PCA-FAQ

What are pokemorphs?

Simplest explanation is that they are pokemon with human characteristics. The implications of this is both subtle and complex, and I intend to lay out my perspective on them- Don't take it for gospel, they are merely the assumptions I'm operating under in my stories until the community at large overides me- if you like the ideas, by all means, please use them!

How did pokemorphs come to be?

Unknown, even by the pokemorphs themselves- its a subject of debate amongst them similar to how humans themselves debate their origins. Perhaps they evolved naturally from pokemon. Perhaps Arceus created them fully-formed. Perhaps some unknown agent forcibly altered them from simple pokemon. We really don't know- and dwelling too long on it is really missing the point of PCA- High School Drama and super powered fighting action. If you, in your stories, state the origin of Pokemorphs explicitly, you might create resentment in others for favor other ideas, so think hard about before you do it, and if it's really important for your work. Realistically, if this is ever revealed, it'd be most appropriate if the group as a whole (or at least a majority) decide upon it, and it is revealed in an epic storyline- something unlikely to happen.

Do pokemon exist?

Yes, but they're not captured and trained (at least, not that I'm aware of), like in the games or anime, rather they're used as pets, are in zoos and circus animals, beasts of burden, roam wild, or are food animals, much like animals are in our world. They're refered to as some as "Primals" (As in, a Primal Pikachu or a Primal Vulpix) to differentiate from their morphic counterparts.

Food animals?

Yes, generally, pokemorphs are omnivorous (again, human traits...), while some have specific dietary needs or preferences, they can eat all the same things humans can, and pokemon are the only source of meat.

Isn't that cannibalism?

Not any more than it is for humans to eat animals. While there's clear lines of descent, Pokemon and Pokemorphs are not the same thing. Most Pokemorph have a distaste for eating pokemon of directly related species (For example, a Miltank pokemorph would most likely turn up their nose at Miltank burgers), the same way most humans have a distaste for eating primates, many don't care.

How do pokemorphs live?

Mostly like humans, living in cities, having jobs, going to school, raising families- there are some exceptions, though.

Exceptions?

Two come to mind- The Safari Zone, and Ghost Societies

Ghost Societies?

Ghost pokemon don't die of old age, (Or at least, age slow enough that old age is a moot point to them), have no actual *need* to eat, sleep, or breathe (but are capable of doing all of those things), and as such, tend to have less in common with other Pokemorphs, and have formed their own separate society to cater to their own esoteric needs. The most common place to find Ghosts and Non-ghosts mingling is Battle Academies and the Battle Circuit- the ability and desire to battle *is* shared by ghosts.

Don't need to eat or breath? What's up with Ghosts? are they alive?

That's tricky... yes, and no. Ghosts are not technically alive in the strictest sense, because they lack several of the biological functions of typically living creatures- however, they have their own set of biological (Necrological?) functions that would allow you to technically classify them as alive.

So they don't need to eat at all?

Also, technically, some ghosts need nourishment, though never the physical kind. For example misdreavus are phobovores, they draw sustenance from the psychic energy released by the emotion of fear. Other ghost pokemon have similar needs, but not all of them.

Can you explain that?

Ghosts have no need to eat, but can eat to derive pleasure or medicinal benefit. Ghosts have no need to breathe, but do so to speak. Young ghosts grow to maturity, but stop aging after that. And most significantly, Ghosts do not need to breed, but are capable of doing so, even with living creatures!

what do you mean, they have no need to breed?

Ghost pokemon occur naturally, and don't die of old age, only of injury, so they don't really need to have children.

Occur Naturally?

Ghost pokemon (and by extension, Pokemorphs) form in places where there is large amounts of dead pokemon remains (Or pokemorph remains, for ghost 'Morphs), the concept is simple: Pokemon DNA is a powerful force. It is what allows pokemon to do their incredible attacks, Evolve into strange and wonderful forms, amongst other miracles: Death can't truly stop it. However, it does change it: When the pokemon (Or morph) remains are decayed enough, and the amount is at a critical mass, the "Freed" pokeDNA spontaneously forms a new creature. However, having experienced the decay, the PokeDNA is changed, altered by the touch of Death and Decay- Ghost pokemon are the result. However, the amount of decayed pokemon required for this is large, so ghost pokemon tend only to naturally occur in graveyards where large dead pokemon ('morphs) are artificially stored, or in caves where dead pokemon often died or are washed by water and held in a closed system.

Can ghosts die at all, then?

Ghosts can die, if killed by accident or assault, or rarely, by diseases that affect their unique physiology. They just don't die of old age. It's very diffucult to kill a ghost pokemon with injury, but certain very powerful ghosts are capable of exorcising their less powerful fellows. It's not exactly something to take lightly, generally it's reserved as punishment for some grievous crime or offense against the ghost community as a whole. A handful of non-ghost Pokemon know exorcisms as well, but its a very uncommon skill and even moreso outside of the ghost community.

Since Ghost pokemon are made out of dead pokemon, do the nature of the dead pokemon affect the nature of the ghost? What about memories? Do they retain them?

Poke-scientists have debated the first for *years*. Since certain ghosts tend to appear at specific locations exclusively, instead of random assortments, they believe so, but damned if they know exactly how. As for the second, no, the pokemon who contributed to their existence are too degraded to contribute any actual memories. There are exceptions, though.

What are the exceptions?

Great tragedies, especially ones where many people died at once, or very rapidly, can sometimes spontaneously form Ghost pokemorphs. The Ghost pokemorphs formed this way can sometimes recall some or all of the memories of one or more of the people who died in the incident. This is very rare, though. Ghost Pokemon who suffer this condition are called "Revenants", and are oftentimes outcasts in both societies- not being alive anymore,but often desperately wishing they were. This is, however, thankfully rare.

Also, Shedinja and Froslass are interesting exceptions- They never truly died (Well, some would argue about Shedinja), but rather evolved and their Poke-DNA took on the elemental properties of ghosts. This is even harder on Shedinja, whom remember their old lives up to the point they separated from their Ninjask half, sometimes causing resentment for the person "Living their life". Due to their nature, they often choose one society over the other, or frequently act as emissaries between the two.

Also, another very uncommon exception to normal ghost breeding is that on rare occasions, very old ghosts of great power with fission off part of their essence, and shape it into an offspring, this is uncommon enough, however, that many ghosts don't know its possible.

About Shedinja- How do they form, and what *is* their legal status? I mean, they're basically the same person...

First, no one knows why a Ninjask's shed skin comes alive, which it doesn't always do- it seems random, like normal ghost creation. Poke-Scientists suspect some sort of environmental factor, but they don't know what it is... As for legal status, its not defined by any past laws- so far, there's just been several legal cases (and thus precident), but no actual legislation- the general rule of thumb is for major things (Property ownership, Marital Status, Inheritance), the Shedinja is a seperate person, but for lesser things, (School admissions, job qualifications), they're generally ruled to be the same (or effectivelly idenical) people.

Alright- What about the other people you mentioned, The Safari Zone?

Quick History: Originally, the Safari Zone was what it appears to be currently: a large stretch of wilderness set up to preserve rare wild pokemon in their natural state.

However, several pokemorphs, for various reasons, started trying to live there. Needless to say, the authorities tried to stop them, but it was so persistent, they picked the alternative: they legislated it.

The Pokemorphs have to agree to certain rules, and they would be allowed to live there- things such as not polluting, making sure any children born in the zone are given an education, in case they decide to leave, not to harass the tourists, and similar agreements.

How is the Zone maintained?

Currently, the Safari Zone subsists mostly on tourism- the animals and people who live there "Au Naturale" are Popular attractions for the visiting public, and those that register themselves there, get a small cut of the profit, since they're part of the attraction.

Au Naturale?

Most people who live in the Safari Zone seek a simpler life, a more natural life- as such, it is the customer to wear no or little clothes for those who are residents. Clothing is usually the mark of a tourist, which can sometimes bring the wrong kind attention.

Who lives and works there?

Rangers: These are people who work for a living in the Safari Zone, but aren't residents. They're the closest thing to law and order in the zone, as well as maintaining the zone, providing medical help, and a contact with the outside world, leading tourists about, and amongst other duties. They're generally neutral, but they'll do whatever it takes to make sure the zone and its residents are healthy and safe as possible.

Hippies/Survivalists/Hermits: While there for different reasons, and generally located in different places in the Zone, they're generalities that cover all of them- usually, they're normal people wanting simpler, more natural lives, and go to the zone to achieve that. They're generally the most "Technologically advanced", tending to keep some trappings of civilization. They're generally the ones the tourists see the most of. They are also the ones that obey the rules the most, and most often take their part of the profits.

Tribes: Some pokemon are seeking to preserve their dwindling cultures by transporting them to the relatively unspoiled Safari Zone. They're seen occasionally in the areas the tourists frequent, but tend to be nomadic, roaming in slightly more remote areas- as such, they tend to less frequently take the money from the profits, and in the further reaches of the zone, where even the rangers rarely tread, they're the last vestiges of civilization in the Zone- and well, if you don't like tribal justice? I'm sure a ranger patrol will be along... in a couple of weeks. They also generally obey the rules of the zone, if for no other reason to avoid drawing attention, but tend to bend it when it interferes with their culture, which is part of the reason many tribes don't live in heavily-patrolled areas.

Criminals/Marauders/Ferals: While again, there for different reasons, they're similar enough to be grouped together- these people are the ones that prey on other residents of the zone, and dwell int he far reaches of the zone to benefit from its lawless, unpatrolled nature. Ferals are literally that- Pokemorphs who've mentally regressed to the point they're not much better than animals- they're still intelligent, but revel in their animal nature and instincts. they generally shy away from others, hunting nonmorphics, but they'd have no objection to hunting down lone 'morphs... Criminals are generally those desperate to escape from the law, and flee deep into the Safari Zone to do so. Generally, since how dangerous the zone is, only the worst of the worst would be desperate enough to run here- generally, they're most "advanced", often having weapons and tools others here don't have- however, bullets run out, and unless they link up with an equally untrustworthy criminal-types, they're a single morph against predators, morphic and not. Marauders, also known as "Clans" are the most dangerous types- typically extended family groups, they're sort of a cross between the criminals and ferals- in fact, some theorize they're the result of them... "Intermingling." primitive, evil folks who raid the other parts of the zone for food and materials, retreating back into the depths of the zone when they meet too much resistance- bullies and thugs, they prey on others for their own benefit. Needless to say, these groups have no respect for the rules, and, ironically, never take from the profits, because it'd require registering themselves.

What about the zone itself? What's it like?

Its several hundred square miles, taking up a truly impressive land space. Its surrounded by large walls often incorporating natural barriers, to both protect the residents ('Mon and 'Morph alike) from the outside world, and vice-versa. There are some towns surrounding it, but some of the area is still wild surrounding it. Some developers eye the Safari Zone itself for various uses, but they've yet to get the reservation laws repealed- largely because in its largely natural state, it still manages to make a reasonable profit- something no other natural park manages.

Its terrain varies. Most are familiar with the savanna-Like terrain broken up by lakes and small hills- this is the public image of the Zone, as these are the easiest areas to reach, nearest to civilization and the ranger HQs. The actual full zone extends off into a wide variety of terrain, predominantly jungles, but with mountainous and swampy terrain, and even minor volcanically active areas.

While not actually divided, the Zone is loosely demarked into three general areas:

The "Front" AKA The Tourist Zone: Ironically referred to as the Tourist Zone, as this is the area tourists are most often found in- this is the area with the well-maintained ranger structures and tourists areas, wild but largely harmless pokemon and the hippies and less hardcore survivalists, and more sociable of tribes present. Ranger presence is heavy, patrols are often, and only the most reckless and bold marauders make it her- and not for long. This is the primarily Savannah-like area

The "Center" AKA The Tribal Zone: the middling area of the Zone, most heavily populated by the Tribes. Only the more daring tourist go here, and Ranger facilities and patrols are uncommon. Marauders hit here often, and often the fights between them and the tribes are near-legendary. The more sociable (or weaker) hermits live here, as do survivalists and the more hard-core hippies. More dangerous wild pokemon are common here, with the tribes often hunting them. This area is mainly Jungle and swamp.

The "Back" AKA Deep Zone: The farthest areas from civilization, the wildest and most dangerous wild pokemon live here- and pokemorphs. Hardcore survivalists, strong and xenophobic tribes and the stronger hermits live here, as do the criminals, Marauders,and Ferals- they essentially run the place. Rangers only go here if necessary.

Are there any other places like the Safari Zone?

Yes, other regions have similar areas, with similar issues and situations- Some morphs just seem drawn to natural settings

So... You mentioned ghosts can breed- how does that work?

When Ghosts want to speak, they manifest lungs. When they want to eat, they manifest a digestive system. They similarly manifest the required systems when they wish to sire or bear children.

Well, then, how do they breed with Non-Ghosts, then?

This is actually asking a question about Pokemorph breeding in general. You see, many pokemon species can interbreed quite successfully with one another- they, like pokemon, have "Breeding Types", or breeding compatibilities- groups of pokemorphs that can successfully sire children together. Interestingly, this is somewhat encouraged in Pokemorph culture, because the resulting children often have otherwise unavailable skills or powers.

Are the children always of the mother's species, like with pokemon?

No, resulting children are of either parent's species.

What about noncompatible pokemon? Can they breed?

Technically, yes. The shared "Human" similarities can allow species that, if pokemon, would be incompatible to breed. However, that being said, the incompatibility is not easily overcome. Frequently, couples may try for years, and get nothing, or even more tragically, miscarriages. Sometimes the union is never productive. This is why "mixed" relationships of this sort are often frowned upon. That being said, Children that *do* result are usually healthy.

Do Pokemorphs lay eggs?

Generally, no. The great majority give live birth. A few are known to lay eggs, and some do both, depending on the situation. A majority of species nurse, as well (Which explains why the majority of females have breasts), though some are born capable of eating solid foods.

Are pokemon always born in their least evolved state?

Almost always. There are exceptions, though, mostly rare- sometimes exposure to massive ammount sof evolution stones during pregnancy, or evne mild inbreeding, sometimes a pokemon is born to evolved parents in an evolved state this is rare and unusual enough to be considered a benign birth defect, and generally only specialist doctors are familiar with it.

So... How do Dittos fit into this?

Very well, thank you!

Seriouslly, though, Ditto's Omnicompatibility leaves them in an interesting social situation- they're capable of giving any family direct line descendants, nearly genetically identical to their parents.

That being said, Dittos frequently take the roles of Social workers and family councilors, attempting to help people form families in other methods. However, there is a longstanding (some say ancient) tradition of the childless or incompatible (Or in rare cases, the single rich but heirless) couples petitioning Dittos to start families. This is highly ritualized and complex, in no small part because it requires the ditto to be intimate with the couple, sometimes repeatedly (Artificial insemination attempts were made, but found to have very low success rates, as the Ditto gains and exchanges genetic information just as much from physical contact as actual exchange of fluids), and if the Ditto itself becomes with child, sometimes living with the couple until the child is born, if not longer.

Generally, Dittos see themselves as providing a vital social service, and resent the stereotype, "Dittos are dual-sexed sluts". They even more resent the Dittos that actually embrace that label.

What about Genderless pokemon? Can they breed with more than Dittos?

That's an interesting question. The "Humanoid" factor once again kicks in on this questions- As all pokemorphs are like humans, and humans have genders and sexes, Genderless pokemon trend towards having both as well. Interestingly, they are actually born without either, but can actually decide on a gender, and their body will conform to it.

Can Legendary pokemorphs breed, then?

Yes- this actually this is a subtle distinction between pokemon and pokemorphs. Pokemon Legendaries are (mostly) unique god-like figures with world-altering capabilities, whom generally cannot reproduce, or reproduce rarely in specific situations. Pokemorph legendaries are uncommon, usually fairly strong, but they're not godlike in power, and are quite capable of breeding.

What breeding groups do genderless and legendaries fit in, then?

(Note: CONJECTURE. Pleas give your own opinions.)

Magnemite Family	Mineral Voltorb Family		Mineral Staryu Family		Water 3 Ditto			All Porygon			Mineral Articuno		Flying Zapdos			Flying Moltres			Flying Mewtwo			Humanshape Mew			All Unown			Mineral Raikou			Ground/Monster Entei			Ground/Monster Suicune			Ground/Monster Lugia			Water 1/Flying Ho-Oh			Flying Celebi			Plant/Fairy Shedinja		Bug/Mineral Lunatone		Mineral Solrock			Mineral Baltoy Family		Mineral Beldum Family		Mineral Regirock		Mineral Regice			Mineral Registeel		Mineral Kyogre			Water 2/Dragon Groudon			Monster/Dragon Rayquaza		Dragon Jirachi			Fairy/Mineral Deoxys			Humanshape Bronzor Family		Mineral Rotom			Amophous Uxie			Fairy Mesprit			Fairy Azelf			Fairy Dialga			Dragon Palkia			Dragon Regigigas		Mineral Giratina		Dragon Heatran			Mineral Phione			Water 1/Fairy Manaphy			Water 1/Fairy Cresselia		Indeterminate Darkrai			Indeterminate Shaymin			Plant/Fairy Arceus 			All

What causes this compatibility?

Poke-DNA. Or, more specifically, Specific biochemical similarities that result from the fact that all pokemon share certain biochemical structures- while they don't necessarily share organ layouts, or even blood, they all contain similar basic organic building blocks- the difference between pokemon is how these blocks are organized. This is also the genesis of the evolution- certain conditions make the block rearrange themselves.

What exactly causes evolution?

Its as diverse as the pokemon themselves. Some pokemorphs evolve naturally as they become more experienced, some do so as a part of a ritual of some sort. Some types of pokemorphs evolve through the energy of various stones, crystals, or other substances, or by reacting to other esoteric conditions such as environment, time of day, or event emotions. Usually evolving is done as a conscious choice on the part of the pokemorph. They may feel an urge to evolve, but they can suppress it. Sometimes it can happen as a result of extreme stress.

What does it look like?

As for evolution, it's really a case-by-case basis. The process of evolution is usually a fast one, though the new form is very disorienting at first. The newly-evolved pokemorph will usually be clumsy, awkward, and all sorts of uncoordinated while they adapt to the new form (think growth spurt from hell) but all things considered they adapt fairly quickly, it's a natural process. Usually a few weeks, shorter for some, longer for others. Some pokemorphs evolve very slowly, over a period of years in fact, slowly and gradually taking on traits of their evolved form as they grow.

How are pokemorphs capable of surviving the incredible attacks they throw at one another?

Pokemorphs are genetically bred and suited to battle. They're capable of withstanding tremendous amounts of punishment and heal from most injuries very quickly. Injuries that look horrible and catastrophic to a normal human are little more than cuts and scrapes to them. Injuries sustained in a battle that would take a normal human being months to recover from will usually sideline a pokemorph for a few days, maybe less depending on the type, species, and overall health and toughness of the pokemorph in question, and that's without medical aid. However battling is not without risk, and there are limits to how much damage a pokemorph's body can withstand. Extreme force or accident can cause severe injury and even death. These severe injuries can take significantly longer to heal from and in extreme cases can even be permanent.

In order to alleviate some of the risk of "real" injury pokemorphs have a built-in defense mechanism. Once the body has sustained a significant amount of damage and the risk of true, serious injury becomes an inevitability the pokemorph's body will shut down, a mild form of shock typically known as "fainting". (Contrary to some beliefs "fainting" and "unconsciousness" are not the same thing.) This defense mechanism is instinctively overridden by a pokemorph who is in a true life or death situation. However some pokemorphs who have been raised in a very hostile environment, including many who live in the wild safari zone, have all but suppressed this "fainting" instinct entirely. Some pokemorphs are able to override the "fainting" response by force of will but it's frowned upon as it puts both the pokemorph and their opponent at risk. Nonetheless many battlers try their damnedest to fight it off and keep battling even when they shouldn't.

What about Medicine?

Poke-healing and curative sprays work just as well on pokemorph bodies as they do on pokemon. The universal applications of medical technology is due to the underlying similarities of pokemon share- which is good, because the medical knowledge of gross pokemon anatomy is incredibly vast for a doctor to learn.

You've mentioned Arceus and Legendaries- are there pokemon religions?

Yes, mostly focused around the legendaries- the most common faith is Arceus worship with respect toward other legendaries as avatars of other phenomena and gifts. Some people worship specific legendaries, but at least give lip service to other faiths.

What about shadow pokemorphs?

They exist, but because there's no evil corporations artificially inducing that state, they're only the naturally occurring variety, which is vanishingly rare- It has been speculated that pokemon draw their powers and willingness to fight from the heart. Pokemorphs are no different really, they have a genetically-inherent drive to fight and battle, and so much of an emphasis is placed on battles and arenas to give these natural tendencies a safe and controlled outlet. But all pokemorphs that fight and battle do so for some reason or another, and fight from the heart, even if their motives are evil and wicked ones. They all fight with some emotion or another, even anger and hatred are emotions. But sometimes a pokemorph undergoes some severe emotional or other trauma that causes them to shut out these emotions and detach themselves from their "soul" as it were. In extreme cases of this that hollow soul can be filled with "the shadow". Its similar to the human's insanity response to isolation and/or massive stress- the mind disassociates from the world to protect itself. Similarlly, the pokemon disassociates with the trauma its experiencing to better cope. The problem with this is this "Shadow" interacts with PokeDNA, being subtly altered until it forms a unique form of resistance to that energy, Shadow Typing and attacks. Such pokemorphs become soulless fighting machines who don't feel anything. No anger, no love, no compassion, no mercy. Just an unguided need to battle. Sometimes the conflict between this shadow state and the pokemorph's natural instincts can cause them to snap and fly into a violent rage, but in truth it's not really the shadow that causes this, but the conflict between the shadow and the pokemorph's "soul" trying to reassert itself.

Do people recognize Shadow Pokemorphs?

In general, no. Shadow pokemon are practically mythical, and rare enough not to refute that. Their attacks, while remarkable, are easily enough mistaken for some sort of obscure Dark or Ghost attack. Shadow pokemon are indeed so rare as to be considered legendary, more of a boogey-man to always encourage young pokemorphs to fight from the heart and fight for a reason. But they do exist. The fact that they're social outcasts and very powerful tends to land them in places where they end up fighting in underground, hidden places that normal pokemorphs never see, which just makes them even more rare.

Do they recover from their shadow state the same as pokemon?

Not quite. It's next to impossible for such pokemorphs to recover from this alone, some outside force needs to intervene and rekindle some of those emotions, preferably the positive ones. Continued exposure to such positive emotions are of great help, but indeed it's ultimately a personal battle. The difficulty comes from the fact that it's like an addiction. The rush of power combined with the the suppression of the Trauma make it hard to give up- but it can be done.

And... that's all folks! Please submit questions, criticism and opinions!