#pa-asks

I'm a big fan of yours and find this blog a very good idea to share interesting facts about the world!

I have a special interest on Ghost-types and the special organs that help them have abilities like passing through walls, levitating, sucking "life energy", etc. In fact, I'm doing a final year project on that!

I thought it'd be good to ask here for some info. Thanks in advance.

Thank you for the ask, and for the kind words! As you're likely aware, this is a quite advanced topic. We'll go over each of the unique or signature abilities of Ghost types, and how they work, briefly. For more detail, you may be interested in the works of Cedric Juniper of Unova and Jacq of Paldea.

Note: some of what will be shared here is far from conclusive, and more research into the functionality of the organs of Pokémon is required. (See this post from @quillpokebiology for a related recent breakthrough)

Intangibility

Considered to be the "signature" trait of Ghost types, voluntary intangibility is made possible by a series of near-identical organs throughout the Ghost type Pokémon's body. Controlled by the central nervous system, these organs simultaneously allow the surrounding area to pass through solid objects. While the exact mechanism is currently unknown, it is suspected that these organs manipulate the charge of the particles making up the Pokémon's body, allowing it to pass through unaffected by electromagnetic and strong nuclear forces.

Invisibility

As alluded to above, some Pokémon have modified versions of the organs described above that additionally allow them to make themselves invisible at will.

Energy Absorption ("Life Force" and Empathetic)

The ability of some Ghost type Pokémon to "absorb" the energy of other creatures (such as Palossand draining life essences, or Mismagius feeding off of fear) is not done in a single way, and appears to be a case of convergent evolution. For this reason, we cannot go over it in any detail here, but feel free to ask about a specific Pokémon!

"Possession"

There are many stories (though none have been verified at the time of writing) of Ghost type Pokémon "possessing" other creatures, including humans. Since no scientific studies have recorded this phenomenon, it's difficult to make any conclusive claims. However, descriptions closely match some forms of mind control, specifically the "full control" variation most famously performed by Beheeyem. How Ghost type Pokémon would be able to accomplish this feat is unclear.

Levitation

Surprisingly, one of the most common and, on the face of it, simplest abilities of Ghost types is also one of the least understood. Levitation is achieved by Psychic types through application of their psychic abilities. For many Ghost types, this explanation seems perfectly applicable (especially given the strong overlap in abilities between Psychic, Dark, and Ghost type Pokémon), but there are plenty of Ghost type Pokémon such as Shedinja which do not display any latent psychic abilities. For these Pokémon, it has been suggested that their light weight allows them to float, but other light Ghost type Pokémon such as Galarian-form Corsola that do not levitate.

In short, more research is certainly required to fully understand Ghost type Pokémon. That said, it's not as if we're completely clueless!

Also, has rotom been around as long as the other pokemon? because it is difficult to imagine a plasma pokemon related to futuristic concepts wandering around in medieval kalos lololol

Thank you for the ask! Let’s break this topic into three key sections: Rotom-Tech Mechanics, Rotom-Tech Ethics, and History of Rotom!

Rotom-Tech Mechanics

Rotom are fascinating Pokémon known for their ability to inhabit various appliances, most notably electronic devices. When they do this, the device is transformed into a form that resembles a Rotom fused with the appliance, but most Rotom are also capable of transforming to more closely resemble the original item.

What was not known for some time, however, is that this inhabitation can be seen as a "symbiotic relationship" of sorts: not only does the Rotom gain some protection, and even sometimes new abilities and Typing, but the inhabited device itself benefits from enhanced functionality. For example, a computer inhabited by a Rotom may operate more efficiently, and a refrigerator may achieve colder temperatures than usual.

Additionally, Rotom also experiences an increase in intelligence that appears to directly correlate with the computational power of the device. While a Rotom in its base form is only marginally more intelligent than average for an unevolved Ghost-type (which is to say, clever, but not alarmingly intelligent by measurable means), inhabiting a smartphone can allow it to understand and even use human language.

Rotom-Tech Ethics

The ethical considerations surrounding Rotom-Tech align closely with broader discussions on Pokémon used in various roles. Rotom integrated into devices such as the Alolan RotomDex or RotoPhones are typically specially trained for these tasks. Many Rotom appear to take genuine pride in their work, showcasing their playful nature in ways that are often beneficial.

Enrichment is a vital aspect of their well-being. Rotom are naturally mischievous, and training programs often encourage harmless pranks, such as playful “glitches” or quirky commentary, to satisfy this trait.

The primary ethical concern lies in how Trainers treat these Pokémon in their roles. While this is not unique to Rotom, it underscores the importance of respecting and caring for Pokémon, whether they are companions, helpers, or partners in technology.

History of Rotom

You mention that it's "difficult to imagine" Rotom wandering aimlessly in a world without the devices they're so well known for inhabiting today. Luckily for our imagination, they didn't; Rotom are, and were, capable of inhabiting and controlling much less technologically advanced apparatuses.

Thank you for the question!

History of the Pokédex... that's quite the topic. There's enough here to write a book. In fact, Professor Hyacinth has; Development and Iteration of the Modern Digital Pokédex was published in 2021, and it's 377 pages long!

In all seriousness, this is a complicated and involved topic. What follows is a (very) abridged history of the models of the Pokédex.

Early Pokédexes

The basic concept of a Pokédex is very old; a written description of the basic appearance and abilities of local Pokémon. These have existed for nearly as long as humans and Pokémon have lived together.

During the settlement of Sinnoh (then referred to as Hisui), Professor Laventon created the first example of what would be recognized as a Pokédex today. Though still a written book, it was the first to include illustrations, type information, height and weight measurements, and gender differences.

(Recently, there has been some debate over the validity of some of the claims about Laventon, particularly his involvement with developing the Apricorn Pokéball. However, his involvement with the Pokédex remains unchallenged.)

This idea continued to be used worldwide for well over 100 years before being significantly changed!

The Digital Era

In 1997, the first digital Pokédex was released by Professor Oak in Kanto. It was similar to the written versions that came before it but contained in a small digital device, with editing capabilities for the user to enter new information about caught Pokémon. Since the Kanto region's Pokémon had not yet been fully cataloged, Oak gathered the remaining information with the help of volunteer Trainers. This model of gathering information for a cutting-edge model of Pokédex with Trainers before releasing it to the public has become standard.

Oak's model of Pokédex was refined further into the now widespread HANDY line. Later models featured holographic components and customizable exteriors.

The functionality of the Pokédex grew as well. As it evolved, it was able to store and categorize a Pokémon's cry, footprints, color, "Egg Groups" (essentially, which Pokémon can breed with others), forms, and locations found in the wild. It could also display information specific to a particular individual Pokémon, such as its "Stats" and "Level".

In Alola, a device was designed specifically for a Rotom to inhabit and act as a sort of sentient Pokédex with enhanced capabilities. This model was short-lived and quite rare.

The Pokédex App

As smartphones become more and more prominent, an opportunity for the Pokédex to be a mobile app became more and more apparent. Unfortunately, smartphones didn't have quite the capabilities to keep all of the features that Trainers had grown accustomed to.

Inspired by the Rotom Pokédex of Alola, it was found that a Rotom inhabiting a smartphone greatly enhanced its capabilities. Armed with this breakthrough, Naranja-Uva Academy's Jacq was able to develop the Pokédex App. This application keeps all the functionality of previous models, with the convenience of being available on one's smartphone. This was quickly adopted as standard in Paldea (Jacq's home region), and shortly after in Galar. The Pokédex App is seeing more and more use across the world today.

Thank you for the ask! Being confused about the biology of any Ghost type is certainly understandable, as they tend to be rather unintuitive in nature. However, as is the case with many Ghost types, Mismagius is actually quite a simple creature!

Most obvious is the head, which features two yellow cat-like eyes and a mouth.

Atop the head is something that resembles a large "witch hat", also featuring large tufts of hair. This is actually a collection of sensory organs! Scents collect on the "brim" of the structure, though which the Mismagius can detect them. The conical structure focuses energies and emotions of nearby creatures for the Mismagius to sense. Using both of these senses, a Mismagius can decide on a target and track it undetected for miles before striking. The tufts of hair allow these senses to be even more refined and can hold scents for several days at a time.

Any area of a Mismagius's "hat" is quite sensitive, and a Mismagius will likely find it an uncomfortable place to be touched. If your Mismagius is prompting petting from you in this area, you have a very close relationship!

The oddly shaped "lump" beneath Mismagius's head houses its enlarged psychic organ, which allows it to influence a target's emotions. This is how Mismaguis is able to inflict horrible headaches, hallucinations, and paranoia in people and Pokémon alike.

The rest of Mismagius's body acts like a "sheet" that hangs from the psychic organ, and Mismagius has no direct control over the movement of it. It appears to be perfectly adapted to allow the Mismagius to move silently through the air undetected.

On this "sheet" are three gem-like growths, through which Mismagius can absorb the fear of others to use as nourishment. Unlike their pre-evolved form, Mismagius is also capable of expelling energy from these growths as a form of attack.

Thanks for the ask! Zorua and its evolved form are quite unique Pokémon, with an even more unique history. We'll be covering Zorua, Zoroark, and their ancient counterparts!

Zorua: Basic Biology

Zoura is a small, black and red, fox-like, Dark type Pokémon. They are often shy and cowardly in nature, and have below-average offensive and defensive capabilities.

Due to their timid disposition, middling battle prowess, and rarity of females, Zorua are often outcompeted and are therefore very rare Pokémon in most regions. To date, they are only found in large numbers in the Isle of Armor in Galar, and Tagtree Thicket and the grasslands surrounding Medali in Paldea.

Zorua: Cunning Disguise

Apparently due to these difficulties, Zorua has developed an entirely unique ability. This is referred to as Zorua's signature Ability, Illusion.

Illusion allows a Zorua to project an image onto itself, with the primary aim of fooling opposing Pokémon into fleeing from a potential threat. To this end, the Illusion is extremely convincing, and almost impossible to see through. If the Zorua is damaged, the illusion falters and loses its effectiveness. Pokémon Trainers use this Ability to fool their opponent into a disadvantageous type matchup.

Zoura are documented as occasionally disguising as a human child. This form is used to search for food without irritating non-territorial Pokémon. It may also attempt to garner sympathy from humans to be given food.

Zorua are capable of using their Illusion ability from birth, but may need to learn to refine it; there's at least one record of a Zorua's disguise featuring its distinct tail!

Zoroark: Form Perfected

Zoroark, the evolved form of Zorua, is a bipedal Pokémon, standing at 1.6 meters. Zoroark is still a fairly cautious creature, but has become quite adept in both physical and special attacks. Zoroark live in groups, sometimes caring for several Zorua at a time. They can use their offensive aptitude to defend themselves and their group with great ferocity, gladly putting their own life on the line if they believe it necessary.

Zoroark has also perfected the Illusion technique. Its disguise is indistinguishable from reality, and it can even extend the effect to its surroundings and project illusory attacks.

Hisuian Form: Ghosts of the Past

There is some evidence that Zorua used to be a more widespread species. Due to their deceptive nature, especially in disguising as children, Zorua were largely driven out of regions by humans. While they found some safe havens in Galar and Paldea, the lands of Hisui (modern-day Sinnoh) were not so kind.

Driven away from more hospitable lands by competitors, Zorua found themselves in the cold north, near the future site of Snowpoint City (referred to by settlers as the Alabaster Icelands). According to legend, these Zorua were unable to survive in this climate and perished, only to return as vengeful spirits.

According to contemporary sources, Hisuian Zorua were highly resentful of humans and Pokémon alike, and were extremely distrusting. They retained the ability to project illusions but did so using their spite and hatred. Now more adapted to their environment, Hisuian Zorua used their abilities to torment others. These Zorua were also apparently able to derive sustenance from the fear it inflicted.

A Hisuian Zorua was able to evolve into a Hisuian Zoroark. This form had a frightening appearance and was even connected to a legend of death. It also had even further mastery over its Illusions, such as being able to mimic human speech while disguised as a human or casting Illusions which could actually cause physical harm to a target. Much like modern Zoroark, they were fiercely protective of their group. They were even more distrusting of outsiders than Hisuian Zorua, but could apparently become an invaluable ally to their Trainer if taken care of properly and with great patience.

Thank you for the ask! Unfortunately this isn't the sort of question we can answer, since laws can vary significantly depending on region. You can ask for more information at your nearest Police Office.

That said, even if it isn't illegal, we couldn't recommend it. A "Hisuian Pokéball", or any Apricorn Pokéball made before Silph Co.'s design became widespread, would not be compatible with the PC system. Additionally they may not have the (for lack of a better term) "amenities" of a modern Pokéball and be somewhat uncomfortable for a Pokémon to remain within for long periods of time.

Thank you for the question! Let's talk about interregional diplomacy!

In General

The largest diplomatic event in recent history was the Great Pokémon War, involving many regions, most notably Kanto and Unova. Afterwards, there was certainly some tension, but there thankfully haven't been any large-scale conflicts between regions since, and all major regions are decently friendly with one another!

That's not to say everyone is the best of friends, of course. There are certainly disagreements, but all-out war is the last thing on anyone's mind.

Paldea and Kitakami

Before we get to the real meat and potatoes, you mentioned the "close relationship" between Paldea and Kitakami. We found this interesting since there really isn't much of one to speak of. Outside of the Terestal phenomenon, the two regions share very little in common. While there are no conflicts between them, their relationship isn't especially close.

You may have been thinking of an expedition to the Kitakami region featuring students from Naranja-Uva and Blueberry Academies, during which an interesting truth was discovered regarding Ogerpon and the Loyal Three! (Read here for more information: [a link to an article on a Sinnoan news site, detailing the events of The Teal Mask])

Kanto and Johto

Now then...

Kanto and Johto share a very long history, which we will be massively simplifying and summarizing here. (Apologies to any history enthusiasts for the omissions. If it's any consolation, we offer a much more in-depth course on this very topic at our Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh campuses!)

As is common for directly neighboring regions, Kanto and Johto have a history of both alliances and feuds. While most outright fighting was mitigated by the mountains between the regions, several naval battles are recorded. These conflicts could range in cause from trade disputes to retaliation against a perceived invasion, to an influential family being angry with someone from the other region. They also ranged in scope, from a single battle lasting 20 minutes to several years of near endless fighting. The nearby Hoenn and Sinnoh regions (and, to a much lesser extent, Kitakami) had similar "on again off again" relationships. This all culminated in the War of Nations, in which each region fought both with and against each other at least twice over.

When the fighting finally ended, all of the involved regions agreed to remain allied for perpetuity, and this has held to this day. By the time of the Great Pokémon War, the regions had been nearly as friendly as they are today for several decades and were of course close allies both during this conflict and since.

- Definitely not a Ribombee

Thanks for being our first ask! To answer... well, it would certainly be unusual!

Thumbs and Language

As the asker noted, the absence of thumbs does pose an obstacle for a Ribombee hoping to run a Rotomblr blog. Without thumbs, or fingers at all, it would certainly be difficult to operate a keyboard or smartphone! This obstacle is one that can be overcome with specialized equipment and determination. However, the larger barrier to entry for nearly any Pokémon would be the use of human language.

While there is some debate on whether Pokémon speak a language of their own, the consensus is that they do not, and communicate through body language, tone, and scent, similarly to animals. Even if they do speak a language, however, it would be a very simple one. As intelligent as Pokémon are, human language is incredibly complex.

There is some evidence that trained Pokémon can understand human speech to some extent, more than an ordinary animal (such as a dog) would. However, understanding a language is very different from being able to communicate in a language. For example, there are trainers who claim to be able to understand their Pokémon's "speech", but are not able to speak back in the same manner.

But is it impossible?

There are many examples in literature of speaking Pokémon. Most of these are folktales and anecdotes, but their sheer number suggests some seed of truth. Additionally, there are examples of Pokémon being able to speak with assistance, such as Rotom Phones, or Ghost-type possessions. And of course, many, many stories of mythical and legendary Pokémon involve some form of telepathy, indicating at least the intelligence to allow for full communication.

The largest remaining obstacle to a Pokémon running a Rotomblr blog is literacy. But even this, it seems, is not insurmountable. There exists a single case study of a Meowth with the ability to speak and read human language. While this study is not fully accepted by the academic community, the fact remains that there is a possibility that a Pokémon could, in theory, overcome every difficulty and facet of becoming literate and running a blog online.

So, what about Ribombee?

While not one of the smartest types (Fighting, Psychic, and Dark), Fairy types are generally quite intelligent, especially in comprehending the emotions of others. Cuitefly is only slightly more intelligent than is typical for a first-stage Bug-type Pokémon, but Ribombee takes more after the Fairy-typing in its intelligence. It is able to detect aura of other Pokémon to determine their upcoming behavior, and avoid incoming moves. It is also able to predict the weather with surprising accuracy; if you see a wild Ribombee out and about, you can be all but positive the next few days will be clear, warm, and sunny! Ribombee in particular also use their aura-sensing capabilities to detect the emotions of other Pokémon, and even people. It may decide to gift another one of its balls of pollen, apparently in order to cheer them up. This implies the ability to feel sympathy, a remarkably intelligent trait for a Bug-type!

Final thoughts