Hello everyone,

Thank you all for the positive feedback on the overworld sprites in the last update! As of the moment, 127 overworld sprites have been completed, with several more in varying stages of development. I’ll make a follow up update once they have all been completed.

As for today though, I have a different kind of sprite to show to you all, battle sprites! If you take a look at the Pokémon Roster chart, 21 out of 151 ‘mons are currently missing battle sprites. Of those missing 21, I have completed 14 of them thus far. A majority of the remaining sprites are the generally more intricate legendries, which I have been slowly working at.



One of the things I have been working on in regards to the story and world is the regions surrounding Ahremin. It’s always been something that has been alluded to in the game (and is even mentioned in the game’s description), but hasn’t really been given much thought up until now. I’ll go over how this ties into the game from a lore and story perspective in my next update, but for now, I’m interested in going over two of the biggest additions this brings to the project, starting with...

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Regional variants!

Quite possibly my favorite addition to the newer generations of Pokemon are variants of existing Pokemon, giving them a chance to be re-imagined in a completely new light. And if I am already expanding the explorable continent outside of Ahremin, it seemed like the perfect opportunity! And so, let’s take a look at a few familiar faces, rocking a different look than what you’re used to.



Starting things off, we have Gustling and Swantweet. In dry, sandy regions where lust greenery is scarce, the typically leafy birds are forced to patch their cloak with dust and scraggly weeds. Between their dense cloak offering greater protection against the elements, and their webbed feet allowing them to run across the sand with ease, these ‘mons are the go-to for fast and reliable desert travel.



Next is the Phim line, who take on a much more mischievous, if at times malicious, persona over their Alremin counterparts. While still playful, they also have the habit of pulling pranks on any unsuspecting victim that catches their eye. While often innocent enough at first, they are known to take things a bit too far should they grow bored. Because of this, seeing one is considered a bad omen, and often results in days worth of inconveniences.



Next, we have Mycelite and Alampita. Similar to Phim above, these two are native to the noxious northern swamps. Similar to their Ahremin counterparts, they are more than eager to aid wandering trainers that have lost their way. Unlike their more wholesome brethren though, their hypnotic flickers and shines will often only lure unsuspecting travelers deeper into the hazy depths of the swamp.



And lastly is one that may come as a surprise to some, even the starter ‘mon Flaregon is getting in on the fun! Often cited in fables to be the remains of the foregone monster, given a second lease at life by a world-bound spirit, these frightening monsters are spotted on rare occasion, wandering amidst the desert sands on a calm night. Should you encounter one in your travels, It’s advised not to get too close, lest you end up like the children from the fable...

However, it’s not only a different take on familiar faces that you’ll find in these new and foreign lands...

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New ‘Mons!

Introducing the first of what's sure to be many new ‘mons that you’ll come across in your adventures, Lucifly, Sinisect, and Beezlebug!



The sight of swarming Lucifly is a clear indicator that a Beezlebug has claimed the nearby area as it’s hive. Fine, shimmering silk that burns to the touch strewn throughout the nearby trees is soon to follow. By that point, there is little choice than to salvage what you can from the area, and relocate your settlement, less you invoke His wrath. Perhaps you’ll be so fortunate, or unfortunate, to see such an occurrence during your travels.

Huh, it wasn’t until I got this far into writing this update that I realized that most of the new ‘mons I showed off today have a sinister/spooky vibe to them, haha.

One thing regarding the new additions to the roster, given the history behind the project, I didn’t want the addition of new ‘mons to feel as if they were encroaching on those that have been around for years now. This is another reason that inspired me to incorporate the greater continental area outside of Ahremin. The new ‘mons and the regional forms will start to show their faces as you start to make your way outside the borders of Ahremin.

One thing I’ve debated is possibly instead of having regional variants be referred to as they are in Pokémon (such as Alolan Meowth and Galarian Mr.Mime), instead having the variants given their own name. Something that (lore wise) the locals of that region would have named them. An example could be the desert-y Gustling being known as Dustling. Just a thought, let me know if you like the idea or not.

There are plenty more new creatures to discover, but perhaps I’ll save those for a later time. ;)



As usual though, let me know your thoughts. For the next update, I’ll be going over the general story and gameplay direction that I have been taking.

Until next time! :)