"In international news - the string of natural disasters in recent months continues, with a small-scale earthquake hitting Sinnoh's Oreburgh City. While no casualties were reported, the quake caused significant property damage and shut down the city's mine for three days before local gym leader Roark was able to restore power. This comes on the heels of Hurricane Marill, which made landfall in Hoenn's Slateport City last month..."
"In more lighthearted news, this year's Amatuer World Tournament is fast approaching! Hosted this time around in Goldenrod City's renowned Pokéathlon Dome, the tournament has already drawn participants and audience members alike from all over the world, a full week before the ceremonies officially get underway. Heh, but it's not like that should be surprising; just take a look at this line-up!
"Trainers from all across the globe, guest commentary from local and visiting Gym Leaders Whitney and Wattson, and a prize pot of $1,000,000 and an opportunity to have your name inscribed on the vaunted Goldenrod Cup! You'd have to be crazy to pass up an opportunity like this!
"The Tournament's promotional department has asked our network to say that registration is still open, and will remain open until it officially starts next Saturday. If any of you Pokémon trainers out there want to test your might and skill, then sign up, either in person or via the special, limited time PC service!
"And who knows!? This just might turn out to be your big break!"
[hr]
Greetings, and welcome to the wonderful world of Pokémon! I'm Arcanist, your friendly neighborhood GM, and with my co-GM Pappytech we hope to bring you a quintessential Pokémon adventure.
Below, you'll find all the resources you need to get started - a character sheet, rules and regulations, and even a few bits of advice.
[hr]
[hr]
A few other important details: The RP will start out with everybody converging at Goldenrod City for an amateur tournament. This is also taking place 10 years after the Gold and Silver games -- which would be 13 years after the original Red, Blue, and Yellow. Odds are certain NPCs, like Gym-Leaders, Elite Four members, and iconic Trainers, will be making an appearance. And yes, you're probably going to be fighting an evil criminal organization who's obsessed with stealing Pokémon for some nefarious purpose. There's no sense in fixing a set-up that ain't broke, after all.
This RP will mainly be using Skype as an OOC chat. It isn't a requirement, but if you haven't used Skype before I'd highly recommend it. It's a free, effective service and it's served me well in many a RP.
Finally, the mandatory list of role-playing rules I expect people to abide by:
0. I am the GM: My word is absolute. Anything I say, goes.
Now to clarify, I don't intend to rule over this RP with an iron fist. This is supposed to be a place for people to have fun, after all, and I'll do my best to make sure that everybody is enjoying themselves. That said, if I ever do feel the need to throw my authority around, whether to stop an argument that's gone too far or keep things from going entirely off the rails, I will do so and I will expect people to listen.
1. Post Length/Quality: Long story short, I don't really care for one-line posts. While I'm not going to hold everyone to an insanely harsh standard, I would like to see a couple paragraphs (typically one for a reaction and one for an action, at the very least) per post. In addition, posts that are absolutely riddled with grammar or spelling errors are frowned upon; while I can put up with it to a certain extent, if I'm running into a misspelled word every other sentence I start to get annoyed.
2. No God-Modding, Trenchcoating, Etc.: Really shouldn't have to explain anything here.
3. Don't be a Jerk: I know that it's the internet, but there's no reason we all can't be somewhat civil. Joking and teasing is fine, but if someone is being an asshole they will be politely asked to stop. If they continue to do so, they'll be told to leave.
4. Regularity: To be perfectly clear: real life is more important than internet life. That applies to everyone, myself included (especially since school just started back up). If you've got a test coming up or need to work some overtime and won't be able to post as much as a result, then of course I understand. Let me know and we'll try to work something out. If, however, you disappear for a couple weeks without warning or explanation... Well, I can only auto someone along for a limited time.
"In more lighthearted news, this year's Amatuer World Tournament is fast approaching! Hosted this time around in Goldenrod City's renowned Pokéathlon Dome, the tournament has already drawn participants and audience members alike from all over the world, a full week before the ceremonies officially get underway. Heh, but it's not like that should be surprising; just take a look at this line-up!
"Trainers from all across the globe, guest commentary from local and visiting Gym Leaders Whitney and Wattson, and a prize pot of $1,000,000 and an opportunity to have your name inscribed on the vaunted Goldenrod Cup! You'd have to be crazy to pass up an opportunity like this!
"The Tournament's promotional department has asked our network to say that registration is still open, and will remain open until it officially starts next Saturday. If any of you Pokémon trainers out there want to test your might and skill, then sign up, either in person or via the special, limited time PC service!
"And who knows!? This just might turn out to be your big break!"
[hr]
Greetings, and welcome to the wonderful world of Pokémon! I'm Arcanist, your friendly neighborhood GM, and with my co-GM Pappytech we hope to bring you a quintessential Pokémon adventure.
Below, you'll find all the resources you need to get started - a character sheet, rules and regulations, and even a few bits of advice.
[hr]
First up, obviously, is the character sheet. Now, while the Pokémon games, anime, and manga adaptations typically star younger protagonists, this RP will focus on a slightly older cast. If you'd like to write up a ten year old first starting out on their journey, however, then they'll still be considered; however, characters in their late teens and older are preferred.
Name: What is your name?
Age: How old are you?
Gender: Are you a boy or a girl?
City/Region: Where in the Pokémon world is your home?
Appearance: At least a couple paragraphs of description here, please. Your character's height, weight, hair and eye color, clothes that they never seem to change, etc.
Personality: Again, at least a couple paragraphs here. Detail your character?s quirks and behaviors, like how they treat their Pokémon or how they act around other people.
Biography: Next, tell us your character's life story. Where were they born? Where did they grow up? Were they given a Pokédex and a starter or did they start off with a less iconic line-up? While not required, it'd be nice if you talked about when and where you encountered each member of your initial team.
Inventory: What gear is your character carrying? It's presumed that everybody has a bag/backpack for carrying all this stuff around in. Make sure to check the Items and Inventory section for budget limitations.
Pokémon: Last but certainly not least, what does your current line-up look like? Please list their species, nickname (if they have one), gender, level, movelist, and ability (hidden abilities are not allowed). If you want to give a few details about your Pokémons' appearance or mannerisms then please do so. Don't feel like you have to stick to their official heights or weights; I'm pretty sure those are just randomly thrown together. You can also list their nature if you'd like.
Name: What is your name?
Age: How old are you?
Gender: Are you a boy or a girl?
City/Region: Where in the Pokémon world is your home?
Appearance: At least a couple paragraphs of description here, please. Your character's height, weight, hair and eye color, clothes that they never seem to change, etc.
Personality: Again, at least a couple paragraphs here. Detail your character?s quirks and behaviors, like how they treat their Pokémon or how they act around other people.
Biography: Next, tell us your character's life story. Where were they born? Where did they grow up? Were they given a Pokédex and a starter or did they start off with a less iconic line-up? While not required, it'd be nice if you talked about when and where you encountered each member of your initial team.
Inventory: What gear is your character carrying? It's presumed that everybody has a bag/backpack for carrying all this stuff around in. Make sure to check the Items and Inventory section for budget limitations.
Pokémon: Last but certainly not least, what does your current line-up look like? Please list their species, nickname (if they have one), gender, level, movelist, and ability (hidden abilities are not allowed). If you want to give a few details about your Pokémons' appearance or mannerisms then please do so. Don't feel like you have to stick to their official heights or weights; I'm pretty sure those are just randomly thrown together. You can also list their nature if you'd like.
Here are some basic guidelines for forming your initial line-up. Please pay attention and ask any questions that might come to mind.
1. Trainers can start off with a maximum of four Pokémon, including any that might be stored in the PC System. Don't worry, you can still carry up to six at any one time and I promise that you'll have the chance to increase your team size early on.
2. The initial level cap for any one Pokémon is 30 -- no exceptions. Please keep the levels of your Pokémon in mind when figuring out their movesets and evolutions. In addition, the total sum of all of your Pokémon's levels cannot exceed 75.
3. Movesets and abilities will be based on the later Generation VI games (X and Y). If you need some help on remembering when a Pokémon learns a certain move, then I'd advise you to check Bulbapedia [http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Main_Page]. It really is a great resource for anything Pokémon related.
4. Each Pokémon can start off knowing one TM move and one Egg move. If they do know one of these moves, please label it as such. If a Pokémon knows a TM move, your trainer will not start off with that TM in their inventory; they will either have to buy it later or find one during their adventure.
5. Legendary Pokémon, or Pokémon that can only be obtained under special circumstances, are not allowed. For example, Pokémon like Bedlum and Lapras, which can only be received as gifts or at certain times of the week, will not be accepted. This does not mean that they can't be obtained later in the game, however. Fossil Pokémon are the notable exception to this rule. If your character has a good reason for getting one in their biography, then I'll probably accept it.
Pseudo-Legendary Pokémon, while not outright banned, will be subjected to more scrutiny than other species.
Legendary Pokémon will never be a permanent part of your team.
6. Please try to have a reasonable line-up. A team consisting of a Charmander, a Pidgey, and a Caterpie (and their respective evolutionary lines) is reasonable. A team consisting of a Dratini, a Larvitar, and a Gible (and their respective evolutionary lines) is not.
7. Please try to pay attention, at least somewhat, to geography. For example, a character from the Sinnoh Region should not have a team exclusively from Unova.
1. Trainers can start off with a maximum of four Pokémon, including any that might be stored in the PC System. Don't worry, you can still carry up to six at any one time and I promise that you'll have the chance to increase your team size early on.
2. The initial level cap for any one Pokémon is 30 -- no exceptions. Please keep the levels of your Pokémon in mind when figuring out their movesets and evolutions. In addition, the total sum of all of your Pokémon's levels cannot exceed 75.
3. Movesets and abilities will be based on the later Generation VI games (X and Y). If you need some help on remembering when a Pokémon learns a certain move, then I'd advise you to check Bulbapedia [http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Main_Page]. It really is a great resource for anything Pokémon related.
4. Each Pokémon can start off knowing one TM move and one Egg move. If they do know one of these moves, please label it as such. If a Pokémon knows a TM move, your trainer will not start off with that TM in their inventory; they will either have to buy it later or find one during their adventure.
5. Legendary Pokémon, or Pokémon that can only be obtained under special circumstances, are not allowed. For example, Pokémon like Bedlum and Lapras, which can only be received as gifts or at certain times of the week, will not be accepted. This does not mean that they can't be obtained later in the game, however. Fossil Pokémon are the notable exception to this rule. If your character has a good reason for getting one in their biography, then I'll probably accept it.
Pseudo-Legendary Pokémon, while not outright banned, will be subjected to more scrutiny than other species.
Legendary Pokémon will never be a permanent part of your team.
6. Please try to have a reasonable line-up. A team consisting of a Charmander, a Pidgey, and a Caterpie (and their respective evolutionary lines) is reasonable. A team consisting of a Dratini, a Larvitar, and a Gible (and their respective evolutionary lines) is not.
7. Please try to pay attention, at least somewhat, to geography. For example, a character from the Sinnoh Region should not have a team exclusively from Unova.
While the games are designed the way they are for good reasons, a text-based RP doesn't need to behave the same way. Let's talk about HMs.
1. A Pokémon does not need to have a HM filling up one of their move-slots in order to use its effects. Scyther can cut through small trees, Machoke can move boulders, and Pikachu can light up a dark cave without a problem. However, do keep logic in mind when it comes to some of the transport moves; a Pidgey with a wingspan of 3' can't exactly carry around a full-grown person, for instance. HM moves can still be taught to a Pokémon to be used in battle.
2. For the purposes of this RP, each Pokémon can know up to six moves at any one time.
1. A Pokémon does not need to have a HM filling up one of their move-slots in order to use its effects. Scyther can cut through small trees, Machoke can move boulders, and Pikachu can light up a dark cave without a problem. However, do keep logic in mind when it comes to some of the transport moves; a Pidgey with a wingspan of 3' can't exactly carry around a full-grown person, for instance. HM moves can still be taught to a Pokémon to be used in battle.
2. For the purposes of this RP, each Pokémon can know up to six moves at any one time.
Now, I think we can all agree on two things: First, it feels great to catch a new teammate -- to find that Pokémon that perfectly compliments your team and trap them inside a tiny metal sphere!
Second, grinding is just the worst. Literally, the worst.
As such, I've tried the find the best way to capitalize on that first feeling, while minimizing that second one as much as possible.
1. Under normal circumstances, wild Pokémon will only be encountered when people are actively looking for them. If you're looking to catch a Pokémon, tell us beforehand and your attacks won't ever accidentally knock your target out. You'll obviously still have to use a Pokéballl to catch them and paralyzing or putting your target to sleep will increase your chance of catching them.
The levels of wild Pokémon will be scaled to better suit those of your own Pokémon.
2. After major milestones(for both the player and the story at large), you will be awarded a pool of levels you can assign to your team to level them up as you please. We will not be using the system of EXP after winning a battle; down that road be grindy dragons. The frequency and size of these awards will be given entirely at the discretion of Pappy and I based on both your contribution to the thread and how well you impress us with your role-playing prowess.
Second, grinding is just the worst. Literally, the worst.
As such, I've tried the find the best way to capitalize on that first feeling, while minimizing that second one as much as possible.
1. Under normal circumstances, wild Pokémon will only be encountered when people are actively looking for them. If you're looking to catch a Pokémon, tell us beforehand and your attacks won't ever accidentally knock your target out. You'll obviously still have to use a Pokéballl to catch them and paralyzing or putting your target to sleep will increase your chance of catching them.
The levels of wild Pokémon will be scaled to better suit those of your own Pokémon.
2. After major milestones(for both the player and the story at large), you will be awarded a pool of levels you can assign to your team to level them up as you please. We will not be using the system of EXP after winning a battle; down that road be grindy dragons. The frequency and size of these awards will be given entirely at the discretion of Pappy and I based on both your contribution to the thread and how well you impress us with your role-playing prowess.
1. When facing NPCs, how the battle is handled depends on the power level of the NPC as well as their importance to the story. When fighting random grunts and faceless rookies, you'll be allowed to play out the fight yourself. Have some fun showing off and strutting your stuff, but keep in mind that we won't much appreciate you simply steamrolling your way through these combats.
When battling the heavy hitters, however - Team bosses, gym leaders, and rivals - you'll be collaborating directly with Pappy and I.
2. Battles betwen PCs, however, are decided differently. It will be up to the players to decide beforehand to decide how the battle goes and who wins and who loses. If you can't come to a decision yourselves, Pappy and I will step in and rule ourselves and the battle will play out from there. It goes without saying that we are expecting you to conduct yourselves in this with some degree of maturity - getting into a pissing match and having the GMs resolve every fight isn't going to make anyone very happy.
When battling the heavy hitters, however - Team bosses, gym leaders, and rivals - you'll be collaborating directly with Pappy and I.
2. Battles betwen PCs, however, are decided differently. It will be up to the players to decide beforehand to decide how the battle goes and who wins and who loses. If you can't come to a decision yourselves, Pappy and I will step in and rule ourselves and the battle will play out from there. It goes without saying that we are expecting you to conduct yourselves in this with some degree of maturity - getting into a pissing match and having the GMs resolve every fight isn't going to make anyone very happy.
1. Initially, everybody will have access to 20,000 Pokémon Dollars (hereafter referred to simply as dollars) worth of gear such as Pokéballs, potions, status healers, revivals, and other bits and bobs. If you have less than 20,000 dollars worth of gear at the start of the game, then you start off with the difference in your wallet and will be free to spend it at any shop or any service available to you. I'd recommend checking Bulbapedia to find the price of certain items.
Held items that boost the effectiveness of a certain move type (Charcoal, Sharp Beak, etc.) are considered to cost 5,000 dollars apiece.
2. TMs can be used as many times as you'd like, though you'll still have to purchase or acquire them somehow.
2. If you win a sanctioned Pokémon battle (outside of a tournament, of course), your opponent will be forced to give you a quarter of their current money. If you lose, you will be forced to give them a quarter of your own funds. Items do not factor into this, naturally; you'll only lose a fourth of your loose change.
3. Key Items, such as bikes, fishing rods, and item detectors, do not factor into your initial budget. You are free to have any of the key items described in the games, but I would ask that people avoid simply loading up on everything. Your characters are going to have to carry around everything they've got, after all, and walking around with enough equipment to make Link jealous is going to raise a few eyebrows.
4. Shops and services, like Department Stores, Daycares, and Move Tutors can be used by anybody whenever they'd like, assuming the timing is reasonable and their funds allow it. Pokémon Centers are the notable exception, having near 24-hour service free of charge! Cities will have the same services that their game-equivalents do.
Held items that boost the effectiveness of a certain move type (Charcoal, Sharp Beak, etc.) are considered to cost 5,000 dollars apiece.
2. TMs can be used as many times as you'd like, though you'll still have to purchase or acquire them somehow.
2. If you win a sanctioned Pokémon battle (outside of a tournament, of course), your opponent will be forced to give you a quarter of their current money. If you lose, you will be forced to give them a quarter of your own funds. Items do not factor into this, naturally; you'll only lose a fourth of your loose change.
3. Key Items, such as bikes, fishing rods, and item detectors, do not factor into your initial budget. You are free to have any of the key items described in the games, but I would ask that people avoid simply loading up on everything. Your characters are going to have to carry around everything they've got, after all, and walking around with enough equipment to make Link jealous is going to raise a few eyebrows.
4. Shops and services, like Department Stores, Daycares, and Move Tutors can be used by anybody whenever they'd like, assuming the timing is reasonable and their funds allow it. Pokémon Centers are the notable exception, having near 24-hour service free of charge! Cities will have the same services that their game-equivalents do.
1.Any trainer that begins with a starter from one of the Professors is automatically considered to have a Pokédex in their possession, unless specified otherwise.
Though it is technically the Pokédex that allows a trainer to determine what a Pokémon's level, health, and moveset is, for the purposes of this RP all trainers possess that skillset. Instead, Pokédexes will have other benefits such as allowing trainers to track down a certain Pokémon species' location, identifying an unrecognized species, or simply looking up fun facts about them.
2. Pokémon can obviously communicate with people, either by repeating their own name, growling, purring, or roaring, or simply by playing charades. If you choose to have your Pokémon talk, then please make sure to color code their speech based on their primary type using the following guide:
Normal = DarkSalmon
Fire = OrangeRed
Water = Aqua
Electric = Gold
Grass = ForestGreen
Ice = IceBlue
Fighting = Maroon
Poison = MediumVioletRed
Ground = SaddleBrown
Flying = SkyBlue
Psychic = HotPink
Bug = Olive
Rock = Gray
Ghost = Indigo
Dragon = RoyalPurple
Dark = MidnightBlue
Steel = SteelBlue
To color your text, use the following tags: [color=_______) Text goes here (/color]
Just replace the parentheses with square brackets and you're good.
3. Though I only read up to the Diamond and Pearl arc, I'm a pretty big fan of the Pokémon Adventures manga and all the craziness it revels in. If you want to give your character or Pokémon certain talents or abilities, like Pokéball nunchucks or generating a surfboard out of electricity, then go right ahead. So long as it isn't game-breaking, odds are I'll be happy enough to go along with it.
Though it is technically the Pokédex that allows a trainer to determine what a Pokémon's level, health, and moveset is, for the purposes of this RP all trainers possess that skillset. Instead, Pokédexes will have other benefits such as allowing trainers to track down a certain Pokémon species' location, identifying an unrecognized species, or simply looking up fun facts about them.
2. Pokémon can obviously communicate with people, either by repeating their own name, growling, purring, or roaring, or simply by playing charades. If you choose to have your Pokémon talk, then please make sure to color code their speech based on their primary type using the following guide:
Normal = DarkSalmon
Fire = OrangeRed
Water = Aqua
Electric = Gold
Grass = ForestGreen
Ice = IceBlue
Fighting = Maroon
Poison = MediumVioletRed
Ground = SaddleBrown
Flying = SkyBlue
Psychic = HotPink
Bug = Olive
Rock = Gray
Ghost = Indigo
Dragon = RoyalPurple
Dark = MidnightBlue
Steel = SteelBlue
To color your text, use the following tags: [color=_______) Text goes here (/color]
Just replace the parentheses with square brackets and you're good.
3. Though I only read up to the Diamond and Pearl arc, I'm a pretty big fan of the Pokémon Adventures manga and all the craziness it revels in. If you want to give your character or Pokémon certain talents or abilities, like Pokéball nunchucks or generating a surfboard out of electricity, then go right ahead. So long as it isn't game-breaking, odds are I'll be happy enough to go along with it.
[hr]
A few other important details: The RP will start out with everybody converging at Goldenrod City for an amateur tournament. This is also taking place 10 years after the Gold and Silver games -- which would be 13 years after the original Red, Blue, and Yellow. Odds are certain NPCs, like Gym-Leaders, Elite Four members, and iconic Trainers, will be making an appearance. And yes, you're probably going to be fighting an evil criminal organization who's obsessed with stealing Pokémon for some nefarious purpose. There's no sense in fixing a set-up that ain't broke, after all.
This RP will mainly be using Skype as an OOC chat. It isn't a requirement, but if you haven't used Skype before I'd highly recommend it. It's a free, effective service and it's served me well in many a RP.
Finally, the mandatory list of role-playing rules I expect people to abide by:
0. I am the GM: My word is absolute. Anything I say, goes.
Now to clarify, I don't intend to rule over this RP with an iron fist. This is supposed to be a place for people to have fun, after all, and I'll do my best to make sure that everybody is enjoying themselves. That said, if I ever do feel the need to throw my authority around, whether to stop an argument that's gone too far or keep things from going entirely off the rails, I will do so and I will expect people to listen.
1. Post Length/Quality: Long story short, I don't really care for one-line posts. While I'm not going to hold everyone to an insanely harsh standard, I would like to see a couple paragraphs (typically one for a reaction and one for an action, at the very least) per post. In addition, posts that are absolutely riddled with grammar or spelling errors are frowned upon; while I can put up with it to a certain extent, if I'm running into a misspelled word every other sentence I start to get annoyed.
2. No God-Modding, Trenchcoating, Etc.: Really shouldn't have to explain anything here.
3. Don't be a Jerk: I know that it's the internet, but there's no reason we all can't be somewhat civil. Joking and teasing is fine, but if someone is being an asshole they will be politely asked to stop. If they continue to do so, they'll be told to leave.
4. Regularity: To be perfectly clear: real life is more important than internet life. That applies to everyone, myself included (especially since school just started back up). If you've got a test coming up or need to work some overtime and won't be able to post as much as a result, then of course I understand. Let me know and we'll try to work something out. If, however, you disappear for a couple weeks without warning or explanation... Well, I can only auto someone along for a limited time.