Beyond the Ball

We're here at the precipice of 200 and are gazing into some visages that we were wholly unprepared for as we discuss the Baleful Pokemon, Hisuian Zoroark! Zorua's journey comes to an end and boy what an end it is! Follow along with the entries below:

Legends Arceus: With its disheveled white fur, it looks like an embodiment of death. Heedless of its own safety, Zoroark attacks its nemeses with a bitter energy so intense, it lacerates Zoroark’s own body.

BTB: With its unparalleled hair game, it projects malice and hatred to an unfathomable degree. Loves its kids.

Blurbs from: https://legends.pokemon.com/en-us/pokemon/zoroark/

Hisuian Zoroark card art by Kouki Saitou

Cover design by Kwesi Phillips

Music by Junichi Masuda and Go Ichinose

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We're taking a trip back to the Hisui region/era as we continue our investigation of Zorua by discussing its Hisuian form this episode! Turns out folks had way more beef with Zorua than we thought! Follow along with the Pokemon website here and the entries below:

Legends Arceus: A once-departed soul, returned to life in Hisui. Derives power from resentment, which rises as energy atop its head and takes on the forms of foes. In this way, Zorua vents lingering malice.

BTB: It got wronged by everyone so hard it came back from the dead to torment everyone with resentment-powered illusions. Still pretty cute though.

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Cover design by Kwesi Phillips

Music by Junichi Masuda and Go Ichinose

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The master of illusions has arrived! Get ready for thrills and chills of the edgy variety as we cover Zorua's evolved form, Zoroark! Follow along with the entries below:

Black: Bonds between these Pokémon are very strong. It protects the safety of its pack by tricking its opponents.

White: Each has the ability to fool a large group of people simultaneously. They protect their lair with illusory scenery.

Black & White 2: Stories say those who tried to catch Zoroark were trapped in an illusion and punished.

Ultra Sun: It doesn’t just transform itself—it also has the power to make hundreds of people see its illusions.

Ultra Moon: If it thinks humans are going to discover its den, Zoroark shows them visions that make them wander around in the woods.

Sword: This Pokémon cares deeply about others of its kind, and it will conjure terrifying illusions to keep its den and pack safe.

Shield: Seeking to ease the burden of their solitude, lonely Trainers tell Zoroark to show illusions to them.

BTB: Masters of illusion who use their craft almost entirely to protect their family and privacy. Fantastic hair.

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WereGarurumon

Cover design by Kwesi Phillips

Music by Junichi Masuda and Go Ichinose

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We're cutting through all the deception this episode as we talk about the Tricky Fox Pokemon, Zorua! We'll investigate why it loves to prank so much and just how ethical/necessary such pranks may or may not be. Plus, Braden complains about yet another Pokemon movie! Follow along with the entries below:

Black: It changes into the forms of others to surprise them. Apparently, it often transforms into a silent child.

White: To protect themselves from danger, they hide their true identities by transforming into people and Pokémon.

Black & White 2: It changes so it looks just like its foe, tricks it, and then uses that opportunity to flee.

Ultra Sun: This Pokémon has a cowardly disposition, so when it’s not around friends, it basically always stays transformed as something else.

Ultra Moon: If a normally talkative child suddenly stops talking, it may have been replaced by Zorua.

Sword: Zorua is a timid Pokémon. This disposition seems to be what led to the development of Zorua’s ability to take on the forms of other creatures.

Shield: Zorua sometimes transforms into a person and goes into cities to search for food. When Zorua does this, it usually takes on the form of a child.

BTB: A cunning little shapeshifter that uses its abilities for fun, safety, and profit. Child kidnapping allegations remain unproven.

Cover design by Kwesi Phillips

Music by Junichi Masuda and Go Ichinose

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In episode 195 of Beyond the Ball we go after the "enthsusiasts as we talk about Sawsbuck, dog shows, Columbo, and more! Follow along with the entries below:

Black: They migrate according to the seasons. People can tell the season by looking at Sawsbuck’s horns.

White: The plants growing on its horns change according to the season. The leaders of the herd possess magnificent horns.

Black & White 2: They migrate according to the seasons, so some people call Sawsbuck the harbingers of spring.

Autumn Form

Scarlet: There are many Sawsbuck enthusiasts. The darker the red of the foliage that hangs from its antlers, the more stylish the Sawsbuck is thought to be.

Violet: Sawsbuck in their Autumn Form are known for having very short tempers. The males fight each other incessantly.

Spring Form

Scarlet: It seems that a Sawsbuck with many flowers on its antlers will grow at a slightly slower pace because the flowers absorb the Pokémon’s nutrients.

Violet: There are many Sawsbuck enthusiasts. The paler the pink flowers that bloom on its antlers, the more beautiful the Sawsbuck is considered to be.

Summer Form

Scarlet: There are many Sawsbuck enthusiasts. The thicker and larger the branches and leaves on its antlers, the more majestic the Sawsbuck is thought to be.

Violet: This Pokémon’s leaves can be made into a black tea, the taste of which varies depending on the region of origin. Paldea’s is especially aromatic.

Winter Form

Scarlet: It’s said that Sawsbuck are calm and easy to tame during the season when they take on this form, so it’s the perfect time to make one your partner.

Violet: Though there are many enthusiasts for Sawsbuck as a species, this seasonal form in particular is not very popular.

Photodex: This Pokémon’s appearance changes with the passing of the seasons. Normally, you could never see all four forms of Sawsbuck at the same time, but Elsewhere Forest seems to be the exception!

BTB: There are many Sawsbuck enthusiasts, but they all have bad opinions. Winter form Sawsbuck is super cool. They all have vibes that are incongruous with the season.

Moose shedding both antlers

Cover design by Kwesi Phillips

Music by Junichi Masuda and Go Ichinose

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It's time to talk about a a little deer! That's right, Deerling is here and we're gonna talk about just how distinct it is from a regular old deer, its seasonal scents, and more! Follow along with the entries below:

Black: The color and scent of their fur changes to match the mountain grass. When they sense hostility, they hide in the grass.

White: The turning of the seasons changes the color and scent of this Pokémon’s fur. People use it to mark the seasons.

Black & White 2: Their coloring changes according to the seasons and can be slightly affected by the temperature and humidity as well.

Autumn Form

Scarlet: These Pokémon are not shy—they will behave as they please, even in front of people. If you feed one of them, it will quickly take a liking to you.

Violet: Deerling have different scents depending on the season. In this form, Deerling have a softly sweet scent that lingers in the nose.

Spring Form

Scarlet: Deerling have different scents depending on the season. In early spring, these Pokémon give off a delicate, sweet, and calming scent.

Violet: Despite Deerling’s adorable appearance, farmers consider it a nuisance since it loves plant shoots and will eat them all up.

Summer Form

Scarlet: To prevent Deerling from entering their fields, many farmers will have several Lycanroc stand guard, as they are the natural enemy of Deerling.

Violet: Deerling have different scents depending on the season. When a distinct grassy smell starts to waft from one, you know that summer has begun.

Winter Form

Scarlet: Deerling’s scent changes with the seasons, but when the Pokémon is in its Winter Form, it has hardly any scent at all.

Violet: This Pokémon will playfully headbutt those it gets along well with. It has antlers hidden under its flower, so the headbutts are a little painful.

Photodex: Deerling have different appearances depending on the season. They usually stick close to Sawsbuck, but because they’re so curious, they sometimes wander off on their own and get lost.

BTB: It's a cute, little anime poncho-deer with seasonal smells and hidden antlers. Farmers hate this one small deer.

Cover design by Kwesi Phillips

Music by Junichi Masuda and Go Ichinose

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We're talking about the mythical Marshadow this episode! Join us as we found out just what kind of shady shenanigans this gloomdweller gets up to! Plus, Will's journey through Pokemon Violet continues and we continue to have thoughts about it throughout the episode. Follow along with the entires below:

Sun: Able to conceal itself in shadows, it never appears before humans, so its very existence was the stuff of myth.

Moon: It lurks in the shadows of others, copying their movements and powers. This Pokémon is craven and cowering.

Ultra Sun: It slips into the shadows of others and mimics their powers and movements. As it improves, it becomes stronger than those it’s imitating.

Ultra Moon: It sinks into the shadows of people and Pokémon, where it can understand their feelings and copy their capabilities.

Sword: By slipping into the shadow of a martial arts master and copying their movements, this Pokémon learned the ultimate techniques.

Shield: This Pokémon can conceal itself in any shadow, so it went undiscovered for a long time.

BTB: It can do anything you can do better. It also understands all your feelings without you knowing.

Soul Stealing Seven Star Strike: https://youtu.be/wfFOVvxrDy4

Partyfish Swim Meet: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/partyfish-swim-meet-seattle-podcasts-live-tickets-601752898117

Cover design by Kwesi Phillips

Music by Junichi Masuda and Go Ichinose

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Alright folks, now we got a real hippo on our hands. Well, a comparatively small hippo full of holes named Hippowdon! Join us as we learn what exactly it can crush with its mighty maw, become increasingly unsettled by the concept of porous Pokemon, and come up with some cool RPG ideas! Follow along with the entries below:

Diamond: It blasts internally stored sand from ports on its body to create a towering twister for attack.

Pearl: Its huge mouth is almost seven feet across. It has enough power to completely crush a car.

Platinum: It is surprisingly quick to anger. It holds its mouth agape as a display of its strength.

HeartGold & SoulSilver: It brandishes its gaping mouth in a display of fearsome strength. It raises vast quantities of sand while attacking.

Sword: Stones can get stuck in the ports on their bodies. Dwebble help dislodge such stones, so Hippowdon look after these Pokémon.

Shield: When roused to violence by its rage, it spews out the quantities of sand it has swallowed and whips up a sandstorm.

Legends: Arceus: Short-tempered and easily moved to violence. It whips up whirlwinds of sand to crush its foes’ spirits, then goes in for the attack.

BTB: Do not gaze into the depths of Hippowdown. No one must know what lurks inside this angry, sandy hippo.

Cover design by Kwesi Phillips

Music by Junichi Masuda and Go Ichinose

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We're headed back to the desert this episode as we discuss Hippopotas! It loves sand! We think. Some challenging entries this round as we think about sweat, germs, sand ambulation and more! Follow along with the entries below:

Diamond: It lives in arid places. Instead of perspiration, it expels grainy sand from its body.

Pearl: It enshrouds itself with sand to protect itself from germs. It does not enjoy getting wet.

Platinum: It shuts its nostrils tight then travels through sand as if walking. They form colonies of around ten.

HeartGold & SoulSilver: It shrouds itself in sand to ward off germs. It travels easily through the sands of the desert.

Sword: It moves through the sands with its mouth open, swallowing sand along with its prey. It gets rid of the sand by spouting it from its nose.

Shield: This Pokémon is active during the day and passes the cold desert nights burrowed snugly into the sand.

Legends: Arceus: Though large and languid, Hippopotas is difficult to detect due to its tendency to burrow into and lurk beneath the soil. When agitated or excited, it expels sand from its nostrils.

BTB: It loves sand because it gets everywhere and keeps it safe from germs (the bad ones). The hole on its back is a third nostril.

Cover design by Kwesi Phillips

Music by Junichi Masuda and Go Ichinose

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Dewpider's size has grown exponentially through evolution just as Araquanid's Pokedex entries have grown exponentially more unsettling! Heads up arachnophobes and thalassophobes, this episode may not be the one for you! Follow along with the entries below:

Sun: It delivers headbutts with the water bubble on its head. Small Pokémon get sucked into the bubble, where they drown. Moon: Despite what its appearance suggests, it cares for others. If it finds vulnerable, weak Pokémon, it protectively brings them into its water bubble. Ultra Sun: It usually passes its time in the water. When its belly is full, it stores its subdued prey in the water bubble on its head. Ultra Moon: It has a habit of storing things it values in its water bubble. If its Trainer doesn’t watch out, Araquanid will try to put them in its bubble! Sword: It launches water bubbles with its legs, drowning prey within the bubbles. This Pokémon can then take its time to savor its meal. Shield: It acts as a caretaker for Dewpider, putting them inside its bubble and letting them eat any leftover food. BTB: Its head bubble is a horrifying mix of its drowned prey, hungry young, beloved trainers, and pitiable Pokemon. Just a soup of terror.

Cover design by Kwesi Phillips

Music by Junichi Masuda and Go Ichinose

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