Morphs [Oak Catalog #]
- Skorupi [451]
Skorupi are small arachnids, ranging from two to three feet in length. They are a pale purple color, and possess two single-pronged claws and a two-pronged stinger.
- Drapion [452]
Drapions are about twice as big as Skorupi, and the arm-like pedipalps have become much longer and now have two prongs. It is also a more vivid shade of purple.
Notable Biology
Skorupi produce a toxin in their bodies. This toxin is released through both the claws and the stinger. Because of the short length of their pedipalps, the stinger on the tail is more developed and stronger. Their mouths are underdeveloped, and can only be used for consuming prey that has been killed. Like all bugs, the Skorupi possesses no endoskeleton; a chitinous layer serves as an exoskeleton.
Drapions are not too different from Skorupi other than size. The pedipalps have developed, and replace the tail as the primary weapon. The mouth area is much more developed; Drapions can use their teeth as an attack, though not as effectively as the tail or claws. The head of a Drapion can rotate 180 degrees. Because the claws are located close to the head, it can also attack without turning around. The armor shell is also much thicker.
Habitat
The Skorupi line prefers deserts first and foremost, but they can live in swamps. Skorupi hide under the sand or rocks while waiting for prey, avoiding the sun. In swamps, they partially bury themselves under mud instead. Drapions actively wander the deserts, and only seek shelter from the sun during the hottest part of the day. In swamps, they wander out in the more open areas.
Diet
Skorupi leap out at smaller prey from under their sand or rocks, usually attacking things such as Sandshrew, Trapinch, or Croagunk. They usually ignore larger opponents unless directly attacked. After stinging or clawing the prey, which either kills it or incapacitates it, the Skorupi drags it under some rocks to consume.
Drapions are much less discrete and discriminate in their dieting patterns. They will charge at anything that looks edible and either tear it to shreds or mash it with the blunt center of the tip of its tail. It then eats the prey in large chunks. They will attack almost anything in the desert for nourishment, including Cacturne and Flygon.
Hazards
Both Pokemon are very dangerous to humans. While Skorupi usually ignore or even positively interact with humans, one must be careful not to step on buried Skorupi. Once agitated, it will sting near the ankles. While the poison is rarely fatal, it is debilitating and leaves the victim to the harsh conditions of the desert or other predators. Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, fainting, numbness or intense pain, or even temporary paralysis.
Drapions are a triple threat; they rend human flesh and bone easily with their claws, bite out a large chunk of flesh, or use their tail to sting or smash. Drapion poison is much stronger, and always fatal if not treated within at most 1.5 hours of injection. Whereas one must really try to get a Skorupi to attack, Drapions are known to charge at desert travelers and attack with no provocation. They are also too fast for the average human to outrun. If not armed with Pokemon capable of defeating the Drapion, the best solution is to not fight back, but to try and calm the Drapion. They are the largest threat to humans living in the desert, but they also show respect for those that calmly stand against them.
Courting and Childrearing
Skorupi usually do not breed in the wild, but their mating patterns are identical to Drapions. The male and female Drapions communicate using pheromones and vibrations at first. Once they have located each other, the male impregnates the female after leading it somewhere suitable. This is done via spermatophores. Once the larvae are born, they cling to the female's back for about a year, before becoming strong enough to venture on their own.
Social Structure
The Skorupi line is usually not social, prefering to be solitary. It is not unheard of for Skorupi to form hunting packs with siblings or other local Skorupi. While the male and female usually separate after mating, there have been several cases where they stay together. Both members of the Skorupi line are capable of forming a bond with human trainers, much like most Pokemon. Domesticated Drapion are much less likely to attack people unprovokedly, but will defend their trainer fiercely.
Written by Anomalocaris20.
