[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Iron]

Achilles is very direct.
"I called you here because I, though you may not notice it, am getting old. Though I know a lot about fighting techniques, and different styles, and have experienced many real battles in my time.... I am starting to get too weary to keep up with young fiery trainers. I asked you here because I was hoping one of you might agree to take over my duties as Gym Leader sometime this year. After you prove yourself worthy of the Galena Badge, of course. How about it?"

Whoa.  An offer for a Gym Leader position...it's hard to top that when it comes to working for the League.  Such a position is very prestigious, and vacancies are rare.  Tumbleweed Town's Gym isn't the most prestigious of the gyms, of course (under Achilles's management, it's actually considered one of the easier gyms in the region), but Gym Leaders tend to garner a lot of respect regardless of their prestige relative to each other.

Not seriously considering taking Achilles up on that offer could certainly be considered a mistake.

However...such a position also entails a large amount of responsibility.  Being a Gym Leader doesn't just mean taking on challenges from aspiring pokemon trainers.  They have to answer to the League, watch over and manage the general area around their Gym, and a whole host of other duties...

Like any job, time has to be spent dedicated to it, as it is a commitment.  And that means less time for adventuring.

Nathan has to think about Achilles's offer for a moment.  It's a big decision...

...and one he wouldn't want to rush into, thinking about it.  But there is a chance that he might take Achilles up on the offer...so he decides to ask some questions.

"Honestly, I'm flattered that you're offering, but...well, besides taking challenges from Pokemon Trainers, what other kinds of duties would be expected of someone in the position of Tumbleweed's Gym Leader?  And...why us?  I mean, I know we're national heroes now and all, but...any other reasons?  I mean, you haven't really met us personally before now, so...I'm a little puzzled about that, to be frank."

"Tumbleweed Town is the home of the Barracks. It must be defended at all costs. You have more intense battle experience than anyone not already employed by the League. It's just common sense. There's something else, though. Traditionally, the leader of Tumbleweed Town has to teach fighting skills to anyone who comes seeking to improve their sparring. The ones who defeated Deoxys against all odds are well suited to that duty. From Tumbleweed Town, you and your trainees must guard the Bay, the desert, the Divide, and Garlicburg. It's a huge responsibility, and not one I ask lightly."


"A Gym Leader must choose a type or theme to specialize in, when it comes to accepting challengers. It doesn't have to be the Fighting type, but it has to be something not already claimed by another Creshirean Gym Leader. Fighters are the most common choice due to the nature of the job."

"Shiva, I don't have a family. But maybe when I retire I will think about starting one." He smiles. "Few of my challengers are as qualified as you lot."