Pokémon: A Return to Kanto (A Longform PTU Campaign)
In a world of Pokémon that has forgotten what it means to become the very best. Will you become a Champion? Or will Kanto be forgotten to ash...
$30.00
/ Session
Details
2 players following this game
Weekly / Wednesday - 6:00 PM UTC
Session Duration / 3 hours
1 / 6 Seats Filled
Top Game Master
One of StartPlaying's top-rated GMs, a player favorite and highly recommended.
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Meet your party members
1/6
About the adventure
The Kanto region is a classic Pokémon setting where lifelong fans and casuals know the journey of Ash Ketchum began. The rules of the region have evolved since Ash first left 30 years ago. The revelation of 1000's of other species of Pokémon revealed some issues with the way the Pokémon League was running. Maybe giving a bunch of 10-year-olds the ability to capture world breaking creatures has some negative side effects. That is where you and your adventuring party come in. With a new 18 year old requirement and new League requirements, will you all go classical Catch 'em all? Journey to become new Champions? Or be blasted away from a new look Team Rocket organization? This is a revamped PTU Campaign meant to broach classic anime vibes with high fantasy story telling methods, where you and your friends will level up as you journey through Kanto. You’ll begin as humble trainers of various backgrounds, just trying to survive the day to day events of the region, but over time, your story will grow into an epic struggle that decides not only your fate, but the future of the culture of Kanto. Choices you make will echo through the region: who you trust, who you catch, and how you deal with criminal organizations will change the legacy of Pokémon forever. Expect a balanced mix of roleplay, catching, exploration, and combat. You’ll meet allies who may or may not want to fight you, confront ancient forces of nature, and face a region that has more than the original 151 (Gen 1) creatures you are expecting. I emphasize performance, atmosphere and immersion. You’ll feel the power of nature and epic expectations creeping into every session. While still keeping the table fun, collaborative, and safe. Whether you’re brand new to PTU or a veteran seeking a new party to grow with, this game welcomes you. Together we’ll weave a story full of danger, heroism, and legendary tales. Where every battle or conversation matters and the world will test you at gradual high levels of play. The only question is: when League challenges you to face unsurmountable challenges, will you join the ranks of Champions or will the strength of Kanto be too much to conquer?
Game style
Realm Building
Roleplay Heavy
Rule of Cool (RoC)
Sandbox / Open World
Theater of the Mind
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
5.0
(17)
1 year on StartPlaying
111 games hosted
Highly rated for: Inclusive, Creativity, Storytelling
About me
✨Hello Strangers and Friends! I am Caleb the Bard! A cosplayer, content creator and overall nerd in the TTRPG space with over a decade of GM experience.✨ The amazing community I have found has brought about opportunities I couldn't have imagined, including working with wonderful companies like Start Playing. I identify as a white male with ever-evolving progressive ideologies. So, yes, capitalism is often the villain in my games but no matter the BBEG, I build the table around Mindfulness, Intention, and Inspiration with player driven storytelling. I primarily play D&D but am also very familiar with; Kids on Bikes, Marvel, Monster of the week, Masks, Daggerheart, Pokemon Tabletop United and always learning more. I am a lifelong actor, starting on the stage and started my D&D journey in highschool (2013) and started DMing around 2018. I have been honored to start my dream of DMing full time. Let me know if you have any questions or clarifications for me! Feel free to reach out to Caleb the Bard on all socials or check out my work with The Stranger's Guild, Hilarity Saves, or Cole Wulfrun, (Dicescape, Haunted Halls, Dice Times, Cast Party and a few other projects are in the works)
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
Characters will begin with a PTU level 1 build with the option to bring in PTA influences. We’ll create characters before Session 1, so everyone comes ready to play. If you don't know how to build a PTU character, that is okay! I would love to build your character with you. I’ll host a short Session 0 to discuss expectations, safety tools, and tie characters into the story. Stats: Players will use base PTU 1.05 character building steps with the option to include PTA aspects. Your character should start beautifully flawed so we can create an epic trainer journey together. Books/Content: The whole Pokedex will be accessible for your party with a single starter. (Not limited to traditional starters) I am open to fun suggestions but want to make sure we are all in the same theme. The documents for character building will be supplied upon signup. Backstories: I encourage backstories that include a personal goal, fear, or secret. Even short ideas are fine. We can start broad with what kind of trainer you want to be and build from there. I’ll help weave them into the world. Party Connections: During Session 0, we’ll also discuss how your characters know (or meet) each other, so the group feels cohesive from the start. PS I love to have players come into Session 0/1 with a wishlist for items, features, edges and any other add-ons aside from the build of Rules as Written to help incentivize the early game. We will do a favorite Pokémon quiz to tailor the encounters to your players a little more.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
To join the game, players should: Set up an account on (StartPlaying + Discord) Discord: since that’s where we’ll handle voice chat, game announcements, and out-of-session discussions. I will share a consent sheet and character sheet document through discord. We will discuss interest of a VTT during Session 0. Foundry, Roll 20 and Owlbear are an option based on the accessibility to the others at the table Test your microphone before the first session to ensure smooth communication. A webcam is preferred but optional. Come ready with your character concept, even if it’s just a rough idea. I’ll help fill in details during Session 0.
What Caleb brings to the table
As your DM, I aim to create an immersive, cinematic, and collaborative experience. Here’s what you can expect: Atmosphere: All Around ambient music, sound effects (Pocket Bard), and vivid narration to bring Kanto to life. Roleplay: NPC voices, mannerisms, and deep characterization to make every interaction memorable. Combat: Tactical and challenging, but fair. I balance encounters for tension without overwhelming the party. Storytelling: Your backstories and choices matter. The story reacts to you, and the world changes with your actions. Style: I blend Rules-as-Written with the “Rule of Cool.” If something cinematic and fun fits the tone, I’ll allow it. BASED ON A ROLL :) Safety Tools: Open-table communication, X-card, and lines/veils to ensure everyone feels safe and respected while exploring dark themes.
Homebrew rules
I use a few light-touch homebrew rules to enhance pacing and fun: Mostly PTU Rules as Written for mechanics but will add some PTA flavor as it is relevant. Optional table rules (discussed in Session 0): Milestone Leveling instead of XP for smoother pacing. Casual (Faint and no kills) or Nuzlocke Rules and/or Character combat decided in Session 0 “Flashback” Roleplay: Players can narrate short flashbacks mid-session to reveal character history when relevant.
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How Caleb creates a safe table
I ensure safety at the table by sending out a consent sheet before Session 0. We do aftercare with a homebrewed approach to lines and veils. (cat cards for X's and O's)
Content warnings
Safety tools used