[@needlingAsklepios] Experienced, but low rank. The trainers have a basic ranking system of Oak, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, Master. The trainer head of the starting town is only Gold. Everyone is Bronze or lower for players.

The thing about starters is I want them to all be local pokemon. No one will start with spheal sorry. Yes I could see ralts here so that'd be fine probably. If I use them then I want them to add to setting. I may end up just listing those that are not allowed in the end. Really the other main thing about picking starters is it can make people try something new. I used to ONLY use charmander when in an RP with that as an option. Then I got stuck with squirtle once and the story was legendary.

So let me propose a challenge to you sir. get that ralts later. start with a pokemon who you'd never think of using as your starter.