History FanonPokedex / Hoppip

Hoppip are native to Johto, and are found almost everywhere (however, they are strongly diurnal, and will hide in trees at night). In Kanto, they have been sighted on Five Island, the Memorial Pillar, the Five Isle Meadow, Resort Gorgeous, and the Water Labyrinth. They are not found in Hoenn, possibly due to the strong volcanic presence (which creates a great deal of ash and smoke, deterring Hoppip). In Sinnoh, they are found in Fuego Valley (They enjoy playing near the windmills, in the breeze), and on Route 205. In Unova, they are only found in a small woodlands that has been named, “White Forest” by surrounding Unovans, probably due to Cottonee and Whimsicott already filling their biological niche.

[[Note: While Hoppip and Skiploom make excellent pets, Jumpluff does not, due to its constant shedding of cotton. As such, if you own a Hoppip or Skiploom, unless you wish to be consigned to the endless task of cleaning up after Jumpluff, it is advised that you purchase an Everstone to prevent your Skiploom from evolving.]]

Members of the Hoppip line contain hundreds of heat-receptor cells on their skin. Scientists have made several studies on these cells, and discovered that Hoppip (and, by extension, Skiploom and Jumpluff) have three different subtypes, all of which put the cells to different use. In the first subtype, when exposed to sufficient heat (such as that of a warm, sunny day), release adrenaline, enabling the Hoppip in question to move much more quickly. In the second subtype, the cells instead trigger the release of a curious substance, which can heal various ailments, such as poisons or confusion (Many people have attempted to extract this substance, see In Human Society for more information). The last (and by far the rarest) subtype actually lacks these cells (or at least the ability to use them), and is instead in the possession of an incredibly flexible and stretchy body, enabling it to slip through very small gaps.

Hoppip is a Grass-Flying-type Pokémon. It is .4 meters tall, and weighs .5 kilograms. Its body is round (Though not perfectly spherical) and covered in a soft pink fuzz, with four stubby legs (there is a small yellow spot on the back of each leg, scientists believe that this is used as an eyespot to deter predators) and an equally stubby tail. It has pointed, cat-like ears. Two large green leaves protrude from its head (These leaves have a notable similarity to those of dandelions). It has round, yellow eyes, and a small mouth (Hoppip, and all its evolutions, have tiny, needle-teeth, for the purpose of eating plants). Because of its small size and lightness, it can float on even gentle breezes, and in fact uses this skill to travel.

Similarities have been noted between the Hoppip line and the Unovan Cottonee line, in appearance, biology, and behavior, and many people, both scientists and laypeople, believe them to be related. If this is the case, the Hoppip line is doing far better than its Unovan counterpart, having expanded to every region except Hoenn (although it is not common in Unova).

However, when provoked, they can prove a formidable opponent. Like many Grass-types, the Hoppip line can learn a series of attacks that drain the energy of a foe (how this is done is still a mystery, although Zubat can pull off a similar move that seems to involve the draining of blood) and give it to Hoppip. Recipients of this attack have described it as highly unpleasant, and it is advised that you do your best to prevent you or your Pokémon from being hit with it.
In addition, the Hoppip line can spray powders from a small orifice in their tails. These powders have varying effects when inhaled, ranging from poisoning, to temporary paralysis, to unconsciousness. Hoppip (and occasionally Skiploom) will release these powders on instinct if frightened. They can also scatter cotton to blind and entangle a foe. As such, when traveling in Hoppip territory, move quietly, and bring a Pokémon capable of using Gust or Whirlwind in case worst comes to worst.