Happy Halloween from the ECPL

We here at the ECPL would like to wish everyone a safe and Happy Halloween.

Expecting trick-or-treaters or party guests?

Follow these tips to help make the festivities fun and safe for everyone:

• Provide healthier treats for trick-or-treaters such as low-calorie treats and drinks. For guests, offer a variety of fruits and vegetables.  
• Use party games and trick-or-treat time as an opportunity for kids to get their daily dose of 60 minutes of physical activity.
• Be sure walking areas and stairs are well-lit and free of obstacles that could cause someone to fall.  
• Keep candle-lit jack o'lanterns and luminaries away from doorsteps, walkways, landings, and curtains. Place them on sturdy tables, keep them out of the reach of pets and small children, and never leave them unattended.
• Remind drivers to watch out for trick-or-treaters and to drive safely.

OR

Just crack open your 3DS and play some Pokemon.

Happy Birthday to the Grass Gym Leader!

Today is the Birthday of the ECPL's very own Grass Gym Leader. We hope you are having a great day. Try not to hit the Magic Leaf too hard. Not that our pockets are filled with Worry Seed, but according to all the advertisment I have seen, it's a slippery slope between that and Needle Arm. While there is still time left in the day, go out cut loose. Laugh, dance, youtube yourself doing a Vine Whip & Ne Ne! Most importantly have a Happy Birthday.

Discuss ..... Go!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=8&v=2sj2iQyBTQs

Happy Birthday to the Rock Gym Leader

Over here on the East Coast it is still Tuesday, August 18, 2015 and it still the birthday of the ECPL's very own Rock Gym Leader. I do have a good excuse for the late notice on the Eastern hemisphere. It's not like I was watching the X-Men movie with the woman who has skin made of Diamond, Storm, and Wolverine. I'm running out of rock words to say in these messages and even though it feels like I walking towards a cliff or some sort of Stone Edge; I wont stop until all the Gym Leaders know that they have a home here. So RGL, this being your home, means that we are family. If anyone tells you different, in honor of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, I would like the entire ECPL to pick up a Rock, Polish that thing up real good, turn it side-ways, and stick it straight up their candy a$$.

Happy Birthday to the Fire Gym Leader

Light up a Blue Flare and let us know where the party is located. Unless you already did that when you posted that Sunday Orioles Game event on Facebook.  Too bad I was there on Friday, when they had an Eruption in the sky in the form of a Fire Blast of fireworks. Deep down inside, I know you were probably hoping East Shore would return to write your birthday well wishes. You mentioned how he V-created a nice one last year. Of course by now,  we all know that today is the birthday of the East Coast Pokemon League's very own Fire Gym Leader. Not 100% sure of his habits, but maybe he will relax, Blaze, Kick it with some friends, and share a nice beverage or two. Happy Birthday.

Happy Birthday to the Poison Gym Leader

What do you get when you Cross Poison with Birthday cake? Well, most of you on the Internet will never know unless you run into the ECPL's very own Poison Gym Leader on his birthday. Which of course, is today. If the Toxic cake doesn't do you in right away, you make come down with case of Poison Gas. Just make sure it doesn't turn into a Sludge Wave coming out of that end. It may be a safer bet to just join in and wish the PGL a Happy Birthday.

Happy Birthday to the ECPL's Ice Gym Leader

Just because you do not have a Facebook account like the rest of us, does not mean I am going to leave you out in the Sheer Cold. Even though it's your birthday, I want to ask a small favor for you to keep the Hail down to a minimum. I just bought a new car last month and I don't need to have her jacked up. Now that is out of the way, I like everyone to say happy birthday to our very own Ice Gym Leader. To keep this short, just know the ECPL still needs the Iceman around. We'll get together soon. In the meantime, use some of that Frost Breath to blow out those candles.

Happy Birthday to the Fighting Gym Leader

It's birthday time once again. "Who's birthday is it", you ask? Why, none other than the ECPL's very own Fighting Gym Leader. Now I'm not quite sure how old he is now. So, I do not know if he is with his Pokemon, in a bar right now listening to Rock, Smashed on booze. Of course, if he is still underage then I'm sure you will read all about it from the reporter that swoops in to interview him (also known as the Flying Press). Well FGL, I sure do hope I am not the last one to Circle Throw this energy filled birthday card in your face, like some sort of Final Gambit. So let's all give a big Happy Birthday to the East Coast Pokemon League's one and only Fighting Gym Leader.

Trainer Interview Nate Roque

Me: Welcome to the show Nate. How did you come to join the ECPL?

Nate: I believe Adam is the one that added me to the group. It was after a some pretty
awesome battles of my mono Ice team against one of his mono poison ones.

Me: Nice. So is ice your favorite type?

Nate: That's right.

Me: Favorite Pokemon?

Nate: Weavile. Back in forth gen Garchomp was rampant and I needed an answer for it.
This guy outsped and wrecked him. Love it.

Me: Think your weavile could take a Talonflame?

Nate: Mine could. I sash it and have counter. Wait.. Does it resist counter? Hmm.. This hasn't been tested.
It can take a Metagross lol

Me: Lol ok so how many badges have you claimed?

Nate: None as of yet. I plan to start my challenge soon. I just planned on making a comic of my challenge,
but I have a lot less time than I used to. But I promise, it'll happen. Lol

Me: Hey I think we're all strapped for time. Any other games besides Pokemon?

Nate: Lots of them. Smash Bros, Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts, just about any and every RPG, and Sonic

Me: I can see why Adam added you. You both have similar taste. What all systems do you own?

Nate: Lol I'm aware of that. I have at the moment a PS2, a Wii, a 3DS and a WiiU

Me: K. What do you do for a living?

Nate: I work in a restaurant at the moment. I'm planning to apply for something else, but I believe me
and my rents plan on moving to Florida soon. So I'm waiting till we get an actual date. I also do volunteer work.
Like 60-70 hours a month

Me: Ok. And also I fellow cook. Bravo. Explains why your had work last night. Lol
Any games you're looking forward too?

Nate: lol yeah. The schedule is problematic sometimes. Lol people are always pissed at me cuz I have to work when they plan fun stuff.
SPLATOON!!!
I'm hype for that thing!
And that Dissidia game for PS4 looks hot
And KH3.. Sorry they keep comin to me..

Me: Hey I know the feeling. After becoming a father though I've done my best to make more time for family.
And I've seen gameplay footage of splatoon. Wouldn't mind having it if I had a Wii u. Lol and that's fine
What are you hoping to see at E3 next month?

Nate: Family is super important especially when you're the family head. Kudos for making more time for them.
Hmm.. I guess I'd like to see something about Zelda U. And maybe some news about a Wii U Pokemon title.
Sorry if my answer is a little underwhelming lol

Me: It's not. I'm hoping to hear something about the next Pokemon game. So you mentioned KH3. With Disney
recently acquiring star wars and marvel, would you think to see those worlds in the next kingdom hearts?

Nate: As much as I love Marvel and Star Wars, I personally wouldn't want them to be in the game.
I'd like to see more Disney characters like Darkwing Duck or Goliath of the Gargoyles.

Me: Wow I didn't even think of that. Gargoyles would definitely fit in with kingdom hearts.
What shows or anime do you currently watch?

Nate: Lately I've been watching Baka and Test, No Game No Life, Log Horizon, Squid Girl, Steven Universe,
Bojack Horseman, Axe Cop, that new Inspector Gadget cartoon on Netflix and 3rd Rock from the Sun. Cuz it's funny.
Eh.. I mostly watch cartoons. lol

Me: Same. Or cop dramas. A few others. And man your just now starting No Game, No Life? Smh and log horizon your
lucky since the second season ended not to long ago. All good shows. Don't know about Baka and Test. What's that about?

Nate: That one is more comical than anything else. It's like some weird school where they fight in a weird video game like..
Manner.. Their test scores is their attack stats and stuff and the better you do on tests the stronger you are.
Basically they're like the worst class but they have this chick who's really strong.
It's kind of hard to explain. Lol it's a pretty funny show though. I like it.

Me: Definitely gonna have to check that out. What stream service is it on?

Nate: I watched it on Hulu I believe. I also have Funimation Network so I catch it when it's on there too. tongue emoticon

Me: Sorry about that. Had to get my son. So how much do you play video games on a daily basis?

Nate: It's all good. I understand the responsibilities of a parent. lol
I try to get some game time in daily. If I can't during the day, I'll play a few hours late at night.
I often regret it in the morning.

Me: Hey the life of a cook. Lol we game when we're done with work.

Nate: Lol damn skippy

Me: Lately there have been a slew of comic book movies left and right. What's a comic book you would
love to see become a movie?

Nate: Hmm good question. Justice League or Young Justice would be tight.
the Xmen vs the Avengers is pretty cool. I'd like to see a movie based on that too.

Me: That would be awesome. If marvel hadn't split the rights like idiots. Smh. What's the most challenging
game you've ever played?

Nate: Super Mario Frustration. I dunno if you've ever seen or played it, but it's hard as hell but pretty fun.
If we count actual games from big devs, I think Contra is one of the hardest things to play ever

Me: Contra? Really? Wow. Most challenging boss fight?

Nate: Probably Psycho Mantis.. The first time you face him. Lol

Me: Yeah I could see how you could have a problem with him.

Nate: Lol but once you know how to beat him he's not so bad.

Me: Any siblings?

Nate: I've got 4. 3 brothers, one sister. All older than me, married and living in other states. Lol
But we keep in touch

Me: That's nice. Do you play any of them online?

Nate: None of them really play online. They tend to play one player games or old fighting games. Lol
I have played their kids online though in Smash and Pokemon.

Me: Ah. Does uncle always win?

Nate: Lol yeah. But they can spank me in Mario Kart when Uncle goes to visit. So they get me back.

Me: Lol ok. What was one of your favorite systems growing up?

Nate: I loved all of them, but if I had to choose, I was a Genesis kid. Then PS1. Those two are easily my faves.
But it's not like I disliked any systems I played. Lol

Me: Ok. What do you usually snack on when you olay games?

Nate: Pizza on game night when there's a group.
When it's just me, I'll usually just get some peanuts or chips.

Me: Drink?

Nate: Usually a soda of some kind. Dr. pepper is my fave but my friends here prefer Mountain Dew.
Sometimes we just spike some Coke though. Cuba Libre on the rocks.

Me: Cuba libre for the win!!!
What games do you and your friends play on game night?

Nate: Lol vive la Cuba Libre!!
Smash Bros is definitely the star of the night. But we do play some Marvel Vs Capcom 3, Tatsunoko vs Capcom,
Mario Kart 8, and perhaps some other game to mix things up.
Soul Calibur and Dead or Alive has sometimes made the scene as well.
Sometimes we even go retro. Play some Super Mario 3 or Metal Slug, etc

Me: Nice. I always will have a spot in my heart of the 16-bit Gen. I tell people all the time I don't play for graphics.
Ever try phantom breaker the underground?

Nate: Omg yes. Same here. Back in the day there was no hand holding, games were fun, challenging, and still could tell a great story.
I've never played that, how is it?

Me: Oh man. It's on the 360 (might be on the psn store) think Scott pilgrim.

Nate: Oh sounds cool. I plan to get a PS4 next so if it's there I'll check it out.

Me: And yeah. These games now a days you can die at the same part 12 times with no real consequences.
I remember having 3 lives and making sure everyone count

Nate: Lol yup. If you lost all of them and didn't have any continues, you had to start from square one.
Which is where we probably turned the thing off and took a break. Lmao
Nowadays there's no real penalty for losing. I still endeavor not to die though.

Me: Well I had two younger brothers. So you had to give up the sticks when you lost all your lives.
Lol and actually dark souls makes you suffer when you die.
Who do you use in mvc 3?

Nate: Lol I wouldn't know about Dark Souls either. Some games are the exception.
I know the pain of passing the controller as a kid. I played with my cousins. Lol
I usually pick Spider-Man, Morrigan and Storm or X-23 or Zero
I miss a lot of the roster from 2 though
I used to use Rogue, Ruby Heart, Megaman, Gambit, and Psylock too
In Tatsunoko I use Jun the Swan and Tekkaman Blade along with Morrigan.

Me: Oh man I still play mvc 2 and mvc on my Xbox 360. I use venom (always) jin, Cyclops, Ken, cable, and once in a blue moon hulk

Nate: Omg Cable is so good lol. Awesome. I wish I could still play it. Maybe I should get a 360 lol

Me: Well sadly enough they took it off the store. Something about licensing or some crap

Nate: That's depressing.

Me: What would you say so tue hardest fighting game you've ever played?

Nate: The hardest fighting game? Hmm...
Arcana Heart was kind of hard for me to understand.
Killer Instinct was never my thing either. I just can't pull off those combos

Me: With the newest one the combos are kinda easier but its still hard to master. Since we're on the subject
of fighting games i assume you watch EVO?

Nate: Honestly I don't lol. I've never been crazy about watching other people play. XD when it comes to sports
or video games, I prefer to play myself

Me: So no NFL team?

Nate: Uhm.. I guess I'll go Eagles since Harrisburg doesn't have a team. Lol
I do enjoy the Super Bowl. I usually just pick one out of the two that made it. Lol

Me: You're originally from the burg as well?

Nate: Yup. Lived there from birth till like 10th grade

Me: Aw man. I lived from birth till this pass march
Where did you live?

Nate: Woah. Lol when I was younger I lived in some apartments in Lake Limited. And then around 4th grade I moved to 17th and Market street.

Me: Lol I was on 17th and market before I came up here. Lived on the hill and Southside for most of my life

Nate: Daaammn. We was practically neighbors
Lol

Me: How old are you?

Nate: 25
I'll be 26 in August

Me: Hmmm so you're about my brother's Daniels age. I'm kinda shocked we never bumped into each other.
What was the last game you bought?

Nate: Right? Lol well I was always pretty to myself. Stuck to the few friends I had. But we were around.
I guess chance never presented itself for us to meet in person. But it's pretty cool we ended up in the same Facebook Group

Me: I know. I kinda was the same way. Turned 17 got my first job, worked non-stop.

Nate: Last game I bought was Fire Emblem the Blazing Sword. But on Friday I'm getting Splatoon.
And you gotta work if you're gonna have kids lol
And a family

Me: Ok. Man that means you were old enough to remember when wizards of the coast was at the east mall?

Nate: Yup yup. Lol
I haven't been there in a while. I heard there's a movie theatre now

Me: Oh that reminds me, the 7-11 on 29th closed down. And yeah. The got rid of arbys and Walden books for regal.
But they have a new place called 2nd and Charles with all kinds of old school games and comics and what noelt.
Think of it like media play meets funcoland

Nate: Oh crap! That sounds cool. I used to hit Walden books for my manga. Sad it's gone but that new place sounds better to be honest. Lol

Me: It is. I actually got all my love hinas and Legendz from Waldens. It's actually where I started my Tenjo Tenghe.
Man I remember paying at least $10 a pop per volume. Ah good times.
K few more questions and we can call it a day

Nate: Lol awesome. XD

Darryl: So what's your position at your job?

Nate: I cook. I hate dealing with people lol
I'm capable of it though..

Me: Same here. Right now im working in an open kitchen and I hate it. Can't listen to music, hell can't blink the wrong way.

Nate: Aw man. Everyone's watching your every move

Me: What's usually the first thing you do when you get home from work and you know you have off the next day?

Nate: Poop. Lol psyche, that depends. I usually eat somethin and then watch tv, or if I'm in the mood I'll play some Smash or some other game.

Me: Lol actually do the same. By the time I get in my sons already asleep and my woman's not too far behind him.
When you get a new game, on average how long would you say it takes you to beat it?

Nate: Lol that's great. That way you get to relax. Not that you don't want to spend time with the fam,
but me time is important too. I like to stop after every major accomplishment. Like a Boss Battle,
getting a badge or major story developement. So it'll take me 2-4 weeks on an average game.
Some games take me longer just because they have so much collectibles and sidequests and I like to try and do everything before the end.
Fighting games are the only ones I rush to get all characters. And racers. I try to unlock everything quickly

Me: Same here. But yeah I tend to say stuff like ok im gonna go to sleep after this check point. Then next thing I know the suns coming up. Lol

Nate: Lol I'm capable of that. XD

Me: What's the longest time you've played a game for without taking a break?

Nate: Uhm.. My friends and I broke night once in high school playing Pokemon Colosseum Multi battles.
Oh man that night was a blast. We started maybe around 6 pm and we played till like 4-5 in the morning.
Changing partners and teams and battling it out. Around 5 am we went to the basketball court to shoot
some hoops and this lady comes out and starts complaining that we woke her up and she has to work in a
few hours or something. She was so uptight. But we respected her wishes and went back to my boy's house.
Made some pancakes and then smashed all day.
I miss my adolescence..

Me: Don't we all. Did that once with ocarina of time. Lol

Nate: Lol Ocarina was great

Me: What's one game you feel you can always go back to and play over and over again?

Nate: It's gotta be any main series Pokemon title, Sanic 2, Sanic Adventure 2, Super Mario 3,
Zelda A Link to the Past, Brave Fencer Musashi, Streets of Rage 2 and.. Super Metroid.
Throw Smash Bros, Marvel Vs Capcom, Dead or Alive and Soul Calibur
In there too
Those are franchises as a whole lol
I'll play any of them

Me: Ok. If you could use any legendary for competitive play, what would it be and why?

Nate: Articuno. It's an important part of my Ice team. It's also my favorite out of all Legendaries.

Me: Ok. Last question. What Pokemon would you like to see get an mega evolution in the next Pokemon game?

Nate: Hmm..... I'm gonna go with..
Jynx.

Me: Mega jynx!?!? Smh the horror.
Well thanks Nate you've been great guest

Fairy Gym Leader: Cheryl Burgess Interview

Me: So welcome to the show. First question how did you come to join the ECPL?

Cheryl: I was told to join by squeak. .. sorry David Kelman. We calk him squeak
coz he looks (not really just an old school joke) like squeak from baseketball

Me: Ok. What led you to being the fairy gym leader?

Cheryl: Basically I learned very early on mawile was going to be fairy so I
rushed through the game and made a fairy team. This was just before we introduced
the trials so as I was the first (my team was ready 1 week after x and y came out)
with a team I got the privilege of being voted fairy gym leader.

Me: Is that your favorite type?

Cheryl: It very much is now.  Until the glorious fairies came along it was fire though.

Me: Favorite Pokemon?

Cheryl: Im going to have to go with snorlax in that one. Always have and always will
love that giant cuddly beast.

Me: Is that any reference to your husband? Lol

Cheryl: Lmao now you mention it I do call him snorlax sometimes when im not calling
him totoro that is lol

Me: Rofl
Any other games beside Pokemon?

Cheryl: Many lol I have been playing the atelier series recently. I also play final fantasy,
hyperdimention neptunia, borderlands,  bayonetta, metal gear solid. .. the list goes on lol

Me: Does your husband play as well?

Cheryl: Yeah he plays all the same games. .. he's much better at it all then I am but that
doesn't stop him wooping my ass if I try to compete with him lol

Me: Hey it goes down like that. Any kids?

Cheryl: No I borrow my sister in laws little princess every now and then but don't want any of my own.
Lol just thought saying I borrow her probably doesn't sound that great.  I help look after her sometimes
and try to keep her entertained at family gatherings.

Me: Ok. What all systems do you own?

Cheryl: We have a ps2, a wii, 2 ps3's, a ps4, a wiiU,  a psp, a psvita each, a original ds, a dsi xl,
and a 3ds xl each
Oh I just remembered we also have a gameboy advance each lol

Me: Nice. No xboxs? Shame on you. What do you do for a living?

Cheryl: Lol I did have an original xbox but my younger brother used to play it more than me so I gave
him it. I am a housekeeper at premier inn... I think its the uk equivalent of a hotel maid.  But im
hoping to finally get back into an accounting job soon

Me: Nice. Means your good with numbers. How long have you and your husband been together?

Cheryl: We have been together 9 years will have been married for 2 years on Halloween. We was engaged
for 5 years as we both wanted to be married on Halloween but it also had to be a Thursday and it was Halloween 2013


Me: Ok. I saw that your wedding looked like everyone was dressed up like the renaissance. Was that the theme or am i wrong?

Cheryl: It was kinda gothic/Halloween/ final fantasy all mixed together.  My dress was the bits I love best from Victorian
and Tudor style dresses so I can see where you get the renaissance from.

Me: Ah ok. Did you have a crazy bachelorette party?

Cheryl: It was definitely different.  My head bridesmaid arranged it all for me so I had no idea what was happening.
We went to York for a meal and a night out (which I knew was happening) but she booked the York dungeons out so we
had a private tour of them with champagne and group photos. It was totally unexpected and sooooo awesome lol

Me: Dungeons are definitely all the rage this year. Lol so since becoming the fairy gym leader, have you had any
really difficult matches?

Cheryl: They have all been difficult in their own way! It has taken me a while to find out the best team. Probably
the most difficult has been the 2 battles I had against robyn. She is sooooo good at judging what the opponent is going to do lol.

Me: Yeah. Her and her damn Talonflame (burn in hell you winged bastard). So do you watch any shows or anime?

Cheryl: I tend to watch things after the hype for them has gone down lol. Recently I watched attack on titan,
sword art online and finally made myself watch the full metal alchemist brotherhood and was pleasantly surprised
that it didn't ruin the first one. Im reading the game if thrones books before I watch the show (if a show is
based on books I always try to read the books first... no idea why lol)

Me: My old boss said read the books first then watch the show. But im telling you right now do not get attached
to anyone in that series. So what was the last thing you read in the game of thrones books?

Cheryl: Im almost finished the first book so im not that far in to the grand scheme of things.
Danerys has just started giving birth. Robb has just captured Jamie and its hinting towards ned being
dead but its not confirmed it yet. I believe that is the next chapter
All I can say do not tell me that tyrion dies at any point. That dwarf is hilarious

Me: As far as I know no he's not dead. I'm watching the show so im well ahead of you. Lets just say
be prepared for some kicks to the gut. Moving on.
How did you and your husband meet?

Cheryl: We met through the pool team we both play in. He already played and a friend started dating
one of the other guys that was in it so we started going to watch. And after a while we went in mates
and came out holding hands neither of us quite sure how but it was the start of the rest of our lives

Me: Awwww. So does he play Pokemon as well?

Cheryl: Yeah he's the better breeder so all my team have been bred by him lol.

Me: I bet. Giggity.
Is he part of the ECPL?

Cheryl: No he doesn't have Facebook and hasn't signed up to the forums yet

Me: Smart man (on the facebook part). I take it he'll be reading this interview after the fact?

Cheryl: Maybe lol he does already know about my snorlax/totoro references for him as I stated laughing at that point lol

Me: Hey at least he has a sense of humor. Some people can't take a joke. So how did you first get into Pokemon?

Cheryl: I played my little brothers yellow on his game boy colour (I wasn't allowed one as id got a ps1) and then didn't
really play again until they started coming out on the ds. I've always watched the anime though. The x and y ones have
just started back up in the uk now so watching them as they come out

Me: Yeah I skipped ruby and sapphire.
What was your first Pokemon?

Cheryl: Since I played yellow first im assuming it was pikachu. But the first one I could choose was piplup
Just because I love penguins lol

Me: Do you have an empoleon in your competitive team?

Cheryl: Nope. I've never figured a way to use it... and its just not as cute as piplup

Me: Lol ok. What would you say was the most challenging game you've ever played?

Chery: I tend to stay away from games that im not going to be able to do. .. although im
not great with the controls on a fair few games so I find them more challenging then most
people do. So in that way the one I've found hard to control but stuck at is shadows of mordor

Me: Wow really? It's basically batman arkham city with swords. Lol

Cheryl: Any game with those kind of controlls is a challenge for me. No idea why but my hands
just refuse to acknowledge what to do quick enough

Me: Any games you're looking forward to?

Cheryl: Mgs5 I sooooo can't wait to capture everything to my base.... this is another game I find
challenging because of the controls. But I love that series so much lol And I an slowly getting better
with the controls. Although this is why I tend to play things like final fantasy and the atelier series...
it doesn't matter so much if your too stupid to aim at the thing your trying to slash at lol.... such a noob really

Me: Ah not really. Takes a lot of hutzpah to admit when you're not good at something. So what other hobbies do you have?

Cheryl: I read, I play pool on a pool team I do cross stitch, and I do jigsaw puzzles

Me: Any embarrassing stories you can tell us about David kelman?

Cheryl: Not really embarrassing but he left a mouldy sandwich in the wall at school on the last
day before the summer holidays.  He tends to be the one watching us do embarrassing things rather
than actually doing them himself lol

Me: Ok darn. Lol you mentioned you have a younger brother. Is he part of the ECPL?

Cheryl: No he isn't as into pokemon now and wouldn't have the time even if he did lol. He is at uni
studying performing arts, he is in the air cadets and he is in a drama group lol

Me: Wow. Busy man. So how has your time in the ECPL been?

Cheryl: Its been great.  I've met (not face to face yet but there's time) so many awesome people who are
like minded and willing to help each other out when we need it. I couldn't imagine not been a part of this
group anymore lol... it seems to almost be a part of my life lol

Me: Now I've asked Robyn, Kat, and Erika this question. Do you feel that we're not diverse enough gender wise?
Or that some of us in the group have a set view when it comes to females in the group?

Cheryl: I've not really noticed tbh. I never really think about people's gender when I interact with them.
I just treat people how I would like to be treated regardless and have assumed others are doing the same.
I tend to not think about stuff like that in too much depth coz thats when you see things to take offense
from that isn't really there...
All I can say is ive never felt like ive been treated different due to being a girl.

Me: K. Few more questions and we can call it a night/day.

Cheryl: Ok

Me: So if you hadn't gotten the position of fairy gym leader would you have tried for a different gym?

Cheryl: Maybe fire but not entirely sure I would have deffo gone for it

Me: Awhile back smogon banned greninja. If you were able to ban a Pokemon from competitive play would you?
And if so what Pokemon would you ban?

Cheryl: Tbh I wouldn't really ban anything other than the full on legends. .. but I would make a clause that
made people be more imaginative with the general pokemon used rather than just using pretty much the same as everyone else

Me: Nice. Speaking of legendaries, do you have a favorite one of those?

Cheryl: For full on legends I love jirachi and victini they are both tooooo cute to decide between them lol

Me: Ok. If you could use any legendary in your gym or for competitive play, who would it be and why?

Cheryl: It would be mew2 just because it's mew2 lol

Me: Smh so sad. Lol what do you like to snack on when you play games?

Cheryl: I tend to not really snack tbh... that would mean having to get up and move away from the game
to the kitchen to get something lol (so lazy when im playing a good game) refusing to move for a week when
borderlands 2 came out is how I quit smoking lol

Me: Thanks for proving games can make you quit any addiction. Lol

Cheryl: Lol no problem

Me: Last question. If you had a finishing move, what would it be and what would its name be?

Cheryl: It would be a dual welding samuri sword attack and (im useless at giving things names lol)
so it would look awesome but probably have a lame name like ninja warrior death attack lol

Me: Lmao. Thanks for the time Cheryl. It's been grand

Cheryl: No problem thanks for the fun interview

Happy Birthday to the Normal Gym Leader

Hello ECPL. I need a favor from you all. I would like you all to Bestow our very own Normal Gym Leader with a Barrage of Happy Birthday Wishes. Hopefully he wasn't like me stuck at work late, and made his way to a Happy Hour to Celebrate. Now there is no need to Hold Back. Just allow Me First to say Happy Birthday in my customary way that Captivates the crowd. If you all Play Nice and Follow Me, I'm sure our NGL wont cast upon you any harsh Judgment.

Happy Birthday to the ECPL's Water Gym Leader

Because his birthday was yesterday, chances are you forgot to wish the ECPL's Water Gym Leader a Happy Birthday. Is this true? Well, make a Water Pledge to wish him a happy belated one today. You may want to get this one in early too because you'll want to catch him before he Dives into a bottle and gets Soaked on some Devil's Cut Bourbon Whiskey.

...
...
Surf

Trainer Interview with Kat Lutz

Me: Welcome to the show Kat. You'll be happy to know your currently the 3rd female
I've interviewed. So round of applause.

Kat: Why wasnt I first??

Me: Er well you didn't notify me you wanted to be interview. I do apologize

Kat: Apology accepted

Me: So first question; did you join the ECPL around the same time as Ian?

Kat: Nah, I was forbidden for a while. There was so much design-wise that needed to
be fixed and I didn't want to ruin it for my brother

Me: Lol ok so would you say he's over protective of you?

Kat: Hahahahaha hell no
It's more "Kat... Just no. Dont ruin my friends' innocence"

Me: Lol yeah sorry, my innocence left long ago. Moving on what's your favorite type?

Kat: Favorite type of what

Me: Lmao pokemon

Kat: Fire. Charizard's sass is beyond compare

Me: Is Charizard your favorite?

Kat: Nahh Vulpix or Fennekin. Foxes are the bae

Me: Ok. What's your team currently consist of?

Kat: What team
Whatever Ian gives me to not suck as much.

Me: Ok. Any other games beside Pokemon?

Kat: Professor Layton series is my jam

Me: K. What all systems do you own?

Kat: What systems don't I own?
My pride and joy is the DDR arcade machine though

Me: Bar or no bar?

Kat: You mean the bar on the back of the pad? Of course i have it! Though i'm too short to use it

Me: Lol ok. What do you do for a living?

Kat: Right now I go to a community college, ive been going since 16. Next year ill be transferring
to an art college. Other than that im working on starting my own art business. You all saw some of
my work during Magfest. Since i was 16.

Me: Yeah I wasn't able to go this year......
Going on what other hobbies do you have,

Kat: You saw pictures
I mainly make art. I play guitar and sometimes go to open mics. Other than that i hangout/live at my friend's house

Me: Ok. Relationship wise? Or does Ian not allow that? Lol

Kat: Lmao Ian allowing shit. The people I hang out with are like family

Me: He does seem like he can be protective. Has he ever intimidated any of your bfs or driven off potential suitors?

Kat: Ahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
Good one

Me: *stares blankly* ok but you have had relationships?

Kat: Yes.

Me: Lmao

Kat: 2 boyfriends
And other offers

Me: Wow. You make me seem like a dirty whore.
And by offers you mean?

Kat: Hahahaha. I mean people have asked but I didnt think they were worth it? Like I'll go on
dates and try things out for sure. (But I'd pay for my part. Not a moocher).

Me: Hmmm that may be what it is. I mean me personally, I take a woman out, I pay for the date.
I have no problem going Dutch, but if I made the first move I just think I should be paying for
the date. Moving on have you ever beaten any of your bfs in ddr?

Kat: Ive beaten all of them in DDR. It's not hard... not a lot of guys have that kind of rhythm

Me: Depends on what they're doing. Lol but yeah I've tried ddr. Can't do it. Won't even try.
Have you beaten them in any other games?

Kat: SSB. Halo. My exs aren't that important though lol.

Me: I apologize. Just trying to measure your prowess as a gamer.
Ok. How often do you beat Ian in games?

Kat: Depends on the game

Kat: He'll beat me in 1v1 Pokémon/Street Fighter.  But Super Smash Bros. we're evenly matched

Me: Have you beaten him in Mortal Kombat X?

Kat: Haven't even tried

Me: Who do you use in Super smash bros

Kat: I use Toon Link/Kirby/Zero Suit in Brawl. But universally I'll use Kirby

Me: So we have very little females here in the ECPL. How do you feel being one of the few that
are part of our community?

Kat: Eh. I mean there are things the ecpl can do to boost their diversity if they wanted to.
I dont mind being one of the few. But it sometimes seems the guys get weirded out over lady parts

Me: I think it might be cause most of them are nervous when it comes to women. Especially intelligent
and beautiful women such as yourself and Robyn. I mean other then myself and a handful of others,
most of the guys get looked down upon simply because they play not only Pokemon but video games in general
Going forward, what shows or anime do you watch?

Kat: HA- there's nothing to be nervous about. We're all jusy mammals. The girls I know either work in the
gaming industry or love videogames. Hell, ive even used videogames to pick up girls.
I watch Akame Ga Kill mainly. Ive been watching Korean Dramas more recently though, such as Boys Over Flowers

Me: Ok. So your into men and women. Interesting.

Kat: And those who identify outside the geneder binary, yes. Im pansexual.

Me: Is that an actual term? Hmmm learn something everyday. Do you find yourself being stereotyped because of this?

Kat: Yep! Pansexual means you find physical atrraction to all genders but you still need some emotional connection
in order to be really into them. For the most part, people dont recognize it and just blow it off as "kat being kat"

Me: Ah. Have you ever been underestimated in video games cause your female?

Kat: Lol yes. Everyone wants to show me how to play

Me: Smh does this annoy you?

Kat: Oh god yes. I mean, when i dont know the game, sure it's nice. But after a while it's like i need a sign that says im not stupid

Me: Have you ever cosplayed?

Kat: Fuck yes
Ive done tifa, sakura, medusa, flame princess, and a fawn. I'll be going to fur the more at the end of the month as a bunny

Me: Lol I often times call my fiance flame princess.
What would you say was one of the craziest things that happened at Magfest?

Kat: That's confidential

Me: Whoa. Ok I meant something completely different you naughty girl. Lol ah I can see why Ian is so cautious.
Good thing I'm on the dark side.

Kat: Lmao im not saying anything.  I was underage for a lot magfest

Me: And when you became of age?

Kat: Magfest was way over

Me: Lol so we're just not gonna get that story out of you are we?

Kat: Lol nope

Me: Lol ok so what's an average day for you like?

Kat: Going over and waking up my narcoleptic friend. Taking his roommate to work. Going to
college classes. Going back to my friend's house and chillin playing destiny

Me: What class do you play?

Kat: Hunter

Me: You so rock right now. Lol I have to buy it again so I can play house of wolves.
Had to sell it for money for my son.

Kat: Awww

Me: Do you and Ian have any other siblings?

Kat: Not unless you count dogs

Me: Lol my moms the same way. Would you say you and Ian have a good sibling rivalry?

Kat: We're nothing alike so yea

Me: Have you ever done something and blamed it on him?

Kat: Lol probably but it didnt work. Afterall he isnt a dog

Me: What's it like being the sister of a gym leader?

Kat: It's not bad. For a while i judged vgc competitions so it was fun teasing him when he lost
It has good connections

Me: Oooh, that had to burn. Lol
Since joining the ecpl have you felt more welcomed here then in other gaming communities?

Kat: Well it made it easier to do the top cut hack checks.  I dont usually post much in the ecpl so id say it's about the same as others

Me: Top cut hack checks? I honestly am unfamiliar with that term. Maybe my age is showing. Could you please explain?

Kat: Top cut in tournaments. We re-hack check them

Me: Ah. Make sure no ones cheating
What system do you play destiny on?

Kat Lutz

Kat: 360


Me: K few more questions Kat and you can get back to your shenanigans.
What are you currently studying in school?

Kat: Of course i know what it means. It aounds pretty.
Fine arts

Me: What do you hope to do with your major once you get your degree? Basically what is your goal?

Kat: Start my own art business going to conventions and stuff

Me: Do you hope to eventually have your art featured in media like video games and movies?

Kat: That would be a nice idea. Right now all i really care about is having the freedom to make
the art i like and being able to live off it. I know some people in the gaming industry who do
concept art and everything. It seems pretty interesting

Me: Sound like my cousin Adam. And my friend Erik.

Kat: The game industry concept art or wanting to do art?

Me: Both
Although Erik's more a comic book artist

Kat: Because my friend is doing a lot of stuff for Camelot Unchained. She's a pretty awesome person and fun to be around.

Me: Camelot unchained? Gonna have to look that up.
K, last question; Scariest movie you've ever seen?

Kat: Lol the birds. Most gory movies are comedies to me. But getting your eyes gouged out by birds?? No thanks. I still
get creeped out when i see a murder of crows just sitting there

Me: Lol, Thanks for the time Kat. You've been a lovely guest and the best of luck to you and your
art.

Trainer Interview with Alex Lederer; Magfest Team Magma Champion

Me: Welcome to the show Alex. So how did you come to join the ECPL?

Alex: I joined the ECPL after last Magfest.  I had to leave Magfest early that year,
so I rushed really quickly to get all the badges that year and joined the forums almost immediately afterwards.

Me: Ok so was this your first Magfest?

Alex: No, I've been going since 2013.  Uh, by last magfest I meant Mag2014, that's where
I met Ian and we bonded in line for the gym leaders.

Me: Nice. So you're the team Magma Champ. What did your team consist of?

Alex: Well, when I saw the ruleset for magma / aqua teams I knew magma was going to be the
stronger choice.  I had done a lot of doubles in the past year (only on smogon / wifi though)
and knew that garchomp, talonflame, and charizard y were super strong doubles pokemon, so I
based my team around them. For my actual team I used Kangaskan, Talonflame, Garchomp, Charizard Y,
Scrafty and Excadrill.  I sometimes would substitute in Milotic, Clefable, Greninja, or different Kangaskan / Talonflame sets.
Throughout the year I had coem to really love Mega Kangaskan (hail Satan) and I had 4 different sets that I would swap around

Me: Hmmm that team alone sounds like a powerhouse. So what would you say is your favorite type?

Alex: I'm not sure I have a favorite type, I'm pretty balanced between them, I love a lot of
pokemon from many different types. I do have favorite abilities though.  My favorite abilities
are Parental Bond, Gale Wings, and Prankster, for sure.

Me: What is your favorite Pokemon?

Alex: Oh geez, that changes all the time too. I know a few though
Jirachi and Whimsicott are cute as hell
I also have a soft spot for trubbish and elgyem
For pokemon to battle with, Kangaskan and Talonflame have done a lot of work for me. I used to
like Greninja a lot too, mostly for battle tower.

Me: So its safe to say you have a diverse taste in Pokemon?

Alex: I think so!

Me: Any other games beside Pokemon?

Alex: I don't play too many games, and when I do play them I tend to play them the same way
I play pokemon, so like a competitive grindlorde.

Me: What systems do you currently own?

Alex: I used to play melee a ton, but I don't have much time these days, and I played
Ragnarok Online a lot, like 10+ hours a day every day for 2 years.
I currently only own a laptop and 3ds.

Me: Would you say your more a PC gamer then a console one?

Alex: I'm not sure I would even consider myself a gamer, my desire to play something comes
and goes in waves.   I can pump out 50 hours a week in pokemon for a month but then not play
any video game for 8 months. These days I pick up Pokemon around 2 months before and after
Magfest, but besides that I don't play anything.

Me: Ok. Outside of games do you have any hobbies?

Alex: Yes, in my free time I am BuzzBuzz's biggest fan.  I also enjoy drinking, parties,
BuzzBuzz fanfiction and Magic the Gathering.

Me: Lmao ok what do you do for a living?

Alex: I teach robotics and other after school tech classes

Me: So you will be the reason the robotic overlords overthrow humanity? We got a Skynet lover over here!!!!!
Currently in a relationship?

Alex: I think so, it's why I went into the business.  I'm hoping I can inspire children to see the flaws
in humanity and replace them with perfect mechanical overlords.
I'm trying to get into a relationship with RC but I'm not sure if he's down

Me: O.O I suddenly feel like I should have someone travel to the past to put you down. Moving on
any anime or shows your currently watching?

Alex: I'm slowly watching through Mad Men on netflix, but I watch Iain Softley's 1995 filme Hackers on repeat.

Me: Hackers is to me one of the greatest films ever made.
So since joining the ecpl have you obtained any badges?

Alex: Oh geez,
I joined the ECPL and fought last year lemme check my trainer card
It was all last year, I was going through but then I kinda got burnt out and stopped, I should start up again
according to my card I have 6 but I think I'm missing a few

Me: Ok. Any memorable battles against the Gym Leaders?

Alex: Quite a few!
Online, I remember Matt's (normal gym) the most, I was down to two pokemon left and they were low health vs his
fresh diggersby.  I thought I was going to lose because I assumed he had quick attack on it, but without quick
attack I was able to clutch it out. I remember most of my magfest battles, the first year against the water gym
leader I wanted to like show off

Me: Who would you say is your go to Pokemon on your team? Your ace up your sleeve?

Alex: So against his water team I brought in politoed to encore his greninja, who
I assumed would start mat block but instead I encored a hydro pump and gave him rain...
I still had clefable to clutch it out though.  That one was close and against the electric
gym leader this year he gave a very audible UNGH when he saw my Kangaskan so I brought in charizard y
instead and he has his double discharge team. Well he double discharged and both of my pokemon fully paralyzed
I fought 55 battles this past magfest and only lost 4 times, one time was to that discharge stuff, but I
mean it's pokemon and it happens. My go to team is probably my magma team, with double edge kangaskan,
choice band talonflame, and milotic instead of excadrill
for doubles anyways
for singles I use a mega ampharos / perish song murkrow

Me: Nice. What would say has been the greatest aspectsince joining the ecpl?

Alex: For sure meeting up with everyone at Magfest.  I'm a very social person and I look forward to hanging out each year.

Me: Where do you live?

Alex: I live in Burke, Virginia.  The annual pilgrimage to the Gaylord only takes me about 30 minutes.

Me: Lucky bastard. What's an interesting talent you possess ?

Alex: I can hit 666.0 in melee's home run contest on every character

Me: Lmao so who took this pic?

Alex: my dad 8)

Me: How old are you?

Alex: 25

Me: What was a defining moment for you at Magfest?

Alex: The meetup in the arcade was great, I'm in a room block with people who play a lot of street
fighter / fighting games and they helped me crew up for team magma. Yuu Miyake's set at magfest was great too
I remember hanging out at the magfest pokemon league's booth super hung over in the mornings too

Me: Lol sounds like an awesome time. Meet any girls?

Alex: I always meet a lot of people each Magfest, but in terms of special ladies (or dudes)
I haven't met anyone yet (besides RC) (whats good RC)

Me: Lol
So what do you do in your free time?

Alex: I read music forums, listen to new music, read books, and hit up the gym
i try to follow pokemon stuff too
even though I dont play as much as I should
I read articles on nuggetbridge and check the showdown usage charts

Me: So you're not only into social media but statistics as well

Alex: yeah, i fine tune my sets pretty close
so i look at a lot of data to see what the best sets could be

Me: Hey nothing better then a prepared plan. What do you like to snack on when you game?

Alex: welch's fruit snacks for sure
maybe make myself some hummus bitables
maybe pour myself some sweet rumchata

Me: Mmmmmm rum
Recently there was a case where a League of Legends player had died while playing for damn near
3 days straight. What's the longest time have you spent on one game without taking a break?

Alex: when I was playing ragnarok online in my junior year of college I played for 46 hours
straight and I paid my roommate to pick me up chic-a-fil and take over for me when I went to the bathroom

Me: Wow. That's dedication. Have you ever had a relationship die because of games?

Alex: no, usually when social life picks up gaming life dies down

Me: Ok. What's one of the craziest stories you have about games ?

Alex: I found multiple glitches in ragnarok online that allowed characters to warp around to maps
they werent supposed to get on, then level really fast and get lots of money
and when the GMs found out about it they banned all my accounts and 300 other people who were using the glitches

Me: Ok. What would you say was the most challenging game you've ever played?

Alex: Super Smash Bros. Melee, the skill cap is soooooo high

Me: Lol I have witnessed some crazy shit in that game. Who do you use in Melee?

Alex: I used to use Ice Climbers, but they require a lot of practice to keep up, so I've been playing Peach and Jigglypuff

Me: K. I have a friend who thrashes with Yoshi

Alex: Oh nice, i've been wrecked by Yoshi before
hes a tricky dino
best sound effects in game IMO

Me: That he is. He's gotten better in Smash 4
What kind of music do you listen to?

Alex: I ride hard for the sinister south
triple six mafia, dj screw, ugk
then of course the tribute music like lil ugly mane, raider klan
i listen to a lot of producers as well, really big into ryan hemsworth and a few netlabels, like PC music and stuff like that

Me: Ok. If you could have any song play when you entered a room, what would it be?

Alex: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-mjl63e0ms
Diana Ross - I'm Coming Out
"I'm Coming Out" is a hit single released by Motown singer Diana Ross in 1980, written and produced by Chic members
Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers for her ...
youtube.com

Me: Rofl classy. So if you could pull one weapon from a video game into the real world and use it, what would it be and why?

Alex: Uh does Mr. Saturn in Smash count? Even though i like competition im more of a lover than a fighter. I would cuddle with the mr saturn

Me: Hey whatever works man.
No judgement here

Alex: woah people usually only say that after they judge

Me: What's one fighter you would like to be seen added to the smash roster?

Alex: I want to fight Sakurai himself
I guess thats not like, on the roster
I want Sakurai to replace Master and Crazy Hand

Me: Ok. What would say had been the hardest boss battle in your gaming career?

Alex: probably this monster http://db.irowiki.org/db/monster-info/1832/
with like 12~ people?
against people, the peach user DoH destroyed me, he's probably the best person I've played against in a game I thought I was decent at

Me: Could you ever see yourself going to EVO to enter the Smash Bros tournament?

Alex: I did have "fun" boss fights in pokemon though, against the elite four and red in hgss
I used a team of level 1 duskulls to beat them. No way, I didn't even enter melee when I went
to winter brawl.  Maybe pokemon.  Melee tournaments take a long time and I like relaxing, the
rigid tournament structures get me stressed

Me: ......ok your gonna have to explain that one. With the Duskulls

Alex: I hate pain.  I love pleasure
oh I used trick room, rain dance, destiny bond and a blank forth move
and a few of them would hold focus sashes
so first turn
they hit me with some move
i live with focus sash, set up trick room
then next turns I have my duskulls destiny bond as they die
taking the other dude with them
so I beat the other team and all my pokemon stay level 1
it was cool because you could check the levels in the hall of fame and styff
and they gave your pokemon ribbons

Me: Damn. That's actually pretty diabolical. Lol

Alex: I didn't do it in the new games because a lot of the elite four pokemon can't actually hit duskull
although i think yuo can do it with abra
well, any pokemon with trick room and destiny bond
takes a lot of focus sashes though
which isn't a problem if you grind battle tower
8)

Me: True.

Alex: I have a 250 win streak in xy
but my win streak in oras is only 100
i've been lazy
and they dont even give you anything past 50 so

Me: K few more questions and we can call it a day.

Alex: kk

Me: What's your favorite type of movie?

Alex: Cyberpunk movies
Hackers, Akira
Ghost in the Shell

Me: Ah man. All classics.

Alex: All the late 80s early 90s movies about counterculture or low lives on the web

Me: I got one for you that you may like. Look up Summer Wars

Alex: Oh! I love SUmmer Wars
it was super pretty

Me: Love Fist for the win!!!!!
Do you play starcraft?

Alex: I gotta learn how to play Koi Koi
no, but I used to watch it in 2010
the only blizzard games I've played are diablo 2 and 3
and I only played diablo 3 for 3 months, I grinded up really hard, sold money on the auction house, then sold my battle net account

Me: Damn. Ok are you going to be playing heroes of the storm?

Alex: I dont think so. I really want to make more pokemon, if I play any game it's gonna be pokemon again

Me: What was your first Pokemon?

Alex: red / blue
and I picked squirtle
my first ever pokemon interaction was the anime though, the episode where brock gets vulpix

Me: Awesome. Have you played the new smash yet?

Alex: Only a little when it first came out
I was at a friend's house to play the 8 player smash
we ordered bon chon afterwards and I drank all the moscato

Me: Did you do better drunk?

Alex: no I play so poorly when I'm drunk
I still felt like a winner though

Me: Having alcohol tends to have that effect.
So this RC person, anything you would like to say to them?

Alex: Hey RC, it's me.  What we have is super special, but text me, don't call.

Me: Lol ok thank you Alex. You've been a great guest. Oh and sorry

Alex: hahaha
np

Me: Oh no I'm sorry for this *pulls out gun and shoots Alex in head* well that should keep the robot apocalypse from happening.
Roll the credits

Alex: damn... I've been... owned

Me: Brotality. Darryl wins

Happy Birthday to the ECPL's Psychic Gym Leader

Happy Birthday to the ECPL's Psychic Gym Leader. If you can read my mind now, you will you know I'm heading to the Preakness. I know it's your birthday, but could you use your Miracle Eye and tell me who is going to win these races.  It maybe the one day where I'd like to Skill Swap with you. It's also nice that your birthday falls on a Saturday. Whether you choose Meditate, stay home and watch Sandra Bullock in Gravity or bust out a Lunar Dance, have a good time. We wish you all the best.