Letter from the Chair

Hello, Pokémon Trainers! I welcome you all, with building anticipation and excitement, to the first PokéMUN session at the fourth annual Winchester Model United Nations conference (​and it’s virtual!) My name is Elina Chen, and I will be serving as your Chair for this specialized committee. I am currently a senior at Winchester High School, and this is my fourth year in the school’s Model United Nations Club, which I now serve as a club officer for. I have overseen previous committee sessions at WinMUN, and I regularly attend national Model UN conferences each year as well. Aside from being a member of MUN, I am also the president of the school’s Anime Club. I take pride in being an otaku, and Pokémon was the first anime I ever watched as I grew up, although it was quite a long time ago. PokéMUN will be a learning experience for me, so if anyone feels nervous about their lack of Pokémon knowledge, don’t worry!

People all over the world fear that societal order will collapse due to the power imbalance that comes with the introduction of Pokémon, and are calling for immediate actions to implement regulations for moderating this uncontrolled power. During the committee sessions, we will be discussing one of the two topics provided to you: Pokémon Labor Rights and Pokémon Organized Crime. There will not be any specific storyline you need to follow, since you will be writing the stories yourselves with the background guide as a foundation. Everyone will have their individual stances on each of the topics, and your goal will be to pass regulations in your favor. I look forward to seeing the fate of Pokémon unravel before my eyes as you each debate your stances and voice your opinions. I expect great things from this committee, and I hope that everyone will put their best effort into debating Pokémon rights. The world needs your help, and they need it soon. I look forward to meeting you all at WinMUN IV, and I absolutely cannot wait to see how the future of PokéMUN will unfold.

This year, it will be my honor to work with Yaozu Chen and Armen Bagdassarian, your two wonderful vice chairs. Although having two vice chairs in a relatively small specialized committee may or may not come as a surprise to you all, I am fully confident that they are just as excited as I am for PokéMUN this year, even if it’s a virtual committee this year. We may encounter technical difficulties and other issues while hosting our virtual PokéMUN, but I know that we will have a great time together, so bring along your Pokémon and get fired up! That being said, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me or your Vice Chairs. Feel free to email us even if you just want to talk about your favorite Pokémon or tell us some Pokémon jokes, we’d love to hear from you!

Still Currently Watching Pokémon,

Elina Chen PokéMUN Chair

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Letter from the Vice Chair

Welcome to the world of PokéMUN (and WinMUN IV)! My name is Yaozu Chen, and I’m excited to serve as your Vice Chair for this committee. As a senior at Winchester High School, this is my fourth year participating in the Winchester Model UN Team, and my third year as a staffer for our WinMUN conference. WinMUN I was actually my first Model UN conference, but I have since attended other local and national conferences. Outside of Model UN, I am an officer for our school’s Science Olympiad team, an organizer for the Winchester Math Competition, and play the violin, but Pokémon has always been one of my hobbies. Like Elina, I watched Pokémon when I was younger, but I have also collected the trading cards and played many of the video games. I am looking forward to discussing Pokémon (and getting to know everyone’s favorite Pokémon) during committee.

In this committee, we will explore the debate surrounding the role of Pokémon in the world. As many of you know, these “Pocket Monsters” possess a variety of powers, and it is up to you to determine how these new creatures will fit into society. While some of you may stress the need to respect Pokémon and live in harmony, others might have different ideas about the role of Pokémon. The diverse range of characters you all represent have a variety of different opinions and important backgrounds, and it is your job to explore and voice these opinions to shape the future of Pokémon. With no past examples of ideas to guide this committee, each of your efforts and voices will be instrumental in solving these issues. I look forward to seeing the bright ideas this committee will present, and I hope that you are excited as well.

Though this committee is a bit unique and non-traditional, both in terms of being virtual and Pokémon-themed, I’m grateful to have the chance to work with Elina and Armen, both amazing delegates and teammates, to make this committee entertaining and fun. Hopefully we can make this committee more than just sitting in front of your computer on Zoom for a day. For experienced Model UN delegates, I hope that this committee will reinforce your debating skills and allow you to challenge yourselves. For newbies, relax! Just try speaking and remember to have fun. Again, if you have any questions or concerns, just let us know. We’re looking forward to meeting you all!

Sincerely,

Yaozu Chen PokéMUN Vice Chair

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Letter from the Vice Chair

Welcome Trainers! My name is Armen Bagdassarian and I will be your vice-chair for the PokéMUN specialized committee at the fourth annual Winchester Model United Nations conference. I am a current sophomore at Winchester High School and have been a member of the Winchester Model United Nations club for two years now. Besides from MUN I am a build officer of the Winchester Science Olympiad team and on the Student Council. Pokémon has always had a special place in my heart. Ever since I was a little kid I would watch episodes of the anime whenever I could on Cartoon Network. Then, when third grade came around, I begged my parents for Pokémon cards so I could also play with my friends during recess. Finally in 8th grade I caught and traded Pokémon with my uncle with Pokémon Go. Basically, I’m trying to say that Pokémon has been a big part of my childhood and I cannot wait to be able to show my love for Pokémon with all of you!

As most people our age know Pokémon are catchable monsters who throughout the games are used in battles between Pokémon trainers. These Pokémon possess different elemental powers and abilities and are a key part of the universe the humans of Pokémon live in. Our two topics for this committee will be Pokémon Labor Rights and Pokémon in Organized Crime. Pokémon Labor Rights will be all about the ethics of Pokémon’s use in society. Pokémon fight in battles and compete in contests, and it will be in your hands to decide where the line will be drawn with Pokémon’s rights in society. As for Pokémon in Organized Crime, this topic will be all about when Pokémon are used for, you guessed it, criminal activity. Powerful crime syndicates use these innocent monsters for their own motives and agendas. With the police unable to stop these syndicates and the only ones actively opposing them being vigilantes, it is in your hands to find a way to stop these crime syndicates and restore order. You will all have different views of these monsters' roles in the society of Pokémon, but will have to decide what the future of these creatures will be.

Some might see this committee as the odd one out, as it is based on a fictional universe portrayed in video games, anime, cards, and manga. Regardless, I know for a fact that me and my talented colleagues Elina and Yaozu will make this committee an absolute blast. Elina and Yaozu are some of the most hardworking people I know, and I hope you will enjoy interacting with them as much as I do. Debate, discuss, problem-solve, but most importantly make sure to have fun! If there are any questions, comments, or concerns, please let one of the chairs know! I cannot wait to see you all on April 11th!

With Best Regards,

Armen Bagdassarian PokéMUN Vice Chair

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Background Information

The Advent of Pokémon in our Modern World (year 4206) The brainchild of Satoshi Tajiri and the Japanese company "Game Freak," Pokémon took the world by storm during the release of Pokémon Red, Green and Blue in 1996. The popular role-playing video game imagines a world where so-called “Pocket Monsters” -- organisms with unique elemental powers -- coexist with humans in a near-utopian society. In the “Pokémon World,” Pokémon naturally roam freely in the wild, but are usually happy to collaborate with humans for both vocation and sport once captured (shown right). The appeal of escaping into this world quickly made Pokémon the world's largest media franchise overall by August of 2018, with successful anime series, movies, spin-off games, and merchandise. As time passed, the series’ fanbase became larger and gradually more fanatical. Additionally, scientific progress in studies of evolutionary development and genome editing became exponential. By the year 2694, advanced technologies such as CRISPR were cheap and commonplace -- and largely under-regulated. A growing movement known as “Pokémon Grow” sought to make the Pokémon world a reality, and began illegal experimentation on normal animals in an attempt to infuse them with various elemental powers. Though many attempts to create specific ‘favorite Pokémon’ were unsuccessful, the creations of one scientist would alter Earth forever. In the year 3000, a nearly perfect replica of the Pokémon Mew was created in an underground laboratory in Guyana by a man named Dr. Fuji. Mew is a pink, bipedal creature with a thin tail, rounded snout and large, blue eyes (shown left). An extremely adaptable organism, Mew is able to travel freely in the air and underwater. Mew is said to have the DNA of every single Pokémon contained within its body, and as such, possesses a wide variety of elemental "moves".

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Dr. Fuji’s motivations and methods remain unclear to this day. Some say he was attempting to birth all Pokémon by creating their earliest ancestor. Others believe that he didn’t create Mew on purpose, but accidentally replicated it from ancient DNA found in the South American forest where the original “Viridian Forest” of the Pokémon world was based on. But regardless of his intentions and means, Mew was soon unleashed on the world. Just as theorized in the Pokémon games, Mew gradually synthesized a vast variety of Pokémon. At first, the organisms that appeared were very similar to Earth organisms and even coexisted with animals -- fish with odd, butterfly shaped fins swam alongside the North Atlantic Salmon (shown left), lizards with flaming tails skirmished with Chinese giant salamanders for territory. But after decades of competition, the elemental prowess and higher brain functioning of Pocket Monsters won the evolutionary battle with Earth’s original organisms. Gradually, human society itself adapted to these new organisms, relying on them for power, and even companionship. Due to the flashy nature of Pokémon’s powers, a “battling” industry quickly took root, and competitions testing the strength of Pokémon and the battle strategies of their human “trainers” overtook human sports as the primary source of entertainment. Soon, new advancements, such as Z-Moves and Mega Evolution (shown right), were made to augment the natural elemental power of Pokémon, harnessing the power of bonds between Pokémon and their trainers. Currently, the year is 4206. Pokémon have almost completely outcompeted natural wildlife -- nearly all organisms roaming on Earth evolved from the Mew released more than a millennium ago.

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Committee Information

Unova, 4206: Commission on the Status of Pokémon The use of Pokémon in the modern world has gone by and large unregulated. Debates on the labor rights of Pokémon rage on (especially considering issues of battling and energy production), yet, no tangible action has been taken to protect our partners. Additionally, the unregulated ability to catch powerful monsters has led to an immense uptick in organized crime. Too much time has passed without definitive resolutions tackling these long-standing problems. That’s why last year, on April 5th, 4206, the first ever Commission on the Status of Pokémon was scheduled to convene in Castelia City, Unova (geographically, what used to be New York City, United States of America, seen right). However, the sudden outbreak of an unknown infectious virus1​ resulted in a year-long postponement of the meeting, which is happening virtually this year! In this committee, you will interact with a diverse variety of people -- trainers, coordinators, industrial workers, nurses, police officers, and even former members of organized crime gangs -- all working together to craft a feasible solution on one of two specific topics. As this is a specialized committee and not a crisis, your chairs expect very substantive resolutions, designed to tackle the wealth of issues plaguing our unregulated “Pokémon World”. All debate will be taking place in this fictional future universe -- we’ll leave both Winchester and the year 2020 behind as we embark on this Model UN adventure together.

1 A​ ny resemblances to real life are ​certainly​ coincidental.

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Topic 1: Pokémon Labor Rights

Background Information The relationship between Pokémon and people is a dynamic one: it has changed greatly over time, and even varies presently between region to region. However, one moral conundrum has perturbed human minds ever since the first Pokémon battle: is how we interact with our Pokémon partners even ethical? From sporting events like contests and battles, to Pokémon husbandry, are our Pokémon partners entitled to certain labor rights, and why? If they are, what are those rights -- and the limits of them? It’s up to you to decide the fate of these elemental organisms.

Pokémon Products As stated earlier in this background guide, Pokémon have almost completely outcompeted natural wildlife. The only exceptions are humans and certain cultivated plants and animals, including breeds of cow, chicken, fish, fruits, and vegetables. Since these animals are limited, Pokémon products have also become prevalent. The most common example is food derived from Pokémon, especially from Miltank (milk), Slowpoke (tails), Chansey line (eggs), Tropius (fruit), Combee (honey), Ribombee (pollen puffs). Several people swear that Moo-Moo Milk (Miltank’s milk) tastes leagues better than standard cow milk. Sometimes these Pokémon products arise naturally. For example, in Alola, the climate in the region induces Slowpoke tails to fall off, after which they are harvested and sold to restaurants. However, in other regions, tails are cut off the living Pokémon to harvest them quicker. Slowpoke are rather stolid organisms, and they don't seem to care about this. Other times, these products are harvested from the Pokémon without its consent -- for example, Ribombee’s carefully crafted collections of pollen are stolen from around its neck and sold as supplements. Certain types of Pokémon have been historically killed and eaten, even hunted to the brink of extinction (Farfetch'd, Sharpedo, Basculin, Crabrawler, Magikarp [shown right]). Though presently, not enough people hunt these Pokémon to impact their populations, there are still groups who swear by their improved flavor. As for Pokémon themselves -- several Pokémon are known to have predatory and parasitic relations with other Pokémon, but a majority subsist off of wild berries and fruits. Additionally, several variants of fruit

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have evolved to be more appealing to Pokémon, healing various elemental conditions (e.g. the Rawst berry heals a burn). Humans have adapted these berries into various goods for Pokémon trainers to feed to their partners, including dull “Pokémon Food”, flavorful Poffins and vitamin Pokeblocks. Pokémon can also eat human foods, like Poke Puffs (pastries), Rage Candy Bars (candy), Casteliacones (ice cream), Apples, Coconuts, Malasadas, and Curries. However, most trainers opt for the cost effective, though less delicious, Pokémon Food.

Pokémon Capture To capture wild Pokémon, trainers have to throw Pokeballs at them. A wild Pokémon can sometimes escape, especially when they are at full health, so Pokémon trainers often fight the wild Pokémon with their own team of Pokémon to bring it to a weaker state, making it easier to catch them. Trainers can have a team of up to six Pokémon, which they can keep in Pokeballs on their belts. They can use different kinds of Pokeballs, such as the Great Ball and Ultra Ball, to increase their chances of catching a Pokémon. Some Pokeballs have more comfortable interiors than others as well (specifically, the Luxury Ball). All types of Pokeballs can be used to catch any kind of Pokémon, but certain kinds of Pokeballs can be more effective against specific types of Pokémon depending on the location, type of Pokémon, and other factors. When captured, Pokémon shrink significantly so they can fit inside the Pokeball (shown right). This process itself doesn’t hurt the Pokémon, but even after shrinking, living space is limited in the Pokeball. While this entire process can seem fascinating and exciting to aspiring Pokémon trainers, others find it mortifying and absurd. Advocates for Pokémon rights claim that forcibly capturing a Pokémon from its wild and natural habitat to confine it within a small Pokeball is a major offense of Pokémon abuse. But, if not Pokeballs, what other alternatives are there to transporting large and inadvertently destructive Pokémon? Though the majority of trainers bond with their Pokémon by interacting with them both during and outside of battle, some only release theirs to battle other Pokémon (they live most of their lives in isolation). Scientists have observed from past studies that some Pokémon, such as Shinx, Luxio, and Wingull, live and travel in groups. As all studies often show, removing an animal or Pokémon from their pack and isolating them can often lead to depression and health failure. Without interaction from either other Pokémon in the wild, or their trainer and their

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other Pokémon, social Pokémon can have severe impacts that negatively affect their mental conditions. Additionally, one issue that arises with Pokeballs is that they may trap a Pokémon inside if the casing is broken in any way -- though this is an exceedingly rare event. Should captured Pokémon be kept in Pokeballs? Should they be left untouched in the wild to begin with? What happens to the Pokémon who are trapped in damaged Pokeballs, lost Pokeballs, or abandoned Pokeballs? If their trainer is no longer there to release the Pokémon, who will be there to release and rescue them? Should Pokeball sale and ownership be regulated? Similar to the issue of Pokeballs is the issue of PC storage. Once a trainer has caught more than 6 Pokémon, they may store additional monsters inside devices called PC (shown right). Once inside, Pokémon do not need to be fed, healed or cared for. Not much is known about the conditions inside PCs -- some maintain that it’s a VR-like paradise, while others speculate that Pokémon are frozen in time. Regardless, research speculates that as many as 15% of a Trainer’s Pokémon, once sent to the PC, will never exit it. Should a trainer be allowed more than 6 Pokémon? Should there be a different method of storing additional monsters? If so, why, and what? Besides the growing concerns over the emotional conditions of Pokémon being imprisoned within Pokeballs, critics also disapprove of the practices and lack of consideration by trainers in taking care of their Pokémon. When a Pokémon is captured by a trainer, they develop respect and a bond with that individual. Pokémon often deepen bonds with their trainers as they become their fighting partners and lifelong companions, which can affect their performance and feelings. However, some Pokémon are traded away to strangers in exchange for other Pokémon or items. Critics say these Pokémon have no say in who they want their trainers to be, or if they agree to be used as a trading resource. If Pokémon cannot speak, how can we determine their consent to be traded? Do Pokémon even have any rights once they are captured, and do they deserve the rights they lost? Does their consent matter after capture? Should Pokémon continue living on as pets, or should society reconsider the relations between a trainer and their Pokémon?

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Pokémon in Sport Though there are several individuals who keep Pokémon as pet companions or use their skills vocationally, 60% of our population engages in various competitions with their Pokémon for sport. The most popular of these by far are Pokémon Battles: two trainers face off with teams of up to 6 Pokémon, fighting it out with elemental moves until one side has completely “fainted” (too weak to battle). Though Pokémon do not die from participating in Battles, they sustain damage from attacks. These attacks can be quite gruesome (e.g. “Crush Claw”, “Flare Blitz”, “Vine Whip” seen left, and “Hyper Beam”), and would severely injure humans if pointed towards them. Pokémon can also become afflicted with serious status conditions like temporary burns and paralysis. However, despite the great risk, both trainers and their Pokémon are often excited to participate in battles to gain glory and money -- especially in large tournaments like the Gym Challenge and the Pokémon League. In the wild, Pokémon sometimes fight 1v1 battles for territory, food, or mates. However in the modern world, the decision to initiate battles is always at the discretion of the trainer, and since the majority of Pokémon can’t communicate to humans, there is no way to tell if the Pokémon truly enjoy the battling experience. Additionally, all rewards for the battle by default go to the trainer (in the form of money). Some see battling as a way to strengthen bonds between a trainer and Pokémon, and improve the partnership for both. Staunch Pokémon rights activists maintain that the very idea is propaganda pushed by the 440 billion dollar battling industry. During battles, trainers can also heal their Pokémon with various items. The most natural of these are status-healing and health-restoring berries, which Pokémon routinely feed off of in the wild and will use themselves in battle if given them. However, there is a huge industry devoted to manufacturing artificial healing items, such as “Potions” (heal damage sustained from battle, seen right) and “Revives (makes a fainted Pokémon able to battle again). It is again, at the trainer’s discretion if they should heal their Pokémon or leave them injured or fainted during and after battle. As healing items are expensive, often trainers are forced to travel with exhausted, injured Pokémon until they can find a Pokémon Center, where their companions will be restored free of charge.

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Since Pokémon are so integrated into our world, it’s no surprise that battling is not the only method of sporting with these elemental organisms. Contests are also a popular spectacle. Contrary to battling, which focuses on a Pokémon’s power, contests emphasize the elegance and beauty of Pokémon. Most contests have a dress-up round, where Pokémon are accessorized to follow a certain “theme” (cool, cute, tough, beautiful, or clever). They also often have a “talent” round, where Pokémon perform moves to impress a panel of judges -- for example, a Glaceon may perform “Blizzard” to create a beautiful ice sculpture (seen left). Pokémon Contests have been lauded as a safer alternative to battles, but the infrastructure behind them is limited -- it is a significantly smaller industry than battling, and they are impossible to perform without a panel of judges. Contests themselves are also missing key regulatory legislation, as some contest trainers (also known as coordinators) have been known to breed in mills for the most aesthetically pleasing Pokémon. A more niche competition, only currently practiced in the Johto region, is the Pokeathlon. In this contest, similar to the ancient Olympic Games, Pokémon participate in a variety of sporting events. These include racing, high jumping, and wrestling. These games don’t hurt Pokémon anymore than competitive sports hurt human athletes. However, some trainers have been found doping their Pokémon with illegal items to give them unfair advantages in competition. Regardless of the method of competition, it is clear that more regulations must be drafted to ensure that Pokémon’s experience in sporting events is equitable and safe.

Vocational Uses of Pokémon Pokémon have become so integrated into society that they sometimes fill in for occupations, which brings up questions of labor rights. Pokémon assist in a variety of jobs -- Machamps are known to perform manual labor alongside human workers (seen right), Chanseys work with nurses in Pokémon centers. In places like the Galar region, Pokémon perform a variety of “PokéJobs” ranging from cooking to teaching. However, unlike their human counterparts, Pokémon not receive any form of currency payment for the work they do. While they do not complain about it, some Pokémon rights activists have voiced concerns regarding

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the violation of inalienable worker’s rights. Other Pokémon are used for their ability to produce fire, electricity, and other natural powers needed to keep society up and running as energy sources. For example, Electrodes often use their electrical power to fuel Power Plants, and certain organizations use electric-type Pokémon like Pikachu as backup energy sources. If their trainers willed it, Pokémon would have to work for as long as their trainers commanded them to, regardless of how brutal or dangerous the work is. People are alarmed by the lack of freedom Pokémon have in the workforce, stating that Pokémon should have the right to choose if they wanted to work, and that they would receive payment for their hard work the way most human workers do. Others maintain that being paid in board and room is more than enough for Pokémon, and that it’s only natural for them to use their skills to help the trainer that cares for them. Currently, there are no rules outlining any kind of consequence for trainers who overwork their Pokémon, or any alternate methods for Pokémon to voice any objections against their trainers. The benefits of the free labor provided by Pokémon help support society and the economy, but heated debates over these moral issues also threaten the peace of the community. Since Pokémon are owned by their trainers, should they be expected to assist their trainers free of charge, or should they be treated like the average worker and receive a salary for their hard work? Do Pokémon deserve to have a set of standard regulations that define their working rights, so that they have more control over their lives after being captured, or is it reasonable for Pokémon trainers to demand absolute obedience from their Pokémon? Is it even morally justified for trainers to use their Pokémon for work, or is it reasonable that Pokémon must relinquish all their rights and gains to the trainers who conquer them?

Questions to Consider: I. How should Pokémon be compensated for their products and labor, if at all? II. Should we as a society allow Pokémon capture and battling to continue unregulated? A. Should we allow it to continue at all? III. What standard of care should trainers be expected to provide for their Pokémon after capture? A. How can the Commission make sure these standards of care are being followed?

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Topic B: Pokémon in Organized Crime

Background Information Ideally, all people would use Pokémon for wholesome purposes. However, as the old adage goes, power corrupts. In our imperfect modern world, Pokémon assist humans in all their endeavors -- including crimes. Petty thieves use sneaky dark types to enhance their pickpocketing, arsonists employ fire types to maximize damage. But nowhere is the impact of Pokémon power more dangerous than in the various organized crime syndicates of the Pokémon world. Most of these groups refer to themselves as “teams,” and operate on a regional scale. For example, Team Rocket operates mainly in the Kanto and Johto regions, where Team Galactic dominates the Sinnoh region. These syndicates use Pokémon to steal money, exploit natural resources, capture other people’s Pokémon, and even conduct dangerous, unregulated research. Though police forces exist in our world, they are currently not effective in stopping the activities of these syndicates, and concern themselves mainly with day-to-day petty crime. Most concerningly, the heroes who often stop organized evil activities are independant Pokémon trainers -- some as young as 12 years old! It’s up to you to find feasible ways to stop the various schemes of these crime organizations.

Pokémon Theft Pokémon come with different strengths, appearances, and powers, which can make certain Pokémon more favorable than others. Additionally, some Pokémon are significantly more rare than others, especially Legendary and Pseudo-Legendary Pokémon, as well as shiny variants. Unfortunately, this can make people the target of criminal groups who want to steal their rare Pokémon, and encourage them to commit crimes. A famous example is the ongoing feud between the well-known trainer Ash Ketchum and 3 members of Team Rocket, who repeatedly attacked him in hopes of stealing Pikachu from Ash (shown right). Should there be measures in place to protect Pokémon trainers from criminal groups eager to take their buffed up Pokémon by force, or should it remain unregulated as part of a natural way of life? Would it be better to extend existing laws on robbery directly over to Pokémon as well, or must regulations be more targeted specifically to Pokémon as creatures?

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Additionally, Pokémon themselves are often used as aiders of theft, specifically of held items. The TM46 teaches the dark-type move Thief, which allows them to steal items from their opponents. This move can be strategic during battle, but is often used by organized crime groups as a surefire way to steal valuable and rare items. Sometimes these items are more innocuous, like gold Nuggets, but other times stolen items have the power to awaken fierce Legendary Pokémon that could wreak havoc on our world. When debating organized crime, it is especially important to consider how to mitigate their thefts and protect such items. Aside from Pokémon moves that have the ability to take things from their opponents, there is a special kind of Pokeball, known as the Snag Ball, that allows Pokémon trainers to steal other trainer’s captured Pokémon (shown right). Though taking someone else’s Pokémon is currently illegal, there is no way to track Snag Balls or return them if the thief successfully escapes. The consequences are apparent. If a criminal organization lays their hands on massive amounts of snag balls, powerful trainers fighting for justice could potentially lose their strong Pokémon, rendering them helpless against their opponents. The debate over regulation of these balls is tantamount, especially considering the diverse evil machinations of each regional criminal group. NOTE: If you’d like to read more about each group’s motivations and goals, please check out the glossary at the end of this Background Guide!

Curbing Illegal Experimentation A large activity of these organized crime syndicates is performing illegal experiments on Pokémon, capturing and performing all sorts of inhumane tests on them. There have never been creatures possessing such intriguing magical powers in the history of mankind, and scientists are determined to find out whatever they can about Pokémon regardless of the means used to do so. Additionally, scientists hope that the information obtained from experiments run on modern Pokémon could help create more powerful healing items, or synthetic Pokémon like Mewtwo or Type: Null (shown left). Rumors say that Pokémon that are captured and taken into labs for testing are never seen again, and that terrifying, demonic sounds echo in the halls of the laboratories. Pictures of abused and malnourished Pokémon

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sometimes make their way onto the web, and Pokémon rights activists often speak out against this evidence. The vast majority of trainers are against experimentation, but no plans have been made to ever stop it. Tracking, locating, and dismantling these high-tech laboratories is a difficult task: it is up to the Commission to decide the best way to tackle it. Another topic of concern is artificial Pokémon, which often appears on the news headlines on the topic of illegal experimentation. These artificial Pokémon are created through trial and error, since scientists are creating new species of Pokémon that didn’t exist before. During this trial and error process, the scientists often make mistakes and correct them to achieve creating the perfect artificial Pokémon, which do not differ very much from the average Pokémon. These errors can lead to lasting consequences, such as death and mutations. The Commission will also have to consider the victims of illegal experimentation: how should these Pokémon be treated or rehabilitated? Should they be released into the wild? Killed? The last large facet of illegal experimentation involves forced evolution. Evil organizations (most notably Team Rocket in their “Project R”) are known to force Pokémon into evolving in order to create an army of powerful Pokémon at the team's disposal. In Project R, Team Rocket used evolution-inducing waves to rapidly level-up Magikarp in the Lake of Rage, forming a red Gyarados. Red Gyarados is a notorious Pokémon that can be remembered for its shiny, bright red color, in contrast to the standard blue that it naturally evolves into (shown right). While a red Gyarados is flashier and more eye-catching, the reason it is red is because it does not have enough time to fully evolve from the Magikarp. The red Gyarados retains its red color since it does not have enough time to turn blue, and while this does not harm the Pokémon itself, many critics disapprove of the forced evolution. Claiming that it’s not a natural process, people also question the legality of the experiments since the ideas of a forced evolution do not appeal to many people. There are artificial Pokémon that are functionally adept and appear normal, but what about the failed experiments? Is it right to manipulate life like this, or should scientists stop producing artificial Pokémon? How can we prevent wide-spread forced evolution from occurring?

Regulating Mega-Evolution and Z-Moves Pokémon are able to evolve as they gain experience during battle, or receive boosts from certain items such as evolutionary stones. As Pokémon evolve, they become more powerful after they change into a more powerful species. Though evolution is permanent, there are other ways of enhancing your Pokémon’s performance temporarily. Mega-Evolution and Z-Moves, though essential in strategic Pokémon battling, are often abused by criminal groups. This brings to light some concerns pertaining

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to the regulation of Mega Stones: key items that allow Pokémon to go through Mega-Evolution. Only certain Pokémon can mega evolve, but it increases their power greatly for the time they are on the battlefield (seen left). Pokémon need to have a well-established bond with their trainers, a Mega Stone corresponding to the Pokémon’s species, and a separate “Keystone” for their trainers to successfully go through Mega-Evolution. In order to prevent villains from laying their hands on these precious materials, this Commission is considering ways of regulating Mega Stone and Keystone obtainment. Mega Stones are the results of Evolutionary stones being irradiated by the power of the Legendary Pokémon Xerneas or Yveltal. Keystones and Mega Stones are found in the wilderness, and villainous group leaders have already gotten their hands on several. This issue concerns many leaders all around the world, because terrorist groups with Mega-Pokémon would be much stronger than the average group of powerful Pokémon trainers. If Mega-Evolution went unregulated and became easy to access for people with ill intentions, it could enable them to take control of the world with more powerful Pokémon and greater ease. How should this commission seek to regulate these stones? Should Mega Stones be confiscated completely, or should Pokémon trainers be allowed to use them to fight recreationally? Otherwise, would Mega Stones remain unregulated? A similar concern surrounds the topic of Z-crystals and Z-rings, which can be used for Z-moves. Z-moves are like normal Pokémon moves, except they are much more powerful, and can give any Pokémon (even unevolved ones!) a massive advantage over their opponent (shown right). Although they can only be used once in battle, they are very deadly, and can have extremely negative impacts on the surrounding area when they are used. For example, the water type Z-move Hydro Vortex can flood the terrain and disrupt natural habitats. Because of how powerful Z-moves are, people are scared that terrorist groups will lay their hands on these Z-crystals and Z-rings before righteous Pokémon trainers do. Once that happens, it will be harder than ever before to stop them from destroying the peace and order in society. How will these Z-crystals and Z-rings be regulated, and who would be trusted enough to regulate them? What will happen to the Z-crystals and Z-rings that are already in the hands of evil, and would we try to forcefully get them back? Is the regulation of Z-moves a greater or lesser concern compared to regulating Mega Evolution?

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Police Force Police forces still exist, employing Pokémon specialized to criminal capture -- for example, Spinarak's projectile nets, and Arcanine K-9 Units. However, most dangerous organized crime in our world is stopped by trainers -- some as young as 13! The existing police force lacks enforcement power, and are nowhere near organized enough to stop the overarching evil syndicates terrorizing people. Even small organized teams of troublemakers can easily escape the police, and it is clear that Officer Jenny, along with her other police officers, need assistance. Since modern police forces lack the ability to keep these terrorist groups in control, people are debating whether a stronger and more capable police force with Pokémon trainers should be established. How much power should they have? The Commission must consider the risk of corruption before answering this question. Should they use Pokémon, or more ancient technologies like guns and tasers? Some people support having powerful Pokémon trainers assemble to form a massive team of unstoppable Pokémon trainers, regardless of how young or old they are. Others are repulsed by the thought of using children for the police force, and dislike the idea of children going out to fight wanted criminals instead of studying at school or enjoying their adolescent adventures. Should children and teenagers be allowed to join the police force if they are qualified, and in what capacity? As always, Pokémon rights activists are also worried about the role of Pokémon in this kind of military and policing force. They question whether to view Pokémon as individual beings, or as pets owned by trainers. Most Pokémon usually act under their trainer’s command, and rarely on their own impulses since they are kept in Pokeballs most of the time. In their cases, if they were to commit a crime, such as theft or murder, would the Pokémon itself be responsible and punished, or would the Pokémon trainer be liable? Do Pokémon get a right to say if they want to join their trainers in fighting for the police force, or should they willingly follow their trainers wherever they go? Is it morally justified to make Pokémon fight in such dangerous conditions without any laws protecting their rights being in place? Another rising issue is the fact that many terrorist organizations possess powerful weapons, such as tanks, missiles, bombs, rocket launchers, and guns. These weapons of mass murder have landed in the wrong hands, and are used for terrorizing defenseless residents. There have been urgent requests to infiltrate

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these terrorist organizations to confiscate these dangerous weapons, but there is no organized force strong enough to respond to these calls. It would also be very risky for the existing police forces to try and obtain these weapons from the terrorists, since they lack in both offense and defense. What measures should be taken to protect the people from these terrorists using ancient, but destructive, means? Should all the weapons found be confiscated and destroyed, or would there be an alternate solution to the issue at hand? If a greater police force is not created, what alternatives could be taken to control the violence faced by innocent civilians living under the reigns of terror?

Questions to Consider:

IV. How do we curb the rise of organized crime? V. What are the most egregious offenses of these groups, and how can we prevent them from occurring? A. What punishments must be given to their perpetrators? VI. How do we minimize the power available to these groups without curbing the freedoms of the general population to own and battle with Pokémon? A. Consider specifically Z-Moves, Mega Evolution, Evolution, and TM usage

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Dossiers

Lt. Surge - V​ ermillion City Gym Leader Dawn - ​Pokémon Coordinator

Lieutenant Surge is a gym leader who specializes in Dawn is from Twinleaf Town, and she spends her using Electric-type Pokémon and acts in a very time raising Pokémon to compete in Pokémon arrogant and intimidating manner. He looks down Contests in hopes of becoming a Top Coordinator on people who have not beaten him, and addresses like her mother. She is very patient and warm-hearted them with a very condescending attitude, such as towards her Pokémon, and she always keeps calling those he looks down on “baby”. Trainers that Johanna’s first ribbon as a good luck charm for her lose against him in the gym often retreat with very contests. As a Pokémon Coordinator, she feeds her injured Pokémon. Coming from the military, he’s Piplup, Mamoswine, and her Pachirisu poffins to tough on people, but respects those who can prove increase their physical attractiveness. She trains them their strength to him. In the anime, he uses his to perform certain moves such as Ice Aqua Jet and Raichu to battle against Pikachu, and believes that Flame Ice for the contests. In her first Pokémon trainers should prematurely evolve their Pokémon to Contest, however, she loses to Zoey, her greatest their ultimate forms so that their Pokémon become rival, and it injures her confidence, but she quickly stronger. After Ash and Pikachu return to have a rebounds with the help of her Pokémon’s support. rematch for the Thunder Badge, Lt. Surge mocks Inexperienced at handling Pokémon them for not evolving Pikachu into a Raichu.

N - ​King (Puppet Leader) of Team Plasma Lillie - ​Pokémon Trainer

Natural Harmonia Gropius, commonly known as N, Lillie is the daughter of the president of the Aether works to create a separate world for humans and Foundation, which was an organization focused on Pokémon. He was raised by Pokémon as a young protecting and healing Pokémon. However, they orphan until Ghetsis took him in, claiming to be his were conducting dangerous research experiments on father. He was raised to become the leader of Team a Cosmog named Nebby, a legendary Pokémon, in Plasma, and was educated by the Seven Sages. their attempts to harness the power of Ultra Beasts Growing up, he was isolated from other people and and open more Ultra Wormholes across Alola. After was raised alongside Pokémon. He is an amicable rescuing Nebby and fleeing Aether Paradise, Lillie person who sees Pokémon as his friends, and meets Professor Kukui and lives with his family as his dedicates his time towards liberating them from assistant, dedicating her life to learning more about humans. However, he will even force his hurt Nebby. She is a shy and caring person who is against Pokémon to battle for the sake of his cause. Pokémon battles because she doesn't like it when Pokémon are injured or abducted.

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Brock - P​ ewter City Gym Leader Officer Jenny - P​ olice Officer

Brock is a gym leader who specializes in Rock-type Officer Jenny and her many twin sisters fight to Pokémon. He is the first gym leader that most protect justice and arrest criminals. From chasing beginning Pokémon trainers battle. Although he down Pokémon thieves and stopping evil villains, often fails at hitting on females, he is a comedic and she's always making sure that Pokémon are safe, and dramatic Pokémon trainer, with his signature that order is maintained in the community. Some Pokémon being Onix. After being defeated by Ash, villains, however, are able to easily escape her because he requests to join them on his journey to becoming Officer Jenny doesn't use Pokémon to aid in her the world’s best Pokémon breeder after leaving the pursuits. Aside from being a diligent police officer, Pewter Gym. He thinks Rock-type Pokémon are she is also a caring and whimsical person who'll lend cute since they’re solid and rough, but also somewhat any friend a helping hand or a free ride when she can. brittle at the same time. Although some of her actions are a bit crazy, she always has a good reason and works for the benefit of others.

Nurse Joy - ​Nurse Prof. Samuel Oak - P​ okémon Professor (Kanto)

Located in Pokémon Centers, Nurse Joy helps to Professor Oak studies the behavior of Pokémon and heal Pokémon so that they can recover after being their relationship with humans at his research lab in injured. She has many cousins that have the same Pallet Town of the Kanto region. Growing up with name and appearance as she does, and they are all Agatha, Professor Oak battled as a Pokémon trainer located in different Pokémon Centers across the until he devoted his interests to inventing the world. Her assistant, Chansey, is a Pokémon that Pokedex. Agatha, feeling betrayed, sees Professor helps to transport patients and deliver materials from Oak as a weak and soft person, and acts hostile room to room. As a kind-hearted character, she towards him for abandoning her on her journey as a dislikes it when Pokémon trainers injure their Pokémon trainer. He is associated with the Pokémon Pokémon, but she will always offer to give advice or League, and helps to provide many beginner provide materials to prevent the Pokémon from Pokémon trainers with their starting needs. He is also getting hurt again. She also provides medicine and a role model that many Pokémon trainers and evolutionary stones for Pokémon. researchers look up to.

Korrina - ​Shalour City Gym Leader Kazu - S​ushi High Roller Owner

Korrina is the gym leader of the Shalour Gym in the Kazu is the Sushi High Roller owner of the Kalos Kalos region and the successor of the Tower of region in Lumiose city. The Sushi High Roller is the Mastery. She has learned a lot about Mega Evolution most expensive restaurant within the city and is from her grandfather, Gurkinn the Mega Evolution limited to only the most prestigious of the region, Guru, who has even more knowledge on this topic like the Pokémon League Champion or famous than Professor Sycamore. Their line of ancestry professors. As an esteemed restaurant, Kazu must traces down, according to the Kalos Legend, to the make sure his ingredients are as fresh as possible, trainer of the first mega evolved Pokémon in history, often making orders everyday. Through this, he has a Lucario. Because of this, the family developed a gained an exceptional reputation in the market of keen interest and obsession for Lucario. Korinna is a Pokémon parts. Kazu has found dishes containing compassionate and enthusiastic gym leader who has Pokémon parts, such as slowpoke tails and combee’s been given the title of “The Evolution Fighter”. honey, to be the most popular among his customers.

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Pryce - M​ ahogany City Gym Leader Summer - P​ okémon Ranger

Pryce is the oldest gym leader, and he specializes in Summer is a Pokémon Ranger who works with Ben, ice-type Pokémon. He’s a serious, mature and elderly another Ranger, to utilize the power of certain Pokémon trainer. As a Pokémon trainer, he trains Pokémon to defend nature. Her partner is usually himself under a waterfall and has been engaging in either Ukelele Pichu or Staraptor, and she operates Pokémon battles for over fifty years. However, after mostly in the Oblivia region. She is a model Ranger, his Piloswine runs away from him without and she cares a lot for Pokémon. In addition to being explanation after losing a battle, he becomes a very courageous and selfless, she has a lot of respect for cold person who does not believe that Pokémon and Ben and doesn’t hesitate to protect him. Her main humans can be friends. As a result, he focuses on task is to carry out the orders given by Professor training a Pokémon’s abilities instead of developing Hastings, which includes the investigation of an emotional bond with them. On an exploration, he Pokémon Pinchers, a Pokémon poaching finds his Piloswine frozen in ice and forgives it after organization. She’s also very friendly with numerous learning that it had left him in search of medicinal other Rangers, and they often tease her by claiming herbs to heal burns. that she has romantic feelings towards her partner “The secret behind his power is—like Chuck—his daily Ben (which she probably does). meditation under a waterfall.”

Lysandre - C​ EO of Lysandre Labs Cynthia - ​Champion of Pokémon League (Sinnoh Region) Lysandre is the CEO of Lysandre Labs, former associate of Professor Sycamore, and secretly the Cynthia is the champion of the Pokémon league in leader of Team Flare. He appears to be a kind and the Sinnoh region. She is a very nice person who thoughtful man with an incredible philosophy of deeply cares and loves all types of Pokémon. Despite seeing beauty in all things. However, he is so obsessed being an airhead and indecisive at times outside of with preserving the beauty of the world that he battle, she becomes extremely serious when wants to exterminate all humans and Pokémon, that Pokémon are involved. As a pastime, she would are not members of Team Flare, in order to protect it explore ruins and study myths regarding mythical from selfish humans and to preserve its limited and legendary Pokémon. From this, she has gained resources. He plans to do this by utilizing the an extraordinary amount of knowledge on Pokémon Ultimate weapon created by his ancestor’s brother, and how the Pokémon world has come to be. AZ.

Looker - ​International Police Officer Ash Ketchum - P​ okémon Trainer

Looker, a code name, is an International Police Ash is a well-known character, especially in the officer who travels the world investigating various anime series. He is a Pokémon trainer from Pallet villainous teams such as Team Galactic. He is a man Town who often travels with his beloved Pikachu. of few words, but often found to be pensive and a Through countless battles with other Pokémon critical thinker, being able to figure out cases at any trainers, he aspires to become a powerful Pokémon risk and without much trouble. Other than his master and win the Pokémon Leagues. As the main Pokémons, Looker uses International Police character of the anime series, Ash is the chosen one Equipment to help him in his cases, though they for many different kinds of legendary and mythical often break due to his merciless methods. He also has Pokémon. His love and care for Pokémon are a tendency to disguise himself to get close to apparent, and he’s a witty boy who loves to train in villainous groups and find a chance to arrest them. battle and often thinks outside of the box.

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Professor Aurea Juniper - ​Unova Region Alain - ​Pokémon Trainer Pokémon Professor Alain is a rising Pokémon trainer who aspires to Aurea Juniper, also known as Dr. Araragi, is the defeat all Mega-Evolved Pokémon using his Mega regional Pokémon professor of the Unova region and Charizard X and to become the Pokémon League is situated in Nuvema Town. She carries on her Champion of the Kalos region. As Professor father’s legacy as a Pokémon researcher specializing Sycamore’s past assistant, he was inspired to seek in areas like Pokémon distribution, biology, dreams, mega stones around the region in order to help the and origin. As one of the few successful female Professor solve the mysteries behind mega evolution. professors, Professor Juniper is strong, independent, One day, however, a fateful encounter with Lysandre confident, and caring. She has a deep passion for her would change his goals. Alain unknowingly becomes Pokémon research and, unlike other professors, uses part of Team Flare and would work directly under her free time to go out of her lab to do field research. Lysandre, who gives him a Mega Ring and Her knowledge of the origins of Pokémon are Charizardite X. Through his journeys, Alain gains unrivaled and she can be ruthless at times when it is much knowledge on the mechanics of Mega necessary to prove others wrong. Evolutions and continues to obey Lysandre's orders without much hesitation.

Ghetsis Harmonia Gropius - ​Sage and Leader of Misty - C​ erulean City Gym Leader Team Plasma Misty is the Gym Leader of the Cerulean Gym and Ghetsis, one of the Seven Sages and secret leader of aspires to become a great Water Pokémon Master. As Team Plasma, announced Team Plasma’s goals of the youngest child in her family, she developed an freeing Pokémon from oppression. He raised N, inferiority complex at a young age being the weakest King of Team Plasma, along with Anthea and of her sisters. Despite some signs of kindness and Concordia, teaching them that Pokémon were optimism, Misty is known for her hyperactive oppressed by their trainers and should be freed. personality and taking her emotions to the extreme, Instead, his true goals are to control the Unova like her vocal frustration and excessive anger. She is region by being the only trainer with Pokémon, and picky, sensitive, and grumpy about love, but also he uses N to achieve this dream. Ghetsis has Pokémon. Her perception of Pokémon is highly enormous resources through Team Plasma, and is biased and sometimes twisted. She hates bug type skillful in manipulating the hearts of people and Pokémon with a passion and only likes Pokémon Pokémon, while hiding his power-hungry and that she deems to be “cute” or “pretty”. ambitious personality well.

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Glossary

Pokémon Terms that may be useful to know (alphabetical order) Abilities:​ Special attribute that each Pokémon possesses. Every Pokémon can only have one ability at a time. Some abilities are exclusive to certain Pokémon and Evolution lines, while others are known by many Pokémon. Abilities can strengthen a Pokémon's statistics or weaken a foe, inflict status effects such as paralysis or poisoning, or perform other effects. Some Abilities also grant immunities or resistances (e.g. Water Absorb). Some Pokémon may have abilities that hinder itself (e.g Truant Ability). Some Abilities have effects outside of Pokémon battles (e.g. Pickup Ability) Affection​: A measure of love from a Pokémon to its trainer. Pokémon with high Affection may earn extra Experience Points, endure or avoid attacks, cure status conditions, and deliver more critical hits. The special benefits of Affection won't occur at battle facilities. A Pokémon's Affection is separate from its friendship. Battle:​ A battle is combat between Pokémon. These include Trainer battles, where you face off against another Trainer who is directing their Pokémon's actions, and battles against wild Pokémon that you encounter in nature. Battle Item​: A battle item can be used to temporarily increase a Pokémon's performance during a battle. Battle items include X Attack, which boosts a Pokémon's Attack stat, and Dire Hit, which raises the Pokémon's critical-hit chance. Seperate from doping, completely legal in Pokémon battles. However, using one will use up a turn. These are different from held items, which augment the power of Pokémon in different ways. Battle Royal​: A type of Pokémon battle prevalent in the Alola region. In a Battle Royal, four Trainers select a team of three Pokémon each, then face off in a free-for-all from which only one player will emerge victorious. When all of one Trainer's Pokémon have fainted, the battle concludes at the end of that turn. Trainers are ranked based on the number of Pokémon they have remaining and the number of Pokémon they defeated. Berry​: Versatile items that can be used by Trainers to affect or protect a Pokémon's HP or status, or they can be consumed by Pokémon automatically during battle. Unlike ordinary item use, automatic consumption does not take a turn. In some games, a Berry can be planted to grow and produce more Berries, such as on Isle Aplenny in the Poké Pelago in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon. Breeding​: Pokémon can be left at the Pokémon Daycare Center and, if compatible, two Pokémon will eventually produce an Egg. Baby Pokémon, pre-evolutions of Pokémon that can only be obtained through eggs, can be produced when holding specific items. Contest coordinators often breed for the most beautiful Pokémon, though this can lead to Pokémon-mill situations. Burned:​ The burned status condition lowers the power of physical moves and reduces the Pokémon's HP at the end of each turn. The condition does not go away on its own after the battle ends.

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Choice Item:​ Choice items, such as the Choice Scarf, are held items boost a particular stat when a Pokémon holds it during battle. However, the Pokémon holding a choice item is restricted to using only the first attack it used in that battle. This restriction remains in effect during the battle until the Pokémon is switched out for another Pokémon. Confused:​ The confused condition may cause the Pokémon to damage itself instead of using its intended move. The Pokémon will recover after several turns or at the end of battle. Compatibility:​ Breeding compatibility is restricted to one male and one female, and certain egg groups However, nearly all species of Pokémon are able to breed with the shapeshifting Pokémon Ditto. The Egg produced will yield a hatchling from the non-Ditto Pokémon's evolutionary line. Contact Move:​ Moves that cause the user to physically touch the opposing Pokémon are known as contact moves. Making direct contact with the target can determine whether an attack's effect is activated, an Ability is triggered, a held item is used, or Pokérus is transferred. Most contact moves are physical moves. Cursed:​ The cursed condition causes a Pokémon to lose one-quarter of its maximum HP at the end of every turn. The curse condition is caused when the move Curse is used by a Ghost-type Pokémon. Double Battle​: Double Battle is a battle format in which each team battles with two Pokémon at a time. Elite Four: The biggest challenge for a Pokémon trainer. 4 extremely strong trainers that usually specialize in a type. Defeating them, along with the current Champion, proves you and your Pokémon the strongest in the region. Evolution:​ The process of a Pokémon changing into another Pokémon is known as Evolution. Evolved Pokémon are usually more powerful than their predecessors, and they can often learn moves that are more powerful. Conditions for Evolution depend on the Pokémon species, but leveling up is a common way to evolve a Pokémon. Fainting:​ When a Pokémon's HP has been reduced to zero, it faints. A Pokémon that has fainted cannot attack. If all Pokémon on a team faint, that team loses the battle. Friendship​: Each of a Trainer's Pokémon has a relationship with its Trainer known as friendship. Some Pokémon can only evolve when they're very friendly toward their Trainer, and some Move Tutors will teach certain moves only to extremely friendly Pokémon. Trainers can increase their Pokémon's friendship by, among other things, taking them for a massage or by giving them certain items. A Pokémon holding a Soothe Bell will increase its friendship faster. A Pokémon's friendship is separate from its Affection. Frozen​: A battle status condition. When a Pokémon is frozen, it cannot use most moves. The Pokémon will recover from this status condition after several turns pass. Being hit by a Fire-type attack will cause a frozen Pokémon to thaw and recover from this status condition. Gyms​: Gyms are specific locations for Pokémon battles. They are generally led by a Gym Leader, who specializes in a certain type of Pokémon. Gym Challenge​: The usual objective of a Pokémon trainer: fighting your way through 8 gyms to earn 8 different badges and qualify for the Elite Four. Held Item​: A held item is given to a Pokémon to hold. It may have an effect that will be active throughout battles, or it may be consumed and vanish after it has been used (usually after a condition has been met). Consumed items will reappear after a battle against another player or in special facilities such as the Battle

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Tree, but will normally not reappear if they are used in the game. A Pokémon may hold only one item at a time. See also “Item.” Hidden Ability:​ Abilities that are very rare in certain Pokémon species. Can be induced by experimentation. HP​: Hit Points (HP) show how healthy a Pokémon is, indicating how much damage it can take before it faints. As a Pokémon levels up, it usually gains HP. Item: Items are objects that can be used, held, or consumed, and can often be bought, sold, or traded. Key Items, such as the Z-Ring and the Exp. Share, perform unique functions and cannot be bought or sold. See also “Held Item.” Inheritance:​ Pokémon hatched from eggs will inherit stats from their parents. Three of the Pokémon's individual values are inherited from one or the other of its parents, and the other three are random. Through breeding, it is possible for the offspring to learn hereditary moves, moves that can not be normally learned. Keystone​: A key Item used to allow a Pokémon holding a Mega Stone to Mega Evolve. When the Key Stone is activated, the Pokémon's corresponding Mega Stone reacts to it, starting the process. Legendary:​ A group of incredibly rare and often very powerful Pokémon, generally featured prominently in the legends and myths of the Pokémon world. Due to their power, Legendary Pokémon are often the target of organizations that seek to control or change the world Level​: The experience level of a Pokémon is indicated by a number from 1 to 100. As it levels up, a Pokémon may gain stat increases and learn new moves. Leveling up is achieved by accumulating set amounts of Experience Points. Medicine:​ Medicine refers to items that you'll find in the Medicine Pocket of your Bag. These include items to heal HP or PP, such as Potions and Elixirs, items that boost stats or levels, such as vitamins and Rare Candy, and items that help Pokémon recover from status conditions or fainting, such as Antidotes and Revives. If they can be used during battle, it takes one turn. Mega Stone:​ An item held by Pokémon that allows Pokémon to Mega Evolve. Mega Stones are the results of Evolutionary stones being irradiated by the power of the Legendary Pokémon Xerneas or Yveltal. Mega Evolution:​ Mega Evolution is a powerful transformation that some Pokémon can undergo during battle. The Pokémon must be holding the correct Mega Stone, and the player must have obtained a Key Item that can resonate with Mega Stones. The Pokémon's type, stats, and Ability may change upon Mega Evolution. Move:​ A move is the primary action a Pokémon can take during a battle to either damage an opponent or to help itself or an ally in some way. A Pokémon can know up to four moves at a time. If a Pokémon already knows four moves, then it must forget an old move before it can learn a new move. Mythical:​ A special group of Pokémon that are rarely seen by anyone in the world of Pokémon. Some are so rarely seen that people are unsure if they really exist, spurring scientists to do research. Nature:​ A quality that each Pokémon has, Nature affects the growth of a Pokémon's stats, typically making one stat grow faster and another grow slower than average. The stat whose name appears in blue in the Summary screen is the one that has a decreased maximum value due to your Pokémon's Nature, and the one in pink has an increased maximum value. There are 25 different Natures, such as Adamant, Jolly, and Timid, for

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example. Though not naturally changeable, there are artificial ways of inducing nature transformation. Though frowned upon, these methods are practiced in order to form more perfect Pokémon teams. Original Trainer (OT):​ The Trainer who first caught or hatched a Pokémon is known as its Original Trainer, or OT. Pokémon traded away from their Original Trainer will gain extra experience, but they might not obey a Trainer in battle if the Trainer hasn't cleared enough trials. Paralysis:​ Paralysis lowers the Pokémon's Speed and causes moves to fail 25 percent of the time. This status condition does not go away on its own after the battle ends. PC​: A personal computer used for storing Pokémon and items. Physical Move: Like special moves, physical moves deal damage. These moves are usually contact moves that directly hit the opposing Pokémon. The effectiveness of a physical move is determined by the Attack stat of the attacking Pokémon and the Defense stat of the defending Pokémon. Poisoned​: Being poisoned or badly poisoned reduces the Pokémon's HP at the end of each turn. The poisoned status condition does not go away on its own after the battle ends. Pokéball:​ A Poké Ball (or Pokeball) is an item used in battle to catch wild Pokémon. There are many different kinds of Poké Balls, such as Great Balls and Ultra Balls, and they vary in effectiveness. Poké Balls cannot be used in Trainer battles. Pokéblock:​ A candy-like treat used to increase the contest condition and Loyalty of Pokémon PokéDollars​: PokéDollars are the currency in this world! Trainers can exchange coins for items. Potions: Potions are used to heal your Pokémon. When you use a Potion, you restore your Pokémon's Hit Points (HP) so they can battle again. Pokérus:​ A rare virus, Pokérus can be passed from Pokémon to Pokémon, causing the Pokémon's base stats to grow more quickly. It does not harm Pokémon and is considered highly beneficial. Pokémon recover after only a few days, meaning that they are no longer able to infect other Pokémon, but the effects (faster base stat growth) do not go away. Power Item​: A power item is a held item that will add to a Pokémon's base stat as it defeats other Pokémon. Power items get their name because each one begins with the word “Power,” such as Power Belt and Power Lens. See also “Item.” PP (Power Points):​ Represent the number of times a Pokémon can use a particular move. If no PP remain for any of a Pokémon's moves, that Pokémon will use the move Struggle when it attacks. The items PP Max and PP Up can permanently increase the max PP of a move. In competitive play, PP reset after every battle, as well as automatically with a Leppa Berry. During regular gameplay, PP can be restored using items or when a Pokémon is healed at a Pokémon Center. When a move is used against a Pokémon with the Pressure Ability, two PP will be used for that move. Pseudo-Legendary​: A group of Pokémon that has a three-stage evolution line and a total base stat of 600. Although more common than Legendary Pokémon, they are much more powerful than non-legendary Pokémon and have strength rivaling that of Legendary Pokémon. Recoil:​ Certain moves hurt both the opposing Pokémon and the Pokémon that use them, such as Volt Tackle. Recoil is the damage taken by the user of certain moves.

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Shiny Pokémon​: Scarce and sought after, Pokémon with alternative coloration are known as Shiny. Whether a Pokémon is Shiny or not has no effect in battle. Shininess is not genetic -- it is completely random. Special Move:​ Like physical moves, special moves deal damage. These moves generally use projectiles (like a water spray or psychic powers) to hit their target. The effectiveness of a special move is typically determined by the Special Attack stat of the attacking Pokémon and the Special Defense stat of the defending Pokémon. Stat​: Stats are the six primary factors that determine how a Pokémon will perform in battle. They are HP, Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed. Status Condition:​ A status condition is a temporary condition that affects how a Pokémon performs in battle. Some status conditions will go away on their own, while others must be healed with items or at a Pokémon Center. Status Move​: A status move is one that does not inflict direct damage, but causes status conditions or other effects, such as increasing or decreasing the stats of the target Pokémon. Storage System:​ A system that allows Pokémon to be stored and transmitted as computer data, and allows Trainers to keep more than the six Pokémon allowed in the party. The first such system was originally developed by Bill. The Pokémon Storage System is typically accessed through PCs. Struggle:​ Struggle is an attack that a Pokémon will use when it is unable to use any of its learned moves. Struggle is a Normal-type physical attack with a power of 50. Struggle also causes recoil damage equal to 25% of the attacking Pokémon's maximum HP. Team Aqua:​ One of the two criminal syndicates active in the Hoenn region. Team Aqua is based in a cave in the cove of Lilycove City and in the Seafloor Cavern and is run by a ruthless Commander Archie. Team Aqua's ultimate goal is to expand the sea in the world by manipulating Kyogre to cause non-stop rain. Team Aqua consists of thieves and peacemakers from the Hoenn region. Team Flare:​ A villainous team in the Kalos region, Team Flare was founded by Lysandre in his hopes of creating a "beautiful world". They steal whatever resources and materials needed for their plan without remorse. Team Flare hopes to achieve their goal by reactivating the Ultimate Weapon, built centuries ago by AZ, to eliminate all life except themselves to reduce the strain on the world's resources. Team Galactic​: A criminal organization situated in the Sinnoh region and led by a man named Cyrus. Cyrus’ goal for Team Galactic is to rebuild the Pokémon galaxy in his image by manipulating Palkia and Dialga, the legendary Pokémon which are believed to have created the world. Team Magma​: One of the two criminal syndicates active in the Hoenn region. Team Magma is headed by Maxie. Team Magma's ultimate goal is to expand the amount of landmass in the world by awakening Groudon from its slumber. They believed that by creating more room for life on land that they will be making the world a better place. Team Magma consists of thieves and peacemakers from the Hoenn region and are experts in the fields of geology and plate tectonics. Team Plasma:​ A villainous team of the Unova region, Team Plasma can be separated into two, one led by N and the other by N’s adopted father, Ghetsis. Team Plasma’s original goal was to "liberate" all Pokémon from their Trainers, by either convincing the Trainer to release their Pokémon, or by theft. They appear as a friendly organization that seeks to be equals with Pokémon; they encourage others to reevaluate their current relationships with Pokémon and consider how using them in battles is cruel. After splitting factions, however,

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one group decided to reside in a humble housing to care for neglected and abandoned Pokémon while the other group desired to conquer the Unova region by bending the powers of the Tao Trio. Team Rainbow Rocket​: A villainous team that appears in the Alola region, Team Rainbow Rocket, or Team RR, is led by Giovanni, who has recruited the leaders of other villainous teams, including Archie of Team Aqua, Maxie of Team Magma, Cyrus of Team Galactic, Ghetsis of Team Plasma, and Lysandre of Team Flare. Team Rainbow Rocket's intentions are to create an army of Ultra Beasts in order to conquer all the worlds. Team Rocket:​ A criminal organization in pursuit of evil and the exploitation of Pokémon. They are based in the Kanto and Johto regions, with a small outpost in the Sevii Islands.. They are headed by Giovanni, who also doubles as the Viridian City Gym Leader. Team Rocket's main objective is obtaining powerful and rare Pokémon to help their criminal syndicate in the hopes of someday taking over the world. They also fund and conduct cruel experimental research on Pokémon and, at times, has even killed Pokémon. Their oath is "Steal Pokémon for profit. Exploit Pokémon for profit. All Pokémon exist for the glory of Team Rocket." Team Skull:​ A street gang based in Po Town of the Alola region, the group was founded by Guzma. They are mostly bugging people and stealing rare Pokémon. Team Skull's intentions are to simply make enough money to survive. TM:​ A TM (Technical Machine) is an item that can be used to teach moves to Pokémon. Trap:​ A move or Ability that traps opposing Pokémon and makes it impossible for them to retreat from battle or be switched out for other Pokémon. Type:​ Different elemental varieties of Pokémon. Types interact like rock-paper-scissors, where certain types are stronger against other types. For example, Electric-type moves are strong against Flying-type Pokémon. A move usually has a single type. Pokémon may have one or two types. Vitamin​: Vitamins, such as Calcium, are consumable items that can increase a Pokémon's base stats in a single category. Wild Pokémon:​ Pokémon that have not been caught are called wild Pokémon. Z-ring​: A key item in the form of a bracelet that allows a Trainer and their Pokémon to gather the Z-Power required to perform Z-Moves. Z-Moves:​ Z-Moves are moves of great power that each team can usually only use once per battle. A Pokémon must be holding a Z-Crystal that corresponds to the same type as one of its moves to perform a Z-Move. Trainers must also have a Z-Ring or Z-Power Ring for their Pokémon to perform Z-Moves.

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Useful Links

The majority of the information from this background guide came from knowledge of the general Pokémon canon universe (games, manga, anime, official lore). As such, we do not have any official sources besides ​https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net and www.pokemon.com.​ However, we do realize that this background guide is limited, and that research is a bit unconventional to conduct in a fantasy based committee. Therefore we’ve prepared for you a few useful links, listed below. These links should not limit your research, but rather, guide it. Here they are, listed below.

Websites https://www.androidcentral.com/pokemon-go-glossary-terms https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Dr._Fuji_(anime) https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Pok%C3%A9mon_battle https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/M01 https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Pok%C3%A9mon_food https://super-fanon-video-games.fandom.com/wiki/Pokémon_Extinction https://aminoapps.com/c/pokemon/page/blog/the-top-five-most-endangered-pokemon/XKhg_u7o1BkgGd 6KRZeggQagGwPD7q https://qz.com/736945/you-realize-pokemon-is-basically-animal-cruelty-right/ https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Chansey_(Pok%C3%A9mon) https://www.pokemon.com/us/play-pokemon/about/video-game-glossary/ https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Red_Gyarados https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Artificial_Pok%C3%A9mon https://www.player.one/pokemon-go-heal-how-potion-revive-118446 https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Pok%C3%A9mon_Contest https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Snag_Ball https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Mega_Evolution https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Thief_(move) https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Weaponry_in_the_Pok%C3%A9mon_world https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Police_Officer_(Trainer_class) https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Evolutionary_stone https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Z-Crystal https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Z-Ring

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https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Key_Stone

YouTube Channels and Playlists TheJWittz: h​ ttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUIJFJJLhxIrZVdAVdwL3bQ The National Dex: ​https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7gnV9U47_yawcpfOUnipSw TamashiiHiroka: ​https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLz5XeL444xPDDF1ygO8PywdMG6FcZ3NT_ The Aura Guardian: ​https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTUMam4bUNLz8mdPcaFiBpg

Anime Pokémon The First Movie Pokémon Origins (twist.moe) First Pokémon Series (Episode 2) Pokémon The Movie 2000 Pokémon The Movie: The Power of Us

...and one very important and final shoutout! As you may or may not know, PokéMUN was cancelled last year due to the pandemic. We were fortunate enough to bring back this committee for WinMUN IV, but I want to give a massive shoutout to Shreya Nair and Jonathan Zheng for helping to work on the prep work for the committee last year. They’re no longer on the PokéMUN staff committee, but they helped to write this background guide and set up this committee with me. I really hope that we’ll be able to bring you all a wonderful committee, and I am extremely grateful for all the work that everyone on the PokéMUN staff has contributed. Thank you all.

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