Pokémonkeys II, plus NaNoWriMo update

Pokémonkeys, part II:  The Rules

Well, the eldest Terrifying Space Monkey just got a new Pokémon deck so I figure this is as good a time as any to describe the game rules and some of the funnier (if too-true-to-life) Pokémon in the new deck.  The easiest way to get a handle on Pokémon the game is to compare it to WWF tag team wrestling, so keep that in mind…. 

Types of cards:

Basic Pokémon cards – these are your wrestlers. 
Pokémon Evolution cards – these “evolve” your Pokémon making them bigger and badder (think steroids).
Energy cards – these power your Pokémon (think protein bars and gatorade). 
Trainer cards – these help your Pokémon in different ways; just follow the directions on how to use them.
Supporter cards – these other “characters” help you and your Pokémon.

How the game looks:  Essentially you have your active Pokémon (the one in the ring so to speak) and possibly one or more Pokémon on your “bench” waiting their turn.  Each Pokémon has special attacks it can use to “damage” your opponent’s Pokémon, but only your active one can attack.  You don’t need to remember the attacks or memorize anything, because all the necessary information is written on each card.  You take turns “attacking” each other.  When a Pokémon receives damage greater or equal to its hit points (printed on top right of card) it is knocked out.  When a Pokémon is knocked out (or retreats), it is replaced by one from the “bench.”  There are three ways to win the game: 1) knock out all of your opponent’s Pokémon, 2) claim all of your Prize Cards (by knocking out an opposing Pokémon for each), or 3) win when your opponent runs out of cards. 

Piece of cake!

Here are the official descriptions of some of the funnier Pokémon.  They are frankly just a bit too close to my actual children:

• Whismur – “Usually, its cries are like quiet murmurs.  If frightened, it shrieks at the same volume as a jet plane.”
• Loudred – “The shock waves from its cries can tip over trucks.  It stamps its feet to power up.
• Exploud – “Its howls can be heard over six miles away.  It emits all sorts of noises from the ports on its body.”

 

NaNoWriMo update:

I currently have 3 asylum inmateswomen who are going to write books in November with me.  I have one official cheerleader — thank you Tamara.  And one official hassler — thank you Mom!   

I am getting even more excited about writing, getting to play with crazy ideas, and just seeing how my story ends.  I have no idea yet!  *bounces with excitement* 

Another writing friend turned me on to an amazing book called The Right to Write.  The author is hugely motivating and if you’ve ever had even the tiniest thought that you might, someday, maybe write something in some (any) genre, you should read this book!  She completely de-mystifies the whole concept of what it means to be a “writer” while making you feel like writing can be a transcendent, almost spiritual experience.

Why should we think of writing a novel as something we couldn’t try –the way an amateur carpenter might build a simple bookcase or even a picnic table?  What if we didn’t have to be good at writing?  What if we got to do it for sheer fun?

What if writing were approached like white-water rafting?  Something to try just for the fact of having tried it, for the spills and chills of having gone through the rapids of the creative process…If we could just get over the auditioning to be respected at this aspect, a great many people might love writing.

Are you inspired yet?  I am.  I would have no problem jerry-rigging a bookcase or a coffee table if I needed to.  So why not write a book?  Especially since I’m not trying to get it published.  Shoot, it doesn’t even have to be good.   

Still seeking pokers, prodders, encouragers and other support staff…  Oh, and my male lead still needs a name.  Something unusual but not weird.  Suggestions?

~ by quiregirl on September 8, 2008.