An Introduction
Hello - what’s this then?
This is a blog about a hostel in Anville Town, in the Unova region, one that specifically caters to Pokémon that are in the second stage of a three-stage evolutionary line, also known as Middle-stage Pokémon, or Middle-stagers. Started with the intent of raising awareness for this specific group of Pokémon that often get overlooked, it also details our lives here in Anville.
Who are you?
My name is Serpens, a resident of Anville and employee of the Unovan Battle Subway. My home is the hostel, and its Guests are under the care of myself and my Pokémon.
The Battle Subway? So you’re a Pokemon Trainer?
Oh goodness no - I work as a Clerk at the Roundhouse MPD in Anville. I did go on a Pokémon journey when I was younger and have experience in battling, but these days any battles are for fun and because my Residents and Guests want to - a competitive Trainer I am not.
Residents? Guests?
The idea behind this hostel is that I take Middle-stage Pokémon as ‘guests’ into my home and foster them until they are ready to move on in life, whatever that may be. Some of these end up staying permanently as ‘residents’. In reality, they become part of my Pokémon family, but the term has stuck around, and some Residents wear it with pride.
Why the focus on Middle-stage Pokémon?
As a group, Middle-stage Pokémon often end up as the odd ones out. In Battles and other competitive sports they are rarely seen outside of regional NFE Divisions, often being viewed as a stop-gap on the way to their final form. In the foster system they are usually the hardest to find a new home for. And woe betide a Middle-stager who doesn’t want to evolve - it’s the most common reason why they end in foster care to begin with. I am hoping that by using this blog to draw attention to them, I can remind people that having a Middle-stage Pokémon is perfectly okay.
Okay, you’ve piqued my curiosity - what can I expect here?
When I first considered this blog, the idea was to raise awareness for Middle-stage Pokémon. As such, many of the posts will be about my Guests, how they came to join us, along with details on their sub-species (with their permission of course).
I have also prepared several posts to start off the blog, detailing the Residents, along with the odd piece on the Hostel and Anville, which I can expand upon if people are interested.
Finally, because I don’t want this blog to read like a textbook or become all doom & gloom, there will be some posts about all these Pokémon being happy and living their best life (while simultaneously driving me to pull out what remains of my hair).
Can we ask you questions?
By all means. I’ll answer as best I can with what I know - between moving to Anville and running this hostel, it’s surprising what I have learnt.
However, I must point out that I am neither an expert nor a professional - I am an ordinary person who is fostering Pokémon. I’m happy to share what I know, but I must recommend talking to Pokémon Professors, Researchers, & other professionals.
How often will you post?
As mentioned, I have prepared a couple of initial posts. After that, in all honesty, I’m not sure. Full-time employment plus fostering several Pokémon equals very little spare time!
I will probably get out the odd short post every day or two, and any bigger, more detailed posts will most likely take place during the weekend. If any questions pop up I can start working on an answer to post a few days down the line.
All right - I’m willing to give this a chance.
Thank you. I hope you find this to be interesting.
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OOC Notes:
This is a character role-play blog, and so the majority of posts will be in-character. If I make a post or answer a question out-of-character, it will be marked with an OOC, like these notes.
In regards to any art, I will give you a heads-up now that art is not one of my strengths. Hopefully, in regards to Pokémon, you will be able to recognise what they are.