How to write good Ralts family OC Pokemon

[KrspaceT]

I am considering writing a fic that involves a Ralts or Ralts family member (Kirlia, Gardevoir and Gallade). Thus I was wondering on how they are generally written in Pokemon fics, some good examples of them done right, and ideas of how to characterize them.

 

[Persephone]

...I think Vaira's the most prominent current user of the line, so I guess I'll start.

I would honestly start by suggesting you not use the evolutionary line. There are many other equally valid psychics that are never used, which will automatically garner interest and give you less competition in writing. To varying degrees Mr. Mime, Xatu, Hypno, Grumpig, Girafarig, Sigilyph, Chimecho, Exeguttor, Claydol, and Malamar are lesser used psychic types which could easily be explored.

But if you must use the line...

Gardevoir, when featured alone, is generally portrayed as a rather sensitive and borderline maternal Pokemon who helps the trainer about as much as the trainer helps it. It's also a rather popular target for having a (usually) unrequited crush on her trainer. Gallade is typically a fierce and militant fighter with extreme devotion to his trainer and nearly unrivaled finesse in combat. When featured together in a story, Gallade is a streotypical knight in shining armor and Gardevoir is his inspiration/target of his quest.

In terms of examples, drawing from my favorite few fics of all time (both are on ff.net) The Infinity League has a prominent Gardevoir and a cameo appearance from a Gallade and The Human Species and its prequel Forever Legendary have a Gallade as a major character. There's a Kirlia/Ralts in my own story, Vaira, but I use her to play with Gardevoir norms more than anything so she's not a great straight example.

 

[KrspaceT]

...I think Vaira's the most prominent current user of the line, so I guess I'll start.

I would honestly start by suggesting you not use the evolutionary line. There are many other equally valid psychics that are never used, which will automatically garner interest and give you less competition in writing. To varying degrees Mr. Mime, Xatu, Hypno, Grumpig, Girafarig, Sigilyph, Chimecho, Exeguttor, Claydol, and Malamar are lesser used psychic types which could easily be explored.

But if you must use the line...

Gardevoir, when featured alone, is generally portrayed as a rather sensitive and borderline maternal Pokemon who helps the trainer about as much as the trainer helps it. It's also a rather popular target for having a (usually) unrequited crush on her trainer. Gallade is typically a fierce and militant fighter with extreme devotion to his trainer and nearly unrivaled finesse in combat. When featured together in a story, Gallade is a streotypical knight in shining armor and Gardevoir is his inspiration/target of his quest.

In terms of examples, drawing from my favorite few fics of all time (both are on ff.net) The Infinity League has a prominent Gardevoir and a cameo appearance from a Gallade and The Human Species and its prequel Forever Legendary have a Gallade as a major character. There's a Kirlia/Ralts in my own story, Vaira, but I use her to play with Gardevoir norms more than anything so she's not a great straight example.

I do like all examples, straight or otherwise. I'll check the links later when I have the time.

 

[Beth Pavell]

Well first of all it depends what kind of story this is. If it's a Mystery Dungeon-style story with all pokémon characters then I say break the mould as much as possible.

When it comes to the trained pokémon, your biggest hurdle is overcoming how it comes to be owned by the trainer. Gardevoir is common enough that many readers will be automatically sceptical. If it were me, I would stick very close to the source material when it comes to the empathic link - in other words, have the Ralts really sense feelings and not just turn it into telepathy by a different name. You could also play about with the idea - how many times have you felt angry with someone but kept it under wraps? How would it play out if the other person unfailingly knew when you were angry, whether you wanted them to or not? Hell, or whether they wanted to or not. There's no indication in the canon that the line are able to pick and choose what emotions they pick up on

 

[LightningTopaz]

In "Through Sapphire Skies" Zelda (May's Ralts) is a softspoken professor type--she is very wise herself, but is always open to learn more