Absol

Absol

Region of origin: Route 120, Hoenn

A solitary creature that spends most of its time in remote mountainous regions, it will often show up near human settlements prior to catastrophic events. Because of this association, they were viewed as bad luck or evil in nature, but others believe their appearance is an attempt to warn people of what’s coming and the Absol itself is benevolent. It is theorized the horn on the right side of its head is a sensory organ, and its seeming precognitive ability is the result of it being able to sense minute changes in the atmosphere preceding natural disasters. Absol is primarily inspired by the Bai Ze, a white cat- or cow-like creature with black horns and a similar history of imparting warnings and information to travelers, and also incorporates elements of the yin and yang symbol into its design.

Originally posted on Tumblr on November 18, 2016

Goodra

Goodra

Region of origin: Laverre Nature Trail, Route 14, Kalos

A gastropod-like dragon, Goodra and its related species live in swamps and other damp environments to help keep their slime-covered skin from drying out. The slime it excretes can be used for assisting in locomotion of its bulky body, as well as functioning as a natural defense both by being corrosive and helping prevent potential predators from getting a hold upon it. It has underdeveloped visual organs running down the lateral sides of its body, with the four horn-like antennae doing most of the sensory heavy lifting. A gentle giant, domesticated Goodra are loyal to their trainers and will often attempt to hug them, unaware of the danger their mass and slime may pose. As a mollusk-like dragon, there are several analogues in world mythology, including the Shussebora, the Chinese Shen and France’s Lou Carcolh.

Originally posted on Tumblr on November 17, 2016

Sableye

Sableye

Region of origin: Granite Cave, Dewford Town, Hoenn

A small subterranean creature with gemstone-like growths on its body, Sableye burrow through the caverns in which they live in looking for minerals to consume. They are largely solitary and will avoid contact with humans, but their menacing, impish appearance, erratic movements and tendency to attempt to scare people away from their territory has given rise to a folk belief that the Sableye is an evil spirit and when their gem-like eyes flash in the dark it is attempting to steal a person’s soul. Sableye contains elements of various boggarts and dwarves, but it is primarily stylized after the Hopkinsville Goblins in appearance as well as their chittering and convulsive movement (not to mention that they’re pretty chill but humans are kind of jerks to them).

Originally posted on Tumblr on November 16, 2016

Whimsicott

Whimsicott

Region of origin: Pinwheel forest, Unova

Resembling a mature boll of cotton, Whimsicott is a well-meaning but mischievous fae-like creature. It’s quick, quiet and its body is surprisingly malleable allowing it to squeeze through cracks or holes that should otherwise be far too small for it, leaving only telltale puffs of cotton behind to show it’s been around pulling one of its classic pranks. They are light enough that they can travel on winds, their appearance often precipitated by a whirlwind. Whimsicott is largely based on the Borometz, or Vegetable Lamb of Tartary, and also features elements of fair folk, the mandrake root and the ashi-magari. Also, due to its ram-like appearance, Whimsicott functions as the equivalent to Aries in the Unovan zodiac.

Originally posted on Tumblr on November 15, 2016

Weavile

Weavile

Region of origin: Lake Acuity, Sinnoh

An evolved form of Sneasel that thrives in frigid climates, Weavile are vicious pack hunters, with an alpha member coordinating groups of four or five to take down larger prey, slicing at them with their razor-like claws. The pack is thought to communicate with each other by way of a written code of slash marks carved into the stone and ice around their territory. Domesticated Weavile are often utilized for their speed and surgical precision; this and its generally devious nature has led it to be a popular pet or partner among thieves. Weavile, as a razor-fisted ice weasel, is heavily inspired by the kamaitachi.

Originally posted on Tumblr on November 14, 2016