Recommended sites:
for character images - [url=www.zerochan.net]
for Pokémon sprites - [url=http://pokemondb.net/sprites]

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[B][I][U]Please note to any and all interested players that this is a closed, invitation-only roleplay. We're very glad that you're interested, it's flattering, but our cast is quite full and we're all friends already, so please. Feel free to say hello or leave comments in the OOC and Interest Check here, just know that this is a CLOSED roleplay. Thank you very much![/B][/I][/U]

Banner... Eventually.

[B][U]The Mythology[/B][/U]

Deep in ruins of old, within tunnels long lost to the beings of this world, lie the inscriptions of legends, creatures with power unfathomable to our human minds. Within them lie the truth to our creation, the reality of the common origin that ties all of the creatures of this world together.

The runes speak of Arceus, the Great one, from whom all is sired. They speak of the sprawling tendrils of chaos that once entwined all reality, the swirling mists and energies from which his majesty breathed life. They speak of how his roar ordered the chaos into that which would form space and time, that which would carve the features of the earth from wind and earth and ocean, that which would cause destruction and rebuilding, spirit and willpower, the elements of the world itself. They speak of how, with his own strength, he created the Pokemon that would bring forth all others, and laid apart from his creation in rest, observing that which had come from his power.

But as the life of the world drew its strength from his power, he crafted an instrument for his mortal creation to wake him, then settled down in the deepest slumber, so that his love could fuel the substance of the mortal realm.

From great love also comes great hatred, as not all who breathed his life believed in the immensity of his power, or that such power that existed should be kept from them. Though most of the legendary pokemon remained true to their duties, a few of his creations began to deviate from their tasks, rampaging across the created world to assume the control they felt was rightfully theirs. And when Arceus awoke to find the rampancy in his creation, he set aside a failsafe to ensure the rightful state of the world.

Within the hearts of the humans, the weakest of his creations, he breathed a spark of courage and power, capable of vanquishing that which threatened his universe. Though it was rare to find a being whose spark flared with His power, that spark was the core of the great heroes of our day. Such a guardian was Sir Aaron, the Hero of the Wave, whose valor prevented a great war that would have destroyed his kingdom and assisted a rise of great evil throughout the land. Others, lost to time or immortalized in myths and legends, became the core of children’s books and parables.. But though these trainers did great things, their feats of valor would perish against the new force that threatens the world. 

And so they were called -- a new group of Guardians, blessed by the flame of Arceus, each with a different talent to help protect the world from the destruction that looms before it. 

[B][U]The Guardians[/B][/U]

	Children destined to become a guardian of Arceus are blessed with the gifts of his lighted flame. They find that their ears are open to the cries of pokemon, able to understand the voice of each species without having met them before. They may find themselves adapting to situations faster than their peers, or far more charismatic than others their age. They may find themselves drawn to the wilderness or technology, to the healing arts or the intricacies of battle. Whatever their drive, this originates from the purpose that arceus set aside for them. 

Around the time of their 11th birthday, the brightness of the fire becomes outwardly visible to all pokemon. The guardian sees the mark of their position in their dreams, a symbol akin to the golden emblem seen on Arceus’ side, and soon finds it on their body, appearing seemingly overnight someday. The Guardians are then linked by destiny with a legendary pokemon whose motives rest alongside theirs, though this divine choice is not apparent until the moment of pairing. A unique training facility, residing on the mythical Faraway Island, will send a representative to inform the parents of their child’s role, and take them away to be trained in the child’s chosen profession. 

[HIDER=Symbol][IMG]http://churchofarceus.weebly.com/uploads/1/0/2/2/1022565/black.gif[/IMG][/HIDER]

	Training is done by a handful of select individuals, chosen by a handpicked representative of Arceus. Each guardian-to-be is instructed in battling and lore, as well as a number of concepts relating to their chosen profession. Guardians are both trained in solitary and group sessions, though they are not graded against each other. 

During their training, the guardian must fashion an item with the symbol of arceus upon it, unique to themselves. Upon the conclusion of their training, the guardian will be awarded a unique symbol of their skillset, emblazoned within the center of the rune through the power of Arceus. This rune is then kept with the guardian at all times - Some believe it is the source of their power as a disciple of Arceus, and that losing it will cause the Great One’s favor to fade away. Others believe it is a token of the duty and responsibility bestowed upon them. Regardless, no guardian in history has abandoned their token, so the truth of these statements is unknown. 

Guardians are permitted to have [I]five[/I] Pokémon of their own, rather than the traditional four, because of their naturally powerful bond to Pokémon and the duties bestowed upon them. Their licensing comes upon their assimilation to Faraway Island, giving them plenty of time to find and pair with up to those five.

[B][U]Faraway Island[/B][/U]

A land swallowed by mist, impossible to reach by the ill of heart, Faraway island is the reclusive location that is home to the Guardians, their trainers, and a host of wild pokemon. With dense forests, sly rivers, rocky chasms, deep caverns, and the constant roar of the ocean at the edge of your hearing, the island offers many locations to explore and train. Within the forest town is a dormitory for the guardians, houses for the instructors, and the elder’s hall. The Elder’s hall is by far the most ornate, and it holds rooms for visiting families as well. Outside the forest is the training facility, where the vast majority of the training, both generalized and specialized, takes place. 

[HIDER=Faraway Island][IMG]http://i58.tinypic.com/ok5q0w.jpg[/IMG][/HIDER]

[B][U]The World Today[/B][/U]

	It has been over ten generations since the world has seen chaos on a large scale. Time has nearly forgotten the evils they faced in the time of Sir Aaron, devolving them into mere children’s tales. Pokemon live harmoniously with man, their cities growing in result of the effort from all species’ contribution. This has provided for growth that feels more natural to the world for all but the most technologically-centered hubs. The world feels simple and easy as the regions live in peace, separate from one another.

	Eight gyms remain steadily held within each region as well as a league, watched by a particular Champion. Many trainers, as always, take the challenge for their region. Some spend their lives traversing each and every one before coming to the very final destination for combative trainers: the United League. It is composed of the Champions from each of the world’s regions who, once every five years, decide their rankings based on an exclusive tournament between themselves.

	Combative training is not a task to be taken lightly, nor is it something that every child pursues or dreams of doing, as combative training is only one of many fields seen as one to be respected. Children begin schooling at five years old, where they begin learning to read, write, do arithmetic, and focus on the basic academics. When they are fourteen, they decide what kind of trainer they would like to be and they become registered, earning an ID; however, they are not yet able to have Pokémon of their own. Schooling becomes more specialized at this point to help the children achieve their goals in whatever field they like. One thing through all of this is clear, however; a life cannot be without Pokémon companions. At sixteen, children will receive four Pokéballs. These are [I]their[/I] Pokéballs. They hold a plain, white style with the Trainer’s name inscribed on top of them. These are not to be lost or shared as they only respond to a single Trainer’s use.

Many of the prototypes of first Pokéballs were considered inhumane and, when the technology was more closely examined, were quickly abandoned. The final model decided on was one which held many similarities to the fabled “Luxury Balls,” a project that was apparently in development before the initial style of Pokéballs was discarded. The system has been in place for so long that very few remember a time when Pokémon were “collected,” and such disgraceful behaviour is now both illegal and referred to as “hoarding.” Pokéballs in this world are adapted to only seal when a Pokémon has consented to its use, otherwise it will simply bounce off of the Pokémon uselessly. This ensures that “captured” Pokémon are actually companions which have chosen to join a human trainer as partners.

This comes back to the combative discipline of training. Because each trainer is only permitted to house four Pokémon within balls, it is difficult to actually tune a team toward combat, and trainers do not often engage in having Pokémon butt heads as any more than friendly competition. Most Pokémon which are partnered with trainers via Pokéball are for protection and companionship. It is not often that one will keep their Pokémon within the balls, even in the city, unless they are noticeably larger than most people or an area is particularly crowded. Pokémon can still be released if one wishes to use a Pokéball for something else, but this means that the Pokémon will be quite limited in its constant companionship of a trainer.

The olden “Catch’em All” movement, though heavily looked down upon today, was very expansive, with certain trainers able to catch hundreds of pokemon in their lifetimes. With the box system now shut down and personal pokemon limited to four, many pokemon were left homeless, the lengthy time spent in the computer box often tampering with their natural instincts, and rendering it impossible to release them into the wild. Still others, relatively healthy, found themselves wishing for human company, and would seek adoption with a trainer of their choice. In order to find these pokemon homes, the old Wireless Trade Networks and Wonder Trading systems were revamped to create adoption programs, where trainers could meet pokemon like a real world child adoption system, and, if the pokemon is satisfied with the trainer, the pokemon will be reassigned to the trainer’s ID.

Culturally, Pokémon are entirely partners - they are not subordinates and they are not obligated to follow orders which they might disagree with. Battles are less organized than a trainer shouting commands to their Pokémon, as they can fight for themselves. However, In the few remaining competitive battle districts, pokemon are required to know at least four “regulation” style moves (current move titles), to compete. This would be like a Charmeleon knowing Fire Blast - to be considered a regulation move, it would have to reach a certain temperature and form a star shape upon exit from the pokemon.

Everything in the world is done alongside Pokémon, be it building, hunting, governing, or grooming [I]other[I] Pokémon. People and Pokémon alike take pride in appearing classy or sophisticated for most events. By being sloppy, one could easily be mistaken as apathetic, even if not intentional.

Animals are distinctly separate from Pokémon, but they are existent. They are hunted by man, and sometimes Pokémon, for the same reasons they always have been. Pokémon have been known to hunt other Pokémon as well, but most people typically don’t witness the forces of nature carrying on when they aren’t present. Animals are considered below Pokémon for their lack of adaptability, powers, and intelligence gap. Pokémon are actually viewed as nearly-human in intelligence due to an ability to seemingly communicate and understand, but not directly speak or learn language. People often hunt and eat animals, but it is entirely illegal for them to do so to Pokémon.

[HIDER=Character Sheet Skeleton]Name: Fairly obvious. First and last, middle names are optional.
Age: Between sixteen and twenty

Appearance: Use an anime-style picture for a base, then add descriptive details that go into more of what they specifically look like. This is where you would note where one would see the Mark of Arceus.

Class: You will name your “Class” originally and pick your sub-classes which are a part of it. Sub-classes are the non-underlined options in the "Classes" Hider below the sheet. Follow the example in our posted CSs.
Sub -Classes: Pick four from the given list.

Items and Accessories: Items your character has to use. Because the guardians will be traveling lightly, everything must be kept with them. The more things you have packed, the more difficult it is to keep up with physical activities. Try to make them pertain to your character’s interests and class.

Personality: How your character behaves, including quirks and basic likes/dislikes. 

Special Abilities / Traits/ Attributes: As stated. 

History: Where your character was born, how they grew up before Faraway Island, and some details about their specific experiences there (don’t give every little story of their time, we can cover those in flashbacks or as they pertain to different things).

Quote: (optional) Something the character has said or thought which can give more insight to who they are.

Theme song: (optional)

[U]Pokémon Team[/U]
Team theme: What is the general trend in your Pokémon?
Team members: Up to five.

Pokémon sprite
Name:
Species:
Type:
Gender:
Ability:
Nature:

History:

Moveset:[/HIDER]

[HIDER=Classes][U]Ace Trainer[/U]
	Trainers that know how to push Pokemon to their limits, able to craft elaborate strategies utilizing the specific strengths of their Pokémon. Their battle strategies are difficult to defend, nevermind defeat. 

Move Tutor - Certain trainers hold a knack for the inherent movesets of Pokémon, able to bring out skills and abilities locked deep within their cores. The most advanced of this breed can even teach moves that are not in a species ordinary skillset, bringing an additional level of complexity to their battles.

Strategist - these trainers know how to tactically utilize multiple Pokémon in ways far beyond their individual skill levels, able to take on massive flocks and herds of enraged Pokémon with only a few of their own. 

Healer - This trainer, with keen eyes and fast reactions, knows exactly when and where to heal a pokemon in battle. With an studied knowledge of potions and other healing materials, healers can keep their pokemon healthy and strong where others would collapse from exhaustion or pain.

Type master - These trainers hold mastery of a specific type of Pokémon, both owned and wild. Able to see advantages and disadvantages of the type beyond the basic type matchups, they hold additional empathy and understanding for those of their chosen type. 

Instructor - These trainers are excellent at propelling Pokémon forward, helping them get the most experience from everyday actions. Pokémon owned by instructors tend to evolve more quickly under their leadership.

[U]Naturalist[/U]
	These trainers find themselves at one with the natural state of the wilderness, and are often able to find ways to utilize its gifts where others would simply pass them by. 

Tracker - Many trainers graze the complexities of Pokémon nature in their everyday lives, but trackers hold a mind capable of distinguishing individual traits of their behaviors. By tracking and identifying signs, it is certain that, if you need a Pokémon found, the tracker will have you covered. 

Scouts - These trainers choose to use their abilities as a matter of surveillance rather than simple survival. Their main focus is on making sure an area is and will be safe for their stay. They are generally quick and their senses are sharp.

Ranger - Curious and filled with wonder about the natural world, these trainers devote themselves to the safety and protection of wild Pokémon who are either endangered or at a clear disadvantage. They will go the extra mile to ensure that everybody escapes danger. In fires and other disastrous events, they are known as the level-headed folks with precise and clear voices that boom over the panic, barking orders to keep everybody under control.

Survivalist - Though not a clear expert on any of the aforementioned naturalist skills, these trainers know how to utilize the advantages of the natural world, able to subsist solely upon them for indefinite periods of time. They are masters of identification and modification of natural items to keep themselves alive in the wilderness

[U]Researcher[/U]
While some pine for the natural world, others find themselves enthralled with the discoveries of the modern world. These trainers are able to utilize the devices and information available to them to create or distinguish advantages in battle, or identify key items using powerful intellects and data. 

Gadgeteer - Whether it clicks or glows, gadgeteers are enraptured by any and all devices that come their way. They know enough of mechatronics to create and adapt technology to suit their own needs

Pokémon Expert - Like a walking pokedex, Pokémon experts know all the species of Pokémon, and at least a basic understanding of each of their traits. No natural ability can catch these trainers by surprise, and they can plan out their strategies long before other trainers because of their innate knowledge. 
		
Archaeologist - These researchers have a love for all things from Pokémon’s physical history. They are experts on mythologies, civilizations, and possibly cultist groups of the distant past. When confronted with a fossil, they’ll likely grow quite excited… Give them a structure of ruins and they will go [I]banana pants.[/I]

[U]Martial Artists[/U] 
	Though much emphasis is put on the skill of the Pokémon, many trainers take physical strength into their own hands, learning defensive and offensive maneuvers through training and discipline. 

Black Belt (pick one form of martial art) - These trainers have adopted the physical strength needed to perform extraordinary physical feats, training under one of the many forms of martial arts. 

Weapons master (pick one form of weapon) - These trainers, much like the black belts, have honed their skills with tools of war, able to deal damage through these extensions of themselves. 

Aura Adept - An extremely rare art, Aura Adepts are capable of feeling that innate force that runs through living beings, and utilizing it to their own advantages. 

Ninja - These beings have adapted their bodies to move fluidly and quietly, able to vanish from situations without leaving a single trace of their existence. these ghost like people are often suited with crafting poisons and disabling through hidden methods, sinking into the shadows long before their craft has been noticed. 

[U]Mental masters[/U] - These trainers are crafters of words and speech, able to influence their human kin through their actions. 
	
Paragon - These trainers, through their just actions, naturally attract other humans and Pokémon to their cause. With such strong traits of goodwill, this type of trainer can easily coax others to their perceived righteous cause. 

		Debaters - These trainers are able to transform mere words and phrases into stories able to change the mind of nearly any speaker. By using wit to lure people into accepting their words, or well thought out arguments to enforce them, they are often able to achieve their goals through simple persuasion.

		Psychics - these trainers find themselves in tune with the same forces of ghost Pokémon, able to see and utilize higher dimensions of the mind. To have these abilities are very rare, and the usage of them tend to attract psychic and ghost Pokémon.

[U]Breeder [/U]
	These types of trainers are some of the friendliest Pokémon trainers you’ll likely meet. They put their relationships with their Pokémon first every time and focus on making sure they’re all as healthy as can be.
		
		Chef - Trained in cooking over both fires and stoves, Chefs can concoct 			something good in just about any situation. Not only are they apt when it comes to 		cooking good food for Pokémon, they cook for people too, and they have a way of making 	it lean toward the healthier side.

		Hatcher - these trainers are apt at caring for eggs before they hatch and they’re 		versed with which Pokémon can breed with which others. Hatchers have a sense for		when an egg will hatch, or rather how close it is to doing so, and they’re trained to take		care of newborn, baby Pokémon.

Groomer - When it comes to making Pokémon look and feel their best, you’ll find no better help than a Groomer. Groomers are experts at keeping Pokémon clean and healthy. Don’t mistake them for just somebody who can bathe or brush, though. Groomers take their role as health promoters very seriously and they’re well-versed when it comes to exercising lazy Pokémon.[/HIDER]

[B][U]Introduction[/B][/U]
Hi, guys! Quarthex and Scout here and we'll be your GMs for the coming Roleplay! We just want to say hello and let you all know that we're very excited to play with all of you. We know that we'll have a very diverse group of characters and the ensuing adventure will be absolutely wonderful. Ask any and all questions you have after reading through our info here and we'll happily answer them as soon as we can! It's better to ask than to assume, comrades. Of course, this is just our Interest Check, we'll get the planning and whatnot done. The "legendary companions" idea and all of the others will be addressed throughout the story, but remember that our characters know very little of what it means to actually [I]be[/I] a Guardian, they just know how important it is and what they do, the details of being a Guardian are meant to be revealed throughout your life. We hope everybody gets along and to see a lot of conflict, character development, and exciting plot ahead of us! What we want in this Interest Check is for all of you to start discussing characters, relationships, etc. When you make your character, you can post it here, we'll talk about it and everything, and then you're good to go. We also want you [I]all[/I] to talk about relationships between all of your characters. When we make the OOC, you guys will repost all of the characters and relationships (just copy & paste, you know how this stuff works!) and we'll amass a collection of links to the individual posts with those characters and relationships! We'll likely make some mini-sheets about the instructors and definitely one for the Elder as time goes on here. Questions? Ask us!