Kanto: The Indigo League

Running the Adventure

Kanto: The Indigo League is an adventure for 3-4 characters of 1st level. During the course of the adventure the characters will advance to the 20th level. The adventure is set in Pallet Town, a small tourist town in the Kanto Region. The Kanto Region is the first of a growing number of regions in the Pokemon World. You don't need to be a Pokemon expert to run this adventure; everything you need to know about the setting is contained in this book.

The 'Overview' section describes how the adventure is expected to run and gives you a broad sense of what the player characters should be doing at any given time.

Improvising Ability Checks

The adventure often tells you what ability checks characters might try in a certain situation and the DC of those checks. Sometimes, adventurers try things that the adventure can't possibly anticipate. It's up to you to decide whether their attempts are successful. If it seems like anyone should have an easy time doing it, don't ask for an ability check; just tell the player what happens. Likewise, if there's no way anyone could accomplish this task, just tell the player it doesn't work. Otherwise, answer these three simple questions:

• What kind of ability check?
• How hard is it?
• What's the result?

In the Pokemon Universe there are a number of ability checks that could come up that aren't a part of the standard D&D experience. The most notable of these is using a Pokemon's skills outside of battle. For some DM's it may be worth creating a new ability called PokePower that covers using a Pokemon's skills and abilities outside of battle. Again, this is up to the DM's discretion.

It is also important to determine the difficulty of the task. The easiest way to set a DC is to decide whether the task's difficulty is easy (DC 10), moderate (DC 15), or hard (DC 20).

Overview

Kanto: The Indigo League is divided into fourteen parts. In part 1, "The Adventure Begins," the adventurers begin in Pallet Town and receive their starter Pokemon from Professor Oak. After receiving their starter Pokemon, they meet their rivals, Gary and his crew, who challenge them to a Pokemon battle. After the battle, Gary lets slip that he's heading north to battle gym leaders so that he can become a Pokemon Champion. As the adventurers leave Pallet Town, Professor Oak's Aid runs up and warns them that there have been whispers that Team Rocket has been more active in the region lately. In Viridian City, the adventurers encounter a member of Team Rocket when they find out that the Viridian City Gym is currently closed. After the battle, the adventurers make their way to Pewter City to battle Brock, the first available gym leader.

In part 2, "The Journey through Mt Moon," the adventurers leave Pewter City having had the option to battle Brock. Since there are 12 gyms in Kanto, only 8 of them are required to enter the Indigo Plateau. Heading east, the adventurers will come to Sable City which is currently overrun by Team Rocket. They are using Sable City as a staging area for their Mt Moon operation. In order for the adventurers to have access to the Battle Center, they must free the Clefairy from Team Rocket that are trapped in Mt Moon. Once successfully making it through Mt Moon, the adventurers will travel to Cerulean City where they will encounter the next gym, a water-type gym.

As more parts are released, this section will be updated.

Walking and Running

At the beginning of the adventure trainers can walk or run. Walking will not tire out the trainer, but running will. Depending on the trainer's backstory, running will tire out the trainer at different levels. For example, if the trainer never exercises and sits around all day eating chocolate while playing the latest video game, that trainer will tire out more quickly than a trainer who does exercise, etc. Deciding how that factors into the game, however, is completely up to the will of the DM.

Bicycling

A bicycle is not able to be purchased until Cerulean City. It is an optional key item that may be purchased with a Bike Voucher. The Voucher can be obtained in Vermillion City by the chairman of the Pokemon Fan Club. Bicycles cannot be ridden in tall grass, swampy areas, or in the snow.

Ferry

There are several notable Ferries in the Kanto Region. The one from Pallet Town to Cinnibar can only be ridden if the trainer has ₱10,000. The other ferry goes from Stone Town to Cinnibar. For the trainer to ride on this ferry, they must have defeated at least 6 gyms.

Train

During the Kanto Saga, the Magnet Train is under construction. When Johto is released, there will be a train linking Saffron City to Goldenrod City with a few stops along the way. A Train Ticket is needed to ride the train.

Transport Pokemon

Pokemon can be used for transport as is often the case in the video games and can be seen in the anime as well. In order for a Pokemon to be used as transport they must meet certain criteria.

Saddles are required items that may be purchased. They will make the trainer more comfortable when riding. It will take the Pokemon some time to get used to wearing a saddle. After a Pokemon becomes comfortable wearing a saddle, their loyalty increase +1. Saddles can be purchased in different PokeMarts throughout the region.

Wild Held Item

If a trainer catches a Pokemon and they want to know if that Pokemon is holding an item, have them roll a d12. On a successful roll of a 10+, have them roll a d50 on the table below to see which item the Pokemon is holding.

Picking Up Items

Once per day, a Pokemon in the trainer's party that has the ability Pickup, can roll a d20. If the trainer successfully rolls a 15+, have them roll a d50 on the table below.

Pokemon Center

Pokemon Centers are a type of building that provides regulatory services for Pokémon Trainers. Pokémon Centers are found in most towns and cities of the Pokémon world; every major city or town holds a Pokémon Center. Some Pokémon Centers can be found outside of towns next to large forests or caves. Pokémon Centers are built where many Trainers gather and the area becomes popular. This is to accommodate those Trainers in need and serve as a resting spot. The most common service the Pokémon Center offers is healing Pokémon free of charge.

Trainers can find a PC in every Pokemon Center that will allow them to transfer Pokemon to and from their team.

PokeMart

PokeMarts are a convenience store that sells supplies necessary for Pokémon training. All Poké Marts will sell standard adventure supplies (such as HP and status restaurants and Poké Balls), but some stores will also sell special items that are often unique to the store (such as Net Balls in Blackthorn City and Quick Balls in Lavender Town). Poké Marts will also buy many items from customers, usually at half their normal sale price.

Police Station

Police stations are generally small buildings that station an Officer Jenny. You can report crimes to Officer Jenny. She may give tips on where recent Team Rocket Activity has occurred.

Trainer Hostel

Trainer hostel's cost ₱50 for one stay. They are a place for trainers to rest. They can also be used to speed up time from a DM POV. Hostels have individual rooms, but also have a common space that is usually accompanied by hammocks, a juke box, a bar, and a swimming pool.

A stay at a hostel will provide the same advantages of a long rest. It will also add a +1 to attack bonus during the next battle.

Resistances & Immunities

Aside from wild encounters, trainer battles, and gym battles, players can opt to train their Pokemon at Training Halls. These are buildings specifically designed for training your Pokemon to gain a resistance or immunity to a specific type of Pokemon. Training Halls can only train one of your Pokemon at a time. Likewise, a Pokemon can only be immune to a maximum of two Pokemon types. Therefore if a Pokemon is training for a third immunity, they must give up one of their other two immunities.

To gain resistance to a specific type, a players Pokemon must successfully defeat 3 Pokemon from that Training Hall without using any items. If a player wants their Sandshrew to be resistant to Water-type attacks, they must successfully defeat 3 Pokemon from the Water-Type Training Hall.

To gain immunity to a specific type, a players Pokemon must successfully defeat 5 Pokemon from that Training Hall without using any items. If a player wants their Sandshrew to be immune to Water-type attacks, they must successfully defeat 5 Pokemon from the Water-Type Training Hall. Training Halls are located throughout the Kanto Region. Here are their general locations:

The Elite Four + Champion

The Elite Four are a group of Pokemon Masters who guard the title of Pokemon Champion. The trainer must battle all four masters without resting. Trainers are allowed to heal Pokemon between battles but only with items in the Trainer's bag. Once the Elite Four have been defeated, the trainer will then battle the Pokemon Champion. If the Champion is defeated, the trainer will be crowned the new Pokemon Champion and will receive a cash reward and title of Pokemon Champion. Several new locations will become available upon defeating the previous Pokemon Champion.

Indigo League Tournament

The Indigo League Tournament is a tournament held at the Indigo Plateau. It features 8 rounds of battle. Each round takes place on a randomized field that has a unique effect added onto it. Trainers are allowed to rest and heal their Pokemon between each round. However, they may only choose 3 Pokemon for each round of battle. They may switch out Pokemon between battles. Trainer's will not know who their competitor is until battle begins. Upon successfully making it through each of the 8 rounds, the Trainer will receive a cash reward, title of Indigo League Champion, and access to several hidden areas.

Plot Line

In Part 1, the trainer(s) should make their way to Pewter City, where the first gym leader is located. The most important thing to begin with, however, is selecting a starter Pokemon. This process can be found on page 10. The trainer(s) will also meet their rival, Gary/Blue. He will be popping up every so often throughout the campaign.

Throughout Part 1, the trainer(s) will travel from Pallet Town to Viridian City to Pewter City. Between those cities, trainer's will travel along Route 1, 2, and 3, as well as through the Viridian Forest. There are a number of 'hidden' locations throughout the campaign. To access these 'hidden' locations check out Apendix A: Unlocking Hidden Environments.

There are four main challenges that the trainer(s) will face in Part 1: Battling their rival, meeting Team Rocket, exploring Viridian Forest, and battling Brock, the first leader. While meeting Team Rocket and battling Brock are technically optional, both are encouraged for deepened exploration in the region. Battling their rival and exploring Viridian Forest are both required in order to advance through the story.

Viridian Forest and Brock's Gym should be seen as traditional dungeons. Route's 1, 2, and 3 should be seen as traveling through wild lands.

Finally, there are opportunities for the trainer(s) to capture a shiny Caterpie, a shiny Spinarak, and a shiny Hoppip in this first part of the campaign. Likewise, if the trainer(s) access Pewter Lake they will have an opportunity to obtain a Dratini.

Beginning the Adventure

To begin the adventure, the trainer should receive some sort of wake up from either their parent(s) or alarm clock. This could be a birthday cake celebration, a noisy alarm clock, waking up late and the parent is checking in on them, etc. Think about your player’s backstories and what would work best. Eventually they need to end up at Oak’s Laboratory to receive their starting Pokémon.

Town Description

Pallet Town is a small and peaceful town not far from the sea. It is most well known for being the location of Professor Oak’s lab, perched on top of the tallest hill. However, there are also a lot of other interesting buildings for all types of trainers such as the Bug Training Hall. Trainers can head out into Pallet forest up to Viridian City or if properly equipped it is possible to access the sea from the town.

Notable Locations

Route Description

A long, winding dirt path stretches out before you, curving up and down along a series of rolling hills underneath a clear, sunny sky. The landscape is full of fields of tall grass, spotted with trees. In the distance, tall snow-capped peaks of a majestic mountain range loom on the horizon. Flocks of winged Pokémon dart from tree to tree as the tall grass ebbs and flows with the movement of wind and the small creatures that play within.

Hidden Items

Trainers can find two items on Route 1

• Razz Berry: Found by exploring a group of trees in the southwest quadrant.
• Potion: Found by searching a rock in the northeast quadrant.

Xanadu Nursery

Xanadu Nursery is a large greenhouse that is home to various flowers, plants, and Pokemon. Among them is a flower that contains Stun Spore. Florinda Showers and Potter are the two owners of the nursery. The nursery itself is shaped like an Oddish and has 8 rooms: The body is one, each foot is a small room, and each of its five leaves are separate rooms. It can be found 1.5 miles north of Pallet Town on Route 1.

NPC Interaction. Florinda is the owner of Xanadu Nursery, Potter is her assistant. She will give pointers on Pokémon that may Poison or Paralyze your Pokémon. He is an expert in grass type and can give information on what levels grass-type Pokémon evolve at.

Side Quest: Catch Shiny Caterpie. Potter received a shiny Caterpie from the Safari Zone for safe keeping. However, it escaped from its habitat and is now running loose throughout the Xanadu Nursery. Find it and return it to Potter without using a Pokeball. Potter has a bug net that he will give the trainer(s) if asked for one.

Town Description

Viridian City is a pleasant break from the green forest enveloping it. There is a Pokémon gym for aspiring trainers as well as other places to visit. It has several routes leading off it.

Notable Locations

Hidden Items

• Potion: Hidden under the bench that the Old Man is sitting on. If you search under the bench, the Old Man will question what you're ding and think you are crazy.
• Potion: Hidden in the statue in the center of town.
• Nugget: Near the trees northeast of the PokeMart.

Important NPC's

Encounters in Viridian City

Route Description

The dusty and well-used path snakes its way into the shadow of Viridian Forest, a dense sprawl of trees reflecting the bright sunlight off their leaves. Another path diverges around the trees, making a straight but narrow alleyway through the forest as the land slopes upwards with a dark cave at the end. Small creatures rustle around in the tall grass, occasionally darting between the trees where birds carefully make their nests.

Accessible/Closed Off Sections

Route 2 is split into two sections. The Accessible Area leads straight to Viridian Forest. The Closed Off Section will become available once the trainer has defeated three gym leaders or makes it to Diglett's Cave near Vermillion City. Professor Oak's Aid's are waiting in both the Northern and Southern Gate's preventing the trainer from accessing the Closed Off Section.

Information on the Closed Off Section is available in Part 4

Hidden Items in Accessible Area

• Ether: Hidden under a rock in the southwest corner.
• Paralyze Heal: Hidden behind the sign designating Viridian Forest.
• Sacred Ash: From Oak's Aid in the Southern Gate.

Forest Description

A sky of bright green leaves shadows the path below as birds chirp while carefully constructing their nests. The tall trees act almost like walls, diverting and splitting the path like a maze. Small creatures run around through the trees and grass, clearly undisturbed by the presence of people in the area. A gentle and filtered wind blows through the grass, causing it to rustle and only adding the feeling that the forest is alive with nature.

Traveling through Viridian Forest

The Viridian Forest is a maze of pockets. DMs should think of it as a dungeon just in a forest instead of in a cave. Each zone is described below with NPCs, hidden items, and encounterable trainers. Depending on your group the DM can either set up specific encounters or have the trainer(s) roll for wild encounters. The wild encounter table is on the next page. A map of Viridian Forest is on the following page as well.

The DM can make this as challenging as they see fit. One important point to stress is that if the trainer(s) go exploring off the path, they will get lost and will be stuck in the forest for eternity. If the trainer(s) faints/dies in the Viridian Forest, Forest Ranger Dan will find them and immediately med-evac them to Viridian City for treatment.

Trainer's Likely to be Encountered: Ace Trainer, Aroma Lady, Bird Keeper, Bug Maniac, Clown, Collector, Coolest Kid in School, Dancer, Depot Agent, Dragon Breeder, Gardener, Gentleman, Gym Leader-in-Trainer, Hiker, Hunter, Jogger, Juggler, Lady/Rich Boy, Lass, Lone Wolf, Master of None, Mythologist, Park Ranger, Pilot, PokeManiac, Punk, Ranger, Reporter/Cameraman, Scavenger, School Kid, Shiny Hunter, Storyteller, Super Nerd, Triathlete, Youngster

Viridian Forest Challenges

As the DM you can create added challenges for the group. A few ideas are listed below.

Zone 1: Entrance

Zone 1 is where every trainer will start when they enter the Viridian Forest. There are three paths the trainer(s) can take: to the north, to the east, and to the west. The northern path leads into Zone 6. The eastern path leads into Zone 3. The western route leads into Zone 2.

Zone 2

Zone 2 has 2 openings. Coming from Zone 1, the trainer(s) will enter a small grassy knoll. To the north will be a larger opening that is characterized by its thick grass, mushroom clusters, and a large fallen tree in the northeastern corner. Zone 2 is a dead end so the trainer(s) will have to turn around.

Zone 3

Leading from Zone 1, Zone 3 starts as a winding path. Within the first 10 feet, there is a path that leads north into Zone 5. If the trainer(s) continue forward they will walk into Zone 4. If they turn southward, the trail will wrap around and the trainer(s) will find themselves in a grassy knoll characterized by a large tree stump in the southwest corner.

Zone 4

Zone 4 is a dead end for the trainer(s), so they will need to turn back. If they choose to explore Zone 4, they will find an opening filled with dense grass, small saplings, and a few wild flowers.

Number of Encounterable Trainers: 3

Hidden Items:

• Dire Hit: At the dead end near the entrance to Zone 7 on the western side of Zone 5.
• Razz Berry: Hanging from a tree just before the entrance to Zone 7.
• Potion: Sitting in a patch of dense grass near the beginning of Zone 5.
• TM 77: Guarded by a Mankey sitting in a tree at the dead end on the eastern side of Zone 5.

Shiny Spinarak:

If the trainer explores Zone 6, have them roll a d100. On a successful roll of 100, the trainer(s) encounter a shiny Spinarak.

Hidden Items:

• Lure: Sitting under a tree in the southern section of the zone at the end of the winding path.

Number of Encounterable Trainers: 2

Hidden Items:

• Revive: Guarded by a Stunky at the end of the dead end on the eastern side of the zone.
• Full Restore: Underneath a dense bushel of flowers in the southwestern corner.

Number of Encounterable Trainers: 2

Hidden Items:

• Great Ball: At the base of a tree in the northwestern corner.

Professor Oak's Aid

Oak's Aid is waiting for you at the end of Viridian Forest. She will congratulate you on making it out alive. She will reward you with an Exp Share.

Dratini Encounter

If the trainer(s) head into Zone 10, have them roll a d100. On a successful roll of 91+, the trainer(s) encounter a Dratini. If this happens, read the following.

Hidden Items:

Leaf Stone. Sitting on a lillipad in the middle of the lake.

Route Description

The cooling shade of the Viridian Forest fades into warm and comforting light as the trees open up to fields and flowering meadows. Just off the wide path are large areas of grass that look alive with movement from the abundance of creatures within. There is a dense line of trees standing on the other side of the path and closer inspection reveals ways through that lead to the entrance of Pewter City.

Hidden Items

• Carbos: Hidden in the northeast section.
• Great Ball: Sitting on a rock just outside Pewter City

Town Description

Pewter City is a quiet location nestled in mountains and rocks. There are several places of interest for all trainers, most noticeably the Pokémon gym. Anyone travelling in the mountains is likely to pass through on their journey.

Notable Locations

Important NPCs

Plot Line

Chapter 8: Route 4

Town Description

Sable City is nestled at the bottom of the mountains, near Mt. Moon which makes it popular for trainers who are about to go through the mountain. In the center of the city is a large stadium where tournaments are held which is certainly the most prominent and popular feature of the otherwise small location.

Notable Locations

Important NPCs

Encounters in Sable City

Route Description

Sloping its way out of Sable City, the path darts around larger and larger boulders as it reaches for Mt. Moon which stands tall at the end of the path. Next to Sable City is a large area of long grass with trees to the side, providing a nice habitat for creatures that don’t like the usual rocky caves. The sound of Pokémon running around in the gravel and grass softens as you get nearer to the entrance of Mt. Moon, a large archway in the rock that quickly fades to darkness.*

Hidden Items

Cave Description

With jagged and steep edges, Mt. Moon is difficult to climb so trainers must travel through the labyrinth of caves inside. There are tales of glowing rocks deep in the caves that came from outer space called Moon Stones which supposedly have special evolution properties. Both small and large creatures have said to be seen and the large network of tunnels could lead you anywhere from damp pools to undiscovered crystals. Many features underneath the mountain are yet to be uncovered, making it the perfect ground for explorers.Legends tell of a rare Pokémon that lives within called Clefairy.

Traveling through Mt Moon

Quest: Team Rocket

Zone

Description

PokeDex Entries

Route Description

The distinct scent of the caves fade away as you exit Mt. Moon into the sunlight once more, the path swerves north and south as it heads down the base of the mountain. This path is infamous for the Geo Drop at the end, a large ledge that trainers must climb down to reach Cerulean City which you can see sprawling out in the distance. You can see many Pokémon enjoying the landscape as they climb large boulders or roll down slopes, creating a noisy and busy environment.

Hidden Items

PokeDex Entries

Town Description

Notable Locations

Important NPCs

Hidden Items

Encounters in Cerulean City

Developments. Treasure. Awarding Experience.

If a location has an * next to its title, than the DM may choose if the location is available or not. If a location does not have this symbol, then it holds a plot point for later on in the game.

For wild encounter tables check out the wild encounter supplement.