A/N: This "guide" is based on an informal Pokemon tabletop game my friend and I were playing for just the two of us. I was reviewing my old files when I rediscovered this gathering dust, and I thought it'd be a neat story to show.
But first! Credit where it's due!
This world, Holon, is based on: waapt .wiki. tropi. us /wiki /Holon
The Pokemon-Fakemon "Dinosaw" and "Chainsaur" are the creation of Dragonith ( www. deviantart dragonith) and the information/images are used with their permission given.
The Pokemon-Fakemon for the Bulbasaur variation, "Philippin," and "Smore" are based on Darksilvania's descriptions. Their profile can be found here: www. deviantart darksilvania
Hope you all enjoy!
THE TRAVELER'S GUIDE TO HOLON
By, Leif Mangrove
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
INTRODUCTION
SAUR AND CONQUERED
NATURALLY SELECTING YOU
GETTING STONED
I LIKE BIG BOTS
POKÉMON (by habitat)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This travel guide couldn't be possible without everyone who so graciously welcomed me to Holon. I would like to thank the professors Maple, Hazel, Ivy, and of course my uncle Mangrove for letting me get the first look of the Institute's secrets! While the professors were too busy with their research to give official interviews, they more than happily sacrificed—er, volunteered— their assistants for the job. I would like to thank these assistant researchers for speaking with me about their studies: Maximilian, Carliah, Orohn, Bailey, Carmen, Hawthorne, and Pen. I would also like to thank a certain tanuki Pokémon for his astute judgment that the first draft of this travel guide could not be inflicted upon the public's eye and must therefore be eaten. Many thanks.
INTRODUCTION
Although Holon has only been inhabited in the last few years, researchers have already found it teeming with newly discovered Pokémon and mysteries. The strange energy readings within the island have left even the brightest minds boggling. North of Kanto and Johto, this island has it all, from a lake in the heart of the forests lining the coast to a mountainous range tunneled with caves, and even more land waiting to be explored. While Holon is not yet open to the public eye, this travel guide will take you through the island's mysteries with an encyclopedia of all the newly discovered Pokémon and their variations, as well as walk you through the discoveries at Holon with interviews from the assistant researchers.
SAUR AND CONQUERED
Leif Mangrove: So what made you want to pursue this field of dinomite?
Maximilian Grey: I find the history of Pokémon evolutions to be a fascinating topic. I grew up in Unova, near the Chargestone Cave. While other trainers would pass through the cave on their way to what they believed were grander adventures, I was more intrigued by the Pokémon within. Because the cave isn't an area of interest, the Pokémon dwelling there experienced evolutions that were independent of most outside influences. Take Joltik, for example. It is a spider Pokémon like Spinarak, but what in its environment made it evolve to store electricity while Spinarak did not? And how does one explain the development of Klink, also found in the cave? Professor Juniper claims this Pokémon had only appeared within the last century.
LM: I can see where that would get your gears turning, but how does this relate to paleontology, exactly?
MG: Paleontology is quite literally the bedrock of modern evolution—pun not intended. Fossils provide us the invaluable chance to learn about previous species we would not have been able to research otherwise. By comparing the Pokémon we see today to the ones of the past we can see how certain traits and powers have emerged. Take Tangela, for instance. When the world had significantly more oxygen than it does now, a plant-type Pokémon such as Tangela would've grown to the ample size that we see in Tangrowth. It wouldn't be strange to say that Tangela is the evolution—or de volution—of Tangrowth once the changing climate could no longer support its size. The fact that it changes into its prehistoric form once it harnesses the energy of Ancient Power only makes sense.
LM: So by looking at how Pokémon were through fossils, you can then tell us how current Pokémon have changed, too?
MG: Exactly.
LM: Interesting. Can you tell me more about your current research on the subject?
MG: I am currently searching for undiscovered extinct species. Since Holon Island has been isolated from most of the world for so long, just like Chargestone Cave, we believe it was almost certain we'd uncover new species.
LM: This sounds like some Jurassic news. Can you share your findings?
MG: I can confirm that we've uncovered some never-before-seen fossil species. One of the findings I was most intrigued by was the revival of what we'd dubbed a Plate Fossil. What emerged was a Pokémon believed to be the successor of the even more ancient ankylosaurs. The revived Pokemon only had spikes of metal on either side of its hips and tail. I conjectured that these appendages would develop into rudimentary blades upon its evolution, similar to Kabutops. However, I did not expect it to evolve the way it had. One of my coworkers who deals in Pokébots had a Metal Coat delivered for his research. I had been training my Pokémon for several months at this point. It evolved as soon as it encountered the Metal Coat.
LM: Guess metaling in someone else's business isn't all bad.
MG: Apparently not. But what astounded me is that it shouldn't have evolved like that. No other fossilized Pokémon had evolved from an item before. What was even more astounding is the evolution it took. The only other known Pokémon that evolve from a Metal Coat are Onix and Scyther, and their evolved forms use their metal components in a fairly simplistic arrangement—assuming a Mega Stone isn't introduced, of course. But my revived Pokémon had evolved to incorporate a design that's more recognizable to a modern eye, with chain-like structures on its sides and saw-like protrusions from its spine.
LM: I'll admit, I never saw that one coming. What does this mean for your research?
MG: That is a good question. For starters, this finding has complicated the already enigmatic field of evolutions. Did this Pokémon evolve from our modern conventions, or are our modern conventions just another pattern of life? It becomes a chicken-or-the-egg question. If the former is true, and if fossil Pokémon are not as static as we once believed they were, this opens to new questioning of how they might adapt to modern stimuli. We already knew this might be a possibility with the emergence of Mega Aerodactyl, but this support might ignite the public's interest to research Fossil Pokémon, instead of using them only for battle or preservation purposes.
LM: I hope so, for the sake of all those pterofied creatures out there…and it looks like our time is up! Thanks for sparing me the time!
MG: It's been a pleasure.
NATURALLY SELECTING YOU
Leif Mangrove: Thanks for joining us today, Ms. Desden. How're you doing?
Carliah Desden: Fine, thank you. And you can call me Carliah, I don't mind.
LM: Thanks! So, I've heard your focus is chemistry, and that you've also dabbled in ecology and evolution, too. That's quite a list! What made you want to pursue those fields?
CD: Well, I've always been fascinated by how Pokémon interact and adapt to their surroundings. I picked my specialities to fit that. Ecology teaches me why some species have different forms based on region. Evolution, amongst other things, shows me why some evolve when they bond with their trainers, while chemistry helps me understand why others didn't even exist before people. It's all one complicated web of interactions.
LM: Wow. So, would you say that you've got your fingers in alkynes of pies?
CD: Oh, I'm positive.
LM: Haha! So tell me: what research have you done at Holon that you think people should keep an ion?
CD: The Pokémon's reactions are pretty radical. Some of the ones we've seen here are so notable we wouldn't find them anywhere else. Take the Bulbasaurs we've found, for example.
LM: Wait, you've found bulbasaurs in the wild?
CD: Trust me, it was a surprise for us, too. Most starters have become domesticated to the point that they're extremely rare in the wild, with not much variation in their genepool. But since the island's so isolated, these Bulbasaur have developed undisturbed. And they've...mutated. Instead of bulbs on their backs, these ones have fungi.
LM: ...Fungi?
CD: Hydnellum peckii, specifically. Or at least that's what Professor Maple thinks. She says they're not naturally toxic, but the ones that grow on the Bulbasaurs' backs seem to have absorbed the strange energy we've discovered on the island. We think this caused the variation in both the fungi and the Bulbasaurs.
LM: So, are these Pokémon... safe? I thought the energy turned species aggressive.
CD: It does, but so far the Bulbasaurs seem mostly unaffected. My guess is that because they've long since adapted to toxins, the energy doesn't affect them as dramatically. It's like they've already been " vaccinated " against it. Sure, they're not as calm as the domesticated ones we give to trainers, but as far as we've seen, they have the same temperment—if a little more cautious—as any other Bulbasaur you'd find in the wild. What we're more worried about is the Bulbasaurs' influence on the rest of the island. The fungi seem to secrete the toxins they've absorbed, and depending on how much those secretions come into contact with other species, it could have long-reaching effects.
LM: What type of effects do you mean?
CD: Well, depending on how the energy has changed after it's absorbed, it may influence other Pokémon that don't have the same resistance the Bulbasaurs. They could be slowly spreading the energy to other species and turning them aggressive. Or the effect could be positive, and the energy is in such low doses that it may be helping the Pokémon adapt to the island's energy. It's all speculation at this point.
LM: Do you think the Institute will find a solution soon?
CD: It depends on how you define 'solution.' Whether we like it or not, the energy from this island is so insidious here that some Pokémon have evolved with it. The DNA is so intertwined that you can't put a stop to one without stopping the other. The change to the island's ecology would be irreversible. And in some cases, this energy has helped Pokémon. Again, look at Bulbasaur or Bailey's [REDACTED]. They've developed powers that have given them an edge to their survival, without becoming aggressive. It's when the energy becomes invasive that it's problematic. The Bulbasaurs and [REDACTED] evolved with the energy, but other Pokémon who become infected with it turn aggressive. But even then the problem is gray. Our job as researchers is to gather data—not interfere. Unless our supervisors decide that the situation's become dangerous or drastic enough to step in can we take action.
LM: But do you think you should?
CD: That's a hard call to make. Certainly too hard for an assistant who's still learning the ropes.
LM: Right. Of course. So where do you think your future research will go?
CD: If we can find the connection between the energy and why it causes aggressiveness, then we might be able to seperate the two. Like I said, we can't really do anything right now without risking the integrity of the region. But if the time comes when we do have to act, then we can be ready with a cure to the aggression. If we're lucky, we might even be able to keep the species' newfound powers. Maybe even create a new typing.
LM: Or a new element.
CD: Na, chemists only update those periodically.
GETTING STONED
Leif Mangrove: Good Eevee-ng, Miss Robbins. Thanks for joining us.
Bailey Robbins: Of course, thanks for inviting me! Please, call me Bailey.
LM: Alright, Bailey. So I've heard you've come from a long line of breeders. Is that why you've taken such an interest in Eevees?
BR: Well, partly. Eevees are prized by breeders, and I've had Sofia since as long as I can remember. But I've always been interested in Pokémon, since I spent so many summers at my grandparents' daycare. Heh, my first memory was asking where Pokémon eggs came from.
LM: Haha! And what did your grandpap say?
BR: He told me that Pelippers delivered them. I didn't believe him. We got several eggs a day and never once did I see a Pelipper swoop by.
LM: Smart kid. So, tell me about the research you're doing here at Holon.
BM: Well, I'm an assistant for the professors. I've helped explore the area, and my studies in Pokémon Education and Caretaking are useful when looking at the new species here.
LM: Any one in particular that you're fond of?
BM: Well, there's a few cetaceans I've loved learning about—they're super social and love to play! But my favorites have to go to the new Eevee evolutions.
LM: I've heard about the Eeveelutions. Would you mind sharing the process of how you created them?
BM: Well…I wouldn't say I've created them. More stumbled across a sequence that was already there; it just hadn't been found yet. Since coming to Holon, I've wanted to learn more about evolution stones. I know a bit from classes and general knowledge, but they're still not well understood. Most people take them for granted.
LM: What do you mean?
BR: Well, for example… Why do some Pokémon evolve with stones while others can't, even though they share similar ancestors, like Growlithe and Herdier? And why is it those that can evolve with stones can only use specific ones? What are evolution stones, anyway?
LM: Ooh, I've got one! If evolution stones are simply a concentrated form of energy that causes a significant reaction in a Pokémon's DNA, then why are we only excavating evolutions stones instead of manufacturing our own like we do with lab-created jewels?
BR: That's…actually a good question. Maximilian—um, one of my friends—said it might have to do with age, but that's only a hypothesis.
LM: Sounds like you guys are squeezing blood from a stone. But that's not entirely true, is it? Little pidgeys have told me you've made some breeders quite envious.
BR: Oh, have I?
LM: Yep, you've got them quite quarried—the coordinators, especially. Would you mind elaborating…or is it a trade secret?
BR: No, of course not. So long as I'm at Holon, I'm a researcher first. What would you like to know?
LM: Is it true you used a fossil as a surrogate evolution stone?
BR: You could say that.
LM: Takes some pebbles to do that. What made you think of it?
BR: Well, Maximilian had given me a fossil after I helped him with a dig. He told me that Leaf Stones were fossilized plants, so if an Eevee reacts to that … Well, it's like what you said earlier: if evolution stones are just concentrated energy, then why couldn't a fossil of a prehistoric organism work? They may not produce the same usable energy that plant matter does, but they still have some. I knew it might be a longshot, so I picked the Fossil Pokémon that had as much DNA in common with modern Pokémon as possible: Archen. It's the theorized ancestor of all birds.
LM: And now you've got a flying Eevee.
BR: Not flying yet . His wings aren't strong enough.
LM: Still, your long shot paid off.
BR: Heh, yes. He's quite the beauty!
LM: I bet he's a gem. So now that you can reinvent the rock, what do you think this research will take you in the future?
BR: Well, Maximilian and I are trying to gather more research for Fossil Pokémon, while Carliah and I are puzzling out why some Pokémon react to certain energies while others don't.
LM: And I'm sure the breeders and caretakers back home will be sending you buckets full of letters any day now. Heh, no pressure or anything.
BR: Well, if I didn't want the pressure, I shouldn't have come to Holon in the first place.
LM: Ha, true, true! Well, I wish you luck, Bailey. Thanks for sparing me the time.
BR: Absolutely!
I LIKE BIG BOTS
Leif Mangrove: So I said, if you can't helium, and you can't curium, then you might as well barium.
Orohn Neiss: Tsk. I've got one: what was written on a robot's gravestone?
LM: What?
ON: Rust in pieces.
LM: Dude, that's terrible.
ON: Heh, you think that's bad, wait until I push your buttons.
LM: Hahaha...oh. Ahem. Soooo, what made you start engineering robots?
ON: I've always liked tinkering with things. Made my own motorcycle when I was ten. Frightened the hell out of my mom...but my dad? Couldn't stop grinning. But Sinnoh is a more traditionalist region. It wasn't until I studied at Jubilife City did I sink my teeth into technology. One class in robotics later and I was hooked.
LM: Sounds like a dream come true. But a lot of people argue that we don't need Pokébots when the real things can do the job. What do your say on all of it?
ON: We can all agree Pokémon have accomplished things we never could've done otherwise. But they're not as adaptable. For one, they need a lot of training and caretaking. The more specialized the job, the more skilled the trainer has to be. And you can't send Pokémon into a potentially dangerous zone without having the whole world hate your guts. But with robots, the only limit is what you can cook up in your toolbox.
LM: Which is why you're at Holon?
ON: Exactly! Coming here was a shock for me. This place is so remote that you have to ship in toilet paper—even my hometown didn't have to do that. But the Institute's technology is cutting edge. It even beats my alma mater.
LM: Too bad you can't get ice cream here.
ON: I'm sure Professor Mangrove would order one if we asked nicely enough.
LM: Heh, that does sound like my uncle. So what are you hoping to find while you're here?
ON: Some inspiration, if I'm lucky. I've been looking at how the Pokémon have adapted to their environment. I've already got some ideas, like installing Phillippin's blowhole for pressurized steam or adding soft robotics that can pick up delicates like an—
LM: Whoa, whoa, let me catch up.
ON: Ah, sorry. Got carried away.
LM: Nah, you're good. Let's start from scratch. If you're making a robot, why model them after Pokémon instead of making them any way you please? Isn't it restrictive otherwise?
ON: Maybe at first. But you have to build the blueprints before you build the machine. Once my bots can match a Pokémon's capabilities, then I can work on surpassing them.
LM: So you'd say that Pokébots is the way of the future, then?
ON: Definitely.
LM: Even to the extent that we wouldn't need Pokémon anymore?
ON: That's a tougher one. Mayyybe, but that'd be a loooooong time in the future. The few prototypes I've made drained out one or two universities' bank accounts, not to mention the time it took me to build them in the first place. And they're still just prototypes. It'd be a few years at least until I finish one bot. Plus, I don't think our society would be willing to give up Pokémon so easily. My bots are based on utility. That's it. Pokémon are more than that in our society. They're our companions.
LM: Good point. I doubt people would be willing to trade in their Snullbulls for a teddi-bear anytime soon. So, care to share what you've found at Holon so far ?
ON: Smores.
LM: ...S'mores? Have you guys been holding out on me?
ON: Heh, I wish. Smores are these fire-ant Pokémon. They share a hivemind similar to Beedrill and Combee. Combee already gave me the idea of making robots that share a hivemind, too, but Smores solidified it for me. They can adapt to situations as needed, from individual units that can lift up to fifty times their own weight to forming an entire bridge across water. They're incredibly versatile.
LM: That does sound like it'd have a lot of purposes. What do you think your creations will be used for in the future?
ON: Like I said earlier, my bots can be used for things that we can't or won't use Pokémon for. Like exploring deep under the earth or the sea. Have you ever tried getting a Lanturn to listen to you when they see a Clamperl? They may be cute, but they've got no self-restraint. Get a Lanturn-bot and now you're talking. And once I get some Smore prototypes going, they might be able to do the fine-tuning that regular people can't. The possibilities are endless.
LM: Unfortunately, our interview is not. I think that'll just about do it. Thanks for meeting with me.
ON: No problem. Come by again if you have any more questions.
LM: Sounds good. I'll cache you later.
POKÉMON
Dinosaw
Image source: 099-Dinosaw, by Dragonith at dragonith/art/099-Dinosaw-275325544 , used with creator's permission.
Holon #: 44
Names:
Dinosaw (proper name)
Kyōryūgiri (distinctive name)
Razorblade Pokémon (category name)
Typing:
Rock/Steel
Habitat:
This herbivore lived in woodlands, plains, and grasslands that were able to support its diet of low-lying plants, such as ferns and shrubs.
Physical Description:
Height: 0.64 m.
Weight: 58.6 kg.
This quadruped Fossil Pokémon is well-adapted to defend against the predators of its time. Its first line of defense is its tough yellow and brown skin that serves as camouflage, followed by its defining characteristic of the steely osteoderms on its back and tail that resemble a saw and mace, respectively. Dinosaw has amber eyes, and its beak is used to strip leaves from plants while its two small, deciduous teeth chew their food until they can swallow it whole like its parents.
Behavior:
Although Dinosaw is more energetic than its evolution, it is still content to graze amongst the grasses and watch the clouds go by. When threatened, it will run behind its parents before resorting to its mace-like tail for defense. While it can eat most low-lying plants, its favorite food is the pulpy Oran berries that grow on trees. It will rub its back against the tree, whittling it away with its saw, until the tree collapses and the delicious berries are within reach. When the saw on its back becomes dull, it will sharpen the blade by rubbing against boulders.
Notes:
(Fossil Notes by Maximilian Grey)
I finished excavating the region of the beach for now. I will continue when the weather isn't as stormy.
I agreed to accompany Carliah to collect some flora specimens in the grasslands. I will plan to bring along my archaeological tools, as well, just in case. However, I doubt I'll find more than a few grass or non-vertebrate specimens, but better to be on the safe side.
Today's excavations uncovered a greater find than I had imagined! I found what at first glance seemed to be a discarded metal part, but upon further inspection, realized it was much older than I had first assumed.
My suspicions have been confirmed. The specimen I had found earlier is indeed a fossil, although of what sort I am not sure. It is not one I am familiar with. Will run some tests.
The tests came back conclusive that the fossil is indeed one never before seen. I have dubbed it the Plate Fossil. Will revive it soon.
Chainsaur
Image source: 100-Chainsaur, by Dragonith at dragonith/art/100-Chainsaur-276466464 , used with creator's permission.
Holon #: 45
Names:
Chainsaur (proper name)
Kyōryūchēnsō (distinctive name)
Saw Pokémon (category name)
Typing:
Rock/Steel
Habitat:
Chainsaur lived in woodlands, plains, and grasslands with low-lying plants.
Physical Description:
Height: 1.2 m.
Weight: 245.3 kg.
Chainsaur does not rely as much on camouflage than on its newly developed steel platings. The saw on its back is now strong enough to cut through a tree in seconds, while the spikes on its tails vanquish any other prey who dare come near. The chains on its side can be shot forward to bring down trees and potentially immobilize foes. It is uncertain if these evolutions are a natural part of the Pokémon's evolutions or the effects of the Metal Coat.
Behavior:
Slower than its predecessor, Chainsaur is rarely found going at more than a trudge as it grazes on foliage. It is not aggressive by nature, but if it or its young ones are disturbed, Chainsaur will become as menacing as a Tauros.
Notes:
(Excerpt by Maximilian Grey)
The reaction it had to Orohn's Metal Coat suggests that Fossil Pokémon might be more flexible towards evolutionary items than first realized. Depending on how extensive the Metal Coat's interactions were, its descendants might have a different structure than the one the Institute revived. I will have to gather another Plate Fossil and revive it in exclusion to confirm any hypothesis.