Species: Bibarel
Location: Shinju Pearl Clan Settlement (Ms. Warden Calaba’s), south of the settlement
What I know: Normal/water type. They evolve from Bidoof when trained to a certain threshold. The species is renowned for its ability to learn a wide array of HM moves, for better and for worse; measures have been put into place to prevent humans from abusing this trait. Their most common abilities are Simple and Unaware.
Notes: The first specimen I encountered had a human partner, but I’ve since encountered a number of wild Bibarel.
Species: Ursaring (Ms. Warden Calaba’s)
Location: Shinju Pearl Clan Settlement
What I know: Normal type. They evolve from Teddiursa with training, and are known to be incredibly protective of their unevolved kin. While omnivorous, they show a marked preference for berries, roots and honey over most meats, and their keen sense of smell is certain to lead them to these treats. Their most common abilities are Guts or Quick Feet.
Notes: The specimen I encountered was incredibly large. Admittedly, the only time I saw it, I was recovering from a serious illness, so that may have been my imagination.
Species: Swinub & Piloswine
Location: Shinju Pearl Clan springs
What I know: Ground/ice types. The base form and secondary evolution of a three-stage species; their final form is Mamoswine, and evolution can be triggered by teaching a Piloswine the move Ancient Power. As I recall, they’re foragers whose sense of smell and ability to burrow make them an ideal partner for those interested in collecting mushrooms. Their most common abilities are Oblivious and Snow Cloak.
Notes: This was a group of two Piloswine and one Swinub, all three of them wild. This trio seems to frequent the springs above the Shinju Pearl Clan’s encampment, and aren’t welcomed, but their sweet temperament means that the clan tolerates them.
Species: Glaceon (Miss Lady Irida’s?)
Location: Shinju Pearl Clan Settlement
What I know: Ice type. Glaceon is just one of an Eevee’s many potential evolutionary paths. There’s been some debate over the exact method that causes this evolution, with some claiming it’s triggered by the environment, and some adamant that an ice stone will also do the job. It has complete control over its body temperature, and can extend that to the immediate around surrounding it, which is how it powers its attacks. Unless it has a hidden ability, it will have Snow Cloak and, as with any of an Eevee’s evolutions, it’s more common to see males than females.
Notes: I only saw it twice: once in passing, and once with Miss Lady Irida. I was unable to ask, but their behavior toward one another suggested that they’re partners.
Species: Snorunt
Location: Unknown, south of the Shinju Pearl Clan settlement
What I know: Ice type. Snorunt is a species whose evolutionary path is dependent on its gender. Female Snorunt can evolve into either Glalie with enough training, or Frosslass if exposed to a dawn stone. Male Snorunt, meanwhile, can only evolve into Glalie. These Pokemon tend to travel in groups and consist on a diet of snow and ice; in some regions, they’re even considered good luck. Their most common abilities are Inner Focus or Ice Body.
Notes: A group of Snorunt were the first Pokemon I observed upon arriving in Hisui. They will generally flee if approached.
Species: Aipom
Location: South of the Shinju Pearl Settlement
What I know: Normal type. If taught Double Hit, it will evolve into Ambipom. Its most common abilities are Technician and Pickup.
Notes: They look innocent, but don’t believe it. If you have to engage, keep your eyes on the tail and a firm grasp on your possessions.
Species: Bergmite
Location: South of the Shinju Pearl Settlement
What I know: Ice type. With training, they evolve into Avalugg. These Pokemon protect themselves by building up an icy “helmet” over their backs, and if their armor is breached, will utilize freezing cold air to repair it; oftentimes, they can be found riding atop their evolved form as an extra layer of defense from predators. Their most common abilities are Own Tempo and Ice Body. Native to Kalos, Galar and Paldea.
Notes: This seems to be the odd species out. Many of the other Pokemon in the tundra Icelands are from similar regions, but this breaks the pattern.
Update: To my knowledge, Bergmite can’t be found in modern day Sinnoh. Why are they here in Hisui?
Species: Drifloon & Drifblim
Location: South of the Shinju Pearl Settlement
What I know: Ghost/flying types. Drifloon evolves into Drifblim with enough training. Both are said to carry passengers, be they willing or not, and tales dramatically suggest that their victims are ferried off to the afterlife. Given the stigma around species like Litwick, I’m inclined to pass it off as anti-ghost type rhetoric. Their most common abilities are Aftermath and Unburden.
Notes: I’ve only observed them during the late evening, and even then, only at a distance. It’s been communicated to me that they’re aggressive, which seems uncharacteristic, as most Drifloon are actually quite shy.
Species: Ohnyula Sneasler (Shinju Pearl Clan Noble)
Location: Unknown
What I know: Admittedly… I don’t know anything about this Pokemon.
What I think I know: Likely a poison type. Relation to Sneasel? There’s a basket involved?
Notes: She brought me to the Shinju Pearl Clan’s Settlement and later prevented me from returning to the area where she found me.
Update: The species’ name is actually Sneasler; “Ohnyula” is a title that refers to a specific Sneasler with ties to the Shinju Pearl Clan. The basket she carries pertains to her duties as a “noble” Pokemon, and it seems she’s Hisui’s answer to search and rescue. Noble indeed!
2nd Update: She’s heavier than she looks.
Species: Buneary
Location: Northern Tundra Alabaster Icelands
What I know: Normal type. The species is notoriously difficult to befriend, but if a trainer grows close enough with one, it will evolve into Lopunny. Common wisdom holds that if you truly want to understand how it feels, you don’t watch its face, but its ears, making it a wonderful demonstration of how important body language can be when working with Pokemon and people alike. Its most common abilities are Run Away and Klutz.
Notes: I observed it at a distance while traveling through the tundra Icelands.
Species: Snover & Abomasnow
Location: Tundra Alabaster Icelands
What I know: Ice/grass types. Snover will evolve into Abomasnow once it has been trained to a certain threshold. Snover are known to be curious about humankind and incredibly social, particularly with children, which is at bizarre odds with Abomasnow’s more reticent nature; it’s unknown what causes this shift upon evolving, though, of course, exceptions have been noted. Unless it has a hidden ability, it will have Snow Warning. If an Abomasnow holds the corresponding key stone, it may be capable of Mega Evolution.
Notes: Both were observed at a distance while traveling through the tundra Icelands.
Species: Glalie (Mr. Warden Gaeric’s)
Location: Border of Mount Tengan Coronet
What I know: Ice type. One of two possible evolutions for female Snorunt, and the only evolutionary path for males. It uses its ability to sub-cool the air around it to hunt, freezing its prey solid; it’s said that they also use this ability to play by making shapes out of ice, giving it an unsettling duality. Their most common abilities are Inner Focus and Ice Body. If it holds the proper key stone, it may be able to Mega Evolve.
Notes: I watched Gaeric’s battle a number of Gligar, but it was eventually bested by a particularly strong specimen. Notably, he didn’t keep it in a pokeball.
Species: Gligar
Location: Border of Mount Tengan Coronet, Coronet Highlands (Alpha)
What I know: Ground/flying type. They evolve into Gliscor if given a Razor Fang at night. While not a poison type, they’re venomous carnivores known to utilize an array of poison moves both in battle and to incapacitate their prey; they favor having the element of surprise on their side, and often take aim for the face or swoop down from above. Their most common abilities are Hyper Cutter and Sand Veil.
Notes: The ones we first encountered clustered together and attacked as a group, though I’ve never heard of Gligar exhibiting this behavior. The second we encountered was unnaturally strong and bested Gaeric’s Glalie. Sneasler easily knocked it out.
Update: I’ve been informed that the second specimen was likely an ‘alpha’ Gligar. Its abnormal size, aggressive behavior and nonstandard moveset seem to confirm this. Unfortunately, I’m unable to confirm whether its use of Aerial Ace and Stone Edge were so-called ‘agile’ and ‘strong’ moves.
2nd Update: The alpha managed to track us all the way to Jubilife Village, which is actually quite impressive. Expect further updates on this specimen, as I’m going to attempt to train it.
3rd Update: A member of Galaxy Team has confirmed that he seems to be capable of agile and strong moves. It took some doing to coax him into demonstrating, and he attempted to do so in my general direction. I believe I have my work cut out for me.
Species: Oshawott (Professor Laventon’s)
Location: Jubilife Village
What I know: Water type. With training, it will evolve into Dewott and then Samurott. These Pokemon are popular with new trainers in Unova, and, to my knowledge, are only native to the Unova region. They attack using the scalchop on their chest, and unless trained not to, will often default to it for any and every problem they run into. Unless they have a hidden ability, their ability will be Torrent, and as with many so-called ‘starter’ Pokemon, males are more common than females.
Notes: I’m relatively certain there are no wild Oshawott in modern Sinnoh. Professor Laventon was frustratingly vague as to how he acquired this specimen, and it doesn’t listen to him well.
Update: It obeyed orders beautifully when I borrowed the three to battle Gligar. I think it might just be bored, in which case it would benefit from being given an outlet as enrichment.
2nd Update: This poor thing just needs someone to battle with it. I can sympathize.
Species: Rowlet (Professor Laventon’s)
Location: Jubilife Village
What I know: Grass/flying type. With training, it will evolve into Dartrix and then Decidueye. Its primary methods of attacking are aiming razor-sharp feathers from a distance or, when cornered, using its talons to kick at and tear away at its foes. Unless it has a hidden ability, it will have Overgrow. Males are more common than females, and I believe they’re only found in the Alola region.
Notes: See Oshawott.
Species: Cyndaquil (Professor Laventon’s)
Location: Jubilife Village
What I know: Fire type. With training, it will evolve into Quilava and then Typhlosion. These Pokemon are very shy, preferring to curl and hide than engage in a conflict; by watching the flames on its back, you can judge its emotional state and health. Unless it has a hidden ability, it will have Blaze, and again, males are more common than females. They’re almost definitely native to the Johto region.
Notes: See Oshawott.
Species: Pikachu (unknown partner)
Location: Jubilife Village
What I know: Electric type. Its baby form is Pichu, from which it evolves with a strong bond, and, upon being exposed to a thunder stone, will evolve into Raichu. Unless they have a hidden ability, they will have Static. They build up static electricity in their cheek pouches, which they then use to fuel their electric attacks; if not given an outlet, these glands can become overcharged and need to be expressed by a professional.
Notes: It belongs to member of the Survey Corps, but it’s unclear which one of them. I’m curious whether this specimen might evolve into a Kantonian or Alolan Raichu… or something else entirely, I suppose.
Species: Abra (Captain Cyllene’s)
Location: Jubilife Village
What I know: Psychic type. With enough training, it evolves into Kadabra, which will only evolves into Alakazam upon being traded. They’re said to be incredibly intelligent Pokemon, but are also very timid, and are known the world over for their skittish nature and ability to teleport, thus making them quite elusive. Their most common abilities are Synchronize and Inner Focus. In the event one does encounter an Abra, they’re more likely to encounter a male than a female.
Notes: None. It seems like a perfectly sweet Pokemon.
Species: Buizel (unknown partner)
Location: Jubilife Village
What I know: Water type. It evolves into Floatzel once trained. It has a swim bladder around its neck that it consciously controls; this species can often be seen floating along on their back with this “collar” filled, keeping it buoyant, but when it wants to submerge itself and pick up speed, the ring will deflate and allow them to dive into the water. Unless it has a hidden ability, it will have Swift Swim.
Notes: It was idling around the southern gate with a member of Galaxy Team’s Security Corps, so I’m assuming they know one another.
Species: Bidoof
Location: Obsidian Fieldlands
What I know: Normal type. Evolves into Bibarel with enough training. Its most common abilities are Simple or Unaware. Like its evolved form, it’s capable of learning a great number of HM moves, which, while useful, makes it an easy target for individuals hoping to use it solely for this trait.
Notes: I’m only surprised it took this long to encounter one. Very docile and easy to approach; will climb on your lap if you allow it.
Species: Starly
Location: Obsidian Fieldlands
What I know: Normal/flying type. With training, a Starly evolves into Staravia and then Staraptor. Unless it has a hidden ability, it will have Keen Eye. I’ve heard that modern day Starly are just as shameless as Nimbasan Pidove when it comes to begging for snacks, and that some have become dependent on handouts to the exclusion of their bug-type diet.
Notes: I accidentally hit it in the back of the head with a pokeball, and I feel terrible.
Species: Shinx
Location: Obsidian Fieldlands
What I know: Electric type. If trained properly, it will evolve into Luxio and then Luxray. It flexes its muscles to generate its electric attacks, and is said to be able to sense danger, glowing when it feels threatened. Despite this, its most common abilities are Rivalry and Intimidate, and no Shinx has gone on record as having Anticipate.
Notes: It tried to bite me, so I threw Gligar at it. In hindsight, I’m unsure what I thought that would accomplish, because Gligar also tried to bite me.
Species: Togepi (Mr. Volo’s)
Location: Jubilife Village
What I know: Fairy type. They evolve into Togetic once they’ve formed a strong bond with their trainer, and then into Togekiss when exposed to a shiny stone. These Pokemon are associated with happiness and good luck, and a number of cultures have discrete folklore surrounding how they share both. Their most common abilities are Hustle and Serene Grace, and males of the species are more common than females.
Notes: I’m so sorry.
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Good news! I have a partner Pokemon now. The bad news is that he’s made no effort to hide the fact that he hates me. Ordinarily, I would release him, but he tracked our group all the way from Mount Coronet, and I think turning him loose would be an active safety hazard.
I’ll see what we can do. Alpha or no, no Pokemon is born that aggressive; there has to be something at the root of it.
---
I am an awful human being.
A trainer challenged me for the first time in weeks. People simply don’t battle here, and so I accepted without thinking it through.
I should have backed out when I remembered that Gligar was my only Pokemon. He’s demonstrated that he wants to attack me twice over, so I knew he wouldn’t cooperate; I didn’t think it would be quite this bad, though.
He wouldn’t attack the trainer’s Togepi because he was too focused on me instead, and I suppose I… panicked a bit.
In the moment, it made perfect sense. My two problems were the Pokemon attacking me and the Pokemon that needed to be knocked out. To put it simply, I baited Gligar, and then moved so the attack hit Togepi instead.
I know it will be fine and that I should be more concerned for the fact that Gligar tried to use a strong style Stone Edge on me, but the poor thing didn’t stand a chance.
The worst part might be that the trainer didn’t even bat an eye. Sir! That was not a normal battle! Please tell me your Togepi doesn’t endure that kind of damage on a regular basis!
---
I’m genuinely ashamed to report that, ever since that battle, Gligar hasn’t attempted to attack me once. It seems I’ve earned his respect, and I couldn’t have picked a worse way to do so.