[attr="class","humour"]It was time. The large yard that opened up to the beach that the ruins of Silver Spire lay upon had been opened up to the public for the first time in decades. While rumors had been spreading over the last month or two of new authority coming to Sootopolis following the death of the last Gym Leader, there had been no official reports. It wasn't until about a week ago when flyers suddenly appeared over night that the people of Sootopolis had any real indictation that they were remembered. "The Coronation: An Open Invitation", the flyers read. A picture of a simple silver crown was in the background while the words were in a brilliant sapphire blue. Underneath the main title was information regarding the location and time, along with an outline of the event. It was to be a public even of sorts with snacks and refreshments available and it was kid friendly. "No battling shall take place at this event." was what most people would see however, as it was bolded for that very reason. Olivia did not want any hoodlums ruining the event and she had taken extra precautions to prevent it from happening.

As the event started, people who attended would find themselves guided to where a temporary stage had been made in the yard of the ruins and many tables with seats were being filled by interested attendees along the beach. The curtain to the main stage was made of dark navy blue and a large ornate throne sat before the enlarged drapes. It was made of the same white rock that much of the city was built from, and carved seaweed swam along the armrest. Lining the stage were trainers clad in decorative white armor and pokeballs at hand. Standing behind said curtain was Olivia Valentine Abbiati. She was wearing an elegant ecru colored dress with embroidered waves of the sea along the bottom of it in silver and platinum, encrusted with sapphire and diamonds. She wore a long flowing silver silk velvet robe that dragged along the ground behind her above that which was bordered with a similar design as to that on the dress and in the center lay the symbol of her house, ♕. The outfit definitely made a statement and would be sure to keep all eyes on her the moment the curtains opened. With her high heels adding a good four inches to her height, Olivia was a truly regal sight to behold. The blonde checked a mirror backstage and with her hair curled and falling down around her face she looked as if she was getting ready for the runway. As she admired her looks, the sparkle of the small crown sitting on a velvet pillow caught her eye. It was not time. Not yet. She turned her head to check the pearl earrings and to make sure the pearl necklace matched and everything was in place. Of course, it was.

In front of the curtain, a handsome trainer prepared the rather ceremonious introduction. The first half of the rally was more a show than anything else. The young man called to the people, saying something along the lines of, "To those gathered, I here present unto you Olivia Valentine Abbiati, your new Gym Leader. Wherefore all you who come this day to do your homage and service, are you willing to do the same?" Which the audience members, having received a small flyer upon entering with instructions on what to do, would then accept. Some other trainers were going around the audience as this happened to carry small trays of champagne and sparkling cider for the crown to refresh themselves with while the whole process took place. It was like a dinner and a show, except champagne instead of dinner.

The curtain opened and the spotlight found its target, Olivia, and her smile seemed to dazzle as she looked out at the audience. A few of the younger children oohed and awed at the sight of Olivia in her full coronation gown while some of the older gentlemen who had a little too much champagne whistled (and were then promptly escorted out by a trainer at hand). Each step she took towards the front of the stage was filled with confidence and power, her chin held high as she strode to her designated spot. Once she took her spot in front of the throne, a young woman approached with a girl following behind, carrying a velvet pillow on which a sparkling crown sat. The crown was more of a diadem than an actual crown of a monarch: it was a silver circlet with the white rock of Sootopolis and the salt of the sea creating a triple band that met in the center to form five crest, two splitting either left or right with pearls at the tips and a sapphire in the fifth and final crest that crashed highest above the rest.

A spotlight found its mark on the two of them as Olivia was asked, "Will you solemnly promise and swear to protect the Peoples of Sootopolis, the Sea, and of those scattered in the Wreckage of Team Rocket, according to their respective laws and customs?"

"I solemnly promise so to do." Olivia responded without hesitation.

"Will you to your power cause Law and Justice, in Mercy, to be executed in all your judgments?"

"I will."

"Will you to the utmost of your power maintain the Crest of the Crown? Will you, to the utmost of your power, maintain in the Sootopolis sanctity of life? Will you maintain and preserve the seat of the Crown, and the doctrine, discipline, and government thereof, as established? And will you preserve unto the people and pokemon Sootopolis there committed to their charge, all such rights and privileges, as by law do or shall appertain to them or any of them?"

"All this I promise to do. The things which I have here before promised, I will perform and keep. So help me Arceus."

All that said and done, Olivia finally sat in the throne where the young woman placed the diadam atop her head. It was quite the sight to see and cameras flashed in the crowd as they tried to get a picture of the moment. For most of them, this was the best live entertainment they had experienced in quite a while.

"Welcome!" Olivia said as she stood, her voice echoing across the beach because of a mic attached to her ear. She gestured across the crowd with a gloved hand and added, "It is such a pleasure to see all of these lovely faces here tonight. I am humbled to see so many interested in The Crown, in hearing us out; nay, me, out." Her blue eyes, usually varying from shades of aquamarine to that of the ocean before a storm, seemed to be an almost cyan hue. A look mixed with a small hint of sadness at the words she was about to say crossed her face as she spoke, "All of you have gathered to watch my coronation, yes, but with this honor, I have received I also have a duty. A duty to inform you of the dire situation happening just outside the grand walls of this city." She paused for a moment, gauging the reactions of those in the crowing before continuing, "While most of you sitting here may not have forgotten the terror that once struck this region -- the living nightmare it entails -- there are those who are not as lucky to simply 'remember'. We sit here, living a lavish experience if only for a moment, for a reason. What you all have just witnessed, just taken part of, just lived, is something most of you have heard of but never seen. Never even thought you would get the chance to see."

Olivia took a few steps forward and asked, "I ask you, all of you but the young princes and princesses especially, did you ever wish to be a queen or king?" The men that were guarding the area in front of the stage moved to reveal a pile of miniature crowns perfectly sized for kids. Squeals and screams of excitement were her answers as children ran up to the front of the stage. The Queen let out a light-hearted laugh and said, "Here we have our answer. And you Queens and Kings who bore these fine heirs, you are happy for them, no? Happy they get to experience this?" Parents nodded and clapped in response, a few giving queer looks to the gym leader. "Now, if you would imagine all of this fun and excitement... gone. Instead replaced by fear and despair."

"That is the injustice for those that live outside the walls of our fine city. They wish to live your lives. Not this one I have just shown you. It is but a fleeting dream to be able to live with a roof above their head and food in their bellies. Their children yearn for school and safety. Just as what you see before you seem fanciful and unrealistic is what living a life as you do in this city seems to them. To those who lost everything to the war and still live in wreckage, such as Slateport or even our own homefront here."

"It is for this reason The Crown exist. To help our fellows who are in need, preserving and restoring the natural beauty that is life to the sea, and understanding how and what we can do to prevent not only further Rocket incursions but keep our environment pure and clean. As we draw this event to a close my lasting memory of it will be, not only the solemnity and beauty of the ceremony but the smiles and sincerity of your faces. Of the hope and affection I see in this room for those not as happy as us." The words she spoke were heartfelt and sincere.

A clap, followed by another, and another, until a tidal wave roar filled her ears. The crowned blonde smiled and waited a few minutes for the applause to end until she said, "Thank you all, truly, for your support and attendance. Thank you for hearing my-- " Olivia motioned to the other gym trainers members sitting at tables around the stage before continuing, "-- our cause. If any of you have any questions or concerns, I am more than happy to take them at this moment."

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Olivia is a manipulative person with the necessary charisma to get what she needs done; yet, she has the ambition and cruelty of one who doesn't care who she steps on. Her true persona, a woman who craves power and will do anything for it, is hidden behind a public one that is seemingly sympathetic for all and careful of what she says. Her secluded childhood may be to blame for her seemingly dual personalities as she has hidden the power-hungry queen behind the well-spoken educated professor-to-be and gym leader.

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Friends are what Olivia consider one of the most valuable things in the world, especially for someone as manipulative as her. People are the currency she deals with, and the more friends you have, the richer you are. If she wants something -- when doesn't she -- Olivia will call a few favors through the many friends she has to make sure she gets what she wants. Plus, the larger her network, the better publicity she can get for her research efforts.

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The sweet and bitter taste Olivia gets from an enemy is different, that's for sure. When one crosses Olivia, they should expect a long and complicated with the woman who plays with people's emotions for fun. She will do everything in her power to manipulate their friends, family, and lovers into detesting them. By the time Olivia is done with someone who dares cross her, they'll be coming to her, begging for a single friend.

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Love is a lie. That's what Olivia has always believed, anyway. She has never truly loved someone, nor has she ever felt that someone loved her. That isn't to say no one has ever told them they love her, or vice versa, but she just did not consider those words real. If the word "love" ever comes out of her mouth, expect it to be a lie. People like to her they're loved, so why not please them to get where she needs to be or what she wants? It's only logical.

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GYM INFORMATION[break][break]



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silver spire, the ruins, or more commonly known as the rune gym was an ancient place of worship for the first humans of hoenn who came to praise and sacrifice to keep the gods of the sea, earth, and air at rest. these times are long and since, the mighty temple that once stood at the center of the city - nay, the cultural and religious center of ages past - has fallen to ruin. now it is a testament of the apathy and disregard to what many held of great significance. Efforts are being made to return the ancient wonder to what it once was, and in doing so, parts of the ruin have been opened to the public as a gym.

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as befit a structure such as silver spire and the cultural value it holds, the rules by which a challenger may earn a badge herald back to times of yore; a battle is customary, indeed, yet other ancient ways are still known to the keeper of lore. a historical site such as this deserves more than the simpleton who wishes to beat down through brute force, especially in such horrific times that hoenn faces itself. to prove worthy of Olivia Abbiati and her time, one must come with a thirst for knowledge and the means to quench such cravings.

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SACRED OATHS[break][break]

• oath of knowledge. knowledge is the true strength of any trainer: knowledge to care for their pokemon, knowledge to care for the world, and knowledge of the region they call home. a challenger may bring forth a tome. these tomes must be found ICly by your character (either through backstory, mission, plot, threads, etc) and must contain information relevant to the mythos of legendary pokemon (bring forth a written account of having encountered any legendary pokemon if your character possesses the chance encounter trophy ). In essence, you will gain an automatic gym battle with Olivia if you bring a tome .
  
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  if your character does not have any of the above, nor do they wish to actually go through the gym challenges, they may petition Olivia Abbiati for a Crown assignment. these assignments pertain to sootopolis as a whole and can be as varied as cleaning the filth of the streets or actively going on a Crown mission to thwart pirates or other scoundrels. should they succeed in their mission, olivia will permit them entrance to the gym. however, if you do not wish to further the Crown's mission, one could always offer a pokemon for... research. not all pokemon will be accepted, nor is there any guarantee one will receive their pokemon back.
  
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  the only other manner to gain an automatic battle with Olivia is: to become a permanent member of the Crown or partake in efforts in restoring the gym to its former grandeur - a thread is required in the sootopolis board. (a thread is required with Olivia Abbiati in either case, PM if interested).
• oath of hearth. no extremely large pokemon are allowed within the gym as to protect the structure of the ruins. the same goes for moves that can affect the structural integrity of the gym, including but not limited to: earthquake, surf, etc.
• oath of truth. any attempts to undermine or cheat at any point of the challenge will result in automatic expulsion.
• oath of hospitality. any and all who are admitted under the roof of Olivia Abbiati are henceforth under her protection until they leave - regardless of their allegiance.

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[attr="class","ipad"]TRIAL OF MORTALS[break][break]

this is the standard gym challenge. it is simple, straight to the point. depending on status, strength, and/or amount of badges of the challenger the battle can range from 1v1s to 3v3s. please check the rules for more information.

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[attr="class","ipad"]TRIALS OF THE GODS[break][break]

this is the nontraditional challenge. simply being admitted to the gym does not guarantee you an opportunity to battle with Olivia Abbiati as one must prove themselves thrice. overcoming the entrance is only the first hurdle a challenger must face. they must next prove the knowledge they claim to have by games of wit. finally, should they fail, their third trial will be a battle with a gym trainer. each of these is based on the pokemon mythos and a legendary pokemon.

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SPOILER: Click to show

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a tale of beings born into the world living, yet not of life, haunt the region. their hearts said to be locked away to all warmth and know only the stone cold whip of steel to keep them at bay.

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the challenger must answer the riddle or face a gym trainer.

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SPOILER: Click to show

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to love, to hope, to yearn, to wish; many believe simply doing so will bring them the happiness they thought to deserve - but at what cost?

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a large atrium with a shambled roof is where the challenger is led, an unknown source of light poking through the holes above and looking like a night sky filled with stars. the challenger is required to use dark or ghost pokemon in this riddle as they will find solace in the darkness and guide you where you cannot see... and pain in the pinpoint stabs of light from above.

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the challenger must answer the riddle or face a gym trainer.

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SPOILER: Click to show

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loving and fierce, free from all, and lost in flight - our hearts are for those we judge pure.

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the challenger must answer the riddle or face a gym trainer.

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SPOILER: Click to show

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from the dark of the heavens came that with many forms; yet no soul.

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the challenger must answer the riddle or face a gym trainer.

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SPOILER: Click to show

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after completing a riddle or finding a way to Olivia Abbiati the true gym battle may begin. the actual battle with Olivia takes place using anywhere between three to five Pokémon depending on the status, strength, and/or amount of badges of the challenger.[break][break]

The Maiden/Paige is the first tier challenge and is a 3vs3 using any Pokémon that is: a 1 out of 2 evolution stage, or up to a 2 out of 3 evolution stage.[break][break]

The Lovers is the tier two challenge and is a 3vs3 using 3 only male or female Pokémon that are: any two stage evolution, any one stage evolution, or up to a 2 out of 3 evolution stage.[break][break]

The Three Faces is the tier three challenge and is a 3vs3 using three Pokémon that are a stage one, two, and three of any species; they do not have to be the same species so long as they have a three stage evolution. [break][break]

The Crests is the tier four challenge and is a 3v3 using any Pokémon that can swim.[break][break]

The Crown is the tier five challenge and is a 5v5 using any Pokémon that qualify: a Scout, a Knight, an Ally, the King, The Queen. A Scout is any Pokémon that is known for: speed or stealth. A Knight is any Pokémon that is known for its defense. An Ally is any Pokémon. The King is any male Pokémon. The Queen is any female Pokémon.[break][break]



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difficulty: MAX[break]
# of participants: 1[break]
# of pokemon: 3-5 [break]
hint: none. [break]
note: good luck.[break]
goal: earn your badge.

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[attr="class","ipad"]TRIAL OF THE IMMORTAL[break][break]

this is a DEATH ENABLED gym challenge. it counts as nontraditional in terms of poké and infamy. it is a 6v6 duo battle, no switch-outs, no items. people and pokemon participating can die in this thread. to keep it standard, the following rules are in place: each pokemon gets FIVE 'hit points' (HP), meaning they can be attacked five times before dying, unless a healing move/ability is used; in which case the pokemon recovers ONE HP. you may recall your pokemon at any point but they can not be returned to the field. each pokemon may use two moves during a post. anyone taking this trial is automatically bumped to the top of que and may make a thread in sootopolis to start the battle, but MUST post here first so there is written confirmation that they are doing a DE thread.[break][break]

this type of battle is PLOT only and not a standard option unless planned out prior!


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[attr="class","ipad"]GYM TRAINER[break][break]

known as CREST these are the acting GYM TRAINERS that step in when Olivia is busy elsewhere, though some are also gym leaders in-training. Olivia is willing to take on trainers she deems fit and more info will be forthcoming.
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info

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name: Balder Schwartz
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crest: of strength [break]
theme: magma[break]
position: closed[break]
app: click me![break]
information: of heat and earth, steel and fire, the crest of strength will test the bounds of the physical! [break][break][break][break]

name:
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crest: of grace [break]
theme: dusk[break]
position: closed[break]
app: click me![break]
information: of moonlight and stardust, spring rains and summer breezes, the crest of grace will test the bounds of beauty! [break][break][break][break]

name:
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crest: ? [break]
primary type: red[break]
position: open[break]
app: click me![break]
information: description[break][break][break][break]

name:
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crest: ? [break]
primary type: red[break]
position: open[break]
app: click me![break]
information: description[break][break][break][break]



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[attr="class","ipad"]ADVANCED REQUEST[break][break]

please fill out the application of challenging the gym. FOREWARNING, i will not immediately take a request just because you posted it. i will TAKE IT WHEN I AM READY. the application form can be found below:

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[div align="justify"][size=1][b]name:[/b] @yourname[break]
[b]tag:[/b] @seasoda[break]
[b]tome:[/b] link to research thread, thus acknowledging that ICly @seasoda has accesses to this information[break]
[b]other:[/b] if the challenger doesn't have a tome to gain an automatic entrance to the gym, please link the appropriate thread in which they either assist in the rebuilding of the gym, are given an assignment by Olivia, or any of the options listed earlier.[break]
[b]notes:[/b] feel free [break]
[b]special note from the creator:[/b] this is a unique gym and very much plot driven! also i stole this from @arian [/size][/div]

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