Name: Bishop Nicolas Sherman
Nickname(s): Shade
Sex: Male
Species: Skuntank
Age: 16
Height: 7' 0"
Weight: 283 lbs.
Battle Exp: Superior
Avg. Grade: 85%
Ability: Aftermath
School Year: 3
Hobbies: Meditation, Reading, Quiz Shows, and Training younger Mon

Personality: Bishop is the epitome of the phrase "a strong silent type" as he will often go hours without speaking to anyone unless he feels it absolutely necessary. While this may give some the impression he is uncaring and aloof it could not be anything farther from the truth, Bishop goes above and beyond simple friendship with those he likes. Understanding the stereotypes that follow certain Poison-Types, like himself, Bishop goes to great lengths so that his body's natural scent doesn't bother those around him. When in battle Bishop is like a force of nature, powerful and almost unstoppable when he really gets going.

Bio: Born in the humble loving home of Martha and Kirk Sherman, Bishop grew up in the area surrounding Pallet Town and still calls the area home in his heart. Bishop grew loving his parents and admiring their spirit. Martha, a shiny Stunky, and Kirk, a powerful Nidoking, loved their son and made sure that he was always provided for no matter what. There was something about his father being such a powerful fighter that inspired the young Stunky to begin training his body so he could be like his dad. Working with an olds friend Kirk got Bishop into a dojo in the next town and watched with pride as his son grew in physical power.

Over the years Bishop not only advanced in physical power, but in appearance as well his body growing taller and corded with tight lean muscle. During his 11th cycle of life Bishop attended a special match for his father who was coming out of retirement. Everyone watched in attendance as something went wrong in the match costing Kirk his life. Bishop threw himself into training and doing odd jobs to help his mother. Despite almost a full year of mourning Martha began seeing a Lairon about her and who had taken an interest in helping her. After a few more months the two wed, but Bishop could have cared less, something about his new step-father did not seem right. He continued much as he always had until time proved him right. Returning from the dojo late one night, Bishop walked in to see the Lairon beating his mother. Roaring in rage Bishop attacked and fought hard eventually knocking the older Mon out. Feeling more powerful than ever Bishop watched in a mirror as he changed, growing into a Skuntank. Rather than have him arrested Martha chose to forgive her husband, which both confused and enraged Bishop so much that he left his home.

Returning to the only parental figure he could rely on Bishop begged his Master, an aging Hariyama, to be allowed a room in the back of the dojo. The Master agreed because he had indeed come to care for the boy as his son. When the time came for a formal education, Bishop was talked into attending PCA by his Master, saying that his student had learned all he could from him. Reluctantly Bishop agreed and passed the entrance exams with flying colors. And so began the Freshmen year of the Skuntank. It was during orientation that Bishop realized he would need to join a team, but as with all things Bishop was very selective.

Many prospective team mates approached Bishop seeking his sheer size and power to be a "tank fighter" on their teams. Bishop asked each who approached him a single question that his father had once asked of him and each one failed to answer it correctly. It was during that first day's lunch break for the Freshman that Bishop encountered a curious sight, looking for a place to sit he was invited to a table with three other first years. A rather normal looking though loud mouthed Azumarill, a Delcatty with green fur where others had lavender, and an Arcanine whose fur was black with white stripes and mane. The three mentioned they were putting together a team and asked if Bishop would like to join. Thinking on it for several minutes he asked the trio his question and waited for an answer. Artemis, Nathyrra, and Karen talked it over for a few seconds and gave their answer, all three smiling as Bishop nodded and laughed having finally received the correct answer.

Bishop has since remained very loyal and treats his team mates as his family. However since the team's trip to see Artemis' former mentor, Bishop has become more vocal towards his captain and as a result they often butt heads over certain issues. In battle Bishop wears his tattered, battle worn Gi that his Master gave him. Also around his neck Bishop wears a smaller replica of the large beads his Master gave him, not wishing to destroy the original gift. Since his Sophomore year Bishop has been romantically involved with his girlfriend, a Grumpig who is a year behind him in classes. Even though he occasionally stays with Artemis, Bishop does have a room in the dorms that maintains a personal space. The Skuntank also continues to work and send his mother a portion of his pay check.

Attacks:
Freshman: Scratch, Focus Energy, Poison Gas, Smokescreen
Sophomore: Fury Swipes, Shadow Claw, Toxic, Double Team
Junior: Night Slash, Shadow Ball, Sludge Bomb, Memento
Currently Learning: Flamethrower, Explosion, Endure, Dark Pulse

(Art by the wonderful  januspeldragon )