East 2014 Leaders

Professor Kaden Chang was once a well-respected Astrophysicist. However, after a close encounter with what she claims to have been a Clefairy spaceship, her interests rapidly turned to aliens and her credibility plummeted. Years later, she has continued her search for proof of aliens and proof of Pokémons’ extraterrestrial origins, proof she claims to have found when she and her assistant (Woopy the Wooper) attempted to resurrect a Deoxys from its hibernating state. Chang claims Deoxys enlightened her to the truth of aliens. She has now joined the Pokémon Advancement Expo at the PAX Pokémon League (the only place that would hire her) in hopes to share her wisdom with those who dare challenge her and regain her credibility. Come challenger, and prove you have what it takes to win the UFO Badge!

When he was young, Drago was swept out to sea by a rogue wave created from the battle between Groudon and Kyogre. He was not able to swim in the harsh current and would have drowned if it wasn’t for a Kingdra that saved him. Drago bonded with the Kingdra that saved his life and became its trainer. Currently, Drago has dedicated his life to using his Dragon Pokemon to save those impacted by natural disasters, and to educate people on how to better survive calamities. Hearing about the PPL, Drago decided to join the league in order to share his knowledge and experience with others. Those capable of overcoming his challenge will receive the Catastrophe Badge, and a mystery gift!

On the dusty country back roads just north of Olivine City rests a small, peaceful ranch hidden in the shadows of its bustling neighbor, MooMoo Farm. Named after the family that has established and cultivated it from the ground up, Cooper Ranch has for decades provided quality goods and services at exceptional prices to local cities and events—the PAX Pokémon League included. However, hard times recently fell upon this humble family business, and its name nearly perished under the shade of its more successful neighbor. Losing money fast, the ranch’s original owners were stricken with grief and decided to close down the farm for good. Two of their children, cousins Justin and Blaire, had different plans in mind. The two had grown up on the peaceful farmlands of Cooper and were not willing to go down without a fight. With helpful suggestions from their friends and loyal customers, Justin and Blaire decided to go to PAX as more than just suppliers this year. Suiting up in their best rancher garb and carrying along their closest Pokémon pals, the cousins hope to put the name of Cooper back onto the map and captivate people with their hard work, loyalty, and dedication. If you can defeat the strong family bond between the Cooper cousins, you’ll earn yourself the Pasture Badge!

After seeing the various nefarious individuals in the PAX Pokémon League at PAX East 2013, Alexander decided to rededicate himself to defend against the degenerate and unjust. Along with his most trusted Pokémon, Alexander formed a team known as the Emerald Knights. Working with the International Police, the Knights travel from region to region to deal with the criminal element in whatever form it may take. This year, Alexander has returned to the PAX Pokémon League to keep an eye out for potential threats, as well as test the battling ability of the challengers to see if any are worthy of becoming an Emerald Knight. Pass his test, and stay on the right side of the law, to earn yourself the Emerald Badge.

Little is known about the origins of Imakuni?, the strange singer who wanders the world on his quest to become famous. He often appears suddenly among gatherings of Pokémon trainers across the globe, singing songs about Pokémon and challenging fans to battles. His strange Psychic-type Pokémon coupled with his odd dance moves and behavior left most of his challengers bewildered. After disappearing for years, Imakuni? has decided to make his return at the PAX Pokémon League, claiming he is a gym leader. He’s determined to test the mettle of fellow Pokémon enthusiasts and maybe, just maybe, answer the age-old question: “Who is cuter? Pikachu or me?” If you can overcome this unusual character and his odd battling style, you’ll be rewarded with the Enigma Badge!

“I don’t want to cramp anyone’s style anymore…”

Enchanted by Lysandre’s message, the young Roberto was eager to sign up to join Team Flare to show the world just how beautiful it could be. As time passed however, he began to notice that Team Flare and its leader in fact wished to wipe the slate clean. Upon the destruction of their hidden base, and with the team in shambles, Roberto quietly took his leave. Hiding out in Kiloude City, he spent a lot of time wondering what went wrong. One day, while looking out onto the safari, he saw a glimmer of metal: a wild Mawile! Entranced by its glimmer, he wasted no time in capturing it. He vowed then and there that he would show the world the elegance of Steel type Pokémon and do his best to make up for Team Flare’s mistakes. It wasn’t long before he heard of a great convention of Pokémon trainers in Boston. What a perfect opportunity to make his debut and spread his message! Steel yourself and crash his party to earn the Classy Badge!