History FanonPokedex / Gastly

'''Gengar''' are fully bipedal versions of Haunter, a little shorter at 1.5 meters, featuring rotund bodies with now three-fingered hands and feet. Their previously white eyes have turned a [[RedEyesTakeWarning fiendish red]], and their previous toothless mouths feature a full [[SlasherSmile toothy grin]]. Their tongues have evolved even further from their time as a Haunter, and they can now stretch their tongue the same length as their entire body. The ragged wisps that appeared on its back as a Haunter have solidified as two large, horn-like 'ears' and rows of spikes down its back, as well a small tail at the bottom of its body. One of the oddest physical features of a Gengar is its weight, as a Gastly and Haunter they weigh virtually nothing being comprised of semi-opaque gasses, a Gengar is much more solid 40.5 kg, several hundred times the weight of both previous forms. Rare methane-heavy variants looks quite similar to their normal brethren, although instead of a stark purple hue, they instead bolster a dull blue color.

Biological samples taken from the Gastly line show that they do not have DNA in the conventional sense. In fact, they seem not to be carbon-based lifeforms at all; their molecular structure seems to be more akin to a gas compound, and this gas is not found normally on Earth (with the exception of 'Shiny' variants, as mentioned above). The one thing about the gas that is known, is its toxicity.

Being comprised of gas makes Gastly quite fearful of heavy winds, as it can actually rob a Gastly of much of its limited mass and may even prove fatal to a Gastly should they be unable to find shelter in time. This is the primary reason for its evolution to have the film of purple 'skin' over its body, it develops a natural defense mechanism to avoid such circumstances of body loss caused by winds.

All three forms are endothermic, with scientists believing this to do with the mysterious composition of the gases in their body. As a result, those who come in physical contact with one of these beings will have their body heat absorbed, giving what many describe to as the 'chills'.

Gengar are extremely rare in the wild, as typically to evolve from a Haunter exposure to a rare electromagnetic wave found in trading devices are required. It is believed exposure to this energy causes a chemical reaction in the gases that comprise Haunter's body, causing the chemicals to radically change density and cause Gengar's severe increase in weight. Some researchers have formed theories these electromagnetic waves are similar to a dense area of 'white noise' and that's what triggers evolution, backed up by one of the only places that wild Gengar are known to exist, the Old Chateau in Sinnoh, is also home to Rotom, a Pokémon known for being linked to white noise and manipulation of electronic devices. Other researchers argue the energy required to induce evolution is more extra-dimensional in origin, this based up by the other area known for wild Gengar sightings, the abandoned Thrifty Megamart in Alola, an area known for documented accounts of dimensional wormholes and alarming levels of energy disturbances.

The Gastly line is commonly found in caves, old abandoned buildings, graveyards and burial sites, or other locations associated with death and the supernatural. The scientific community stresses that this is merely a coincidence and "ghost" Pokemon are not actually supernatural. Recent research at these sites have reported strange electromagnetic waves, similar to the ones emitted by Gastly.

Gastly seem to be omnivorous, eating whatever food they seem to care for. Specimens observed in the wild have shown no consistent eating patterns. Other specimens have been observed to go for long periods of time with out food or water with no ill effects, indicating that they may not need to eat at all.

While the need to eat is heavily debated, some researchers do have theories that while they may not need to eat, they may have a sense of taste, as members of all three lines seem to take great delight in using their tongues to lick many foreign objects. Other researchers are dubious of the claims of this licking being used for taste, and instead it simply being an effective way for them to spread their poison gas by way converting it to saliva.

The Gastly line, especially Gengar, have been known to be extremely mischievous. In particular, they have been known to go out of their way to frighten, trick, steal from, and otherwise harass humans and other Pokemon. This is not particularly harmful in and of itself; however, it still poses some hazards. Most notably, Gastly have a tendency to lick humans; this is dangerous because the saliva of the Gastly line contains a poison that causes shivering and chills in humans. Haunter's saliva is especially toxic, and can cause these symptoms for long periods of time. It's mostly harmless (albeit unpleasant) in small doses, but it can easily induce paralysis in medium doses; luckily, such paralysis is easily removed. Large doses can cause muscle and nerve damage, which can lead to permanent paralysis or even death.

[[Trainer's note: These dangers can be avoided by carry a small emf detector when entering likely areas. These devices can pick up the electromagnetic waves given off by members of the line, alerting you to their presence even if they are invisible.]]

As mentioned previously, members of the line are naturally endothermic, and will absorb body heat from any subject nearby. While mild as a Gastly, this ability grows more severe as it evolves, with fully-evolved Gengar even having the ability to cause a person to go into shock if they drain body heat too quickly (although this is rare and has only been documented a handful of times). Most hazardous about this trait is unless properly curbed, many members of this species will think the idea of giving someone 'chills' to be quite hilarious, and will do so with reckless abandon. This can also be dangerous due to the aforementioned toxicity of their bodies, as close proximity to drain body heat can also give their targets a mild to moderate case of poisoning, as well.

For purposes of training, firm discipline is important to avoid members of the Gastly line from becoming poltergeist-like pests, this problem is readily apparent when one brings an undisciplined one into a home, pokecenter, etc. It is doubly important, however, to avoid abuse and neglect at all cost, the only thing worse than a mischievous, uncontrollable Gastly member is an [[NightmareFuel angry, vengeful one]] who will at best make life a living hell for its trainer, more likely, the abusive trainer will suddenly [[MakeItLookLikeAnAccident die in a humiliating, painful fashion.]]

On the other extreme, loyal members of the Gastly line take defense of their trainer seriously- familiarize them with friends and family as soon as possible to avoid potentially deadly misunderstandings. With Gastly and Haunter, misunderstood gestures may result in a paralyzing lick at worst or the odd book being thrown at the offender- Gengar are far less lenient and will react to assumed attacks with the most lethal powers available to them. (It should be noted, however, it is because of this 'overreaction' that households and trainers known to host loyal Gengar are rarely, if ever, robbed, and then only once.)

Gastly, Haunter, and Gengar tend to gather in small groups from anywhere from 3 to 10, though groups of over 50 have been observed in areas of high Gastly concentrations. As Gengar are so rare in the wild, most social structures consist solely of Gastly and Haunter. These groups lack any real organization or leadership structure, and while some researchers argue this is due to the lack of a fully-evolved Gengar to provide guidance or authority, even areas where wild Gengar are known to exist, such as Sinnoh or Alola, there still seems to be a complete lack of structure even with their presence.

Lore also has a tendency to pit the Gastly line of Pokémon against the Abra line, although more typically with Gengar and Alakazam having a shared aggression for one another. As the two species do not share a natural habitat and therefore have little to no actual interaction, reports of a rivalry between the two species is greatly exaggerated. Their depictions in media seem to stem with Gengar's tendency to be mischievous tricksters while Alakazam are more typically [[StraightMan stoic and disciplined]].

There has also been [[Recap/PokemonS1E72TheAncientPuzzleOfPokemopolis rumors]] of both an [[AttackOfThe50FootWhatever Ancient, Giant Gengar]] in rivalry with a similarly ancient, giant Alakazam residing somewhere within the Kanto region. Such wild rumors had piqued the interests of many renown scientists, as if such a thing were true, it very well could be another documented case of [[SuperMode Primal Reversion]] which had been thought to only possible in Groudon and Kyogre. However, with no evidence to give credence to these claims, the reports of a "Primal Gengar" and a "Primal Alakazam" were eventually dismissed as an urban legend.

Recently, rumors have surfaced of a Gengar attempting to conquer the world with the aid of a Medicham and an Ekans. The rumors go on to state that this Gengar was the reincarnation of a notorious human; this human became infamous for pulling one of a Ninetales's tails and completely avoiding retribution from said Ninetales, thanks to the intervention of his Gardevoir (who stepped in to take the Ninetales's curse while the human [[DirtyCoward ran as far away as his body was physically capable of going]].) The human-turned-Gengar, having learned nothing from his misadventure, proceeded to form a so-called rescue team (consisting of himself and the aforementioned Medicham and Ekans) with the aim of raising enough money to attempt to conquer the world, but was thwarted when another human-turned Pokemon, who was on a mission to prevent a meteor from colliding with the planet, exposed the Gengar's lies and convinced him [[TheAtoner to change his ways and make up for his past misdeeds]]. The general consensus among the experts on Ghost-types (and on Ninetales) is that these stories are merely fairy tales [[ConspiracyTheorist which a few nutjobs are taking way too seriously]].

Lore also has a tendency to pit the Gastly line of Pokémon against the Abra line, although more typically with Gengar and Alakazam having a shared aggression for one another. As the two species do not share a natural habitat and therefore have little to no actual interaction, reports of a rivalry between the two species is greatly exaggerated. Their depictions in media seem to stem with Gengar's tendency to be [[WiseGuy mischievous tricksters]] while Alakazam are more typically [[StraightMan stoic and disciplined]].

Although not popular, there have been recorded cases of people using Gastly gases to induce a 'high', also referred to in some circles as "Meeting the Reaper". Such actions are not only illegal in all regions, but highly discouraged as the wrong dosage and lead to severe nausea, loss of consciousness, nerve damage, and in rare cases, death.

As members of the Gastly line have been documented for centuries, tales of them have been prevalent in many historical tales, ranging from being playful mischief makers to [[DealWithTheDevil fiends looking to make infernal contracts with unsuspecting humans]]. Some ancient ruins even give the notion that these Pokémon were either revered in a cult-like fashion, or feared as dangerous, otherworldly demons (or both).

Lore also has a tendency to pit the Gastly line of Pokémon against the Abra line, although more typically with Gengar and Alakazam having a shared aggression for one another. As the two species do not share a natural habitat and therefore have little to no actual interaction, reports of a rivalry between the two species is greatly exaggerated. Their depictions in media seem to step with Gengar's tendency to be [[WiseGuy mischievous tricksters]] while Alakazam are more typically [[StraightMan stoic and disciplined]].

As members of the Gastly line have been documented for centuries, tales of them have been prevalent in many historical tales, ranging from being playful mischief makers to [[DealWithTheDevil fiends looking to make infernal contracts with unsuspecting humans]]. Some ancient ruins even give the notion that these Pokémon were either revered in a cult-like fashion, or feared as dangerous, otherworldly demons (or both). Lore also has a tendency to pit the Gastly line of Pokémon against the Abra line, although more typically with Gengar and Alakazam having a shared aggression for one another. As the two species do not share a natural habitat and therefore have little to no actual interaction, reports of a rivalry between the two species is greatly exaggerated.

As members of the Gastly line have been documented for centuries, tales of them have been prevalent in many historical tales, ranging from being playful mischief makers to [[DealWithTheDevil fiends looking to make infernal contracts with unsuspecting humans]]. Some ancient ruins even give the notion that these Pokémon were either revered in a cult-like fashion, or feared as dangerous, otherworldly demons (or both).

Gengar are extremely rare in the wild, as typically to evolve from a Haunter exposure to a rare electromagnetic wave found in trading devices are required. It is believed exposure to this energy causes a chemical reaction in the gases that comprise Haunter's body, causing the chemicals to radically change density and cause Gengar's severe increase in weight. Some researchers have formed theorizes these electromagnetic waves are similar to a dense area of 'white noise' and that's what triggers evolution, backed up by one of the only places that wild Gengar are known to exist, the Old Chateau in Sinnoh, is also home to Rotom, a Pokémon known for being linked to white noise and manipulation of electronic devices. Other researchers argue the energy required to induce evolution is more extra-dimensional in origin, this based up by the other area known for wild Gengar sightings, the abandoned Thrifty Megamart in Alola, an area known for documented accounts of dimensional wormholes and alarming levels of energy disturbances.

While the need to eat is heavily debated, some researchers do have theorizes that while they may not need to eat, they may have a sense of taste, as members of all three lines seem to take great delight in using their tongues to lick many foreign objects. Other researchers are dubious of the claims of this licking being used for taste, and instead it simply being an effective way for them to spread their poison gas by way converting it to saliva.

Many people believe that the entire line feeds upon souls, but no empirical evidence has been provided to back up these legends.