[@Sunbather] Starters don't have to be starters. They can be any non-legendary stage one Pokemon. As for battling; you will battle the other users Pokemon, through writing. Basically writing out a battle scene as a collab with another user. Things won't go hand in hand with the game, sand attack can be used to shroud yourself in hiding and come up from behind the partially blinded opponent with an attack. Double team can be used to trick the opponent, with them not knowin which Pokemon is the real one. Other moves like teleport can be used to well, teleport around the battlefield and Suprise your opponent, as well as for a quick getaway if in danger of fainting.

[@Arty Fox] They most likely will be ^^

[@Polaris North] I will try to keep the spoilers as minimal as possible, since it shouldn't have much to do about the main story line, except to use some of the background as a basis, ex: the little bit about the Aether Foundation.