#shieldbert

[titles-for-tangents]

Obstagoon understands the importance of regicide.

Get their asses.

[diamondoffaith]

CHILI AND CRESS' OLD DESIGNS HELLO:???????????????????????

[kooldewd123]

my one friend and i have a running joke that pokemon is incapable of creating an actual twist villain because the hair is always the tell. every single time they try to hide the villain, they give them the most phenomenally stupid hair. if you ever get partway through a pokemon game and can't figure out who the villain is, just point at the person with the worst haircut and you're probably right. i mean come on:

nobody has hair like this except mad scientists, ancient kings, and maniacal bad guys - and look at that, lysandre fits all three of those categories. get a comb and try to not look blatantly like a villain next time, okay?

ma'am that is a cone. hair is not supposed to be in that shape. I've seen mummies with fewer chemicals in them than that thing.

I'm genuinely upset I didn't predict penny being the leader of team star pre-release because this is the most logistically confusing hair I've ever seen in any character design. so the hair is in two completely different colors? and the blue hair is, like, covering the red hair? and it's cut in this weird asymmetrical pattern? huh????

rose is fine, actually. hair-wise, at least. this isn't notably more stupid than standard pokemon human designs, but then again, rose isn't notably more anything.

volo is the only time pokemon has ever managed to pull off a twist villain because they somehow finally had the foresight to just give him a fucking hat. no joke, when he went full villain at the end, we just sat there in stunned silence for a moment and the first thing either of us said was "holy shit he was hiding his stupid hair the whole time." excellent work game freak, take notes for the next game.

[catgirlweed]

not arguing with a galar man... whatever you say uggo!

[chill-vibes-but-rainbow-panic]

Do you ever look at a character you've literally never shown genuine interest in. But then suddenly. You see.

✨ Potential ✨

[delphiniumarchangelmoon]

Why can I actually see this working REALLY well…

what if the za faller is sordward or shielbert

[bottle-of-harpoons]

Sorry fellas, gotta post time self insert cringe.

Me and my brother started the Indigo disk DLC at the same time and I thought it would be fun to doodle our shenanigans.

Just a couple of Galar exchange students running feral in the terrarium, don't worry about it.

Highlights include

The time my brother talked to the league before I met them and randomly asked me if I was 'ready to join the Brazilian Butt Lift League'. Which is nearly as bad as the time he finished the sword and shield epilogue before and said 'heads up, if you're going to do the epilogue, beware of the man with penis hair'. Everything made since when I later met Swordward and Shieldbert.

The time we had to make a sandwich and failed horribly.

Our pokemon cornered another pokemon by the picnic table and watched it spin in circles until we dismantled the picnic table.

Our bike lizards - Jam and Ham Sandwich.

The numerus times my brother stood in the middle of a battle and took selfies with the dieing pokemon.

Carmine's xenophobia.

The fact that I didn't recognise Kieran with his new haircut until a day after the trailer dropped.

[littleeyesofpallas]

Just spitballing some random pokethoughts...

Eternatus and the Darkest Day happened in Galar 3,000 year ago, and at the same time AZ made the Ultimate Weapon in Kalos, again 3,000 years ago.

And the two events lead to Devon co. studying Mega Evolution to develop Infinity Energy, and Macro Cosmos studying Dynamax and Power Spots to develop Rose's power plant. "Eternal" and "Infinite."

And the Eternatus power plant logo strongly resembles the new logo in the Z-A trailer.

And in Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire, the Infinity Energy was ultimately used to save the day by teleporting the Delta meteor into another universe. getting Mega Rayquaza to destroy the Delta meteor. And Eternatus fell to Earth on a meteorite (20,000 years ago).

Delta(Δ) being the mathematical variable for "Change," and obviously being a play on the Greek letter motif(ΩA). And of course Alpha and Omega as a pair are best known as the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet(and the biblical "Beginning and the End")

So, go figure, ΩA is a synonym with ZA, so the title ...Z-A can be understood as "(from)The End to The Beginning," the reverse reading of A-Z as "A to Z."

There are two kings who helped defeat Eternatus who apparently at some point shared a bloodline? (Did their descendents marry later, or were the two kings already related?) Tragically their bloodline produced the brothers Shieldbert and Swordward.

AZ was a former king of Kalos and is succeeded by a younger brother from whom Lysander is descended.

King Louis XIV was dubbed "le Roi Soleil":"the Sun King" and famously obsessed over sun motifs. His Palace of Versailles is the basis of the Parfum Palace in Kalos. The Parfum Palace was built by either AZ or one of his descendents.

The Parfum Palace garden has statues of Zekrom and Reshiram

Zekrom and Reshiram were split in two from their original united form by the Hero of Truth and the Hero of Ideals, forming Unova in the process.

The Twin Heroes built the Relic Castle in what is now the Resort Desert. The Relic Castle appears to have been built "at least 2,500 years ago".

Possibly also built the Abyssal Ruins? One castle dedicated to the sun and the desert, one to the dark and the watery depths?

The Relic Castle enshrines Volcorona, "The Sun Pokemon" said to have appeared at a time when ash blacked out the sky and saved people by acting as a replacement for the sun.

Eternatus' Darkest Day involved summoning dark clouds to black out the sky.

Alder, Champion of Unova, has a Volcorona as his signature pokemon, a backstory involving losing a pokemon and wandering the region in his grief, kind of like AZ, sans the immortality.

Alder also has a flaming mane-like hair not too dissimilar to Lysandre's.

Alder is the basis of an unspecified character design in Legends Arceus who appears to be a third, perhaps seminal or unifying factor in the Maxi/Archie ancestors' Diamond and Pearl clans. A Platinum clan? The Sinnoh people? Or just a unifier, a peace maker, a mentor, or a shared ancestor?

Cogita and Volo as members of the Sinnoh people have fixations on lore keeping/seeking. Something Cynthia sort of inherits

Cynthia is from Celestic Town in Sinnoh, where Drasna said she's from originally

Zinnia is a Dragon trainer and "lorekeeper" in ORAS

Celestic Town in DPPt has a shrine that uses the same model as the one in Ilex Forest for Celebi in HGSS

Terapagos is supposed to have an ability to alter or shift timelines, relating to the presence of the Paradox Pokemon

But Black City and White Forest also seem to exist as a kind of paradox around polar opposite futurism and primitivism

[carbonausmoth]

Red Blue Professor Oak Daisy Oak Brock Misty Lt. Surge Erika Koga Sabrina Mr Fuji Reina Blaine Giovanni Lorelei Bruno Agatha Lance Bill Mr. Fuji Baoba Pokémon Center ladies Koichi Player's mom Old man Professor Oak's aides Ghost Marowak Ethan Silver Professor Elm Mr. Pokémon Falkner Bugsy Whitney Morty Chuck Jasmine Pryce Clair Will Karen Janine Red Gyarados Archer Ariana Petrel Proton Earl Dervish DJ Mary DJ Ben DJ Lily Week Siblings Kurt Cal Randy Carrie Amphy Kiyo Dude DJ Fern Joey Kanto Pokémon Federation Kimono Girls Maizie Johto Name Rater Johto Move Deleter Professor Elm's aide Radio Director Reed Player's mom Li Wilton Brendan May Professor Birch Roxanne Brawly Wattson Flannery Norman Winona Tate and Liza Wallace Sidney Phoebe Glacia Drake Steven Stone Mr. Briney Mr. Stone Wally Lanette Gabby and Ty Professor Cozmo Rydel Wanda Winstrate family Captain Stern Dock Maxie Tabitha Courtney Archie Matt Shelly Treasure Hunter Fossil Maniac Kiri Player's mom Hoenn Name Rater Hoenn Move Deleter Hoenn Move Maniac Peeko Old guys Trick Master Lucas Dawn Barry Cheryl Mira Riley Marley Buck Professor Rowan Roark Gardenia Maylene Crasher Wake Fantina Byron Candice Volkner Aaron Bertha Flint Lucian Cynthia Cyrus Mars Jupiter Saturn Palmer Bebe Mr. Backlot Eldritch Felicity Dr. Footstep Mr. Fuego Helena Johanna Sinnoh Name Rater Sinnoh Move Deleter Sinnoh Move Maniac Pokétch Co. President Danny Rad Rickshaw Roseanne Underground Man Wilma Julia Professor Rowan's assistant Jordan Dexter Keira Butler Hilbert Hilda Cheren Bianca Professor Juniper Cedric Juniper Cilan Chili Cress Lenora Burgh Elesa Clay Skyla Brycen Iris Drayden Shauntal Grimsley Marshal Alder Fennel N Ghetsis Rood Zinzolin Gorm Bronius Giallo Ryoku Shadow Triad Anthea and Concordia Amanita Hawes Player's mom Bianca's father Charles Ingo Emmet The Riches Shigeki Morimoto Kōji Nishino Unova Name Rater Unova Move Deleter Reminder girl Unova Stats Judge Calem Serena Professor Sycamore Shauna Tierno Trevor Alexa Bonnie Viola Grant Korrina Ramos Clemont Valerie Olympia Wulfric Malva Siebold Wikstrom Drasna Diantha Lysandre Aliana Bryony Celosia Mable Xerosic Chalmers AZ Nita Evelyn Dana Morgan Sina Dexio Emma Gurkinn Grace Cassius Inver Mr. Bonding Kali Linnea Blossom Katherine Kalos Name Rater Kalos Move Deleter Madam Reminder Phil the Photo Guy Stew Ward Esse Kalos Stats Judge Elio Selene Lillie Nebby Hau Professor Kukui Rotom Dex Ilima Lana Kiawe Mallow Sophocles Acerola Mina Hala Olivia Nanu Hapu Kahili Molayne Ryuki Gladion Plumeria Guzma Wicke Faba Lusamine Mohn Player's mom Samson Oak Harper and Sarah Eevee users Mr. Hyper Gester Alola Name Rater Alola Move Deleter Alola Move Reminder Victor Gloria Hop Bede Marnie Sonia Professor Magnolia Milo Nessa Kabu Bea Allister Opal Gordie Melony Piers Raihan Leon Rose Oleana Watt Traders Sordward Shieldbert Jack Ball Guy Cara Liss Player's mum Florian Juliana Nemona Arven Penny Koraidon Miraidon Professor Sada Professor Turo Clavell Katy Brassius Iono Kofu Larry Ryme Tulip Grusha Rika Poppy Hassel Geeta Giacomo Mela Atticus Ortega Eri Carmen Jacq Dendra Miriam Raifort Saguaro Salvatore Tyme Youssef Harrington Heath Pokémon League representatives Player's mom

Jesus fucking christ what

[manstrans]

was there even a really great pokemon postgame since usum. like swordward and shieldbert are fun characters but it feels like since then they just gave up on the hard hitting postgames they had before that

[pokemonblack3white3]

Worst thing to happen in the bad end au is actually that swordbert and shieldbert kidnap hop's dog

[payaso-affairs]

ima little late to that pokesona trend from,,, a while ago-

you can call em Ronnie (they/them), Ronald if you wanna be real formal. they've got some sort of entertainment business in Nimbasa, still unsure what exactly. they have too much family and too much makeup lmao. really seems to like fighting and normal type pokemon, and dressing them up thematically

still not done with this design, but working on its been a real good stimulant! its almost done just needs a few tweaks and a few different trials to make sure it works... I still think it could use a jacket of some sort with long long sleeves!

inspo board beneath the cut 🎊

Going for a over the top vibe for sure. Generally clowny but hints of this and that. Calling it lolita's definitely a stretch, especially because drag and gyaru are typically very revealing fashions. Either way, the poofy skirt's there and its lolita inspired if nothing else Its a look with very heavy makeup, and i know pokemon doesn't tend to depict that (until recently, thank you Masters EX).

I did try to have fun with this design instead of worrying if it looked pokemon enough or not. Tbh pokemon's character design has focused more on being over the top, so almost any design could be read as pokemon if the art style's right. That does come with the risk of Swordward and Shieldberts in canon tho, lmao

[epicspheal]

I will admit: You mentioned "The Galar Royal family" and I kind of wish that had been a thing in the game.

Hey there @l-egionaire! Lol I think a lot of us would've loved to see something like that. The closest we get to any sort of aristocracy besides Sordward and Shieldbert is in the Pokemon Adventures manga where we see the aristocrats more or less supporting the Royal Twin's claims to the Hero Tale of Galar. I do understand why Gamefreak was likely hesitant to include that. They wanted to tell a story about a UK-inspired region without defaulting mainly to the fact they have a very well known royal family. We see how the football-culture of the UK inspired the gym challenge as well as the mythos from the region from various legendaries and many of the Pokemon from the Pokedex Also they likely wanted to avoid controversy with the actual living members of the Royal Family by making a plot that may seem too on the nose.

[quitealotofsodapop]

Um, what... Galar's whole thing was about the King being a fraud, tho??? The true heroes were the box legendaries

Referencing.

Yes

and the idea for the au came from the idea that the "King" who overwrote history might have muddied the water of *why* tournaments were being held in the first place to secure his rule. It wouldn't be the first time a british ruler lied and covered up history to make and themselves look good (we're looking at you Richard "pls ignore my massacres of non-christians" Lionheart).

Recently Crowned Galar Champion-King: "Hmm. I don't want to rematch next year so..." (*Changes the law so the Tournament only elects "Champion Monarchs/Matriarchs" not "Kings". Slowly erases the history of the original King and Queen who partnered with the legendary dogs by changing the monuments to that of a flattering version of himself with a sword and shield*) Galar King: "Sweet! Hopefully no one finds out about this." (*a few hundred years later*) Sonia, glaring at historical inconsistencies: "Mate, wtf?"

Hence why the Champion is called the Monarch/Matriarch and not outright King or Queen.

I mentioned in the first post that the King and Queen with the doggos faced a lot of rivals for their rule. When they passed, some of their enemies played the long con and forced a traditional European monarchy system in top of the tournaments meant to find leaders wise and confident enough to rule.

This also brings Swordward and Shieldbert's claim to the throne even more shaky. As they are now realising that they've inherited *nothing* since the ruler of the country was meant to gain their power rightfully in battle. I do wonder if the two bros are the final members of their lineage though. It would be hilarious if there was a gotdang pokemon Queen Liz or King Charlie still bumping around.

Then the dogs show up and now history is getting the ditto beaten out of it.

[pokepollsters]

Would Swordward and Shieldbert qualify? They were definitely villains but I don't recall anyone even really caring about them or remembering they existed to begin with

Yes, they'd definitely qualify! Let's throw them in and see if more people care than you'd think!

[t0esniffer69]

list of annoying pokemon characters:

Red Blue Professor Oak Daisy Oak Brock Misty Lt. Surge Erika Koga Sabrina Mr Fuji Reina Blaine Giovanni Lorelei Bruno Agatha Lance Bill Mr. Fuji Baoba Pokémon Center ladies Koichi Player's mom Old man Professor Oak's aides Ghost Marowak Ethan Silver Professor Elm Mr. Pokémon Falkner Bugsy Whitney Morty Chuck Jasmine Pryce Clair Will Karen Janine Red Gyarados Archer Ariana Petrel Proton Earl Dervish DJ Mary DJ Ben DJ Lily Week Siblings Kurt Cal Randy Carrie Amphy Kiyo Dude DJ Fern Joey Kanto Pokémon Federation Kimono Girls Maizie Johto Name Rater Johto Move Deleter Professor Elm's aide Radio Director Reed Player's mom Li Wilton Brendan May Professor Birch Roxanne Brawly Wattson Flannery Norman Winona Tate and Liza Wallace Sidney Phoebe Glacia Drake Steven Stone Mr. Briney Mr. Stone Wally Lanette Gabby and Ty Professor Cozmo Rydel Wanda Winstrate family Captain Stern Dock Maxie Tabitha Courtney Archie Matt Shelly Treasure Hunter Fossil Maniac Kiri Player's mom Hoenn Name Rater Hoenn Move Deleter Hoenn Move Maniac Peeko Old guys Trick Master Lucas Dawn Barry Cheryl Mira Riley Marley Buck Professor Rowan Roark Gardenia Maylene Crasher Wake Fantina Byron Candice Volkner Aaron Bertha Flint Lucian Cynthia Cyrus Mars Jupiter Saturn Palmer Bebe Mr. Backlot Eldritch Felicity Dr. Footstep Mr. Fuego Helena Johanna Sinnoh Name Rater Sinnoh Move Deleter Sinnoh Move Maniac Pokétch Co. President Danny Rad Rickshaw Roseanne Underground Man Wilma Julia Professor Rowan's assistant Jordan Dexter Keira Butler Hilbert Hilda Cheren Bianca Professor Juniper Cedric Juniper Cilan Chili Cress Lenora Burgh Elesa Clay Skyla Brycen Iris Drayden Shauntal Grimsley Marshal Alder Fennel N Ghetsis Rood Zinzolin Gorm Bronius Giallo Ryoku Shadow Triad Anthea and Concordia Amanita Hawes Player's mom Bianca's father Charles Ingo Emmet The Riches Shigeki Morimoto Kōji Nishino Unova Name Rater Unova Move Deleter Reminder girl Unova Stats Judge Calem Serena Professor Sycamore Shauna Tierno Trevor Alexa Bonnie Viola Grant Korrina Ramos Clemont Valerie Olympia Wulfric Malva Siebold Wikstrom Drasna Diantha Lysandre Aliana Bryony Celosia Mable Xerosic Chalmers AZ Nita Evelyn Dana Morgan Sina Dexio Emma Gurkinn Grace Cassius Inver Mr. Bonding Kali Linnea Blossom Katherine Kalos Name Rater Kalos Move Deleter Madam Reminder Phil the Photo Guy Stew Ward Esse Kalos Stats Judge Elio Selene Lillie Nebby Hau Professor Kukui Rotom Dex Ilima Lana Kiawe Mallow Sophocles Acerola Mina Hala Olivia Nanu Hapu Kahili Molayne Ryuki Gladion Plumeria Guzma Wicke Faba Lusamine Mohn Player's mom Samson Oak Harper and Sarah Eevee users Mr. Hyper Gester Alola Name Rater Alola Move Deleter Alola Move Reminder Victor Gloria Hop Bede Marnie Sonia Professor Magnolia Milo Nessa Kabu Bea Allister Opal Gordie Melony Piers Raihan Leon Rose Oleana Watt Traders Sordward Shieldbert Jack Ball Guy Cara Liss Player's mum Florian Juliana Nemona Arven Penny Koraidon Miraidon Professor Sada Professor Turo Clavell Katy Brassius Iono Kofu Larry Ryme Tulip Grusha Rika Poppy Hassel Geeta Giacomo Mela Atticus Ortega Eri Carmen Jacq Dendra Miriam Raifort Saguaro Salvatore Tyme Youssef Harrington Heath Pokémon League representatives Player's mom