Pokémon (POH-kay-mahn)

Incredible creatures that share the world with humans. The various species fall within 15 main elements: Normal, Fire, Water, Electric, Grass, Ice, Fighting, Poison, Ground, Flying, Psychic, Bug, Rock, Ghost, and Dragon. There are currently 150 documented species of Pokémon.

Evolution

Many Pokémon evolve from one form to another. Some Pokémon have three different stages of evolution. Typically, the evolved form of a particular Pokémon is more powerful than its earlier form.

Trainer

A human who attempts to capture Pokémon. Children are granted a "licence" to become Pokémon trainers at the age of ten. Pokémon trainers collect as many wild Pokémon as possible, using the Pokémon in their collection to battle other Pokémon. Pokémon and trainers usually develop a strong band as their relationship grows. Trainers compete against each other in Pokémon battles as a means of advancing the training and development of their own Pokémon, as well as for sport. Pokémon trainers hoping to compete in the regional championship must collect Pokémon Badges by defeating Gym Leaders in battles. only the champions may one day consider themselves Pokémon Masters.

Battles

There are two main reasons for Pokémon battles -- sport, and catching a wild Pokémon. In either case, the Pokémon trainer must choose wisely from his available Pokémon. A fire Pokémon may do well against a flying Pokémon, but not against a Water Pokémon. Once weakened in battle, a wild Pokémon may be captured by the trainer in a Pokéball.

Pokédex

A hand held personalized electronic encyclopedia containing all available knowledge about the known species of Pokémon. It has an auto-sensor device to trigger instantaneous database retrieval of any Pokémon within range. An invaluable tool for the serious Pokémon trainer.

Pokéball

A palm sized Pokémon transportation unit. The Pokéball stores the Pokémon inside as pure energy -- to be returned to its bodily form by the Pokémon trainer. The trainer may aim or throw a Pokéball at a Pokémon to try and contain it. Once a Pokémon becomes trapped inside a Pokéball, it becomes loyal to the trainer who owns it. While a trainer may capture as many Pokémon as possible they may only carry six full Pokéballs at one time. The remainder of his captured Pokémon are transmitted on a beam of energy to the location where the trainer received his Pokédex. The trainer may determine which Pokémon to carry in his Pokéball. When a Pokémon is at risk of being injured in a match, the trainer may aim the Pokéball at the creature to keep it safe.

Pokémon Center

A place in each town for travelling trainers to get medical aid for their worn out Pokémon. Also a place for trainers to meet, rest and eat.

Gyms and Gym Leaders

There is a Pokémon Gym in every town. It's where potential trainers may learn the ways of the Pokémon. The Gym Leader is usually the best Pokémon trainer in town. Defeating a Gym Leader in a match is the only way to earn a Pokémon Badge. It takes six badges to qualify to compete in the Pokémon regional championships.

Team Rocket