Merge the sections for now?

Do you highlight everything looking for secret messages?

I guess so. And yeah, I've figured out some Hazards. Though if you catch a Zorua/Zoroark and convince them to trust you even a sliver, instinct kicks in and they register the entire Party as their Pack. It sorta coincides with happiness a bit.

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Wrong thread.

edited 15th Mar '11 1:01:53 PM by Marioguy128

You got some dirt on you. Here's some more!

I'm sorry, how do you make that orange text again? To separate sections?

Two exclamation marks next to each other.

You got some dirt on you. Here's some more!

On an unrelated note, I was hoping someone would look over my entry for Altru. Inc (Someone who has played Shadows of Almia, since it has spoilers) and/or just proof read it. Tell me how I can improve it.

Inspirational quote against powerful image of nature.

Okay, so here's my first article. It's on the Larvesta Line. Tell me what you guys think. Constructive criticism is welcome.

Larvesta Line

Morphs [Oak Catalog #]

• Larvesta [#636]
• Volcarona [#637]

Notable Biology

Larvesta (scientific name Pyrattacus Auctus) is a small insect Pokemon with two abdominal segments. The bottom is composed of a brown shell, the top portion of which is covered by a white mane of fuzz that hangs from the top segment, which also covers its entire head. The mane extends into a visor-like shape above its face, to protect its poorly-developed, blue eyes from the sun. These can probably form well focused, but poorly resolved images, but prefer to use their motion to judge the distance of objects by moving their heads from side to side. While it is often thought that this fuzz is used to keep Larvesta warm, it’s true purpose is to attract prey. They often see this fuzz as a cotton plant and are naturally attracted to Larvesta. The fuzz is also used to protect Larvesta from poisons, the same function its brown shell does. Under the fuzz, its face is all black, with a small beaked opening for its mouth. The Larvesta moves by sliding its internal organs forward using contraction of the muscles; the torso first elongates and then contracts, pulling its lower half with it. It has three pairs of very stubby, black legs, two of which seem to be protruding from the lower part of the white fuzz. These legs are the longest and sharpest of the three pairs, and are used to climb up plants and wood. The other two pairs of legs are mostly for support, are identical in size and shape, and always move at the exact same pace. The legs graze the ground to give the Pokemon a safe sense of friction. If the back legs are somehow put off balance or one of them lags behind the other, Larvesta can not exert the energy it has to to stay alive.

Larvesta’s most notable features, besides its white mane, are the five orange and often whorled horns that protrude out of its head, the roots of which are shielded by the fuzz. These horns serve two major purposes in the biology of the Larvesta, as well as numerous social purposes. Firstly, the horns serve as the main defense mechanism of the insect. The horns are sharp enough to pierce the bulk of predators that prey on the bug. The horns are also capable of shooting a boiling liquid, previously thought to be fire. In reality, this secretion is gas that is built up in the core of the Larvesta’s body, and cools to a liquid when it comes out of the horns, through an adiabatic process. The other main function the horns serve is to exude energy, also the reason why the Larvesta must keep moving. The insect’s body is constantly making fuel for its flames and heat, which it protrudes through small holes in its shell, as well as the ventricles that lead to its horns. The process of secreting this gas also allows the bug to take in oxygen. If it is not constantly moving, and its horns do not pump out very small portions of the gas constantly, not only does the gas build up in its body, it isn’t receiving the oxygen it needs to survive. It also allows Larvesta to easily control its body temperature through this method, which is why it doesn’t need its fuzzy mane to stay warm. The job that the horns do is weak and flawed, due to the bug’s young age, and many do not make it to adulthood.

Volcarona (scientific name Pyrattacus Atlas) is the evolved form of Larvesta, and while it doesn’t stray too far from the insect’s original biological traits, it becomes enough of its own creature to baffle scientists with its increasingly impressive traits and mysterious reproductive qualities. When Larvesta evolves into Volcarona, it undergoes a very strange process, which completely disregards most known methods of insect metamorphosis. The Larvesta line has no Pupa stage, going straight from the Larvae, or Child, stage to the Imago, or Adult, stage. When Larvesta are ready to evolve they go into a short period of hiding that is not shaded from the sun. It is surrounded by a torrent of flames that prevent anything from ruining its evolution. The insect goes through a short but painful process in which its muscles grow considerable size, and its lower shell cracks and brakes, before being replaced by a much large and more beautifully colored shell, taking its two bottom legs with it, which are made unnecessary thanks to the Volcarona’s new biology. This new blue and black dotted shell is much more complex, having multiple layers of protection, including a sharp tip that points back. Its two remaining pairs of legs are formed into small pincers that no longer function for movement, but for grabbing. The Volcarona’s white mane becomes more luxurious and flowing, and because the bug’s new head has not only more powerful vision thanks to its compound eyes, but protective ridges along the sides of it, it is no longer needs the mane’s support and it not covered by it.

The most glaring new feature is the six large leaf-life wings that have grown out of the insect’s back. The wings are orange, with black dots, the coloring serving to ward off predators and disguise Volcarona in the summer. The wings are very thin, but very heavy and can store water for the Pokemon. If one of the leaves is partly torn or cut, it can grow back in less than a day. If the wing is somehow cut from the root, it can never grow back. These wings serve the same purpose that the Larvesta’s horns served, but much more efficiently. While Volcarona’s wings do not have to constantly beat, they must do so every few seconds. Each time they do, they exude energy and heat and allow the Volcarona to stay alive. The wings can shoot off fiery scales that regrow almost instantly and they glow very brightly at night. These wings allow Volcarona to move at dangerously fast speeds.

Habitat

Over the few centuries, Larvesta and Volcarona have become increasingly rarer due to poaching and industrialization, and are almost unheard of in the wild. The main dwellings of the line have always been in warmer climates that are constantly drenched in sun during the day and breezy during the night. This is why the Desert Resort in the Unova region is one of their favorite spots, and even there they are a rare spot to see. They typically colonize in the deep desert ruins that tend to have open windows for easy access to the outside, coming out to hunt for food, evolve, mate, as well as play for the little ones. Due to the danger of getting close to this Pokemon in the wild and their willingness to live in drastic and hot areas, it is very hard to document the population of the species. Another spot where Larvesta eggs have been found is at the bases of volcanoes.

Almost all Larvesta and Volcarona seen today are owned and trained. The Pokemon has become a very infamous bragging right to those who can catch it, and Larvesta eggs have become very popular for poachers and can fetch a hefty sum in black markets.

Diet

Larvesta are characterized as “eating machines”, pulling able to eat twice their weight a day. They are almost strictly herbivorous at birth, eating the plants that grow in the desert. As they grow more and more, they adapt to become omnivorous, starting with the Maractus that live in same deserts. When they evolve, they become even more adapted to eating other animals, and often prefer many small portions as opposed to larger ones. While there are many Pokemon that Volcarona do not feed on, they are hostile to almost all of them in the wild, so trainers in their territory should take extreme caution.

Hazards

While their appearance is quite threatening, these bug Pokemon are very gentle creatures to those that are not its prey, especially humans. They take great care of their young and will attack those who attempt to harm them at a moment’s notice. Due to its biology and behavior, Larvesta and its evolution are extremely dangerous Pokemon. While they are only moderately territorial and don’t take much caution to intruders, their involuntary behavior alone is enough to put Pokemon and trainers at risk. The heat that constantly exudes from this Pokemon’s body is dangerous unless it is trained, and it the wild, they typically do not put restraint on how much heat they exude, within limits they themselves can survive. The scales that fly off of adult Volcarona are very hazardous, often flying in multiple directions and being boiling to the touch. Physical contact is also strongly advised against, unless the Pokemon is trained. There bodies have a likely chance of causing second and third degree burns.

Due to its biology, Larvesta and Volcarona have few weaknesses and more than a few resistances. They are resistance to Grass, Ice, Fighting, Bug, and Steel-Type attacks. Fortunately, they have common and very effective weaknesses to Water, Flying and Rock-type attacks. It is advised to have one of these types of Pokemon if you plan on venturing into Volcarona territory, which is another danger in itself. The places were Larvesta and Volcarona typically make their homes are very dangerous to trainers.

Courting and Childrearing

Despite their insect biology, Larvesta and Volcarona are more like mammals in terms of courting, and their reproduction has a few key elements not found in most insect species. The line becomes sexually mature when it reaches the adult stage, so Larvesta are prohibited from mating by most, if not all, colonies. Volcarona mate in the very middle of spring, so that their young are alive and healthy by the start of summer, the most important season for the species. When a female is ready to be mated with, she will fly into an open area, almost always at night, and protrude a strange powder that blows in the wind and causes all mall Volcarona eyes to draw attention to her. If there are male Volcarona that have taken a liking to her, they will perform beautiful and majestic dances as they glow very brightly in the moonlit night. The female will pick the one that has impressed her the most, based on their dance, their glow, and wing span. The two will then go to a secluded area to mate.

The gestation period lasts one month, longer than most insects, and the father stays with the mother during almost all of it, leaving only to hunt, at which point the mother is taken care of by younger female Volcarona. After the egg is laid, it takes month to hatch, ready just in time for the summer season.

Social Structures

Larvesta and Volcarona colonies rely greatly on loyalty to the species as a whole and commitment to their fellow members. They typically stay in colonies of no less than 25, about 48% Male and 52% Female. Volcarona families and surprisingly monogamous and loving, typically made of a mother, a father, and one baby, and sometimes contains strays or adopted Larvesta that have lost both their parents. This Pokemon is instinctually well-versed in loving and caring for its family, which is one of the main reasons it is noted as a great Pokemon to train from birth. Volcarona look out for the good of their family first, then the benefit of themselves, then the benefit of the colony, as renown poke-entomologist Dr. Heather Gates states, "The Volcarona would rather those the colony than itself, but it would rather lose itself, than its child." (Exploring the World of Social Pokemon 325)

Mythology

The Volcarona is one of the most mysterious Bug-Type Pokemon discovered thus far. Due to the areas it is found in, and its appearance and behavior, many scholars have found texts and art linking the Larvesta line to mythological connotations. Parrelels have been found noticing the similarities in appearance to these Pokemon and the fabled Arceus, as well as several religious figures. The Larvesta is typically found in the Relic Castle and surrounding areas of the Desert Resort. Over the last few decades, archeologists have concluded that this area was once home to one of the most successful civilizations in the Unova region. There has been art and ancient writings that seem to draw worship to many of the Pokemon found in the desert, included Sigilyph, Darumaka, and Volcarona. Deep within the ruins of the Relic Castle, the walls are depicted with drawings of the bug Pokemon, often flying in front of a shining sun and glowing very brightly or performing their majestic dance.

Ancient texts have recently been discovered linking certain myths pertaining to the worship of Larvesta and Volcarona. Scholars such as Rachel Windsforth, have written book after book on the myths behind these Pokemon:

"The volcano spewed its ash, darkening the sky and eclipsing the sun for miles, shrouding the land in darkness…And when a majestic beast born from the sun performed its mystical dance, it glowed brightly and the people were happy once more, for the sun had been born again…" (The Dancing Sun 11)

Trainer Notes

Being one of the most dangerous Pokemon to catch and one of the most rewarding to train, Volcarona is seen as a huge challenge for pro trainers, and bragging rights abound. Volcarona and Larvesta live in some of the most dangerous places in the Unova region from scolding desert ruins to active volcanoes, and there are many obstacles to overcome in finding one in the wild. The fact is, they are also very rare Pokemon. They do a very good job of not being found when they don’t want to be, and the challenge of finding a colony might be even harder than the catch. While Larvesta and Volcarona are generally friendly and gentle to outsiders that are not on their To-Eat list, it is not advisable to get too close to them, especially if there is more than one. Parents are extremely protective of their young, so taking a baby Larvesta is most unwise, let alone difficult. Eggs are almost constantly guarded, except at some parts of the night. It is much safer to buy an egg from a collector. (NOTE: Buying Larvesta eggs from unauthorized venders is ILLEGAL. Trainers are only permitted to buy these eggs from specially licensed breeders. Pokemon League Ordinance 63.3.6)

The act of catching one of these creatures is much more difficult than training one. They are generally very loyal and quick to learn, but it can still be a daunting task. From birth, Larvesta don’t have much control over the heat it exudes, and it can easily burn its trainer, even if it loves them. As time goes on, Larvesta gain much more control, and tend to be safer to pet and hold. They are extremely playful in the child stage, hiding trainer belongings and causing mischief, but if proper discipline and care is given, the Larvesta will grow just fine.

Finding food for the Pokemon to eat is the easiest part, but can be very expensive. The Larvesta line is generally omnivorous, while herbivorous at birth, so different kinds of berries and Pokemon Food will work fine, but buying in bulk daily is advised.

Volcarona take longer to evolve than another other currently discovered Pokemon, and many trainers give up. But the payoff is endless rewarding. The Volcarona is eternally loyal and grateful, looking after the trainer and the rest of their Pokemon as their family.

In conclusion, training a member of the Larvesta line is a very serious commitment, and catching one is even more serious. While this Pokemon is very interesting and beautiful, it is recommended that only pro trainers who have taken precautions attempt to catch and raise one.

edited 15th Mar '11 5:04:19 PM by Saturn

Gee, diet seems to be quite short.

You got some dirt on you. Here's some more!

Yeah, I had trouble thinking of what to write. While I took inspiration from real caterpillars and moths, I had to work with the habitat the line is found in.

Also minor typo in Notable Biology, you used the word "brakes" when you meant to use "breaks".

Sorry, I can't hear you from my FLYING METAL BOX!

In scientific names, you only write with a capital letter the first name, the second and subsecuent names are in lowercase (and better if in italics). ;)

Anyway, I'll call the Zubat line then, if it is free. Will work on it this weekend, as well as completing the Deino article.

By the way, if anybody is doing the Woobat article, tell me any detail on it I should be aware of, if you can!

Yep. I gave up dibs on it. I'm just not interested in the line at all.

You got some dirt on you. Here's some more!

Someone tried the Zubat line already, but it was really short and lacking.

I tried to fluff up the article a bit, but you can certainly improve it.

Yeah, a virus ate the article, so I just made some barebone notes for future reference.

You got some dirt on you. Here's some more!

Well, I see nobody is picking the Woobat line as far as I see, so, may I do it back to back with the Zubat one? This weekend I'm home alone, my friends have an exam on the Monday, and I happen to have been reading a bit on chiropterans lately... If there is any problem tell me.

It seems okay. Go for it.

Sorry guys, but I'll be dropping Brock; I just can't write an article on a famous individual as well or as easily as I can for the various species of Pokemon.

Instead, if nobody's taken it I think I'll claim Cobalion.

The Danse Macabre Codex

Is anyone writing the article for the Archen line?

You got some dirt on you. Here's some more!

Sullen, I was going to do the rest of the Muskadeers after Virizion, but that's a long way off. So you can go ahead as long as we can keep the articles consistent with each other.

We should compare notes.

Whoops, sorry about that. :P

edited 16th Mar '11 1:28:00 PM by Neo_Crimson

Sorry, I can't hear you from my FLYING METAL BOX!

We should, at that; in fact, I was going to wait until you did Virizion first, so I could get a sense of where you would be going with their mythology and how they relate to one another.

Also, I am Sullen, not Silent.

The Danse Macabre Codex

So I finally got started on fluff for the Tepig article, and hope to have a rough framework ready by the end of this week (Presently have Diet, Habitat, and most of Physical Description completed). Should I put up my rough draft in the Pastebin or did we want to continue using our old format for collab articles (a post and an editmaster)?

Hard Boiled Detective Since 1985

Yeah, you get the most eyes in the thread.

Do you highlight everything looking for secret messages?

Post and editmaster is also the easier to handle when it comes to handle the first revisions and to synchronize ideas with other articles.

Fanfic Recs orwellianretcon'd: cutlocked for committee or for Google?

Here we go. Tried to make them unsettling without making them downright creepy.

Elgyem Line

Morphs [Oak Catalog #]

• Elgyem (#605) (Lunacephalis inferior)
• Beheeyem (#606) (L. superior)

Notable Biology

A line of mysterious and shy Pokémon, the very existence of this particular line was covered up for many years. Both Elgyem and Beheeyem are a line of humanoid Pokémon, with enlarged heads and diminutive bodies. Most peculiarly, each member of the species has a peculiar pattern of geometric lines inscribed on their foreheads, in addition to having their bodies, in particular their hands, studded with a variety of small, gem-like protrusions. It is believed that these gems act as conduits for the species to focus and extend their psychic powers, with differently-colored gems helping to amplify and refine certain parts of the creature’s brain. These abilities are frequently used to help lift and manipulate objects; a feature that is quite fortuitous as both members of the line lack physical digits. Such is their telekinetic prowess that the line rarely uses their (heavily atrophied) legs to walk, instead preferring to hover several inches in the air. In terms of competitive battling, both Elgyem and Beheeyem are capable of learning a variety of Psychic-type moves.

Beheeyem are the evolved form, and seem to be the ‘dominant’ member of the species. Elgyem will automatically group around a Beheeyem if one is placed nearby. Exactly why is not sure, but psionic studies of the creature’s brain reveals that it is designed very differently from human brains or even the brains of most Psychic-type Pokémon. As far as researchers can figure out, the brain of a Beeheeyem is comprised of multiple cortexes arranged radially, each lobe having total control over one function of the body. Such a unique brain shape requires a large skull, which explains the large dome-shaped head of the species. Using its psionic powers, it seems to be able to command several Elgyem much in the same way that other eusocial Pokémon like Vespiquen command lesser members of their social group.

The relation of Elgyem and Beheyem to other extraterrestrial species like Deoxys is still a mystery. When a Beeheeyem was shown a picture of Deoxys, it first attempted to communicate with it via systematic flashing of its gems and psionic signals. When this failed, it automatically resorted to a defensive stance and prepared to attack. Exactly what happened between these two species is a question that is perhaps best left undiscovered.

Owing to their unique history and behaviour, it is no small wonder that the line has gained quite popularity among both Pokémon trainers and the general public. The line has served as the inspiration for several popular film and television characters, such as a villainous Beeheeyem intent on vaporizing a wisecracking Chillarmy or the popular cartoon series about a megalomananical Elgyem who attempts to take over the world with the aid of a malfunctioning robot.

Habitat

The Elgyem line had never been seen in the Unova region, or indeed on this world, until June-July 1947. During that particular summer, there had been an unusual number of meteor showers and odd magnetic fields, causing an effect not dissimilar to the aurora borealis commonly seen at the north and south poles. What was most startling, however, was that one particular ‘shooting star’ resulted in a scattering of bizarre metallic debris in the Desert Resort region. Emergency workers and government agents were quickly dispatched, and, while no bodies, human or otherwise, were recovered from the crash, several dozen footprints were seen leading away from the site and out into the desert. It is unknown exactly how many Elgyem and Beheeyem were introduced to our world that day, but what can be known is that the species’ numbers have swelled since making planetfall. Perhaps owing to the disproportionate number of Dark and Ghost-type Pokémon in the area, the species migrated northwards and now lives in scrublands and some abandoned man-made settlements. The largest recorded group dwells in the Celestial Tower along Route 7, but some have also been seen in abandoned buildings or secluded areas. Occasionally, Elgyem or Beheeyem may inadvertently come into contact with humans. The first such incident took place not long after their arrival to the world. A young farmer and his family were reportedly ‘terrorized’ by the creatures, who continually hovered around the windows but did little else. Gunshots did not seem to do much except frighten them and cause them to backflip in the air with a loud metallic noise, and the creatures remained around the house until the morning.

The original homeworld of the line, has, to date, remained unknown. From observations recorded by Pokmeon biologists and professors, Elgyem and Beheeyem sometimes seem to send psionic signals in the direction of certain stars. One star that seems to be the largest focus of their attention is Polaris, the North Star. Many biologists have theorized that their homeworld orbits this star, although this has yet to be proven.

Diet

Both members of the line have never been observed to eat anything in the wild. While they have functioning digestive systems, it is believed that they may metabolize an unknown form of energy for food. However, at periods Elgyem and Beheeyem will conduct extraordinarily coordinated raids on farmsteads in which they will abduct one or more Miltank for reasons unkown. These ‘abductees’ rarely turn up again, and those that do seem remarkably shaken.

Hazards

Despite their frail bodies and comical proportions, the Elgyem line, Beheeyem in particular, are extremely powerful telepaths, seconded only by legendary creatures such as Mewtwo. Lacking any real physical defence mechanisms, an Elgyem’s power is purely mental. Psionic attacks, ranging from ear-splitting headaches to total incapacitation of nerve centres will be unleashed should an Elgyem’s life be in danger. However, far more common and insidious is their ability to erase and rewrite memories. It is unknown exactly how this works, but, when threatened, the psychic energies released by the line seem to automatically target those areas of the brain related to information storage and transference, most often the brain areas related to short-term memory. Depending on the level and age of the creature, this power will vary. Usually, victims will only forget short stretches of time; although they can easily remember said ‘missing time’ when put under hypnosis. However, some victims have been known to forget their name or age. Several unfortunate victims have had their entire memories erased and rewritten, leaving them little more than very confused and disoriented individuals. It has been hypothesized that many more people than initially believed may have caught these Pokémon, only to lose all memories of them when the errant Pokémon decided it had had enough of being trained and broke free, pausing only to make its Trainer conveniently ‘forget’ its existence.

Courting and Childrearing

Elgyem and Beeheeyem have never been observed mating. Small, fully-formed Elgyem have been observed but mating rituals between Beheeyem are still a mystery.

Social Structure

Elgyem and Beeheyem, in the wild, live in tightly knit groups, with one Beheeyem presiding over several dozen Elgyem. Each group is very rigidly organized. What has intrigued researchers is that each group seemed to be organized after one of the prime numbers, with groups of 2,3,5,7,or 9 Elgyem being the most common. At intervals, the groups will also emanate very strong telepathic signals into space, as if broadcasting a locating beacon or summoning something. Exactly what they are trying to locate or summon is still a manner of heated debate.

Elgyem and Beeheeyem communicate among one another through systematic flashing of their gems. Some scientists are currently attempting to understand the meaning of these messages, but as of right now the project has not been fruitful. Attempts to use other Psychic-type Pokémon to communicate with the species has been similarily useless, the Pokemon either being unable to understand them or, in one case, truly and utterly terrified by what they saw in the creature’s mind. The Musharna that was responsible for the latter experiment has refused all food and drink, and seems to be fixated on one particular star in the sky. Why this is so, like so many other aspects of the creatures, has remained a mystery.

______________

Next project: Golett and Golurk.

edited 16th Mar '11 5:22:37 PM by Locoman

I'm kinda jealous that you took two of my favorite lines (Elgyem and Beheeyem) but I like it. Also, it's Looney Tunes, not Loony Toons. It's easy to make the mistake though.

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