Nerd League

I guess time for some Nerd League planning.

I haven't done any real planning on the gym theme, mostly because I always fancied myself more of an elite 4 member with this team.  Though because I was selected as the first gym, I can't imagine the puzzles being too complex; maybe something like Roxanne's gym as of ORAS.

That being said, I would immediately throw a curveball if I were first gym - I'm STEEL type, bitch!  I guess that's the entire theme - second-guessing.  Every trainer up until that point would have a Geodude (Alolan or otherwise), and maybe a Nosepass.  But surprise, surprise!  The Water-type starter is actually HARD mode this time around!

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Magneto (Magnemite) @ Steelium Z
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 252 HP / 6 Atk / 252 Def
Relaxed Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Charge Beam
- Thunder Wave
- Light Screen
- Gyro Ball

Mesmer (Bronzor) @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 6 Atk / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Gyro Ball
- Confuse Ray
- Confusion
- Hypnosis

Raincaller (Bronzor) @ Leftovers
Ability: Heatproof
EVs: 252 HP / 6 Atk / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Gyro Ball
- Charge Beam
- Confusion
- Rain Dance

Spike (Ferroseed) (F) @ Leftovers
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 6 Def / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Gyro Ball
- Curse
- Rollout
- Bullet Seed
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The team would be slow and plodding to take the most advantage of Gyro Ball.  Oh, and just in case you thought your Litten could sweep, Raincaller has Heatproof and Rain Dance.

Upon victory, you would receive the Shield Badge (yeah, yeah, I know.  So creative.  /sarcasm) and the TM for Gyro Ball, for use on your slow-as-molasses tank Pokemon if you wish to give them an offensive option.

If I were Elite 4, I would instead use the following team for more intimidation and power.

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Hina (Forretress) (F) @ Red Card
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 6 HP / 252 SpD / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Stealth Rock
- Toxic Spikes
- Spikes
- Rapid Spin

Taunt Bait (Skarmory) (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 252 HP / 6 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Protect
- Whirlwind
- Roost
- Tailwind

Emperor Peng (Empoleon) (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 6 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Agility
- Aqua Jet
- Steel Wing
- Swords Dance

Spike (Ferrothorn) (F) @ Leftovers
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 6 Atk / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Leech Seed
- Ingrain
- Substitute
- Bullet Seed

Blood Sword (Aegislash) (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Stance Change
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 6 Atk / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- King's Shield
- Swords Dance
- Sacred Sword
- Shadow Sneak

Luca (Lucario-Mega) (F) @ Lucarionite
Ability: Inner Focus
EVs: 6 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Aura Sphere
- Dark Pulse
- Flash Cannon
- Vacuum Wave
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For reference, one member of my circle of Discord friends, known jokingly as the Nerd Table, proposed a Pokemon gym challenge known as the Pokemon Nerd League, where the Nerd Table would be the Gym Leaders and Elite 4.  Because I was the only one at the time with a functioning team of anything, namely my Elite 4 team, the guy also proposed I be the FIRST gym.  I guess it's also a form of in-universe gate-keeping; something to ensure only the best make it to the champion.  And what better way to ensure the idiots stay out than to raise the barrier to entry? *shrugs*