GM Note: This game does not focus on battle. Instead, it focuses on the interactions between a Trainer and their Pokemon, in particular the cursed Shadow Pokemon. While there will be battles, the emphasis should be on interesting characters (both human and Pokemon!) and their development. Also, if you were in the first edition of SoO, there have been significant changes made in hopes that things won't stall quite so much.
Shadows of Orre
To all members of Shadow Board:
For the past several years, Cipher has put out a tremendous effort in order to improve Orre and raise the tourism income. This would be fine, but we question their methods of doing so. Of greatest concern are the Shadow Pokemon. Check out this public statement put out by Cipher Admin Ein:
‘While one can witness Pokemon battles anywhere, one may only witness the great power and attitude of the Shadow Pokemon in Orre. It is a style unique to our region and key to revitalizing our prosperity. And you have a chance to take part in this grand dream by winning a Shadow Pokemon of your own!
‘In order to earn one, you must simply enter a Challenge in the Pyrite, Under, Deep, or Realgam Colosseums and win. If one of our scouts is impressed by your performance, he or she will take you to our offices to be awarded with a powerful Shadow Pokemon. Our scouts are watching Mount Battle Trainers as well.
‘The special training that Shadow Pokemon undergo is extensive, giving them new moves and greater power. However, a Shadow’s power may weaken over time. If this happens, simply request a retraining through one of Cipher’s agents and we will resolve the problem. Other complaints are that regular Pokemon become jealous and will not work with a Shadow. This is unfortunate, but with some effort, you can get a Shadow and a normal Pokemon to cooperate.
‘There are rumors that Shadow Pokemon are more likely to injure people, but this is unfounded. All Trainers take a risk of being harmed by the Pokemon they control. Shadow Pokemon are not recommended for Coordinators as the Shadow training focuses exclusively on battle.’
While Ein dismisses the risks, they are indeed severe. Injuries requiring hospitalization are almost unheard of with regular Pokemon, whereas such injuries by Shadow Pokemon occur weekly. One case even has a man in a coma because his Shadow Pokemon became overly violent. They may have been trained intensely for battle, but even military Pokemon are not this dangerous.
Also, the behaviors of Shadow Pokemon are of great concern. Some fight as if fearing for their life, while others are openly malicious. They show signs of deep distress, as only found in the worst cases of abuse. Even the shiest or proudest of normal Pokemon have better socializing skills than these Shadows.
We have found out that Shadow Pokemon can be purified and returned to normal; if you are in the group that can read this posting, you can see how at the Purification topic in this locked section of the Kids Grid. With this process, we hope to purify some Shadows and bring to light evidence of Cipher’s wrongdoing. But there are many Shadow Pokemon, each requiring personal attention and care in order to be purified. One person alone cannot do this.
Therefore, we are asking the members of this network to acquire Shadow Pokemon and work on purifying them. We will pool our resources and information to discover Cipher’s true intentions, overturning them if necessary. We have some help in the form of Sheriff Sherles in Pyrite and a particular informant who is has the username Bluecoat on this network. But in starting this effort, we take great risks with Cipher. They have ignored us so far as a children’s social network, but if they discover this secret locked section on Shadows, Cipher would certainly take no mercy against us. If you have been invited to join this group, we have found you trustworthy. Please do not attempt to get an invitation for a new member unless you know that the person is trustworthy as well.
It will be difficult. But if you have sympathy for these damaged Pokemon, please help the Shadows.
From Secc and Nett
-+-
You are a Trainer in Orre who has obtained a Shadow Pokemon. Secc and Nett’s notice indicated the main method known, but there are other ways. You are also a member of the Kids Grid, in particular with access to the secret Shadow discussion board where the Orre ‘rebels’ are planning to take out the criminal element that controls the region with an iron grip. How you are going to do this is very much up to you, as a ‘children’s social network’ is the only safe place to discuss such matters. Do not break the secrecy of the Kids Grid!
There are four Cipher Admins: Miror B. in Pyrite, Venus in the Under, Dakim around Mt. Battle, and Ein somewhere mysterious. They are led by Nascour, who is even more mysterious. Following them are many Cipher agents. Some are mere thugs while others are skilled assassins. While they may seem like a joke at times, the Cipher agency is ruthless and dangerous, ruling the region of Orre through intimidation, power, and wealth. But they keep this out of view of most of Orre’s residents, pretending to be benefactors and protectors. A great many citizens believe in their words, or fear them enough to not step out of line.
Also in the region, there is a small gang of thugs known as Team Snag’em. While Cipher has good publicity, Snag’em outright declares themselves as dirty rotten thieves. Snag’em agents are trouble. It is said that they can even steal Pokemon right in the middle of battle. Many of them are violent too, drinking heavily and starting bar brawls. It’s still a secretive group and no outsider is sure where they are based.
There are not many authority figures around to help out the rebels. Sheriff Sherles is an extremely hard-working law enforcement officer who is nevertheless handicapped greatly by the ruling criminal element. However, he seems to know of other adults who might be willing to switch sides if approached. He is the default leader of the K. Grid rebels, although the boys Secc and Nett run the website itself. The user Bluecoat is someone Sherles knows; he has a way of acquiring new Shadow Pokemon quickly. You may have even gotten your Shadow from him. But Bluecoat doesn’t say much and isn’t inclined to work with anyone besides his Pokemon. Not much is known about him.
Also in Pyrite, there is an old woman known variously as Pyrite’s Mother, or Fatina. She runs a fortune telling shop with her student Rui. Fatina can act like a silly old woman giving out vague prophecies, but when she is serious, it is clear that she is wise and highly intelligent. In a similar way, Rui always seems cheerful, bubbly, and air-headed, but will show a clever side every now and then. The two women have a special talent in seeing the aura of Pokemon; they can tell a lot about a Shadow Pokemon that no one else would be able to even guess, such as how much their heart has healed and what might help/harm them most.
If you know anything else about the plot of the actual game, please mark such notations as spoilers! Even if it’s an older game, they’re still spoilers. And there’s no guarantee that I’ll let them play out in the same manner.
Shadow Pokemon
There is something very wrong with these Pokemon. They are savage and dangerous. However, they are extremely good at battling, far more than normally possible. They have the special move Shadow Rush, can enter Hyper Mode, and can deliver a savage counter blow if they come close to fainting.
They also will badly injure other Pokemon, people, and even their own Trainer, especially while under Hyper Mode. Their obedience level varies, but all have a chance of disobeying at any time. They do not trust anyone, not even other Shadow Pokemon. In response, most regular Pokemon will be uneasy and distrusting of them. Regular Pokemon may even resent a Trainer who uses a Shadow.
Overall, Shadows are good in battle, but terrible anywhere else. The place they are given away generally determines their ability and degree of Shadow potency. It goes something like this:
Pyrite: first evos, ‘baby’, easy to purify
Under/Mt Battle: mid-range Pokemon
Deep/Realgam: final evos, difficult to purify
According to rumors, Cipher may have even turned legendary Pokemon into Shadows.
The other main method of acquiring a Shadow is adopting through the Kids Grid. If you start out with an adopted one, then you will most likely start the RPG by picking it up at the police station in Pyrite Town or as a delivery from a Pokemart or Pokecenter, as the adoption is a recent service.
You may start with your choice of a Shadow, but any you acquire after that will be somewhat random. Bluecoat will occasionally make in-game postings of new Shadows up for adoption and I have final say in any prize Pokemon. I’ll accommodate reasonable requests, especially if you are a consistent player with quality posts. Plus, you can make an in-game report of a Shadow and your character would have priority in eventually adopting it. But it will take time for that to occur.
Due to the game being based on Coliseum and not XD, Shadow Rush is the ONLY Shadow move available to ANY Shadow Pokemon. The ‘counter skill’ is more of a violent lashing out before it faints. And it will lose Shadow Rush when it is purified, just like in the game.
I reserve the right to temporarily control any Shadow, especially if the Shadow seems too obedient in your posts. This could end up in it doing anything: ignoring the Trainer, falling asleep, getting distracted, using the wrong move, or all the way up to attacking someone nearby.
Location Notes
Mount Battle: An active, albeit sluggish, volcano with an array of platforms and pathways for Pokemon battles. Some people are worried that it’s building up to an explosion soon. What about the 100 Trainer Endurance Match? It’s a special event and won’t occur in the RPG. But the facility is always open to hosting battles and training.
Orre Desert: A vast rocky desert where only the toughest and hardiest plants can grow. Giant boulders litter the landscape and form landmarks for guides. If you wish to cross to another location, there are buses available (although the regular service is dingy and worn down). Lately, people have reported strange sightings in the desert, like a frightening phantom and an elusive rainbow Pokemon.
Raelgam Tower: A relatively new structure, Raelgam is an improbable looking tower in the middle of the desert with a large Pokemon stadium on top. It is a high class establishment that screams wealth and power in the public places. Meant to be a draw to outside tourists, it has not only the stadium, but a casino, three different bars, a fancy restaurant, hotel rooms, and a movie theater.
Pyrite Town: A place of thugs, thieves, and punks, Pyrite is a former mining town that is currently a ramshackle slum town. Lately, there’s been a rash of power outages. It is officially ruled by the Pyrite Coliseum owner Duking, although the Cipher Admin Miror B. is the real power in town. Sherles works here, along with Fatina, Rui, and Nett.
The Under: While Pyrite is a slum town, the Under manages to be even worse. This is a sleazy, dirty, underhanded, mean, and trashy place. There is no pretense of law here as there is in Pyrite; the Cipher Admin Venus rules over all from the somewhat cleaner stadiums, the Under Stadium and the Deep Stadium. Secc and a few other K. Grid members live and work down here. Lately, the Under has experienced a ‘plague’ of bizarre dreams, things that attempt to be sweet and nice yet somehow turn horrifying.
Agate Village/Forest: Agate is the weirdest place in Orre. In the midst of a dry rocky desert, there is this thick and lush forest that seems magical even to skeptics. There is an uncanny divide between desert brown and forest green, an exact boundary that is in a precise circle. In the center of that circle, there is a monument known as the Relic Stone, a tall black rock that faintly glows green and produces clean fresh water around it. This is said to be a result of Celebi’s blessing. Agate Village sits in a less dense part of the forest; an old man said to be a champion Pokemon battler resides here. And in the forest itself, there’s a strange green-haired boy with an inhuman aura.
Outskirt Stand: In the east part of the Orre desert, there is an old train that has been converted into a diner and store. The owner claims to be neutral to any conflict and somehow has access to items not normally sold in Orre.
Phenac City: A manmade oasis town, this place is the high class area of the region. Many wealthy people live here, surrounded by palm trees and clean cool water. Everything here is in vastly better shape than any other part of Orre. However, most residents here support Cipher whole-heartedly and would look the other way if they punish someone. There is a Coliseum here, as well as a Pre-Gym, a Trainer’s School, and the largest Pokemart in Orre (although it is puny compared to ‘Department Stores’).
Gateon Port: Also in somewhat better shape is Gateon, a sea port which is the main means of access to the world outside of Orre. It’s quite distant from the rest of the region, almost as if it’s not fully a part of it. A local gang controls the docks, apparently allied with Cipher. (Please note that I’ve not played XD, so I’m not familiar with Gateon. Due to this being five years prior to that game, there is no Pokemon lab or researchers here.)
The Snag Machine
The Snag Machine is a devious device that is used by Team Snag’em and is possibly what makes them so threatening to people. Many of Snag’ems members are pickpockets who take Pokeballs from people without secured holders. But a few can actually capture another person’s Pokemon when it is outside of its Pokeball, even in the middle of battle. They have been known to attack their victims with strong Shadow Pokemon, then release the Pokemon in order to capture them. Even worse, it’s an unknown technology and few people know what the machine really looks like.
Yes, there is a risk that your Pokemon will be stolen in this game! But as the GM, I am the only one that can start a steal or snag attempt. You will be given a chance to interrupt the theft. If the theft is successful, then your Pokemon might show up later as a Shadow. Be careful.
In a change from the last game, I am not allowing PCs to have the Snag Machine. Sorry, but I think this will work out better.
Seers
Seers are people who can sense auras; visual clues are most common, like seeing colors around normal Pokemon, but black shadows around Shadow Pokemon. Other methods of sensing are around, though. Seers often have other minor abilities along with this, like being able to understand Pokemon or a talent in fortune telling.
While most people must observe a Pokemon for some time to determine that it is a Shadow, seers are able to identify one immediately as the aura cannot lie. Especially strong seers may even identify one in its Pokeball. Another valuable skill is seeing how intense the Shadow aura is, or how close the Pokemon has come to opening its heart again. A seer would be able to tell when the Shadow is able to go to the Relic Stone for the final step of purification.
However, this ability also makes seers immediate enemies to Cipher. Its agents have been known to kill such people so that they don’t convince others that the Pokemon are corrupted and in emotional turmoil. A seer will have to obscure their abilities, lie about them, or hide out with friends. If you chose to be able to see auras, then you will be a target.
Seers have also been changed, primarily to make it easier to involve them. But you are welcome to use the more challenging old version, in which the seer is oversensitive in all senses, leading to migraines, seizures, being physically weak, or other handicaps related to sensory overload. At any rate, make sure this power is balanced by some weakness.
Purifying
There is no immediate cure for Shadow Pokemon. It takes time, care, and attention to weaken the Shadow aura. Fortunately, it seems there are many ways to go about this. Many Shadows can be purified by letting them act out their frustrations and fears in battle, although this risks them entering the berserk Hyper state and hurting everyone around them. Shadow Pokemon can be brought out of Hyper by calling out their species name (as they won’t recognize nicknames until purified), which also helps the Trainer build up trust with the Shadow. However, some Shadows are spooked by battling and won’t be helped by it.
Provided the Trainer is careful, letting a Shadow out to walk around with its Trainer can help purify it, as will talking to it kindly. Being groomed or massaged will theoretically help to purify Shadows, although far too many react badly to physical contact for it to be safe early on. Being in the presence of a soothing item, such as compatible incense/perfume, a bell accessory, a security item, or even some music, can help. Shadows tend to be particular and picky about items they like.
Shadow Pokemon normally see everyone around them as potential threats or targets, no exceptions. But over time, a Shadow can learn to accept and trust a Trainer as someone who isn’t going to attack them and isn’t an acceptable target. At this point, the Shadow aura is said to be at half power, or its heart half-open. It will take more effort, but a Shadow can be brought down to the point where its true aura and personality begins to come through, where its heart is nearly open.
At this point, the Pokemon can be brought to the Relic Stone at Agate Village. The mere presence of this artifact will remind anyone near it of their fondest memories. This will completely destroy the remaining Shadow aura and the Pokemon will be fully healed. But at any point before this, the Shadow aura will shut out the power of the Relic Stone.
Kids Grid forums
The Kids Grid was originally designed and programmed by Nett Duking and Secc Lancing, two highly intelligent boys who wanted to keep contact with each other and other kids around Orre when travel became dangerous. It was only going to be a social network, but the two founders have distrusted Cipher and felt pity for the Shadow Pokemon. After a very close call, it was decided that they should set up a secret board on the K. Grid for discussion on what to do about Cipher and the Shadows. They have gotten some allies, but it remains to be seen how much they can actually accomplish.
Due to the fact that many communications in the game will take place over the K. Grid, emails, or chatrooms (all in-game, of course), I would be lenient on these ‘internet postings’. But we have to stay in line with the Serebii and RPG section rules, so no smiley use and don’t make flame posts, even if they are in-game. If it would be in-character for such a thing to happen, then don’t post it directly. Besides, it is in Nett’s character to dissuade chatspeak/smiley abuse/trolling and he’s the co-founder.
As a little tip to keep things from stalling, if your character gets into a ‘chat’ with another player’s character, I recommend working things out through PMs with the other player so that the ‘chat’ can be posted in one or two posts. A list of usernames for important NPCs will be provided after the game starts in a discussion thread.
Rules:
1. Respect your fellow players.
2. Use good writing.
3. This will be rated PG-13. It is preferred that you self-censor strong language, although occasional non-censored words are allowable for emphasis. There will be violence, but don’t be graphic simply for shock value. Basically, use good judgment with this rating.
4. Do not betray the Kids Grid! It may seem silly to make this a rule, but it is the only thing keeping all the players safe from Cipher. Don’t ruin it.
Sign-up form. (Don’t be skimpy…)
Trainer
Name:
Username: Your in-game username on the Kids Grid, not your Serebii name. Unless you want to use that.
Gender:
Age: At least thirteen years old.
Appearance: This is a desert region, where it is hot by day and cold by night. Your typical wardrobe should reflect this. One paragraph minimum.
Personality: Two good paragraphs minimum.
History: One paragraph minimum. You can come from outside the region, but due to Cipher’s influence, it is extremely hard to communicate with other regions. Even online. Keep this in mind.
Aura Seer: Yes or No. If Yes, state any other psychic abilities you have. Humans cannot have directly damaging psychic abilities; any such powers are weak compared to what Pokemon can do.
Shadow Pokemon- start with at least one with a closed heart. Please note that after you enter the game, you will have limited freedom in what Shadow Pokemon you receive.
Species: There are legendary Shadows... but you don’t have access to them.
Natural Personality: What was this Pokemon like before the ‘special training’?
Shadow Personality: It is not friendly, it is not sweet, and it is not happy (unless seriously deranged).
Origin: Where and when you acquired it. Nothing more is known of their past.
Obedience: On a scale from 1 to 9, where 10 is always obedient. This is related to how purified the Pokemon is, so a new Shadow is likely to have an Obedience rating of less than 5.
Other:
Regular Pokemon- It would help to start with at least one, but I advise against having large teams for this game. This game considers Pokemon to be full characters and having many Pokemon makes for an unwieldy process.
Species: no legends here
Nickname:
Personality: 3+ lines. Include what it thinks of the Shadow Pokemon.
Origin: Where did it come from and how did you get it? Orre has very few native Pokemon, but a strong trading network because those few native desert-dwellers are rare elsewhere.
Other:
As a note, Seers are supposed to be rarities. If there ends up being more Seers accepted than regular Trainers, I will not accept any new Seers.
Accepted List:
Axel Tiagra: Pinsir-Shadow, Bisharp (Bang) Zincspider
Ted Viron (half-Seer): Scraggly-Shadow, Poliwhirl (Franky), Breloom (Django) Fossil Man
Aaron Septim: Krokorok-Shadow, Munchlax (Spud), Sawsbuck (Milly) Extreme Floatzel
Lea Arthur (Seer): Gible- Shadow, Solosis (Solo), Skarmory (Mercury) Aura Wolfe
Tensei Hikarizuisho (Seer): Chimecho- Shadow, Igglybuff (Chatta), Archen Manaphy Mare
Celeste Bradley (Seer): Buizel-Shadow, Flygon (Aria), Ralts (Quinn) Musical Mayhem
Olivia Stamper: Musharna- Shadow, Misdreavus (Mystery), Murkrow (Raven), JIgglypuff (Lull) Wordy
Xito Epheral: Espeon- Shadow, Absol (Yenmo) Slipomatic
Musica Lance Symphony: Gallade- Shdow, Eevee (Eve), Gardevoir (Raki) lxdarknessxl
Sophie Summers: Lopunny-Shadow, Pidgeot (Rustle), Chansey (Daina) Sophie S.
Dree: Luxray-Shadow, Vulpix (Venus), Vibrava (Ace) Skillfulness
Uno Tordes: Ditto- Shadow, Wobbuffet (Wubbles), Maractus (Spikles) Fanal!
Shay Evans: Nidorina- Shadow, Togetic (Chi), Sandslash (Razor) Tokyo Oranges
Michael Krane Jr.: Venipede- Shadow, Arbok, Zubat Rotom310
Shadows of Orre
To all members of Shadow Board:
For the past several years, Cipher has put out a tremendous effort in order to improve Orre and raise the tourism income. This would be fine, but we question their methods of doing so. Of greatest concern are the Shadow Pokemon. Check out this public statement put out by Cipher Admin Ein:
‘While one can witness Pokemon battles anywhere, one may only witness the great power and attitude of the Shadow Pokemon in Orre. It is a style unique to our region and key to revitalizing our prosperity. And you have a chance to take part in this grand dream by winning a Shadow Pokemon of your own!
‘In order to earn one, you must simply enter a Challenge in the Pyrite, Under, Deep, or Realgam Colosseums and win. If one of our scouts is impressed by your performance, he or she will take you to our offices to be awarded with a powerful Shadow Pokemon. Our scouts are watching Mount Battle Trainers as well.
‘The special training that Shadow Pokemon undergo is extensive, giving them new moves and greater power. However, a Shadow’s power may weaken over time. If this happens, simply request a retraining through one of Cipher’s agents and we will resolve the problem. Other complaints are that regular Pokemon become jealous and will not work with a Shadow. This is unfortunate, but with some effort, you can get a Shadow and a normal Pokemon to cooperate.
‘There are rumors that Shadow Pokemon are more likely to injure people, but this is unfounded. All Trainers take a risk of being harmed by the Pokemon they control. Shadow Pokemon are not recommended for Coordinators as the Shadow training focuses exclusively on battle.’
While Ein dismisses the risks, they are indeed severe. Injuries requiring hospitalization are almost unheard of with regular Pokemon, whereas such injuries by Shadow Pokemon occur weekly. One case even has a man in a coma because his Shadow Pokemon became overly violent. They may have been trained intensely for battle, but even military Pokemon are not this dangerous.
Also, the behaviors of Shadow Pokemon are of great concern. Some fight as if fearing for their life, while others are openly malicious. They show signs of deep distress, as only found in the worst cases of abuse. Even the shiest or proudest of normal Pokemon have better socializing skills than these Shadows.
We have found out that Shadow Pokemon can be purified and returned to normal; if you are in the group that can read this posting, you can see how at the Purification topic in this locked section of the Kids Grid. With this process, we hope to purify some Shadows and bring to light evidence of Cipher’s wrongdoing. But there are many Shadow Pokemon, each requiring personal attention and care in order to be purified. One person alone cannot do this.
Therefore, we are asking the members of this network to acquire Shadow Pokemon and work on purifying them. We will pool our resources and information to discover Cipher’s true intentions, overturning them if necessary. We have some help in the form of Sheriff Sherles in Pyrite and a particular informant who is has the username Bluecoat on this network. But in starting this effort, we take great risks with Cipher. They have ignored us so far as a children’s social network, but if they discover this secret locked section on Shadows, Cipher would certainly take no mercy against us. If you have been invited to join this group, we have found you trustworthy. Please do not attempt to get an invitation for a new member unless you know that the person is trustworthy as well.
It will be difficult. But if you have sympathy for these damaged Pokemon, please help the Shadows.
From Secc and Nett
-+-
You are a Trainer in Orre who has obtained a Shadow Pokemon. Secc and Nett’s notice indicated the main method known, but there are other ways. You are also a member of the Kids Grid, in particular with access to the secret Shadow discussion board where the Orre ‘rebels’ are planning to take out the criminal element that controls the region with an iron grip. How you are going to do this is very much up to you, as a ‘children’s social network’ is the only safe place to discuss such matters. Do not break the secrecy of the Kids Grid!
There are four Cipher Admins: Miror B. in Pyrite, Venus in the Under, Dakim around Mt. Battle, and Ein somewhere mysterious. They are led by Nascour, who is even more mysterious. Following them are many Cipher agents. Some are mere thugs while others are skilled assassins. While they may seem like a joke at times, the Cipher agency is ruthless and dangerous, ruling the region of Orre through intimidation, power, and wealth. But they keep this out of view of most of Orre’s residents, pretending to be benefactors and protectors. A great many citizens believe in their words, or fear them enough to not step out of line.
Also in the region, there is a small gang of thugs known as Team Snag’em. While Cipher has good publicity, Snag’em outright declares themselves as dirty rotten thieves. Snag’em agents are trouble. It is said that they can even steal Pokemon right in the middle of battle. Many of them are violent too, drinking heavily and starting bar brawls. It’s still a secretive group and no outsider is sure where they are based.
There are not many authority figures around to help out the rebels. Sheriff Sherles is an extremely hard-working law enforcement officer who is nevertheless handicapped greatly by the ruling criminal element. However, he seems to know of other adults who might be willing to switch sides if approached. He is the default leader of the K. Grid rebels, although the boys Secc and Nett run the website itself. The user Bluecoat is someone Sherles knows; he has a way of acquiring new Shadow Pokemon quickly. You may have even gotten your Shadow from him. But Bluecoat doesn’t say much and isn’t inclined to work with anyone besides his Pokemon. Not much is known about him.
Also in Pyrite, there is an old woman known variously as Pyrite’s Mother, or Fatina. She runs a fortune telling shop with her student Rui. Fatina can act like a silly old woman giving out vague prophecies, but when she is serious, it is clear that she is wise and highly intelligent. In a similar way, Rui always seems cheerful, bubbly, and air-headed, but will show a clever side every now and then. The two women have a special talent in seeing the aura of Pokemon; they can tell a lot about a Shadow Pokemon that no one else would be able to even guess, such as how much their heart has healed and what might help/harm them most.
If you know anything else about the plot of the actual game, please mark such notations as spoilers! Even if it’s an older game, they’re still spoilers. And there’s no guarantee that I’ll let them play out in the same manner.
Shadow Pokemon
There is something very wrong with these Pokemon. They are savage and dangerous. However, they are extremely good at battling, far more than normally possible. They have the special move Shadow Rush, can enter Hyper Mode, and can deliver a savage counter blow if they come close to fainting.
They also will badly injure other Pokemon, people, and even their own Trainer, especially while under Hyper Mode. Their obedience level varies, but all have a chance of disobeying at any time. They do not trust anyone, not even other Shadow Pokemon. In response, most regular Pokemon will be uneasy and distrusting of them. Regular Pokemon may even resent a Trainer who uses a Shadow.
Overall, Shadows are good in battle, but terrible anywhere else. The place they are given away generally determines their ability and degree of Shadow potency. It goes something like this:
Pyrite: first evos, ‘baby’, easy to purify
Under/Mt Battle: mid-range Pokemon
Deep/Realgam: final evos, difficult to purify
According to rumors, Cipher may have even turned legendary Pokemon into Shadows.
The other main method of acquiring a Shadow is adopting through the Kids Grid. If you start out with an adopted one, then you will most likely start the RPG by picking it up at the police station in Pyrite Town or as a delivery from a Pokemart or Pokecenter, as the adoption is a recent service.
You may start with your choice of a Shadow, but any you acquire after that will be somewhat random. Bluecoat will occasionally make in-game postings of new Shadows up for adoption and I have final say in any prize Pokemon. I’ll accommodate reasonable requests, especially if you are a consistent player with quality posts. Plus, you can make an in-game report of a Shadow and your character would have priority in eventually adopting it. But it will take time for that to occur.
Due to the game being based on Coliseum and not XD, Shadow Rush is the ONLY Shadow move available to ANY Shadow Pokemon. The ‘counter skill’ is more of a violent lashing out before it faints. And it will lose Shadow Rush when it is purified, just like in the game.
I reserve the right to temporarily control any Shadow, especially if the Shadow seems too obedient in your posts. This could end up in it doing anything: ignoring the Trainer, falling asleep, getting distracted, using the wrong move, or all the way up to attacking someone nearby.
Location Notes
Mount Battle: An active, albeit sluggish, volcano with an array of platforms and pathways for Pokemon battles. Some people are worried that it’s building up to an explosion soon. What about the 100 Trainer Endurance Match? It’s a special event and won’t occur in the RPG. But the facility is always open to hosting battles and training.
Orre Desert: A vast rocky desert where only the toughest and hardiest plants can grow. Giant boulders litter the landscape and form landmarks for guides. If you wish to cross to another location, there are buses available (although the regular service is dingy and worn down). Lately, people have reported strange sightings in the desert, like a frightening phantom and an elusive rainbow Pokemon.
Raelgam Tower: A relatively new structure, Raelgam is an improbable looking tower in the middle of the desert with a large Pokemon stadium on top. It is a high class establishment that screams wealth and power in the public places. Meant to be a draw to outside tourists, it has not only the stadium, but a casino, three different bars, a fancy restaurant, hotel rooms, and a movie theater.
Pyrite Town: A place of thugs, thieves, and punks, Pyrite is a former mining town that is currently a ramshackle slum town. Lately, there’s been a rash of power outages. It is officially ruled by the Pyrite Coliseum owner Duking, although the Cipher Admin Miror B. is the real power in town. Sherles works here, along with Fatina, Rui, and Nett.
The Under: While Pyrite is a slum town, the Under manages to be even worse. This is a sleazy, dirty, underhanded, mean, and trashy place. There is no pretense of law here as there is in Pyrite; the Cipher Admin Venus rules over all from the somewhat cleaner stadiums, the Under Stadium and the Deep Stadium. Secc and a few other K. Grid members live and work down here. Lately, the Under has experienced a ‘plague’ of bizarre dreams, things that attempt to be sweet and nice yet somehow turn horrifying.
Agate Village/Forest: Agate is the weirdest place in Orre. In the midst of a dry rocky desert, there is this thick and lush forest that seems magical even to skeptics. There is an uncanny divide between desert brown and forest green, an exact boundary that is in a precise circle. In the center of that circle, there is a monument known as the Relic Stone, a tall black rock that faintly glows green and produces clean fresh water around it. This is said to be a result of Celebi’s blessing. Agate Village sits in a less dense part of the forest; an old man said to be a champion Pokemon battler resides here. And in the forest itself, there’s a strange green-haired boy with an inhuman aura.
Outskirt Stand: In the east part of the Orre desert, there is an old train that has been converted into a diner and store. The owner claims to be neutral to any conflict and somehow has access to items not normally sold in Orre.
Phenac City: A manmade oasis town, this place is the high class area of the region. Many wealthy people live here, surrounded by palm trees and clean cool water. Everything here is in vastly better shape than any other part of Orre. However, most residents here support Cipher whole-heartedly and would look the other way if they punish someone. There is a Coliseum here, as well as a Pre-Gym, a Trainer’s School, and the largest Pokemart in Orre (although it is puny compared to ‘Department Stores’).
Gateon Port: Also in somewhat better shape is Gateon, a sea port which is the main means of access to the world outside of Orre. It’s quite distant from the rest of the region, almost as if it’s not fully a part of it. A local gang controls the docks, apparently allied with Cipher. (Please note that I’ve not played XD, so I’m not familiar with Gateon. Due to this being five years prior to that game, there is no Pokemon lab or researchers here.)
The Snag Machine
The Snag Machine is a devious device that is used by Team Snag’em and is possibly what makes them so threatening to people. Many of Snag’ems members are pickpockets who take Pokeballs from people without secured holders. But a few can actually capture another person’s Pokemon when it is outside of its Pokeball, even in the middle of battle. They have been known to attack their victims with strong Shadow Pokemon, then release the Pokemon in order to capture them. Even worse, it’s an unknown technology and few people know what the machine really looks like.
Yes, there is a risk that your Pokemon will be stolen in this game! But as the GM, I am the only one that can start a steal or snag attempt. You will be given a chance to interrupt the theft. If the theft is successful, then your Pokemon might show up later as a Shadow. Be careful.
In a change from the last game, I am not allowing PCs to have the Snag Machine. Sorry, but I think this will work out better.
Seers
Seers are people who can sense auras; visual clues are most common, like seeing colors around normal Pokemon, but black shadows around Shadow Pokemon. Other methods of sensing are around, though. Seers often have other minor abilities along with this, like being able to understand Pokemon or a talent in fortune telling.
While most people must observe a Pokemon for some time to determine that it is a Shadow, seers are able to identify one immediately as the aura cannot lie. Especially strong seers may even identify one in its Pokeball. Another valuable skill is seeing how intense the Shadow aura is, or how close the Pokemon has come to opening its heart again. A seer would be able to tell when the Shadow is able to go to the Relic Stone for the final step of purification.
However, this ability also makes seers immediate enemies to Cipher. Its agents have been known to kill such people so that they don’t convince others that the Pokemon are corrupted and in emotional turmoil. A seer will have to obscure their abilities, lie about them, or hide out with friends. If you chose to be able to see auras, then you will be a target.
Seers have also been changed, primarily to make it easier to involve them. But you are welcome to use the more challenging old version, in which the seer is oversensitive in all senses, leading to migraines, seizures, being physically weak, or other handicaps related to sensory overload. At any rate, make sure this power is balanced by some weakness.
Purifying
There is no immediate cure for Shadow Pokemon. It takes time, care, and attention to weaken the Shadow aura. Fortunately, it seems there are many ways to go about this. Many Shadows can be purified by letting them act out their frustrations and fears in battle, although this risks them entering the berserk Hyper state and hurting everyone around them. Shadow Pokemon can be brought out of Hyper by calling out their species name (as they won’t recognize nicknames until purified), which also helps the Trainer build up trust with the Shadow. However, some Shadows are spooked by battling and won’t be helped by it.
Provided the Trainer is careful, letting a Shadow out to walk around with its Trainer can help purify it, as will talking to it kindly. Being groomed or massaged will theoretically help to purify Shadows, although far too many react badly to physical contact for it to be safe early on. Being in the presence of a soothing item, such as compatible incense/perfume, a bell accessory, a security item, or even some music, can help. Shadows tend to be particular and picky about items they like.
Shadow Pokemon normally see everyone around them as potential threats or targets, no exceptions. But over time, a Shadow can learn to accept and trust a Trainer as someone who isn’t going to attack them and isn’t an acceptable target. At this point, the Shadow aura is said to be at half power, or its heart half-open. It will take more effort, but a Shadow can be brought down to the point where its true aura and personality begins to come through, where its heart is nearly open.
At this point, the Pokemon can be brought to the Relic Stone at Agate Village. The mere presence of this artifact will remind anyone near it of their fondest memories. This will completely destroy the remaining Shadow aura and the Pokemon will be fully healed. But at any point before this, the Shadow aura will shut out the power of the Relic Stone.
Kids Grid forums
The Kids Grid was originally designed and programmed by Nett Duking and Secc Lancing, two highly intelligent boys who wanted to keep contact with each other and other kids around Orre when travel became dangerous. It was only going to be a social network, but the two founders have distrusted Cipher and felt pity for the Shadow Pokemon. After a very close call, it was decided that they should set up a secret board on the K. Grid for discussion on what to do about Cipher and the Shadows. They have gotten some allies, but it remains to be seen how much they can actually accomplish.
Due to the fact that many communications in the game will take place over the K. Grid, emails, or chatrooms (all in-game, of course), I would be lenient on these ‘internet postings’. But we have to stay in line with the Serebii and RPG section rules, so no smiley use and don’t make flame posts, even if they are in-game. If it would be in-character for such a thing to happen, then don’t post it directly. Besides, it is in Nett’s character to dissuade chatspeak/smiley abuse/trolling and he’s the co-founder.
As a little tip to keep things from stalling, if your character gets into a ‘chat’ with another player’s character, I recommend working things out through PMs with the other player so that the ‘chat’ can be posted in one or two posts. A list of usernames for important NPCs will be provided after the game starts in a discussion thread.
Rules:
1. Respect your fellow players.
2. Use good writing.
3. This will be rated PG-13. It is preferred that you self-censor strong language, although occasional non-censored words are allowable for emphasis. There will be violence, but don’t be graphic simply for shock value. Basically, use good judgment with this rating.
4. Do not betray the Kids Grid! It may seem silly to make this a rule, but it is the only thing keeping all the players safe from Cipher. Don’t ruin it.
Sign-up form. (Don’t be skimpy…)
Trainer
Name:
Username: Your in-game username on the Kids Grid, not your Serebii name. Unless you want to use that.
Gender:
Age: At least thirteen years old.
Appearance: This is a desert region, where it is hot by day and cold by night. Your typical wardrobe should reflect this. One paragraph minimum.
Personality: Two good paragraphs minimum.
History: One paragraph minimum. You can come from outside the region, but due to Cipher’s influence, it is extremely hard to communicate with other regions. Even online. Keep this in mind.
Aura Seer: Yes or No. If Yes, state any other psychic abilities you have. Humans cannot have directly damaging psychic abilities; any such powers are weak compared to what Pokemon can do.
Shadow Pokemon- start with at least one with a closed heart. Please note that after you enter the game, you will have limited freedom in what Shadow Pokemon you receive.
Species: There are legendary Shadows... but you don’t have access to them.
Natural Personality: What was this Pokemon like before the ‘special training’?
Shadow Personality: It is not friendly, it is not sweet, and it is not happy (unless seriously deranged).
Origin: Where and when you acquired it. Nothing more is known of their past.
Obedience: On a scale from 1 to 9, where 10 is always obedient. This is related to how purified the Pokemon is, so a new Shadow is likely to have an Obedience rating of less than 5.
Other:
Regular Pokemon- It would help to start with at least one, but I advise against having large teams for this game. This game considers Pokemon to be full characters and having many Pokemon makes for an unwieldy process.
Species: no legends here
Nickname:
Personality: 3+ lines. Include what it thinks of the Shadow Pokemon.
Origin: Where did it come from and how did you get it? Orre has very few native Pokemon, but a strong trading network because those few native desert-dwellers are rare elsewhere.
Other:
As a note, Seers are supposed to be rarities. If there ends up being more Seers accepted than regular Trainers, I will not accept any new Seers.
Accepted List:
Axel Tiagra: Pinsir-Shadow, Bisharp (Bang) Zincspider
Ted Viron (half-Seer): Scraggly-Shadow, Poliwhirl (Franky), Breloom (Django) Fossil Man
Aaron Septim: Krokorok-Shadow, Munchlax (Spud), Sawsbuck (Milly) Extreme Floatzel
Lea Arthur (Seer): Gible- Shadow, Solosis (Solo), Skarmory (Mercury) Aura Wolfe
Tensei Hikarizuisho (Seer): Chimecho- Shadow, Igglybuff (Chatta), Archen Manaphy Mare
Celeste Bradley (Seer): Buizel-Shadow, Flygon (Aria), Ralts (Quinn) Musical Mayhem
Olivia Stamper: Musharna- Shadow, Misdreavus (Mystery), Murkrow (Raven), JIgglypuff (Lull) Wordy
Xito Epheral: Espeon- Shadow, Absol (Yenmo) Slipomatic
Musica Lance Symphony: Gallade- Shdow, Eevee (Eve), Gardevoir (Raki) lxdarknessxl
Sophie Summers: Lopunny-Shadow, Pidgeot (Rustle), Chansey (Daina) Sophie S.
Dree: Luxray-Shadow, Vulpix (Venus), Vibrava (Ace) Skillfulness
Uno Tordes: Ditto- Shadow, Wobbuffet (Wubbles), Maractus (Spikles) Fanal!
Shay Evans: Nidorina- Shadow, Togetic (Chi), Sandslash (Razor) Tokyo Oranges
Michael Krane Jr.: Venipede- Shadow, Arbok, Zubat Rotom310
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