Gym Leaders - Tumblr Posts
Since I'm applying for a Gym Leader position, I want to clear up some misconceptions and share some little known facts
No, most Gym Leaders don't use only one type, especially when they're not in the gym. Not only do some Gym Leaders like Sabrina or Volkner use Pokemon outside their designated type in the gym, but most gym leaders have other Pokemon they DON'T use in the gym.
Not all gym leaders dress up themed around their specialized type. Heck, it's actually only recently become a major trend. One one the most infamous examples is how Morty changed his outfit to match his gym theme. On the right, ypu can see he used to have no fashion sense whatsoever.

Trainers (especially gym leaders) do pick up habits and traits from their Pokemon, but oftentimes it's the other way around. I have a slight "wicked witch" laugh that several of my Pokemon have emulated, especially my Honchkrow Camonte and my Grimmsnarl Wrath. Surge's Pokemon are known to mimic his tough guy persona, which is hilarious to watch a Raichu do.
No, they don't sit in the gym all the time. Usually someone informs them when a challenger is coming, and then they go open up the gym. However, on busier days they might have to stay in a while
Some regions actually have more than eight gym leaders. Unova not only has a gym with three leaders who decide who fights you based on your starter, but they also have a few on rotation. Then you have Tate and Liza of Hoenn, who fight against trainers in double battles.
I have something else, but that's going to be a separate post because it's long and a little sad. I'll post it tomorrow afternoon!
How does one become a Gym Leader?
First off, it varies by region, as usual. Some regions, like Galar, allow retired gym leaders to hand pick their successors. Most regions, however, have an application process.
I'll explain the process for my region, Illona.
First, there's a written or online application. Here's an example of the first page of the form I would have had to fill out before everything went digital.

I cannot show you the full application because after this page because it goes into a written exam, and they don't want the full exam leaking. There are some multiple choice questions, a short essay section, and some True or False.
If you pass the written (or typed) portion, then you must battle three instructors in a row.
While battling, the current gym leaders will be part of the panel of judges. Your score will be compared to other applicants.
If you are chosen, once assigned to a gym the retiring gym leader from that gym can make you pick a different Pokemon type to specialize in if the gym is designed to reflect the culture of the town they are in. For example, Ventosa City is known for it's windy atmosphere, so if I get assigned there, the previous leader can make me specialize in Flying type Pokemon instead of Dark. Or if I end up in Farhen, I will DEFINITELY be told I have to switch to Ice Types since it's home to the famous winter festival.
So yeah, that's the gist of the process
I'm conflicted.
I feel like I should switch out one of my Pokemon with a dark/poison Pokemon to deal with both fairy and bug types, but I can't think of who I'd want to swap out
Also, I'm SUPPOSED to be going to BED
Good news! I'm one of the finalists for the gym leader application! There are three gym leader positions open
Here are all the finalists (real pictures not available until chosen)

Me, looking to set up Illona's first dark type gym

Luciano, rumored to be a major mob boss, is looking to specifically get Ventosa's flying type gym

Maria, a water type user. All her team members are girls.

Garfield, a Normal type user, is probably the only gym leader candidate I've seen put a Ditto on his team

Pollyanna is a shiny hunter looking to become Illona's first fairy type gym leader

Looks like Ahab is competing against Luciano for Ventosa's Flying type gym
There are only three spots available, so wish me and these other trainers luck!
Good news! I'm one of the finalists for the gym leader application! There are three gym leader positions open
Here are all the finalists (real pictures not available until chosen)

Me, looking to set up Illona's first dark type gym

Luciano, rumored to be a major mob boss, is looking to specifically get Ventosa's flying type gym

Maria, a water type user. All her team members are girls.

Garfield, a Normal type user, is probably the only gym leader candidate I've seen put a Ditto on his team

Pollyanna is a shiny hunter looking to become Illona's first fairy type gym leader

Looks like Ahab is competing against Luciano for Ventosa's Flying type gym
There are only three spots available, so wish me and these other trainers luck!
You’re technically on an evil team?? ? How does that work and are you going to be arrested lmfao
I am not going to get arrested for my accidental involvement with Team Rocket, I was only a janitor in a casino as I explained here.
I'll let you guys know if I accidentally join another evil team, lol
The good news is I'VE BEEN SELECTED!
The bad news is someone applied for the Elite Four position with a dark type team. If they get the position, I will have to choose a different type.
Now I just wait to see if I stay a dark type user, or have to switch
Why do you want to become a gym leader? You mentioned it’s because there aren’t many in your region, but are there any other reasons or do you feel like it’s your responsibility to fill the role if you can?
Sorry, my answer is going to be boring.
It's a good job. Relatively stable, too. Gym Leaders are highly respected, typically well paid and who doesn't want to be able to make a living off of Pokemon battling? Sure, I'll have to shell out money when I lose, but gym leaders generally make more than they lose. Wouldn't you want a job like that?
I know I wouldn't be RICH or anything like that (hence why many gym leaders have a second job) but it beats what I'm making now, and is more enjoyable overall. And if it ends up not paying my bills, I can pick up another gig on the side.
The whole thing would be an upgrade from my current job both in pay and enjoyment.
Sorry if that doesn't sound particularly soulful or inspiring.
How do you keep getting hired by evil teams 💀💀💀
I DON'T KNOW!
Though in this case it's less "hired" and more "it turns out the mob had the Pokemon League on their payroll all along"
And uh...the mob also owns the Police, the local politicians, the casinos, a bunch of really nice restaurants, and allegedly the contest hall (that last one's a rumor).
They just decided they're powerful enough to stop hiding it
Kinda explains a lot, actually. Especially why their leader just got selected as the gym leader in Ventosa.
Luckily from what I understand, the gym leaders themselves aren't actually part of the Team, but supposedly Luciano recruits through the gyms...and doesn't make offers you can refuse.
Also, Team Night thankfully doesn't really steal rare Pokemon like some other teams. They prefer to breed Pokemon for their needs. They mostly smuggle rare items
I'll explain more of what I know in a separate post.
I wouldn’t worry about it there’ll probably some kid rolling around that’ll beat you and then proceed to take down the whole team. In any case, is there anyone trying to stop them? Like the international police or… uh… I guess more kids.
That sounds great, but it would actually suck big time if that happens. The problem is, Team Night, while criminal, is generally viewed in a favorable light due to the fact they keep the other, worse evil teams out of Illona.
Remember how I talked about accidentally getting hired to work at a Team Rocket Casino? Team Night got rid if them, and it wasn't the first time. Luciano's team is tailored to take down Giovanni if needed.
When Team Plasma tried to spread their influence here, Team Night drove them out. When ex-Team Flare grunts tried to flee to here, Team Night sought them out and kept them from trying anything.
They also keep out less well known teams like Team Burrow, Team Rust, Team Nuclear, and others. A LOT of teams have tried to come over here.
If Team Night gets taken down, we're actually MORE screwed, because several teams will take their place.
...Also they outright refuse to fight kids.
Good news: I'm officially Illona's first Dark Type Gym Leader!
Concerning news: There were waiting for me in my new gym


....Is he trying to recruit me or flirt with me?
The gym decorating is coming along nicely. Hard to make a dark themed gym that doesn't happen to resemble ghost gyms, though.
Melmetal - What's the most time you've invested into something? Was it worth it?
Right now, not counting years in Pokemon Academy? Probably the Gym Leader Application process.
We'll see if becoming a gym leader was worth it. We'll be officially opening next week
Me every time I get notes: Oh thank gosh, some people like me!




The Queen of Fossils herself: Miss Lenora
y’all really be acting like Nessa and Elesa aren’t the same person with differing types

Fierce, beautiful, H A I R, definitely performers, style

Nessa and Elesa are girlfriends confirmed


Some practice sketches from a while back!




DxP REWRITE - Rivalry
I mean, in game “Emmet” was Ansy’s rival, so I had to have a good reason why. Testing your friend‘s skill to see whether she truly can help your twin brother seems reasonable.
Also, yeah - the way Galar’s “Elite 4” is formatted (tournament style), there can only be one Champion every year, & Ansy couldn’t have beaten Ikrit. After that first journey together, Ansy had made some improvement, largely thanks to Ikrit (aka the mister taught me about actual strategy lol, where I used to just breeze through the games without really considering stats, STAB, natures, etc).
But Emmet doesn’t know that. Yet.
⭐️ BONUS:

🔼 Diamond x Pearl REWRITE 🔽
<< Previous / Next >>