Stunky and Skuntank are known for their noxious, repugnant odor.
I’ve had my Skuntank ever since I was a child and I wonder if I’ve been desensitised to her apparent stink because I can honestly say she doesn’t stink to me – not unless it is an intentional stink.
I’m curious to know if the difference is due to the reconditioning in captivity (tame vs wild) or something else. Is it similar to how Trubbish will cease expelling its foul odors once it has befriended a human? How does that even biologically work? Does it have anything to do with their varying abilities (mainly Stench vs Aftermath)?
On that note, how does Aftermath work? Surely that sort of self-detonation could fatally wound a Pokemon? Yet it doesn’t seem to be the case with my Skuntank.
Thank you for your time, Bill!
Bill: While it’s true that some pokémon, such as trubbish and gloom, emit less of a stench around humans they like, skuntank is a slightly different case. You see, skuntank don’t emit a scent at all unless in self-defense; the scent is actually a biochemical spray (akin to squid ink) designed to deter predators, opponents, and the like. Because this spray takes effort to generate, not only is emitting it a conscious act on a skuntank’s part, but also, whereas a wild trubbish may emit their scent on sight, a wild skuntank may be a bit more cautious. So, yes, it’s not unusual that your skuntank isn’t, well, odorous.
As for Aftermath, it’s not a detonation, no. Rather, a pokémon simply lashes out with a short burst of energy just before fainting, similar to Selfdestruct or Explosion, only on a far, far smaller scale. This is why it occurs after a contact move, actually: because it’s so weak (compared to its cousin attacks, anyway) that it’s simply more effective to use in close ranger than at a distance.
The Pokédex According to Bill 