#ranger tips

[ringtownrangerlark]

Hey quick question about catching a lot of pokemon.

What if you were a dumb kid who got a lot pokemon to 'complete your dex' realized later 'oh shit what did I do' and made a sanctuary for those pokemon giving to professors when you can?

-A Person who hates keeping their pokemon in a PC

Honestly? Forgive your little kid self. People start trainer journeys very young. And most of them are encouraged by the league, by gym leaders, and by professors (AKA adults who should know better) to catch as many pokemon as possible.

The fact that you realized it wasn't actually in the pokemon's best interest and tried to do something about it is wonderful. Also, not thinking of the PC as permanent storage for Pokemon puts you a step above most trainers.

I hope you're working with people like veterinarians or other rehab specialists to make sure the sanctuary is healthy/safe for the pokemon while they're there. But otherwise? Good on you for turning it around.

[nelson-and-friends]

Is it difficult to become a ranger?

It really depends on how much effort you're willing to put in, and how much time you have. Most Ranger schools and academies have multi-year programs that you can enter into at a minimum age requirement of 10 or 12 years old, with no ge cap, though there is the occasional exception (i.e. me). The programs are usually between four to six years in length, but there are ways to go through them early (i.e. me again).

Those schools take less of a hands-on approach for the earlier years, and more practical and physical things, like beginner missions and internships, are introduced later on.

The majority of Pokémon Rangers became Rangers through those schools.

Of course, there are other ways to become a Ranger. One of the ways off the top of my head is the Volunteer programs. This is when an individual volunteers at a Ranger station, or with other Rangers. I don't know too much about these programs as each Ranger station has their own rules and separate programs. I do know that in order to become an official Ranger through those programs you have to take a two part test at the end, one part written and one part practical.

While you most likely won't have a variety of internships, you will get a lot more experience with the Rangers you'll be working with!

To see if your local Rangers have one of these programs, you can check their website, or ask in person!

But, long story short: not too difficult, just requires your time, effort, and commitment!

[ranger-rai]

Ranger Tip!

If you find yourself confronted by a wild pokemon and you feel like you can't get away from it, try whistling.

Sometimes as a trainer you might encounter larger pokemon and they might end up knocking out your team and you need to get away.

Whistling is a pretty effective tactic if the pokemon isn't aggressive but you feel a bit worried or uncomfortable.

Sudden loud or high pitch sounds tend to alert and confuse many pokemon, so it's a good quick distraction that can allow you to back away slowly.

You also don't want to turn your back to them, you need to keep eyes on them at all times until you see them turn away.

This won't work in every situation but it is pretty helpful, especially for unprepared trainers.

Be smart out there trainers!

[ringtownrangerlark]

Somehow, people seem to hear the phrase "baby pokemon" and think it means that the pokemon is therefore safe for babies. I've seen preschool-age children who's parents let them "own" a pichu, elekid, magby or even drifloon.

Like...if you wouldn't let your small toddler touch the stove or play with electrical outlets, why would you encourage them to play with a pokemon that can spit fire????

[ringtownrangerlark]

Hope you are doing well out there, a gentle reminder that early November is Shroomish spawning season in most regions as the weather gets more wet, so if you are going to be patrolling or working in the woods bring a respirator with you, as well as a spare (in case there's problems with the first or you find someone stuck), along with antidotes and Paralyz Heals. Stay safe out there and thank you for your service.

-- Ranger Sveppir Included with the letter is a small box containing 3 Paralyze heals and 3 Antidotes.

This is really good advice, thank you!

Shroomish aren't native to Fiore, and the Oddish and Gloom we do have tend to stay rooted. So it definitely caught me off guard last year when I was in Paldea during migration season. My lungs will definitely thank you for the reminder.

[ringtownrangerlark]

What pokemon would you consider toddler-safe?? I feel like Happiny has to be on there, but I can't think of many others. Swirlix maybe?

Ok, so, first things first:

A toddler-age child should not be left alone/unsupervised with any pokemon. Even relatively safe or small pokemon could still cause injuries (like biting or scratching). And even if the pokemon is "safe" for the child, the child might not be safe for the Pokemon. Lots of little kids play too roughly, or accidentally injure a pokemon. At that age, kids interactions with animals should be focused on safe play: teaching them to ask an owner before petting a pokemon, or making sure they are gentle and not pulling or hitting when trying to pet or play with a pokemon.

The age I'd advise a kid to be trusted with taking care of a home/pet/domestic pokemon is about 5-6. With adult scaffolding, a child can learn and practice handling responsibilities such as feeding, grooming, training (things like sit or stay, not battle training) and care.

A happiny is safer than a magby in the sense it can't cause intense burns. But it often carries around small, egg-shaped stones. Is the kid old enough to not put that in their mouth/have a choking hazard? What if they throw it at someone, person or pokemon? A Mime Jr. has more of an ability to flee if a kid is being too rough, but even a very young Mime Jr. could know a move like Pound and cause damage. Swirlix are sticky and can entangle people. I'm not saying little kids should have no interactions with Pokemon. Happiny often can enjoy safely playing house with children and so on. But there are far too many ways for kids and young pokemon to inadvertently hurt one another for me to look at any pokemon and say "Yup, this one is 100% safe for your three year old".

[ringtownrangerlark]

Rattata are under-appreciated as possible pet/companion Pokemon. People love pikachu and dedenne but treat rattata as vermin. I know it's because they're associated with being "dirty" or dangerous because there are lots of feral/wild rattata in urban environments. But there are several breeds of domesticated ratatta that are clean, sociable, intelligent, and downright adorable. They have their risks and difficulties, of course (literally every Pokemon species does). But I've met a lot of families for whom a rattata would actually been a better fit for their lifestyle and resources than the bunneary, skitty or emolga they end up getting.

[ringtownrangerlark]

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