[X] Plan: The Power of Friendship And This Quartz I Found
-[X] "just barely managed to scrape by. What the hell does Arithmetic and Literature have to do with Pokemon!?"
-[X] Mariana, Green, Red, She/Her
-[X] "Apologize for ignoring her and ready yourself to get caught in a conversation with a stranger your age. You know how these go—hell you might even make a new friend at the end of it."
-[X] "The Two Great Balls containing Psyduck and Helioptile" (Two One-Badge Pokemon)
-[X] OFFENSE: Attack, attack, attack. Focus on doing as much damage as possible. Staying close with Physical Attackers and prioritizing damage with Special Attackers. Power is all that matters in the end
[X] Plan: The Power of Friendship And This Quartz I Found
-[X] "just barely managed to scrape by. What the hell does Arithmetic and Literature have to do with Pokemon!?"
-[X] Mariana, Green, Red, She/Her
-[X] "Apologize for ignoring her and ready yourself to get caught in a conversation with a stranger your age. You know how these go—hell you might even make a new friend at the end of it."
-[X] "The Two Great Balls containing Psyduck and Helioptile" (Two One-Badge Pokemon)
-[X] OFFENSE: Attack, attack, attack. Focus on doing as much damage as possible. Staying close with Physical Attackers and prioritizing damage with Special Attackers. Power is all that matters in the end
[X] Plan: nerdy enby
[X] "aced it with flying colours. You're certainly among the Top Ten scorers in the region for the Entrance Exam."
-[X]Alex, naturally black dyed bright red at tips, hazel with red tint, pale, xe/xem
-[X] "Give a brief reply. It's small talk, after all. You're no stranger to it."
-[X] "The Two Pokeballs containing Nymble and Meditite" (Two Zero-Badge Pokemon)
-[X] OFFENSE: Attack, attack, attack. Focus on doing as much damage as possible. Staying close with Physical Attackers and prioritizing damage with Special Attackers. Power is all that matters in the end
I'm a simple Dragon, I see a Kiseki story/Quest and I watch.
Looks Like Power of Friendship is winning and I don't think my one vote will be enough to change the outcome. So, I will instead include our missing deuteragonist:
[X] Plan: Literally Just Joshua Astray Bright
- [X] "should be fine for all the studying you did. Nothing to really be proud of but you put in the hard work and were rewarded for it by a middle of the pack performance."
- [X] Joshua, Black, Amber, He/Him
- [X] "Give a brief reply. It's small talk, after all. You're no stranger to it."
- [X] "The Two Ultra Balls containing Skiploom and Raboot" (Two Two-Badge Pokemon)
- [X] SETUP: (Available only for Great and Ultra Ball options) Both sets of pokemon have some setup and status to them, with one of them even having a weather move. At such a low level they won't last long without the Pokemon who set them up maintaining it but that can be the difference between victory or defeat. The iron must be made hot by striking it.
It might have made a difference in choosing strategy but pretty much everything available is gonna be some variety of mediocre stat adjustment or damage, maybe with a 10-30% status chance. I did pick "Attack" partly on this basis but also because it suited the concept. I suspect if we're making tactical choices during the battle, we'll have the moves to pick from then.
it isn't useful to us if the battle system is an abstraction, which seems to be the case considering how we still don't know which pokemon we picked yet but are already voting for the approach we're taking to the battle.
Also we're still in CharGen. Anything else is secondary to Character Creation at the moment. These aren't even our pokemon, just the school's test choices.
Moves available to the Pokemon will be presented early next chapter. Battles early on will be quick enough that I don't feel the need to do mid battle votes just yet
Rule of thumb is that Pokemon aren't limited to just four moves and that I'll give Pokemon moves if I feel like they should be able to learn them if they don't in the games.
Slight spoilers For example apparently Mareanie can't learn Sludge for some reason despite being able to learn both Sludge Bomb and Sludge Wave. So I'm ignoring that and giving her Sludge.
Since this takes place in Paldea, can't wait to get no diffed later b6 some fucker with Iron Bandle and Iron Valiant. Or even worse, Chien-Pao and Ogerpon.
Adhoc vote count started by ArvisPresley on Jan 12, 2024 at 10:07 AM, finished with 44 posts and 21 votes.
[X] Plan: The Power of Friendship And This Quartz I Found
-[X] "just barely managed to scrape by. What the hell does Arithmetic and Literature have to do with Pokemon!?"
-[X] Mariana, Green, Red, She/Her
-[X] "Apologize for ignoring her and ready yourself to get caught in a conversation with a stranger your age. You know how these go—hell you might even make a new friend at the end of it."
-[X] "The Two Great Balls containing Psyduck and Helioptile" (Two One-Badge Pokemon)
-[X] OFFENSE: Attack, attack, attack. Focus on doing as much damage as possible. Staying close with Physical Attackers and prioritizing damage with Special Attackers. Power is all that matters in the end
[X]Literally Just Lloyd Bannings
-[X] "should be fine for all the studying you did. Nothing to really be proud of but you put in the hard work and were rewarded for it by a middle of the pack performance."
-[X] Lloyd, Brown, Brown, He/Him
-[X] "Give a brief reply. It's small talk, after all. You're no stranger to it."
-[X] "The Two Pokeballs containing Nymble and Meditite" (Two Zero-Badge Pokemon)
-[X] DEFENSE: At such a low level access to setup and status moves are minimal but not zero. You can work with this. Keeping your distance, dodging and avoiding damage will be priority. Punishing mistakes, taking advantage of opportunities and outlasting the enemy will be key to victory
[X]Plan Female Student (Library)
-[X] "did pretty well all things considered. Definitely feeling good about that, you wouldn't be surprised if you were on the higher end of the entrees. "
-[X] Schulerin, Grey, Platinum Blonde, She/Her
-[X] "Give a brief reply. It's small talk, after all. You're no stranger to it."
-[X] "The Two Great Balls containing Psyduck and Helioptile" (Two One-Badge Pokemon)
-[X] SETUP: (Available only for Great and Ultra Ball options) Both sets of pokemon have some setup and status to them, with one of them even having a weather move. At such a low level they won't last long without the Pokemon who set them up maintaining it but that can be the difference between victory or defeat. The iron must be made hot by striking it.
[x] Plan: Special Sauce
-[X] "just barely managed to scrape by. What the hell does Arithmetic and Literature have to do with Pokemon!?"
-[x] Makoto Tsukimoto black, black
-[x] "Keep ignoring her, but make sure she knows you're doing it on purpose. She is clearly very rude and you are very busy brooding by your lonesome. You're so great at meeting new people."
-[X] "The Two Pokeballs containing Nymble and Meditite" (Two Zero-Badge Pokemon)
-[X] DEFENSE: At such a low level access to setup and status moves are minimal but not zero. You can work with this. Keeping your distance, dodging and avoiding damage will be priority. Punishing mistakes, taking advantage of opportunities and outlasting the enemy will be key to victory
[X] "aced it with flying colours. You're certainly among the Top Ten scorers in the region for the Entrance Exam."
-[X]Alex, naturally black dyed bright red at tips, hazel with red tint, pale, xe/xem
-[X] "Give a brief reply. It's small talk, after all. You're no stranger to it."
-[X] "The Two Pokeballs containing Nymble and Meditite" (Two Zero-Badge Pokemon)
-[X] OFFENSE: Attack, attack, attack. Focus on doing as much damage as possible. Staying close with Physical Attackers and prioritizing damage with Special Attackers. Power is all that matters in the end
[X] Plan: Literally Just Joshua Astray Bright
-[X] "should be fine for all the studying you did. Nothing to really be proud of but you put in the hard work and were rewarded for it by a middle of the pack performance."
- [X] Joshua, Black, Amber, He/Him
-[X] "Give a brief reply. It's small talk, after all. You're no stranger to it."
- [X] "The Two Ultra Balls containing Skiploom and Raboot" (Two Two-Badge Pokemon)
-[X] SETUP: (Available only for Great and Ultra Ball options) Both sets of pokemon have some setup and status to them, with one of them even having a weather move. At such a low level they won't last long without the Pokemon who set them up maintaining it but that can be the difference between victory or defeat. The iron must be made hot by striking it.
[X] Plan: The Power of Friendship And This Quartz I Found
-[X] "just barely managed to scrape by. What the hell does Arithmetic and Literature have to do with Pokemon!?"
-[X] Mariana, Green, Red, She/Her
-[X] "Apologize for ignoring her and ready yourself to get caught in a conversation with a stranger your age. You know how these go—hell you might even make a new friend at the end of it."
-[X] "The Two Great Balls containing Psyduck and Helioptile" (Two One-Badge Pokemon)
-[X] OFFENSE: Attack, attack, attack. Focus on doing as much damage as possible. Staying close with Physical Attackers and prioritizing damage with Special Attackers. Power is all that matters in the end
Steeling yourself, you release Psyduck and Helioptile for a pre-fight pep-talk. "He~y guys." you say nervously, crouching down to try and get as close to eye-level as possible. "I'm gonna be your trainer for a bit, so uh, let's work together…"
Helioptile grabs your pinkie and begins to move it up and down, nodding as if to reassure you. Psyduck meanwhile squints and covers its eyes from the glare of the ceiling lights and quacks in response.
You take a look at their moves and abilities.
Psyduck
Ability: Swift Swim
Moves: Water Gun, Confusion, Fury Swipes, Water Pulse, Disable, Zen Headbutt, Screech, Soak, Rain Dance
Tera Types: Steel, Water, Psychic
Pretty good movepool, actually. Though you're surprised that Psyduck has a weather move. You've heard that it's pretty tough for lower strength 'mons to use them. Meanwhile with Helioptile, having Camouflage gives you the idea of sneakily setting-up a Charge while getting closer, you doubt you could make it work with such little time and no training.
While you were deep in thought Psyduck's managed to convince Helioptile to rest on their head, using the latter's ears as shade. Psyduck looks much more relaxed now. The same couldn't be said for you.
"ARE YOU READY NOW, EXAMINEE?" Iosef bellowed from across the arena.
You hastily recalled both pokemon while nervously answering, "SIR YES SIR!?"
The proctor laughed and raised his fist. "Admirable spirit, let's see if you have the Will to attend our Academy!"
Meanwhile, that same judge from earlier had her head in her hands. "REFEREE!" she snarled.
"Release your first Pokemon!" The referee (was he there before?) by the Kadabra yelled.
You sent out Psyduck onto the field, who looked positively bored. At least he isn't suffering from his species-typical headache. Yet.
Iosef nodded and sent out their own pokemon; a small purple body connected to a head with a collection of tentacles covered in barbs and spikes. A Mareanie.
"Three…" Mareanie smiles a toothy grin filled with malice at Psyduck.
"Two…" Psyduck rolls his eyes at the display before narrowing their gaze.
"One." You lick your lips, your mouth dry feeling from anticipation and nerves. 'You can do this.'
"Begin!" The referee shouted as they lowered their arms.
VS. MAREANIE
"Confusion!" you let pure instinct guide you. You need to stop whatever they're planning. Psyduck's eyes glow blue as he launches the psychic attack.
"Pin Missile!" Mareanie barbs glow light green as she aims her tentacles at Psyduck. Only some of them shoot out towards Psyduck before the Confusion hit. Mareanie's expression slacks causing her to miss. Her eyes narrow, expression turning into a snarl, fangs bared with lips drawn back as she intensifies her assault.
Psyduck using the force of a Water Gun to propel himself backwards, using his head to manuever, was able to dodge most but not all of them. Many of the spines lay protruding on where he was, trailing after his trajectory.
You and Iosef command your Pokemon at the same time.
"Sludge! Aim for the eyes!"
"Confusion!"
Mareanie shot first, before shooting a single precise shot Psyduck square in the eyes. A painful hissing noise was made by the Sludge as Psyduck screamed, blinded.
"Spit water into your hands and rinse it out of your face." You tried to help. You noticed purple colored veins spreading from where the Sludge hit and you grimaced. Poison.
At least by the looks of the drool falling from Mareanie's face and the blank almost blissful look on their face the Confusion did its number.
"Snap out of it! Recover!" The proctor ordered and your eyes widen in response. You cannot let that happen.
With Psyduck still blinded, unable to use Confusion without visual sight and too far away for Zen Headbutt, you swap out into Helioptile.
"Shock Wave! NOW!" You yell as soon as Helioptile is out of the ball. A translucent field of electricity emanated for Helioptile's skin hitting Mareanie fast enough that it interrupted her from healing any more damage.
Before you could say anything, though, Iosef recalled Mareanie and sent out their other Pokemon—from its coloring and plumage, A Kantonian Farfetch'd.
"Close in with Quick Attack, then Cut"
You click your tongue and tell Helioptile to run to the pond in the center of the field. And Shock Wave if they get close.
Leek still tucked under its wing, the Farfetch'd started to sprint. It began to look like they were skating on the field as a white streak of light trailed after them. They quickly crossed the distance and were soon on Helioptile slamming into them. However, Helioptile was able to dodge out of the follow-up Cut.
Helioptile then used the opportunity to unleash another Shock Wave point blank. The attack struck Farfetch'd, who began to shake and convulse, feathers catching on fire and grip on their Leek tightening. By the time Farfetch'd had recovered, Helioptile was in the pond, soaking in water healing from some of the damage they took.
Unbeknownst to you, the female judge scoffed, looking at the proctor, "Told you you were getting too into it." Iosef only grumbled in response.
"Air Cutter, force them out."
Farfetch'd, Leek in-wing began slashing at the air rapidly, creating beams of pressurized wind at Helioptile who remained underwater. He nimbly dodged the attacks and waited for the moment to retaliate. Internally, he knew Farfetch'd was lost. The girl has decent potential at least.
Farfetch'd finally falls after two more Shock Waves, collapsing with a smoking thud like a puppet with its strings cut, Leek falling out the burned wing's grip onto the ground. You let out a breath you were holding back. Farfetch'd was recalled as Helioptile popped his head out of the water to chirp happily at me. Cu~te.
"Farfetch'd is unable to battle! Send out your last Pokemon!"
You blinked as Iosef released Mareanie directly onto the pond. You could do that?
"Flood the pond with poison!" He roared.
You held back a choke. "GET OUT OF THERE NOW!" I yelled as Mareanie opened her mouth. Inky, violet gunk gushed out of her maw into the rest of the water.
Within seconds the once clear water was a dark black and violet mix. Helioptile crawled out shortly after, clearly poisoned.
Mareanie slowly emerged from the poisoned muck, a serene smile that looked unnerving. She opened her and puked a glob of acid glowing bright purple. Venoshock.
The attack homed in on Helioptile despite their attempts to flee. They unleashed one last Shock Wave before the Venoshock landed. The glob exploded as it struck Helioptile, blasting the electric type with enough force to send them flying into the air across the field until they crashed into the Kadabra's arena barrier. Meanwhile, the Shock Wave struck Mareanie, who began to convulse due to the electric currents running through her, tentacles spasming out of control and their spikes charring.
Yet.. she's forcibly turning towards you…staring right at you.
"Helioptile is unable to battle! Send out your last Pokemon!"
Helioptile slid down the barrier, unconscious, and you recalled him back to his pokeball. "Good job," you whisper, "and thanks."
You glance back up to your opponent, Mareanie, who's still smiling. Unblinking. Just eyes focusedatyouand—
"Recover."
nononononono
Your hands shook as you quickly released Psyduck right on top of Mareanie. Your breaths are short and shallow, your throat feels tight as you shout at the water type to Zen Headbutt, the sheer panic in your voice slurring your speech into nonsense. But luckily Psyduck understood the command and with eyes still squinted, sore from the sludge blindness, smashed his head glowing with psychic energies onto the poison type. The attack sent Mareanie tumbling across the field, tearing at the ground and grass beneath until she crashed into a field of rocks sending up a cloud of debris obscuring where she'd landed.
And yet…slowly. She stood. The Recover having healed enough for her to hold on.
Which is enough.
"Venoshock."
Is this it? Is it over? Time slows to a crawl as you rapidly try and think of what to do. Psyduck's vision is still recovering from blindness and with the dust cloud covering Mareanie, blurry vision wouldn't be enough for Confusion. Too far away for any other of his moves, think think think. What else did that ARCUS say—you grab the ARCUS on the table next to you with enough force to nearly trip yourself.
Turning the lid, you activate the Tera Orb at the center and pray that you made it in time to make up for such a stupid fuck up as forgetting you could fucking Terastalize.
Poisoned energy gathered in Mareanie's mouth, slower than before. She wonders what sort of wonderful faces the Human will give once the duck falls. She trembles despite herself.
The Judges and the Proctor were amused that the examinee finally remembered to use her ARCUS. This has been a fun start to the day, at least.
Meanwhile Psyduck is awaiting orders on what to do. The dull pain of their ever present headaches being ignored and vision still blurry because that jerk blinded him again for the second time this week.
And you, heart beating a mile a minute, fingers still gripping the ARCUS as the light of the device glows.
Mareanie launces Venoshock. A glob of envenomed spit that will decide the match.
??? ACTIVATES
You blink. Staring across the Arena, opposite you; the proctor of your exam. You blink. Your vision is still blurry after Mareanie blinded you with Sludge. A crystalline metallic sheen engulfs the you in the field as the Venoshock hits, sending you back to skid across the ground. Your veins burn as the poison interacts with the Poison Type Energy of the attack yet you resist, your crystal outer shell shielding you from the worst of it.
The proctor orders a Recover, which you stop with a Disable from your finger, your eyes in the stands of the arena narrowing at the Mareanie below on the field. The Poison type pouts on the verge of a tantrum as you take her favorite toy away from her. She knows the fight is over now. She will miss your funny little faces and noises. You were the best human so far. She will simply have to bully you—your head hurts—as always.
You. You. No order given. No order necessary. Your eyes glow blue as your eyes up above narrow and aim. The Confusion hits and it is over.
??? DEACTIVATES
"Mareanie is unable to battle! Examinee Mariana wins!"
You grab onto the railing of the arena for support, knees too weak to keep you standing. What—was that?
The battle was beyond stressful. You're exhausted as you try and force yourself up. You look at the arena and only Psyduck remains there, seemingly as confused as you are. When you became them and you them and—your head hurts and maybe you are a Psyduck with these headaches. You call them back to their pokeball. In a Pokeball, a Pokemon is miniaturized and placed in a weird stasis of sorts from what you've been told. Looking at them past the semi transparent top of the ball, you can see Psyduck sitting down, eyes closed, posture relaxed.
They—they should be fine right? You heard the Center's healing machine can help Pokemon recover from way worse even dismemberment and near death! 'He-he'll be fine' you think, hand gripping the ball in worry.
"Congratulations on passing, Ms. Mariana" you turn your head and nearly drop Psyduck's ball in surprise. "Do forgive us for Mr. Iosef's rather enthusiastic nature. You may refer to me as Ms. Gregoria." The female Judge that had been heckling your Proctor throughout the match. At a closer look, she had jet black hair tied into a long braid on her back. She wore the same military uniform typical of the academy staff and her striking bright yellow eyes were behind red tinted glasses. She offers you a hand to help steady yourself, your balance still weak from your… experience.
"What—what was that?" you ask.
"The ARCUS Combat Link System." Ah yes, because those combinations of words explain everything. "They are a new feature of the ARCUS that we plan to implement this coming school year for exceptional students."
"Am—am I exceptional?" you stammer out.
"Well they managed to activate them, so you must be exceptional." Your ears heat up at being called something like that. You? Exceptional?
"Ah yes, that reminds me… your temporary trainer card please?" You hand it over to her while still feeling dizzy. Whether it was from the Link thing or the compliment, you don't know. She pulls out a device from a pocket and inserts your card, you hear a noise before she returns it to you.
You take a look at your Trainer Card. It much more resembles all those official ones you saw online. Still has the same picture of yours, though. "Well then, miss, everything seems to be in order. As long as your measurements remain consistent, your uniforms should arrive at your address in a few days. Have a good day." You nod as you leave the provided ARCUS behind on the table with the Pokeballs. You spare one last glance at Psyduck's pokeball before leaving.
You enter the waiting area wherein you're immediately accosted by that girl from earlier who slings her arm around you.
"Sohowwasit? Didyoulose? Didyouwin? Name's Astrid by the way." she rapidly says and finishes with her reaching out her right hand for you to shake. Which you do. Because of a glare from the guard, you both settle down for a proper conversation. You introduce yourself and use this opportunity to unwind. Your head no longer hurts, but you're still exhausted.
Eventually, she's called out for her own examination and she bids you goodbye. " Gotta go, chief! Maybe we'll see each other in Mesagoza—we could be rivals and junk! And go get some shuteye! You look like you were gonna collapse on me." She says before leaving. With nothing else to do, you decide to head out.
As you make your way out of the Battle Arena you look out and see:
[] Cortondo: Old brickwork houses make up most of the landscape of Cortondo proper, only broken up by more modern buildings like the Gym, the Battle Arena and the Pokemon Center. Beyond the town itself is a near endless sea of farms, plantations and orchards going up all the way to the Guadiana River and the Badajoz Heights. Behold: the Imperial Breadbasket that feeds nearly twenty million people. The ever present smell of food coming from the countless bakeries, cookeries and eateries is starting to give you quite an appetite. (+0 CharGen Points)
Your hometown will be Cortondo
Starter choices will primarily be Bug, Grass and Normal types
You know how to cook meals not just for yourself but also for your Pokemon (+1 PROW)
You're considered a hick by the rest of the region. (-1 CHRM)
[] Cabo Poco: Hotels, Resorts, Spas and all the other necessities expected of a settlement built around Tourism. It's technically the youngest settlement in the region, having only been established in the aftermath of the Great War a scant five decades ago. Has the largest population of foreigners in Paldea, made up of refugees from that same war. The El Gigante Naval Base is pretty close by, a constant symbol of Imperial Power. (+0 CharGen Points)
Your hometown will be Cabo Poco
Starter choices will primarily be Water, Flying and Normal types. You will have access to some amount of Exotic and Rare pokemon even at the lower backgrounds.
Is the hometown of Nemona and a pair of siblings from Galar. They will surely not be relevant in the future.
You're fluent in multiple languages. Among them are Paldean, Unovan, Galarian and Kalosian. (+1 CHRM)
[] Artazon: Ancient buildings built in the old style of marble and limestone juxtaposed with the latest modernist infrastructure from Unova. The oldest still-standing settlement in Paldea. Straddling the line between town and city, Artazon is a place between worlds. Between tradition and modernity, antiquated Paldean norms and current International trends. A place of Art and Learning containing within it some of the oldest and largest Libraries, School and Universities in the region. (-1 CharGen Points)
Your hometown will be Artazon
Starter choices will be Grass, Poison, Rock types
You have a pretty decent educational foundation in topics that aren't about Pokemon. Crazy, right? (+2 KNOW)
Mesagoza Academy never liked anyone muscling in on its turf of being the Trainer School in Paldea. (-1 SKLL)
[] Levincia: High-rises, Skyscrapers and Factories dot its landscape; in the distance is a reminder to the humble beginning of the city, the Lighthouse of Levincia. A former port town that grew and grew and grew until it became the very symbol of modern Paldea. Industrial, Modern and International. Located on the islands off the coast of the city is the Watts Naval Fortress, which serves as both a check to Kalosian and Rimean influence in the area but also to prevent the city its named after from getting any ideas. Rightfully so for within the city also lies the beating heart of the movements that challenge the status quo of the region; Nationalist, Reformists, Republicans and among others. A part of you worries that… Oh nevermind! Your Oshi, Iono is streaming! (-2 CharGen Points)
Your hometown will be Levincia
Starter choices will be Electric, Ghost, Dark and Steel Types
You can traverse the urban jungle, the twisting alleyways and sprawling subways with ease. (Gain Trait: Urban Explorer. Exploration options in cities are free.)
You have a firsthand view at the political tensions dividing Paldea…
You're tech savvy of sorts. Thankfully not brain poisoned by social media, you uninstalled your socials from your phone just before you finished enrollment. You still keep up with Iono's streams, though. (+1 KNOW)
[] Zapapico: Abandoned houses, crumbling infrastructure and the shadow of prosperity long gone. The mining town that once fed the hungry maw of Paldean industry. But that was then, now out of all the settlements in Paldea, it is the one that is growing the least and is even starting to decline in population. The Nobility neglect the settlement, content to squeeze as much blood as they can from the stone. Even the Aragon is in decline: quarries and mines close up more and more, the people that worked them migrating to the great cities in search of work to sustain themselves. You hate to say it but you get it. Fortunately for you, you have your ticket out of this joint. (+1 CharGen Points)
Your hometown will be Zapapico
Starter choices will be Ice, Rock, and Steel types
You've done your fair share of manual labor helping out with the adult, taking care of other kids in the community. A scrappy little brat all in all (+1 PROW)
Education was a privilege afforded by the few in Zapapico, you were not one of them (-1 KNOW)
Poverty is a fact of life for most families other than for the truly wealthy, yours are likely no exception. (Start with less funds, lower allowance if background allows for such)
Something is up with the Aragon Plateau…
[] Cascarrafa: "Cortondo feeds the masses; Cascarrafa, the elite." A city where the influence of the Nobility is built into its very foundations. A tiered city where the divides in Paldean society are most clearly visible. In its highest tier lies the great manors and mansions of the rich and powerful, there they overlook their domain for it is in Cascarrafa where most of Western Paldea is run and governed. In the middle tier lies the vast artisanal industries of the City. Restaurants, Tailors, Jewelers and others all often devoted to servicing the rich clientele up above. And finally, the bottom rung, the part of the city most affected by the Asado Desert where the toilers and laborers of the city call home. (-2 CharGen Points)
Your hometown will be Cascarrafa
Starter choices will be Water, Fire and Ground Types
You are intimately aware of the privilege and power of the Nobility…
Something is up with the Asado Desert…
The Cascarrafa Arena is one of many Battle Arenas in the city, also being one of the largest Arenas in Paldea. You've spent a large part of your youth just watching trainers duke it out with their Pokemon (+1 SKLL)
Cost is halved if taken alongside Background: Noblesse Oblige
[] Fede: Quaint village houses, homey cottages and the rare manor, all of them old. The newest building in the town being the one you just exited, which also doubles as the local Pokemon Center. Located on a watershed separated from the rest of Paldea by the Glaseado Mountain Range and the ever dangerous Casseroya Lake, Fede is a sleepy isolated town. Despite its small size, it is one of the oldest settlements in Paldea. Its number one export, aside from rare Fairy types to the Paldean League, is Silk and Tea of astonishing quality. Outsiders visiting often say that there is something…off about the town, a place out of step with the rest of Paldea. (-2 CharGen Points)
Your hometown will be Fede. It is on the spot where the Ruchbach Squadron Base is located in regular Scarlet and Violet
Starter choices will be Fairy, Dark and Bug Types
You definitely know what a Domain is…
You are vaguely aware of the more mysterious side of Paldea…
Wild and Trainer Pokemon roam freely in the town, so communicating with a Pokemon is much easier for you (+1 SKLL, Grain Trait: Poke-Whisperer: You can kinda understand Pokemon, not to the level of speech but more than most people.)
You have little experience with the outside world and are kinda naive, having been homeschooled for most of your life (-1 KNOW, -1 CHRM)
Fede is not connected by rail to the rest of Paldea, its only link to the rest of the Region is via a ship to Porto Marinada. To reach Mesagoza by the start of the School Year, you'll have to leave much earlier than you would otherwise. (There won't be a Last Minute action next update, you'll receive your starter and immediately make your way to Mesagoza.)
[] Porto Marinada: An endless blue dotted by cargo liners, cruise ships and other oceangoing vessels surrounded by Water pokemon and their Sailor Trainers. The salty tang of oceanic air mixed in countless spices, perfumes and other smells that marked Marinada as an International Port. Annexed a mere decade ago as the Empire's most recent acquisition, Marinada was a long standing Free City in the vein of Rime, Pasio and Aeos, at least until it was conquered and integrated into the Empire while its erstwhile protector in Hoenn was distracted by the Magma-Aqua Crisis. Rapidly becoming a major centerpiece of the Imperial Economy to the benefit of major Crown Corporations, International Conglomerates and the local Elite. (+0 CharGen Points)
Your hometown will be Porto Marinada or as the locals call it, Marina Marinedo
Starter choices will be Water, Dark, and Flying Types
Certain groups will consider you a foreigner at best and it'll be a stigma you carry around during your time in the Academy. (Gain Trait: Outsider. -25% CHRM when interacting with Nationalists and Nobility)
Something is up with the Asado Desert…
Not everyone is happy with the new management…
Access to Super Rare Starters if taken alongside Background: Noblesse Oblige
[] Medali: Assorted apartments, government buildings and restaurants, Medali is where the sausage of the Paldean League is made. While the Champion and the Elite Four are based in Mesagoza, the day to day bureaucracy operates out of and resides in Medali. Entire industries center around catering towards government workers and their families. The city is also the fastest growing one out of all the Paldean settlements. After all, the bureaucracy must expand to meet the needs of the expanding bureaucracy. (-1 CharGen Points)
Your hometown will be Medali
Starter choices will be Normal, Psychic and Dark Types
The Medali City Government has a program of providing stipends to students that enter Mesagoza Academy. Whether you need to or not, it's still pretty nice. (Higher starting funds, higher allowance if you receive one)
[] Andosin Highlands: Vast beautiful plains separated by towering mountains and peaks, herds of Tauros led by your kinsmen to graze and up above, the Dragon Riders of your people sparring with the Flying types of the Imperial Army. The building you exited is the Tauros Fort which was built to keep an eye on the Kalosians across the border. The Andosins are a nomadic people that populate the Highlands of their namesake. The Highlands are technically not part of Paldea, being an autonomous protectorate under the Imperial Crown. In practice, the ties between the Andosin people and the Empire go back to its very founding after the Paldean Dark Ages. It is where Emperor Rodrigo Diaz Arnor first raised the armies that would go on to reunify Paldea with him. Today the Andosins maintain close ties with the Imperial Army, being responsible for the raising and training of the Empire's Dragon and Flying types. (-3 CharGen Points)
Your 'hometown' will be the Andosin Highlands. It is the area roughly analogues to North Province Area One and Two in regular Scarlet and Violet
Starter choices will be Dragon, Flying and Fighting Types
Your people eat Pokemon, this is a fact of life. You've learned how to hunt and hunt alongside Pokemon. You've spent your days since birth raised alongside them. But such a thing is rather…controversial in the rest of the region and you can't for the life of you understand why. ( +1 PROW, +1 SKLL)
Paldean is your second language and you're not all that good at it but you're trying. It's something you'll have to work on in the Academy alongside the gaps in your knowledge base compared to your peers. ( -1 KNOW, Gain Trait: Catching Up: x2 KNOW XP gained until KNOW 8 is achieved)
You definitely know what a Domain is…
You're vaguely aware of the truth of the Ruin Quartet…
Certain groups will consider you a foreigner at best and it'll be a stigma you carry around during your time in the Academy. (Gain Trait: Outsider. -25% CHRM when interacting with Nationalists and Nobility)
[] Alfornada: Inns, Bazaars and Workshops line the streets of what can generously be described as Paldea's Tourist Trap. In the middle of the city lies the Alfornada Research Complex, hosting within it the largest Observatory in Paldea. Farther away from the center of the town lies Castle Algarve, one of the largest Castes in Paldea and a known tourist destination. A festival is about to start soon so you need to hurry up and get out of the way if you wanna actually do something today. (-0 CharGen Points)
Your hometown will be Alfornada
Starter choices will be Fire and Psychic Types
You know your way around people, whether it's schmoozing them or swindling them (+1 CHRM)
[] Montenevera: Snow. Snow covers every single building in the town. Temperature is on the higher end during this time of year so the snowfall isn't as bad as it typically could be. Situated high up in the Glaseado Mountain Range, Montenevera is remote and isolated from the rest of Paldea for most of the year. Connected only by a cable car to outposts lower down the mountain range, travel to and from the town is difficult. Though many still brave the journey, trainer and civilian alike. The former for the fact that Montenevera proper has a Gym and is the only settlement even anywhere near the Glaseado Gym. The latter for the famous hot springs, ski and lodge resorts of the town. (-0 CharGen Points)
Your hometown will be Montenevera
Starter Choices will be Ice, Rock and Ghost Types
The harsh environment has resulted in a hardy people, perhaps not as much as typically stereotyped (You're pretty sure that rumor of a kid fighting a wild Ursaring by themselves isn't true). Nevertheless, you're a tough kid who knows how to take care of yourself (+1 PROW)
[] Los Platos: Old cobblestone roads, houses and buildings of mismatching architectural styles and ages. A town that has been destroyed and rebuilt time and time again. Plague, Natural Disaster, Pokemon Attack, Military Conflict. Los Plastos is as old and storied as ancients like Mesagoza and Artazona yet unlike either, it failed to withstand the test of time. But it was always rebuilt and refounded by those who fled or survived calamity. Outside of that, though, it's a sleepy little town, the oldest and largest building in the settlement being the Clocktower dating back to even before the Great Collapse to the time of the First Empire.
Your hometown will be Los Platos
Starter Choices will be Normal, Grass and Steel Types
A few recently established research labs are really the only things of interest. Though the old Clocktower was cordoned off from the public shortly before they were set up.
It was still early in the day, with it not even being noon yet. More people will likely show up for their examinations later in the day, so at least this way you didn't have to deal with a crowd. The regulars of the Battle Arenas probably still won't be happy, they've been reserved for use by the Academy for the entire week for examinations. Hmm… you wonder what you're gonna do for the rest of the d—your phone is ringing.
Picking it up, it's:
[] Every child has to leave on an adventure. It says so on TV!: Your parents are calling to check on how the exam went. They can be a bit overbearing at times, especially now with how they're talking about taking you to dinner at a fancy restaurant—did they just say Gastronomie en Famille!? Yeah of course you can get your starter tomorrow, that's fine, it'll prolly be one of the local labs or a daycare. You're kinda bad at saying it to them and with mushy stuff in general, but you love your parents. (-1 CharGen Points)
Starter choices will Uncommon or Rare
Cannot be taken with the following hometowns: Andosin Highlands, Zapapico, Fede
Monthly allowance will be P(PokeDollars) 10,000
Starting funds will be in a Bank Account. Starting funds will be P 25,000
Little drama due to your background aside from teen angst and embarrassing parents. Upper middle class background, not nobility though. Your tuition will be paid by them, though it won't be comfortable.
No major expectations for you aside from you doing well, staying out of trouble and generally living doing your best at the academy.
[] It Takes a Village: A screaming voice asking you if you've won yet. It seems one of the tyke bombs got impatient. You answer affirmatively and you hear screaming and running from your phone. It seems everyone else now knows the good news. Well-wishes, Congratulations, good-natured taunts and boasts from the other brats bring a smile to your face. Eventually an adult manages to pry the phone from the kids and another round of congratulations takes place, this time from an older audience. One of them says they'll take you to a ranger station to get your starter tomorrow before the rest of the adults talk your ear off. A commune, an orphanage, hell an actual straight up village, whatever you call it—you were carried here on the backs of so many other people just because they saw something in you. You refuse to disappoint. (+1 CharGen Points)
Starter choices will be Common or Uncommon
You will not receive a monthly allowance
Starting funds will be provided upfront during the next chapter. Starting funds will be P 10,000
They saw something in you. "Built different" as one of the brats called it. (+1 SKLL)
Some expectations, mostly self-inflicted. You wouldn't wanna disappoint Little Timmy or Old Man Jenkins after all.
Some drama coming from an impoverished family in a deeply stratified society.
If taken alongside backgrounds Fede or Andosin Highlands, All Rarities of Starter Choices except for Exotic will be available
Student Loans
[] We Have A Legacy to Consider: A maid on behalf of your parents asking about your status. You tell her of your success and she passes the telephone to your mother who congratulates you. How considerate. She mentions how it was of course expected that a child of a Barony of such esteem could not possibly fail at such a task. If you focus, you could almost even detect a hint of genuine pride and happiness from her voice. How sweet. You'll meet your starter tomorrow before a luncheon with another baronial family whose child will also be attending Mesagoza. According to her, the Pokemon will be coming from a rather prestigious breeder, your family being too small to have your own in-house ones. How nice. (-2 CharGen Points)
Starter Choices will be Rare or Super Rare
Starter Choice will have their Hidden Ability (unless their regular Abilities are better) or a decent Egg Move
Cannot be taken with the following hometowns: Andosin Highlands and Fede
Monthly allowance will be P 100,000. Will increase depending on Badge level.
Starting funds will be in a Bank Account under the Family name. Starting funds will be P 500,000
Heavy expectations. It would not do for a scion of your family to be a failure. They also expect you to make connections with your peers. As long as they're of suitable background.
Minor Nobility. Some drama due to your station and class. Expect petty bullshit from enemies and rivals of your family at court. And oh, maybe some moaning from commoners and radicals but they don't matter.
A maid will be assigned to you. She will live in Mesagoza City and is to attend to your needs in the city itself. It's absurd the Academy forbids servants and staff from living within the dorms. They already divide it by status after all, you'll just have to rely on the Academy's own maids and servants.
Access to a decent-quality Vitamins and Pokemon food regimen from the get-go
Your spoons were definitely of the rich kind (Gain trait Silver Spoon: -1 PROW, earn 25% less PROW EXP.)
[] You'll Make It Far Kid: Your Sponsor? Backer? Guy who you owe your future to is calling to check up on you. You update them on what's happened and they sound proud, which is good. They say that this is just the first step if you wanna make it far. Meet up with them later for dinner with your parents. Your starter should arrive tomorrow from one of the better daycares in the province. They then go on a tangent reminiscing like all old (read: 30+) people do. You don't mind much, they sometimes drop genuinely good advice and nuggets of what you think might be government secrets. (-2 CharGen Points)
Starter Choices will be Rare
Starter Choice will have a decent Egg Move
You will not receive a monthly allowance. You will instead receive PokeDollars the more Badges you earn.
Starting funds will be in a Bank Account. Starting funds will be P 100,000
Big Expectations. Someone Genuinely Important either saw potential in you or owed you or your parents a huge favor. So they're pulling strings to get you enrolled. They'll handle tuition—you just have to do your best and not fuck up.
Access to free decent-quality Vitamins and Pokemon food regimen from the get-go
Allowed to increase Pokemon catch limit to 8 by the 6th Badge rather than the typical 8th Badge requirement
Eyes are on you due to how Genuinely Important your backer is. Being from a commoner background certainly doesn't help.
[] The Academic Pipeline: Your teacher is calling since she just got the news from her friend who was apparently one of the Judges. She can help you pickup your starter on the weekend at one of the local labs since she's swamped with work. You tell her it's no biggie and you once again thank her even helping you get here in the first place. She also once again says that it's fine and hardly any trouble at all. You apologize to each other in a loop for another couple of times before she has to hang up due to her next class. (-1 CharGen Points)
Starter Choices will be Uncommon
You will not receive a monthly allowance.
Cannot be taken with the following hometowns: Andosin Highlands,
Starting funds will be provided upfront during the next chapter. Starting funds will be P 20,000
You knew enough about Pokemon and were smart enough about it that you were able to bag a scholarship. (Gain trait: Scholar +10% SKLL and KNOW XP)
Student Loans, but not as bad as it could be.
Some expectations. The Scholarship Program is both how the university fills out its roster and how it finds Diamonds in the Rough. Not everyone graduates the Academy as an 8th Badge Level Trainer. Most of them end up as 3rd or 4th and fill out the ranks of Rangers, Private Security Groups and other organizations that could use a decently capable Trainer.
[] Noblesse Oblige: It's Manfredi, your butler. He inquires about your status and you tell him what happened. He congratulates you and then goes silent as he seems to talk to someone. He says the Lord would wish to meet at your earliest convenience (as soon as possible) and to have a safe trip, though you're certain that last part was from him specifically. You contact your chauffeur to pick you up and wait. Eventually a limo arrives near the Battle Arena, in the front alongside the driver is the pokemon assigned to keep an eye on you, in the back is a man also assigned to be your minder. As you're escorted into the vehicle by the maid, you sneak a glance at the emblem on the side of the car. It shows that you are a member of one of the Great Houses of Paldea, a Ducal Family second only to the Imperial Crown itself. You close your eyes and reminisce about the cooking and presence of someone who genuinely loved you. (-3 CharGen Points)
Starter will be Super Rare or Exotic
Starter Choice will have their Hidden Ability (unless their regular Abilities are better) and a strong Egg Move
Cannot be taken with the following hometowns: Andosin Highlands, Fede, Montenevera
Cost is halved if taken alongside Background: Noblesse Oblige
Monthly allowance will be P 500,000. Will increase depending on Badge level.
Starting funds will be in a Bank Account under the Family name. Starting funds will be P 2,500,000
Born to a commoner servant of the family, she was let go after she dared slander the Heir of the House. With the death of your Grandfather, said Heir rose to become Duke of the province. Yet for 10 years he remained without a child with his wife, another noble. In desperation, he plucked you out of the orphanage you were left to when your mother died and legitimized you as his heir. Your extended family is disdainful of you, your step-mother despises you and your 'Father' is the worst.
Access to free high-quality Vitamins and Pokemon food regimen from the get-go
If progress is acceptable, can request specific High-Quality Pokemon from the in-house breeders.
Manfredi will be at your service in Mesagoza. I will have some calls made to see some of my staff placed into the academy dorms for the Nobility. Call on them inside the school proper if you urgently need them.
Expectation. Expectations. Expectations. Where to begin?
8 Badges by the end of your first year or else
Elite Four rank by your 2nd year or else
Take care in associating with the rabble. Maybe if they're proud patriots of the Empire it may be acceptable. But the admirers of that Geeta? Or those Kalosian puppets? Unacceptable.
[] Stranger of Paradise: It's your other phone—your burner. You pick up and receive your new instructions, not even wondering how the hell they managed to find out already. Your starter will already be in your room tomorrow, hopefully they don't break your lock. You are to report to your handler once in Mesagoza, a woman obsessed with old legends who you met once. She will operate as your parent legally and requests for funds will go through her. Further instruction will be provided on a need to know basis. The line goes dead. Yeah, this is your life now. (+1 CharGen Points)
Starter will be Rare or Exotic and the Type Restriction from Hometown will be lifted
You came from nothing and are nothing
Cannot be taken with the following hometowns: Andosin Highlands, Fede
Starter Choice will have their Hidden Ability and a strong Egg Move
You can be something
Starting Funds will be P100,000. Starting allowance can be negotiated with your Handler once you reach Mesagoza
But cross or disobey them
Can request specific High-Quality TMs. Both single-use and the much more rare and expensive Reusables. Can request decent-quality vitamins and pokemon food once in Mesagoza
And you will return to nothing
LEFTOVER CHARGEN POINTS: 2 +1 CHARGEN POINT FOR BEATING BOTH PROCTOR POKEMON
+1 CHARGEN POINT FOR ACTIVATING ARCUS LINK
+2 PROW AND SKLL FOR BEATING BOTH PROCTOR POKEMON + 500 SKLL XP FOR WINNING YOUR FIRST BATTLE. YOU WILL REMEMBER THIS FOR AS LONG AS YOU LIVE
NEW STAT TOTAL:
PROW
10
KNOW
6
CHRM
12
SKLL
10
Massive thanks to Nemastraea for proofreading this update
Alright, this was a learning experience
Gonna separate combat into two different categories: Minor and Major
Major battles are gonna use a still in progress simplified version of what I used for the vs. Mareanie fight. Minor battles will use a simple 1d100 vs 1d100 per pokemon with modifiers added on
An example of the latter would Astrid's Examination
Which I'll do right now:
Astrid vs Gregoria
1st Turn: 77vs8
6 Degrees of Advantage
Gregoria First Mon Faints
2nd Turn: 45vs7
3 Degrees of Advantage
Gregoria Second Mon Low
3rd Turn: 70vs21
Gregoria Second Mon Faints
Astrid Wins
CharGen Points will no longer be used after this chapter. Use them up as you like. But prioritize making background hometown combos you think would be fun.
Next chapter will be starter choices and Last Minute Action which should serve as a tutorial to Weekly actions
The Starter rarity system works like such
Categorized all 3-stage Pokemon into 5 categories: Common, Uncommon, Rare, Super Rare and Exotic
Common and Uncommon are pokemon you'd expect to see out in the Wild. They're the kinds of Pokemon you'll mostly interact with and see during Field Exercises.
Rare are pokemon you'll only really see during Missions either as rewards or having to specifically look for them during Field Exercises in specific locations.
Super Rare can only be found as either Arc rewards or Field Exercise rewards
Exotic Pokemon are different in that they will typically not be encountered in Paldea at all and can only be found by interacting with Mission, Arcs and Field Exercises that involve Non-Paldeans.
