video | june 18th

[pokexplorer]

[The video feed opens up to the image of a man with a weird coat and an even weirder hairstyle. It'd be weird enough without the translucence provided by his Iris Moonblessing, honestly. He is located somewhere in one of Greatmoon Groves' parks from the looks of things in the background, and he seems very excited to speak with the network.]

Greetings! I've yet to make a post to the network, so I would like to introduce myself first and foremost. I am Colress, a scientist working for the Lunar Scientia and a fellow Moonblessed!

I am addressing the network today with an inquiry! But before I get to that, I would like to make just a few more introductions. This will be related to my inquiry.

[Colress then pans the camera to five creatures whom he introduces as Klinklang, Beheeyem, Magneton, Rotom and Porygon-Z. Klinklang and Rotom seem particularly interested in crowding around the communication band to get their time to shine, while Beheeyem and Magneton hang out as far off-screen as possible. Porygon-Z looks like it has no idea what's going on, honestly.

Colress manages to settle them all down before returning his attention to the feed.]

These are my Pokemon! I have been here for about two months, and have taken notice to the fact that everyone I've spoken to has had no idea what Pokemon are. Allow me to provide a brief description: Pokemon are creatures in my world with unique abilities and affinities to various elements. There are hundreds of species, and they have had a long-standing symbiotic relationship with humans. Pokemon are a cornerstone of my world's culture and my primary subject of study, so you can imagine my surprise when I discovered that I seem to be the only one with knowledge of them here!

However, I have met several individuals with similar companions. This brings me to my inquiry: Are there others present in Lunatia that arrived with pets or companions similar to Pokemon? I would love to compare and contrast our experiences, and learn more about the creatures of your worlds!

[As Colress goes on, the upside-down head of Porygon-Z can be seen peering in from the top left corner of the feed.]

Of course, I am also happy to elaborate on the subject of Pokemon as well, if anyone found interest in my description.

Thank you for your time!

Comments

[pokexplorer]

Ah! That is the second time I've heard of magic familiars. So they are not an uncommon concept in some worlds. Interesting!

Pokémon have abilities that could be likened to magic from what I have learned, but their existence is natural. They have existed long before humans, even.

[erasemymyth]

I see. Who else spoke of Familiars to you, if you do not mind me asking?

And as for these creatures, are they common around this world now?

[badluckblues]

wow. gotta be nice to your sentient appliances

i know it sounds like a big damn cliche but legend has it that when the god of light created humanity, his brother the god of darkness shot back with the grimm. turns out that's all true, so... since the beginning.

[pokexplorer]

Look no further than the other responses to this post! I have received another comment about familiars here.

As in around Prismatica? As far as I am aware, mine are the only Pokémon present. I have done some research into Prismatica's own wildlife, and while some possess some qualities that are common in Pokémon, I cannot say they are completely comparable.

[pokexplorer]

I try not to back down when it is not warranted, but yes, Rotom can be quite the handful.

[But oof, that story.]

Honestly? It sounds plausible to me. But goodness, it truly does seem like the complete opposite of my world's relationship with Pokémon. If it has been going on for that long, I imagine reaching out for some sort of resolution has been extremely difficult.

[bloodisthicker]

Oh, of course. I'm at least excited to see how it works with somebody else who's consented to it ahead of time, I suppose.

And... well, normally they do. I know that historically they've traveled to the four nations to learn the different bending styles from masters of the four elements, but our current Avatar is a bit different for a few reasons, for... better or worse.

[wildsorcery]

Well, she has her own personality since... since she's a spirit, but she has to listen to me and do what I ask of her. It's like... it's like a contract? I guess?

[ He pauses for a moment and then smiles softly. ]

It's... it's okay. I'm really curious, too. About... magic things, mostly, but this, too.

[spah]

Yeah - that little Porygon guy had me curious too. So you can MAKE Pokemon, too?

I actually might not be sticking 'round Lunar Scientia much longer, but I've got a handful of personal projects goin' on between work and home. Good to meet a fellow engineer, though. Some folks call me "Engie" on account of bein' an engineer, so you might hear a bit of that or "Dell."

[video]

[wisdomprevails]

[PINGED because she's seen a Pokemon before. Several, even!]

I know of Pokemon! I've never seen ones like yours before. Are you familiar with the species called 'Pikachu'?

[kayssistant]

[Kay peers intently at all the Pokémon. Some of them look like robots or even animatronic toys. It's weird to think that they're actual creatures.]

Ooh, what kind of abilities? You mean like superpowers?

[She doesn't have a pet with her but shhhh let her gush.]

[pokexplorer]

I will comb through my memories for scenery that I believe you will find most enjoyable.

[He already has a very good one in mind, actually...]

I see. That makes the most sense, I'd say. But why have the circumstances changed this time, if you don't mind my asking?

[pokexplorer]

I appreciate your understanding!

[He's glad to be talking with a fellow curious mind. It's nice to be able to not have to hold back so much.]

Ah! A contract, I see. Yes, that makes perfect sense. So the materials that you used to summon her were like an offering of sorts?

Oh, and if you have any questions about Pokemon, I am happy to answer as well. Information for information is a wonderful trade, wouldn't you say?

[pokexplorer]

Yes, though the line of Porygon species is currently the only one built from the ground up. It is made up of digital data, meaning it was constructed electronically. The creation of organic species is a bit out of our reach for the time being.

[Porygon is such a weird case.]

I see! I will keep your monikers in mind. [He smiles at that, thinking it rather neat that Dell has gained a nickname for his skill. Now as for that first bit...] Is there a reason for your potential departure from the Lunar Scientia?

[pokexplorer]

[Wait what-- Someone knows?!]

Y-Yes! Of course! Pikachu's popularity spans multiple regions.

[It's not as surprising that someone would be unfamiliar with his own Pokemon. There are tons of species, so not everyone knows of all species.]

I am elated to know that someone here is actually aware of Pokemon! May I ask what region you are from, Miss?

[pokexplorer]

[Colress happily allows Kay to gush! He was serious about being totally willing to talk about just Pokemon, too.]

I suppose they could be categorized as such, yes! Depending on their elemental affinity, they are capable of wielding and producing said element. For example, several of my Pokemon are Electric-type, and thus can expel electrical charges from their bodies. Beheeyem, meanwhile, is capable of psychokinesis- he can manipulate objects or make them float, for instance.

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[abidethewalls]

[Is...is that a flying washing machine...?]

While I cannot say that there are any elemental affinities, I have arrived with my Ghost, though I would say that she's far more a companion than a creature. Are there particular things you are looking for?

[bloodisthicker]

I’m interested in seeing what you pick, then.

[he hopes there are a lot of cute Pokémon..........]

Well, the world is peaceful enough that any bending instructor could come to her instead of her going to them, but I don’t really blame people for being concerned enough for her safety to keep her in one place. Our last Avatar went missing around the outbreak of a hundred year long war and was stuck in an iceberg all that time, so I can’t really blame the various peacekeeping bodies for wanting to make sure she’s somewhere stable to avoid a repeat of that bit of chaos.

[spah]

Huh. Damn fascinating. That... common for y'all? Making Pokemon like that?

[Not that Dell would know it, but Porygon is a really, REALLY weird case.]

Ah, nothing special. I like the place well enough, learning how the government types here work. I just miss having my own workspace. Reckon it wouldn't be so bad offering my services to people 'round here.

[pokexplorer]

[It sure is. :)]

Your "Ghost"? A definition would be very much appreciated, to start! You see, I imagine a Pokémon like my Rotom when I hear "Ghost", as it is a Ghost-type itself!

[pokexplorer]

[There will be so many cute Pokémon. ...and not Colress' definition of cute.

Also um. Holy Magikarp, that's quite the story.]

Oh my... That is absolutely understandable! It is a very good thing that she has others to aid her. Have you ever met her yourself? Republic City seems like it would be a rather stable place, all things considered.

[wisdomprevails]

[Gives a small giggle.] I hail from the kingdom of Hyrule. I'm afraid there are no Pokemon there, I've merely met some on my travels.

[bloodisthicker]

Ah, yes. She recently relocated to Republic City to complete her airbending training, since the only adult, trained airbender in the world is one of my fellow council members and he couldn’t exactly leave to spend however long at the South Pole to train her.

We actually are facing more unrest than we’d like in Republic City at present, so it’s been something of a trial by fire for her. It also doesn’t help that she’s... difficult.

[pokexplorer]

It is actually quite rare! Regulations are tighter as more research is done into Porygon. You see, Porygon-Z is a bit, ah...well, the upgrades done to its species were a bit faulty.

[Colress says that affectionately, though. He loves his weird glitchy bird thing.

He nods in understanding at the second bit.]

I see! That is entirely fair, and very generous of you to open up your own workshop for others. It seems like you should have no shortage of customers, what with the nature of Lunatia's culture!

[pokexplorer]

[Colress looks thoroughly confused for a moment.]

Hyrule? I am afraid I am unfamiliar with such a location... Are there no Pokemon there by decree, or is the terrain simply uninhabitable for Pokemon?

[spah]

Mm. So it ain't too much of a Frankenstein kinda deal. [He chuckles.] Its kinda cute, the little guy.

Here's hopin'. I'm a pretty technology-minded kinda fella, but this place is leaps and bounds ahead of where I come from. I ain't a caveman or nothin', naturally, but it's taken some adjustin'.