The place that I live in right now happens to contain an instance of the number 13. For those who are superstitious, that might be either very lucky or very unlucky - mostly the latter, as for many mass consumer products (and even floors of buildings) the number is often skipped. Of course, this can't be done for National Dex numbers of Pokémon species, which have to go in strict numerical order. As such, there are instances of 13 all over National Dex numbers, and it would be fascinating to go through the species with instances of this number.
In the first two "classic" generations, there are Weedle (#13), Chansey (#113), and Shuckle (#213). Chansey seems to be the most notable of these, as it's the Egg Pokémon that is supposed to be happy (go lucky) as the precursor to Blissey, yet it has the number situation. The other two are relatively meek species of the Bug type, although the leader of the "13 pack" is one that holds the key to even stronger Pokémon. This group of species is therefore a mixed bag that may just definitively represent both superstitious characteristics of the number in question as above.
Next, there are the "mid-generations" from the third to the fifth, with Volbeat (#313), Wormadam (#413), Pansear (#513), and Cubchoo (#613). More Bug types are represented here from the third and fourth generations, though they're not so meek now. But then there is a "fire and ice" duality from the fifth generation, which makes things rather hot and cold (appropriately) given the (in)auspicious quality of the number. Yet it seems the Bug types have something going for themselves, and that may mean they fulfill either quality depending on perception.
More recently, there are Avalugg (#713), Scorbunny (#813), and Quaxwell (#913) from the sixth, eighth, and ninth generations - luckily, it seems "lucky 7" was spared. Still, it seems unfortunate that fan-favorite Scorbunny has a Dex number with the quirky number. Then there's the "fire and ice" duality again, this time across generations with Avalugg. One consolation is that the other two species may be tending towards "forgettable", aside from Avalugg that also has a regional form - ancient as it may be. The cohort, it seems, has an overall odd nature.
All Pokémon species certainly possess their own quirks, just as the number 13 possesses its own quirks of superstition, accepted by a good deal of people. Whether the number quirks fit the bill of the quirks for species (partly) tagged with the number, that may be up to fans - and perhaps rather superstitious ones at that - to decide; at the least, I've only detailed them as above. In the meantime, the number 13 still sticks with this Pokémon fan as part of the identifier for the place of living - something that's hard to change. The only solace may be in any or all of these species with the same fate.
One year ago: Seeing Polkadots in the Silph Arena
Two years ago: Language Bridging Songs
Three years ago: Getting Collective and Connective with Pokémon
Four years ago: Quizzes and Knowledge
Five years ago: Going For New Competitions
Six years ago: Artistic License
Seven years ago: I Found You, Black and White
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