Ash & Pikachu
Ash Ketchum was introduced as the main character of the Pokemon anime in 1997, just a few years after Pokemon Red and Pokemon Green made a Gameboy worth having. Since then, Ash has gone on adventures in over 1200 main series episodes, over 20 movies, and tons of other comics, side stories and appearances. Most of them feature the same goal, his never-ending quest to become Pokemon Master, alongside his faithful first pokemon, Pikachu.
Pikachu has been the star of the show almost as often as Ash, of course. As the informal mascot of the entire Pokemon franchise, Pikachu has appeared in every kind of merch imaginable. As well, they've been the solo star of videogames, series and even a major movie – Detective Pikachu.
I was introduced to Pokemon shortly after its release in North America. A relative had a copy of Pokemon Blue, which they had tried but didn't "catch" on. It's funny how clearly I can remember it, even 20 years later. While staying over at their place, the blue cartridge caught my eye. I put it in, started a new game (choosing Charmander as my first pokemon) and was instantly and irrevocably hooked.
I never got into the anime or the movies, or even the offshoot games, but the mainline game series has always been a must-buy for me. Although, lately the series has been tough on me as they reduce the overall number of species per game – very often my favorite Pokemon, Beedrill, is left in the lurch. Oh well.
Keys to the Character
Belle of the Pokeball
Who is Ash without a huge, rotating roster of pocket monsters, ready to help him become a Master.
A Shocking Partnership
Ash and Pikachu are the best of buds, but Ash can get in over his head with his training. He's gotta remember that his friends are a lot more powerful than his frail, human body.
We Are The Champions, Furret
Ash is on a mission to become the Pokemon Champion in every region he steps foot. It's a never-ending quest, a lifetime goal. Honestly, he's got blinders on.
That's My Type
There are 18 types in Pokemon, but Pikachu has made Electric iconic. I mean, come on, can you even name a Fighting type right now?
Building Ash & Pikachu is obviously about one thing and one thing only: summoning pokemon.
As a Summoner, Ash can build a bond with his main eidolon (Pikachu) while filling his spell slots with summon spells to round out his roster on the battlefield. Luckily there are so many dozens of pokemon species, it is easy to flavor any of the summon spells with a pokemon lens. Summon Animal? Might be a Rattata or a Growlithe. Summon Plant? Victreebell or Vileplume. Summon Dragon? You get the idea.
Choosing the Magic feats down the Summoner line gives Pikachu a ton of possibilities for letting off big electric spells, which fits perfectly for what Pikachu wants to do on the battlefield.
Speaking of the battlefield, most rounds as Ash are spent summoning creatures, sustaining those summons, or commanding Pikachu. A typical turn in the middle of a fight might be using a two action Act Together so Pikachu can let of a big spell while Ash sustains another summon, then using the remaining Action to stride, staying out of danger.
Build OVERVIEW
Ancestry
Human - Versatile Heritage
Not much to say here, Ash is human. The Versatile Heritage and Natural Ambition gives Ash some extra feats at level one, which fits with his eagerness to get out on the road (as a like 10 year old) and become a master.
Background
Gladiator
Okay, hear me out: What are Pokemon battles, if not gladiatorial entertainment? Not only is this a pretty close fit for a Pokemon Master, but it gives a Charisma boost, which Ash wants as a Summoner.
Class
Summoner - Beast Eidolon
While his spell slots will be filled with Summon spells, having a Beast Eidolon (with an Electricity Energy Heart) is the perfect analogy for Pikachu, who eschews his poke ball in favor of walking alongside Ash.
Pikachu's build is what we would call "Special Damage" in Pokemon – it's a magic-based build that focuses on nuking down enemies though high AEO damage and very high single target damage. Most of the class-feats are focused on improving that magic ability of Pikachu, and most actions will be spent by him in encounters.
Skills & General Feats
Most of Ash's skills are around finding new species for the Pokedex, plus travelling the world in search of new Leagues!
Legendary: Nature
Master: Survival, Crafting
Expert: -
Attribute Increases
Equipment
Suggested Starting Equipment
Key Spells
Changelog
