History Trivia / BoldoresAndBoomsticks

*** [[https://forums.spacebattles.com/posts/45850225/ Zubat]] are common, bats fit Ruby's gothic fashion sense, Crobat are [[FragileSpeedster Fragile Speedsters]] like Ruby, and a friendship-based evolution means it can [[AuthorAppeal quickly evolve to Crobat without spending much time as a Golbat]].\\

Scyther was considered, but dismissed because its rarity, strength, and matching color palette (once evolved) made Ruby acquiring one seem Sue-ish. Eevee was considered due to AuthorAppeal and RuleOfCute, but Darwin felt neither it nor its evolutions were a good fit thematically.

Glaceon and Alolan Vulpix were considered, but dismissed because they would be rare enough in Kanto that Weiss getting one would feel contrived. Gallade was also considered as the possible final form for Ralts, but was dismissed due to the whole knight-theme surrounding it. Instead of a Princess and Knight theme, it was more of them being equals.

Scyther was considered, but dismissed because its rarity, strength, and matching color palette (once evolved) made Ruby acquiring one seem Sue-ish. Eevee was considered due to AuthorAppeal and RuleOfCute, but Darwin felt neither it nor its evolutions were a good fit thematically, and it (and any other similarly petlike Pokemon) would end up competing with Zwei for screen time once the story moved back to Remnant.

Glaceon and Alolan Vulpix were considered, but dismissed because they would be rare enough in Kanto that Weiss getting one would feel contrived, and non-humanoid Pokemon in general were dismissed as they would result in a more owner-and-pet relationship than the sisterly relationship Whisper has with Weiss, plus the issue with Zwei mentioned with Ruby. Gallade was also considered as the possible final form for Ralts, but was dismissed due to the whole knight-theme surrounding it. Instead of a Princess and Knight theme, it was more of them being equals.

Scyther was considered, but dismissed because its rarity, strength, and matching color palette (once evolved) made Ruby acquiring one seem Sue-ish. Eevee was considered due to AuthorAppeal and RuleOfCute, but Darwin felt neither it nor its evolutions were a good fit thematically.

Glaceon and Alolan Vulpix were considered, but dismissed because they would be rare enough in Kanto that Weiss getting one would feel contrived. Gallade was also considered as the possible final form for Ralts, but was dismissed due to the whole knight-theme surrounding it. Instead of a Princess and Knight theme, it was more of them being equals.
*** Piplup technically cannot be found in Alola in the games, but as Prinplup can be found via Island Scan, the author reasoned that a community of the line must exist to let multiple Prinplup be found. Empoleon shares a 'cold' theme with Weiss, and one could use its shieldlike wings to shelter her and Whisper before all three attack.

*** [[https://forums.spacebattles.com/posts/45850225/ Zubat]] are common, bats fit Ruby's gothic fashion sense, Crobat are [[FragileSpeedster Fragile Speedsters]] like Ruby, and a friendship-based evolution means it can [[AuthorAppeal quickly evolve to Crobat without spending much time as a Golbat.]]\\

*** [[https://forums.spacebattles.com/posts/47792685/ Ralts]] are empaths that can see past Weiss' [[IceQueen icy exterior]], Gardevoir and Weiss share a "princess" aesthetic, the Gardevoir line's [[UndyingLoyalty characteristic devotion to their trainers]] would provide Weiss with [[LonelyRichKid much needed emotional support]], taking care of the mostly defenseless Ralts provides opportunity for character development, and, most importantly...[[RidiculouslyCuteCritter Ralts are really, really cute.]]\\

Emboar was dismissed because it's a MightyGlacier, and Infernape because it and a certain monkey-tailed Faunus share the same inspiration and would make a better pair. Several dragons were considered because of Yang's MeaningfulName, but the author decided they [[AuthorAppeal just liked Torchic better.]]

*** [[https://forums.spacebattles.com/posts/48671537/ Gastly's]] illusions and nature as a ghost-type compliment the ninja-like Blake, they have a third stage evolution like the other starters chosen, and the author thought pairing the normally quiet, reclusive Blake with a Pokémon known to be an outgoing prankster [[RuleOfFunny would be funny.]]\\

!'''''All'' spoilers on this page are left unmarked. Administrivia/YouHaveBeenWarned!'''

* NonIndicativeName: No Boldores have appeared or been mentioned so far, and shotguns aren't a major feature either. [[WordOfGod Behind the scenes]], the author was trying to come up with a title, and asked a friend for advice. The friend's instant and deadpan response (a play on the film ''Film/BedknobsAndBroomsticks'') was hilarious enough that the author went with it.
** Update: As of Chapter 32, a single Boldore did make a very brief cameo, as one of Olivia's Grand Trial team.

* WordOfGod: Darwin Candidate has made posts explaining his reasoning for each of Team RWBY's starters, as well as "runner up" decisions and why he didn't use them. In general, choices were made based on Pokémon rarity, thematic connection to each character, whether or not the Pokémon would be considered a "pet" instead of an equal partner (or would overlap roles with Zwei the corgi), whether or not the choice would be considered cliché, and whether or not the Pokémon would be fun to write.
** [[https://forums.spacebattles.com/posts/45850225/ Ruby]]: Zubat are common, bats fit Ruby's gothic fashion sense, Crobat are [[FragileSpeedster Fragile Speedsters]] like Ruby, and a friendship-based evolution means it can [[AuthorAppeal quickly evolve to Crobat without spending much time as a Golbat.]]
*** Scyther was considered, but dismissed because its rarity, strength, and matching color palette (once evolved) made Ruby acquiring one seem Sue-ish. Eevee was considered due to AuthorAppeal and RuleOfCute, but Darwin felt neither it nor its evolutions were a good fit thematically.
** [[https://forums.spacebattles.com/posts/47792685/ Weiss]]: Ralts are empaths that can see past Weiss' [[IceQueen icy exterior]], Gardevoir and Weiss share a "princess" aesthetic, the Gardevoir line's [[UndyingLoyalty characteristic devotion to their trainers]] would provide Weiss with [[LonelyRichKid much needed emotional support]], taking care of the mostly defenseless Ralts provides opportunity for character development, and, most importantly...[[RidiculouslyCuteCritter Ralts are really, really cute.]]
*** Glaceon and Alolan Vulpix were considered, but dismissed because they would be rare enough in Kanto that Weiss getting one would feel contrived.
*** Gallade was considered as the possible final form for Ralts, but was dismissed due to the whole knight-theme surrounding it. Instead of a Princess and Knight theme, it was more of them being equals.
** [[https://forums.spacebattles.com/posts/48029260/ Yang]]: Torchic evolves into a Fire/Fighting type, and the author reasoned that of all the Fire/Fighting starters, Blaziken best fit Yang's LightningBruiser fighting style.
*** Emboar was dismissed because it's a MightyGlacier, and Infernape because it and a certain monkey-tailed Faunus share the same inspiration and would make a better pair. Several dragons were considered because of Yang's MeaningfulName, but the author decided they [[AuthorAppeal just liked Torchic better.]]
** [[https://forums.spacebattles.com/posts/48671537/ Blake]]: Gastly's illusions and nature as a ghost-type compliment the ninja-like Blake, they have a third stage evolution like the other starters chosen, and the author thought pairing the normally quiet, reclusive Blake with a Pokémon known to be an outgoing prankster [[RuleOfFunny would be funny.]]
*** Because [[WhyDidItHaveToBeSnakes Blake is afraid of dogs]], and Zwei is already used for that joke, any and all canine Pokémon were out. Feline Pokémon were too obvious and were also out. Zorua was considered and dismissed because its Illusion ability could be too OP. Misdreavus was considered, mainly because Mismagius would have been the witch to Blake's black cat, but Darwin decided he could get more mileage out of Gastly.

* NonIndicativeName: No Boldores have appeared or been mentioned so far, and shotguns aren't a major feature either. [[WordOfGod Behind the scenes]], the author was trying to come up with a title, and asked a friend for advice. The friend's instant and deadpan response (a play on the film ''Bedknobs and Broomsticks'') was hilarious enough that the author went with it.

* WordOfGod: Darwin Candidate has made posts explaining his reasoning for each of Team RWBY's starters, as well as "runner up" decisions and why he didn't use them. In general, choices were made based on Pokemon rarity, thematic connection to each character, whether or not the Pokemon would be considered a "pet" instead of an equal partner (or would overlap roles with Zwei the corgi), whether or not the choice would be considered cliché, and whether or not the Pokemon would be fun to write.

** [[https://forums.spacebattles.com/posts/48671537/ Blake]]: Gastly's illusions and nature as a ghost-type compliment the ninja-like Blake, they have a third stage evolution like the other starters chosen, and the author thought pairing the normally quiet, reclusive Blake with a Pokemon known to be an outgoing prankster [[RuleOfFunny would be funny.]]
*** Because [[WhyDidItHaveToBeSnakes Blake is afraid of dogs]], and Zwei is already used for that joke, any and all canine Pokemon were out. Feline Pokemon were too obvious and were also out. Zorua was considered and dismissed because its Illusion ability could be too OP. Misdreavus was considered, mainly because Mismagius would have been the witch to Blake's black cat, but Darwin decided he could get more mileage out of Gastly.

** Update: As of Chapter 32, a single Boldore did make a very brief cameo.

*** Because [[WhyDidItHaveToBeSnakes Blake is afraid of dogs]], and Zwei is already used for that joke, any and all canine Pokemon were out. Feline Pokemon were too obvious and were also out. Zorua was considered and dismissed because its Illusion ability could be too OP. Misdreavus was considered, mainly because Mismagius would have been the witch to Blake's black cat, but Darwin decided he could get more mileage out of Gastly.

* NonIndicativeName: No Boldores have appeared or been mentioned so far, and shotguns aren't a major feature either. [[WordOfGod Behind the scenes]], the author was trying to come up with a title, and asked a friend for advice. The friend's response (a play on the film ''Bedknobs and Broomsticks'') was hilarious enough that the author went with it.

* PutOnABus: [[https://forums.spacebattles.com/posts/45421423/ As explained in the author's note in chapter 1]], Ash is not in the story because he is "off having adventures in whatever region is revealed for Generation 8 ([[VideoGame/PokemonSwordAndShield Galar]], as it turns out), having not stayed in Alola after his vacation with his mom. He exists, his achievements happened, but he is [[Film/MontyPythonAndTheHolyGrail Sir Not-Appearing-In-This-Story.]]"

*** Scyther was considered, but dismissed because its rarity, strength, and matching color palette (once evolved) made Ruby acquiring one seem Sue-ish. Eevee was considered due to AuthorAppeal and RuleofCute, but Darwin felt neither it nor its evolutions were a good fit thematically.

* PutOnABus: [[https://forums.spacebattles.com/posts/45421423/ As explained in the author's note in chapter 1]], Ash is not in the story because he is "off having adventures in whatever region is revealed for Generation 8([[VideoGame/PokemonSwordAndShield Galar]], as it turns out), having not stayed in Alola after his vacation with his mom. He exists, his achievements happened, but he is [[Film/MontyPythonAndTheHolyGrail Sir Not-Appearing-In-This-Story.]]"

* PutOnABus: [[https://forums.spacebattles.com/posts/45421423/ As explained in the author's note in chapter 1]], Ash is not in the story because he is "off having adventures in whatever region is revealed for Generation 8, having not stayed in Alola after his vacation with his mom. He exists, his achievements happened, he is [[Film/MontyPythonAndTheHolyGrail Sir Not-Appearing-In-This-Story.]]"

* PutOnABus: [[https://forums.spacebattles.com/posts/45421423/ As explained in the author's note in chapter 1]], Ash is not in the story because he is "off having adventures in whatever region is revealed for Generation 8, having not stayed in Alola after his vacation with his mom. He exists, his achievements happened, he is [[Film/{{MontyPythonAndTheHolyGrail}} Sir Not-Appearing-In-This-Story.]]"

* WordofGod: Darwin Candidate has made posts explaining his reasoning for each of Team RWBY's starters, as well as "runner up" decisions and why he didn't use them. In general, choices were made based on Pokemon rarity, thematic connection to each character, whether or not the Pokemon would be considered a "pet" instead of an equal partner (or would overlap roles with Zwei the corgi), whether or not the choice would be considered cliché, and whether or not the Pokemon would be fun to write.
** [[https://forums.spacebattles.com/posts/45850225/ Ruby]]: Zubat are common, bats fit Ruby's gothic fashion sense, Crobat are [[{{FragileSpeedster}} Fragile Speedsters]] like Ruby, and a friendship-based evolution means it can [[{{AuthorAppeal}} quickly evolve to Crobat without spending much time as a Golbat.]]

** [[https://forums.spacebattles.com/posts/47792685/ Weiss]]: Ralts are empaths that can see past Weiss' [[{{IceQueen}} icy exterior]], Gardevoir and Weiss share a "princess" aesthetic, the Gardevoir line's [[{{UndyingLoyalty}} characteristic devotion to their trainers]] would provide Weiss with [[{{LonelyRichKid}} much needed emotional support]], taking care of the mostly defenseless Ralts provides opportunity for character development, and, most importantly...[[{{RidiculouslyCuteCritter}} Ralts are really, really cute.]]

*** Emboar was dismissed because it's a MightyGlacier, and Infernape because it and a certain monkey-tailed Faunus share the same inspiration and would make a better pair. Several dragons were considered because of Yang's MeaningfulName, but the author decided they [[{{AuthorAppeal}} just liked Torchic better.]]
** [[https://forums.spacebattles.com/posts/48671537/ Blake]]: Gastly's illusions and nature as a ghost-type compliment the ninja-like Blake, they have a third stage evolution like the other starters chosen, and the author thought pairing the normally quiet, reclusive Blake with a Pokemon known to be an outgoing prankster [[{{RuleofFunny}} would be funny.]]
*** Because [[{{Whydidithavetobesnakes}} Blake is afraid of dogs]], and Zwei is already used for that joke, any and all canine Pokemon were out. Feline Pokemon were too obvious and were also out. Zorua was considered and dismissed because its Illusion ability could be too OP. Misdrevous was considered, mainly because Mismagius would have been the witch to Blake's black cat, but Darwin decided he could get more mileage out of Gastly.

* PutOnABus: Despite being based on the Pokémon Anime, Ash Ketchum does not appear. [[https://forums.spacebattles.com/posts/45421423/ The author's note in chapter 1 explains]] that he is "off having adventures in whatever region is revealed for Generation 8, having not stayed in Alola after his vacation with his mom. He exists, his achievements happened, he is [[Film/{{MontyPythonAndTheHolyGrail}} Sir Not-Appearing-In-This-Story.]]"

* WordofGod: Darwin Candidate has made posts explaining his reasoning for each of Team RWBY's starters. In general, choices were made based on Pokemon rarity, thematic connection to each character, whether or not the Pokemon would be considered a "pet" instead of an equal partner (or would contend with Zwei the Corgi), whether or not the choice would be considered cliché, and whether or not the Pokemon would be fun to write.

** [[https://forums.spacebattles.com/posts/47792685/ Weiss]]: Ralts are empaths that can see past Weiss' [[{{IceQueen}} icy exterior]], Gardevoir and Weiss share a "princess" aesthetic, the Gardevoir line's [[{{UndyingLoyalty}} characteristic devotion to their trainers]] would provide Weiss with [[{{LonelyRichKid}} much needed emotional support]], taking care of the mostly defenseless Ralts provides opportunity for character development, and, most importantly...[[{{RidiculouslyCuteCritter}} Ralts are really, really cute.]]