Skeledirge (Japanese: ラウドボーン, Hepburn: Raudoboon) (SKEL-uh-durj[1]) is a Fire/Ghost-type Pokémon introduced in Generation IX. It is the final evolved form of Fuecoco.
Biology
Physiology
Skeledirge is a crocodilian Pokémon with a primarily red body. Its underside is white, lined with black. It has a row of white square scales on top of it, which end where its tail starts. The end of its tail is white, with the very tip appearing to be cut off. It has a long snout with red, purple, yellow, and orange markings. Its eyes are black and yellow. Ghostly flames also emit from both sides of Skeledirge's purple mouth, which somewhat appears as a nest for its bird it carries around with it. The small fiery bird resting on top of Skeledirge's head is spherical, with an orange body, yellow face, white eyes, a short crest and tail, and a singular tiny pointed "foot" it balances itself on. It is a separate, independent entity from Skeledirge itself and is the reason why Skeledirge gained the Ghost type.
Behavior
Skeledirge has a meddlesome but caring personality. Its singing is gentle, but powerful and full of vitality, capable of soothing the souls of all who hears it. Opponents hearing its singing will feel warm and fulfilled inside, losing their will to battle.
The bird can sometimes be seen pecking at Skeledirge's jaws.
Natural Abilities
Skeledirge is capable of expelling flames of up to 3000°C from its mouth. It is said that the bird was born when the egg-shaped fireball Skeledirge had as a Crocalor gained a soul; which also gave Skeledirge its Ghost typing.
When Skeledirge sings, the fiery bird transforms into a microphone-like shape, with its "foot" growing much longer towards the ground. Then, the bird powers up with the singing, gains fiery wings, and flies towards its enemy.
Evolution
Skeledirge evolves from Crocalor at level 36. It is the final evolution of Fuecoco.
Game Info
Locations
You can find Skeledirge in the beggining of the game, as its pre-evolution Fuecoco is one of the three starter Pokémon. If you chose Quaxly (evolves into Quaquaval), Nemona will chose Fuecoco. If you chose Sprigatito (evolves into Meowscarada), Clive/Director Clavell will have Fuecoco (unused starter).
Skeledirge, Crocoloar and/or Fuecoco aren't obtainable in the wild or in trainer battles.
Signature Move
The signature move of Skeledirge is Torch Song. Torch Song is a 80 base power 100% accurate a Fire type move with 10 PP. The user blows out raging flames as if singing a song, scorching the target. This also boosts the user Sp. Atk stat. If Skeledirge is affected by Throat Chop, it won't be able to use this move for 2 turns. If a Pokémon uses Torch Song with the ability Punk Rock (impossible as of Gen IX), Torch Song's base power would be 104. If a Pokémon gets hit by Torch Song with the ability Punk Rock, Torch Song's base power would only be 56.
Pokédex entries
- Scarlet
The fiery bird changes shape when Skeledirge sings. Rumor has it that the bird was born when the fireball on Skeledirge’s head gained a soul.
- Violet
Skeledirge's gentle singing soothes the souls of all that hear it. It burns its enemies to a crisp with flames of over 5,400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Stats
| Stats | |
|---|---|
| HP | |
| Attack | |
| Defense | |
| Sp. Atk | |
| Sp. Def | |
| Speed | |
| Total | 530
|
Learnset
Leveling
| Generation IX | ||||||
| Level | Move | Type | Category | Power | Accuracy | PP |
| 1 | Ember | 
|
Special | 40 | 100% | 25 |
| 1 | Tackle | 
|
Physical | 40 | 100% | 35 |
| 1 | Leer |
|
Status | - | 100% | 30 |
| Rem. | Sing |
|
Status | - | 55% | 15 |
| Evo. | Torch Song |
|
Special | 80 | 100% | 10 |
| 7 | Lick | 
|
Physical | 30 | 100% | 30 |
| 10 | Round |
|
Special | 60 | 100% | 15 |
| 12 | Scary Face |
|
Status | - | 100% | 10 |
| 15 | Bite | 
|
Physical | 60 | 100% | 25 |
| 17 | Incinerate |
|
Special | 60 | 100% | 15 |
| 24 | Snarl |
|
Special | 55 | 95% | 15 |
| 28 | Roar |
|
Status | - | -% | 20 |
| 32 | Flamethrower |
|
Special | 90 | 100% | 15 |
| 38 | Shadow Ball |
|
Special | 80 | 100% | 15 |
| 42 | Hyper Voice |
|
Special | 90 | 100% | 10 |
| 47 | Will-O-Wisp |
|
Status | - | 85% | 15 |
| 47 | Hex |
|
Special | 65 | 100% | 10 |
| 58 | Fire Blast |
|
Special | 110 | 85% | 5 |
| 64 | Overheat |
|
Special | 130 | 90% | 5 |
| Bold indicates that this Pokémon receives STAB from this move. Italic indicates that an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move. | ||||||
TM
Breeding
| To see the Egg Moves that Skeledirge can learn, refer to Fuecoco. |
|---|
Tutoring
| Generation IX | ||||||
| Games | Move | Type | Category | Power | Accuracy | PP |
| Bold indicates that this Pokémon receives STAB from this move. Italic indicates that an evolved or alternate form of this Pokémon receives STAB from this move. | ||||||
Sprites
Trivia
- Skeledirge has the same type combination as Alolan Marowak, Hisuian Typhlosion, the Litwick evolution line, Blacephelon, and Ceruledge.
- Skeledirge is the first Fire-type starter to be quadruped.
- Skeledirge is currently the heaviest fully evolved starter.
Origin
Skeledirge's design seems to be based off of the prehistoric crocodyliform Deinosuchus.
The integration of a spiritual bird may reference the supposed symbiosis between Nile Crocodiles and plovers. The bird's placement also appears to be based on a protrusion on the crocodile-like gharials (which is found on males, though this doesn't translate into a Gender Difference for Skeledirge) which allows them to produce specific sounds, hence Skeledirge's singing powers.
Its body has a suit-like design, resembling those worn by mariachi/rock/opera singers. The fact that it is a Ghost could reference Spanish folktales involving spectral crocodiles (Paldea being partially based on Spain), in particular, Drac de Na Coca due to their similar skeletal motifs.
Skeledirge also draws inspiration from Dia de Muertos, a Mexican Holiday honoring the deceased, and the alebrije, a form of Mexican art that draws fantastical creatures/animals in bright colours. The flames around its neck are inspired by Marigolds which are said to attract spirits.
Skeledirge is based on the Cuca in Brazilian culture which is said to be an Alligator-like hag with messy hair.
Etymology
Skeledirge's name is a combination of skeleton and dirge (which is a lament for the dead, especially one forming part of a funeral rite).
Other languages
Gallery
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| See also | |
| Generation IX | |
| Characters · Locations (Paldea · Kitakami · Terarium) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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- ^ Silvestri, Cris (2024). Pokémon Super Duper Extra Deluxe Essential Handbook [Book]. p. 497. Scholastic. ISBN 978-1-339-02801-9.