DARK MAIDEN, the Pitch Black Pokégirl

DARK MAIDEN, the Pitch Black Pokégirl

Type: Very Near Human
Element: Dark/Magic
Frequency: Rare
Diet: Omnivorous
Role: Assassin, Manipulator of darkness
Libido: Average
Strong Vs: Psychic, Ghost, Poison
Weak Vs: Bug, Fighting
Attacks: Dark Bomb, Backhand, Dispel, Shadow Shot, Dark Blade, Dark Shield, Shroud of Darkness, Shadow Teleport, Black Sky
Enhancements: Enhanced Speed(x4), Enhanced Dexterity(x5), Enhanced Intelligence, Darkvision (All)
Evolves: Magic Knight (Delta Bond + Heavy Metal)
Evolves From: None

While some of Sukebe's Legions learned to strike from the shadows, the Dark Maiden brought the shadows with them. While most Dark-Types specialize in dealing Dark-Type damage, the Dark Maiden is also a master of magic that brings about darkness and snuffs out light, and are proficient, silent assassins. Capable of seeing perfectly in the absence of light, these Pokégirls do not fear the night – they embody it.

Dark Maidens tend towards, ironically, pale white skin and jet black hair, with styles varying from individual to individual. If the hair color does vary, it is nearly always of a dark shade. A small number of Dark Maidens, however, may be found with various elven traits, such as the signature ears, or possibly skin tones. This is believed to be because Sukebe used small amounts of elven DNA with the Dark Maiden's creation, which can sometimes manifest itself in these individuals.

It is because of this trait that the Dark Maidens were long thought to have some sort of evolutionary link with the Elf lines, however, no such evolution has occurred to date.

Confident masters of the dark, Dark Maidens carry themselves with pride, even as they render their foes helpless and move in for a kill. They have an elegant presence, and they like it that way, tending to get annoyed if they are forced to abandon that elegance.

A strange quirk, often to the annoyance of those who own Dark Maidens, is their tendency to pick an individual they see with some regularity, often a harem sister, and to raise hell at their expense. Researchers aren't sure if Dark Maidens see them as a sort of rival or if they just bug the Dark Maiden that much, but regardless, the result can be quite a hassle, and is one of the reasons why the breed is not incredibly popular.

Dark Maidens are rarely spectacular at straight-up combat. They are not particularly tough or strong, but they are light on their feet and have excellent coordination, making them excellent at wielding finesse weapons, such as their weapons of choice, daggers and throwing knives. They typically take full advantage of their ability to blanket an area in darkness, and then of their opponent's disorientation, using Shadow Teleport to strike from behind, or their high speed to quickly rack up hits. They also can fight either up close, with their daggers or Dark Blade, or from a distance, using throwing knives, Dark Bolts, or the mighty Black Sky.

It's important to note that Dark Maidens cannot summon weaponry like some breeds can, and so must rely on purchased weaponry. Those who are willing to cash out for an enchanted dagger (or whatever the individual's preferred weapon is), will typically make their Dark Maiden a very happy girl, and, should the Dark Maiden be pleased with her master, treat the weapon well and with utmost respect. (One should be cautious, however, if they don't.)

Despite their usual, naturally 'dark' roles, Dark Maidens are not inherently sadistic, even to those they choose to trouble, and indeed are quite variable in their personalities. They are quite capable of kindness and generally get along well with other breeds, so long as one can get used to her noble airs. Those Dark Maidens whose elven heritage has manifested itself can sometimes be seen in elven courts, generally fitting right in, and often taking up a role as bodyguard to the Queen. Despite the name, such Dark Maidens are fully considered elves, including for the purposes of an Elf Queen's ability, and, though they do not have the Longevity of a true elf, often gain Slow Aging as an enhancement.

Dark Maidens are highly intelligent Pokégirls, and are fairly popular among League officials and researchers as assistants. They are also prized for their ability to see during the night, making them perfect for acting as nighttime guards, a role that both officials and tamers are thankful for.

Feral Dark Maidens have an instinctual dislike of bright lights, particularly the sun, and so are rarely found active during the day, much preferring to act during the nighttime hours. They rarely can be found alongside Vampires, using their abilities to protect them from light-based attacks...assuming they can stand being the likely target of their mischief. Tamed Dark Maidens can operate normally day or night, but find that they prefer the darkness best.

During the Revenge War, Dark Maidens were used less for their assassination abilities and more for their ability to blanket areas in darkness, blinding whole enemy squads while they and other Pokégirls hammered them with attacks from a distance. This often had a powerful effect on the morale of the enemy forces who were able to witness these attacks, watching as their comrades flailed about aimlessly in the darkness before being picked off.