So... I'm following the Pokemon comics "It's a Hard Life" and "Mokepon," and together they've given me the courage to start a Nuzlocke challenge. If you don't know what a Nuzlocke is, the basic rules are that you catch the first Pokemon in each new area you come to and nothing else, and that if a Pokemon faints, it's dead and can't be used anymore (official rules say they must be released, but I'm keeping them in their own box so I can look back at the end). I'm also following the "must nickname all caught Pokemon" rule, because it creates a stronger bond with each new member of the team. There are other rules, some optional, but those are the most important.

Mine will take place within Soul Silver, which is my favorite Pokemon game. I've started with Cairo the Totodile. I'm eight hours and three badges in, having just flicked Whitney's Miltank aside at the Goldenrod Gym using Omar the Graveler. Lots of grinding has so far kept me from losing anybody. I'm keeping a written record of who I catch where, who I fight with details of the important battles, and important plot points as I go along. When I'm done, I'm going to tie it into a story of my own and maybe start on my own Nuzlocke comic, with my own jackalope fursona as the trainer (are there any furry Pokemon comics out there?).

Wish me luck! I'm going to need it...