At the surface, the first part of the upcomingPokemon Scarlet and VioletDLC, called The Teal Mask, appears to draw inspiration from both pastPokemongames and Japanese folk festivals and lore. However, with the appearance of some new Pokemon, the inspirations run much deeper than one might expect. Though the mascot of The Teal Mask is the enigmatic Ogerpon, a trio of Pokemon known as The Loyal Three has had very few details revealed so far, which should make for an excitingPokemon Scarlet and Violetadventure this fall.
The revered trio known as The Loyal Three are called Okidogi, Munkidori, and Fezandipiti, and players will see them during their adventures inthePokemonDLC. These strangely-named Pokemon are more than just a bipedal dog, a monkey, and a bird. According to the Pokemon website, the trio once defended Kitakami from an ogre, which may either be Ogerpon or something else entirely. As a result, stone statues of The Loyal Three dot Kitakami as a token of appreciation. The choice to make The Loyal Three a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant was no coincidence, as Japanese folklore provided a clear answer behind their designs.
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What Okidogi, Munkidori, and Fezandipiti Are Capable Of
As the heroes of Kitakami, The Loyal Three are inspiredby the Japanese folk myth of Momotaro; these Pokemon are based on the dog (Okidogi), the monkey (Munkidori), and the pheasant (Fezandipiti) that accompanied the titular boy hero. It remains unclear if Ogerpon is intended to symbolize the Oni that Momotaro fought, or if it is based on Momotaro himself. Nevertheless, Okidogi, Munkidori, and Fezandipiti all wear a distinct purple chain on parts of their bodies. Okidogi’s chain is worn across its neck like a scarf or a leash, Munkidori wears its chain similar to a headband or a crown, and Fezandipiti lays its chain across its chest in a shawl pattern. However, this chain is more than just for show.
The Loyal Three share an Ability called Toxic Chain. This new Ability has a chance to badly poison the target when any of The Loyal Three hits an opposing Pokemon with a damaging move, even if it does not make physical contact. Compared to the standard poison condition, a badly poisoned Pokemon will take increased damage over time until the condition is removed or the Pokemon faints from it. This may mean that despite their laid-back demeanors, The Loyal Three could bepowerful Poison-type Pokemonworth adding to a team inPokemon Scarlet and Violet.
Though their moves are still unrevealed, thePokemonwebsite demonstrated that Fezandipiti can use Air Slash. This may indicate that Fezandipiti may be a Poison and Flying dual-type, which would be shared with only the Zubat line. Though the colors of Okidogi and Munkidori may give them the impression of being a Grass-type and a Water-type respectively, the Terastal battle gimmick ofPokemon Scarlet and Violetensures that there are no certainties when it comes to types on new Pokemon. ThoughPokemon Tera formsremain a rumor for the DLC, the potency of their moves and abilities could be intensified if that turns out to be the case.
Pokemon trainers will have to wait just a little longer to uncover the mysteries of Kitakami for themselves. Even thoughthe release date of The Teal Maskremains elusive,Pokemon Scarlet and Violetplayers will have plenty to see and discover in Kitakami this fall.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violetare available now for Nintendo Switch.
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