Pokémon: Myths of Arkhaios (Discussion & Feedback Thread)

[Charlotte Pryce]

I'm working on a concept for a roleplay, but it's not finished yet. Do you have any suggestions on how to improve it?

Pokémon: Myths of Arkhaios

What if you could be the first Pokémon master in history?

Welcome to Arkhaios, a Pokémon region of the distant past. Long before the days of Hisui, the world was occupied by sparse tribes who feared and revered the Pokémon that shared their homeland—treating them as forces of nature or gods. The eighteen tribes of Arkhaios are united by a fragile piece upheld by their tribal chieftains.

Each tribe worships and models their civilization after one type of Pokémon. These are…

The Plinth Tribe — Devotees of Normal-type Pokémon known for their unassuming appearance. Their city is nothing flashy, but it houses a large diversity of people and Pokémon. The people of the Plinth Tribe are known to be more accepting of outsiders due to their traveling merchant-based economy.

The Flame Tribe — A tribe of Fire-type worshippers who are known for their passion and creativity. This tribe is home to the finest art gallery in the region, as well as the sole producer of fireworks. They share a border with the Cascade Tribe and the Meadow Tribe, with whom they share a fierce rivalry.

The Cascade Tribe — A tribe that pursues balance, elegance, and harmony yet argues profusely regarding The Story of the Three Brothers. According to legend, the first chieftains of the Flame, Cascade, and Meadow tribes were brothers. Each brother is said to have been chosen by a legendary Pokémon to rule a portion of the region. According to the Cascade Tribe’s version, their chieftain was the eldest brother in the story and, as such, had a claim to the Flame Tribe and Meadow Tribe by birthright. Cascade Tribe warriors are agile and fearless. They command the most powerful navy in the region. The Cascade Tribe is also famous for its water ballet.

The Meadow Tribe — An agricultural community that prioritizes mastery of nature and Grass-type Pokémon. Their knowledge of herbs and medicine surpasses most tribes of the region. Though they share a rivalry with the Cascade and Flame tribes, they are a bit more level-headed about the Three Brothers story, believing people are superior because of their actions, not their ancestors. Whether growing food or repelling invaders, the Meadow Tribe uses the land to its advantage. There is even a rumor that the Meadow Tribe shamen can control plants.

The Lightning Tribe — The people of the Lightning Tribe revere Electric-type Pokémon. As such, their city was among the first to be powered by electricity. The Lightning Tribe seeks to prove its might and superiority through advancements in science, architecture, technology, weaponry, and philosophy. Soldiers, scholars, and inventors profit equally here.

The Glacier Tribe — A hardy, unpredictable, and determined group inhabiting the mountains and the steppes surrounding them. Warriors of the Glacier Tribe are trained to withstand nature’s extremes. They test their strength against Ice-type Pokémon and subject themselves to all kinds of weather. Their treatment of outsiders is often brutal, ambushing anyone who ventures too close to their territory. However, the Glacier Tribe is one of the few communities that does not look down on physical deformities. According to legend, their first leader was a one-eyed archer raised by an Ice-type Pokémon after his parents abandoned him. Out of respect for this legend, no Glacier Tribe member may harm an outsider who an Ice-type Pokémon grants access to their mountain.

The Fist Clan — The smallest tribe in Arkhaios but also the most ferocious. The Fist Clan is a Spartan-like community prioritizing the strength and physical prowesses of Fighting-type Pokémon. Every member, man or woman, is expected to train in hand-to-hand combat. While the Fist Clan enjoys greater gender equality than most tribes, they have strict guidelines regarding the fitness and lifestyle of its members. No human with physical or mental “imperfections” can remain within the clan. The same goes for the Pokémon.

The Toxic Tribe — A tribe with regional notoriety due to its mastery of potions and association with Poison-type Pokémon. During wartime, they were blamed for the mysterious deaths and disappearances of many tribal leaders. While it is true that some members of the Toxic Tribe found work as mercenaries and spies during the war, as a whole, they are not evil. This tribe is believed to have invented the first potions and stat-boosting capsules used on Pokémon.

The Stone Tribe — A community of Rock-type devotees inhabiting a city surrounded by a great stone wall. Mining activity is common, producing most of the region's gold, silver, iron, and gemstones. Many citizens of the Stone Tribe excel at sculpting and ceramic making.

The Sky Tribe — Known for its aerial acrobatics and Pokéback riding competitions, this tribe shares a bond with the local Flying-type Pokémon. Their air force is the only one of its kind. Aside from combat and Pokémon battles, the people of the Sky Tribe specialize in music, racing, and a hybrid of flight and ballet known as Sky Dancing.

The Mystic Tribe — Despite being the second smallest tribe in Arkhaios, the Mystic Tribe arguably holds more power than the remaining seventeen combined. As devotees to Psychic-type Pokémon, their oracles can read minds and gaze into the future. Once a year, the leaders from all eighteen tribes pay homage to the Oracle Pillar, an obelisk-like structure carved with depictions of strange symbols and Unown. Here, the Grand Oracle will give prophecies regarding the future of Arkhaios. For this reason, no fighting is permitted on Mystic Tribe soil.

The Insect Tribe — A group of people who share a kinship with the local Bug-type Pokémon. They are known for specializing in double battles, triple battles, and the use of lures and repels.

The Earth Tribe — A semi-nomadic tribe that inhabits the region’s desert. They partner with the local Ground-type Pokémon to protect them from raiders and assassins. According to tribal lore, the Ground Tribe is the original tribe—the first to embrace human-Pokémon partnerships in Arkhaios.

The Specter Tribe — A mysterious and spiritual tribe boasting mastery of Ghost-type Pokémon. Other tribes tend to avoid Specter Tribe members out of superstition. Their reputation for banishing and conjuring evil spirits at will has spread far and wide despite lack of proof. In many ways, the Specter Tribe is subject to the same fears and prejudices as the Pokémon they ally with.

The Draco Tribe — A chivalrous tribe resembling the fabled knights who value and conquer Dragon-type Pokémon. Draco Tibe generals typically wear capes, symbolizing dragon wings, and are chosen by the chieftain based on their battling prowess and strength of bond with their lead Pokémon. Anyone who wishes to consult the tribal chief must defeat him, her, or them in personal combat.

The Dread Tribe — A community associated with Dark-type Pokémon, underhanded tactics, stealth, and secrecy. During wartime, many Dread Tribe peasants found themselves employed as spies. Rather than engage in person-to-person combat, Dread Tribe warriors utilize illusions, traps, and intimidation tactics. They dress in ninja-like clothing and enjoy the same notoriety. It is unknown how Dread Tribe commoners dress.

The Alloy Tribe — A tribe that worships Steel-type Pokémon over all others. Its ironclad army—consisting of people and Pokémon alike—is feared across Arkhaios. The capital city resembles something carved from medieval fantasy with magnificent castles, stone towers, and decorative bronze statues. The warriors of the Alloy Tribe follow a code of chivalry and fair play similar to that of the Draco Tribe. However, their treatment of Pokémon is rougher, viewing them more as divine weapons than sentient beings.

The Pixie Tribe — Home to artists, street performers, and the largest theater in Arkhaios, the Pixie Tribe has been dubbed the most creative tribe by many travelers. In the Pixie Tribe, style and technique are as vital to Pokémon battles as victory. Unsurprisingly, they idolize Fairy-type Pokémon. It is here that the first Pokémon Contests and intertribal sports competitions were held.

Enter your character…

A chieftain? An outcast? A descendant of an ancient hero?
You decide how to navigate this wild, unfamiliar world of secrets, lies, and legends. When the Grand Oracle of the Oracle Pillar prophesizes doom, will you stand with fate or against it? Find out in… Pokémon: Myths of Arkhaios!


Rules:

Standard RPG Rules apply

• PG-13 rating maximum! (No gore or mature content without checking with the other members first. Expletives should be blurred and used sparingly.)
• To play, please fill out the character form below. You’ll know it is accepted when you receive a “thumbs up” and a reply from me.
• Your character may have as many Pokémon as you like within reason. Make sure it fits your character’s backstory and social status. As a guideline, most NPCs will have 0-3 Pokémon, except for chiefs, who have up to 6.
• Gen 1-8 Pokémon are allowed except for those created by or inhabiting futuristic technology.

Character Sheet:

Name:
Age:
Pronouns:
Tribe:
Class: [Outcast/Lower/Middle/Upper/etc.]
Occupation: [Chief/Peasant/Soldier/Explorer/etc.]
Physical Appearance:
Height (optional):
Weight (optional):
Hair (optional):
Eyes (optional):
Clothing (optional):
Identifying Marks (optional):
Personality:
Skills:
Past:
Family/Relationships:
Bio (optional):
Pokémon:
(Species, Nickname, Gender, Ability, Nature, Identifying Marks, Past, Personality, etc.)

 

[Inkage]

Well, if i might be so humble as to offer my guidance, it seems that the earth and stone tribes should have swapped roles. See, as you currently have it, the earth tribes are miners, while the stone tribe are desert nomads. Yet when we look in the desert of, say, alolan deserts, we find that most of the Pokemon found in there are ground type. Krokorok, dugtrio, ect. The Pokemon associated with sand are all also ground type: palossand, and sandaconda, to name a couple. So why is it that the rock tribe lives there?
On the other end, the ground type tribe are miners who provide lots of gems and metals, through the exploration of caves and mining operations. But Pokemon found in caves are typically rock type: roggenrola, pupitar, carbink, ect. So why aren't either of the tribes in the other's habitat?

Other than that minor nitpick, i honestly think this idea is really cool and with a cool story could turn out to be a really fun rp

 

[GEN1E]

I'd love to join this one, can I reserve two slots? Also, if you're a member of a tribe, does that mean you can only use Pokemon of that tribe's type? Also do people of different tribes interact at all?

 

[Charlotte Pryce]

I'd love to join this one. Can I reserve two slots? Also, if you're a member of a tribe, does that mean you can only use Pokemon of that tribe's type? Also, do people of different tribes interact at all?

Certainly! Two slots it is.

Being a tribe member means those Pokémon are more common in your area. Flame Tribe trainers, for example, typically have mostly Fire-type Pokémon. However, it would make sense for them to have at least one non-fire Pokémon, such as a Water type, to keep the house from burning down or another to set up terrain. I'm open to being flexible, however. For now, assume if you are from a tribe, your first Pokémon is the same type.

Yes, the different tribes do interact. However, the extent of the interaction will depend on their attitude towards outsiders. There might be raiders or bandits from other tribes, conquering armies, traveling merchants and performers, and religious groups who try to vouch for the existence of unseen legendary Pokémon. Also, as I stated in the initial post, all tribal chiefs and their soldiers (i.e., Pokémon & trainers in their employ) must convene once a year at Oracle Pillar to hear prophecies and discuss politics. I figured this would be a good place to start, as characters from different tribes could meet each other without having to wait!

 

[Charlotte Pryce]

Well, if i might be so humble as to offer my guidance, it seems that the earth and stone tribes should have swapped roles. See, as you currently have it, the earth tribes are miners, while the stone tribe are desert nomads. Yet when we look in the desert of, say, alolan deserts, we find that most of the Pokemon found in there are ground type. Krokorok, dugtrio, ect. The Pokemon associated with sand are all also ground type: palossand, and sandaconda, to name a couple. So why is it that the rock tribe lives there?
On the other end, the ground type tribe are miners who provide lots of gems and metals, through the exploration of caves and mining operations. But Pokemon found in caves are typically rock type: roggenrola, pupitar, carbink, ect. So why aren't either of the tribes in the other's habitat?

Other than that minor nitpick, i honestly think this idea is really cool and with a cool story could turn out to be a really fun rp

Thanks for the feedback!

Honestly, when I was writing this, I completely forgot about that. That's easily mended. All I have to do is switch the names. Please, let me know if you notice any more inconsistencies.

(Edit: I just swapped the roles. You were right. It does make more sense for the Stone Tribe to do mining and the Earth Tribe to be in the desert.)

 

[GEN1E]

Certainly! Two slots it is.

Being a tribe member means those Pokémon are more common in your area. Flame Tribe trainers, for example, typically have mostly Fire-type Pokémon. However, it would make sense for them to have at least one non-fire Pokémon, such as a Water type, to keep the house from burning down or another to set up terrain. I'm open to being flexible, however. For now, assume if you are from a tribe, your first Pokémon is the same type.

Yes, the different tribes do interact. However, the extent of the interaction will depend on their attitude towards outsiders. There might be raiders or bandits from other tribes, conquering armies, traveling merchants and performers, and religious groups who try to vouch for the existence of unseen legendary Pokémon. Also, as I stated in the initial post, all tribal chiefs and their soldiers (i.e., Pokémon & trainers in their employ) must convene once a year at Oracle Pillar to hear prophecies and discuss politics. I figured this would be a good place to start, as characters from different tribes could meet each other without having to wait!

Well, here's one out of two.

Spoiler: The Doctor

Name: Hemlock
Age: 16
Pronouns: They/Them
Tribe: Toxic
Class: Outcast (Formerly Upper Class)
Occupation: Unemployed, though they are a freelance medic.

Physical Appearance: Hemlock is quite chubby for a person their age, though they don’t seem to be that bothered by their size. They have white hair in a long pixie cut, they are heterochromatic with a pink and purple eye, though none of that is visible under their outfit. Their figure is plump and androgynous, not giving any clear gender. They have scars all over their body, also hidden from view.

Clothing (optional): They are always wearing a plague doctor’s outfit, and never take off the beak mask. The beak mask has stitches on it that resemble a smile. Their black overcoat and gloves serve to make them look distinguished, yet as terrifying as a member of the Specter Clan. It has features from Aromatisse and Audino, though with a purple and black color scheme. They also wear a massive sack on their back, filled with potions, elixirs, and all manner of ingredients.

Identifying Marks (optional): A cracked lens on his left eye, and a pleasing smell that no-one can identify exactly what it is.

Personality: While they look imposing and ominous, Hemlock is actually a very kind soul who just wants to help those who are injured. They can come off as naive, they can surprise you with their intellect and vast knowledge of chemistry and alchemy. They act both masculine and feminine, blending the traits into an elixir that's all his own. It's implied that they can speak to Pokemon, though it's unclear whether it's some sort of telepathy or not. They love desserts and pastries, and it’s a good way to make them like you.

Skills: Medicine/Healing, Alchemy, Making Poisons, Chemicals, and Potions, and Research.

Past: When Hemlock was seven, their parents attempted to poison one another, but they were caught in the crossfire. It was only thanks to the local doctor that they managed to survive, and ever since that day they wanted to help others in that same way. When they were a young teen, they ran away from home, sick of the hell it had become.

Family/Relationships: Their parents were both spies during the war, on opposing sides, and have always detested each other. Hemlock was the only thing holding their marriage together, but they were at the mercy of their mother and father’s emotional and physical abuse. Their parents called him defective, a coward, and plenty of other words that are offensive today. It didn't help Hemlock had two eyes of different colors, and his tendency to speak to Pokemon like humans, making them a freak. Unbeknowst to them, they have an older sister who was manipulated by their parents to become a spy, and now seeks to hunt Hemlock down.

Bio (optional): When you’re exploring the wilds, don’t be scared when you see Hemlock and Anthrax out and about. Their foreboding appearance is just a facade for the sweet and kind doctor within, who is always willing to give a helping hand. Don’t forget to bring a snack or two, since that’s the only cost to their services. That and whatever Nerium finds in your pockets.

Pokémon:

Spoiler: Anthrax

Species: Dragalge
Nickname: Anthrax
Gender: Female
Ability: Poison Point
Nature: Rash
Past: When Hemlock was young, they’d often rest by the nearby pond where Anthrax resided, though she was just an impulsive Skrelp at the time. They bonded quite well, and they often saw the Mock Kelp Pokemon as their best friend and only confidant. In fact, you could often see Hemlock talking to Anthrax like she was a person, and the Skrelp would actually understand them. By the time they planned to run away from home, they decided that the Skrelp would be their first Pokemon. Anthrax wanted to see the world beyond her pond, so she accepted heartily.
Personality: While she can be a little rash, she’s just being overprotective of Hemlock since she knows the pain they’ve gone through. The Dragalge will often start fights she isn’t prepared to finish, since she doesn’t think things through. She’s wary of outsiders, even if her trainer seems to trust everyone. Anthrax also helps carry the sack that her trainer uses to hold their collection of alchemical brews and medicine.

Spoiler: Nerium

Species: Spritzee
Nickname: Nerium
Gender: Male
Ability: Healer
Nature: Sassy
Past: Nerium was once just a wild Spritzee, until smelt something mysteriously fragrant in the air one night while he was trying to sleep. It turns out that Hemlock and Anthrax had decided to rest under the tree where it lived, and the plague doctor was brewing some sort of elixir. Naturally, he flew on down and attempted to take a whiff, but the Skrelp attacked Nerium on impulse. After a short scuffle, Hemlock broke up the fight and decided to let the Spritzee sniff their potion, as an act of kindness. Nerium has never left their side since.
Personality: Snooty and quite posh, he acts as Hemlock’s personal assistant, rummaging through his cloak to get whatever pain-warding elixir that they brewed this time. He’s a kleptomaniac, often looking for whatever valuables the patients may have. He cares for Hemlock, but only because it benefits him, leaving the parenting and close bond to Anthrax.

So, some quick questions. Are there regional forms or evolutions lost to time, since this is a long time ago? Are some fossils still alive?

 

[Draco Nightshade]

This looks interesting.

 

[coloredscribblis]

This seems to be cool-looking, if I'm allowed to put my hat in the ring. Please let me know if anything needs some editing.

Spoiler: Twila

Name: Twila Shiraishi

Age: 17

Pronouns: She/Her

Tribe: Pixie Tribe

Class: Middle Class

Occupation: Part-time street performer

Physical Appearance: Twila has a naturally pale, slender build. Her face is lightly covered in freckles, and she has a mole located on her right knee.

Height: 5'8

Weight: 124lbs

Hair: Light brown, shoulder-length when untied. However, she often wears her hair in a ponytail instead.

Eyes: Hazel

Clothing: Twila's common clothing consists of a pale pink, sleeveless hoodie with a white, long-sleeved shirt underneath it. She also wears pale purple trousers that reach to her thighs, as well as white socks and pale pink pumps.

Identifying Marks: She has a small scar above her left eye. She also keeps a beige satchel on her that contains a sketchbook and stationary.

Personality: Twila is a calm and fairly selfless girl, at her core. She tends to subconsciously tread on eggshells to not get on the poor sides of those she's unfamiliar with, and is often far happier to stick to her own interests than risk hardships. She takes on the occasional role of a street performer to attempt to alleviate the anxiety she faces, though she isn't sure if that's going well.

Skills:

• Slightly above average artistic talent. You can give her something she knows (i.e, a Marill) to draw and it'll come back pretty decent.
• Has a good memory, thanks to constant note-taking regarding her performances.
• As a member of the Pixie Tribe, she's naturally more strategic and technical regarding the times in which she needs to battle. Not perfect, naturally.

Past: Twila spent a lot of her younger years by herself, excluding her family. Remaining within a timid shell for most of her life has left her with more questions than answers regarding herself, though Twila found solace within her tribe's theatre, in which most of her passion for creativity came to be. She keeps the goal of wanting to participate in Contests within her heart, anxious as she may be.

Family/Relationships:

Mother (36) - She and Twila tolerate one another. There's accidental tension between the two sometimes.

Brother (1 - Twila is okay with him. He accidentally caused her scar at a young age, and he's been forgiven for a while.

Sister ( - Truth be told, Twila finds her annoying but puts up with her anyway.

Pokémon:

Hoshi the Marill - Level 22, F. Timid nature, Thick Fat. Bubble Beam, Bounce, Charm, Rollout.

No special features.
Rita the Ribombee - Level 25, F. Docile nature, Shield Dust. Pollen Puff, Stun Spore, Fairy Wind, Absorb. Her left antennae is more crooked than the right.

 

[Charlotte Pryce]

@GEN1E

Ooo! I love this character already. So much detail! I appreciate how much work you put into their Pokémon, too. Accepted!

Now, to answer your questions. Existing regional forms are allowed. However, new regional forms or evolutions would depend on how everyone felt about fan-made regional forms. I considered making Arkhain regional Pokémon, but I want to see how others feel about the idea first.

Maybe people can submit their ideas for regional/past evolutions? I have some ideas also.

Now, as for fossil Pokémon, I could find justification for all fossils having a small living population except for the Galar fossil Pokémon since those Pokémon were made by fusing different fossils. Should you wish to include living fossil Pokémon, ensure your character has no more than one, as they are rare and endangered.

 

[Charlotte Pryce]

@coloredscribblis I love the character! She sounds like she'll be perfect for this setting. However, you'll have plenty of time if you want something changed.

I want to finish my character sheet and decide whether or not to include new regional variants and evolutions as they did in Legends of Arceus. I know some players aren't keen on fan-made Pokémon. Should I post some initial concepts and have them vote on whether to include them?

 

[Inkage]

name: Horun
Age: 60
Pronouns: he/him
Tribe: insect tribe
Class: middle-high
Occupation: smokescreen bomb distributor
Physical Appearance: a man hunched over with age, sporting a cane. His gray, wispy hair cascades down his back and reaches down to his stomach. His skin is white and wrinkled, in classic old person fashion.
Height (optional): 5'7 (hunched at 5'6)
Hair (optional): Grey
Eyes (optional): black
Clothing (optional): Horun wears deep green robes that reach all the way to his toes, just barely brushing the ground. Over the upper part of his hair is a do-rag of brownish-red; leftover from his days as a member of the fist clan.
Personality: a jaded old man who keeps his speech to a minimum. He has many things to share and experiences to retell, but getting him to tell you things is like opening a walnut with your fingers. He is wise, tough, and candid.
Skills: making smokescreen bombs, keeping composure, instruction
Past: while once a prominent member of the fist clan and a combat instructor, he declined in physical capability as he aged and was expelled when he injured his leg while fist-fighting with a student. He wandered into the far wilderness and eventually crossed paths with the insect tribe. They let him stay outside their colony when he chased a rampaging scolipede away with his heracross. Eventually, a young man taught him how to make smokescreen bombs and he's been perfecting the craft ever since. His craft is so honed that he is sought out to make them for important raids and hunts, and as a result is a highly respected man in the insect tribe.
Family/Relationships: Kyopin (friend, taught him to make smokebombs)

Pokemon

Species: heracross
Nickname:
gender: male
ability:
past: heracross has been with horun for a while, even before he was exiled. The two of them met when Horun was forced to stay in alone the woods for a week as a coming of age ritual in his family. The two of them crossed paths, and they wrestled over some food. When horun won, and split the food with Heracross anyway, Heracross decided to become partners with him.
personality: solemn and proud, Heracross shows no respect for the weak. He is fiercely loyal to his partner, and laments his inability to help Horun around the house properly.

Species: leavanny
nickname:
gender: female
ability:
past: while it spent time in the forest where horun lived, it took care of many people and Pokemon as the matriarch of the forest. However, it noticed that one denizen of it's forest was a crippled old man who lived alone. She would watch him hobble around his home through the windows, seemingly in pain while he performed tasks. She pitied him, as is the classic leavanny way, and wished to help him. Though he initially refused, and protested when leavanny persisted, he eventually learned to accept it. They have formed such a close bond that leavanny even follows him outside her forest home.
personality: a kind and caring matriarch figure, who balances out Heracross's colder qualities. She thinks of herself as the mother of the smokebomb family, and behaves accordingly. Though she hasn't known them as long as they have each other, she is still fiercely protective of them.


I'd be cool with regional variants. where exactly is arkhaios based on?