Aegislash's body is comprised of a golden sword with the blade pointing downwards. The edge of the blade is white and somewhat serrated near the tip. Its single eye, which is purple with a white, linear pupil, sits where the blade meets the hilt, where it is surrounded by black coloration. The handle is thick at its base, tapers as it progresses to the end, and is striated. Two cloth-like arms emerge from the sides of the hilt. Each arm is primarily black and ends in lavender, transitioned by a slight whorl between the two colors. It carries an ornate shield in at least one of its arms.
Aegislash is capable of changing its stance in the middle of battle, depending on what moves it uses. It carries out offensive moves in its Blade Forme, in which it carries its shield in its left arm and exposes its blade, which it uses to slash its opponents. Defensive moves are performed in its Shield Forme, in which it holds its shield up in front of its blade, with both of its arms crossed behind the shield.
It is said to be able to detect the innate qualities of leadership; legend has it that whoever Aegislash recognizes as a worthy leader is destined to become king. Indeed, this Pokémon has attended and served generations of kings. It is also known to use its spectral power to manipulate people and Pokémon alike. Aegislash is the only known Pokémon that can learn King's Shield.
- Blade Forme Aegislash is tied with Dialga for the highest base Special Attack stat of all Steel-types, and is tied with Mega Scizor for the highest base Attack stat of all Steel-types. Additionally, Blade Forme Aegislash has the highest Special Attack stat of all non-legendary, non-mega Pokémon.
- Blade Forme Aegislash also has the lowest base Defense stat of all Steel-types.
- Shield Forme Aegislash has the highest base Special Defense stat of all Ghost-types, is tied with Doublade for the highest base Defense stat of all Ghost-types, and is tied with Registeel and Probopass for the highest base Special Defense of all Steel-types.
- No other Pokémon has the same type combination as Aegislash and its evolutionary relatives.
- Aegislash is the only non-Legendary Pokémon whose alternate forms use the spelling Forme in the Pokédex.
- Aegislash, along with its evolutionary relatives, were designed by Hitoshi Ariga.[1]
- Aegislash and its evolutionary line have nine resistances and three immunities, making them and the Magnemite evolutionary line the most resistant Pokémon ever, as no other Pokémon have a higher total amount of resistances and immunities.
Origin
Aegislash appears to be based on a possessed sword and shield. Its disposition to sense an owner's potential as leaders and kings, seems to draw inspiration from the ideas of mythical swords of European legend, chiefly Excalibur.
Name origin
Aegislash is a combination of Aegis (Zeus' shield in Greek mythology) and slash.
Gillguard may be a combination of Gilgamesh or gild (to cover with a layer of gold), 斬る kiru (to slay with a blade) or kill, and guard.