Beyond the Ball

After fixing our omission of Seel's scales last episode, we talk about its evolved form Dewgong! Join us as we learn just how fast it swims, how pumped it gets by cold temperatures, and where it stores its elusive thermal energy! Follow along with the entries below:

Red & Blue: Stores thermal energy in its body. Swims at a steady 8 knots even in intensely cold waters.

Yellow: Its entire body is a snowy-white. Unharmed by even intense cold, it swims powerfully in icy waters.

Gold: Its streamlined body has little drag in water. The colder the temperature, the friskier it gets.

Silver: It loves frigid seas with ice floes. It uses its long tail to change swimming direction quickly.

Crystal: It sleeps under shallow ocean waters during the day, then looks for food at night when it’s cold

Ruby & Sapphire: DEWGONG loves to snooze on bitterly cold ice. The sight of this POKéMON sleeping on a glacier was mistakenly thought to be a mermaid by a mariner long ago.

FireRed: Its body is covered with a pure white fur. The colder the weather, the more active it becomes.

Diamond Pearl & Platinum: In snow, the pure white coat covering its body obscures it from predators.

Black & White 2: Its streamlined body has low resistance, and it swims around cold oceans at a speed of eight knots.

Ultra Sun: It swims through the ocean at a speed of eight knots, searching for Pokémon that will become its prey. It’s especially fond of Wishiwashi.

Ultra Moon: It sunbathes on the beach after meals. The rise in its body temperature helps its digestion.

BTB: Dewgong thrives on the cold and relaxes to the maxes in the sun. It eats other Pokemon.

Cover design by Kwesi Phillips

Music by Junichi Masuda and Go Ichinose

Who's got two tusks, one tongue and an unquenchable desire for cold temperatures despite not being an ICE type Pokemon? That's right, it's Seel! Join us as we uncover just how cold Seel likes it and what that thing on its head is really made of! Follow along with the entries below:

Red & Blue: The protruding horn on its head is very hard. It is used for bashing through thick ice.

Yellow: Loves freezing cold conditions. Relishes swimming in a frigid climate of around 14F degrees.

Gold: Although it can’t walk well on land, it is a graceful swimmer. It especially loves being in frigid seas.

Silver: In daytime, it is often found asleep on the seabed in shallow waters. Its nostrils close while it swims.

Crystal: The light blue fur that covers it keeps it protected against the cold. It loves iceberg-filled oceans.

Ruby & Sapphire: SEEL hunts for prey in the frigid sea underneath sheets of ice. When it needs to breathe, it punches a hole through the ice with the sharply protruding section of its head.

FireRed: Covered with light blue fur, its hide is thick and tough. It is active in bitter cold of minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Diamond Pearl & Platinum: A Pokémon that lives on icebergs. It swims in the sea using the point on its head to break up ice.

Black & White 2: The colder it gets, the better it feels. It joyfully swims around oceans so cold that they are filled with floating ice.

Ultra Sun: It has always been supposed that Seel live only in cold seas. Their having shown up in Alola is a mystery.

Ultra Moon: Thanks to its thick fat, cold seas don’t bother it at all, but it gets tired pretty easily in warm waters.

BTB: No one loves the cold like this cute water puppy. Watch out for its pointy unhorned head.

References:

Pryce's angry Pokemon: https://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/6/68/Pryce_Gym_Pok%C3%A9mon.png

Seel Sprites: https://pokemondb.net/sprites/seel

This Is What Life in -40 Degrees Actually Feels Like

Cover design by Kwesi Phillips

Music by Junichi Masuda and Go Ichinose

Stufful has grown exponentially not only in size but in danger as well this episode as we cover it's evolved form, Bewear! Buckle up because we were wholly unprepared for these Pokedex entries. Follow along below:

Sun: This immensely dangerous Pokémon possesses overwhelming physical strength. Its habitat is generally off-limits.

Moon: This Pokémon has the habit of hugging its companions. Many Trainers have left this world after their spines were squashed by its hug.

Ultra Sun: It waves its hands wildly in intimidation and warning. Life is over for anyone who doesn’t run away as fast as possible.

Ultra Moon: It boasts tremendous physical strength. Many people call it the most dangerous Pokémon in the Alola region.

Sword: Once it accepts you as a friend, it tries to show its affection with a hug. Letting it do that is dangerous—it could easily shatter your bones.

Shield: The moves it uses to take down its prey would make a martial artist jealous. It tucks subdued prey under its arms to carry them to its nest.

Photodex: This Pokémon has a habit of hugging just about anything. In Lental, Bewear tend to hibernate during the seasons when food is scarce.

BTB: You could train it to nonlethally hug you, but couldn't be me. It's the apex predator of Alola.

Episode where Ash Meets Bewear (6:33): https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-episodes/20_01-alola-to-new-adventure/

Bewear vs Pheromoso: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9LeYS_-YgY

Cover design by Kwesi Phillips

Music by Junichi Masuda and Go Ichinose

We're covering Stufful this episode! It's very cute but what is it really made of and can you pet it? Answers to these questions and more along with us getting distracted by snack nostalgia (again) and Lord of the Rings await you. Plus we talk a little bit about the latest trailer for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Follow along with the entries for Stufful below:

Sun: Despite its adorable appearance, when it gets angry and flails about, its arms and legs could knock a pro wrestler sprawling.

Moon: A touch from anyone except a known friend sends it into a surging frenzy. It’s an incredibly dangerous Pokémon.

Ultra Sun: It boasts power enough to split large trees in half. The organ on its rear releases an odor that it uses to communicate with others of its kind.

Ultra Moon: Stufful hates to be hugged or touched in any way. It will squirm, thrash, and resist with amazing power.

Sword: Its fluffy fur is a delight to pet, but carelessly reaching out to touch this Pokémon could result in painful retaliation.

Shield: The way it protects itself by flailing its arms may be an adorable sight, but stay well away. This is flailing that can snap thick tree trunks.

BTB: If the fact that it hates being touched isn't enough to discourage you from petting it, you should also know that it can and will break every bone in your puny body.

Scarlet Violet Seek your Treasure trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NreJ_VEcuYE

https://www.cowtales.com/

Cover design by Kwesi Phillips

Music by Junichi Masuda and Go Ichinose

We're on to bigger and better vines this episode as we discuss Tangela's evolved form, Tangrowth! More vines, more growing and less mystery! We also reminisce about Tang and take a quick dip into the Anime Corner to be reminded that Team Rocket is indeed still the best part of that show. Follow along with the entries below:

Diamond & Pearl: It ensnares prey by extending arms made of vines. Losing arms to predators does not trouble it.

Platinum: Its arms are made of plants that bind themselves to things. They grow back right away if cut.

HeartGold: When it remains still, it appears to be a large shrub. Unsuspecting prey that wander near get ensnared by its vines.

SoulSilver: Its vines grow so profusely that, in the warm season, you can’t even see its eyes.

Black & White 2: Even if one of its arms is eaten, it’s fine. The Pokémon regenerates quickly and will go right back to normal.

Sword: Tangrowth has two arms that it can extend as it pleases. Recent research has shown that these arms are, in fact, bundles of vines.

Shield: Vine growth is accelerated for Tangrowth living in warm climates. If the vines grow long, Tangrowth shortens them by tearing parts of them off.

Legends: Arceus: Draped with long vines, it resembles a shrub in appearance. It swings bundles of vines as though they were arms, wrapping them around prey to ensnare them.

Photodex: Tangrowth uses its vine arms to nimbly pluck fruit that’s just out of reach. It can also extend its arms even farther to carry itself across long distances.

BTB: It's got neverending strechy arm vine snacks. A formidable predator and prey Pokemon. No one's worried about what's in there anymore.

Tangrowth using Absorb: https://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/thumb/9/96/Tangrowth_Absorb.png/800px-Tangrowth_Absorb.png

Tangrowth using Growth: https://thenerdstash.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/pokemon-go-tangrowth.jpg

Cover design by Kwesi Phillips

Music by Junichi Masuda and Go Ichinose

We're back to talk about the one and only Vines With Shoes Pokemon, Tangela! Join us as we answer the big question on everyone's mind: Who is Tangela? Follow along with the entries below:

Red & Blue: The whole body is swathed with wide vines that are similar to seaweed. Its vines shake as it walks.

Yellow: Its identity is obscured by masses of thick, blue vines. The vines are said to never stop growing.

Gold: The vines that cloak its entire body are always jiggling. They effectively unnerve its foes.

Silver: It tangles any moving thing with its vines. Their subtle shaking is ticklish if you get ensnared.

Crystal: During battle, it constantly moves the vines that cover its body in order to annoy its opponent.

Ruby & Sapphire: TANGELA’s vines snap off easily if they are grabbed. This happens without pain, allowing it to make a quick getaway. The lost vines are replaced by newly grown vines the very next day.

FireRed: Blue plant vines cloak the POKéMON’s identity in a tangled mass. It entangles anything that gets close.

Diamond & Pearl: It is shrouded by blue vines. No one has seen the face hidden behind this growth of vines.

Platinum: The blue vines shrouding its body are covered in a growth of fine hair. It is known to be ticklish.

Black & White 2: Many writhing vines cover it, so its true identity remains unknown. The blue vines grow its whole life long.

Sword: Hidden beneath a tangle of vines that grows nonstop even if the vines are torn off, this Pokémon’s true appearance remains a mystery.

Shield: The vines of a Tangela have a distinct scent. In some parts of Galar, Tangela vines are used as herbs.

Legends: Arceus: It is cloaked entirely in blue vines, preventing any glimpse of its true identity. The vines impart a refreshing sensation when chewed—they’re useful as a spice.

BTB: It's a very unnverving tickle monster but at least you can eat it. It's true identity is Tangela

Cover design by Kwesi Phillips

Music by Junichi Masuda and Go Ichinose.

Sooooo, we're still struggling to record right now, but we'll be back as soon as we can! Also I guess they revealed a new Pokemon this week?

Will's move is taking a bit longer than expected and we're out of backup episodes so Braden's here for a quick check in and reaction to some of the recent Scarlet and Violet news. We should be back on schedule next week!

We're still wandering around in the AI Dungeon looking for wild, new Pokedex entries this week! Join us as we learn about the rejection of gender, Flock Intelligence, the combined power of various objects, and more! Follow along with the entries (courtesy of AI Dungeon) below:

Caterpie: It turns from a chrysalis to a beautiful butterfly. So far, none of these have been male or female. They develop from a lovely blue color.

Metapod: It has the ability to perform instantaneous metamorphosis. It can turn itself into a cocoon or a horrible-looking moth. It can also poison its enemies with its secretions.

Butterfree: It shoots out a combination of toxic powder and horrible-looking pincers. Its wings cause a flash of light that can blind its foes.

Gigantamax Butterfree: This Pokemon can fly at speeds of 70 miles per hour. Its wings are twice the size of its body.

Pheromosa: It can control the emotions of any Pokemon within a huge range. It instantly makes all Pokemon in a massive area extremely frightened.

Starly: This bird Pokemon constantly dodges threats by flying in various directions. It is particularly perceptive and can detect changes in weather or landscape.

Staravia: Combining flock intelligence with rocket power, it is capable of propelling itself at incredible speeds. If it flies overhead, it is harder to think straight.

Staraptor: Combining flight and ferociousness, this Pokemon is not to be messed with. It is capable of flying at incredible speeds with perfect balance.

Sewaddle: It constantly excretes a sticky substance that can instantly soothe injuries. It mostly uses this ability to coat its feelers for protection.

Swadloon: It builds webs to snare its prey. It is completely silent while moving about no matter how much you might try to Listen.

Leavanny: It uses a variety of different Venoms from mild to severe. It can also spray a powerful toxin from a distance of up to 90 feet with perfect accuracy.

Carnivine: It is a typical predator that actively hunts. It captures its prey by chasing it and cutting it up with its sharp teeth.

Squirtle: This turtle Pokemon is very elusive and rarely ever comes out of hiding. It spouts water out of its shell to shower its foes with needles.

Wartortle: This water Pokemon is not just a pretty face. It can shoot out a jet of water at its enemies. It uses the scraps of stones and metal that collect in its mouth as a weapon.

Blastoise: This turtle Pokemon is incredibly strong, possibly stronger than some legendaries. It can completely destroy concrete with its bare hands.

Mega Blastoise: This Pokemon has the strength of an SUV and the speed of a MiG. It can fire a blast of water with enough force to destroy an entire building.

Gigantamax Blastoise: This Pokemon has the strength of a person combined with the height of a skyscraper. It loves water, but does not tolerate disgusting things such as dirt or different water quality.

Cover design by Kwesi Phillips

Music by Junichi Masuda and Go Ichinose

Will's in the middle of moving this week so we're headed back into the AI Dungeon this week to see what absurd new Pokedex entries it comes up with. Follow along below:

Pinsir: It constantly stalks its prey, looking for the perfect moment to strike. If it sees an opening, it capitalizes on it immediately, charging forward with incredible speed.

Mega Pinsir: It can focus all of its energy in one powerful strike. It can also rapidly release thousands of punches in quick succession. It is the perfect counter to mega evolution. It stops them in their tracks. It renders them unable to fight. It is the ultimate justice.

Slugma: It is a highly intelligent fire elemental. If it sets its sights on a foe, it will never stop lighting it up until that foe is out.

Magcargo: It eats rocks and soil. The more it eats, the more explosive its body becomes. It flicks its tongue to ignite the ground and rocks around it.

Buizel: It has the ability to create small tornadoes with its punches. It can also inflame the water around it into a boiling cauldron.

Floatzel: It inhabitates the water, only coming out to attack its foe in the air. It attacks by firing a jet of water with incredible pressure behind it.

Unown: It is a being of pure energy, birthplace of the Unown Language. It can read an opponent's mind and Predict their next move.

Hoppip: It has a full arsenal of attacks at its disposal. It shoots out roots that grow and ram, it uses its leafy branches as a shield and it shoots out flower petals to confuse its foe.

Skiploom: This lovable pokemon has the ability to use several types of leaves as weapons. It uses its leaves as daggers, spears, whips and even to blind its foes.

Jumpluff: It has the ability to move through trees, and other objects, as if they were air. It can also create a Protective Cloud around itself.

Farfetch'd: It is a very cunning bird. It always has a plan, and it will use any means to fulfill that plan. If a foe dares to come near, it will peck them relentlessly until they retreat.

Galarian Farfetch'd: When it flaps its wings, they are strong enough to propel it through the air. When it runs, it can cover incredible distances. It uses this ability to set up devastating strikes.

Sirfetch'd: It is a very intelligent and strong pokemon. It hangs from the ceiling in exclusive cabins on trains and uses its powerful beak to rip the flesh from its foes.

Porygon: It can Centralize the memories and thoughts of a human being to operate super-intelligence robots. It can also Sharply Increase its brain's computing capabilities as required.

Porygon2: It can perfectly recall anything it has experienced, even things that took place in another location. It perfectly remembers the past, the present and the future.

Porygon-Z: It can perfectly access any memory or knowledge, even those that have been deeply hidden from the owner. It can also perfectly accelerate, stop and manipulate physical laws.

Cover design by Kwesi Phillips

Music by Junichi Masuda and Go Ichinose