Pokémon: Legacy Version

Creating your character

Players will create their characters before the first session using the PokéRole Corebook 3.0, which I will provide. Character creation will be completed independently, with help from me through Discord whenever questions come up. Players may send me character concepts, rules questions, or screenshots of their sheets and should submit their completed character for approval before play begins. All player characters are teenage Trainers beginning their first major journey. They may already have hobbies, family responsibilities, school experience, part-time jobs, or informal experience caring for and training Pokémon, but they are not yet established professional Trainers. Each character should have a reason to join the Guyana League Challenge, a personal goal beyond simply becoming Champion, and at least one useful skill, interest, or area of knowledge they bring to the group. Characters begin as newly licensed Rookie Rank Trainers. Humans start with 1 point in each Attribute and Social Attribute, then gain 2 additional Attribute points, 2 additional Social Attribute points, and 10 Skill points. No starting Skill may be higher than 2. The campaign uses the tactical defense option: Defense is based on Vitality, Special Defense is based on Insight, and HP is calculated using Base HP plus Vitality. Each Trainer begins with two Rookie Rank Pokémon: one approved non-starter companion and one primary starter. The primary starters are Treeko, Chimchar, and Sobble. But, another unevolved Pokémon from the Pokédex may be considered, but choosing one of the three regional starters may lead to something special later in the campaign. Starter selection is first come, first served, and each starter may only be selected once. Only the PokéRole Corebook 3.0 and approved campaign materials should be used. Older editions, unofficial supplements, and online character builds require GM approval. Questions are encouraged, and nobody is expected to memorize the entire rulebook before the adventure begins.

Preparing for the session

Before the first session, players should complete the following steps: 1. Create or confirm a Discord account and join the campaign server. Discord will be used for announcements, scheduling, character creation help, rules questions, and communication between sessions. 2. Create a free Roll20 account and join the campaign using the invitation link provided by the GM. Roll20 will be used for maps, tokens, character sheets, dice rolls, handouts, and combat. 3. Test Discord and Roll20 before Session One. Make sure your microphone works, you can hear other players, and Roll20 loads correctly in your browser. Headphones are strongly recommended to prevent echo. 4. Read the campaign overview and house rules posted in Discord. Pay particular attention to the Guyana Region setting, the teenage Trainer requirement, starter selection, approved Pokémon, and table expectations. 5. Download or save access to the PokéRole Corebook 3.0, which I will provide. You do not need to read the entire book, but review the sections covering core rules, character creation, Pokémon creation, and basic battles. 6. Create a Rookie Rank teenage Trainer and submit the completed sheet to me through Discord. You may send character concepts, rules questions, or screenshots while working. Characters must be approved before play begins. 7. Choose one approved Rookie Rank non-starter Pokémon that fits your character’s background. I will help review its Nature, Ability, Moves, and PokéRole statistics. 8. Select your primary starter from Treecko, Chimchar, or Sobble. Starters are first come, first served, with only one of each available. An alternate Pokémon may be approved, but choosing one of the featured starters may lead to special story developments later. 9. Add your approved Trainer and Pokémon information to Roll20. Keep your sheets updated and have them open during sessions. 10. Review the basic dice system. You only need a general understanding of Attribute + Skill dice pools before Session One. The rest will be taught during play, so nobody is expected to memorize the entire rulebook.

What Dalton brings to the table

I will provide players with access to the PokéRole Corebook 3.0, campaign rules, setting information, and any custom Pokémon sheets needed for the adventure. Roll20 will contain the maps, tokens, character sheets, battle areas, visual handouts, and dice tools used during play. Discord will be used for announcements, scheduling, character help, questions between sessions, and campaign recaps. My GM style is character-driven and cinematic, with a strong mix of exploration, humor, mystery, and meaningful Pokémon battles. I use light character voices and ambient music when appropriate, but nobody should expect professional voice acting (some NPCs may accidentally share a suspicious number of voices). Players can expect recurring characters, evolving relationships with their Pokémon, personal story moments, and choices that can change how the region and its people respond to them. Combat will be tactical without being designed to punish players for every mistake. Opponents will use teamwork, terrain, abilities, status effects, and intelligent strategies, especially during Gym, Rival, Evil Team, and League battles. Creative plans are encouraged, and Pokémon moves can be used outside combat to interact with the environment and solve problems. The PokéRole 3.0 rules will be the foundation of the game, but I am willing to use the Rule of Cool when an idea fits the scene, respects a Pokémon’s capabilities, and does not unfairly replace another character’s strengths. When a rule is unclear, I will make a temporary ruling to keep the game moving and review it afterward. My goal is to provide a fair, collaborative adventure where every Trainer and Pokémon gets time in the spotlight.

How Dalton creates a safe table

Player safety and comfort will be handled through X, N, and O cards, regular breaks, an Open Door policy, and aftercare. X means the current content should stop or be removed, N means the scene is approaching a boundary and should be adjusted, and O means everyone is comfortable continuing. These may be used openly, through Roll20 or Discord, or by messaging me privately. No explanation is required when using a safety tool. The Open Door policy means anyone may step away, take a break, arrive late, or leave a session without being pressured to explain personal circumstances. I will also schedule breaks during longer sessions and pause whenever the group needs one. Player boundaries take priority over completing a scene, encounter, or plot point. After intense, emotional, or especially stressful sessions, I will provide time for aftercare and a brief group check-in. Players may discuss how they are feeling, share concerns, or message me privately afterward. Boundaries can be updated at any time, and I will adjust future sessions accordingly. The goal is to create an adventurous and occasionally tense Pokémon story while ensuring that everyone feels respected, heard, and comfortable at the table.