>>55231321The problem with a steel Eevee is that an Eevee wearing armour is pretty controversial, even if you try to make it look somewhat naturalistic. And it tends to over-complicate the design compared with other Eeveelutions, making it fit in poorly. A lot of other designs just have sharp or jagged metal bits that make the 'mon unable to be cuddled as effectively, and cuddleabiltiy is one of the most important facets of Eeveelution design.
I instead had the idea of basing the design off one of those RC dogs. Smooth plastic for providing allergic trainers with the trademark Eevee cuddle capacity. Eventually I happened across an artist who had managed to bring that very concept to life in an impressive way. It's supposed to be a paradox form as you can tell by the name, but the design is simple enough that it fits right in alongside other Eevees. Smooth for cuddling, good colours, quite unique and interesting tail and ears, excellent eyes, and a big ol' smile that just screams, "HELLO, HI! I'M SO HAPPY TO SEE YOU!", exactly like what you might expect from a robot dog that's programmed to adore its master.
Of course, I imagine the design as a cyborg rather than a robot (so still flesh and blood on the inside - the metal shell is never off-puttingly cold to the touch because of its body heat) and that it's merely predisposed to companionship rather than programmed for it, but it works well with the design inspiration.
Statwise, I have it pegged at 110 HP, 130 Atk, 65 Def, 60 SAtk, 60 SDef, and 95 Spd. Copperajah but fast. It could evolve by trading Eevee with Metal Coat, as Metal Coat and King's Rock (which would be used for the dragon type) are the only trade evolution items that affect more than one Pokemon already.
I think this design (which I've been referring to as Cybeon) is really solid, and in the hands of a more technically skilled artist the design could really pop off as a standout compared with other steel type proposals.
What do ya'll think?