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Nidoran (Nidorina, Nidoqueen | Nidorino, Nidoking)
Cantorpice camporex

Overview

The African savannahs are home to some of the most iconic pokémon species. Predators such as pyroar, thermpent, garchomp, and sahellion stalk the plains. Large prey species have become incredibly powerful to deal with these predators. Examples include southern copperajah, rhydon, girafarig, plains hippowdon, cape tauros, nidoking, and nidoqueen. Most of these are not well suited for the average trainer by virtue of being too big, too aggressive, or both. The nidoran line are the most docile of the great savannah herbivores. They can become phenomenally powerful but are generally well behaved so long as evolution is avoided or handled properly. It is perhaps unsurprising that a few would eventually be imported to Alola as exotic pets, only to escape and establish themselves in eastern Ula'Ula.

The main problem when raising nidoran is their dangerous venom. A sting can be fatal if untreated. Nidoran are usually good at controlling their spines, but a sudden surprise during a grooming session can become an emergency. Antivenom is commercially available, if expensive. It also requires constant refrigeration and replacement at least once every three months.

Trainers willing to run the risk of an accidental sting may find nidoran to be powerful, friendly, and intelligent partners.

Physiology

Nidoran, nidorino, and nidorina are classified as pure poison-types. Nidoking and nidoqueen are classified as dual poison- and ground-types. There is some dispute as to the classification of nidorino, nidorina, and their evolutions. They possess extraordinary strength and bravery like a Class II fighting type. However, nidoqueen and nidoking have potent terrakinesis, making a ground-typing more justified. There is a general reluctance to give three stages of the line three different typings.

Nidoran are stout quadrupeds. They have large incisors, whiskers, and ears like rodents. Despite the resemblance, nidoran's closest relatives are actually copperajah and donphan. The males typically have purple fur and pink skin while the females have teal fur and grey skin. Females have larger whiskers and a more sensitive sense of smell. Males have more muscles around their ears to help move the ears to almost any angle. Their ears are also slightly larger. Between the two adaptations they have a better sense of hearing than the female. They can also flap their ears to cool them down on hot days. Nidoran have incomplete thermoregulation and are unable to remain active in extremely hot and cold temperatures.

The most potent of nidoran's adaptations is their venom. Both sexes have horns on their head that can inject a formidable hemotoxin. The venom released in a single scratch can kill a human child or severely injure an adult male. Their body is lined in quills of modified hair that can also inject smaller amounts of venom. Not every prick of a quill injects venom. Unless a quill wound is accompanied by intense pain it is not necessary to inject antivenom.

Nidorina's ears have grown to the same proportional size and complexity as a male nidoran. Their forehead horn atrophies into a mere stub that cannot secrete venom. In exchange several clusters of quills on the back grow longer and connect to stronger venom glands. The muscles in their arms and legs strengthen and their claws grow longer and sharper. Nidorina prefer to deal with smaller attackers with brute strength alone, only using venom to deter foes much larger than them.

The pokémon's vocal chords also become far more complex as they grow. Nidorina can create a variety of sounds in and above the pitches that humans can hear. Their language often sounds like singing. All stages and sexes sing, but nidorina and nidoqueen have the most diverse vocal chords and are the most prolific singers. Nidoran language is believed to have syntax, pronouns, and potentially adverbs. Multiple pokémon singing together can create an ultrasonic pattern that unnerves nearby pokémon and humans.

Nidorino gain a longer and harder horn. Their venom is ordinarily less potent than that of a nidoran but when adrenaline begins to flow their venom becomes stronger. Nidorino's neck and leg muscles strengthen to allow for charging opponents and burying their horn into their hide. The resulting stab wound and venom injection can take down some of the largest threats on the savannah. Nidorino also gain a ridge of bony spikes on their back. These spikes do not contain venom but do make it harder to bite down on the pokémon. Nidorino's quills are still venomous, but not nearly as much as their horn. The pokémon's upper incisors grow out to become small tusks.

Nidoqueen are much taller and bulkier pokémon than nidorina. They still have quills on their back. The quills on the front have been replaced with layers of armor formed from bone plates covered by thick hide. Nidoqueen's bones are sturdy enough to withstand pyroar bites. The armor around their groin and chest is stronger than steel. A ridge of bone spines grows along the back. The area immediately around the ridge is free of quills. A nidoqueen can put an unruly nidoran on their back and move the spines so that they hold the baby in place while the nidoqueen goes about her business. If a nidoqueen must fight they prefer to rely on tackles and terrakinesis.

Nidoking's horns are even larger than those of a nidorino. They can be charged up with elemental energy to perform horn drill attacks capable of breaking diamonds and penetrating any armor. Their tail has grown long and powerful enough to break a copperajah's leg in a single swing. While their hide is less durable than a nidoqueen's, a nidoking is still capable of shrugging off low caliber gunshots without flinching. Their arms are strong enough that they can grapple with a rhydon or garchomp.

Nidorino and nidorina that do not evolve live up to ten years in the wild or twenty in captivity. Nidoking and nidoqueen can live for thirty years in the wild or fifty in captivity. When standing bipedally nidoking are about five feet tall. They typically weigh three to four hundred pounds. Nidoqueen are usually around six feet tall when standing bipedally. They typically weigh about five hundred pounds.

Behavior

Nidoran live in clans that typically consist of a nidoqueen, a nidoking, one to two dozen nidorina and nidorina, and another twenty to forty nidoran. The nidoking and nidoqueen maintain an elaborate burrow system for the clan. There are specialized latrine, nursery, sleeping, and socializing chambers. Most species with large burrow networks have multiple exits to facilitate escape. Nidoran's only has one. The nidoqueen can usually be found guarding the entrance during the day and night.

Nidoran are most active around dusk and dawn when their incomplete thermoregulation is less of a hindrance. The nidoran scatter out to forage while the nidoking and nidoqueen keep watch over them. Smaller groups of nidoran are supervised by nidorino and nidorina that can defend the nidoran from mid-size predators. The largest predators are dealt with by the nidoking and/or nidoqueen.

Nidoran, nidorino, and nidorina eat tubers, roots, grasses, and other vegetation that can be found on the ground. Nidoqueen and nidoking eat more leaves, fruits, and bark. Their legs allow them to stand upright more easily to access higher food. When this fails they can simply knock down trees. Sometimes particularly abundant fruit trees will be toppled for the smaller members of the clan to feed on.

Aside from the nidoking and nidoqueen, nidoran clans are rather egalitarian. Smaller cliques tend to form within the clan where different nidoran, nidorina, and nidorino associate primarily within the clique. Recent research has revealed that these are often family groups where a pair of nidorino and nidorina stays close to their offspring and siblings. If one clique begins to bully another the nidoqueen will usually step in and chastise the aggressors. The family of the nidoqueen and nidoking may receive some preferential treatment when sleeping chambers are allocated. The research is inconclusive on this point as observing the inside of a nidoran burrow is extremely difficult.

On days that are warm but not hot nidoran have been observed sleeping in heaps under the sunlight. The nidoqueen or nidoking will keep watch over the rest as they sleep.

Nidoran communicate with each other primarily through song. There is some evidence that nidoran have individual names. Males sing more than females and older specimens more than younger ones. The nidoking sings the most. The nidoqueen is usually the second most vocal individual in the clan. Her call sign appears to be used more often by other clan members than the nidoking's.

The nidoking and nidoqueen seldom have children of their own as it would take away from time spent looking after the entire clan. Nidorina and nidorino do most of the breeding and child rearing. The nidoqueen occasionally steps in to help first-time parents or raise orphaned nidoran.

Older mated males begin to search for meteorites imbued with enough energy to trigger evolution. He will use the first he finds on himself. Unpaired nidoking tend to form small clans of their own. These clans are extremely territorial of known meteorite locations and will fight and kill herbivorous pokémon and humans who approach. The government of Zululand regularly declares culls of bachelor nidoking clans.

When a nidoking finds a second meteorite he returns to his original clan and gifts it to his mate. Following her evolution the new nidoking and nidoqueen will challenge the existing ones. If the new pair are defeated in battle they will be forced out of the clan. Their immediate family will often follow them and form the foundation of a new clan. If the new pair are victorious, the old nidoking will be slain. The old nidoqueen may either be slain, exiled, or allowed to stick around to help take care of newborn nidoran. If either the nidoking or nidoqueen has already died when they are challenged the remaining one will usually cede power voluntarily and assist the new reigning couple.

Husbandry

Nidoran are highly social creatures. If raised alone they will demand a great deal of their trainer and teammates' time. They expect to be groomed and will in turn attempt to groom allies, including their trainer. Nidoran grooming can be dangerous due to their venom. Thick handling gloves are recommended. Trainers are strongly recommended to raise a male and female nidoran together. This will reduce the pokémon's anxiety and codependency on their trainer and other pokémon. Some trainers refuse to raise two nidoran together as it reduces the bond the pokémon has with its trainer. Any trainer who wants to raise a single nidoran should accept that they will have to play with their pokémon every morning and evening and cuddle with the nidoran most nights. This requires wearing handling costumes at night. A pair of nidoran will groom, play, and cuddle with each other.

A pair of nidoran raised together will often see their trainer as a nidoking or nidoqueen. They are a powerful protector and authority figure who will step in to help them when needed but will otherwise keep their distance. This requires the trainer to actually provide for and protect their pokémon. Serious battle injuries will dramatically undercut the pokémon's faith in their trainer. Nidorino and nidorina are a bit more independent and have a higher tolerance for battle injuries. They will also expect more personally attention from their trainer than nidorina and nidorino do. Battle coaching can satisfy some of this need. Grooming and play can fill the rest.

Nidoking and nidoqueen will often become protective of their trainer and teammates. The nidoqueen will take on a nurturing role. The nidoking will become aggressive when he believes his trainer or team are threatened. Nidoking that were born in captivity will usually understand the concept of trainer battles and will not become hostile if his teammates sustain minor injuries.

All but the final stages of the line should be fed a mix of vegetables, seeds, and hay with fruit given as an occasional treat. Nidoking and nidoqueen should be fed a mix of bark, leaves, vegetables, twigs, fruits, nuts, and flowers. Individuals may have preferences for different foods. These can be allowed to make up a greater share of the diet so long as all necessary nutrients are provided. All stages expect to be fed around dusk and dawn.

It is easy to housebreak all stages as they are used to having latrine chambers in their burrow complex. Enclosed litter boxes are greatly preferred. It is usually impractical to have an enclosed litterbox for nidoking and nidoqueen. They can be taught to use a litter pan instead. Nidoran waste, or hyaceum, is an ingredient in some traditional medicines and perfumes. Trainers can recoup some of the cost of raising the pokémon by selling the hyaceum.

Nidoking and nidoqueen love to burrow. Many trainers have had their home's foundation cracked when their pokémon decided to expand the home with a series of tunnels and chambers underneath it. Having a dedicated burrowing area some distance from the home helps. It may also be worth hiring a translation service to ensure that the pokémon knows not to damage buildings' foundations.

Illness

Nidoran are very hardy and not prone to illness. They are notable carriers of leishmaniasis, a parasite that can cause skin sores or organ damage in humans. Newly acquired nidoran should be tested for the parasite.

Castration is usually a serious consideration for highly aggressive male pokémon that will not be bred. Nidoking is one of the rare cases where castration does not decrease aggression. The opposite may be true instead as the pokémon will see itself as wounded and become more concerned with displays of strength to deter real or imagined attackers.

Evolution

Nidoran naturally evolve into nidorino or nidorina after about three years. In captivity this process can be significantly shorted. Sexual maturity is the formal demarcation line between nidoran and their evolutions.

Nidorino and nidorina can be evolved by certain meteorites infused with elemental energy. These can be purchased from specialty mineral stores. Some high end pokémon goods stores will also be able to obtain them with a few days' notice. The meteorites, commonly refused to as 'moon stones' in the industry, can be very expensive. Trainers may need to spend upwards of five or even ten thousand dollars to obtain one. Nidorino have some ability to sense nearby moon stones and may be able to excavate one themselves. Always consult with the property owner before digging.

The truly difficult part of evolution is not the process itself, rather it is dealing with the aftermath. Nidoqueen and nidoking are not used to submitting to anyone. A trainer who raised them for some time and then provided a moon stone will receive some level of deference. It is strongly recommended that the nidorina and nidorino not be evolved at once. Upon evolution the pokémon will challenge its trainer to a battle. If defeated by another teammate the nidoking will be much more submissive. If victorious they will be rebellious and often violent until the trainer manages to defeat them in battle.

This situation can be avoided by not evolving both a nidorino and nidorina at the same time. If the nidorino is evolved first the nidoking will not attempt to challenge their trainer's authority until their mate has also evolved. Trainers should be careful not to evolve the nidorina as well until they have another pair of pokémon that can defeat the two in battle.

Evolving the nidorina first can lead to the male becoming somewhat standoffish with the trainer as this dynamic is never seen in nature. The nidorino can confuse the trainer as a rival for his mate's affections. If the nidorino is later evolved he will remain wary of the trainer but usually not ask for a proving battle. This is usually the safest option.

Trainers only raising a nidorino or nidorina without a mate will not usually experience behavioral problems following evolution.

Battle

Nidoking is a mainstay in international competitive battling. They are ferociously strong, highly venomous, and more than willing to do battle. Nidoking are usually used as wallbreakers that can sue their immense strength and middling speed to take out slow-but-durable opponents. Nidoking's earthquake and earth power attacks are also especially effective against rock and steel types, the premier physical walls of most circuits. Nidoking and nidoqueen also have deep and varied elemental wells that can be used alongside their physical power. Ice beam can be used to take out flying opponents while flamethrower can handle magnezone and avalugg.

Nidoqueen are seen less than their male counterparts but are still very effective. They have about half the physical strength of nidoking and a shallower elemental well. In exchange they are much more durable. Nidoqueen typically act as support pokémon that set up toxic spikes and stealth rocks. When they are done setting hazards they can go on the offense.

Nidorino and male nidoran are naturally aggressive in combat and prefer to be proactive. They will charge opponents in the hopes of stinging them with their horn or doing damage with their claws. Like their evolution, nidorino and nidoran have relatively deep elemental wells. Trainers with the money to afford TMs may find ice beam useful as it can handle fliers that ordinarily can stay out of reach of the grounded pokémon.

Nidorina and female nidoran are naturally cautious and prefer to stay on the defense. Female nidoran can scratch and stab opponents that get close. Nidorina have more strength and often try to slash or grapple with enemies.

None of the lower stages possess the terrakinesis of nidoking and nidoqueen. This can leave them unable to seriously harm the rock and steel-types that their evolutions can easily take down. The lower stages work best as scrappers that can tank a hit if needed. They may also get more use out of setting toxic spikes.

The real weapon of the lower stages is their venom. It can devastate most organic opponents. Some species may even be killed outright. Professionals can afford to keep enough antivenom around to heal injured opponents. Casual trainers usually cannot. This makes venom prohibitively expensive for all but the most serious of fights.

Acquisition

Wild specimens can be found in eastern Ula'Ula, particularly on Route 12. Nidoran, nidorino, and nidorina can be obtained with a Class III license. Nidoking and nidoqueen can be obtained with a Class IV license. Nidorino and nidorina can usually be captured without the nidoking or nidoqueen interceding. Some nidorino are eager to go with a trainer for the greater chance of evolving. Nidoran capture usually requires a display of strength to the nidoking or nidoqueen. Outright victory is not required, but at least some competency must be shown. Capturing the nidoking or nidoqueen will require defeating them. Even then the pokémon might be angry and attempt to return to its clan. For this reason capture is not recommended.

Breeding

In the wild most breeding is done by pairs of nidorino and nidorina. After a seven-month pregnancy the nidorina will give birth to two offspring. Related females assist in childrearing. The nidoran do not leave the burrow until they are nearly two months old. They do not leave their mother's side for another two to three months.

Nidoking and nidoqueen remain fertile. In the wild they usually do not reproduce as it would distract them from their duties. Captive nidoking and nidoqueen do not have these responsibilities and have been known to reproduce. The nidoqueen will handle most of the childrearing but appreciates assistance from her trainer. Nidoking may be willing to watch the offspring as his mate sleeps. Nidoqueen should not be used in battle while pregnant or nursing. Pokéball use is not recommended for nidoran until they are four months old. The nidoran's parents can get nervous when they cannot see their children. For nidorino and nidorina this can be dealt with easily enough. A nervous nidoking can destroy a building.

Interspecies breeding is difficult but not impossible. Known crosses include copperajah, donphan, heatmor, and slaking. There are unverified reports of crossbreeding with the six-eyed raticate. Cross breeding is easiest in captivity. Nidoking and nidoqueen are far more likely to crossbreed than nidorino and nidorina.

Relatives

Nidoran are naturally only found in Zululand and Namibia. Captive populations have escaped and begun breeding around the world. Once established they can become very difficult to deal with due to their venom and the raw power of nidoking and nidoqueen. Some countries have intentionally introduced them to certain areas as a tourist attraction or potential military asset. The government of Anahuac introduced several clans of nidoking to provinces near the border with the United States. The intention was that the nidoking and nidoqueen would react poorly to large military convoys passing through their territory and might slow down any invading army. The strategy's effectiveness has yet to be seen.