Pumpkaboo
Ghost/Grass
Non-standard: see Breeding
Gourgeist
Ghost/Grass
Non-standard: see Breeding
Ghostly shepherds and mischief makers. Yet, they can be valuable allies.
Description
Pumpkaboo is a round gourd. The eye spots on the gourd are functional, but mostly serve as decoys. The actual head is in the stem. Gourgeist grows to a larger size, and the stem has grown a large set of vines. The vines serve as arms. Gourgeist now has a whole face carved into the gourd, lit with spectral orange fire from within.
Pumkaboo and Gourgeist are notable among Pokémon for their extreme variance in size and corresponding variance in stats.
Some of these Pokémon enjoy collecting random items and Pickup anything that catches their interests. Ones more dedicated to guarding and protecting can Frisk anything nearby to check for weapons or other threats. The most dedicated protectors have Insomnia.
Battle Characteristics
Gourgeist can learn a mix of Ghost and Grass moves easily. TMs help them harness the fires within them.
The signature move of this line is called Trick or Treat. It is a bit of undead magic that temporarily pulls the target halfway between life and death. The full, five minute version of the spell outright drags a target into a pocket dimension inside the pumpkin. Translations of the spell incantation vary, but they actually take the form of the traditional rhyme: "Trick or Treat, _, give me something good to eat." The complete rhyme/song is takes five minutes, not thirty seconds.
Across the board, Gourgeist has impressive Toughnes, medium Power, and Resistance only a bit higher than its Power. Constitution and Strength increase at larger sizes as Speed decreases.
Legends/Folklore
In regions where the prevailing Legendary Pokémon are Fairy, Dark, or Ghost, there tend to be annual events where the spirits of other worlds are allowed to roam freely for one night. Jack o' Lanterns exist to deceive the wandering spirits and convince them that a home is protected by Pumkaboo and Gourgeist. If an actual Pumkaboo or Gourgeist is guarding, all the better. Sometimes, they will temporarily place a spirit inside a Jack o' Lantern to offer a small degree of protection.
Dressing up as monsters on the night of spirits is used to entertain and bargain with these gourd-ghosts. The tradition of giving out treats is a way of bargaining for their protection. Refusing to give treats is met with a 'trick' as punishment. Note: the costumes must be monstrous in nature to work properly. Simply dressing up as a cowboy or fire fighter will not please them. Keep this in mind if visiting one of the regions where the actual holiday is celebrated.
The largest Gourgeist ever recorded was the size of a house and barely able to move. It was, however, able to extend its vine-arms and guard a massive area. It also could fade between worlds and served as transport for a fearsome god. Sometimes it would let people walk into the mouth of the gourd. What followed varies in the telling, from a night of horror to a night of delights.
Life Cycle/Evolution Conditions
Once they detach from the vine, they are mobile. They have no specific lifespan. Pumkaboo evolves into Gourgeist under a couple circumstances. If they reach a 'quota' of spirits carried to their destinations, they evolve. Consuming energy from the living can help them evolve. They can also evolve if ten spirits they were transporting or housing decide to merge into them.
Diet
Suffering and pain. From the spirits they carry in their gourds, they leach away misery and despair. On the living, they inflict pain. They also adore sweets of all kinds, from fruit to candy.
Breeding
Amorphous Group. They can be male or female as the mood strikes them. They can also reproduce by placing suitable spirits in carved pumpkins permanently. Not all spirits have the required nature to become Pumpkaboo. An egg or developing pumpkin sells for 68,000P.
Wild Behavior/Threat Level
Somewhat dangerous. They like playing pranks and causing pain, but have some standards. They will not target someone who is already in the dumps or hurting. Someone in dire straits may receive aid.
Bonding and Care
Pranking partners can earn their love.
Human/Pokémon Relations
Aside from their appetite for pain, they can be bargained with for protection and aid.
With Family
Should they come to care for a person, they will extend the protection to the whole home.
Team Compatibility
They should get along fine with most teams. Other ghosts may decide to nap in their pumpkins.
Warning
They all have a sadist streak due to their diets. Beware letting them indulge too much.
Summary
Mischief loving, pain causing spirits sacred to the night of spirits.