Thursday, December 12, 2013

Hocotatian Army Part 1 - The Troops


== = Hocotatian Army = ==

 


NOTE: This profile assumes that "size scaling" is firmly in place. Ergo, enemies that should be smaller than a human being are much, much larger. Hocotanians are assumed to be around 4 feet in height, and everything is scaled from there.
== = INTRODUCTION = ==

The Hocotatians are a predominantly trading based species who form an integral part of a three way alliance with the Koppaites and the Pikmin. This alliance is seemingly dominated by the Hocotatians both because of their superior technology and their superior planning/leadership skills.

The Hocotatians have seemingly never been involved in actual warfare. However, they are no strangers to conflict, and generally would prefer to keep said conflicts limited to brush wars and smaller scale battles. This offers them greater control. Should the battle escalate past this, they would take drastic measures.

Hocotatians believe in overwhelming force, whether it be numbers or weapons.
 

== = INTEL = ==

Koppaites, due to their poor planning, have little to offer here. We know nothing of their intel gathering skills or abilities except for one important asset. They are the creators of the SPEROs, which are intergalactic search probes that scan planets looking for supplies and life. These would prove useful in long term combat. Said probes (pictured below) can also act as collection ships for any materials they deem useful. The Koppaites could, with a starving populace, field hundreds of these, so in the event of a war they should be able to create thousands with ease.

The Hocotatians have, on their side, highly advanced AI and computer systems which allow them to scan enemy technology after recovering it and adapt it to their own very effectively. The only flaw is that they must first recover said technology in order to study it. Their ability to combine owned technology with discovered materials is outstanding.

The Pikmin offer the least technical, most hands on approach. Any Pikmin is capable of acting as a spy, given the correct leadership. Flying Pikmin have the advantage of mobility of course, and rock Pikmin are probably the closest to a camouflaged species. But far and away the most impressive “spymin” would be the whites. With higher than average speed and a poisonous body, they are lethal right out of the gate. But added to this is their ability to see through dirt and stone, discovering hidden things that would normally escape detection.


 

 

== = UNIT ENTRIES = ==



= PRIMARY UNITS =



Red Pikmin

Mobility: 3 to 5 (Based on Leaf/Bud/Flower)
Training/Experience: 5

Max Range: Several meters

Preferred Range: Melee

BASIC DESCRIPTION


The Red Pikmin are the first color discovered in every Pikmin game. They are the backbone of the Pikmin army for many reasons, not least of which being their sheer fruitfulness.
Red Pikmin are distinguishable from other Pikmin sub-species through their distinctive red coloration and facial spike (nose). This grants them increased attack power comparative to other Pikmin, which is why they are the main fighting force.



== LOADOUT ==

Offense: Like all Pikmin, Reds generally attack by grasping the enemy and pounding on them with their stalk. The speed of this attack varies based off of Flower level.
Also similar to other Pikmin types, Reds can use bomb rocks in combat, granting them a one use, albeit powerful, ranged attack.


Defenses: Apart from the natural toughness of Pikmin, Reds are notable for being immune to fire/heat attacks. The upper limits of this ability are unknown, but for the purposes of standard military conflict, even against super advanced races, they should be fine.


== ADDITIONAL LOADOUT ==

As mentioned above several times, all Pikmin thus far discovered progress from Leaf, to Bud, to Flower (this being the one on their head of course) which is indicative of their speed and strength.

Another notable ability that Pikmin share; when a Flower Pikmin dies, there is a chance that they will drop a seed, producing a brand new Pikmin the day after. As if Pikmin were not hard enough to wipe out.




Blue Pikmin

Mobility: 3 to 5 (Based on Leaf/Bud/Flower)
Training/Experience: 5
Max Range: Several meters
Preferred Range: Melee

BASIC DESCRIPTION


Blue Pikmin are the last Pikmin discovered in all 3 of the Pikmin games, and are arguably the most useful. Their ability to traverse water safely makes them invaluable in every area and most caves.
 
Blue Pikmin lack the increased attack power of Red Pikmin, but compensate for it in underwater mobility. Blue Pikmin seem unaffected by water drag, in fact.



== LOADOUT ==

Offense: Like all Pikmin, Blues generally attack by grasping the enemy and pounding on them with their stalk. The speed of this attack varies based off of Flower level.
Also similar to other Pikmin types, Blues can use bomb rocks in combat, granting them a one use, albeit powerful, ranged attack.


Defenses: Apart from the natural toughness of Pikmin, Blues are notable for their ability to breathe underwater and seeming immunity to acidic attacks. In fact, they seem capable of filtering oxygen from any applicable liquid.


== ADDITIONAL LOADOUT ==

As mentioned above several times, all Pikmin thus far discovered progress from Leaf, to Bud, to Flower (this being the one on their head of course) which is indicative of their speed and strength.

Another notable ability that Pikmin share; when a Flower Pikmin dies, there is a chance that they will drop a seed, producing a brand new Pikmin the day after. As if Pikmin were not hard enough to wipe out.

Blue Pikmin are notable in that they will readily save drowning comrades if they are not preoccupied with another task.




Yellow Pikmin

Mobility: 4 to 6 (Based on Leaf/Bud/Flower)
Training/Experience: 5
Max Range: Several meters
Preferred Range: Melee


BASIC DESCRIPTION


The Yellow Pikmin are essentially the elite working class of the Pikmin species, fulfilling the roles of electricians, miners, and high altitude haulers.
Yellow Pikmin are distinguished by their ears, which apparently give them some aerodynamic properties. This allows them to soar higher than most Pikmin when thrown (and presumably when jumping). They seem enjoy being high up as opposed to being on the ground.
Yellow Pikmin also dig the fasted of any Pikmin species. This is an important ability for combatting burrowing foes, especially with White Pikmin around.



== LOADOUT ==

Offense: Like all Pikmin, Yellows generally attack by grasping the enemy and pounding on them with their stalk. The speed of this attack varies based off of Flower level.
Also similar to other Pikmin types, Yellows can use bomb rocks in combat, granting them a one use, albeit powerful, ranged attack. They were the only ones who could do this in Pikmin 1, possibly indicating they have a more natural affinity with them.


Defenses: Apart from the natural toughness of Pikmin, Yellows are characterized by their ability to resist even the most potent electric attacks. Even lightning level electricity doesn't faze them, it would seem.


== ADDITIONAL LOADOUT ==

As mentioned above several times, all Pikmin thus far discovered progress from Leaf, to Bud, to Flower (this being the one on their head of course) which is indicative of their speed and strength.

Another notable ability that Pikmin share; when a Flower Pikmin dies, there is a chance that they will drop a seed, producing a brand new Pikmin the day after. As if Pikmin were not hard enough to wipe out.

Yellow Pikmin, when exposed to electricity, will instantly go from Leaf to Flower. This seems to indicate they actually absorb some of the electrical energy, an interesting ability to say the least. They can also chain up to conduct electricity, which could be used to devastating effect.





= LINE BREAKERS =


Rock Pikmin

Mobility: 3 to 5 (Based on Leaf/Bud/Flower)
Training/Experience: 5
Max Range: Several meters

Preferred Range: Melee



BASIC DESCRIPTION


A newer species of Pikmin, this branch of the family is characterized by an odd (some would say awkward) body shape and unique fighting style. Like most Pikmin, they have an Onion and can be found in most environments.

 
They are externally denser (improved durability) but internally lighter, allowing them to float in water, although they cannot swim.



== LOADOUT ==

Offense: Unlike most Pikmin, Rock Pikmin do not grasp an enemy. Rather, they repeatedly tackle the opponent, smashing them with their body. Although they do significant damage, they have low DPS. They are mostly suited for armor shattering and shield breaking.
Also similar to other Pikmin types, Rocks can use bomb rocks in combat, granting them a one use, albeit powerful, ranged attack.


Defenses: Apart from the natural toughness of Pikmin, Rock Pikmin are known for their resistance to piercing attacks. Anything short of an armor piercing round is unlikely to kill them, especially given the fact that their entire "body" is nothing more than ambulatory root structure anyway. It takes an excessive amount of force to keep them down.
Crushing is also ineffective. They will sink into the ground and become planted again, but will not die from the impact.


== ADDITIONAL LOADOUT ==

As mentioned above several times, all Pikmin thus far discovered progress from Leaf, to Bud, to Flower (this being the one on their head of course) which is indicative of their speed and strength.

Another notable ability that Pikmin share; when a Flower Pikmin dies, there is a chance that they will drop a seed, producing a brand new Pikmin the day after. As if Pikmin were not hard enough to wipe out.

 
 
 

Purple Pikmin

Mobility: 1 to 3 (Based on Leaf/Bud/Flower)
Training/Experience: 5
Max Range: Several meters

Preferred Range: Melee


BASIC DESCRIPTION


The strongest species of Pikmin, Purples are characterized by their large, hairy form and dark purple skin. They are incredibly slow moving but powerful.
 
Their purpose in the army is simple. Either they carry heavy things or they kill big things. Or little things. Whatever is moving, really.



== LOADOUT ==

Offense: Like all Pikmin, Purples generally attack by grasping the enemy and pounding on them with their stalk. The speed of this attack varies based off of Flower level. Much slower than most, of  course.
Also similar to other Pikmin types, Purples can use bomb rocks in combat, granting them a one use, albeit powerful, ranged attack.

Purples also have a unique attack. When thrown, they will actually home in on enemies and land directly on them, stunning them for a few seconds with the force of their impact. This also creates an AOE damage wave.


Defenses: Apart from the natural toughness of Pikmin, Purples are notable for having a strange yet useful resistance. They are immune to pheromone manipulation, fear attacks, and knock back to an extent. Essentially, they resist "annoyance" elements.


== ADDITIONAL LOADOUT ==

As mentioned above several times, all Pikmin thus far discovered progress from Leaf, to Bud, to Flower (this being the one on their head of course) which is indicative of their speed and strength.

Another notable ability that Pikmin share; when a Flower Pikmin dies, there is a chance that they will drop a seed, producing a brand new Pikmin the day after. As if Pikmin were not hard enough to wipe out.

Purples, while slow, are 10 times the strength and weight of other Pikmin. This makes them incredibly potent on the battlefield, so long as they can get close.






= RAPID RELIEF =



 Winged Pikmin

Mobility: 5 to 7 (Based on Leaf/Bud/Flower)
Training/Experience: 5
Max Range: Several meters

Preferred Range: Melee


BASIC DESCRIPTION


Winged Pikmin are small, delicate looking Pikmin with bee-like wings who serve as the primary air force for the Pikmin. They are a somewhat recent addition, and are highly mobile both in and out of combat.



== LOADOUT ==

Offense: Like all Pikmin, Winged Pikmin generally attack by grasping the enemy and pounding on them with their stalk. The speed of this attack varies based off of Flower level.
Also similar to other Pikmin types, Winged Pikmin can use bomb rocks in combat, granting them a one use, albeit powerful, ranged attack.


Defenses: Apart from the natural toughness of Pikmin, Winged Pikmin have no notable resistances. However, as they can fly, they can often bypass ground hazards.


== ADDITIONAL LOADOUT ==

As mentioned above several times, all Pikmin thus far discovered progress from Leaf, to Bud, to Flower (this being the one on their head of course) which is indicative of their speed and strength.

Another notable ability that Pikmin share; when a Flower Pikmin dies, there is a chance that they will drop a seed, producing a brand new Pikmin the day after. As if Pikmin were not hard enough to wipe out.

Winged Pikmin, it should be noted, deal approximately twice as much damage to flying enemies as to non flying ones, and thus are virtually useless outside of aerial combat. However, they are adept flyers capable of diving, hovering, fighting, and carrying things in battle.
 
 
 

White Pikmin

Mobility: 5 to 7 (Based on Leaf/Bud/Flower)
Training/Experience: 5
Max Range: Several meters

Preferred Range: Melee


BASIC DESCRIPTION


The White Pikmin are the primary hit and run masters of the Pikmin army. Although they cannot fly, they have such a massive movement speed advantage over any other type that it's hard for them to fit into any other category.
 
They serve as spies, assassins, suicide bombers, and ambush detectors/experts.



== LOADOUT ==

Offense: Like all Pikmin, Whites generally attack by grasping the enemy and pounding on them with their stalk. The speed of this attack varies based off of Flower level.
Also similar to other Pikmin types, Whites can use bomb rocks in combat, granting them a one use, albeit powerful, ranged attack.


Defenses: Apart from the natural toughness of Pikmin, Whites are notable for their immunity to poison. While not necessarily a consistently useful ability, it nevertheless makes them a force to be reckoned with.
When eaten, White Pikmin poison the enemy. This is applied to open wound to wound contact as well. A single White was enough to kill/almost kill a Bulborb. (Recently nerfed, but still potent)


== ADDITIONAL LOADOUT ==

As mentioned above several times, all Pikmin thus far discovered progress from Leaf, to Bud, to Flower (this being the one on their head of course) which is indicative of their speed and strength.

Another notable ability that Pikmin share; when a Flower Pikmin dies, there is a chance that they will drop a seed, producing a brand new Pikmin the day after. As if Pikmin were not hard enough to wipe out.

White Pikmin can see through rock, stone, wood, and some metals with ease. They have no problem discovering unique artifacts and could use this ability to find enemies as well, no doubt.

White Pikmin haul materials faster than normal Pikmin, as well. 

 




= SHOCK AND AWE =
 
Titan Dweevil
Mobility: 7
Training/Experience: 5
Max Range: Potentially several hundred meters
Preferred Range: Immediately under/around itself
 
BASIC DESCRIPTION
A massive Dweevil mind controlled by a small Hocotanian named Louie, this beast is the very definition of “shock” and awe, employing not only a powerful electric field, but also poisonous gas, a massive flamethrower, and a pressurized water cannon.
 
The Dweevil species is characterized by great physical strength, with which they mimic fallen foes in an effort to escape detection. A normal sized Dweevil has enough strength to lift the bodies of wollywogs, bulborbs, and other creatures, any one of which is not only several dozen times larger than it, but it does so in an utterly casual fashion, moving at normal high speeds as if unencumbered.
 
This variation carries 4 massive weapons, each of which would be larger than a car, without effort. By taking on the attributes of said weapons (an ability that Dweevils have which is only poorly illustrated in game) it gains a defensive metal shield over its body which is apparently stronger than the Man at Legs armor. Much like other Dweevils, it is quite fast, although difficult to measure due to the enclosed nature of its resting place.
== LOADOUT ==
OFFENSE: The primary, unarmed defense of the Titan Dweevil is, ironically, to attack with its arms. If its other weapons are removed it is largely harmless, although outside of game mechanics its massive limbs could still do serious damage to most combatants.
            -Flare cannon: A super powerful flamethrower with flames comparable to those of a spaceships jet, which the Titan Dweevil generally moves in a 180 degree arc in front of itself. After taking damage to this weapon, it generally increases the power and ups the arc to 210 degrees. Although easy to avoid by squads/single opponents, this weapon is devastating against large, clumped groups.


            -Shock Therapist: A nanotech device that gathers negative ions from the atmosphere and then releases the energy it creates in a massive blast of lightning. This lightning travels between bouncing metallic spheres that the Titan releases periodically. It is difficult as well to predict which sphere will conduct this electricity in which direction, making this another crowd clearing attack.


            -Comedy Bomb: Although the poisonous gas used in this weapon is of unknown origin, we know that is invisible, has no smell, and is powerful enough to even temporarily knock out the Hocotanian air filters. It also reduces entire armies of Pikmin to choking piles of plant matter in seconds, and covers a large area underneath the Titan. Yet again, a crowd control attack useful for dealing with encircling enemies.


            -Monster Pump: The anti-air weapon of the Titan, if ever it had one. Hitting with the equivalent force of a car, this weapon fires massive balls of pressurized water high into the air, and is useful in dealing with ranged enemies as well. It can be fired quickly and has an almost inexhaustible ammo supply, as it can draw water to it from even a mile away to be used. This has the dual effect of stealing resources and dealing damage.


Defenses: Because the Titan takes on the nature of what it is copying, its skin would start out as a steely metallic substance more durable than the Man at Legs (which is a silicon based lifeform with a metal armor suit) that resists the most powerful Pikmin attacks like nothing. By sheer size, this makes the Titan insanely difficult to kill except by powerful tank units and the like
== ADDITIONAL LOADOUT ==
If the Hocotanians manage to capture powerful alien technology, they could also give this to the Titan, possibly increasing its offensive and defensive capabilities. This ability is of vast importance, especially given that the Hocotanian forces only get one Titan Dweevil to start with.
 
 
 
 
= SPECIALIST SUPPORT =
 
Onion
Mobility: 10
Training/Experience: Unknown/NA
Max Range: Several Meters
Preferred Range: Several Meters
 
BASIC DESCRIPTION
The Onion is, at first glance, a strange addition to the army. It serves the purpose of mothership, troop transport, brood spawner, and carrion remover. At its most basic, however, it is designed to harvest dead bodies (or injured living ones. Hell, probably straight up living ones too) and convert them directly into more Pikmin. It generally does this to organic materials only and usually to nectar or animal remains. But it has demonstrated an ability to transmutate inorganic materials as well, which opens many doorways to the Pikmin army.
 
== LOADOUT ==
 
Offense: Its only real offensive ability (other than swarming Pikmin onto whatever is near it) is the tractor beam with which it harvests and converts materials. It seems to have no upper limit on what it can convert, although sufficiently vast creatures would probably be cut into manageable chunks.
Defenses: The Onion is airtight, having shown the ability to travel into orbit with no ill side effects to either itself or the Pikmin. On top of this, its hull is strong enough to resist reentry, and nothing shown in any of the Pikmin games seemed to damage it at all.
 
== ADDITIONAL LOADOUT ==
A more recent ability is the formation of more evolved Onions, which can absorb other Onions into itself, storing and creating multiple variations of the Pikmin. It is unknown how many of these there are, or how many Onions it can absorb into itself. For the sake of the tournament, we will be assuming each of these “super Onions” can absorb one of each color Onion, and that if more reinforcements arrive, another super Onion must be created.
 
 
 
= HEROES AND LEADERSHIP =
Within this section you can place virtually any Hocotatian or Koppaite, as they act like heroes in regards to Pikmin handling. However, for the sake of the profile, 3 of the main hero characters will be covered.
 
 
== = LEADERSHIP = ==
== Captain Olimar ==
Command Designation: Inspirational/Tactical Commander
*Mobility: 6
*Training/Experience: 5 - 6
*Max Range: Light Years (with ship)
*Preferred Range: Several meters (using Pikmin or bomb rocks)
== BASIC DESCRIPTION ==
Although not necessarily a tactical genius, Olimar was the first commander of the Pikmin, and is generally considered the most competent. Every species of Pikmin discovered thus far was discovered by him. He is highly experienced at dealing with a wide variety of threats, both physical and logistical, and is no stranger to facing problems alone. Should he die, and his body be retrieved, he will be reborn as a Pikmin/Hocotatian hybrid.
Apart from his Pikmin handling skills, Captain Olimar is notable for his mechanical intelligence and biological genius. In Pikmin 1 we discover that he designed parts of his own ship, and was at one point a spaceship mechanic. Later, in Pikmin 2, he keeps an in-depth scientific journal about virtually every single creature on the planet. He also adds his thoughts to the recovered alien items. In this we see both the analytical power of the spaceship (which experimented on the purple Pikmin when combined with a certain Mario easter egg) and Olimar himself.
== X-FACTORS ==
Adaptive Creativity/Resourcefulness: 70/100 (Stranded on a planet filled with toxic gas, he enslaved the natives and employed them in an effort to escape. When augmented with the Ship from Pikmin 2, this is an easy 80)
Tactics: 75/100
Strategy: 50/100 (In combat strategy is what he is best at, although planning ahead is not his strong point)
Intuition: 50/100
Audacity: 40/100 (Olimar is careful and meticulous, and is unwilling to sacrifice Pikmin lives needlessly)
Psychological Warfare: 50/100 (Does not directly employ it, but the Pikmin act as it regardless)
Experience: 60/100 (Respected and experienced pilot who is, now anyway, something of an expert on alien planets and battling a wide variety of enemies in strange locales)
Discipline: 60/100 (Nothing of note here, except that he returned to a deathtrap of a planet twice for his company, just to keep his job)
Corruption: 30/100 (Through his dedication to his family, his Pikmin, and his company, Olimar is, if not incorruptible, virtually so)



== Captain Charlie==
Command Designation: Strategic Commander
*Mobility: 6
*Training/Experience: 6 - 7
*Max Range: Possibly Light Years (with ship)
*Preferred Range: Several meters (using Pikmin or bomb rocks)

== BASIC DESCRIPTION ==
Captain Charlie is the only hero on this list with an actual military background. He is even described as one of Koppai's greatest legends by one of his crew. He brings this to the forefront with expert Pikmin handling skills and a deft control over the events of Pikmin 3, despite several unfortunate events (such as being in a creature's stomach for several days).
 
Captain Charlie would act as one of several strategic commanders who would control the overall conflict from afar, although he is no doubt capable of decent tactical thinking as well.

== X-FACTORS ==
Adaptive Creativity/Resourcefulness: 60/100
Tactics: 50/100
Strategy: 65/100
Intuition: 40/100
Audacity: 60/100
Psychological Warfare: 50/100
Experience: 75/100
Discipline: 70/100
Corruption: 40/100




== "The Ship"==
Command Designation: Advisor
*Mobility: 10
*Training/Experience: N/A
*Max Range: Possibly Light Years
*Preferred Range: N/A

== BASIC DESCRIPTION ==
"The Ship" is an unnamed character from Pikmin 2. It is an AI controlling the ship used by Olimar and Louie to return to the Pikmin planet on 2 different occasions. It is capable of deep space communications, email, FTL travel, time/space warping, near-infinite storage, life support, and dozens of other comforts.
 
However, its primary use is as a technology scanner/augmenter. It can use virtually anything, even fairly useless scraps, and turn them into a potent new weapon or piece of armor for the glory of Hocotate. This, combined with its extensive sensory equipment and clever AI, make it an invaluable advisor to the cause.

== X-FACTORS ==
Adaptive Creativity/Resourcefulness: 80-90/100
Tactics: 60/100 (often advises Olimar on the use of Pikmin in combat)
Strategy: 50/100
Intuition: 60/100
Audacity: 50/100
Psychological Warfare: 50/100
Experience: 70/100 (is shown to be quite old, and has a vast store of information)
Discipline: 80/100 (stupidly loyal to the company and Hocotate, as it is an AI)
Corruption: N/A/100 (being a machine, only hacking could possibly corrupt it)

 


== =ARMY X-FACTORS = ==
 

MORALE: 75 or 80/100 – The Pikmin especially are utterly loyal to their leaders. There are two known ways of making a Pikmin turn on said leader, and only one actually causes the Pikmin to attack (that one being total genetic mutation). The Hocotatians are, as far as has been shown, a fairly hardy lot who are willing to throw themselves into terrifying and dangerous scenarios for even simple things, such as keeping a job or finding treasure. Koppaites seem to lack this, although they are programmed to eat and not plan, so given a bit of time to starve, they will do anything.
 
ARMY INTIMIDATION: 10 to 20/100 – At least at first, the sight of hundreds of little adorable plant people and their short, chubby overlords is utterly laughable. It is only when you witness them dragging your dead or dying comrades back to be recycled that they suddenly turn threatening.
 
DISCIPLINE: 50/100 – Amongst the Hocotatians/Koppaites, there would be approximately a 50 or 60. The main characters of the Pikmin series have shown the ability to, with little more than a radio click, organize said Pikmin into performing various tasks. As there is no language barrier (they even use the same currency) this process is streamlined further. The Pikmin themselves are around 20, as they do work together even without a leader, and have been shown to communicate and cooperate well in the wild. Because of their blind obedience bordering on worship, they obey all orders without question when given by a Hocotatian/Koppaite.
 
COHESION: 70 to 75/100 – Pikmin work together flawlessly, and even their onions now merge into one unit (with unknown limitations thereof). Hocotatians and Koppaites have no reason to argue, and rarely show signs of conflict except at a personal level (Louie fleeing from the Koppaites in Pikmin 3, for instance). There could conceivably be some difficulties (the inability of the Hocotatians to resist treasure or the poor planning by the Koppaites) but in general they would work together to overcome each other’s flaws.
 
ESPIONAGE: 35 to 40/100 – Although the Pikmin are especially good at resisting espionage attempts, and both of the other members of the alliance are capable of doing the same to a lesser extent, none of the three have any really reliable means of infiltrating the enemy. Unless they somehow managed to harness some of the denizens of PNF-404.
 
LOGISTICS: 55 to 65/100 – With their powerful technology and hardy structures, the Hocotanians and Koppaites are highly resistant to drought. Both are also very capable of scavenging resources from their environment, and often find extremely clever uses for them.
The Pikmin get a firm 90 or higher. So long as the Onion exists the Pikmin need fear very little. A Pikmin planted in the ground will live indefinitely, storing enough energy to even metamorphose into their third, flower stage. Pikmin harvest biological materials (mostly animals, but also plants) to reproduce and maintain their numbers, but do not need to eat. Drinking nectar seems to fill them with great energy, which powers them for long periods of time. (Also of note: the Onion can also absorb some inorganic material, although this is rare and usually combined with an amount of organic material as well)
 
BLOCKADE: 50/100 – Short of direct intervention with weapons, the Hocotatians/Koppaites have little to offer here. With their advanced short and long range scanners, they can easily keep tabs on enemy movements, but would have difficulty interrupting them. Similarly, they would be able to detect hidden supplies but, again, would have no easy way of interfering.
The Pikmin are the easiest method, being able to lock down land routes with ambushes from either white Pikmin or flying Pikmin.
Essentially, while they can easily avoid blockades, they suck at them.





 


== ADDITIONAL FACTORS ==



REASON FOR BATTLE: The Hocotatians fight for treasure, the Koppaites fight for food and their survival, and the Pikmin fight for their leaders and to spread their numbers. Straightforward.


REINFORCEMENT RATE: For Hocotatians and Koppaites, this is a difficult question to answer. Both control a planet with at least millions, presumably billions of citizens. Hypothetically they would be receiving hundreds or thousands of reinforcements, although these two species are needed in far fewer numbers.


As for the Pikmin reinforcements, that depends on three major factors. 1) How many enemies did they kill in the last fight? 2) What environment are they in (especially, how much flora/fauna it has) and 3) What kinds of Pikmin are in excess/small amounts?



GAINS:
-Biological Gains: Koppaites and Hocotatians will take advantage of food, especially fruit, that they can acquire. Hocotatians have proven as well that they are capable of impressive chemistry, turning spicy fruit into a stimpack of sorts and a bitter fruit into a petrifying spray. Naturally this takes a lot of fruit, but still. They also engineered a growth formula from a mushroom.


The Pikmin are, of course, the main target of biological gains. Dead bodies of any kind, livestock, fruit/grass/trees/etc in the area, all of it can be converted into more Pikmin. Even when a fellow Pikmin dies, there is the chance that a seed will sprout from their bodies and appear the next day, ready to be plucked. Much like the Orks of Warhammer 40k, you can never be sure you eradicated them.



-Technological Gains: This is where Hocotatians shine. Through a combination of natural intelligence and powerful AI analyzing skills, Hocotatians can take virtually any material and employ it. The Ship from Pikmin 2 demonstrated this by employing random materials they scavenged and upgrading Olimar’s suit to resist electricity, fire, physical damage, and knockback, as well as improving his whistle, his attacks, and his speed. The Koppaites have nothing at this level of potency as of yet, but their technology is close to being on par with Hocotanian’s, so no doubt they have tricks of their own.


The Pikmin gain little directly from technological improvements, unless the enemy somehow acquired an Onion, which could be reabsorbed into one of the others. Pikmin have, however, shown the ability to absorb inorganic materials in order to propagate, so it is not illogical to assume they would do so here. (The coolest application that an Onion would have comes from the idea that someone, especially someone like the Zerg, might corrupt an Onion to their own purposes. If the Hocotatian/Koppaites won, the Pikmin could reassimilate this Onion and gain new, Zergy powers.)



WEAKNESSES: Each Pikmin sub-type/color has its own unique weaknesses.


- Red Pikmin have no specific weakness, but are the basic grunts whose immunity to fire is of moderate importance
- Blue Pikmin are weaker to fire than normal Pikmin
- Yellow Pikmin are difficult to use in combat
- Purple Pikmin are extremely slow
- White Pikmin deal very little damage unless eaten
- Flying Pikmin are incredibly weak against ground based enemies
- Rock Pikmin do not latch on to enemies when they impact (mostly a weakness to flying/floating enemies)
- Parasitic Pikmin may be unable to control enemies upon maturity

The Hocotatians and Koppaites are, individually, weak to greed and gluttony.



STRENGTHS: Their biggest strength is the ability of Pikmin to reuse dead bodies in order to create more Pikmin. Every enemy that fights the Pikmin has to ask this question: Will the number of Pikmin I kill be higher than the number they gain from my dead body?

Pikmin can also use this to resurrect fallen Hocotanians, rebirthing them as Hocomin/Pikotanians (not an official name in case you’re daft).

The Hocotatian technology is also a huge point of interest. Harnessing the time/space continuum as energy, nuclear power, anti-matter, eternal fuel, FTL travel, near infinite storage, advanced AI, powerful computers, incredibly potent space suits, etc.




PAST OPPONENTS: Space pirates are mentioned in passing. Olimar battled the Puffstool, a mushroom like enemy that transformed Pikmin into mushroom topped Pikmin-like creatures that turned on him. A dimension hopping wraith has thus far been a major player in two games, and supposedly cannot be destroyed, as its physical form is anchored in another dimension. Giant, flamethrower toting spiders, behemoth Bulborbs, explosive launching giant spiders, explosive launching fish walkers, and explosive launching bugs are all commonplace enemies. The Pikmin Planet (PNF-404) is just as dangerous as the Pikmin army, in many ways.









 

 

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Battleground Planet: PNF-404 (Pikmin Planet)

Battleground Planet: PNF-404 (??? Galaxy) Status: Earth-Like World (Basically is Earth)

NOTE: This profile assumes that "size scaling" is firmly in place. Ergo, enemies that should be smaller than a human being are much, much larger. Hocotanians are assumed to be around 4 feet in height, and everything is scaled from there.







Geographical Features: - this is one of many variations of planet Earth that exist throughout the multiverse. In this one, humans died off to unknown sources at some unspecified moment in the past. For this reason, it is largely identical to our Earth, albeit with very different flora/fauna.



It contains all 7 major continents, still largely divided into the biomes as we know them today. The polar caps are intact, as are the oceans, mountains, and major deserts. The planet also seems to contain the same mineral resources.



The most unique exports available from this planet consists of a massive supply of fruit and other kinds of food, as well as a surprising cache of super weapons.




Third Party Factions: 2

--The Wraiths: An enigmatic and rare species, the Wraiths currently have only 2 representatives, who might actually be the same entity. This consists of the Water Wraith and the Plasma Wraith.
The Water Wraith is the first Wraith to have been observed. Characterized by its water-like, shiny body and large stone rollers, it is extremely mysterious. Theories hold that it is a psychic phenomena; the Hocotanian Ship declared it to be an entity whose physical form was anchored in another dimension. This renders it largely immune to conventional attacks. Sudden blunt trauma will temporarily anchor it, allowing it to be harmed. (although it cannot be killed)

It exudes a fear aura that is severe enough to drive even veteran space travelers nearly to madness, and consumption of any part of it leads to mass hysteria and spasms. This creature is virtually an Eldritch abomination in all but looks.

It is significantly larger than a Bulborb and relies on its rollers to attack. Without them it is apparently useless in combat.


The Plasma Wraith is a mysterious lifeform of unknown intent. It seems entirely obsessed with Captain Olimar, going so far as to kidnap him. However, it reacts violently to anyone else approaching it or its prisoner, making this a very dangerous creature indeed.

Because of its semi-liquid state of existence, this creature is incredibly difficult to defeat. In the final battle, it was not even killed, just weakened and driven off temporarily. This would seem to indicate that so long as any tiny piece of the creature is alive, it will continue existence. If plasma is knocked off of it, the pieces can be easily reabsorbed to heal itself.

It has the ability to harness all of the main elements of the Pikmin games. It can turn into water, ignite fires, control electricity, and create a defensive glass shield. It can also fly. This means that it is one of only 2 creatures to employ the major elements all at once, the other being the Titan Dweevil.


--The Wildlife: The most dangerous part of this planet is the super-fauna and in some cases, the super-flora.

-Bulborbs: There are 4 major variations of the standard Bulborb. This includes the:

Spotted or Red Bulborb, which is incredibly common and around the size of a Tyrannosaurus Rex. Because of this, they have no natural predators and often leave themselves exposed while sleeping. However, their bulk, numbers, and environmental diversity make them a major force of their own. All stats applied to the Red Bulborb can be applied to the other variations except their sleeping habits.

Bulborbs have enough bite force to not only lift multiple purple pikmin and rock pikmin, but have shown the ability to damage the Hocotanian suits (which are capable of impressive damage soak). Naturally, their massive size only augments their potential bite force. They show impressive damage soak as well. Pikmin are "superhuman" for their size, and only large swarms of 50 or more Pikmin really pose a threat to these beasts.

Their large, stalked eyes present a slight weakness, although they seem to operate more on smell than anything (nocturnal nature seems to reinforce this theory) and of course their comically small legs are an easy target as well, if you can dodge the jaws.

Also of note: Bulborbs are generally found near clusters of 3 to 5 Dwarf Bulborbs. While some of these dwarfs are offspring of the Bulborbs, others are Breadbug mimics. Either way, the Bulborb will come to the aid of a distressed dwarf, and a dwarf will aid the parent as well.


Hairy or Snowy Bulborbs are not radically different than Spotted ones, although they have a mass of hair on their hindquarters, an adaptation which aids their survival in colder regions. They are found almost exclusively in frigid caverns and seem to be followed by fewer young, which may indicate that they are a rarer, slower breeding species (which would make sense).


Orange Bulborbs, while nocturnal much like the others, sleep more carefully, and wake up when enemies draw near. This gives them blood shot eyes and makes them more dangerous than most during the day. Orange Bulborbs are also extremely common underground compared to other species, even outnumber the Hairy Bulborb in cavern colonies.

Orange Bulborbs also seem to attract larger groups of dwarfs than the others, which only increases their danger level. Overall, the Orange Bulborb is the most dangerous of the Bulborbs.


Finally, the Whiptongue Bulborb, which is characterized by an anteater like tongue, which it uses to snatch up to 5 Pikmin at once, devouring them swiftly. This species poses a threat only to smaller foes, although those will be in abundance in most cases. They can even grasp up to 5 purple pikmin, which is (with size scaling) nearly a ton in weight.

Also of note, while the Whiptongue lacks a dwarf form, making it more solitary than most Bulborbs, it is diurnal or possibly cathemeral.

-Water Dumple: A more recent addition to the Grub Dog ranks, and one of dubious usefulness against invaders, the Water Dumple is notable for its aquatic nature. They have no problem assailing terrestrial areas as well, but their preferred prey consists of smaller insects that land on the water. Nevertheless, they are quite large and a bit more powerful than the average Dwarf Bulborb. They also are always found in groups ranging from 2 or 3 to 5 or more.
 


-Bulbear: A stronger, somewhat larger variation of the normal Bulborb, they have shorter but broader jaws, which allows them to attack more quickly and powerfully than a normal Bulborb. They are more durable, with notoriously high regeneration. This regeneration is so great they can seemingly come back from the dead. Even after being pummeled to "0 hp" a Bulbear will slowly but surely rebuild its health until it is back to full. Nothing short of an explosion ripping them apart will kill them.

Unlike Bulborbs, Bulbears are not nocturnal, nor are they restrained within a small territory during the day. Rather, they wander over a massive area, patrolling it consistently until dealt with.

Bulbear's are extremely dangerous for another reason, as well. Despite being formidable singular threats, they are always followed by varying numbers of juvenile Dwarf Bulbears. Unlike Bulborbs, Dwarf Bulbears are legitimate offspring, and are much more dangerous than other dwarfs.
These are characterized by superior senses, durability, and agility compared to Bulborb dwarfs, and thus notice enemies sooner. They have demonstrated the ability to perform back flips in order to shake off attacking Pikmin. Any unclaimed Bulbear juvenile will automatically fall in line behind an adult as soon as possible, as they lack their own patrol roots. This makes it impossible to predict how many dwarfs will be following a Bulbear at any given point.


-Fiery Bulblax: The largest of the non-boss Grub Dogs. The Fiery Bulblax shares a face structure with its larger relative, the Emperor. This creature is, with or without its namesake defense, a massive threat. More health and a more vicious offense than any covered so far, this is a truly apex predator.

Naturally this creature is predominantly characterized by the aura of fire it creates. This fire is several hundred degrees at least, damaging Hocotanian suits not equipped with the Scorch Guard. This fire is formed by chemical reactions on its skin, and thus is very difficult to extinguish. It seems that the beast must be submerged at all times to put it out, as it will instantly burst back into flame. This creature is intelligent enough to recognize its fire as its greatest asset, and will avoid water like the plague.



-Empress Bulblax: A normal Bulborb grown to massive size due to pregnancy. Swollen to the size of a large building and filled with larva, this massive beast uses its bulk to crush those who attack it. Based on notes that Olimar made, any Bulborb could conceivably become an Empress, as they travel in packs and exhibit gender swapping capabilities. The larva that are spawned by the Empress are each the size of a Hocotanian as well, so in sufficient force the Empress is a small army all her own.

Her only attack is to roll at enemies, crushing them with her bulk. However, this attack hits with enough force to knock boulders down from the ceiling. Said boulders do little if any damage to her majesty.

The larva mentioned above are extremely weak, but are capable of moving at moderate speeds and attacking opponents upon birth. They are independent of their parents, being able to hunt nourishment and seem, like their adult counterparts, to prefer groups. They are seemingly on par with Pikmin in combat stats, as a larva can swallow a Pikmin whole, but a Pikmin can one shot a larva. They occasionally drop nectar upon death, which may indicate that Bulborbs drink the substance as well.



-Emperor Bulblax: Possibly the most dangerous creature on PNF-404 short of other-dimensional entities, this is the largest variation of the Grub Dog family excluding the swollen Empress. Only one full sized adult has ever been observed, although the Emperor is a threat no matter what his age.

The original Emperor is a building sized monster who attacked by flailing its massive tongue around, eating whatever stuck to it. There seems to be no upper limit to what it can lift with this tongue, as dozens of purple Pikmin barely faze it. Explosions can be used to stun the beast but have little lasting effect, and poison is utterly futile against it.

The Emperor has a few other tricks as well. If it feels threatened or has taken significant damage, it is likely to begin leaping. This terrifying process involves it leaping high into the air and smashing down onto any enemy. It can leap approximately 4 times its own length, and leaps around 1 or 2 times its own height. This is not only an attack, but a huge strength feat. Finally, the "fear roar" is a somewhat weaker, but still potent attack. Striking fear into weaker enemies, this ability summons other Bulblaxes to the fight. It may also cause Mitites to swarm out of the ground.

Its hindquarters are not only covered with massive fat stores like the rest of him, but moss, stones, and mushrooms grow upon the beasts back, making it impenetrable to most attacks. Its face, while more vulnerable, is still incredibly durable. Its legs are also seemingly immune to assault, much like its back. Even if one were to attack these legs, the Emperor would simply jump, crushing opponents.

Finally, the Emperor is an ambush predator, with incredible camouflage and super fast burrowing. It also is somewhat amphibious, generally preferring moist environments, and can often be found buried underwater. They may also be responsible for digging out some of the caverns (most notably the Bulblax Kingdom) in Pikmin 2.




--Dweevils: Another very common denizen of PNF-404, Dweevils are characterized by their massive strength and defensive habits that involve scavenging carcasses to mimic. They have 5 major variations and one boss.


-Caustic Dweevil: Blue, unique in its use of powerful spacesuit corroding acid to attack enemies.


-Fiery Dweevil: Red, unique in its use of powerful flames to attack enemies.


-Anode Dweevil: Yellow, unique in its use of powerful electricity to attack enemies.


-Munge Dweevil: Purple, unique in its use of powerful poison vapors to attack enemies.


-Volatile Dweevil: Yellowish, unique in its use of a massive bomb on its back which it detonates to destroy itself and its enemy. This explosion is approximately the same power as a standard bomb rock (Pikmin 2 variation), putting it at possibly small building busting.


-Titan Dweevil: Currently in use by the Hocotanian Army. See the Pikmin Army Profile for details.




--Arachnorbs: Silicon based lifeforms that look similar to spiders. 3 of the 4 species are notable for their large, flat feet and long legs. This combination allows them to smash most enemies into paste. They live high above the forest/cave floor, and drop down onto their enemies. Raging Long Legs are often filled with Mitites as well.

As said, they are silicon based lifeforms. Upon death, their bodies spontaneously erupt into flames and fall apart, making study difficult. They may also be intelligent. The Raging Long Legs is noted to be clearing an area for some unknown purpose.

-Man at Legs: The most notable Arachnorb, this one entered into a symbiotic relationship with a mysterious machine at some point in the past. This machine retrofitted the Arachnorb with metal armor, a robotic leg, and a powerful, fast shooting, laser guided, explosive launching gun. This makes it one of the most powerful/dangerous enemies on PNF-404.

The machine side automatically acquires targets and attempts to dispatch them. The Arachnorb side is gentle in disposition and (being so large) has no natural enemies. This leads scientists to believe that it was the machine that approached the Arachnorb with the symbiotic relationship.





--Snavians: Not as dangerous as the others, these bird/snake hybrids are nonetheless several stories high and very dangerous, easily capable of dispatching lightly armored troops.
-The Burrowing Snagret is, along with the almost identical burrowing Snarrow, the most common of the Snavians. They never draw fully from the ground, generally stay in a smaller area that they identify as their territory, and generally attack with incredibly fast, precise pecks.
-The Pileated Snagret is a larger, more dangerous variation on the average Snagret that may or may not be entirely subterranean in nature. Unlike normal Snagrets, the Pileated has a singular foot which it uses to hop around after its prey. This, combined with its larger size, makes it a dangerous force against small groups or weak opponents.



--Chrysanthemums: A relative of Pikmin, this species disguises itself as a harmless flower, springing out to attack enemies with its massive, bulb like mouth. It is surprisingly durable and quite large, but not a huge threat, generally speaking. Often found in small groups, though they exhibit no pack/herd behavior.





--Amphituber: A frog like species without too many offensive capabilities, they are nevertheless quite common and with their “Mario stomp” style of attack, could destroy small squads with ease. They are split between Yellow Wollywogs (the more common) and the underground Wollywogs, which are pale and weaker.

Wollywogs are notable in that they generally congregate near water that contains their young, using their hopping as a distraction for predators, and protecting said young from predators. This makes them fairly easily circumvented.





--Blowhogs: The descendants of pigs, they can be divided into 2 terrestrial and 2 aerial variations. The terrestrial ones consist of a fiery and a watery blowhog, one of which shoots a massive blast of flame and the other of which launches nonflammable liquid at enemies. Both shots can be fired around 3 times their body length, making them serious threats to many enemies.

The 2 aerial variations fire blasts of pressurized air to knock enemies around. Not serious threats, although they could definitely act as irritations. They maintain tight, small territories, and try to remove any enemy from this territory.



--Lithopods: Their larval forms are highly common, and appear as 4 legged grubs that fire boulders the size of small vehicles at enemies. Their adult forms are massive, building sized beetle like creatures that launch boulders as well and proved resilient to all attacks until they lift their carapace to cool off.
The Decorated Cannon Beetle as of now has no adult stage. However, it's larval stage is shown to have the same defenses as a normal cannon beetle, with one important difference. Because of the composition of its boulders, they will home in on metallic substances once fired. This could pose a huge threat to some enemies.




--Various: Basically every single enemy that can be considered a threat on this planet is around the size of a human being or more, and most are more. Elemental attacks, explosives, etc are also common. There are a few major ones I didn’t even bother listing, including the Groink, and various bosses.





Danger Status: 4/5
Although the planet is a hospitable, earth-like planet, the species that live on its surface are murderous. They range from acid/fire/lightning spitting to just flat out gigantic.