A conversation in the DLC for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet reveals a fascinating connection between one character, Penny, and the villain Chairman Rose from Pokemon Sword and Shield. This unexpected relationship adds a unique dynamic to the game, showcasing the interconnected nature of the Pokemon world and the rich family histories of the rival characters.
The latest DLC addition to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet reveals that one character is actually related to a past villain from the franchise, sparking a connection that will deepen the overall timeline of the Pokémon franchise.
Previously, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet have notably made reference to Legends: Arceus through Professor Laventon having a cameo appearance in the game, acknowledging the paired games’ direct predecessor. Additionally, DLC character Perrin is the clear descendant of Adaman, and Blueberry Academy's Lacey has recently been revealed to be the daughter of the Unovan Gym Leader Clay. However, it seems that Lacey isn't the only Scarlet and Violet character to have family members who were prominently featured in past titles.
During "Mochi Mayhem," Penny has a short but illuminating phone conversation with her father. This unusual turn of phrase immediately suggests that Penny's father is Peony, a prominent character in Pokémon Sword and Shield's Crown Tundra DLC. Here, Peony takes the player character on an Adven-tour of their own in place of his daughter Peony, who by extension is Penny's sister. However, this also means that Penny's uncle is none other than Pokémon Sword and Shield's villainous Chairman Rose.Having repeatedly threatened the Galar Region with Eternatus for a second consecutive time, Rose's plot to avert a future energy crisis was demonstrably hasty and poorly conceived. It is evident that Eternatus's invincibility under his control was a clear indicator of the disastrous outcome of his actions. Furthermore, the aftermath reveals that Rose was willing to accept responsibility for the crisis after it unfolded, solidifying his dangerous status in the Sword and Shield universe.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Peony and Rose are estranged, indicating that Penny and Peonia have had minimal contact with their uncle. Rose's remarkable success cast a long shadow over his brother, even though Peony himself had once held the position of Gym Leader and Champion of Galar. Ultimately, Peony's departure was motivated by Rose's rise to the presidency of the Galar League, a stark contrast to Peony's own outgoing and friendly nature.
Her connection to Chairman Rose places Penny in a unique and paradoxical position as a Team Leader amidst another game's main antagonist. This unexpected situation contrasts Silver, whose lineage is directly related to Giovanni, and Gadion, the son of Lusamine, in which the familial connection is more straightforward. Additionally, Penny's leadership of a team unrelated to Rose's plot further adds to the intrigue surrounding her role in Team Star's foundation.Following the recent trend of Pokémon's Teams no longer being as evil as their earlier predecessors, Team Star was formed as a result of widespread bullying at Paldea's Academy. In keeping with this, in the wake of Rose causing such a major disaster, it is not unthinkable that Penny herself may have been bullied in response if people discovered that she was his niece. However, there is no direct evidence of this, and any conflicts that Penny had with Academy students could just have easily been completely unrelated to Rose.
Of course, all three of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's friendly rivals possess unique family dynamics that add a layer of complexity to their personalities. Nemona's family boasts immense wealth due to their involvement with the Rotom Company, despite the aloof demeanor of the champion, who seemingly lacks interest in joining their ranks. In contrast, Arven's origins are closely tied to the esteemed Professors Sada and Turo, with one of them (depending on the game version) retreating to Area Zero for research. Their collaborative efforts significantly influence the narrative, contributing to the presence of Paradox Pokémon and Arven's character arc.
Until now, very little was known about Penny's family outside of their Galarian heritage. However, a recent phone call and a single line of dialogue have shed light on their history, providing Penny with a colorful past while evading the need to explicitly explain her backstory. This subtle approach not only saves time in the DLC but allows players to piece together the puzzle and form their own conclusions about Penny's family.
Penny's connection to Chairman Rose is a testament to the intricate web of relationships within the Pokémon universe. The revelation of Peony being her father is a pleasant surprise for those familiar with Sword and Shield, but it serves as a supporting character rather than a central focus, ensuring that it doesn't overshadow the main narrative of "Mochi Madness." Arven's family's involvement in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's plot is prominent, but the DLC reveals Penny's own predisposition towards dramatic incidents, highlighting her distinct and captivating character arc.