View source for Explorers

:''This article is about the group from Pokémon Horizons. For the games, see [[Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time and Explorers of Darkness]] and [[Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky]].''
{{Team Infobox
|teamname=Explorers
|jpteamname=エクスプローラーズ
|tmteamname=Explorers
|image=Explorers Logo.png
|caption=The Explorers logo
|size=190px
|leader=[[Gibeon]]
|region=Worldwide
|admins=[[Hamber]], [[Amethio]], [[Spinel]], [[Onyx]], [[Agate]], [[Sango]]
|targets=[[Liko]], {{an|Terapagos}}, [[Roy]], [[Black Rayquaza]], [[Friede]], [[Rising Volt Tacklers]], {{OBP|Diana|Horizons}}
|epnum=HZ001
|epname=The Pendant That Starts It All: Part One
|border color={{ghost color}}
|background color={{ghost color light}}
|lightened color={{ghost color}}
}}
The '''Explorers''' (Japanese: '''エクスプローラーズ''' ''Explorers'') are a mysterious organization with a distant connection with [[Lucius]] that is after [[Liko]]'s pendant, the [[Rising Volt Tacklers]]' sworn enemy, and the main antagonistic organization in ''[[Pokémon Horizons: The Series]]''. As revealed in [[HZ034]], the Explorers' goal is to find [[Rakua]]'s location.

==History==
{{spoilers}}
====Pre-series====
Originally the Explorers was a group made of friends of Lucius. Although neither their purpose nor ensuing fate are known, the organization managed to exist in the present, well after Lucius passed away.

At some point in the past, [[Hamber]] joined the Explorers and approached {{OBP|Diana|Horizons}}, an old friend of his, with an offer to join the organization under the pretext of introducing her to [[Gibeon|someone who could aid her adventures]]. However, this was actually an attempt to obtain her pendant, which she refused to hand over. After that, the Explorers decided to pursue the pendant until they found out that it was in the possession of Diana's granddaughter [[Liko]], at which point they decided to find her in order to take it. Eventually, they were able to find Liko attending the [[Indigo Academy]] in the [[Kanto]] [[region]].

===''[[Pokémon Horizons: The Series]]''===
[[File:Amethio HZ001.png|thumb|left|250px|Amethio battling Friede for the first time]]
The Explorers were introduced in ''[[HZ001|The Pendant That Starts It All: Part One]]''. With the goal of obtaining [[Liko]]'s pendant, [[Amethio]] introduced himself as a supposedly representative of [[Diana (Horizons)|Liko's grandmother]], requesting her to return the pendant. When Liko attempted to escape she was chased after, and eventually cornered by, Amethio, [[Zirc]], and [[Onia]]. Upon the arrival of [[Friede]], the leader of the [[Rising Volt Tacklers]], Amethio engaged in a battle with him. Their battle was cut short after Liko's pendant displayed an unknown power that shielded her from an incoming attack, which Friede used as an opportunity to escape with her. Having witnessed the pendant's mysterious power, the Explorers shifted their objective to acquiring both Liko's pendant and Liko herself, believing her to play a key role in the pendant's secrets. 

Following an aerial chase of the Rising Volt Tacklers airship in [[HZ002|the following episode]], they managed to invade their enemy's ship, the [[Brave Olivine]], where another battle between Amethio and Friede ensued. Due to a powerful {{m|Leafage}} from [[Liko's Sprigatito]], the barrier around the battlefield broke, exposing everyone to the ongoing thunderstorm. This forced the Explorers to retreat, but not without taking Sprigatito as a hostage.

In ''[[HZ003|For Sure! 'Cause Sprigatito's with Me!]]'', Zirc managed to plant a tracker on the Brave Olivine while the ship was docked at the town where the Explorers were hiding out with Sprigatito. In the [[HZ004|next episode]], Amethio conferenced with [[Hamber]], his superior, from his team's submarine. When asked if he had informed [[Gibeon]], the Explorers' leader, about Liko's pendant, Amethio replied that he had not yet done so. The trio then set off to follow the Brave Asagi using the tracker's signal.
[[File:Explorers Admins.png|250px|thumb|Gibeon communicating with Explorers leaders after Amethio's mission in [[Kanto]]]]
Amethio, Zirc and Onia attacked the Rising Volt Tacklers in ''[[HZ005|Found You, Fuecoco!]]'' and ''[[HZ006|The Ancient Poké Ball]]'', in another major operation meant to steal Liko's pendant. They were forced to retreat when a {{shiny}} [[Black Rayquaza|Rayquaza]] appeared from [[Roy]]'s ancient [[Poké Ball]] after the ball and pendant synced with each other. Later, Amethio was summoned to a meeting of the Explorers' leadership to give a report to Gibeon, where fellow Admin Spinel mocks him for his failure. Because of Amethio's acting on his own, Gibeon removed him from the mission and instead assigned [[Spinel]] to obtain the pendant. After the meeting, Amethio calmly decided to continue pursuing the Rayquaza, which had disappeared after his team's retreat.
[[File:Spinel Beheeyem Teleport.png|left|250px|thumb|Spinel confronting Friede in [[Paldea]]]]
Spinel was later seen spying on the Rising Volt Tacklers in [[HZ012]], and in [[HZ013]], he commenced his attack by using his fleet of {{p|Magneton}} to disable the Brave Asagi near [[Levincia]] , as well as using his other Pokémon to battle Friede and his Charizard to try and distract him, and briefly successfully obtains Liko's pendant thanks to his Beheeyem. In the subsequent episodes Spinel attempts to plan his escape with the pendant but the Rising Volt Tacklers comprising of Liko, Roy and Dot track him down and thwart his plans, managing to steal Liko's pendant back from him with the help of Lucius's Arboliva. After this setback, Spinel reports his failure to the rest of the Explorers, causing him to be mocked by some of the Admins such as Sango, after the meeting Spinel plans to continue with his mission.

In [[HZ021]], Amethio, Zirc, and Onia arrived in [[Galar]] after tracking the black Rayquaza to the [[Galar Mine]]. Amethio informed the others that he would now be acting against Gibeon's orders by continuing to pursue Rayquaza, but they still insisted upon following him, which he accepted. In the [[HZ022|following episode]], Amethio, Zirc and Onia arrived at the Galar Mine as where they came across Liko, Roy, and Friede as they battled them. However, when a {{rf|Galarian}} {{p|Moltres}} that had an Ancient Poké Ball arrive and attack them, Onia and Zirc retreated from their battle against Liko and Roy, as Moltres was too powerful for them to battle, while Amethio continued his Pokémon battle against Friede, with Charizard and {{TP|Amethio|Ceruledge}} fighting each other again. When Galarian Moltres showed up after chasing off Liko and Roy it immediately confronted Friede and Amethio, interrupting their battle. However, Amethio eventually retreated from Moltres in the [[HZ023|next episode]], and changed up his plans as he decided to also steal the {{an|Terapagos|mysterious Pokémon}} that formed from Liko's pendant.

In [[HZ024]], Amethio, Zirc, and Onia reported their findings to Hamber. As Spinel and Agate were busy in the Explorers' laboratory, Hamber recruited Onyx and Sango to go to Galar with him, as he wanted to see the Pokémon for himself. After giving their report, Amethio, Zirc, and Onia followed Liko, Roy, and Friede to Diana's castle near [[Hammerlocke]]. Once they reached the old castle, the three Explorers surrounded their targets in order to take the Pokémon away.
[[File:Explorers Admin HZ027.png|thumb|250px|Explorers' Admins gathered to discuss their next steps]]
In [[HZ025]], the Explorers trio attempted to steal Terapagos but were stalled by Diana who confronted them with her {{p|Arcanine}} to let the others escape. Unbeknownst to all, Hamber, Sango, and Onyx were heading towards the castle as well. Amethio battled Friede with Ceruledge and Charizard facing off again, but was defeated when the opponent Terastallized his Pokémon. Meanwhile, Zirc and Onia confronted Liko and Roy, but the two youths were able to defeat them and win. Hamber and his {{p|Dusknoir}} approached and confronted Diana, while Sango and Onyx disobeyed his orders to standby and started wreaking havoc at the castle. The admin duo then confronted Liko and Roy, only for [[Captain Pikachu]] to arrive and rescue them, fending off their {{p|Glalie}} and {{p|Garganacl}} at once. Eventually Sango ordered her Glalie to use {{m|Self-Destruct}}, however the Rising Volt Tacklers were able to escape. In the aftermath of the battle, Onyx scolded Sango for her reckless behavior while Gibeon talked to Hamber about how their plans will eventually come into fruition despite the mission's failure.

In [[HZ027]], the Explorers admins decided to meet in person for a meeting on their next move. Spinel also sent false information to Dot once again about the Black Rayquaza in order to slow down the Rising Volt Tacklers. During the meeting, Onyx and Sango suggested that they should face the Rising Volt Tacklers head on. However, Spinel believed that they shouldn't as it was too risky given his experience in battling with the younger members in Paldea which resulted in failure. Amethio then surprisingly agreed with him before suggesting that they should purse the Black Rayquaza instead to not only draw out the remaining Six Heroes, but also to stay ahead of the Rising Volt Tacklers. His fellow admins eventually agreed with him.

In [[HZ033]], Amethio found the Black Rayquaza and battled it, but lost. After returning to base, Amethio asked Hamber to train him in order to become stronger, which he accepted. In the [[HZ034|next episode]], Amethio and Hamber trained by using their {{type|Ghost}} Pokémon. After the training, Amethio was given a [[Tera Orb]] by Hamber. Also, Agate and Spinel were watching through the latter's Beheeyem, as they decided to let them have their moment and continue their research on Terapagos in order to pursue the Black Rayquaza.

==Notable Members==
===Main members===
This is the list of Explorers members up to the most recent Japanese episode:

{| class="roundy" style="text-align:center; background: #{{ghost color}}; border: 3px solid #{{ghost color dark}}; width: 100%;"
|-
! style="background:#{{ghost color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" | {{color2|000|Pokémon Trainer|Member}}
! style="background:#{{ghost color light}}" | Rank
! style="background:#{{ghost color light}}" | Description
! style="background:#{{ghost color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" | Debut
|- style="background:#fff"
| [[File:None.png|100px|Gibeon]]<br>[[Gibeon]]
| Boss
| The boss of the Explorers who is mentioned for the first time in ''[[HZ004|The Treasure After the Storm!]]'' and his voice is first heard in ''[[HZ006|The Ancient Poké Ball]]''. He has yet to make a physical appearance in the series, and speaks with his followers only via a holographic monolith that conceals his identity. His subordinates hold him in high, almost reverential regard, typically referring to him as "Master Gibeon," behaving in a highly deferential way when in his presence, and identifying the Explorers as "only existing to fulfill" his wishes.
|''[[HZ006|The Ancient Poké Ball]]''{{tt|*|voice only}}
|- style="background:#fff"
| [[File:Hamber.png|180px|Hamber]]<br>[[Hamber]]
| Second-in-command
| The second-in-command of the Explorers. He debuted in ''[[HZ004|The Treasure After the Storm!]]'', receiving progress reports from [[Amethio]] and his subordinates. In addition to his position as a commander in the organization, he acts as Gibeon's advisor and assistant.
| ''[[HZ004|The Treasure After the Storm!]]''
|- style="background:#fff"
| [[File:Amethio.png|180px|Amethio]]<br>[[Amethio]]
| Admin
| The very first admin in the Explorers to be introduced in the series.
|''[[HZ001|The Pendant That Starts It All: Part One]]''
|- style="background:#fff"
| [[File:Spinel.png|180px|Spinel]]<br>[[Spinel]]
| Admin
| Spinel first appeared in ''[[HZ006|The Ancient Poké Ball]]'' in a meeting with the other Explorers Admins. Upon seeing Amethio's flaws, Spinel started mocking him, doubting whether or not he actually saw the [[Black Rayquaza]]. Amethio and Spinel's squabbles were interrupted by Hamber before Gibeon decided to give Spinel the mission to investigate the Rising Volt Tacklers.
| ''[[HZ006|The Ancient Poké Ball]]''
|- style="background:#fff"
| [[File:Sango.png|180px|Sango]]<br>[[Sango]]
| Admin
| Sango first silhouetted in ''[[HZ006|The Ancient Poké Ball]]'' in a meeting with the other Explorers Admins. She first appeared properly in [[HZ016]].
| ''[[HZ006|The Ancient Poké Ball]]''
|- style="background:#fff"
| [[File:Onyx.png|180px|Onyx]]<br>[[Onyx]]
| Admin
| Onyx first silhouetted in ''[[HZ006|The Ancient Poké Ball]]'' in a meeting with the other Explorers Admins. He first appeared properly in [[HZ016]].
| ''[[HZ006|The Ancient Poké Ball]]''
|- style="background:#fff"
| [[File:Agate.png|180px|Agate]]<br>[[Agate]]
| Admin
| Agate first silhouetted in ''[[HZ006|The Ancient Poké Ball]]'' in a meeting with the other Explorers Admins. She first appeared properly in [[HZ016]].
| ''[[HZ006|The Ancient Poké Ball]]''
|- style="background:#fff"
| [[File:Onia.png|180px|Onia]]<br>[[Onia]]
| Grunt
| A grunt that works as a trio along with her partner Zirc and their superior, Amethio.
|''[[HZ001|The Pendant That Starts It All: Part One]]''
|- style="background:#fff"
| [[File:Zirc.png|180px|Zirc]]<br>[[Zirc]]
| Grunt
| A grunt that works as a trio along with his partner Onia and their superior, Amethio.
|''[[HZ001|The Pendant That Starts It All: Part One]]''
|- style="background:#fff"
|}

===Associates===
This is listing of characters who aided the Explorers in their goals at some point during the events of ''[[Pokémon Horizons: The Series]]'':

{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #{{Ghost color}}; border: 5px solid #{{Ghost color dark}}"
|- style="background:#fff"
| [[File:Trainer HZ016.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Explorers subordinates.png|150x150px]]
|- style="background:#fff"
| {{color2|000|Trainer (HZ016)|Bisharp's Trainer}}
| Explorers' subordinates
|-
|}

==Technology==
===Gadgets===
* In ''[[HZ002|The Pendant That Starts It All: Part Two]]'', the trio used their watches to change into the organization's standard uniform.
* In ''[[HZ003|For Sure! 'Cause Sprigatito's with Me!]]'', [[Zirc]] planted a tracker in the husk of the [[Rising Volt Tacklers]]' airship. It was later found and destroyed by {{TP|Dot|Quaxly}} in [[HZ006]].
* In [[HZ014]], [[Spinel]] communicated with his Pokémon using a small transceiver attached to them. He also used the transceivers in [[HZ016]] to communicate with [[Liko]], [[Roy]], and [[Nidothing|Dot]].

{| style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #{{ghost color}}; {{roundy}}; border: 3px solid #{{ghost color dark}}"
|- style="background:#{{ghost color light}}"
! style="{{roundytl|5px}}" | Watches
! style="{{roundytl|5px}}" | Tracker
! style="{{roundytl|5px}}" | Transceiver
|- style="background:#fff"
| [[File:Explorers watch.png|250px]]
| [[File:Explorers tracker.png|250px]]
| [[File:Explorers transceiver on Pokémon.png|250px]]
|- style="background:#{{dragon color light}}"
|}

===Vehicles===
* In ''[[HZ004|The Treasure After the Storm!]]'', Amethio contacted Hamber from a submarine. This submarine later made further appearances as Amethio, Zirc and Onia's method of transportation around the world.
* Spinel was seen using a van outfitted with high-tech surveillance equipment as a base of operations in multiple episodes.
* In [[HZ016]], Spinel used a cargo ship docked in [[Levincia]] to transport his van from the city.
* In [[HZ025]], Hamber, Onyx, and Sango traveled to Galar using an Explorers helicopter.

{| style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #{{ghost color}}; {{roundy}}; border: 3px solid #{{ghost color dark}}"
|- style="background:#{{ghost color light}}"
! style="{{roundytl|5px}}" | Submarine
|- style="background:#fff"
| [[File:Explorers submarine.png|250px]]
|- style="background:#{{dragon color light}}"
|}

===Other===
* In ''[[HZ006|The Ancient Poké Ball]]'' and several subsequent episodes, the Explorers leadership are shown using a virtual reality space to meet with each other and give reports to Hamber and Gibeon. The individual members use hologram technology to project themselves into this space, which appears and disappears upon their entering and leaving it. While Hamber and the five Explorers admins move around and interact with each other in this space as if it is real, Gibeon speaks through a holographic monolith that stands at the center of the space.

==Artwork==
{| style="margin:auto; text-align:center; {{roundy|20px}} border: 2px solid #{{ghost color dark}}; background: #{{ghost color}}; font-size:80%;"
|-
|style="{{roundy|20px}} border: 2px solid #{{ghost color dark}}; background: #{{ghost color light}};"| [[File:Amethyo Pokemon 2023 Expression Sheet.jpg|250px]]
|style="{{roundy|20px}} border: 2px solid #{{ghost color dark}}; background: #{{ghost color light}};"| [[File:Zirc Onia Concept Art 2023.jpg|250px]]
|- 
|Official artwork of Amethio from ''{{color2|000|Pokémon Horizons: The Series}}''<ref>https://twitter.com/anipoke_PR/status/1636676500106919936/photo/1</ref>
|Official artwork of Zirc and Onia from ''{{color2|000|Pokémon Horizons: The Series}}''<ref>https://twitter.com/anipoke_PR/status/1636676500106919936/photo/1</ref>
|-
|style="{{roundy|20px}} border: 2px solid #{{ghost color dark}}; background: #{{ghost color light}};"| [[File:HZ Explorers admins.png|250px]]
|-
|Official artwork of Spinel, Onyx, Agate, and Sango 
|}

==Trivia==
* The Explorers is the first [[villainous team|villainous organization]] created specifically for the anime.
* The names of the members of the organization presented in the anime refer to gemstones and rocks used in the creation of jewelry.

==Names==
{{langtable|color={{ghost color}}|bordercolor={{ghost color dark}}
|zh_yue=
|zh_cmn=
|fr=Explorateurs
|de=Entdecker
|it=Esploratori
|ko=익스플로러즈 ''Explorers''
|pl=Pionierzy
|pt_br=Desbravadores
|pt_eu=Exploradores
|es=Exploradores
}}

==References==
<references/>
{{-}}
{{Explorers}}<br>
{{Villainous teams}}<br>
{{Project Anime notice|no}}

[[Category:Anime characters]]
[[Category:Villain groups]]

[[de:Entdecker]]
[[es:Exploradores]]
[[fr:Explorateurs]]
[[it:Esploratori]]
[[ja:エクスプローラーズ]]
[[zh:探索隊]]