Trainer Interview with David Quinn

Me: Welcome to the show Mr. Quinn

So how did you hear about the ECPL?

David Quinn: Magfest! 

Did the gym challenge, totally fun!

Me: How many badges you win?

David Quinn: 9

unfortunately i had to leave sunday morning so I couldnt do the championship

Me: Which ones were they?

David Quinn: The badges were : Dark, Steel, Fire, Rock, Electric, Grass, Fairy, Fighting, and Dragon

Me: Lol hmmm any gyms you have a tough time against?

David Quinn: Each were fun and challenging in their own ways. 

Then of course there were those I just couldn't beat due to a combined factor of their talent 

and me only constructing a team meant for singles (didn't know competitive formats tended not to be singles at the time)

good timing and segueway XD

NORMAL.....F$%# DIGGERSBY

Fighting was someone i went against a few times before i won

Flying caught me by surprise with m-salamence

WATER, HOLY CRAP WATER, $#%#‎er used tailwind + surfs and all his pokes had water absorb, RESISTANCE WAS FUTILE

BUG's choice scarf heracross beat my mega one through flinches and rock slides, so that was an awesome strategy

flinch was the bane of my magfest

Me: Lol I can say that as a former gym leader using had is a legitimate strategy. So what type do you favor the most?

David Quinn: BUUUUUUUG

I LOVE BUG

mascot bug, main type for my gym challenge bug

Me: That would explain your interest in the gym leadership. What's your favorite Pokemon?

David Quinn: Vivillon which is, in my opinion strange considering it is VI gen, right next to it is Umbreon

Me: Nothing strange about that. 

For instance my favorite used to be Blastoise. Then Feraligatr.

Now its drapion

David Quinn: The reason I said it's strange for me is that it seems so soon

but I love that adorable and useful bastard XD

Me: Lol never too soon. 

Vivillion is a legitimate threat. 

So, if you gain the gym leadership, who's gonna be your mascot?

David Quinn: THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST

..... my adorable butterfly Vivillon

Me: Good man. What was your first Pokemon?

David Quinn: oh god.....hmmmmm I actually think I played Yellow as my first pokemon game, so I guess it would be Pikachu

Me: Shame on you. Any other games your currently playing?

David Quinn: Well i liked it because of the anime, but i did get red and my brother got blue

Me: Still hate that little yellow bastard.

Any other games you're currently playing?

David Quinn: Any chance for Puzzle League I use, SNAP I WILL REPLAY TILL I DIE, I play Sapphire to compete/help other trainers

Me: Nice. 

Any games beside Pokemon?

David Quinn: Definitely

I consider myself a FFF

Final Fantasy Fanatic

Me: Hmmm what would you say was the best final fantasy?

David Quinn: ....why are you doing this to me?

Me: Cause my soul is black as night and cold as ice......

And no question is too controversial

David Quinn: ....... I......

the thing is several of the FF's have their best qualities

It's not VII

or VIII

I feel I have the deepest connection with X, so sentimentally, X, but if I had to take an objective approach, I'd say VI

the sentiment comes from growing up with the game through early high school so starting to gain that "this is my story" confidence 

which kind of developed me a kind of entrepeneural lifestyle i have

Me: I can respect that. I just hate when asked that question its immediately 7.

David Quinn: Plus, my fiance and I have replayed X to death, 

seriously, she completed every sphere grid with every character and got every special item

Don't get me wrong, I consider VII a valid choice as any, just not mine

Me: Geez talk about commitment. 

My brother actually found all the chocographs on 9 and completed the game on 100%. Hell he even defeated Ozma

What systems do you own?

David Quinn: And here's where I get embarrased about how much I've spent... 

Gameboy Color (pokemon version), Gameboy Advance, DS, 3DS, PSP, Super Nintendo, N64, PS2, Gamecube, Wii, PS3, PS4, WiiU

my fiancee and I collect video games, rare and series mostly

Me: Nothing embarrassing about that. 

I'm a father of two and collect originals. 

Hell even today I was playing my original Xbox. 

So outside of games, any animes?

David Quinn: Definitely, I know I keep going back to her, 

but my fiancee and I actually met through Soul Eater. 

My personal favorites are Elfen Lied, Cowboy Bebop, Brotherhood, Yu Yu Hakusho, Rurouni Kenshin, 

One Piece, (yeah I'm on that side of the three way match, but I actually appreciate Naruto for what it is, sorry can't stand Bleach) 

I can't turn away comedic animes like Excel Saga, Ouran High School, 

and the extreme stuff like FLCL, Kill la Kill. 

One thing with me though, is I can't watch stuff like Attack on Titan until fandoms die down

Me: Nothing wrong with that. 

I like knowing that gamers interact with fiances who have similar taste. 

For instance my fiance loves Street Fighter

So has your fiance ever beaten you in any games?

David Quinn: We made our own form of Starfox 64 competition where we take cumulative points, 

then add 100 points for each life by the end of the game. winner has the most points,

i sacrificed one too many lives to go to the path i preferred

Me: Lol ever let her win or do you give it your all?

David Quinn: nah she'd kill me if i let her

Me: Lmao. 

Do have any of the current Gen systems?

David Quinn: Yup like I said PS4 and WiiU

Me: K. 

So do you two ever place bets on games? 

For instance loser does the dishes or something...naughtier?

David Quinn: .... how rated is this interview?

I mean I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU'RE IMPLYING *sweats heavily*

Me: This interview isn't rated. Nothing is safe here. NOTHING!

David Quinn: *scoots chains and rope away with foot* 

I mean we try to keep our competitions at a simple task basis, 

like who pays for dinner and stuff, and overall we're not that competitive with each other, 

more or less we help each other compete. 

Like her card will be completed soon.

Me: It's nice to hear that there are those out there who have relationships like that. 

Me and my fiance play injustice.

David Quinnn: Nice, my fiance is more of the mortal kombat side of fighters,

I do smash bros. and pre- soul calibur V soul calibur games

Me: Yeah 5 was ass. 

So, is your fiance into Pokemon?

David Quinn: YUP

daily conversation points

Me: Ah. 

Is she part of the ecpl?

David Quinn: Yup, she's in here

Me: Nice. 

So she will be seeing this.

Hey to davids fiance, he said very nice things about you

David Quinn: Thanks for the help

Me: I believe in the bro code

David Quinn: Ditto

Me: On to the next question, 

since mortal kombat is coming out tomorrow, will you be purchasing it?

David Quinn: She will be XD

Me: lol 

So she'll be whooping that ass for awhile im guessing?

David Quinn: If you mean mine, then yes

Toasty!

Me: Love the vintage quote. 

So any plans for children?

David Quinn: Welp, not from our gene pool, planning on adoption when the time is right

Me: Good man. 

Me and mine were contemplating the same thing till we found out she was pregnant with my first. 

Now shes pregnant with my second one. I plan on raising them both to be trainers.

Although i do believe my first is going the route of electric types

Next question, 

Who would win, Voltron or Big O?

David Quinn: Big O, because practically batman is operating it

Me: Hmmmm, Roger is kinda batman, but i would like to think batman would have a better design for his robot.

So if you are able to snag the title of bug gym leader, what will be your first order of business?

David Quinn: Make it official that you can go against me whenever I'm on until I get tired/someone else challenges.

My goal is to make it as close to the game as possible so if i beat you, come on back

Me: Hmmmm, well i do wish the best of luck to you in that regards, cause someday i will return from exile 

and reclaim my hive. 

So on to the next question, any interesting stories about you and your fiances gaming competition?

David Quinn: Between ourselves or other individuals?

We do tabletop, and we were preparing if there was multi-chmpionship, 

and we actually mostly play single player games, we enjoy watching each other make progress through each others' games

Me: And against each other?

David Quinn: Ah, well there's the starfox one.....

OH YEAH, I STILL HAVENT FORGIVEN HER FOR THIS...

We were playing Mario Party with me dad and brother, I was the only one with a star, 

she got to boo, had 50 coins, I've held a grudge ever since

Me: Oh man, its actually funny you say that, 

me and my ex wife used to play Mario Party 7 for the Gamecube 

and she would let me get all these stars and then have Bowser steal them from me. I used to be livid. lol

So when you two game, what do you usually snack on or drink?

David Quinn: Actually we have our meals around it. 

I typically do cereal and starting to do water (trying to watch it) she tends to do Dr. pepper and whatever

Me: Hmmmm, interesting. 

Have you used games as a way to make up after a fight?

Or do you use them to settle an arguement?

David Quinnw: We dont really fight tbh...they are more like discussions, 

one side may go passive aggressive, but we know how to deal with each other. 

Actually we someimes use games to take out frustration on, but not on each other

Me: Man i must say you have a very healthy relationship. 

How old are you?

David Quinn: 24, she's 22

Me: Man, you guys are quite young too. 

I tip my hat too you good sir. 

Moving along, with disney buying up star wars and marvel, 

do you expect/hope certain characters will appear in Kingdom Hearts 3?

David Quinn: Thanks! 

And i think R2D2 showing up in the tron world as an easter egg could be fun. 

Nothing more though, we dont need "the force" being added on to sue-ish forces like: the heart's light" and friendship

Me: lol I'm personally hoping for a light saber keyblade.

So what do you do for a living?

David Quinn: Insurance through state farm.... anyone in PA need help in that regards, let me know.

Me: Shit I wished you would've told me before i moved to Buffalo. 

I used to live in Harrisburg

David Quinn: XD np

Me: So, next question, 

If you could have any fictional weapon of choice, what would it be and why?

David Quinn: Omega Weapon, he seems like a chill guy.

Me: Omega weapon? I'm afraid im actually stumped here. 

If you could elaborate?

David Quinn: 

img2.wikia.nocookie.net/…/i…/1/1e/OmegaWeapon-ffx.png

Me: Ah. Ok makes sense. lol

In terms of crazy, who would win, 

The Joker or Akabane Jekyl?

David Quinn: Never watched GetBackers, sorry

Me: Ha, you do know!

David Quinn: Nope had to look it up

Me: If you could get your woman to cosplay as any fictional female character for "fun", who would it be? 

And by asking this I'm not implying you don't think your woman isn't beautiful. 

I'm asking simply in terms of mixing things up in your relationship.

David Quinn: Hmmmm

Female Commander Shepherd

Lulu,to stir things up, Mrs. Lovett XD

BAYONETTA

ME: Oh god yes Bayonetta!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The question is does she have to the accent?

David Quinn: But i would also like a slew of fem-versions of male characters

One idea we were having for her is fem ike

Me: Hmmmm, i could see a fem Ike. We have a fem Marth

David Quinn: Psh Marth needs no help

i want a strong character not afraid to show some muscle

Paine was close

Me: Ok, two more questions David and I'm gonna let you go.

Who do you feel in the ECPL will be your biggest threat to your gym in terms of the other leaders, should you get the bug gym?

David Quinn: Hmmm, before obtaining the gym in the competition for it, 

I'd say Mr. BuzzBuzz Lee, should I win, I'd consider ghost a big threat.

Some of the gyms i can't comment on because i havent seen their existence, 

but from what i saw, ghost would provide a few problems for me

Me: Hmmm interesting. Last question of the night......

David Quinn: Alrighty

Me: If you could use any legendary in competitive play, what would it be?

David Quinn:.........

Me: dun dun dun

David Quinn: I refuse to use legendaries even in showdown so I honestly don't know, give me a sec on this one

Me: No problem

David Quinn: I'd say Meloetta, mainly just out of a connection I would feel. 

My degree is in Music Composition, for four years of my life were devoted to music

Me: Hmmm nice touch. 

Well David you've been a great guest 

and i hope that this interview doesnt get you in too much trouble with the Mrs. *grins devilishy*

David Quinn: Nah, she expects these kind of things and i enjoyed this, thank you!

Me: No problem. Till next we meet

David Quinn: Indeed

Flying Gym Leader: David Kelman Interview

Me: Welcome to the show mr kelman.
First question, why flying types?

David Kelman: When I became a Gym Leader flying seemed like the best choice at the time in terms of versatility and available options.
Originally I wanted to be Normal Gym Leader, as during my challenging days Slaking was my mascot,
but I am very glad that I have the Flying Gym as we speak on the same page.
Me: Speaking of mascots who would you say is the mascot for your gym?
For instance when I was bug GL volcorona was what I considered my mascot

David Kelman: The funny thing is, I do not have a mascot for my Gym.
As most challengers know I have many different gym teams with a different pokemon on each team.
In my current 4 Gym Teams there are 20 different pokemon out of a possible 24
So as far as mascots go, only 4 pokemon enter more than one team, and even then, it will have a different build, move set and strategy.

Me: So one could say you have multiple mascots? Care to elaborate who they are? Or is that a trade secret?

David Kelman: Ha ha, no trade secrets, just the fact that they fit the role the best in my typing.
But to find out who they are......
I guess the trainers will have to challenge me and see if they notice when I switch my teams around.

Me: Nice choice of words. So what was your first Pokemon?

David Kelman: Thats one question I would love to know the answer for. I cannot remember!

Me: Seriously? Wow. Ok then what is your favorite Pokemon?

David Kelman: That is always a tough choice.
I cant pick out a favourite Pokemon, but I can give you a 5 favourites.
Not in any order mind you.
1 & 2: Butterfree and Beedrill these guys I always loved using back in Blue, then when I played soul silver my Beedrill did some amazing plays. It managed to take on Whitney all by itself whilst being at the same level.
Miltank rollout? Bah. Whats that?
And Butterfree also was a very core member of my Kanto tournament here in the ECPL. If I remember correctly, we ended up against each other in tht tournament. Butterfree certainly locked you down.
Then there is Audino.
3: Audino was the mastermind behind my VGC 12 and VGC 13 team. At the time of black and white, no one knew what Audino did and they were surprised at how well it played. 2 memorable years of being the core of my competitive team.
4: Basculin. Never under estimate the fish. With the right partner, this little critter is ridiculously powerful.
5: Last but not least, Bulbasaur. This one is due to the Anime.

Me: I distinctly remember your butterfree.
It's what led me to trying for the bug gym.
So in terms of types it does seem like you have an affinity for bug types.
Care to elaborate on this?

David Kelman: I do have a fair bit of love for the bugs.
scyther, Volcarona are more mentions to the Bug love list.
Mainly due to using them on the story mode.

Me: That being said, lets get the elephant in the room out the way.
Your scizor.
How'd he come about?
What are its origins?

David Kelman: Ha ha, That Scizor.........
That Scizor was forged in battle when I was just beginning to learn about EV's and IV's.
It's nature is Lax and his EVs are all over the place, but he has more heart than any steroid bred Pokemon that I have trained.
Because of that I have kept him just the way he is.
The training method.... "This power item increases attack? Ill just add it equip it to Scizor and see how it works."

Me: Fair enough. That thing is damn near legendary.
Any interesting stories about it?

David Kelman: The only other interesting story about the Scizor is when it managed to win me the Water badge.
Super power on Lapras.
The move set is Bullet punch, bug bite, super power and swords dance.
Other than Lax nature, there is not much more I can tell you about my famous Scizor. His secrets are hidden, even to me.
Hell.... We would probably have more chance figuring out all the secrets on the Vault of Glass!

Me: Ah man, I remember the first time played that raid
and im thinking this is by far the hardest thing I have ever done in terms of video games.
Then raid of crota came out. Lol
So what class do you play in destiny?

David Kelman: I am gutted that I was not there when no one knew what they were doing.
Now everyone knows what to do so it is a formality.
I missed the adventure, although I will be off down to the VoG tonight just to explore.
I hear there are supposed to be 7 chests, yet we only have found 5.
I am a Warlock, got Void powers maxed up and almost maxed up my sun powers.

Me: I personally play hunter.
It is maxed as well and wow there's 7? Go fig.
So what else do you play beside Pokemon and destiny?

David Kelman: At the moment it is just DBZ Xenoverse enters the mix in my gaming time.
I will however be playing alot of Final Fantasy XV and Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain when they come out.

Me: Hmmm so you're a round about gamer. Interesting.
So when you having a gaming session what do you usually snack on and drink?

David Kelman: Normally I have a glass of water by the side of my chair, and snack on toast if i get hungry.
And the toast can have either Jam, Marmite, Peanut Butter or Nutella on top

Me: Hmmm. Interesting again.
So outside of gaming any other hobbies?

David Kelman: I enjoy reading, mainly historical fiction and fantasy.
Brandon Sanderson is my favourite author by a long shot.
I also enjoy tennis and golf, although I am no Wods or Henman.
But most of all, I enjoy hiking the most.

Me: Hmmm so a true outdoorsman.
Very good.
Do you watch any anime?

David Kelman: Apart from Pokemon, I have hardly watched any.
I am not really the anime person, but I have heard there is a weird three kingdoms anime which I may look into.
I have seen Ouran host wich was fairly amusing.
And how can I forget Dragonball and DBZ. (GT does not excist in my mind)

Me: Lol and ouran host club is probably one of the funniest animes I've seen.
So next question, Optimus prime vs Burning Gundam, who wins?
David Kelman
4:44pm
David Kelman
Optimus prime as I have no idea who Burning Gundam is!

Me: Sad. Ok three questions:
What Pokemon do you believe deserves an evolution?
Which Pokemon deserves a mega evolution?
What legendary do you wish you could use in competitive play?

David Kelman: When you say competitive play, do you mean ECPL rules or VGC?

Me: Both

David Kelman: ECPL it would be Articuno, for no reason other than the fact that I love that bird.
VGC, there is no pokemon that is banned that I would love to see play! Keep them banned.
But if you must press me, I would say Zygarde

Me: Zygarde? Interesting choice.
But I too have a love for Articuno.
Sadly there's really no good move spread for him.
As of the evolutions?

David Kelman: For Articuno or Zygarde?

Me: I was asking more towards what Pokemon would you like to see get an evolution.
Example Lapras doesn't have an evolution.

David Kelman: I was referring to where you mentioned there is no move set for him.
I was unsure as to which mon you was referring to.
I would love to see a Jynx / Golduck evolution.
They have very average stats and little going for them.
They need a bit of love. Either a mega or a normal evolution.

Me: Hmmm I would love a mega golduck.
So next question, if you could kill off one of the other gym leaders Pokemon, who and what would it be?

David Kelman: ECPL or game?

Me: Both

David Kelman: In game I never really had many preblems where one pokemon really wiped me out
In the ECPL....
Gosh this is going back some time to when I was doing my challenges.

Me: Lol so who is it and which Pokemon?
I'm guessing Ice GL?

David Kelman: Once I got my first badge, Ice was no longer a problem.
I had a great run of form and claimed badge after badge.
Normal GL's Togekiss was quite a big pain back when he was allowed it, but now I would have to say Brett's Talonflame.

Me: With that being said, mortal kombat x releases tomorrow.
If fatalities were allowed in Pokemon, what Pokemon would you use, what would be the fatality and who would it be done to?

David Kelman: Easy.
Machamp.
That four arm fist action would be too much for some people.
And that would also be the move name

Me: Lol four arm fist action? Love it. Last question of the interview.
When I return, will you be prepared to face me after my training in exile?
Will our rivalry continue?
Will that damned scizor finally die?!?!?!

David Kelman: Woah woah woah Darryl...
Surely you mean........
LETS GET READY FOR POKEMANIA!
I am always ready for your challenges.
Set a rough date so I can squash you like a bug
I look forward to your return as it has been too long since our last battle.
For the readers who want to see the last battle, look no further.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6PEt5zWTM0
And dont you worry, Scizor has been sent on a secret training reigeme to ensure he can go toe to toe with you. (Or Metal claw to toe)

Me: Well Gollum its been a nice interview.
And as always.....
I'LL SEE YOU IN POKEHELL!

David Kelman: ha ha, it was a pleasure Darryl.
Good luck in your exile, and I will be looking forward to it.

Trainer Interview: Phil Kahn

Me: Welcome to the show Phil.
First question, How did you first hear about the League?

Phil: I encountered them at MAGFest for their Pokemon league challenge and claimed two of the badges.
From there I was vaguely aware of their activities until I found the Facebook group and now follow along best I can.
They are, by far, the classiest gaming club of any variety that I've been a part of.

Me: Well we do aim to be classy. What two badges did you claim?

Phil: Fire and Poison.

Me: Wow! You defeated my cousin. Any memories of that battle?

Phil: Hah yeah, it was exhilarating because I did that one first, spotted his scarf in a crowd like... Well, like a rustle in the grass.
This is after I had wanted a while, I think, before I actually got started.
I wasn't going to have a chance to compete in the tournament, either, but I really wanted some badges, haha.
I keep them both on my hat.

Me: I can tell you from experience that Poison can be a threat given the opportunity.
So after MAGfest you joined the league.
How many badges have you claimed thus far?

Phil: Zippitty fuckin' doo-dah
I never have I'm and my team sucks hahahah
I'm just there for the comraderie

Me: Well we definitely about fun and games here.
So outside of pokemon, any other games you play?

Phil: Most of the main line 3DS games as we all do, I guess!
Outside of that, I've been obsessed with Crawl and League of Legends (which I am finally OK at)

Me: Crawl? Whats that about?

Phil: It's a new early access game where you go through a dungeon in a multi-player brawl where at any point there's one human
and several monsters.... But the players of each change whenever the human adventurer is slain.
Take turns murder-robbing each other for their humanity until you fight the final boss...
Which the other players control in unison.

Me: Sounds fun. Is this MOBA?

Phil: It's not really a moba but a multi-player dungeon crawl that's highly competitive

Me: Definitely gonna look into it. So any other gaming systems?

Phil: Nope.

Me: So, outside of pokemon and pc games, what do you do in your free time?

Phil: I'm on the Super Art Fight roster as The Commando
and I am a co-creator of Guilded Age (guildedage.net)

Me: Lol, love the plug. So how old are you Phil?

Phil: Old enough to know better, young enough to try anyway.

Me: good choice of words.
So given a choice to marry Emma Frost or Jessica Drew (Spider-Woman) who would you pick?

Phil: Kitty Pryde.

Me: Hmmm, i could see that. i would be kinda afraid of her phasing through my xbox during a fight. lol
So in terms of comics, are you a Marvel or DC guy?

Phil: Mahvell Baybee

Me: Good man.
What anime are you currently watching?

Phil: Right this second?
Ore Monogatari Aka MY love STORY!! apparently

Me: Hmmmm, gonna have to look into it.
So who would win in a fight, Kirito from Sword Art Online or Akatsuki from Log Horizon?

Phil: I don't know any of those words, but Goku will definitely win.
He is the protector of Earth.

Me: So i take it you were upset at the Goku vs Superman Death Battle?

Phil: I don't know what that is. Goku and superman would never fight to the death.
They would be friends.
They are also both functionally immortal so... Yeah

Me: But there can only be one

Phil: NaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaI'm pretty sure there can be two.

Me: Well if i was you, i would definitely watch that on youtube

Phil: And I don't think the Zelda time line was necessary at all, but here we are

Me: So have you ever played D&D?

Phil: Yeppo. I usually DM.

Me: Outside of DMing, what class do you usually go with?

Phil: As it is in life, so it is in D&D: I aim to be whatever the party needs to thrive.

Me: hmmm so your a mutli-classer (yeah, i made that up)

Phil: Multi-classer is a real term tho
You can multiclass
Just like irl

Me: Well, i'm well behind the times.
Tell me, what do you think would happen if Daenerys showed up while Tommy summoned the Dragonzord?

Phil: I think I would scowl judgementally on whomever made the awful t-shirt this match-up came from.

Me: Lol, so any other interest?

Phil: Sexuality and Gender politics.

Me: In terms of equal rights?

Phil: That would be a great start, yes.

Me: I like your class of character Phil. Any kids?

Phil: Hahhahahhahhhahhhahahhahahhahahhhahhhahhhahhhahhahahhahahahahhahaha
hahahahhahahahahhahahahahahhahahahahhahahahhahhahahahahhahahahahaoh you were serious
Yeah, no.

Me: sorry Phil, no question isnt too controversial in the Realm of Bowerstone

Phil: Nor should be.

Me: So what is your favorite Pokemon type?

Phil: Ever since I started training to be the substitute Fairy Gym Leader for this past MAGFest's gym leader challenge,
I have to really give it up to Fairy type.
All hail our new sparkly overlords

Me: Fairy is by far the most broken type since Gen 1 Psychics
Whats your favorite Pokemon?

Phil: Fairy is not broken.
It has restored balance, and given steel and poison reasons to exist again.

Me: I think its broken due to the fact the have monstrous special defense that borderlines insane

Phil: ... Which isn't that big a deal in a physical attack heavy metagame
Which Pokemon is

Me: Hmmm, I can respect that point.
Whats your favorite Pokemon?

Phil: Snorlax

Me: Nice
So what do you usually snack on during a gaming binge?

Phil: I try to avoid snacking as I'm already the Big Fat Fairy, but I would say candy.

Me: Any particular kind of candy or drink?

Phil: Sour, fruity chewy ones and unsweetened iced tea whenever possible

Me: ok. Now seeing ass in your up to date in the comics,
what did you think of the most recent Ninja Turtles comic reboot and the death of Donatello?

Phil: You are mistaken. I'm not up to date on comics at all.
And I don't read TMNT but thanks for letting me know Donny is dead now

Me: oh wow, sorry to be the bearer of bad news.
yeah, beebop smashed his shell with a sledgehammer

Phil: OK I definitely didn't need to know that either lol

Me: well sorry phil.
If you could kill off any one fictional character (be it purely for kicks or just out of annoyance due to the characters existence)
who would it be and how?

Phil: I heard Wolverine is dead now.
So, uh I'll have a Coke.

Me: lmao i totally agree with you man. He was such a tool.
But if you could've been the one to decide his fate, how would you have done it?

Phil: Honestly, I think the way they already did it was the least trite option that exists.

Me: In terms of crossovers, what one you would like to see happen
or happen again?

Phil: Daft Punk and Toei Animation
Let's see what they can do with random access memories

Me: you are definitely a man of unique taste Phil.
last question of the night, if pokemon allowed fatalities what pokemon would you kill,
which pokemon would you use to kill it, and what would the fatality be?

Phil: Pokemon is about friendship and good sportsmanship.

Me: Come on man, you've never had the inkling to see Pikachu torched?

Phil: No, Pokemon are our friends and partners, and we help each other succeed.

Me: Come on Phil, join the Darkside, we have cookies.....

Grass Gym Leader: Erika Gordon Interview

Me: K, so first question, Why grass? Plenty of other types to choose from.

Erika: When I knew we were close to having the full complement of Gym Leaders here at the ECPL,
I wanted to pick something that didn't already have an established person in the spot.
Looking at the choices, I felt more of a connection to the grass type over the others.

Me: Hmmm, seems sensible.
While you were creating your gym team, what did you center your gyms structure around?

Erika: With grass having so many weaknesses yet so much versatility,
I designed my team around countering those weaknesses as well as employ some strategies that may catch potential challengers off-guard.

Me: Nice.
Recently I fought against an opponent who started his match with a Venusaur and a Charizard.
Oddly enough his Venusaur outsped the Charizard. Is this a tactic you would find yourself using to throw a challenger off?

Erika: Absolutely, especially if the pokemon isn't really known to excel at it, like the Venusaur and Charizard example.

Me: Yeah cause it definitely threw me off.
I attacked the Charizard thinking it was the threat

Erika: I could definitely see that if the Venusaur had like Stun Spore or something.

Me: Speaking of scenarios, gonna throw a few at you.
Just tell me how you would respond.
1st scenario is a team doubles.
Opponent throws out at an infernape and Espeon.
What would you address as the immediate threat?

Erika: I'd probably work on the Infernape first since it can be a direct threat for most of my team.

Me: k, next scenario, two of your best pokemon have been swept by your opponent.
were they really your best or do you have a champion in the wings waiting to strike?

Erika: Losing two of my best would hurt, but I always have a plan B ready.
Champions shine through when it's crunch time!

Me: very true.
last scenario, Gary Oak challenges your gym.
he throws our his arcanine. Who do you choose to meet his fiery mutt?

Erika: I would trust my Cradily to be stalwart in taking Arcanine down.

Me: very good.
next question, what was your very first pokemon?
for me it was a dodrio pokemon card

Erika: Ironically enough, it was the Bulbasaur that you could start with in Pokemon Blue.

Me: really? very interesting.
what would you say is your favorite pokemon?

Erika: I have so many that it is really hard to choose.
In-type, I would say it is Maractus, and out of type it would probably be a close tie between Venomoth and Volcarona.

Me: hmmm even more interesting.
next question: Smogon is what some consider the utmost authority on competitive pokemon.
what are your thoughts on some of their more..."controversial" rulings?

Erika: They started out with great ideas, but the metagame that they have created is starting to feel a bit centralized.
It really started to become evident to me when they were moving OU pokemon to the Uber tier on what seems to be
lack of creativity on the player base.

Me: i personally feel that their decisions are based on how they want the game to be played rather then
helping create balanced teams for players seeking help.
in your opinion, did u think the banning of greninja was outlandish?

Erika: It's a good pokemon with Protean, but it does seem a bit outlandish to ban it.
Then again, without knowing where the current tier list is at,
it could be that there are fewer checks and counters to it in their environment at the moment.

Me: hmmmm. on that note im gonna change the questioning up for the remainder of the interview.
if your having a late name gaming binge, what are you snacks and drinks of choice?

Erika: I used to go after Dew and potato chips a lot.
I've been going through a diet recently, though,
so I usually reach for something like cereal and yogurt or a pickle and some diet soda or flavored water.

Me: yech. diet soda.
lol k next question, godzilla invades your home town. how would you catch him?

Erika: Find the Power Rangers to take him down with the Megazord would probably be the best course of action.

Me: hmmm dont think so.
every mech thrown at the king of monsters has been destroyed.
short of tommy summoning the dragonzord, theyre screwed.
ok last question of the night and i have to call it a wrap: if you could use on legendary in competetive play, what would it be?

Erika: I'd have to go with Ho-Oh mostly due to the mythology surrounding it and the fact that I really like phoenixes.

Me: hmmm. well thank u for your time. i'll have this up later

Erika: No problem. Thank you for interviewing me!

Happy Birthday to the ECPLs Flying Gym Leader

It's 4/18 once again, and that can only mean one thing. Well, that's not accurate. It could mean a bunch of things. One of the things it does mean is that the ECPL's Flying Gym Leader has come across the day his egg hatched. If it's already 4/19 in the UK you could Fly over here were you'll have another 2.5-8.5 hours of birthday. Then again, it's a long flight and you haven't secured a place to Roost. Before you Bounce on to something else, Pluck the the gray hair out of your head, old man. Anyone else reading this, don't forget to wish FGL a very Happy Birthday!