The Treasures of Ruin Quartet: Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's Legendary Quartet
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In Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet, the Treasures of Ruin are a quartet of Legendary Pokémon inspired by ancient Chinese mythology and the concept of the "Four Perils." Each member of the quartet is tied to a specific treasure that brought calamity to the Paldea region in the past. These Pokémon are shrouded in mystery and possess unique typings, abilities, and lore. Below, we’ll explore each member of the Treasures of Ruin, their stats, abilities, and the stories behind them.
- Wo-Chien (The Grudge Pokémon)
Type: Dark/Grass
Category: The Vile Scroll
Ability: Tablets of Ruin – Lowers the Attack stat of all other Pokémon in battle (except itself).
Height: 5'3" (1.6 m)
Weight: 152.2 lbs (69 kg)
Lore:
Wo-Chien is based on a cursed scroll that was said to contain the grievances of a jealous scholar. It is said that the scroll absorbed the negative emotions of those who read it, eventually manifesting as this Pokémon. Wo-Chien’s body is covered in moss and vines, giving it a decrepit, ancient appearance.
Stats:
HP: 85
Attack: 85
Defense: 100
Special Attack: 95
Special Defense: 135
Speed: 70
Total: 570
Overview:
Wo-Chien is a bulky special defender with a unique Dark/Grass typing. Its ability, Tablets of Ruin, makes it a great support Pokémon in battles by weakening the physical attacks of opponents. However, its low Speed and vulnerability to common types like Bug, Fighting, and Fire can be a drawback.
- Chien-Pao (The Ruinous Sword)
Type: Dark/Ice
Category: The Sword of Ruin
Ability: Sword of Ruin – Lowers the Defense stat of all other Pokémon in battle (except itself).
Height: 6'3" (1.9 m)
Weight: 174.2 lbs (79 kg)
Lore:
Chien-Pao is based on a cursed sword that was said to have been wielded by a ruthless warlord. The sword absorbed the bloodlust of its wielder, eventually transforming into this Pokémon. Chien-Pao’s sleek, icy design reflects its deadly nature.
Stats:
HP: 80
Attack: 130
Defense: 80
Special Attack: 90
Special Defense: 65
Speed: 135
Total: 570
Overview:
Chien-Pao is a fast and powerful physical attacker with a Dark/Ice typing. Its ability, Sword of Ruin, weakens the Defense of all other Pokémon, making it a devastating sweeper in battles. However, its low Special Defense and weaknesses to common types like Fighting, Rock, and Fairy can make it fragile.
- Ting-Lu (The Ruinous Vessel)
Type: Dark/Ground
Category: The Vessel of Ruin
Ability: Vessel of Ruin – Lowers the Special Attack stat of all other Pokémon in battle (except itself).
Height: 8'10" (2.7 m)
Weight: 699.7 lbs (317.5 kg)
Lore:
Ting-Lu is based on a cursed cauldron that was said to have been used in dark rituals. The cauldron absorbed the despair and suffering of those who used it, eventually becoming this Pokémon. Ting-Lu’s design resembles a massive, ancient vessel with a dark, earthy aesthetic.
Stats:
HP: 125
Attack: 110
Defense: 120
Special Attack: 55
Special Defense: 80
Speed: 80
Total: 570
Overview:
Ting-Lu is a tanky physical attacker with a Dark/Ground typing. Its ability, Vessel of Ruin, weakens the Special Attack of all other Pokémon, making it a great counter to special attackers. Its high HP and Defense stats make it a durable wall, though its low Special Defense and weaknesses to Water, Grass, and Fighting can be exploited.
- Chi-Yu (The Ruinous Beads)
Type: Dark/Fire
Category: The Beads of Ruin
Ability: Beads of Ruin – Lowers the Special Defense stat of all other Pokémon in battle (except itself).
Height: 1'4" (0.4 m)
Weight: 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg)
Lore:
Chi-Yu is based on a cursed set of beads that were said to have been worn by a greedy noble. The beads absorbed the avarice and envy of their owner, eventually transforming into this Pokémon. Chi-Yu’s design resembles a small, fiery fish, symbolizing its destructive power.
Stats:
HP: 55
Attack: 80
Defense: 80
Special Attack: 135
Special Defense: 120
Speed: 100
Total: 570
Overview:
Chi-Yu is a powerful special attacker with a Dark/Fire typing. Its ability, Beads of Ruin, weakens the Special Defense of all other Pokémon, making it a devastating special sweeper. However, its low HP and Defense stats make it fragile, and its weaknesses to Water, Rock, and Fighting can be problematic.
Thematic Connection:
The Treasures of Ruin quartet might be inspired by the "Four Perils" from Chinese mythology, which represent calamities caused by greed, envy, wrath, and ignorance. Each Pokémon embodies a specific treasure that brought ruin to the Paldea region, and their abilities reflect their destructive nature by weakening the stats of other Pokémon in battle.