Types of Player Characters

PWOPL members are allowed to have up to three characters. The first and most important is referred to as the member's main character, while the other two are called side characters. Side characters are also called second and third characters occasionally, and the specific titles are usually based on the order the characters were brought into the League.

For information on how to apply both types of characters, please see the Application Process page.

Main Characters
Main characters are often considered a member's "face" in the League in the sense that many NPCs will often refer to members by their main character's name. These characters are usually the first one a player applied to the League when they joined, though a member may switch their main character with one of their side characters after obtaining permission from Professor Oak.

Main characters have the most freedom of the character types. They can start with three Pokémon of their own, own and obtain more Pokémon, participate in plots and events, buy and use items, participate in trainer battles, and challenge Gyms, the Elite Four, and the Champion of each region. Because of this, main characters have a more involved application process.

Side Characters
Second and third characters are known collectively as side characters, and are more for roleplaying purposes than game purposes. Second and third characters must also be approved by Professor Oak, but they have more limitations than main characters.

Side characters are allowed to own and obtain Pokémon, participate in plots and events, use items, and participate in trainer battles. They are not allowed to participate in Gym, Elite Four, or Champion battles, though they may "lend" their Pokémon to the main character for such battles. They are not allowed to start with three Pokémon of their own like main characters, but if desired, side characters may start with one "non-canon" (non-battling) Pokémon for roleplaying purposes. If the member wishes, they may attempt to obtain a "canon" version of their side character's "non-canon" Pokémon as they progress through the game, which will allow the "non-canon" starter to battle.

In addition to being used for roleplay purposes, some members also apply side characters once their main character has obtained a large number of Pokémon in order to divide the total number between them. Members may split their overall collection of Pokémon between their characters as they see fit (there can be more Pokémon on a second or third character's team than a main character's team, if desired), and may shuffle the Pokémon between characters as often as they wish.