Welcome to the World of Pokémon!: Kanto
The Pokémon World is full of mystery. Its promise of adventure sets fire to the hearts of young and old alike, hoping to unearth the secrets contained behind its closed doors.
Creatures called Pokémon share this world with humans. They live and work together as companions and often as partners in battle. The coexistence between humans and Pokémon is truly special, as the two very different races share an understanding that surpasses biological and communication boundaries. The relationship is nothing short of spectacular, and new discoveries are made about its proportion each day. There is no doubt that Pokémon have an unparalleled ability to relate to human emotions on an astoundingly deep level.
Some people choose to use Pokémon for selfish reasons, abusing their power for crime and war. This mistreatment and torment can cause Pokémon to close their hearts to humans. They behave aggressively and use their abilities unrestrainedly. However, wherever there is darkness, light will always appear to counteract it.
Lives in the Pokémon World are bound by their urge to heed certain callings. While for some it may be to simply become a Pokémon Master, for others it may be to understand the secrets hidden within relations with Pokémon. These callings link individuals to the world around them.
It has been three years since the defeat of Team Rocket and any criminal activity in Kanto has been virtually eliminated. Champion Red has disappeared and Blue has resigned to assisting his grandfather in his research lab, as well as keeping watch over the Viridian City Gym in Giovanni's wake. Professor Oak has planned to give a new group of beginning trainers each a PokéDex to help in collecting data for his studies. Ships carrying eager Trainers from every corner of the Pokémon World begin to dock in the Pallet Town harbor on a crisp springtime morning. Each will develop new friendships, overcome hardships, and may even have to say goodbye to loved ones. Their first step is to make their way to the lab.
There have been reports of suspicious men and women throughout the region, though further investigation is needed…
RolesThe Pokémon World is full of mystery. Its promise of adventure sets fire to the hearts of young and old alike, hoping to unearth the secrets contained behind its closed doors.
Creatures called Pokémon share this world with humans. They live and work together as companions and often as partners in battle. The coexistence between humans and Pokémon is truly special, as the two very different races share an understanding that surpasses biological and communication boundaries. The relationship is nothing short of spectacular, and new discoveries are made about its proportion each day. There is no doubt that Pokémon have an unparalleled ability to relate to human emotions on an astoundingly deep level.
Some people choose to use Pokémon for selfish reasons, abusing their power for crime and war. This mistreatment and torment can cause Pokémon to close their hearts to humans. They behave aggressively and use their abilities unrestrainedly. However, wherever there is darkness, light will always appear to counteract it.
Lives in the Pokémon World are bound by their urge to heed certain callings. While for some it may be to simply become a Pokémon Master, for others it may be to understand the secrets hidden within relations with Pokémon. These callings link individuals to the world around them.
It has been three years since the defeat of Team Rocket and any criminal activity in Kanto has been virtually eliminated. Champion Red has disappeared and Blue has resigned to assisting his grandfather in his research lab, as well as keeping watch over the Viridian City Gym in Giovanni's wake. Professor Oak has planned to give a new group of beginning trainers each a PokéDex to help in collecting data for his studies. Ships carrying eager Trainers from every corner of the Pokémon World begin to dock in the Pallet Town harbor on a crisp springtime morning. Each will develop new friendships, overcome hardships, and may even have to say goodbye to loved ones. Their first step is to make their way to the lab.
There have been reports of suspicious men and women throughout the region, though further investigation is needed…
Pokémon Trainer
To put it simply, a Trainer’s goal is to be the very best, like no one ever was. They raise their Pokémon to excel in battle, developing their strength through rigorous training and devising strategies to outsmart opponents. Trainers aim to challenge the Pokémon League, a tournament held every few years at Indigo Plateau, of which they will need eight Gym Badges to compete.
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Type Specialist
A Type Specialist is a subgroup of Pokémon Trainer. They are Trainers who choose to take the Pokémon League Challenge, but do so with a team of Pokémon of a specific type. Some looking for an alternative to Gym Battles may train their teams for more practical purposes.
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Coordinator
Coordinators raise their Pokémon with extreme care, aiming to be acutely in tune with each other. They not only train to be strong in battle, but also must understand the aesthetic appeals of moves and abilities. Coordinators compete in Pokémon Contests, showing off their Pokémon’s appearances to earn Ribbons, which are awarded to the participants who place first, second, and third. Three Ribbons are needed to gain entrance to the Kanto Grand Festival, which pits its contestants against each other in a final Contest to earn the title of Top Coordinator.
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Breeder
Breeders are more than just mere collectors. They are interested in obtaining and raising rare and unique Pokémon, studying how to manipulate different genes to garner favorable outcomes, such as moves, stats, and abilities, in eggs. Breeders not only enjoy catching and raising powerful Pokémon for battle, but also developing strong friendships with them. They have unparalleled ability to connect with wild Pokémon, and they begin their journeys with eggs and Pokémon with numerous egg moves.
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Researcher
It is difficult to classify Pokémon Researchers because there is such a variety of topics they specialize in. Some seek to invent new types of Poké Balls, while others study specific species, hoping to have their findings published in scientific journals. What unites all Researchers, however, is an undying love for raising Pokémon. Many leave home on journeys to learn more about the region, its landscapes, and the Pokémon that inhabit it. While the work of a Researcher may seem unexciting or dull to some, they fail to realize that many who study Pokémon go on to become illustrious trainers. They are capable of raising incredibly powerful Pokémon, some with moves, abilities, and appearances unlike those of the rest of their species through a deep study of their capabilities. Researchers often begin their journeys with a team of trained Pokémon, although some choose to start fresh.
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Traveler
Travelers are Trainers who do not necessarily enjoy taking part in Gym Battles, but still desire the company of Pokémon and the joy of travel. They can be musicians, artists, athletes, or simply just not know what they would like to do with their journey. The possibilities for Travelers are truly endless, and many choose to pursue multiple different interests. Although they are also known to raise powerful teams of Pokémon, Travelers often have their own long-term goals, whether it is reconnecting with a loved one, searching for a treasure hidden within the region, or just wanting to find their place in the world. They truly embody the spirit of adventure and exploration.
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Team Rocket Agent
Team Rocket, a sinister underground organization, is infamous for stealing Trainers’ Pokémon and abusing their power. Its members will stop at nothing to get their hands on a rare Pokémon, no matter the cost. Team Rocket Agents are stationed throughout Kanto, some choosing to engage in villainy and others choosing to lie in wait. Many are disguised as Trainers starting their journeys, hoping that forming friendships with other beginners will allow them to more easily steal their Pokémon and, subsequently, meet Team Rocket’s goal of taking over the Pokémon World. Team Rocket Agents often have their own agendas, decided at the will of the player.
To put it simply, a Trainer’s goal is to be the very best, like no one ever was. They raise their Pokémon to excel in battle, developing their strength through rigorous training and devising strategies to outsmart opponents. Trainers aim to challenge the Pokémon League, a tournament held every few years at Indigo Plateau, of which they will need eight Gym Badges to compete.
- - -
Type Specialist
A Type Specialist is a subgroup of Pokémon Trainer. They are Trainers who choose to take the Pokémon League Challenge, but do so with a team of Pokémon of a specific type. Some looking for an alternative to Gym Battles may train their teams for more practical purposes.
- - -
Coordinator
Coordinators raise their Pokémon with extreme care, aiming to be acutely in tune with each other. They not only train to be strong in battle, but also must understand the aesthetic appeals of moves and abilities. Coordinators compete in Pokémon Contests, showing off their Pokémon’s appearances to earn Ribbons, which are awarded to the participants who place first, second, and third. Three Ribbons are needed to gain entrance to the Kanto Grand Festival, which pits its contestants against each other in a final Contest to earn the title of Top Coordinator.
- - -
Breeder
Breeders are more than just mere collectors. They are interested in obtaining and raising rare and unique Pokémon, studying how to manipulate different genes to garner favorable outcomes, such as moves, stats, and abilities, in eggs. Breeders not only enjoy catching and raising powerful Pokémon for battle, but also developing strong friendships with them. They have unparalleled ability to connect with wild Pokémon, and they begin their journeys with eggs and Pokémon with numerous egg moves.
- - -
Researcher
It is difficult to classify Pokémon Researchers because there is such a variety of topics they specialize in. Some seek to invent new types of Poké Balls, while others study specific species, hoping to have their findings published in scientific journals. What unites all Researchers, however, is an undying love for raising Pokémon. Many leave home on journeys to learn more about the region, its landscapes, and the Pokémon that inhabit it. While the work of a Researcher may seem unexciting or dull to some, they fail to realize that many who study Pokémon go on to become illustrious trainers. They are capable of raising incredibly powerful Pokémon, some with moves, abilities, and appearances unlike those of the rest of their species through a deep study of their capabilities. Researchers often begin their journeys with a team of trained Pokémon, although some choose to start fresh.
- - -
Traveler
Travelers are Trainers who do not necessarily enjoy taking part in Gym Battles, but still desire the company of Pokémon and the joy of travel. They can be musicians, artists, athletes, or simply just not know what they would like to do with their journey. The possibilities for Travelers are truly endless, and many choose to pursue multiple different interests. Although they are also known to raise powerful teams of Pokémon, Travelers often have their own long-term goals, whether it is reconnecting with a loved one, searching for a treasure hidden within the region, or just wanting to find their place in the world. They truly embody the spirit of adventure and exploration.
- - -
Team Rocket Agent
Team Rocket, a sinister underground organization, is infamous for stealing Trainers’ Pokémon and abusing their power. Its members will stop at nothing to get their hands on a rare Pokémon, no matter the cost. Team Rocket Agents are stationed throughout Kanto, some choosing to engage in villainy and others choosing to lie in wait. Many are disguised as Trainers starting their journeys, hoping that forming friendships with other beginners will allow them to more easily steal their Pokémon and, subsequently, meet Team Rocket’s goal of taking over the Pokémon World. Team Rocket Agents often have their own agendas, decided at the will of the player.
How This Role Play WorksWelcome to the World of Pokémon! is a sandbox/journey taking place in the Kanto Region. The world in which the story takes place is extremely active and full of interesting characters and scenarios, so, although aspects like the Pokémon League and Grand Festival are featured, they will not serve as the primary goal for the role play and exist mostly as motivation for characters.
I want the course of the story to be dictated by the players and their interactions with one another. As the GM, I have a basis for a long-term plot, but I encourage players to create their own NPCs, conflicts, and events. I will only intervene for major plot points or if things get completely out of hand, but I really want to give free reign to those who join.
Catching Pokémon
Every Pokémon that exists within the National Pokédex is catchable in the wild as long as the environment and situation is appropriate. For example, you wouldn’t find an Onix in the middle of the ocean, but if you wanted to find an injured Bagon on Route 1 and had a good reason for it, then by all means, go ahead. Remember, most Pokémon won’t be so eager to leave their homes in the wild, so simply befriending them won’t always be enough.
Battling
All battling will be anime-style. There are no levels, so players control their own evolutions and moves. Like in the anime, Pokémon will remember all moves they have learned at some point.
Gyms and Contests
Players can choose to control the Gym Leaders for their battles or to have another player do it. Gym Leaders’ battle style will reflect their personality. (For example, Brock might try to use all-out force to beat his opponents, whereas Koga might be more tactical, relying on strategy.)
Contests consist of two rounds: the Performance Stage and the Battle Stage. In the Performance Stage, Coordinators have their Pokémon demonstrate their moves in a skillful display of charm. They are awarded points based on how creative their act is. In the Battle Stage, Coordinators must showcase their Pokémon’s style and skill in battle against others. Instead of ending when one participant’s Pokémon faint, battles in Contests end when someone’s points become fully decreased. Points can be lost when a Pokémon is hit by an attack, a Pokémon’s attack fails, the opponent performs a particularly appealing move, or when a competitor uses their opponent’s attack to their advantage. To keep things fair, players will not battle other players in Contests, but will fight against NPCs.
I want the course of the story to be dictated by the players and their interactions with one another. As the GM, I have a basis for a long-term plot, but I encourage players to create their own NPCs, conflicts, and events. I will only intervene for major plot points or if things get completely out of hand, but I really want to give free reign to those who join.
Catching Pokémon
Every Pokémon that exists within the National Pokédex is catchable in the wild as long as the environment and situation is appropriate. For example, you wouldn’t find an Onix in the middle of the ocean, but if you wanted to find an injured Bagon on Route 1 and had a good reason for it, then by all means, go ahead. Remember, most Pokémon won’t be so eager to leave their homes in the wild, so simply befriending them won’t always be enough.
Battling
All battling will be anime-style. There are no levels, so players control their own evolutions and moves. Like in the anime, Pokémon will remember all moves they have learned at some point.
Gyms and Contests
Players can choose to control the Gym Leaders for their battles or to have another player do it. Gym Leaders’ battle style will reflect their personality. (For example, Brock might try to use all-out force to beat his opponents, whereas Koga might be more tactical, relying on strategy.)
Contests consist of two rounds: the Performance Stage and the Battle Stage. In the Performance Stage, Coordinators have their Pokémon demonstrate their moves in a skillful display of charm. They are awarded points based on how creative their act is. In the Battle Stage, Coordinators must showcase their Pokémon’s style and skill in battle against others. Instead of ending when one participant’s Pokémon faint, battles in Contests end when someone’s points become fully decreased. Points can be lost when a Pokémon is hit by an attack, a Pokémon’s attack fails, the opponent performs a particularly appealing move, or when a competitor uses their opponent’s attack to their advantage. To keep things fair, players will not battle other players in Contests, but will fight against NPCs.
Rules
1. No legendaries may be encountered or captured without explicit permission of the GM.
2. No autoing, godmoding, etc.
3. No Mary Sues/Gary Stus. The Pokémon World is extremely diverse. Make your characters unique!
4. Some violence is okay, but keep it PG-13.
5. Likewise, some romance is okay, but if it gets too raunchy you will be asked to take it to the PMs, or skip ahead.
6. You may create as many characters and NPCs as you think you can handle.
7. Absolutely no bullying. You will be asked to leave the RP.
8. All basic Pokémon are permitted as starters except for pseudo-legendaries.
9. If you are going to be away for an extended period of time, please notify the GM.
10. Have fun!
Sign-Ups:
Name: Self-explanatory.
Age: 16+
Gender: Male, Female, etc.
Role: Each listed role has different benefits. If you would like to make up your own, don't be afraid to PM me.
Hometown: Anywhere in the Pokémon World.
Appearance: What does your character look like? What do they like to wear when traveling? Try for at least a paragraph.
Personality: How does your character act? What are their fears, flaws, hopes, and dreams? This doesn't need to be specific, since I'm hoping to see your character's personality come out in the RP.
Brief Background: What kind of upbringing did your character have? If they are from a different region, what made them want to journey through Kanto? What events in their life made them who they are today?
Other: Anything else you think is important.
Pokémon
(Breeders may have one basic Pokémon with four egg moves and up to two eggs to start. Researchers may have up to three low-level Pokémon of any stage to begin, one having a move it cannot normally learn. Use your best judgement.)
Nickname: Optional.
Species:
Ability:
Moves:
Backstory: How did it meet its Trainer?
My Sign-Up/Example:
Name: Alex May
Age: 19
Gender: Male
Role: Coordinator
Hometown: Olivine City, Johto
Appearance: Alex is a fairly average height for his age at five feet ten inches and is neither excessively fat nor thin, but rather falls somewhere in the middle. He has a light complexion and relatively low muscle tone. Alex’s blond hair is thick and layered, and, even though he does not intentionally style it, his loose curls often take on a natural, windswept look. His light blue eyes are shielded by a pair of owlish wire-framed glasses.
Alex aims more for comfort than style in his clothing choices. He typically wear a loose-fitting white v-neck tee shirt and a pair of blue jeans, noticeably faded and torn from years of overuse. On his feet, he wears a pair of worn leather hiking books for ease when traveling over rough terrain. Alex ties a blue and red tartan pattern flannel around his waist in case he encounters any cold environments.
Personality: Alex is gentle and kind, but is also a bit clumsy. He means well, but his graceless composure can oftentimes cause problems, which leads to his fear of disappointing others. In the heat of battle, he finds it hard to keep calm, making rash decisions based on snap judgements. Despite this, he puts all of his effort into any task he takes on. He isn't exactly sure what he direction he wants to take with his life, but he is open to new experiences.
Brief Background: Alex was born and raised on Johto's western coast, and he has always had an attraction to the sea for its calming and tranquil qualities, especially at sunset and sunrise. He had a middle class upbringing. His father was a sailor and even though he had to leave home for extended periods to provide for his family, he always brought back souvenirs for his son from the far-off lands he traveled to, all of which fascinated Alex. His mother ran the Olivine Café, a bistro in need of renovations, though many said it added to the quaint charm, that was popular with sailors who had just returned from sea and were in need of a homestyle meal. As he grew older, Alex began to wait on the bar at the Café and listen to stories of other regions, cultivating his desire to see the world. A place that especially enticed him was Johto's neighbor to the east, Kanto, due to its variety of Pokémon. Once he graduated high school, Alex's parents permitted him to leave home on a journey, believing that he was mature enough and that travel would be an enriching experience. Along the way, he hoped that he would find what he truly wanted to do with his life.
Pokémon
Nickname: Tux
Ability: Torrent
Moves: Pound, Growl, Bubble
Backstory: On one particular occasion when Alex's father returned home from the Sinnoh Region, he brought with him a weakened Piplup that had allegedly been abandoned by its Trainer and found by sailors near Canalave City's port. Tux became a familiar face in the Olivine Café, mainly being used to put out kitchen fires, of which there were many when Alex began to work there. (He does not have a talent for cooking.) The two began to bond and when it came time for him to start his journey, he decided he would bring Tux along.
Age: 19
Gender: Male
Role: Coordinator
Hometown: Olivine City, Johto
Appearance: Alex is a fairly average height for his age at five feet ten inches and is neither excessively fat nor thin, but rather falls somewhere in the middle. He has a light complexion and relatively low muscle tone. Alex’s blond hair is thick and layered, and, even though he does not intentionally style it, his loose curls often take on a natural, windswept look. His light blue eyes are shielded by a pair of owlish wire-framed glasses.
Alex aims more for comfort than style in his clothing choices. He typically wear a loose-fitting white v-neck tee shirt and a pair of blue jeans, noticeably faded and torn from years of overuse. On his feet, he wears a pair of worn leather hiking books for ease when traveling over rough terrain. Alex ties a blue and red tartan pattern flannel around his waist in case he encounters any cold environments.
Personality: Alex is gentle and kind, but is also a bit clumsy. He means well, but his graceless composure can oftentimes cause problems, which leads to his fear of disappointing others. In the heat of battle, he finds it hard to keep calm, making rash decisions based on snap judgements. Despite this, he puts all of his effort into any task he takes on. He isn't exactly sure what he direction he wants to take with his life, but he is open to new experiences.
Brief Background: Alex was born and raised on Johto's western coast, and he has always had an attraction to the sea for its calming and tranquil qualities, especially at sunset and sunrise. He had a middle class upbringing. His father was a sailor and even though he had to leave home for extended periods to provide for his family, he always brought back souvenirs for his son from the far-off lands he traveled to, all of which fascinated Alex. His mother ran the Olivine Café, a bistro in need of renovations, though many said it added to the quaint charm, that was popular with sailors who had just returned from sea and were in need of a homestyle meal. As he grew older, Alex began to wait on the bar at the Café and listen to stories of other regions, cultivating his desire to see the world. A place that especially enticed him was Johto's neighbor to the east, Kanto, due to its variety of Pokémon. Once he graduated high school, Alex's parents permitted him to leave home on a journey, believing that he was mature enough and that travel would be an enriching experience. Along the way, he hoped that he would find what he truly wanted to do with his life.
Pokémon
Nickname: Tux
Ability: Torrent
Moves: Pound, Growl, Bubble
Backstory: On one particular occasion when Alex's father returned home from the Sinnoh Region, he brought with him a weakened Piplup that had allegedly been abandoned by its Trainer and found by sailors near Canalave City's port. Tux became a familiar face in the Olivine Café, mainly being used to put out kitchen fires, of which there were many when Alex began to work there. (He does not have a talent for cooking.) The two began to bond and when it came time for him to start his journey, he decided he would bring Tux along.
