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Getting Started with URPG Stories

Welcome to the URPG Stories section! By writing stories and submitting them for review, you can capture new Pokemon and earn URPG cash. Unlike the Pokemart and other shops, you may capture any non-Legendary Pokemon by writing a story!

This guide will help you…

When you’ve finished reading, please click here to visit our story board, where you can view stories submitted by our community or submit your own!


The Rules

  1. You must include Pokemon creatures, characters, or settings in every story you submit to the URPG stories section. If you have non-Pokemon-related fanfiction to share, please feel free to do so in our Discord server!
  2. Plagiarism is explicitly forbidden. You may write about or reference official Pokemon characters, but should not reuse original passages, characters, or settings from other fanfiction writers’ works without asking permission and giving appropriate credit.
  3. Do not use any real person’s identity or likeness without asking permission. This includes other URPG players.
  4. You must add content warnings to any story that features R-rated content. This includes, but is not limited to, explicit language, gore, and graphic content. Furthermore, explicit sexual content is prohibited.
  5. Try your best, and be a good sport! Our graders are here to offer advice where needed, and the rest of our community is always willing to help, too.

Breaking the rules above may lead to a warning, suspension, or ban, at the discretion of the Stories section head or URPG Staff.


Earning Rewards

When you submit a story, you must indicate whether you would like to catch a Pokemon or earn URPG cash for your efforts. A grader will assign your story a rank, which determines whether you have successfully reached your target.

So what’s available?

The following rewards are available at each rank:

Easiest

Cash: $4,000

Pokemon: Pidgey, Rattata, Spearow, Magikarp, Caterpie, Hoothoot, Sentret, Ledyba, Spinarak, Sunkern, Unown, Wurmple, Poochyena, Taillow, Wynaut, Kricketot, Bidoof, Burmy, Mantyke, Patrat, Pidove, Sewaddle, Scatterbug, Pikipek, Yungoos, Skwovet

Simple

Cash: $7,500

Pokemon:

Weedle, Ekans, Doduo, Sandshrew, Zubat, Oddish, Paras, Poliwag, Bellsprout, Geodude, Machop, Mankey, Goldeen, Tentacool

Mareep, Hoppip, Wooper, Pineco, Slugma, Snubbull, Phanpy, Stantler, Dunsparce, Delibird, Pichu Magby, Elekid, Smoochum, Cleffa, Igglybuff

Wingull, Zigzagoon, Surskit, Slakoth, Nincada, Whismur, Makuhita, Gulpin, Plusle, Minun, Skitty, Spoink, Cacnea, Barboach, Spheal, Wailmer, Spinda, Luvdisc, Relicanth

Budew, Shinx, Cherubi, Combee, Shellos, Chingling, Bonsly, Snover, Finneon, Carnivine

Lillipup, Purrloin, Pansage, Pansear, Panpour, Roggenrola, Woobat, Tympole, Maractus, Klink, Foongus

Carbink

Grubbin, Cutiefly, Fomantis, Bounsweet, Spritzee, Swirlix, Morelull

Greedent, Blipbug, Nickit, Gossifleur, Wooloo

Medium

Cash: $15,000

Pokemon: Nidoran F, Nidoran M, Vulpix, Venonat, Meowth, Psyduck, Growlithe, Diglett, Magnemite, Seel, Grimer, Shellder, Krabby, Voltorb, Exeggcute, Cubone, Koffing, Drowzee, Lickitung

Chinchou, Natu, Yanma, Teddiursa, Corsola, Remoraid, Houndour, Tyrogue, Delibird, Shuckle

Lotad, Seedot, Shroomish, Azurill, Illumise, Numel, Aron, Duskull, Carvanha, Trapinch, Shuppet, Snorunt, Corphish, Baltoy, Castform, Clamperl, Zangoose, Seviper

Starly, Pachirisu, Buizel, Glameow, Stunky, Bronzor, Mime Jr., Croagunk, Chatot, Hippopotas

Munna, Blitzle, Venipede, Petilil, Sandile, Dwebble, Scraggy, Trubbish, Gothita, Solosis, Ducklett, Vanillite, Deerling, Emolga, Karrablast, Joltik, Elgyem, Cubchoo, Shelmet, Stunfisk, Heatmor, Basculin, Alomomola

Bunnelby, Fletchling, Litleo, Flabebe, Skiddo, Pancham, Espurr, Binacle, Helioptile, Dedenne, Phantump, Pumpkaboo, Bergmite

Crabrawler, Rockruff, Dewpider, Stufful, Togedemaru, Wimpod, Pyukumuku

Rookidee, Yamper, Rolycoly, Silicobra, Clobbopus, Pincurchin, Snom, Morpeko, Milcery, Stonjourner

Hard

Cash: $25,000

Pokemon: Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, Ponyta, Slowpoke, Onix, Eevee, Rhyhorn, Tangela, Horsea, Staryu, Farfetch’d, Pinsir, Omanyte, Kabuto

Chikorita, Cyndaquil, Totodile, Togepi, Aipom, Murkrow, Misdreavus, Girafarig, Qwilfish, Miltank, Sneasel, Smeargle, Swinub

Treecko, Torchic, Mudkip, Ralts, Nosepass, Mawile, Meditite, Electrike, Volbeat, Swablu, Lunatone, Solrock, Torkoal, Lileep, Anorith, Tropius

Turtwig, Chimchar, Piplup, Drifloon, Buneary, Skorupi, Carnivine, Cranidos, Shieldon

Snivy, Tepig, Oshawott, Audino, Timburr, Cottonee, Yamask, Minccino, Frillish, Ferroseed, Tynamo, Mienfoo, Golett, Rufflet, Vullaby, Tirtouga, Archen, Throh, Sawk, Druddigon, Cryogonal, Bouffalant

Chespin, Fennekin, Froakie, Furfrou, Inkay, Skrelp, Clauncher, Tyrunt, Amaura, Klefki, Noibat

Rowlet, Litten, Popplio, Oricorio, Wishiwashi, Mudbray, Salandit, Sandygast, Bruxish, Comfey, Oranguru, Passimian, Komala

Grookey, Scorbunny, Sobble, Chewtle, Applin, Arrokuda, Sizzlipede, Hatenna, Impidimp, Falinks, Eiscue, Indeedee, Cufant, Duraludon

Complex

Cash: $35,000

Pokemon: Tauros, Lapras, Ditto, Dratini

Skarmory, Heracross, Gligar, Larvitar

Feebas, Kecleon, Bagon, Beldum, Absol, Sableye

Happiny, Gible, Spiritomb, Phione

Drilbur, Zorua, Litwick, Axew, Pawniard, Durant, Deino, Darumaka, Sigilyph

Goomy

Mareanie, Minior, Turtonator, Hawlucha, Drampa, Dhelmise, Jangmo-o

Toxel, Sinistea, Dreepy, Dracozolt, Arctozolt, Dracovish, Arctovish

Demanding

Cash: $47,500

Pokemon: Abra, Gastly, Kangaskhan, Scyther, Porygon, Aerodactyl, Riolu, Munchlax, Rotom, Larvesta, Honedge, Mimikyu, Type:Null

Merciless

Cash: $60,000

Stupefying

Cash: $70,000

*Note: The cash value of each Pokemon (for the purpose of trades and in other aspects of URPG) is equivalent to the cash value of its story rank.

If you have decided to try and capture a Pokemon, the only rule is that your story must incorporate that Pokemon or any of its evolutionary stages. If you would like to earn cash, please note that your cash rewards may be delayed if you submit more than three stories per month that pass at the Medium rank or below.

Can I capture multiple Pokemon in the same story?

Yes. We use the cash values of each rank as a measuring stick to determine how many Pokemon you can capture in a story at each rank, and the Integration score to confirm they stand tall in the story.

If you would like to capture multiple Pokemon in one story, first determine the total cash value of those Pokemon.

Example: The total value of a Magikarp (Easiest) plus a Pikachu (Medium) is $19,000.

In order to capture all of your target Pokemon, you’ll need to achieve a rank with a cash value greater than or equal to the total value of those Pokemon, as well as at least the respective Integration score.

Example: In order to catch a Magikarp and Pikachu in one story (combined value $19,000), your story will need to achieve the Hard rank ($25,000) and your Pikachu must reach Intermediate in Pokemon Integration.

Please note that this means it is not possible to catch a combination of Pokemon whose combined value surpasses $70,000 (Stupefying) in a single story.

What happens if I surpass the required rank of my target Pokemon?

You may claim the difference in cold, hard cash.

Example: If your story achieves the Hard rank ($25,000) but you only captured a Magikarp (worth $4,000), you may claim an additional $21,000 along with your Pokemon.

The same calculation applies to stories in which you captured multiple Pokemon.

Example: If you captured a Magikarp and a Pikachu in a story that achieves the Hard rank, you may claim an additional $6,000 along with your Pokemon.

How will I be graded?

A grader will rank your story based on a standard set of criteria. For each category, your grader will determine your level of expertise. The rank at which your story passes will depend upon your level of expertise in each category of the rubric.

Please expand each section to learn how to show mastery in each category.

Diction: Covers the author’s choice of words to craft mood and tone, as well as conveying sensory information. Broadly, this covers the literary category of “description”, but unlike Grammar and Style focuses on word choice and direct description rather than use of sentence/paragraph structure and general correctness. This also includes the author’s efforts to introduce a mood or tone, and how successful they are at doing so across the entire work.

Basic (2) – The author makes a consistent attempt to use adjectives, which may be primarily or exclusively visual, to describe people, places, and things. These details make little or no use of connotation, intensity, mood, or tone.

Intermediate (4) – The author consistently uses adjectives and adverbs to describe objects and actions, including to show intensity and mood, and engages all senses where appropriate.

Advanced (6) – The author demonstrates the ability to use all parts of speech (adjectives, adverbs, nouns, verbs) and all senses, where appropriate, to describe objects and actions, while showing attention to intensity, mood, connotation, and tone. The author’s use of description, particularly visual, does not detract from the overall flow of the story.

Exceptional (8) – The author consistently uses all parts of speech (adjectives, adverbs, nouns, verbs) and all senses, where appropriate, to describe objects and actions, while showing attention to intensity, mood, connotation, and tone. The author’s use of description, particularly visual, does not detract from the overall flow of the story.

Grammar & Style: Covers the author’s understanding of the rules of language (and any intentional “rule-breaking”) used to create additional meaning. In the higher categories, this also covers deliberate use of paragraph and sentence flow in order to evoke specific emotion or meaning, or even to simply make the flow of information more accessible.

Basic (1) – Where present, grammatical and word usage mistakes do not cause readers to struggle with understanding the story beats. It can be inferred that the author made an attempt to proofread their work but does not have a full understanding of all the rules they should follow. Point of view and tense are consistent throughout the story (where appropriate). There should be few run-on sentences.

Intermediate (2) – There are no grammatical, spelling, or word usage mistakes present in the story, except for an occasional typo.

Advanced (3) – The author shows a thorough understanding of not just grammar, but style. For example, the story should not overuse passive voice, nor unnecessary filler words. The author does use sentences and grammatical flow to affect the reader’s experience of the story, such as shorter paragraphs for fast dialogue/action or longer passages to build anticipation and tension.

Exceptional (4) – The story is either free from grammar errors or possesses negligible error. The author uses sentence and paragraph flow in creative ways throughout the entirety of the story to affect the reader’s perception of events. The author shows such a thorough understanding of grammar and style conventions that they are able to bend those rules, intentionally, to serve the needs of the story.

Character & Plot Unity: Covers the use of character traits and actions to drive the plot of the story. Examines external forces that act to complicate the characters’ goals. For non-traditional stories, please note that it is possible to interpret the meaning of the word “character” broadly where needed.

Basic (1) – The story includes at least one character working towards a vague goal or desire, or reacting to an external force. The character’s motivation may be poorly-defined or might change without clear reasoning through the story, but they will still have some impetus to progress.

Intermediate (2) – The story’s protagonist faces a clear objective or conflict in opposition to other characters, forces, or environments. Most characters or acting forces have a set of defined traits that cause them to act in a generally consistent manner.

Advanced (4) – There is clear and pervasive unity of character and story events; i.e. The events of the story occur in a manner not only consistent with, but driven by, the traits and goals of its characters. Acts of God, random coincidences, and sudden breaks in character are used sparingly and only where appropriate to complicate the protagonist’s pursuit of their goals.

Exceptional (6) – The strengths and flaws of each character and acting force are clearly discernible, interesting or synergistic in relation to one another and to the chosen genre and setting, and serve to create overarching themes for the story.

Pokemon Integration: Covers the author’s use of Pokemon, particularly their target Pokemon, within the story. Covers specific references to Pokemon series settings and tropes, where applicable.

Basic (1) – The story includes named Pokemon or references to the Pokemon world, but the specific species of Pokemon add little to the story; i.e. are interchangeable. References to Pokemon tropes and settings are made in passing but aren’t important to the story.

Intermediate (2) – For those Pokemon that appear in the story, particularly the target, the story includes specific actions that rely upon the Pokemon’s unique traits and abilities. Those traits and abilities should resonate with their canon counterparts or have an explanation given why they differ. (Medium or Hard targets for capture need at least this rank.)

Advanced (4) – The Pokemon, particularly the target(s), that serve as main characters are essential to the story; i.e. very few or no other Pokemon or people could fill the same role. The world at large (whether the canon Pokemon world, or a unique one the author created) include Pokemon as a major component, rather than simply being tacked on. (Complex or Demanding targets for capture need at least this rank)

Exceptional (6) – The author makes Pokemon (and their target in specific) totally integral to their work. Every aspect of the story simply could not exist without them. They also show good effort in extrapolating what those Pokemon would do to the world around them, and showcase these in novel ways.

Setting: Covers the integration of time period, location, and culture with the events of the story.

Basic (1) – The setting used is largely left blank or relies heavily on reader knowledge to explain things. Stories set in the canon anime or games universe, where no attempt is made to explain them would fall here.

Intermediate (2) – The details of the world are explored somewhat – if using a known world, the story may flesh out more the overall world, or specific elements are expanded. If using a custom world the author puts some explanation into the immediate locales of the story, though the broader world and its place in it may only be hinted at.

Advanced (4) – The setting is somewhat integrated into the story’s themes and the characters are shown to be grounded within that setting. The story may show a variety of unique locations, and the reader gets an idea of the region or area’s broader concerns. Where applicable, the setting is used to affect the reader’s mood and the character’s actions.

Exceptional (6) – The setting is fully integrated into the story’s themes, characters, and motifs. It would be impossible to exchange this story’s setting for another without fundamentally altering the story. The setting is consistently used to guide the reader’s mood without contrivance – e.g. while rain or night may be used to punctuate a sad scene, these motifs are used judiciously and in ways that make sense with the rest of the story and other aspects of the setting.

Dialogue: Covers the use of communication between characters in a story. Note that “dialogue” does not have to be literal – this category applies to sign language, writing, or communication of any form between characters. It would also apply to internal thoughts if the viewpoint uses them.

Basic (1) – Dialogue between characters exists throughout the story. Dialogue may be stilted or suffer from other issues that detract from the work, or the dialogue may not contribute to the story in much of a meaningful way.

Intermediate (2) – Dialogue between characters frequently conveys meaningful information about those characters (and potentially their relationships). Some dialogue might be unnecessary or feel stilted.

Advanced (4) – Most of the main characters are able to be distinguished from one another by their word choice, sentence structure, etc. Most or all dialogue is concise and plausible for the speaking character(s), and dialogue is deliberately used to convey meaningful information about the communicating parties.

Exceptional (6) – Each character speaks with their own distinctive, unique “voice”, communicating in ways that distinguish them from other characters. Dialogue flows naturally to the point where it seems like a real conversation, when intended, and/or is used to both establish the characterization of each party. Where applicable, it is used to further the character development of the involved parties.

And what’s required?

At this point, you should understand the rewards you can earn at each rank, and the principles upon which you’ll be graded. Please expand each section to learn what you’ll need to master to achieve each story rank.

Easiest 5 points

Simple 7 points

Medium 10 points and Pokemon Integration at least Intermediate if capture attempt

Hard 14 points and Pokemon Integration at least Intermediate if capture attempt

Complex 18 points and Pokemon Integration at least Advanced if capture attempt

Demanding 24 points and Pokemon Integration at least Advanced if capture attempt

Merciless 30 points and Pokemon Integration at least Advanced if capture attempt

Stupefying 36 points and Pokemon Integration at Exceptional if capture attempt

Can I make it any easier?

Story Passes and Boosted Story Passes are items that you may earn as rewards for participation in Story section events, or occasionally by other means. Please read below for a description of how each can help you earn better rewards for your efforts:

Story Pass – A Story Pass reduces the difficulty rank of your target Pokemon by one stage. For example, if you are aiming to capture a Demanding-level Pokemon but you use a Story Pass, you’ll only need to pass at the Complex rank for a successful capture.

Boosted Story Pass – When you successfully capture a Pokemon, a Boosted Story Pass allows you to capture another Pokemon of the same rank (or lower) for free. For example, if you successfully capture a Complex-level Pokemon, you may claim a second Complex-level Pokemon of your choice at no extra cost. Please note that in cases where the target’s rank was already reduced, the Boosted Story Pass will earn rewards at the reduced rank.

Please keep the following rules in mind while attempting to use a Story Pass or Boosted Story Pass:

  1. You may only use one pass total per story.
  2. You may not use a Story Pass or Boosted Story Pass if you have submitted your story as a cash submission.
  3. You may not use a Story Pass to reduce the rank of a Pokemon that has already been reduced (for example, as part of a Story section event).

Graders

A grader’s job is to read your story, provide feedback to help improve your writing, and determine the rewards you’ve earned. In general, a grader will notify you that they are working with your story shortly after you submit it. We ask that you wait two weeks before reaching our to a grader directly. The following URPG members are authorized graders:

Head Grader(s)

Evanfardreamer

Lead Grader(s)

Elrond, Existential Beemo

Active Graders

Inactive Graders*
  • AmericanTreeFrog
  • Ataro
  • Akinai
  • Bouysel.
  • BlazeMaster
  • Bryce
  • Bumblebee
  • ChainReaction01
  • Crazy Lil Chicken
  • diamondpearl876
  • Dog of Hellsing
  • Dragoness
  • Elysia
  • EmBreon
  • Eeveedude
  • FossilFusion
  • Galleon
  • HKim
  • Jack (aka Ralin)
  • Jack of Clovers
  • Kaioo
  • Khajmer
  • Luciole
  • Lord Celebi
  • Lovecraft
  • Magikchicken
  • Menegoth
  • Mistral
  • Neighborhood-Guest
  • Nitro
  • Not Safe For Adults
  • OrigamiDragons
  • PeacefulGiraffe
  • Phantom Kat
  • -Pichu Boy-
  • Poke123
  • Roulette
  • Scourge of Nemo.
  • Sec
  • Seppe
  • Sequentio
  • Sharkbait
  • Shozuka
  • SiberianTiger
  • Smiles
  • Sorocoroto
  • Starkipraggy
  • Synthesis
  • Taras Bulba
  • The Jr Trainer
  • Turtwig A
  • Tyranitex
  • WinterVines
*Inactive graders may grade stories at any time, but may not be responsive to requests for grading.

Other Things to do in the Stories Section

Fourplay!

Every two months, two random Complex and two random Hard ranked Pokemon are reduced to Hard and Medium respectively for the duration. We try to avoid repeats, so keep your eyes out in case one of your favorites comes up!

Write-a-Roll!(WaR)

In November each year, we offer an event to be rolled a random prompt among Genre, Setting, and Protagonist(s) to help people stretch into things they may not have tried or considered. Matching the prompt will let you claim a bonus Pokemon of the same rank as you passed.

#ANewChapter!

Generally held in the spring, this lets you write for a Hard-rank Pokemon by submitting shorter chapters in a miniseries from a selection of prompts. As an added perk, all chapters can be submitted as a single story if you participate in the next writing contest.

Compete!

The Stories section hosts Writing Contests once or twice a year, where you can show off your skills and earn prizes! If you don’t have a story to enter, you can still participate as a voter and earn rewards!

The following rules apply to all Writing Contests unless otherwise stated:

  1. Your story must be PG-13. This rule is in place because voters of all ages may be required to read your story. For URPG purposes, this means that excessive profanity and explicit descriptions of graphic violence are prohibited, in addition to restrictions on sexual content.
  2. You story must be less than 150,000 characters long (including spaces). This rule ensures that voters will be able to read your story, and any others competing against it, within the time allotted for that purpose.

Journal!

You may earn small amounts of URPG cash by submitting drafts or passages from stories or other URPG writings that you are working on. This may include posts in our RP sections!

Click here to learn more about how to maintain a Story Journal!

Earn a Legendary Pokemon!

The Stories section awards Legendary Pokemon to writers as a reward for their contribution to the section over a long period of time!

Whenever one of your stories achieves a given rank, regardless of whether you claimed the rewards as Pokemon, cash, or both, you may convert the cash value of that rank into progress towards a legendary Pokemon.

Example: If you catch a Magikarp and a Pikachu in a story that achieves the Hard rank (worth $25,000), you may apply $25,000 as progress towards your next Legendary Pokemon.

Please see the Legendary List to determine which Pokemon belong in each tier, and for additional details that describe how to claim multiple Legendary Pokemon.