Heya Bill. Over the past few days, Sorrel, my Houndoom, has been showing all the signs of impending motherhood. Realistically, the only ‘mon that could be the father is Spruce, my Skuntank. I’d just like to know if there might be any complications, because of the different species.

Actually, no. Pokémon of different species mate all the time with no consequence, sometimes even for generations. It’s only if you cross the barriers between egg groups that you start taking risks.

I read that in certain regions, Poison Pokémon aren’t allowed out of their PokéBalls. I was considering going on vacation to Kalos with my Skuntank. Would it be okay for him to leave his PokéBall and walk with me if he doesn’t use any poison-based attacks?

Certainly! Kalos has no such restrictions on tamed poison-type pokémon, and even then, there’s really no need to worry that your skuntank will do any harm to the environment. As an animal-like pokémon (as opposed to the literal embodiment of pollution, as in the case of the trubbish and grimer lines), skuntank do not passively leak toxins into their surroundings. They simply release toxins when threatened, so as long as your skuntank is calm at all times, the two of you should be fine.

Question on a Pokemon’s Stench

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.

oh god i left my arcanine alone for three minutes. THREE MINUTES. and she managed to find and harass the ONE skuntank within ten miles and now i can’t go near her without coming this close to passing out. what do i do, Bill. there’s so much fur, so much fur drenched in spray, six feet of shaggy dog covered in skunk. my house stinks. my yard stinks. everything i own stinks. please. please, Bill, how do i fix it. how do i get rid of skuntank spray. please help i can’t breathe

….

You know, I really ought to get better at answering these.

In any case, anonymous, as noted in the skuntank entry (viewable here), your best hope is one quart hydrogen peroxide, quarter cup baking soda, and two teaspoons of dish soap. (You may wish to times this recipe by six for every foot of dog pokémon.) Mix these ingredients together in a tub or spray bottle, get your arcanine to stay still, and bathe her vigorously in this. Do not leave the solution on her fur for too long, as it will bleach it and lead to a rather upset arcanine. Also, wear gloves. Trust me. You will need gloves for this.

Alternatively, purchase a bottle of Skuntank-Off de-skuntanking spray and a bottle of skuntank shampoo from your local pokémart, spray your arcanine, and bathe her immediately afterwards. The above-mentioned solution (no pun intended) is simply the cheaper route, especially considering the fact that neither Skuntank-Off nor any brand of skuntank shampoo is sold in high enough quantities to cover an entire arcanine.

Good luck, anonymous—which I mean genuinely this time.

Stunky and Skuntank

Stunky
The Skunk Pokémon
Type: Poison/Dark
Official Registration #: 434
Entry: A small, woodland pokémon known for its powerful defense mechanism. When threatened, rather than attacking using traditional pokémon moves, stunky will turn its hindquarters to face its attacker, lift its tail, and spray a potent musk to confound and drive away the offending creature. As an important side note, Sinnohan folk remedies prescribe bathing in tomato juice in order to remove the smell. The writer fully encourages stunky victims to do this, not because of its effectiveness (it is, in fact, not even remotely effective) but instead because bathing in tomato juice is strangely good for the skin.

Skuntank
The Skunk Pokémon
Type: Poison/Dark
Official Registration #: 435
Entry: The evolved form of stunky, by battle experience. Skuntank is basically a larger, more dangerous stunky. What makes it so dangerous are a combination of factors, namely its hotter temper and the fact that the range of its spray can reach up to 160 feet. Word of advice, should you ever encounter a wild skuntank: one quart hydrogen peroxide, quarter cup baking soda, and two teaspoons of dish soap. Mix and use the way you would everyday body soap and shampoo. You are very welcome.