Phantopex
Wasting Star Pokemon
Poison/Ghost
Evolves from Mareanie starting at level 38 when HP is 25% or lower
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An increase in global oceanic temperatures and the presence of pollutants have caused some populations of Mareanie to become susceptible to a deadly virus, mirroring the fate of their preferred prey species, Corsola, in the Galar region. This virus weakens the Pokémon, stunting development and preventing evolution into Toxapex. Some members of the dwindling population are able to evolve into the rare Phantopex, the Wasting Star Pokémon.
The body of a Phantopex is weak and frail, with much of its tissues having wasted away to nothing. It forms new arms from otherworldly energy, and crawls along the sea floor in search of prey to drain the life essence from. If it finds a hapless victim, it will ensnare it by enveloping them in its many ectoplasmic arms, twisting in on itself to keep them in place until the deed is done. Divers know to keep an eye out for dark sludge on the sea floor, as a trail of the substance suggests a prowling Phantopex may be just out of sight.
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Abilities: Cursed Body/Liquid Ooze
HA: Perish Body
50 HP
90 Atk
80 Def
113 SpA
90 SpD
72 Spe
Based on sea star wasting disease, a condition that’s caused populations of certain species of sea stars (particularly of note Pycnopodia helianthoides, the sunflower star) to rapidly decline in recent years. The way I have most often heard the progression of the illness described is the sea star appears to be “melting.” They will also twist and contort their bodies to rip their own arms off.