a prime example, on their own they appear to phase in and out of the world randomly with no rhyme or reason. Together they can distort reality and apparently have the ability to open portals to other dimensions. It is downright terrifying fact that such power exists and to be honest I am quite glad we cannot study them for this reason. As for pokémon that are potentially from space, there is rarely any concrete evidence to prove it however there are many things we don't know about pokémon that could be explained with origins in space. Why is clefairy so enchanted by the moon? Why does Starmie flash its jewel towards the night sky? How do we explain the origins of meteorite pokémon like Lunatone and Solrock? Do they come from space or is there a more rational reason for such behaviours?
There are many things we do not understand about pokémon and how they behave and many mysteries around their origins. There are things we simply will not be able to explain beyond mere conjecture and rumour. One day these mysteries may be uncovered but until then these exciting mysteries will remain.