Cecil Harvey (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
paladinlost) wrote2016-07-25 05:21 pm
paladinlost) wrote2016-07-25 05:21 pm
Entry tags:
Voicemail/Inbox
...No, Rosie, I hardly need to say more-"
...No, Rosie, I hardly need to say more-"
Cecil, I hope I am not catching you at a bad time.
I was wondering if I could ask you some questions about running an Aurora League gym. I'm familiar with the application process and getting the construction started (my own application was recently accepted) but I was wondering if you have any advice for a gym leader to be? Things you may have underestimated when you started off yourself, or things to keep in mind. Anything would be appreciated.
Yours in gratitude,
Armin
I was wondering if I could ask you some questions about running an Aurora League gym. I'm familiar with the application process and getting the construction started (my own application was recently accepted) but I was wondering if you have any advice for a gym leader to be? Things you may have underestimated when you started off yourself, or things to keep in mind. Anything would be appreciated.
Yours in gratitude,
Armin
Sent at an ungodly hour of the night aka during gym business hours
paladinlost
2020-09-11 03:32 am (UTC)(link)
Greetings, Armin,
First of all, congratulations! Designing your gym and waiting for the league's response is, frankly, the most nerve-wracking step in the whole process. What will follow should be a far simpler task!
I do, as a matter of fact, have a few bits of advice to offer, though you may find some of them torturous and unpleasant at first. They are as follows:
1. FILL ALL YOUR PAPERWORK AS PRECISELY AS POSSIBLE AND IN A TIMELY MANNER. You'll thank me later. This is especially important when it comes to expenses that need to be reimbursed. Keep all receipts, separate those purchases from any personal items, and do not wait more than a day before sending them to the League accountants.
2. Becoming a gym leader makes you a public figure, as far as the locals are concerned. This will grant you a certain measure of respect, but also leaving open to their comments and judgements. Behave irreproachably when you are out and about, and make sure to be seen playing an active and positive role in the local community. Any form of charity they cannot witness will not count in their minds.
3. Unprepared beginners will attempt to challenge you, no matter how many warnings you may put in place. It's best to have a gentle but encouraging refusal speech ready, especially if you fear for their Pokémon's safety. As that might still not suffice, a medical kit on the premises is essential, as are a few snacks to soothe their disapointment.
4. Bring a book. Every gym has its slow days.
5. Your Pokémon that are too young for gym battles or that are not adapted to your format may become jealous of their teammates. Be sure to dedicate some time to their training outside of work hours, or give them tasks to accomplish around the gym while you battle. (I tend to put my little ones on garden path-clearing duty. No visitor has yet slipped on a stray leaf!)
6. If you have a specific theme, lean into it. Make it the first thing people talk about when they speak of you. It'll help spread the word about your gym. Also, if I must be honest, watching people's reactions to your performance is also amusing.
7. Lock any room in the gym that is not intended to be open to the public twice over. Thrice over. Travelling trainers are curious and see closed doors as a challenge. Strongly-worded warnings are not a deterrent.
I hope these meager tips will be of some use to you. Should you have any other questions or concerns on the subject, please do not hesitate to contact me. It would be my pleasure to assist you if it is within my power.
Cordially,
Cecil
First of all, congratulations! Designing your gym and waiting for the league's response is, frankly, the most nerve-wracking step in the whole process. What will follow should be a far simpler task!
I do, as a matter of fact, have a few bits of advice to offer, though you may find some of them torturous and unpleasant at first. They are as follows:
1. FILL ALL YOUR PAPERWORK AS PRECISELY AS POSSIBLE AND IN A TIMELY MANNER. You'll thank me later. This is especially important when it comes to expenses that need to be reimbursed. Keep all receipts, separate those purchases from any personal items, and do not wait more than a day before sending them to the League accountants.
2. Becoming a gym leader makes you a public figure, as far as the locals are concerned. This will grant you a certain measure of respect, but also leaving open to their comments and judgements. Behave irreproachably when you are out and about, and make sure to be seen playing an active and positive role in the local community. Any form of charity they cannot witness will not count in their minds.
3. Unprepared beginners will attempt to challenge you, no matter how many warnings you may put in place. It's best to have a gentle but encouraging refusal speech ready, especially if you fear for their Pokémon's safety. As that might still not suffice, a medical kit on the premises is essential, as are a few snacks to soothe their disapointment.
4. Bring a book. Every gym has its slow days.
5. Your Pokémon that are too young for gym battles or that are not adapted to your format may become jealous of their teammates. Be sure to dedicate some time to their training outside of work hours, or give them tasks to accomplish around the gym while you battle. (I tend to put my little ones on garden path-clearing duty. No visitor has yet slipped on a stray leaf!)
6. If you have a specific theme, lean into it. Make it the first thing people talk about when they speak of you. It'll help spread the word about your gym. Also, if I must be honest, watching people's reactions to your performance is also amusing.
7. Lock any room in the gym that is not intended to be open to the public twice over. Thrice over. Travelling trainers are curious and see closed doors as a challenge. Strongly-worded warnings are not a deterrent.
I hope these meager tips will be of some use to you. Should you have any other questions or concerns on the subject, please do not hesitate to contact me. It would be my pleasure to assist you if it is within my power.
Cordially,
Cecil
[Cecil coming through spectacularly.]
I actually do have some follow up questions.
About the paperwork - how much paperwork should I be expecting? Is it the kind of work that can be handled on a day to day base, or should I set aside a specific day fully dedicated to it?
And do have any tips on letting down beginners easy? My gym will involve underwater battling, so many pokemon will not be able to participate. (I really do no want to be responsible for anyone's pokemon drowning!) I worry I might need to let down several challengers, especially in the beginning when my gym's reputation won't be as established yet.
I actually do have some follow up questions.
About the paperwork - how much paperwork should I be expecting? Is it the kind of work that can be handled on a day to day base, or should I set aside a specific day fully dedicated to it?
And do have any tips on letting down beginners easy? My gym will involve underwater battling, so many pokemon will not be able to participate. (I really do no want to be responsible for anyone's pokemon drowning!) I worry I might need to let down several challengers, especially in the beginning when my gym's reputation won't be as established yet.
[Experience is the greatest teacher. Has he ever had to convince children that he was secretly a moon spirit to stop them from trying to break a lock? Possibly!]
The exact amount of paperwork will depend on many factors, so I'd recommend taking care of it daily. Dealing with a file or two per day is far less daunting than trying to contact an accountant and a repairman simultaneously during a weekend afternoon. It also ensures you'll not miss any requests or important information that could be time-sensitive.
I find young beginners easiest to deal with, though that may be a side effect of my experience as a parent. By gently reminding them that they do not wish to see their Pokémon harmed, you'll be able to convince most to delay their challenge, if unhappily. After that, by offering a snack or even a tour of the gym (if you have the time), you can soothe their hurt feelings and help them learn more about the gym circuit in general, leading to improved strategies in the future.
Late bloomers are trickier. They tend to be more confident, often to an excessive degree. The format of your gym may be an advantage here, as I've had some success by simply agreeing that they surely knew their limits best, right before asking them to sign a waiver declaring that the gym and the League were not responsible for any injuries incurred by their Pokémon. Wearing the smile I usually reserve for particularly loathsome courtiers. It stopped quite a few in their tracks!
In case it does not, well. Sometimes, giving them just enough rope to hang themselves is for the best, as long as you can avoid greatly injuring their Pokémon. I'd not try it against someone trying to send a Rhyhorn underwater, but using that strategy against a trainer using a full team of level nine Magikarp would send a very clear message.
If allowing them to challenge you and fail is not an option, throw them out. I've sent a few scampering away by treating them with the stoicism and authority of a general facing unruly soldiers, which is admittedly easier with officer training. One memorable time, my Conkeldurr has to physically pick a woman up and leave her outside, but that should only happen after an act worthy of a ban is committed. Exceptional circumstances, and all that.
The exact amount of paperwork will depend on many factors, so I'd recommend taking care of it daily. Dealing with a file or two per day is far less daunting than trying to contact an accountant and a repairman simultaneously during a weekend afternoon. It also ensures you'll not miss any requests or important information that could be time-sensitive.
I find young beginners easiest to deal with, though that may be a side effect of my experience as a parent. By gently reminding them that they do not wish to see their Pokémon harmed, you'll be able to convince most to delay their challenge, if unhappily. After that, by offering a snack or even a tour of the gym (if you have the time), you can soothe their hurt feelings and help them learn more about the gym circuit in general, leading to improved strategies in the future.
Late bloomers are trickier. They tend to be more confident, often to an excessive degree. The format of your gym may be an advantage here, as I've had some success by simply agreeing that they surely knew their limits best, right before asking them to sign a waiver declaring that the gym and the League were not responsible for any injuries incurred by their Pokémon. Wearing the smile I usually reserve for particularly loathsome courtiers. It stopped quite a few in their tracks!
In case it does not, well. Sometimes, giving them just enough rope to hang themselves is for the best, as long as you can avoid greatly injuring their Pokémon. I'd not try it against someone trying to send a Rhyhorn underwater, but using that strategy against a trainer using a full team of level nine Magikarp would send a very clear message.
If allowing them to challenge you and fail is not an option, throw them out. I've sent a few scampering away by treating them with the stoicism and authority of a general facing unruly soldiers, which is admittedly easier with officer training. One memorable time, my Conkeldurr has to physically pick a woman up and leave her outside, but that should only happen after an act worthy of a ban is committed. Exceptional circumstances, and all that.
[This is slightly backdated, but somewhere around the fifth/sixth of January, every Aurora League member is going to get one of these. It's a hand-written letter with a Pelagic gym letterhead leaving no doubts as to the sender.
It reads:]
I hope this letter will not be seen as me overstepping my bounds but --
I think the Aurora League should meet.
I'm sure I'm not the only one who has noticed that strange things are happening -- first the wild rumours about pokemon losing control, then the incident at the Safari zone, and now the message that was visible in the sky during the New Year.
Perhaps I'm worrying too much, but it is starting to feel like what happened a year ago when that creature managed to find its way into this world. That didn't come out of nowhere either; there were several smaller events that preceded it though we didn't see the connection at the time. I'm not necessarily saying that this is because of that same creature (though 'He will be back' could certainly be a reference to it) but something certainly seems to be going on. And perhaps this time, if we act early enough, we can put a stop to things before it gets that bad.
I know the Pokemon League is undoubtedly monitoring this situation too, but there is no reason why we of the Aurora League couldn't look into things as well. Or at the very least share our thoughts. Several of us are gym leaders and come into contact with a lot of trainers. Someone may have heard or seen something that, on its own, isn't particularly troubling, but if put together with other, similar accounts, could indicate something brewing.
Plus, even if there is nothing to share of that sort, I think it would be good to get to know each other a bit better. Several new members have joined us since that November. Who knows, we might need to depend on each other again in battle, and wouldn't knowing more about each other and how we fight help if it ever comes to that again? It's easier to trust someone at your back if you know what kind of person they are.
I know all of us are pretty busy, but I'm hoping you could all make time to meet on the 27th of January. That is still nearly three weeks from now, which should give those of us with gym schedules and other jobs enough time to arrange for some time off. I've even found a good place to meet at, where we can both talk and even battle if people would like. I've enclosed the address on a separate card in this envelope.
I hope to see you all there, though please let me know if you cannot make it.
Yours truly,
Armin Arlert
PS. Please do not worry about the costs involved. When I asked Lance for suggestions on where to meet, he told me the Pokemon League has a discretionary fund for these kinds of things.
[As mentioned, there is a card inside the envelope with the address of a battle club in Viridian City.]
It reads:]
I hope this letter will not be seen as me overstepping my bounds but --
I think the Aurora League should meet.
I'm sure I'm not the only one who has noticed that strange things are happening -- first the wild rumours about pokemon losing control, then the incident at the Safari zone, and now the message that was visible in the sky during the New Year.
Perhaps I'm worrying too much, but it is starting to feel like what happened a year ago when that creature managed to find its way into this world. That didn't come out of nowhere either; there were several smaller events that preceded it though we didn't see the connection at the time. I'm not necessarily saying that this is because of that same creature (though 'He will be back' could certainly be a reference to it) but something certainly seems to be going on. And perhaps this time, if we act early enough, we can put a stop to things before it gets that bad.
I know the Pokemon League is undoubtedly monitoring this situation too, but there is no reason why we of the Aurora League couldn't look into things as well. Or at the very least share our thoughts. Several of us are gym leaders and come into contact with a lot of trainers. Someone may have heard or seen something that, on its own, isn't particularly troubling, but if put together with other, similar accounts, could indicate something brewing.
Plus, even if there is nothing to share of that sort, I think it would be good to get to know each other a bit better. Several new members have joined us since that November. Who knows, we might need to depend on each other again in battle, and wouldn't knowing more about each other and how we fight help if it ever comes to that again? It's easier to trust someone at your back if you know what kind of person they are.
I know all of us are pretty busy, but I'm hoping you could all make time to meet on the 27th of January. That is still nearly three weeks from now, which should give those of us with gym schedules and other jobs enough time to arrange for some time off. I've even found a good place to meet at, where we can both talk and even battle if people would like. I've enclosed the address on a separate card in this envelope.
I hope to see you all there, though please let me know if you cannot make it.
Yours truly,
Armin Arlert
PS. Please do not worry about the costs involved. When I asked Lance for suggestions on where to meet, he told me the Pokemon League has a discretionary fund for these kinds of things.
[As mentioned, there is a card inside the envelope with the address of a battle club in Viridian City.]
hey.
Dimitri is hosting some kind of picnic event on the 26th in goldenrod.
if you want to come we could finally have that sparring match.
Dimitri is hosting some kind of picnic event on the 26th in goldenrod.
if you want to come we could finally have that sparring match.
A picnic, you say? How lovely. It would be a pleasure to be there and to finally put those training swords to use. Would a bottle of wine be appropriate for the meal?
idk probably?
it's also something called a hanami
which is apparently about watching flowers.
it sounds boring but that's what the sparring is for.
a few others will be there to spar too.
geralt, korra, thace, steven.
if you know them.
and dimitri will bring his lance if I ask.
it's also something called a hanami
which is apparently about watching flowers.
it sounds boring but that's what the sparring is for.
a few others will be there to spar too.
geralt, korra, thace, steven.
if you know them.
and dimitri will bring his lance if I ask.
Watching flowers? That's a very appropriate way to greet spring, though I wonder many will have bloomed by then.
Some of those names are familiar, yes; Thace and Steven came to challenge me a few weeks ago. I've no doubt seeing their talents as fighters rather than trainers will make for a pleasant day.
Some of those names are familiar, yes; Thace and Steven came to challenge me a few weeks ago. I've no doubt seeing their talents as fighters rather than trainers will make for a pleasant day.
that's right.
you have a gym.
I look forward to the time when I can challenge you as well.
have you ever played hockey?
you have a gym.
I look forward to the time when I can challenge you as well.
have you ever played hockey?
And I look forward to your challenge. I've no doubt my team will make it worth your while.
Hockey? That's the winter sport that's particularly popular in Mahogany, is it not? I can't say I have.
Hockey? That's the winter sport that's particularly popular in Mahogany, is it not? I can't say I have.
is it?
that's good news.
I wasn't sure this world had hockey at all.
I'll be setting up a game at the picnic.
so you can play if you like.
bring ice skates if so.
that's good news.
I wasn't sure this world had hockey at all.
I'll be setting up a game at the picnic.
so you can play if you like.
bring ice skates if so.
Cecil, I understand you were one of those possessed by the Yamask during the Rockets' plot. If you wish or need to speak with someone about it, Ryner and I would be glad to assist.
My apologies for not contacting you sooner, it seems we missed you in the confusion after.
My apologies for not contacting you sooner, it seems we missed you in the confusion after.
It was all rather chaotic, was it not? And I hardly helped with that.
[The annoyance in his voice and on his face is very difficult to miss.]
Despite what happened, fear not; I'm well enough. It barely lasted one evening, and at least this time no one died.
[The annoyance in his voice and on his face is very difficult to miss.]
Despite what happened, fear not; I'm well enough. It barely lasted one evening, and at least this time no one died.
'This' time...?
*a pause, then Sion continues*
Ryner and I could drop by, if you like. We have some familiarity with... similar situations.
*he's not about to blurt stuff out over the 'gears unless Cecil's okay with talking about it that way, though!*
*a pause, then Sion continues*
Ryner and I could drop by, if you like. We have some familiarity with... similar situations.
*he's not about to blurt stuff out over the 'gears unless Cecil's okay with talking about it that way, though!*
...Goodness, in how many worlds out there does such a terrible power exist?
[Does he truly want to know? Perhaps not.]
I'm always glad to receive visitors, of course. Especially now that we can expect a few weeks of relative peace.
[Does he truly want to know? Perhaps not.]
I'm always glad to receive visitors, of course. Especially now that we can expect a few weeks of relative peace.
I would dare say that even one is too many.
*seriously, he'd never wish the crap he deals with on anyone*
We would need to make some arrangements for the gym first, of course, but otherwise we can be there within a couple days.
*seriously, he'd never wish the crap he deals with on anyone*
We would need to make some arrangements for the gym first, of course, but otherwise we can be there within a couple days.
Gym duties do tend to put a crimp on our ability to travel spontaneously, do they not?
[It may or may not have wrecked havoc on his initial coping strategies.]
Take all the time you need. It's not as if I'll be going anywhere.
[It may or may not have wrecked havoc on his initial coping strategies.]
Take all the time you need. It's not as if I'll be going anywhere.
They rather do, at that, though I suppose it's not so different from my duties back in Roland, in that sense.
*being king also limits one's spontaneity at times, after all*
I'll make sure to warn you once we know when we'll arrive.
*and true to his word, he does, giving Cecil a brief call a few days later that he and Ryner will be there on the following day. He doesn't show up empty-handed, either: Sion's picked out a selection of wines the three of them can share as they talk!*
I trust you've been well since we last spoke?
((Ryner's player will jump in after another tag from Cecil--let us know if you'd rather keep all three in one thread or split into individual threads for Sion and Ryner!))
*being king also limits one's spontaneity at times, after all*
I'll make sure to warn you once we know when we'll arrive.
*and true to his word, he does, giving Cecil a brief call a few days later that he and Ryner will be there on the following day. He doesn't show up empty-handed, either: Sion's picked out a selection of wines the three of them can share as they talk!*
I trust you've been well since we last spoke?
((Ryner's player will jump in after another tag from Cecil--let us know if you'd rather keep all three in one thread or split into individual threads for Sion and Ryner!))
Very well. I'll be sure to prepare for your arrival.
[And prepare he does. By the time Sion calls, he's already purchased the ingredients he needs. By the time Sion and Ryner do arrive, Cecil is perfectly made up, perfectly dressed and perfectly ready to face other people. From the kitchen, a variety of smells both sweet and savory are spreading throughout the house.]
I have, thank you. Going back to my usual routine has helped chase away whatever might remain of that rather unpleasant evening.
[[Go with whatever works best for you guys! I'll adjust as necessary.]]
[And prepare he does. By the time Sion calls, he's already purchased the ingredients he needs. By the time Sion and Ryner do arrive, Cecil is perfectly made up, perfectly dressed and perfectly ready to face other people. From the kitchen, a variety of smells both sweet and savory are spreading throughout the house.]
I have, thank you. Going back to my usual routine has helped chase away whatever might remain of that rather unpleasant evening.
[[Go with whatever works best for you guys! I'll adjust as necessary.]]
That's good to hear.
[Ryner is here, a little behind Sion but helping to carry the wine. ...Between them, there is maybe a bit more wine here than one might reasonably assume would be needed for three people, but it's fine.
(He would have asked Marian if she'd make cookies or something to bring as well, but figured that might be in poor taste.)]
[[Unhelpfully, I am also good with whatever works ^^;]]
[Ryner is here, a little behind Sion but helping to carry the wine. ...Between them, there is maybe a bit more wine here than one might reasonably assume would be needed for three people, but it's fine.
(He would have asked Marian if she'd make cookies or something to bring as well, but figured that might be in poor taste.)]
[[Unhelpfully, I am also good with whatever works ^^;]]
Indeed. Though I hope you didn't put yourself out for our sakes.
*Sion's noted those smells wafting about, yes*
*Sion's noted those smells wafting about, yes*
Of course not. Cooking for others is always a pleasure.
[The fact that he didn't manage to get advice on preparing proper rainbow pudding during the party is a disappointment, but that one he can live with. Smiling, he opens the door fully and moves aside to allow them in.]
As for the less pleasant chores, I had plenty of mostly willing help. Please, make yourselves at home.
[The fact that he didn't manage to get advice on preparing proper rainbow pudding during the party is a disappointment, but that one he can live with. Smiling, he opens the door fully and moves aside to allow them in.]
As for the less pleasant chores, I had plenty of mostly willing help. Please, make yourselves at home.
Mostly willing, huh? Maybe I should ask what you bribe them with.
[His tone is light and friendly, and knowing what trouble troublemakers can get up to when not sufficiently appeased or distracted.
He'll come in, though. Probably after Sion, so as to not push in front, but.]
[His tone is light and friendly, and knowing what trouble troublemakers can get up to when not sufficiently appeased or distracted.
He'll come in, though. Probably after Sion, so as to not push in front, but.]
Well, in that case I hope you don't mind that we brought a few refreshments.
*"few" for Sion, at least! though in any case, he doesn't hesitate to step inside at Cecil's invitation*
*"few" for Sion, at least! though in any case, he doesn't hesitate to step inside at Cecil's invitation*
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