Snubbull Line
Morphs [Oak Catalog #]
- Snubbull [#209]
- Granbull [#210]
Physical Description
The Pokémon of the Snubbull line are digitigrade bipedal canids that are defined by brightly colored pelts, a "short" muzzle structure that is unconventional among its peers, and for being one of a handful of creatures to demonstrate traits that has lead it to be included in a recently-created "Fairy" typing designation for Pokémon.
The initial morph, Snubbull, typically stands around 60 centimeters (roughly 2 feet) tall and weighs in at approximately 8 kilograms (just over 17 pounds). Snubbull possess a pair of distinct "split" pendant ears with black banding along their lower contours that have an appearance not wholly unlike the appendages that grow from the head of Lucario. Snubbull are characterized by "flat" faces, in which the eyes are only mildly set back from a short and rounded snout. Snubbull also possess a jaw structure with a mild "underbite" that exposes 2 small fangs from its lower jaw when closed. Snubbull pelts have a distinct pattern of growth with a "skirt" of long fur encircling its lower body that sometimes obfuscates a small nub-like tail and separates regions of shorter fur along its legs and feet from another that encompasses its upper torso and head. This pelt also carries a distinctive "collar" of longer fur around its neck, which shares the same coloration as a number of fur "dots" that ring Snubbull's body towards the end of its "skirt".
The second, and presently presumed final morph is Granbull, an imposing creature that possesses a typical height of 140 centimeters (approximately 4'7") and weight just shy of 50 kilograms (around 110 pounds). A number of physical features change dramatically upon a Snubbull's evolution into Granbull, some of the most prominent being centered around Granbull's head. Granbull develops a skull structure with a more pronounced muzzle, with its eyes set further back from its snout, which now incorporates a pair of jaws characterized by a lower jaw with an "underbite" and two prominent bone spurs that serve to function as "fangs" with typical lengths that range from 20 to 25 centimeters. Unlike its earlier form, Granbull's ears "fuse" into a more conventional pendant structure that no longer display banding. Granbull's pelt also changes dramatically, being composed entirely of a layer of short fur that more visibly displays the creature's musculture and exposes a small tail that has grown proportionally longer than that of its younger brethren. The patterns on this pelt also change dramatically, characterized by solid regions covering the body barring a series of black bands around the wrists, and one forming a "collar" around Granbull's neck with two small dots located on opposite sides of its throat.
Pokémon from this line are known to possess a number of distinct phenotypes which primarily affect pelt structure and coloration. Snubbull typically possess a pelt that is primarily pink or peach with "dots" and a "collar" of varying light blue colorations. Among some populations, including those from Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh, a Snubbull's "skirt" begins below its tail, which exposes its structure. By contrast other populations such as those in Unova possess Snubbull with pelt structures such that the "skirt" begins above and envelops the creature's tail, making it not immediately visible to an observer. Granbull phenotype variances generally affect the color of its primary pelt regions and the color of its "dots", which usually range between varying shades of violet and pink and white to gray respectively.
In rare cases, carriers of mutant phenotypes among Snubbull and Granbull have been recorded. Among Snubbull, pelts' primary regions are light shades of gray or lavender punctuated by pink or peach "collars" and "dots" along with magenta bands on its ears. When such individuals evolve into Granbull, their pelts become like their more common brethren's, with the very visible exception of their primary regions, which have been documented to become varying shades of tan. These phenotype carriers are known to be particularly sought after in some breeding circles and collectors will sometimes pay large sums for such creatures.
Notable Biology
In spite of their fairly straightforward appearances, Snubbull and Granbull have long proven to be deceptively surprising creatures to the study of Pokémon.
Snubbull and Granbull are distinct from most of their canid peers in that their features and behaviors appear to bear the mark of historical human influence upon a presently unknown precursor. As canids, Snubbull and its evolution have been noted to display less prominent pack behaviors and regularly attempt to engage in "guarding" behaviors towards other entities in return for food and physical care. It should be noted that this behavior appears not to be terribly altruistic in nature, as guarding Snubbull line Pokémon have been noted to often abandon guarding roles for other Pokémon in the face of particularly imposing foes. This guarding behavior is noted to be dramatically less pragmatic among entities seen as kin, a behavioral association which is key for trainers seeking to use these creatures in battle effectively to develop, and one that has provided models which were later utilized for experimental training methods for Pokémon from the Archen line.
It is believed that the effects of this anthropogenic development may be responsible for a number of health ailments that Snubbull line Pokémon are known to occasionally suffer from in the later stages of life. Such ailments are known to include heightened vulnerabilities to cancer, arthritis, and bloating. Another physical trait that is suspected to be a byproduct of this development is the necessity for Snubbull and Granbull to have their muzzles regularly cleaned to avoid bacterial infections, which is generally done by other Pokémon in symbiotic relationships in the wild.
For many years, Snubbull and Granbull's responses to various battle techniques have stymied researchers. Although categorized under the "Normal" group along with Pokémon such as Tauros and Linoone, these Pokémon seemed to lack the characteristic series of resistances and weaknesses as their peers within the group. Originally, it was assumed that Snubbull and Granbull's resistance signature was due to species-specific biology, until it became noted that their resistance signature appeared to be more in-line with a group Pokémon displaying a command over strange paranormal phenomena, which lead to Snubbull and Granbull being reclassified as being members of the recently-categorized "Fairy" group.
Creatures from this line also appear to have a limited command over a handful of fire, ice, and electric-based techniques, which is facilitated by the possession of a typically-dormant organ present in some other Pokémon known as an "omnisac". Contents from this sac appear to be disgorged around the oral cavity not wholly unlike observed behaviors among Gligar and its evolution, which allows the incorporation of such techniques into bites.
Three known submorphs of this line are presently known to exist, defined by slight variances in physical and psychological traits. One of the most common submorphs is characterized by displaying heightened evasive behaviors during battle. As Snubbull, these creatures appear to possess a general ability to move faster than their peers in short sprints, which are typically used to flee unwanted confrontations, an ability which is commonly referred to as "Run Away". As Granbull individuals from this submorph appear to develop a behavior often known to as "Quick Feet" in which their bodily metabolisms can be accelerated if afflicted with one of a small number of harmful conditions. Another of the most common submorphs is characterized by physical features that trend more visually imposing than those of their peers, and are known to display heightened aggression in battle in what is colloquially known as "Intimidate". This particular submorph appears to maintain relatively constant physical and psychological traits even after evolution. A third, and fairly rare submorph consists of individuals that display a modified series of evasive behaviors referred to as "Rattled", which were initially confused with those of their more common brethren. Individuals from this submorph appear to instinctively accelerate their metabolisms in the event of being attacked with a small number of techniques that appear to unsettle such individuals both as Snubbull and Granbull. It is presently unknown whether this behavior is a generalized response or not, as it only appears to be reliably observable when an individual from this submorph is attacked with a technique presently classified under the "Bug", "Dark", or "Ghost" groups.
Habitat
In wild settings Pokémon from the Snubbull line as of present have been documented living primarily in woodlands, fields, as well as in highland areas. In these settings, Snubbull line Pokémon will generally live under naturally occurring or otherwise assembled shelters composed of tree limbs, rock, and other coverings, with construction among assembled structures noted by some researchers to resemble general practices in building lean-tos in human societies.
Snubbull populations in at least some areas are known to engage in migratory behaviors, which often seem to gravitate towards fringes of human settlement, a behavior that has been suggested as evidence of potential anthropogenic origins. This phenomenon can be most dramatically seen in the Johto region, where the commonality of reported encounters with Snubbull line Pokémon is known to wildly fluctuate between extreme commonality and rarity in different years. Known locations to readily encounter such creatures include Kanto Routes 5-8, Johto Routes 34-35 and 38-39, and Kalos Route 10, with occasional sightings being documented in the treeline along Unova's Route 2.
Diet
Snubbull and their brethren possess omnivorous diets that display a significant degree of variance depending upon the environment they live in. A typical diet will generally incorporate smaller creatures or eggs, supplemented with berries, fruits, and grasses. It has been noted that among Snubbull and its evolution, plant matter appears to play a larger component of its diet than among other more conventional Pokémon of its nature. As with most other canid Pokémon, a number of relatively common chemical substances in some foods, including caffeine, are toxic to Snubbull and its evolution's metabolism.
Unlike most canid Pokémon, Snubbull generally do not engage in pursuit hunting, but rather typically engage in nest raiding, ambush predation on weakened individuals, or scavenging for sustenance. Along the outskirts of human settlements, these creatures can often be seen scavenging through rubbish bins for food. Part of the general lack of documented pursuit hunting among Snubbull line Pokémon is likely attributable to the commonality of symbiotic relationships between these Pokémon and others. Food is also often sourced by Snubbull from Pokémon align themselves with, which is often offered up in return for defensive assistance.
Hazards
Although its popular depiction as a timid creature behind a gruff exterior is perhaps not completely without reason, it should go without saying that to presume that a Snubbull or a Granbull is "all bark but no bite" is a terminally foolish exercise.
Creatures from this line are known to utilize techniques focusing on intimidation and psychological offense. Preferred tactics are to intimidate an opponent into fleeing through techniques such as "Roar", or alternately, to demoralize and inhibit their foes' ability to fight through techniques such as "Glare". In wild settings, such techniques are usually an initial practice used to better control opponents, and if discerned, provide an handy initial warning sign to give an individual space and retreat to safety.
Snubbull utilize biting attacks as the backbone of a number of techniques, which are easily capable of leaving puncture wounds potentially serious enough to require medical attention. For obvious reasons, bites from Granbull tend to be significantly more serious, and will both exert more force, and by virtue of jaw structure and teeth, penetrate more deeply than those from their younger counterparts. It should be noted that among both Pokémon, bites also carry the risk of bacterial infection if left untreated. Among some individuals, it is not unknown for biting attacks to incorporate pyrogenic, cryogenic, or electrogenic activity from an active omnisac, which can further exacerbate wounds from conventional biting.
Creatures from this line are noted to make extensive use of varying types of more mundane physical assaults, including full-body tackles and punches. Although such attacks are unlikely to leave more than minor to moderate bruising and lacerations as Snubbull, it should be noted that Granbull will typically weigh 6-7 times more and stand 2 and a half times taller than its younger peer, and accordingly be capable of far more life-threatening injuries. These individuals have also been known to enter uncontrolled frenzies when particularly aggravated, a state which often does not relent until physical fatigue forces an end. Among individuals of certain lineages, such individuals may also be capable of a range of attacks involving more refined use of their arms such as "Focus Punch" and "Close Combat".
Less existential hazards include the obvious dangers associated with undertraining and unintentional injury. It should be noted that as canid Pokémon, individuals that have dwelled in the wild may maintain behaviors that may prove to be a nuisance in captive settings such as territorial marking that will require training to suppress.
Courting
Both Snubbull and Granbull are theoretically capable of mating and bearing offspring, though in wild contexts, it is rare for reproduction to occur outside of Granbull. Courtship among these Pokémon appears to be fairly opportunistic, with ceremony, if not completely absent, generally consisting of a small gift exchange or display of strength.
After mating, the female will construct a nest for her eggs, which among Snubbull typically consist of solitary eggs, and litters of 4-5 for Granbull. The male generally will remain with the female after the hatching of the eggs for until around 2 months prior to the next mating cycle before moving on, though males that remain attached to a single mate indefinitely have also been documented, if more frequently in captive settings. Both Snubbull and Granbull are known to be capable of mating with Pokémon from outside their immediate line, though this behavior is rarely documented outside of captivity.
As with most other mammalian Pokémon, Snubbull and its evolution appear to be capable of having their eggs hatch both within their bodies and in external nests. Unlike most of their peers, even within wild settings, reproduction through oviparous methods remains the dominant method, and is noted for having significantly lowered incidences of maternal mortality. Offspring are noted to generally skew female over male, although gender distributions appear to vary heavily based on conditions surrounding their care. In captivity, breeders of Snubbull eggs generally observe 1-3 male to female ratios of individuals.
Social Structure
Snubbull and its evolution are distinguished from most other canid Pokemon in possessing a generally weak pack structure, which generally consists of small, fluid groups of 6-8 individuals bound by kinship, with more extreme cases known to consist of upwards of 20 individuals. In these groups, the dominant figure is typically a matriarch Granbull, with her peers in her group typically either being siblings, offspring, or other relations.
These groups generally undergo fission as offspring become sexually mature, evolve, and seek out mates, which in turn form the basis of new kinship groups around a matriarch. Males are known to generally have more mobility in these groups of kin, and will often move from group to group with his current mate. It has been noted that these kin groups also periodically demonstrate absorption of other individuals, typically consisting of elderly or invalid individuals along the lines of vertical or horizontal generational descent.
Snubbull line members in the wild are also distinguished by their interactions with "client" Pokémon, which provide food and care in return for aid defending against foes. Alliances with such Pokémon are generally picked on the basis of pragmatism, favoring those that can provide the most reliable aid in gathering shelter, sustenance, physical care, and a definable territory to mark and associate with. A particularly common form of such alignments will consist of Snubbull line groups allying with avian Pokemon, which help clean the creatures' jaws and muzzles in return for defense. These alliances are generally transitory, and generally run their course within 9-12 months as the group of Snubbull line Pokémon move on.
In Human Society
In the regions where Snubbull and Granbull are encountered, they are often among the first creatures with documented records of being trained by the local populace. Curiously, folkloric attitudes seem to vary wildly on the creatures. In some regions, Snubbull and Granbull are depicted as malevolent entities in folklore, which steal away people to force them to care for their pups. In others, and under the strain of folklore that undoubtedly has more influence on their present depictions in media, Snubbull and Granbull are depicted as loyal, if stubborn and fair-weathered allies, with children's aesops occasionally revolving around a creature from this line developing stiffer resolve as the result of kindness and intimacy with a trainer. Historically, these creatures appear to at times been selectively bred for traits heightening aggression, primarily for individuals intended for military applications, or more dubiously, the practice of "baiting" other Pokémon, particularly Pokémon such as Tauros and Bouffalant. In some regions, there is a long history of higher social classes training these creatures.
On the whole, Snubbull and Granbull are often seen as icons of "tough but feminine" creatures, making them popular among some female trainers. In some regions, Snubbull and Granbull have been employed as symbols of differing civil rights causes, including organizations aligned with feminist and LGBT movements.
In contemporary media, Snubbull and its evolution see a range of depictions with few constants other than stubbornness. Depending on the work, they may be tough or cowardly, dependable or unreliable, sympathetic or the complete antithesis thereof. Various works to feature characters from or otherwise derived from the Snubbull line include a series of cartoon shorts revolving around a feuding Rattata and Liepard duo with a Granbull and his Snubbull child occasionally appearing as minor characters and the use of Granbull-derived enemies in the earlier installments of a particularly prominent action adventure franchise. Creatures from this line are also commonly used as mascot Pokémon for establishments and various civic organizations.
Article by Dragara and Tracer Bullet.
