What Lies beneath the Mask?

What Lies beneath the Mask? is the Halloween Special Research tasks in 2021. It was available for Trainers who played the game during the event.

For the versions in 2018 and 2019, see A Spooky Message. For the version in 2020, see A Spooky Message Unmasked.

Professor Willow dialogue
OoOoOo... There’s a chill in the air... Can you feel it, TRAINER? Seems like I’ve been getting goosebumps every few minutes lately! Is it just drafty, or are all the Ghost-type Pokémon we’ve been seeing somehow involved? Either way, I think we’re in for another adventure! Whatever happens, we’ll face it together. Speaking of faces, I’ve noticed a lot of Yamask in the area lately. I’ve been hoping to do some research on it and other Ghost-type Pokémon, so it seems like now’s the time. Mind lending me a hand, Trainer?

Ah—a Yamask AND a Duskull! I recently had an encounter with a Duskull that seemed creepy at first but ended up being quite heartwarming. It was a lovely reminder not to judge a Pokémon by its...well, skull, I suppose! Now, about that Yamask. Known as the Spirit Pokémon, Yamask is said to wander through ruins by night carrying a mask that was once its human face. A rather melancholy existence, if true, wouldn’t you say? What must it feel like to carry around a mask of your former self? No offense to Yamask, but I hope I never have to find out firsthand. Did you know that Yamask found in Galar are different than those found in Unova? Perhaps you’ll come across one while you’re out conducting research. I wonder just how these Yamask differ. Let’s go find out!

Wow, a Galarian Yamask! Unlike Yamask first found in Unova, Galarian Yamask carries a slab rather than a mask. It’s said that the slab bears cursed engravings and possesses Yamask itself. Talk about spooky! Oh, and you’ve encountered a Banette, too! Did you know that Banette is said to be a doll that became a Pokémon through the power of its grudge toward the child that disowned it? I wouldn’t want to be that kid, that’s for sure! Between Galarian Yamask’s slab, Banette’s puppet body, and all the Pokémon in costumes walking around, it feels like the spook factor’s turned way up at the moment! Even so, I’d still like to learn more about Ghost-type Pokémon. Come on, Trainer—let’s get back out there!

Looks like we’re coming up on the last stretch of our research here, Trainer. And hey, it looks like you found yourself an Alolan Marowak! Did you know that the bones used by some Marowak belonged to their mothers? In fact, Cubone—which evolves into Marowak—is even said to wear the skull of its mother. When Cubone evolves into Alolan Marowak, its mother’s regrets protect it like a vengeful spirit. Hmm. Between Alolan Marowak, Banette, and Yamask, we’ve witnessed the power of quite a few spirits, haven’t we? Try as I might to explain why Ghost-type Pokémon seem spooky, sometimes I just come up blank. But that won’t stop me from continuing to try! After all, I always feel like I learn a bit more about myself when I’m studying Pokémon. You know what I mean? Anyway, I think we’re more than due some rest and treats after all that research. See you next time, TRAINER! -->