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[paladinlost]

"This is Cecil Harvey. Leave a message, and I'll respond as soon as possible and convenient.



...No, Rosie, I hardly need to say more-"

Comments

[paladinlost]

[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.