3 ❀ video

[ortion]

[Okay, the chaos at the base has finally settled down and the network is back to normal. Time to make a post he's been meaning to make...

The video begins with a shot of the ever eye-searing flashy Dist from across a table in some nondescript location. Those seem to be pretty common, don't they? On that table rests various evolutionary items: a Razor Claw, Dubious Disc, Dusk Stone, and a Metal Coat which Dist is rolling in his free hand.]

Network, let's talk about evolutionary items. Not how they work, because I am sure that has been speculated to death. I'd like to ask why. Specifically, why do they only work on certain Pokemon? Some make sense, such as the Magmarizer which is obviously geared toward a Magmar. And of course, a Thunderstone would only apply to an Electric type Pokemon.

But what about the Razor Claw? [He sets the Metal Coat down and picks up the claw, examining it in front of the 'Gear's camera.] There are plenty of clawed Pokemon this could apply to, and yet apparently only Sneasel actually make use of it. I'm sure you saw my Metal Coat just now; that is another intriguing one. Currently, only two noted Pokemon have adapted and taken on a metal coating to achieve extra defense.

[Now that he's given enough examples, he sets the Razor Claw down and leans back a bit, propping his chin up with his hand.]

Do you ever wonder if there may be more Pokemon out there ready to use these items to their advantage? Perhaps some Pokemon already have the capability but have yet to be introduced to these items. [A small smile spreads across his lips.] Wouldn't it be absolutely thrilling to be the first to discover a brand new evolution unknown to the masses?

[After letting those words sink in, he ends the video.]

[private video to fellow Rocket scientists]

Speaking of evolution, is anyone in the Goldenrod base available at the moment? [He reaches for that Metal Coat again.] I am about to begin the initial testing for my current project, and a second person is necessary for it.

[Insincerely,] Many thanks.

Comments

[ortion]

[Riku will receive an annoyed stare from Dist. Was that Gliscor bit really necessary?

Regardless, it's a comment worth responding to.]

I do agree; their claws are much more apparent than their fangs, but perhaps it's the fact that Gligar and Gliscor's claws are a different shape than the Razor Claw? I would say that their claws are more crab-like.

[islandshore]

[It... wasn't exactly planned. Deathclaw's just a bit of an attention hog. Silly scorpion.]

Yeah, that's true. Still, something like a Razor Fang seems just as generic to work with other types of Pokémon.

[ortion]

Yes, exactly. It would be perfect for say, a Mawile. It has no known evolution and relies on its fangs. Even Golbat could benefit from an alternate evolution using the item.

[islandshore]

Mawile could definitely use an evolution. Steel types are great and all, but Mawile's stats are pretty undesirable. At least Crobat's got its perks.

[ortion]

Some creatures simply get the short end of the stick. That remains true in most worlds.

[He'll smirk a little.] It'd certainly be nice to turn the odds in their favor. Perhaps Mawile could be the next Magikarp with a wonderful evolution.

[He doesn't really care about Mawiles that much. It's just an example.]

[islandshore]

If it did get a new stage, then maybe I'd actually consider catching one. Weaker Pokémon might make good companions, but if they can't hold up in battles, there's just not much incentive to catch them, if you ask me.

[But, really, he's not that enthusiastic about Mawiles in particular, so it's not a huge deal.]

[ortion]

I like the way you think, young man. I feel the same way myself. [His Pokemon must always be the best ever.] And that is why I'm researching these items in the first place.

[islandshore]

Not a bad idea. Unevolved Pokémon can be competent in their own right, but sometimes it's better to take the plunge and push them even further.

Think the only one of my Pokémon I haven't evolved is my Haunter, but even then, I know Gengars are usually tougher.

[ortion]

Ahh, one of those trade evolutions, yes? Any particular reason why you haven't evolved it?

[islandshore]

Gengars look like fat teddy bears. Haunters look like actual ghosts.

Simple as that.

[He shrugs.]

[ortion]

I see, an aesthetic choice. I can understand that reasoning, though I have yet to run into that issue amongst my current party.

[islandshore]

Usually I place power over appearance, but I thought Haunters looked too cool to evolve. Plus, Phantom's happier this way.

[And Haunters are bigger than Gengars, so he looks more imposing. Heh.]

Not that looks mean everything. Conkeldurrs aren't exactly pretty, but their strength more than makes up for it.

[ortion]

Conkeldurr, hm? I don't believe I've seen that one before. Is it a fighting type?

[islandshore]

Yep. And a powerhouse, at that.

[As if to prove his point, he'll slip into another room, where a Conkeldurr can be seen performing some aerobics. Her nose is a bit smaller than most of her species and she lacks a beard on account of being female, but all the grotesque muscles remain in plain view, along with those unsightly veins.]

What they lack in speed, they make up in brute muscle. Plus, getting slammed with concrete slabs isn't exactly fun.

[ortion]

[... Wow, Riku was not kidding. He's giving that Conkeldurr such a judgmental stare.]

I'd...certainly fear for those who think it is fun, yes. This one may be a bit much for me.

[islandshore]

[Heh. Well, he'll step outta the room, so not to offend Lift.]

Fair enough. They're definitely one of the more grotesque looking fighters. Not as sleek as Lucario or the Tyrogue line, and that's not for everyone.