Castform Line
Morphs [Oak Catalog #]
- Castform [351]
Notable Biology
Castform are artificial Pokémon originally developed by the Hoenn Weather Institute. They were originally created in order to more carefully forecast weather patterns. By carefully studying the abilities of precognition found in several strains of psychic Pokémon, they were able to synthesize a stable nucleus using genetic material from such creatures. In order to gain a better understanding of weather, the researchers also conducted experiments to learn how many Pokémon species were capable of controlling the weather. After finding a specialized section of the brain which gave the specimens the ability to manipulate certain meteorological factors, they replicated such sections within Castform's nucleus, the end result being a creature that could not only predict the weather, but also control it. Their bodies are similar to cells, composing mostly of water, wrapped in a semi-permeable membrane. Castform's body structure was designed to take a certain appearance and shape during various forms of weather, in order to adapt to any sudden shifts in weather. Castform appear as small, gray, cloud shaped creatures during relatively normal weather conditions.
During strong sunlight, the water inside a Castform tends to heat up significantly, usually turning into water vapor. To compensate for the increased volume and pressure, Castform can expand their membranes to form pockets for extra space around the head. This expansion causes the membrane to stretch, and gives Castform’s head an orange hue.
During intense rainstorms, to prevent a buildup of excess water, Castform align the top of their membranes in a teardrop shape in order to promote water flow away from the body. The excess water gained despite this process causes the membrane to turn somewhat transparent, allowing one to see the water inside a Castform.
During intense hail, sleet, or snowstorms, Castform must constantly move the water molecules inside their membrane to prevent freezing solid. This motion causes an interesting phenomenon on Castform’s head, causing ice crystals to form in a spiral shape.
Habitat
Due to being man-made most Castform are found in laboratories and weather research stations. It is possible for ordinary trainers to purchase a Castform from the weather institute, but most trainers prefer to buy them from specialized Pokémon breeders. Certain wild strains of Castform have been reported in the Sinnoh region, mainly near lakes and other sources of fresh water.
Diet
Due to their simplicity, Castform can generally subsist off of pure sugar-water. Castform use the water to replace any that may have been lost, and the sugar is used for energy. Castform are capable of eating berries, but only gain nutritional benefit if they are particularly high in moisture or sugar. Castform may require other vitamins for membrane repair. Consult a specialist for details on what vitamins your Castform should consume to promote a healty membrane.
Hazards
Castform raised by humans are relatively docile creatures, due to spending much of their lives around humans. However, they are easily startled, and surprising a Castform tends to have two results, depending on the Castform. Either the Castform will fly away at high speed, causing rather sporadic weather conditions as it flees to a safe distance, or the Castform will simply turn and attack. Castform are quite dangerous to face in battle, if only because of their versatility. In addition to being able to learn several types of attacks, Castform also have complete control of the weather. In strong sunlight, Castform take on several traits normally seen with fire type Pokémon. However, it is not advised to use water Pokémon against a Sun Castform for two reasons. The first is that water Pokémon tend to become much weaker during strong sunlight, due to lack of moisture in the air. The second reason is that Castform are able to use their rather transparent heads to focus the sun’s rays into the devastating attack known as Solarbeam. For this reason, it is recommended you also not use rock or ground type Pokémon, as they are also vulnerable to this move. During the rain, Castform gains a greater mastery of water, and is also able to more accurately control electrical attacks. In cold weather, Castform gains some vulnerability against heat, but can still use some water based abilities. In this form, it can also cause highly destructive blizzards. Due to the fact that finding a pokemon with an advantage against all of Castform’s attacks is nearly impossible, trainers should prepare with a large variety of Pokémon, and switch when needed. If this is not an option, a strong normal type should be able to use some of its versatility against Castform.
Courting and Childrearing
Castform have not yet been witnessed mating in the wild, due to the fact they rarely come together to do so. When two Castform wish to mate, they engage in a dance together, and then land on the ground for an extended period of time. The two Castform then fuse their membranes together into a dome shaped structure. They can remain in this state for up to 5 days. After this period is over, they separate their membranes to reveal a baby Castform. Scientists hypothesize the Castform is generated using excess membrane and water. The parents then separate from the baby Castform which is generally left alone afterwards. It is unknown if this behavior is repeated in the wild, but it is widely speculated to be the same.
Social Structure
Castform generally have a carefree social structure, due to not needing much sustenance other than water and fruit. Castform in captivity have been observed to form large colonies, but seem relatively unaware of other Castform, except when they are looking to mate. Wild colonies of Castform have been observed to exhibit more complex social structures than those in captivity, and seem to interact more closely with other Castform. Most Castform easily relate to humans, and seem to prefer their company to that of their own kind.
Written by Scarab112.
