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!
Breaking the rules above may lead to a warning, suspension, or ban, at the discretion of the Stories section head or URPG Staff.
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.
The following rewards are available at each rank:
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
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
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
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
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
Cash: $47,500
Pokemon: Abra, Gastly, Kangaskhan, Scyther, Porygon, Aerodactyl, Riolu, Munchlax, Rotom, Larvesta, Honedge, Mimikyu, Type:Null
Cash: $60,000
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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:
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:
Evanfardreamer
Lead Grader(s)
Elrond, Existential Beemo
Active Graders
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!
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.
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.
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:
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!
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.