The Official ASB/RPG Ideas Topic

[Weasel Overlord]

[size=3][b][color=thistle]The Official ASB/RPG Ideas Thread![b]

[color=thistle]Brought to you by Weasel Overlord
NB: So far, this is entirely speculative. No agreement has been reached by the mods of both forums. However, it will be nice to have a head start! ^^

[color=thistle]Okay! Here is the Ideas thread, as promised. And here are some basic rules, guidelines, call them what you will;

*Anything that is posted up here is open to discussion, whether negative or positive, however, if you disagree with an idea, feel free to say as much, but refrain from using profanities, insults, and any otherwise derogatory remarks.

*Any discussion should aim to be as constructive as possible, we aren’t here to start flame wars over who wants what.

*Any ideas will be openly discussed, here and here only. From now on, any conversations that aren’t held in this thread, for example, ones held in private chat rooms, will also be posted up here, along with a summary of any ideas brought up in said chats.

*Ideas should be posted in italics, bold, or a different colour from the rest of the post, so as to avoid confusion.

And with that said, I shall now give a list and some elaboration on what has already been decided.

Starter Pokémon.

For starters, we have decided that only one should be given out at the start, of an element of your choice. The three main elements, Grass, Fire and Water are to be given more attention, with their status in the games, and so have a total of three options for each, whereas any other element has a single Pokemon for you to choose.

Upon starting, players will choose their starter Pokemon, and be provided with a single pokeball with which to catch a wild Pokemon at the start of their adventure. This wild Pokemon can be one of your choice, but to catch it, you must be in the right area in the wild for the Pokemon to appear. It isn’t random, each species has different habitats, as any normal animal does.

And now for the list of decided starters:

Fire: Charmander
Cyndaquil
Torchic
Water: Squirtle
Totodile
Mudkip
Grass: Bulbasaur
Chikorita
Treecko
Bug: Venonat
Dark: Houndour
Dragon: Bagon
Electric: Mareep
Fighting: Machop
Flying: Pidgey
Ghost: Gastly
Ground: Sandshrew
Ice: Spheal
Normal: Cleffa
Poison: Nidoran (M and F)
Psychic: Abra
Rock: Geodude
Steel: Aron

As with anything in this topic, I am leaving the starters open to some discussion. While we have decided on these, if anyone has a good enough argument in favour of change, than it will be taken on board.

An idea put forward by Vulpix.ck87: Pokemon from different habitats should have different markings, as can be seen in wild animals. For example, a desert living Sandshrew is unlikely to have black stripes, as it would be bad sense in camouflage terms, and would probably never be seen in the wild.

The proposition is that, even Pokemon of the same species have different markings depending on where they come from, or where their natural habitat is.

Currency System.

The currency system we have so far decided upon is one which uses gems of various types. Like our money system, there are different types of gem, all worth something different.

Here are the proposed gems and values;

Garnet – Worth, $20
Tourmaline – Worth, $10
Peridot – Worth, $5
Amethyst – Worth, $1

Travel.

There will be no automated transport, just like you wouldn’t expect to see a car on a street in any Pokemon game, there will be none here. Instead, faithful to the games, we will use a collapsible bicycle. However, this will not be easy to come across, just like the games.
There will be events in which a coupon can be won, to be exchanged for the bike, and lovely speedy travelling!

Events.

And from bikes to events. Every so often, there will be events held where players get a chance to perform a certain task, the winner gaining some sort of special prize. Some examples are a rare Pokemon, a bike coupon, some extra gems, the list is endless, and obviously open to suggestions!

These events, however, will not always be written and run by the moderators, or the Gym Leaders. Submissions can be made by any player wishing to host such an event, the best one, judged by impartial moderators, and then that person will run the thing, decide upon the winner and the prizes.

The Enemy!

The Crystal Syndicate is their name, and foiling them is our game! Although, if you are so inclined, you may, in fact, join them in their dastardly deeds!

Their motives have not yet been decided, and their story will probably be told entirely through third person narration, written by an allocated person. Crystal Tears is the one to tell us about the Crystal Syndicate! *pokes* So there you go.

Gyms.

There will of course be Gyms, but the leaders will be the moderators of the RPG forums, and the creators of the ASB/RPG. However, we will not always be Leadering, as it were. Only when they are needed, will they step in, any other time they will be normal players.

Also, it will not always be the moderators in charge of Gyms. When, for example, one person cannot fulfil their Leader duties, there will be a list of normal players, waiting to be stand-ins. These will be chosen by requesting the position via PM to the mod in question.

A Gym Leader can choose whether to specialise in a single type of Pokemon, only training that type, or they can have a varied team, and both will be separate to their active playing team. They can also choose whether to have a signature TM or HM, and this will be handed out to trainers who beat them.

---------------------------------------------------

*snips ribbon* And that is the opening of the Official ASB/RPG Ideas Thread! Enjoy people! And no fighting please...

Anything in the above ideas is also open to change. Just post it here!

[Mega Horny]

Sounds...awesome!

But in terms of starters, I think Cubone should be the ground one. Otherwise, seems good.

[Ace64]

Oh hey,when did this show up?

Meh, Machop. I think Tyrogue, or Mankey would be a better fighting choice. For Bug, Wurmple might be better than Venonat (as I notice nearly every starter has two evolutionary stages.)

Also, what kinds of things could be bought, and how would one earn money?

[Ultimate Charizard]

Looks good though i have to agree that where possible the Starters should be 3 Stage pokemon not 2 as thats how the starters have always been and i dont think they should be double types at basic level unless there isnt another option.

Possible ideas

Bug: Caterpie/Wurmple/Weedle
Dark: Poochyena
Dragon: Bagon
Electric: Mareep
Fighting: Machop
Flying: Pidgey
Ghost: Gastly
Ground: Sandshrew
Ice: Spheal
Normal: Whismur/Slakoth
Poison: Nidoran (M and F)
Psychic: Abra or Ralts
Rock: Geodude
Steel: Aron

Ive only actually changed 3, and suggested nother for Psychic. Normal i would change because im not sure about using baby pokemon as starters. Also why Cleffa? Why not Iglybuff? Could also suggest Pichu for electrics etc. While i dont think there are any 3 stage pokemon that start off as Dark (Nuzleaf and Shiftry are Grass/Dark but start off as Just Grass) i dont think Houndour is the best choice because its also a fire type. Give a double type means someone is picking both a Dark and a Fire starter. Double types should be avoided as much as possible. Also as someone said Venonat is only a double evo and i think there are more 'beginner basics' out there.
Id just look at why you picked certain pokemon and left others out for the choices. If this takes off you are going to have alot of people here so if you only have a choice of one per type you may get alot of people with the same pokemon. Maybe think about, if you have Sandshrew, then why not Cubone, or Diglet etc.
Also some pokemon seem a little 'advanced' for new trainers. Venonat has been mentioned already and i cant shake the feeling that Bagon falls into that same category though i guess the only other choice would be Dratini which is a similar situation anyway.

[Mega Horny]

Darn you got to it first. Literally Exactly what I thought, those are perfect.

[kalad1]

I would like to suggest one pokemon that would be available, but not classified under a type, Eevee.

[Hatake Kakashi]

Lord no. I say we ban eevee as a starter.

It does NOTHING but encourage people to just pick one and get whatever type they want. That and the number of people who want an Eevee start is a bit sickening as it is...

[Mega Horny]

I agree. However, I feel as if having the game starters for water, grass and fire is unfair, because that totally rules out all others in their type. I think at least one non-starter option should be added, maybe even take out the starters, because we all know how many torchic/charmanders we're gonna get. I think we should have pokemon like Magby or Slugma or Growlithe for fire, Bellsprout/Seedot/Hoppip for grass and Horsea/Staryu/Magikarp for water

[Roy Karrde]

I think it was somewhat decided that Eevee would only be given away by a special event. What do you guys think about that?

[Ace64]

I could agree with that. Eevee's are a bit overused anyhow.

[Greyfox]

I do agree with Eevee being overused, and that his appearance should only be given out as a prize.

The reason I said that Caterpie, Weedle, and Wurmple should not be Bug- starters is because, despite having three stages, their first and second forms are utterly useless in battle. I mean, no one wants to shout out the same commands in battle, "Caterpie, String Shot!" just so their beloved starter pokémon can be defeated by a round's worth of attacks. Venonat, or even Nincada, would prove to be better off in battles.

Ground-types, I know Phanpy, Cubone and Sandshrew were discussed in the chatroom, but I think we all overlooked a prime candidate for the ground starter: Trapinch. He's the only ground-type that has three stages (that isn't part rock). Plus, when he evolves, he can be a substitute for the lack of a dragon-type starter.

I also don't like Bagon being the Dragon starter. The only reason, I think, he got picked was because he's the only dragon-type (barring Dratini, who also shouldn't be a starter) to have three stages. In fact, aside from Dratini, Bagon is the only non-legendary basic dragon pokémon. That said, I think that we should hold off on letting someone pick a dragon-type as their starter. For the most part, I think dragon-types should get the same restriction as Eevee, in that they're only given away as prizes.

Ultimate Charizard has the right idea with the dark starter; I think it should be Poochyena. He's pure dark, even when he evolves, and in the games, he appears a lot towards the beginning.

I would prefer the ice starter not to have any association with water. However, the only pure ice-type, aside from Regice, is Snorunt and Glalie, which I think would work just as well as Spheal.

-drew

[Ultimate Charizard]

To be honest i think that is the best idea for the Dragons. Horsea and Trapinch should be included in the starters as Psuedo-replacements since they both eventually become dragons.

[kalad1]

I just had a thought, why would anyone have an Abra for a starter? It has no moves except for Teleport.

[Ultimate Charizard]

...and Ralts only knows Growl. It does however learn alot of TM attacks. Not sure how TMs are to be handled here but if its ASB style its basically if it can learn it, it can use it in battle.

[Weasel Overlord]

[color=thistle]First thing I have to say, I apologise for being away. I forgot to post in the away topic, me and Vulps went to see Placebo on Sunday, and today I had a university open day to go to, so I've only just had chance to read all these lovely replies!

Some I totally agree with, like the starter ones for example. I didn't really like the idea of using either Dratini or Bagon as starters...they are overpowered after all. And I was also uncertain about having all the in-game starters for the three elements. Not because I want to start with a Growlithe or anything...*shifty eyes*

Here's what I'm thinking for the new list of starters; we only go with pure-type, and only a single evolution. The main reason for this being the simple fact that not all types have a viable double-evolution species, and if, for example, a player is more active than another, their Pokemon may reach it’s third evolutionary stage before anyone else’s, giving them a big battle advantage. This way, it is fair towards everyone.

I have removed Rock, Dragon and Steel because of either the rarity of the available Pokemon, their strength, or the fact that there are no single-evolution species to choose from. Pokemon from these types can be caught in the wild and be given away as event prizes, however, so they are not unobtainable.

Here is the “improved” list. For some/many types, you will see a large list and the option to choose a set of two or a single Pokemon from the list. This is to reduce the amount of starters available, and to ensure that everyone gets a say in what the starters should be. The rarer types, such as Psychic or Ghost only have a single option.

Fire: (choose a set of two)
Growlithe
Ponyta
Vulpix
Slugma

Bug: (choose a set of two) (No Bug is pure-type for both evolutions)
Venonat
Pineco
Ledyba
Spinerak
Paras
Surskit

Dark: (only one pure-Dark option)
Poochyena

Electric: (only two pure-type, single-evolution Electric)
Voltorb
Electrike

Fighting: (choose one, fighting types are rarer)
Mankey
Makuhita

Flying: (thinking of removing Flying as a starter option because of the lack of pure-type, but otherwise, choose a set of two
Taillow
Spearow
Doduo
Hoothoot

Ghost: (choose one) (ghosts are rare, hence only one choice for starter)
Duskull
Shuppet

Grass: (choose a set of two, not much choice because of the lack of pure-type)
Shroomish
Sunkern
Cacnea

Ground: (choose a set of two)
Sandshrew
Diglett
Cubone
Phanpy

Ice: (there’s actually only a single pure-type single-evolution Ice)
Snorunt

Normal: (choose a set of two)
Zigzagoon
Rattatta
Meowth
Sentret
Snubbull
Teddiursa
Skitty

Poison: (choose a set of two)
Ekans
Gulpin
Grimer
Koffing

Psychic: (choose one, because of the rarity of Psychic types)
Spoink
Drowzee

Water: (choose a set of two)
Clamperl
Remoraid
Psyduck
Krabby
Seaking

Basically, just choose the best options off each list and post 'em up here. I'm not being lazy...I value your imput! *cheesy grin*

[kalad1]

Fire:
Ponyta
Growlithe

Bug(don't really care about these weaklings, but...):
Spinarak
Pineco

Fighting:
Mankey

Flying:
Doduo
Hoothoot

Ghost:
(Can't choose between those two, I don't really like either.)

Grass:
Sunkern
(Blank)

Ground:
Sandshrew
Cubone

Normal:
Zigzagoon
Sentret

Poison:
(Don't give a damn)

Psychic:
Drowzee

Water:
Psyduck
Krabby
,
Honestly, I'm a tad disappointed with the list, I see no reason you couldn't have Ghastly as a starter. for one thing, if at all possible, a category should be multi-generation in composition.  IE. have RBY/GSC/RSE

[Weasel Overlord]

[color=thistle]Well, as I put at the beginning (ish) I only wanted to use single-evolution pokemon, and Gastly evolves twice. I tried to stick with all generations where the rules applied though, cos personally, I prefer second gen pokemon...but shhh!

[Mystic_clown]

Fire:
Ponyta
Slugma

Bug:
Paras
Pineco

Fighting:
Mankey

Flying:
Doduo
Hoothoot

Ghost:
Duskull

Grass:
Sunkern
Cacnea

Ground:
Sandshrew
Diglett

Normal:
Snuble
Skitty

Poison:
Gulpin
Koffing

Psychic:
Spoink

Water:
Clampearl
Remoraid

[Ace64]

Fire:
Growlithe
Ponyta

Bug:
Venonat
Spinerak

Electric:
Voltorb

Fighting:
Mankey

Flying: (thinking of removing Flying as a starter option because of the lack of pure-type, but otherwise, choose a set of two
Taillow
Spearow
Doduo
Hoothoot

Ghost: (choose one) (ghosts are rare, hence only one choice for starter)
Duskull

Grass: (choose a set of two, not much choice because of the lack of pure-type)
Sunkern
Cacnea

Ground: (choose a set of two)
Diglett
Phanpy

Ice: (there’s actually only a single pure-type single-evolution Ice)
Snorunt

Normal: (choose a set of two)
Meowth
Teddiursa

Poison: (choose a set of two)
Ekans
Grimer

Psychic: (choose one, because of the rarity of Psychic types)
Spoink

Water: (choose a set of two)
Psyduck
Krabby

[Greyfox]

Here we go–

Fire
Growlithe
Vulpix

Bug
Pineco
Ledyba

Dark
Poochyena

Electric
Voltorb
Electrike

Fighting
Makuhita

Flying
Taillow
Spearow

Ghost
Duskull

Grass
Shroomish
Cacnea

Ground
Sandshrew
Cubone

Ice
Snorunt

Normal
Meowth
Teddiursa

Poison
Gulpin
Grimer

Psychic
Drowzee

Water
Psyduck
Krabby
Seaking I presume you mean Goldeen, right?

Yeah, that's my thought on this.

-drew

[Fai D. Flowright]

[color=#990A66]I'm gonna toss my personal opinions in here too.

Fire:
Growlithe
Ponyta

Bug:
Venonat
Paras

Dark:
Poochyena

Electric:
Electrike

Fighting:
Mankey

Flying:
Taillow
Spearow

Ghost:
Shuppet

Grass:
Shroomish
Sunkern

Ground:
Sandshrew
Cubone

Ice:
Snorunt

Normal:
Meowth
Teddiursa

Poison:
Grimer
Koffing

Psychic:
Drowzee

Water:
Psyduck
Krabby

[Weasel Overlord]

[color=thistle]Okay, I've tallied up all the results so far as to the favourites for each starter element. Then, I've scored through all which got the lowest amount of votes, and left the top two/one intact. Hopefully, it will give a better idea of what else needs deciding on!

Oh, there was also some misunderstanding...I did put Seaking instead of Goldeen, my apologies. Also, the Electric type only had two options, so those are the two to be used, the same as Dark, and Ice.

Fire:
Growlithe IIII
Ponyta IIII
Vulpix I
Slugma I

Bug: (this one is between Venonat, Spinerak and Paras for the second choice)
Pineco III
Venonat II
Spinerak II
Paras II
Ledyba I
Surskit

Dark: (no changes are to be made-this is the only option available)
Poochyena

Electric: (no changes are to be made-this is the only option available)
Voltorb
Electrike

Fighting:
Mankey IIII
Makuhita I

Flying: (this one is totally even between each Pokemon >< We'll need to either wait for more opinions, or I'll have to decide)
Taillow II
Spearow II
Doduo II
Hoothoot II

Ghost:
Duskull III
Shuppet I

Grass:
Sunkern IIII
Cacnea III
Shroomish II

Ground: (Sandshrew and Cubone are the clear winners)
Sandshrew IIII
Cubone III
Diglett II
Phanpy I


Ice: (no changes are to be made-this is the only option available)
Snorunt

Normal: (there are only two clear winners for this type, I'm glad, because of all the options ^^)
Teddiursa III
Meowth III
Zigzagoon I
Rattatta
Sentret I
Snubbull I
Skitty I

Poison: (this type is between Gulpin and Koffing, with the main winner being Grimer)
Grimer III
Gulpin II
Koffing II
Ekans I

Psychic: (Drowzee is the winner of this type)
Drowzee III
Spoink II

Water: (Psyduck and Krabby are the clear winners)
Psyduck IIII
Krabby IIII
Clamperl I
Remoraid I
Goldeen

Now, as for ideas. I have another, this to do with the levelling system.

As of yet, we haven't had chance to talk much about the levelling system, but I don't seem to be alone in thinking that it would be tedious and boring for a player. So, I propose this;

Instead of levels, we have a series of so-called 'move-pools'. These are to be made up of every single move available in the game, and they will be grouped as such;

either; by the level that the move is learned by a pokemon, with the figure being averaged at the end to provide a fair result. Eg. All moves learned in the levels 5-10 can be available as the first level 'move-pool'.

or; by the power of the move. Each move obviously has a different power value, so for this method, we choose the ones with the lowest, (Scratch, Tackle, etc.) taking into account moves such as Sleep Powder, which have no power value, and they are grouped in that way, with the first level 'move-pool' including power 20-40 moves, eg. Thundershock (power. 40), or Ember (power 40). The same averaging method will be used for the power 0 moves as in the 'by-level' option.

When one of these groupings has been decided on, all moves will be listed in their own thread, with their 'move-pool'.
The idea is that, as the player progresses through a series of battles, maybe 2 or 3 at first, they progress up the 'move-pool' levels.

A player will start at Level One, and will be able to choose from any of the moves in that Pool. When they have completed a set number of battles, then they may progress to the Level Two Move-Pool, and so on, with the number of battles increasing slightly as the Level of the Pool increases.

As for the moves available in a Pool of a certain Level, it has not yet been decided whether a Pokemon should have access to all the moves in it's Pool Level, as in ASB, or whether the trainer gets to choose a set amount for the Pokemon to know, increasing the amount with the number of battles completed.

With this method, a chart of your progress will need to be figured out, stating the number of battles you have participated in, who they were with, who won etc. as well as naming all of your pokemon, the moves chosen for them and their current Move Pool Level.
I think this method has quite a few advantages over the original levelling system. For one thing, it will take away the monotony of levelling your team. In my experience, there is nothing more boring, really, than waiting to learn your next move. With the Pooling method, you can choose your own moves, and I am thinking of allowing them to be changed slightly, or added to, after each battle, adding variety to your Pokemon.
Another advantage, I think, is the fact that there will be so many moves available. I know for one thing, I have often wished that one of my Pokemon could learn a certain move, and now, that is entirely possible.

To get the best out of this system, each Pokemon will need to be charted, along with a list of which moves it can learn. This will prevent any Horseas learning Fire moves, and so on. The completed list will be kept in the upcoming subforum, along with all the player's charts, including their teams, and other details. I propose to make a start on this listing system, to give a headstart for when we decide, or if we decide, to use this system.
The list will name every pokemon, and it will give the moves that they can learn, as the Pokedex's do on various other sites such as Serebii.net.

[color=thistle]As of yet, however, the move system is being kept the same as ASB, in the way that each Pokemon knows every move that it can possibly learn. I don't like the idea of keeping it the same as ASB, mainly because of the thought that this might dissuade people from joining, if the two are too similar.
However, so far, it is being said that this system will be up only until we have got things running for a while. Meaning that any levelling system can be implemented later in the scheme of things.

Also, we are going to be keeping the TM/HM system as such: Gym Leaders may have a chosen TM to give away as a prize, certain ones may be available as Event prizes, but only the least powerful ones are to be easily available to buy. This will prevent any player getting hold of say, a Blizzard TM easily, and then winning every battle they fight because of this advantage.

For now, I am getting ideas for alternatives to straightforward levelling, and I am going to start grouping moves later today. If anyone has any further suggestions about levelling, or any other ideas, feel free to contact me about them!

[Roy Karrde]

Hey guys just wanted to say Weasel has misinterpreted some things, for one the TM/HM system is not final nor has it been run past the people involved in the group. Meaning Jenn, Myself, and TMM have not been consulted yet. The same goes with the Starters list since voting was only really held for only a day or so. The level system if there is one will not be implimented till after this summer that way we can work all the kinks out and everything. Alright just wanted to pop in to say that.

[Ultimate Charizard]

The TM system (if its going to be a 'what you have bought' system) should be tracked and monitored in a similar way to how the asb has done its bank. I do like the level group system though as was said it would need an actual mapping/pokedex system to run it properly.

[Outlaw JT]

I have a suggestion on TM/HM. I think that TM/HM moves that match a pokemons element should be able to be learned automatically. IE water pokemon should just be able to learn water gun if it is a learnable TM for them. I think a couple other exceptions might be normal move TM's. All off-element TM's should have to be taught though. IE Starmie learning thunderbolt.

[Hatake Kakashi]

I don't like the "movepool" idea. It really just makes certain Pokemon unusable, especially since you'll have to use many of them to get to their good moves. Pokemon like Beldum are pretty much dead weight.

Second, I don't like the "2 stage only" thing. It's restrictive and seems like just a way to get rid of certain popular choices. Second, "pure type" is also not a good idea. Think about it, Bulbasaur was grass/poison.

Now for my list:
Fire:
Growlithe
Vulpix
Charmander
~I never liked Torchic OR Cyndaquil.

Bug:
Venonat
Paras
Pineco
~Only bugs that are useable in their first form but not too strong.

Dark:
Poochyena
Houndoom
Murkrow
~Starters don't NEED to evolve. On top of that, half-types are perfectly legit.

Electric:
Electrike
Pikachu
Elekid
~I opted for Pikachu over Pichu because face it, nobody really wants Pichu.

Fighting:
Mankey
Machop
~No reason to exclude Machop.

Flying:
Taillow
Spearow
Pidgey
~No reason to exclude Pidgey either

Ghost:
Shuppet
Duskull
Gastly
~Again, might as well give them choices.

Grass:
Shroomish
Sunkern
Bulbasaur
~Again, never fond of Treecko or Chikorita

Ground:
Sandshrew
Cubone
Diglett
~All there is, really

Ice:
Snorunt
Seel?
Shellder?
~Last 2 become ice as they evolve but they might be better suited for water.

Normal:
Meowth
Teddiursa
Jigglypuff(no one would want Igglybuff)
Clefairy(again)
Sentret
~Waaaay too many Normal types to count.

Poison:
Grimer
Koffing
Ekans
~How can you leave out Ekans?

Psychic:
Drowzee
Abra
Ralts
Maybe Smoochum

Water:
Krabby
Squirtle
Mudkip
Poliwag
Seel or Shellder?
~Never liked Totodile. Psyducks generally considered a joke(although Golducks not bad)

Rock:
Geodude
Onix?
Rhyhorn?
Aron?
~Not a lot of "weak first stage" rock types like Geodude.

Steel:
Aron
Beldum
Mawile
Maybe Onix?

Dragon:
Dratini
Bagon
Trapinch

[Mega Horny]

YES TO RHYHORN! Also, no Beldum for steel. it shuld be in a special event, like was suggested for dragon types. Everyone will choose it and only be able to use take down, and even when they evolve well all be 00berlicious and it wont be fun.

[Fai D. Flowright]

[color=#990A66]Actually, Hatake, that was one of the original aspirations of ASBRPG. As Mega said, if the popular or stereotypical Pokemon are allowed, then everyone picks them and the whole system becomes FAR too monotonous. That was why the other types were added as available starters, as well as the idea of single-evolution only starters.

It reduces the chances that there is a single (or select few) Pokemon that the major of the joining players will pick. (A reason I was originally AGAINST allowing Fire, Water, and Grass to have special treatment just because they were the stereotype starters.) I highly doubt adding some well-needed diversity to the starters list would cause all THAT much of a problem. Plus, it semi-forces people to pick Pokemon that would be less likely to be used on a normal basis in the games or in ASB.

But I think something else that should be discussed are some of the other aspects of the project instead of just starters and leveling. Any suggestions on movement? Battle regulations? Gym Leaders and Tournaments? Games and Events? There are many things that we need input on besides starters.

[Dark Dragonite]

I agree. However, I feel as if having the game starters for water, grass and fire is unfair, because that totally rules out all others in their type. I think at least one non-starter option should be added, maybe even take out the starters, because we all know how many torchic/charmanders we're gonna get. I think we should have pokemon like Magby or Slugma or Growlithe for fire, Bellsprout/Seedot/Hoppip for grass and Horsea/Staryu/Magikarp for water

Well, to be honest, I am one of those Eevee people, as I think Umbreon is one of the best Dark Types...
I also think Growlithe, Horsea, and Seedot should be starter options, as well as Chansey or Kangaskahn as normal...you don't see too many chanseys or KKahns

[Mystic_clown]

I also think Growlithe, Horsea, and Seedot should be starter options, as well as Chansey or Kangaskahn as normal...you don't see too many chanseys or KKahns

Well, they are supposed to be rare.

Also, I've got nothing against the starters line up. It's, new...

[kalad1]

Well, with tournaments, I suggest you definitely have at least a consolation prize, that way even the losers get something same for events and such. As for gym leaders, I feel that they should HAVE a theme, but it shouldn't be restricted by type, instead, let it reflect other things, like a trainer could specialize in pokemon that have a predominantly blue coloration, or rodents, etc. Battle regulations, well, I'm kinda torn here, they should DEFINITELY be present in official battles in gyms or tourneys, but, outside of those, most rules are merely agreed upon by both participants, and there's no guarentee that someone will follow them. I think this could work well, but... it could get out of hand.

now, with battle in general, I'm worried, I fear that being tricky or otherwise creative will be favored in a situation where good ol' fashioned overwhelming force would be just as applicable, perhaps even more effective. I'm not saying being creative is bad, I'm just saying I fear it will be over-emphasized.

[Hatake Kakashi]

Actually, Hatake, that was one of the original aspirations of ASBRPG. As Mega said, if the popular or stereotypical Pokemon are allowed, then everyone picks them and the whole system becomes FAR too monotonous. That was why the other types were added as available starters, as well as the idea of single-evolution only starters.

No, they don't. The regular ASB has every Pokemon but Unown and the Legends and guess what? Not everyone picks the game-starters. It's a bit shortsighted to just rule out the original Starters because you don't want people using them.

It reduces the chances that there is a single (or select few) Pokemon that the major of the joining players will pick. (A reason I was originally AGAINST allowing Fire, Water, and Grass to have special treatment just because they were the stereotype starters.) I highly doubt adding some well-needed diversity to the starters list would cause all THAT much of a problem. Plus, it semi-forces people to pick Pokemon that would be less likely to be used on a normal basis in the games or in ASB.

I use a Tyrogue on my starting team.

You're not really moving me by claiming "normally unused Pokemon" are going to get picked. I STILL think we keep them. Charizards one of my favorite Fire-types, but given the choice I'd still rather use Magmar or Houndoom.

[Ace64]

Actually, I kind of agree with Tsukasa. Putting all of the starters out there might limit the choices- not completely, but a good bit. Besides- if the original starters are still available somewhere along the line, does it really matter? I like Bulbasaur, but I'm fine with using a Cacnea until I can work up to one. And, Kakashi, I use a Tyrogue too. Tyrogues are cool.

I think one of the more important things are going to be movement. WO said on the first page that we're pretty much going to be restricted to moving on foot, mostly. If you're planning on having each Gym Leader get progressively harder, like the game, than that means that people will have to be set in one "starter's point."(Pallet Town, anyone?) Which I'm against.After all, imagine getting beat by five trainers in a row toting a Geodude or something. If the Gym Leaders' difficulty level was stacked against your current 'movepool', then it wouldn't matter where you start.

[Fai D. Flowright]

[color=#990A66]Well, since starting points will be QUITE varied (everyone starting from the same place would be dull), most of the Gym Leaders (depending on how the battle system goes) will have different sets of Pokemon for the different skill/training levels of each trainer. People with one or no badges will go up against a less powerful rendition of the Leader's team that would face someone with 5 or 6 badges.

A developmental system will be applied to counter for the various starting points, making it so that trainers can battle the Gyms in any order they wish.

[Roy Karrde]

Alright, around next Wednesday we are going to try and set up a Child Board for this. After alot of debate it was decided this would be the best thing instead of having the ASB forum get too over crowded. When that happens we're going to start a beta test with a few people that have worked really hard on this project such as Weasel, Crystal, TMM, The mods, and more. At that time we're going to try out a bunch of different leveling systems and other things to try and figure out which really works along with working out the kinks. After the beta test is finished the ASB RPG can start and all the beta testers will have to restart their teams to make it fair. Although possibly since the people in the beta have worked so hard on this project they will possibly get a special starter or something that is fair to reward them for all of their very hard work. Anyway even during the beta test and after everyone can keep giving out ideas and such so that we can make this the best it can be.

[Ultimate Charizard]

No Offence Roy but giving those involved in the Beta an extra special starter wont get you off to a good start. Im not trying to drag up old arguments but the names u mentioned are friends and posters closer to yourself than the average member. If you award these people an unfair advantage at the start it scares away those that would undoubtedly feel robbed and a victim of favouritism. The basis to any competitive business or project like this is to be fair to everyone. I know your trying to to distance this from the ASB but, although Mike is arguing with me for the sake of it lately he has to vouch for the fact that it was the whole Business system, and the advantages given to certain members due to it that ruined that forum before the reset.
Im not saying dont reward them or thank them but If anything id say maybe a TM or item, not an additional or 'special' pokemon.

I do reccomend abandoning a Level System. At least for the early part since deciding on XP points could be tricky. It also discourages new players. In the ASB a new player with a Rattata has just as much chance of winning against most opponents as a Vet with a Dragonite. If every new player is instantly met by opponets far too powerfull for him to handle then it becomes pointless. Also battles could potentially take a long time. Gaining XP could become tedious that noone bothers, waiting for Tournament prizes if, for example, they are things like evolutions.

Finally, perhaps to vary the starters you could say that the area/town they choose to start decides what pokemon are available. Mountain town has Rock/Ground, Forested areas allow Grass, poison, Flying types etc and then limit the number of people that can start in a certain area if one seems to fill up faster than the others.

[Roy Karrde]

I dont really care about getting off to a good start or not in your eyes UC, I know that no matter what I do you wont like it so I really dont care. The people I named are people that have been very close to this project. Weasel started the idea rolling and has been spearheading alot of it. Crystal Tears and Tony worked together on the original version of this project back in the day when no one else would, and their work is being put to use now with their help. TMM has been brought on board and has been consulting with members of the group becuase he was also a part of the original board and spent plenty of time working on it. I do not think, and I doubt you do, that these people are undeserving of their spots in the beta. I also said there would be others, it isn't just me that came to this decision and it will not be me that chooses all of the people that participate in the beta. These people will though becuase they have given so many hours working for it.

As for what they get as special, the Pokemon idea is the main one we are going with right now. It won't be a super powered Pokemon or anything like that, It will most likely be something small like a Chikorita or Charmander. So dont expect the beta members to have a Mew Two or something.

[Ace64]

I don't think it's something to worry about UC. If they're beta-testing the thing, putting their own time into making sure it works alright for the rest of us, then I've got no problem with them getting a reward. Something would be wrong if they didn't get one, actually.

Nobody likes to work for free. Give em a break.

[Mystic_clown]

Hmm, you both make good points. Rewarding beta testers with something like a Chikorita doesn't sound too bad, but giving them a TM's a good idea too. Maybe a choice between the two would settle this little arguement.

Hmm, UC does have a point about the level system. It would put players who start late at a disadvantage against other players. Although, it does add a bit of realism to the whole training process. Maybe we could allow training matches against wild pokemon or something.

Speaking of which, how are we going to get new pokemon in this? Are we using the ASB method (spending points to get new pokemon) or are we actually going to battle and catch them?

[Roy Karrde]

One thing that was brought up as a possibility for a new Pokemon that I actually wanted to test in the beta and see if it works was this. At the bank you spend two points or what ever price for a Wild Pokemon battle. You then start a topic that says like Mystic_Clown vs Chikorita. Then either a mod or someone appointed or something will take the place of a wild Pokemon and it will play out as a trainer on trainer battle. Although the difference being you can choose to capture the wild Pokemon at any point of the battle, but the lower the HP the better of a chance. The ref though would ultimatly decide if the capture is successful.