Tag: Paras

I was reading some pamphlets sent out by some “Paras Preservation Society”, and I figured I’d go to the experts to ask. Does evolving into a Parasect really reduce the quality of life for them that much?

While paras by and large retains its own mind before evolution and can potentially regain some semblance of independence (such as in the case of paras separating from their mushrooms when exposed to hot, dry environments), the truth is, not really, anonymous. Prior to evolution, the mushroom feeds on paras, which doesn’t necessarily kill them but does actually hinder their growth. Paras that never evolve tend to be weaker and more lethargic as time goes on (more so than most other bug-types, that is), and their life expectancy is less than fifteen years.

However, upon evolution, the host’s mind is completely absorbed by the mushroom, resulting in an organism that’s essentially a mushroom driving an insect body. While this may seem gruesome, the mind of the paras still exists within the complete organism; it’s simply mixed into that of the mushroom. (That is, your parasect can still remember you and everything it experienced with you. It’s simply a mix of mushroom and bug that’s mostly mushroom.) Moreover, because the parasect’s body is essentially that of the fungus, the fungus stops feeding on its host, allowing it to grow in tandem with itself. That is to say, a parasect’s life expectancy is far longer than that of a paras, and it wouldn’t be unusual to have a parasect experience a sudden boost in energy and appetite.

In other words, while it’s true that the parasect host had been taken over and essentially “swallowed” by its mushroom parasite, on the other hand, the act of doing so allows it to live a longer, pain-free life. Meanwhile, it’s true that paras has more independence than its evolved form, but it also is constantly hindered by its own parasitic mushrooms. So … quite honestly, one could argue either way, but I personally think that being taken over by a different species that grants me a boost in energy, special abilities, and a longer life span is a fair trade for a bit of bodily autonomy.

But then again, I’ve also been told I’m odd like that.

Paras and Parasect

Paras
The Mushroom Pokémon
Type: Bug/Grass
Official Registration #: 46
Entry: The mushrooms that grow on the backs of these small, mite-like pokémon are called tochukaso (not to be confused with caterpillar fungus, which is also known as tochukaso among the people of Johto, Kanto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh). In East Asian medicine—particularly in the Tibetan, Indian, and Chinese traditions—tochukaso that are gathered and dried may be powdered and included in pastes, teas, and other recipes that either cure or alleviate a wide variety of ailments. (This process does not harm the paras, and in fact, the mycelium of their mushroom system is usually left intact, meaning the fruiting bodies may regrow within a few days.) Contrary to popular belief, despite its status as a keystone for traditional medicine, tochukaso is not a psychedelic. It is, however, mildly poisonous when consumed raw and may lead to acute stomach pains, nausea, and vomiting. Also contrary to popular belief, the author does not know this from experience.

Parasect
The Mushroom Pokémon
Type: Bug/Grass
Official Registration #: 47
Entry: The evolved form of paras, by battle experience. Upon evolution, the paras mite’s mind is wholly suppressed by the mushroom growing on its back. If left to its own devices, the mushroom will puppeteer its mite host from one food source to another, typically the sap-rich trees of the Safari Zone or the mineral-rich salt deposits within the cave systems of Johto and Kanto. If tamed, however, the mushroom may be placated with pokémon kibble, but it will likely prefer virtually anything that can rot, from old food to gym socks. Trainers should note, however, that using your pokémon as garbage disposals is not exactly harmful but still not a habit that the author particularly recommends.