The Occultist
This Trainer has no innate supernatural talents but nonetheless takes an interest in strange and mysterious phenomena, either learning powers through intensive study or simply employing Pokémon with those powers. This doesn’t make them weaker than those born with innate supernatural powers, but it does give them a different set of tools to work with.
Notable Examples: Phoebe
Key Skills: Occult Education
How to Build: Start with Type Ace, Hex Maniac, or Sage Both the Ghost and Psychic Types have a lot to do with the occult and supernatural, making Type Ace specializing in one of these two Types a great choice for a starting Occultist. The Hex Maniac and Sage represent schools of learned supernatural power. They focus on the duality of the curses and hexes associated with Ghost Types contrasted with the wards and blessings that counteract those. From there, it’s often a good idea for Occultists to consider CLASSES like Enduring Soul that will help them and their Pokémon survive looking into ancient ruins and other places of occult interest that may harbor dangerous Pokémon or other guardians. The Rune Master from the Game of Throhs sourcebook is also a great choice for an Occultist if the Unown feature prominently in a campaign. The dedicated learning it takes to master the occult arts lends itself well to the demands of a Researcher's life, and the study of crystal Shards and the items that can be crafted from them may be of particular interest to an Occultist. Many Occultists will take the Capture Specialist Class to ensure that any Pokémon with odd supernatural characteristics or magical influences don’t elude them and can be brought back for further study. Finally, while Occultists may not be born with innate powers, they might seek out more extravagant abilities in the form of connections with Legendary Pokémon. If it’s appropriate for the campaign, the options in The Blessed and the Damned make a good fit for these Trainers.
Key Skills: Occult Education
How to Build: Start with Type Ace, Hex Maniac, or Sage Both the Ghost and Psychic Types have a lot to do with the occult and supernatural, making Type Ace specializing in one of these two Types a great choice for a starting Occultist. The Hex Maniac and Sage represent schools of learned supernatural power. They focus on the duality of the curses and hexes associated with Ghost Types contrasted with the wards and blessings that counteract those. From there, it’s often a good idea for Occultists to consider CLASSES like Enduring Soul that will help them and their Pokémon survive looking into ancient ruins and other places of occult interest that may harbor dangerous Pokémon or other guardians. The Rune Master from the Game of Throhs sourcebook is also a great choice for an Occultist if the Unown feature prominently in a campaign. The dedicated learning it takes to master the occult arts lends itself well to the demands of a Researcher's life, and the study of crystal Shards and the items that can be crafted from them may be of particular interest to an Occultist. Many Occultists will take the Capture Specialist Class to ensure that any Pokémon with odd supernatural characteristics or magical influences don’t elude them and can be brought back for further study. Finally, while Occultists may not be born with innate powers, they might seek out more extravagant abilities in the form of connections with Legendary Pokémon. If it’s appropriate for the campaign, the options in The Blessed and the Damned make a good fit for these Trainers.