Perks of the badges?

[anelegantmyth]

I have thoroughly, thoroughly read the Q & A and info pages like, I don't know how many times and I think I finally figured out how I wanna play Cynthia on here but uhm. In the plot running in my head, it might take her a while before she gets the balls to willingly challenge the gym leaders (them being her friends and all, it's a pride thing)

So can someone just tell me the down sides to not getting badges if there are any. I mean not everyone follows the same path right? I just wanna make sure I won't be missing out on the fun stuff if I continue with this little plot bunny. Or idk, maybe there's an alternative thing she could do while she's in her denial blah. 

idk.

I'm actually considering contests but I read over the contest info post and by the gods I still don't understand it.

noobness lvl: brain farts
 I guess this is what happens when I take summer class and it's an everyday kitchen class. My brain turns to mush.

Comments

[trainerhomu]

....Unless the ribbons don't allow you to teleport to the locations the badges give you then I don't think there's actually any real demerit besides the whole not gaining extra level bonuses every 2 badges.

[nuzlocker]

Hokay, Kururu here!
The contest posts go up monthly, and one'll be up soon. I've just been having panic attacks IRL. Anyhow, there's pros and cons to each path. Ribbons and badges both allow you to teleport - but every two badges, your Pokemon can gain another level - however, every ribbon, you can carry two more Pokemon. So there's that.

[anelegantmyth]

what's the deal with contests anyway? Is it like getting gym badges were I have to message you or what?

[nuzlocker]

Hokay. A contest post is going up soon. And there, you sign up with either:
A) For the Little Cup, which unevolved Level 5 Pokemon is being used.
B) For the Beauty Contests, info on the Pokemon which is being entered - the costume, the sheen, and so on.
C) For the 'Dazzle Contests' (Think the second stage of the Hoenn contests, or kind of like the anime), info of the performance. Like, what the Pokemon'll be doing.

At the end of the contest sign-up time, I choose the winners. Because they are only held once every two months.