Found throughout the bombed-out fields and long-abandoned trenches of Grabenfeld’s war-torn North-Eastern border, Smolderink is considered an agent of chaos among Trainers and residents alike. Roughly the size of a panther, the mustelid Pokémon is most easily recognizable by a constant haze of oily, eye-watering smoke it trails behind itself as it quickly and evasively weaves through the wreckage of old tanks, abandoned bunkers and empty trenches. A terror to deal with, the pesky Pokémon is prone to burrowing into farmland and stealing crops, snatching barnyard animals, and generally playing havoc with the residents of Grabenfeld, which earns it the title of "The Saboteur Pokémon". Despite all of this, the creature isn’t truly malicious as much as it is simply an omnivore with an extremely high metabolism, and a great deal of curiosity.

Their coloration is striking, bearing a pale yellow-gold muzzle and paw “socks”, with an overall oily black color to the body fur and a remarkable, almost prismatic sheen on the surface. This is because the oil that Smolderink produces in its fur to repel rain and possible environmental toxins is surprisingly close to petroleum. In fact, when threatened or startled, the creature has been known to ignite the cloud of gas it generates and enrobe itself in flames, triggering a temporary combat Evolution known as Flamink.

Flamink is faster, stronger and more aggressive, with fur standing on end amid brilliant orange and red flames. Some people have compared the flaming aspect to Typhlosion, in that the fire is localized to the back and flanks, though the Pokémon shares no relation with the foreign breed. When ignited, Flamink can generate wheels of rolling, flammable oil that act like napalm when they impact aggressors.

When combat is disengaged, the fire goes out and Flamink reverts to Smolderink until it can produce more of the natural oil in its fur. It does not suffer damage from the flames in any form, a common trait in Fire-type Pokémon.

A naturally curious and very paws-on Pokémon, Smolderink needs a Trainer who is attentive and can keep it engaged. Otherwise it can get up to mischief and cause no end to trouble if left to its own devices. It’s suggested that if one goes after a wild Smolderink rather than trading or adopting one that they should bring a stock of high-powered or specialty balls made to handle evasive Pokémon.

Smolderink/Flamink. The Saboteur Pokémon, No. 028 in the Grabenfeld Regional Pokédex.

Art by the awesome  Impyboo, with the concept being part of a creative exercise. Ownership of the 'Mon is, essentially, shared by  CrucibleLex, with both of us being allowed to use breed for whatever we want.