((Kamotz, for a basic idea [apart from me having a slight hunch that this kind of plot has been used repeatedly in Pokemon Rp forums] this seems good. However, I am curious as to what "S.H.I.E.L.D." stands for. Unless the name is just "Shield" written fancily. Also, I know that "Team X" is all mysterious, but you could include one or two crimes that "may/may not" be related to the team, or how the rumours came to being. I have a feeling something's missing, although I have that feeling with my own Rp that I'm posting, so don't be too alarmed.
And on that note...
Here's one I've been saving for a while now. I'd almost forgotten about it until I spied this thread, so here goes.))
Today, the majority of trainers treat their Pokémon as equals, friends and worthy opponents; caught and raised as companions, battle partners, and even to show off in contests. But was the world always such a place, where people took pride in the creatures of the elements, where they were respected, even considered valuable in some way? For even in today's society, the Teams that used Pokémon as tools for the side of what people consider "Evil" acknowledged the fact that Pokémon were useful to their cause.
Truthfully, no, they were not. In the ancient Dynasties, when electricity was unheard of, Pokeballs non-existent, and a Royal Family ruled all the lands, Pokémon were captured by men, and shut in cages, to be used as slaves and treated as dumb animals.
The slaves were mainly used by the present King to haul stones for the building of his tomb, for household pleasures such as fires, fans or entertainment.
The working class, or merchants, ordered them about to help in the work, whatever that may be. Mainly this work was to pull the wagons, clean the house or spy on the competition.
Farmers whipped them as they ploughed the fields, and raised them for the slaughter, so the King may enjoy their flesh for a meal.
Very few households treated the Pokémon as living beings, as they have never shown signs of intelligence, born and beaten to submissiveness. The only Pokémon who escaped this treatment were the legendaries, who had shrines dedicated to their existence. Pokémon sacrifice was common, as the villagers believed that the Legendaries would bring their terrible wrath upon them, otherwise.
In these times, the Royal were rich and were handed annual tithes from all the merchants and farmers in the land, in the form of "Taxes". Those that could not pay these were routed out of their home, onto the streets, while their house and all their possessions were seized. Some were lucky enough to be offered life-long jobs in the castle, the ones where Pokémon were not trusted to do – cooking, for example, and cleaning – in repayment.
The Royal Family also had guards, trained to stop any form of rebellion among the city-dwellers, and to protect the family's life at all costs. These men, for fighting was not lady-like, were rewarded with accommodations in the castle, and rich food, along with a great yearly salary. They were mainly comfortable, but all were sharp, and all were well-trained, with Pokémon as living shields and weapons, along with daggers, swords and pikes. Their uniforms were mainly scarlet, earning the nickname "The Red Guards" or "The Bloody Guards". Some were dressed as villagers, however, in disguise as drunks or merchants, which made any plot of rebellion infinitesimally harder to start or spread without them knowing.
Most merchants traded and sold things of material value, wool from Flaaffy and Mareep, for example, or meat and milk from the Miltank, or Tauros. Most were able to get by fairly well, with simple pleasures in cosy houses, sheltered from wind or rain, lightning or sun.
Several, however, make more money or take more pleasure in gambling, betting on races of Houndoom, or Ponyta. Some liked watching others bait Ursaring for sport, and anger Tauros whilst waving a red cape fancily. There were also Bankers and Innkeepers, in the area, along with fortune-tellers and Healers for all the local remedies for coughs and colds.
Next in the class were the Pokémon, the slaves. Pokémon had absolutely no rights and were mainly born into the slavery, taught by their parents not to disobey orders, or act intelligent, beaten by people whenever they disregard authority. A few were inwardly rebellious, but knew they would not be able to overcome the humans. Not all Pokémon were mistreated by their owners, however, and a few of the merchant-class were at least slightly civilised towards them.
However, there is one class that is below even the slaves – the "street-rats". These people lived on the streets, stealing food for their lives, the only things they have are the rags on their backs and the filth on their skin. The slaves, at least, were fed by their Masters, and allowed slight freedom in the house when working. Street-rats were only as good as their skill in stealing or begging. Others despised them, trod on them, and sometimes hung them or executed them for pleasure. Some turned feral, others were sly, but you would be hard-put to find a mild-mannered street-rat, all of whom specialise in thieving, spying, begging, and above all, surviving by any means possible. Street rats looked after their own, spitting in the faces of royalty, merchants and home-bred slaves alike.
The turning point of this time of anarchy and enslavement began with a simple event. One of a small act of mercy, and the Revolution began.
Slowly, and secretly, people who thought that there were more to these Pokémon than slavery flocked together, freeing ones from their cages as they were sold in the streets, either letting them go, or convincing them to stay and join their cause.
Several of these people openly defied the Royal family, and fled the towns and the punishment of death, giving hope, as well as informing the public. Others worked from inside, planning and spying, recruiting and setting more and more Pokémon free.
Names were given to the different sides. The people firm on Pokémon as slaves were called "Believers", people that had defied the Family openly; "The Condemned", and the others that were part of the movement were called "The Traitors". The whole movement was beginning to be known as "The Revolution".
The Revolution has begun, has been going on for two months, and the movement is growing stronger, but also careless. The Royal family have learnt of their existence, and their guards have started to suspect who the Leader really was.
This takes place in a walled city surrounding an elaborate mansion; the few gates in and out were guarded, quite a few taking this opportunity to gain some money through bribery just to enter. Located at the very edge of a great desert, the days are sizzling, and the nights are cold to the extreme. Rain was a rarity, and so treasured when the storm does break, lasting perhaps several days before rolling away. Of course, most townsfolk of the city are quite used to the climate – but that doesn't mean they have to enjoy it.
**********
Now you as a character can join in and remake Pokémon history. There are, however, a few roles I'd like filled before starting the RP. The rest can be rather self chosen. In this RP, believers aren't all bad, most are just afraid of change. Not all traitors are good; some are just looking for rebellion. Everybody has a bit of evil in them, and also a spark of goodness.
Keep to all PC rules, and PC-RP rules; read 'em if you don't know 'em. No godmodding, no Mr/Mrs Helpful "Let's be cheerful" or "I can do anything" and "I know who's bad". I'll allow the occasional typo, but please, have at least semi-good grammar. No spamming, no whining, and try to keep clichéd characters to the minimum. If you do break a rule, I'll give you a strike. Three strikes and you're out with a character death.
Keep in mind, clothes are to be suitable for that time (semi-medieval). People are to be suited to their jobs, and Pokémon have to either be fiery or submissive. Nobody owns Pokémon, and very few strong ones feel they need to stick around.
A Royal Traitor –(Part of the Royal Family, who believes that the "Traitors" have got it right.)
Name:
Age: (over 13, please)
Position: (Next to the throne [only applicable to guys] direct female descendant, younger brother of the next King, etc, etc.)
Appearance:
Personality:
History: (What made them turn traitor, other interesting tid-bits, etc.)
Other:
(Remember, this character can't do much in the castle except spy, and then can't really communicate with the Traitors, under the watchful eye of the King. Unless a stable hand or maid of some sort that is also a Traitor is there...)
Head Guard (Believer) -
Name:
Age: (over 20)
Appearance:
Personality:
History: (Family, etc.)
Recruitment: (How he became Head)
Pokémon: (What ones are assigned to him for battles, etc.)
Specialities: (Hunting, weapon [sword, pike, etc.], tactics, etc.)
Other:
(He's one of the bad guys, 'kay?)
Leader of Revolution –
Name:
Age: (Over 20)
Appearance:
Personality:
History:
Class/Job: (e.g. Merchant/Innkeeper)
Other:
(This guy's an elected leader – he has to be strong, reassuring, and be fairly intelligent. No street rats, no royals, but Traitor Guards are acceptable.)
And that's about it for the predestined roles. Now, let's see… Basic human sign-ups.
Name:
Age:
Class:
Occupation (of parent/s): (only for Merchant/Merchant's kid/worker in castle)
Part in Revolution: (Spy, buyer of slaves, Condemned, freer etc.)
Appearance:
Personality:
History: (if traitor, include why)
Favoured weapon: (for guards)
Designated Pokémon: (for guards - three at most)
Other:
(I'd be happy if a Royal Believer, a Guard and at least one Condemned are in this. The Condemned and traitors have frequent meetings, and to be a Condemned is a very important thing. Keep in mind that innkeepers are in the perfect position for spying and recruiting. Please, not too many street rats, for they don't really care most of the time. If you are, however, word gets around on the streets faster than anywhere else. Another perfect spy, but they have more problems with staying alive and avoiding Guards.)
And you could also be a Pokémon as well
Name: (Only if you're freed, or edit if you're going to be freed)
Species:
Personality:
Description: (Unique things. Pokémon can be slightly different from present ones. No huge things like extra wings or shape or anything, please.)
History: (Optional; most are born slaves, but if you want, add in interesting bits)
Other: (Include if you are part of Revolution or unaware.)
At most, you can be two human characters and three Pokémon or one human and four. The human characters will have to be on different sides, of course, and not have much to do with each other at all.
((Well, should I scrap a few of the predestined roles, is there anything that I missed out on in the info, is it too long? Should I rearrange the paragraphs? Scrap the idea altogether? Get rid of one thing or the other? Basically, any criticism or piece of advice you have that may be helpful.))
