1. It's generally pretty open. The intent is to allow characters to simulate their canon abilities, but you are encouraged to be creative with it. We generally ask that you stick to the weaker canon powers first and fill out their more powerful abilities later as they level up.

2. At it's core, Child of the Verdant Forest can heal whereas Kindred Soul is really good at bonding. In terms of communication, a Child of the Verdant Forest can transmit emotions, feelings, and memories. Kindred Souls can kind of talk to and understand Pokemon, so they have rudimentary communicative abilities. Or at least think they do crazy cat lady style.