victory_road | Prom 2021, McMansion edition

Prom 2021, McMansion edition

After almost a week and a half of preparations, choosing your prom outfit(s?), and packing everything you might need for a wonderful weekend of luxurious fun, Prom has finally arrived! On Friday the 16th, starting at around noon, people will begin to arrive at this year's prom venue, the massive white building gleaming in the sun. Those with a very good eye for architecture might note that the mansion looks like it has been expanded over the years, with more and more being built onto it. Those with a terrible eye for architecture might note that it is, like, a really big house, man.

Anyway --

WELCOME TO THE MANSION!

Arrival is a bit of a hustle and bustle, with the hosting duo trying to greet every individual personally before directing them to their bedrooms. Anyone who has participated in one of Riegfried and Soy's previous contests will find that they remember each and every contestant and are eager to follow up with them, inquiring about the health and well-being of the Pokémon they entered into the contest with, whether they brought them along, and if they've engaged in any artistic endeavors recently.

(Hopefully, you won't get stuck waiting in line to get greeted behind one of these folks; these conversations can get long.)

In any case, why not head to your bedroom for the weekend (and wow, those are their own little experience, aren't they?), drop your bags, and see what the life of the rich and famous has to offer for you?

THE MANSION SIGHTS

Bedrooms

Even for a mansion of such staggering size, the sheer number of rooms that are made up into bedrooms is far, far too many. You even get the feeling that the mansion was expanded at times simply to fit more bedrooms.

If asked about this frankly excessive amount of bedrooms, Soy will confess that interior design is a bit of a passion of his. He really likes to try out new and unique designs, and it was getting a bit too disruptive to constantly redecorate their own bedroom, so they started building more bedrooms. And more bedrooms. And then even more.

Nowadays they move from one bedroom to the next whenever the whim strikes them.

Dining

Of course during your stay at the mansion, you will be catered to be a veritable flock of chefs. The kitchens that were previously used to host the contest have been converted to function as the main hub for meeting your character's every dietary need. The food that will be served is good, if not incredibly fancy. Sometimes, for seemingly no good reason, it is served on things that are definitely not plates. There is a lot of Kale for some reason.

Of course, you can also make requests of the chefs, but you might need to take a moment and explain exactly what when requesting a grilled cheese sandwich, lest you get some sort of fancy deconstructed dish.

Entertainment

It would be almost impossible to describe everything that can be found inside the mansion. Riegfried and Soy have more money than sense and more whims than sense. As such, anything you could expect to find inside of a mansion of this size (as well as a bunch of things you wouldn't expect) can be found there. A fancy as all hell pool table? Of course. Karaoke room? Third floor to your left. Bowling alley? Super fancy personal matinee? It's all there.

Vivillon Garden

Located partially indoors and partially outdoors, the Vivillon Garden is definitely one of the most awe-inspiring features of the mansion. This little slice of heaven is Riegfried’s pride and joy, and you can certainly see why!

Both the greenhouse and the open-air garden are a rainbow of colors, exotic plants and flowers lining every carefully laid-out path while Riegfried’s many Vivillon (he seems to have every pattern known to man) flit through the air, the sun glinting off their wings. Small private tables and chairs are scattered throughout the garden, along with several decorative benches, allowing visitors to sit and admire the sights, or even enjoy a bite to eat.

Of course, these Vivillon are not to be caught! You wouldn’t want to upset your host, right? But if asked, Riegfried would not mind providing interested guests with a Vivillon egg of their desired pattern, free of charge.

Pools

The mansion boasts not one, but two swimming pools--one indoors, one outdoors, and both completely over the top.

The smaller of the two pools is located indoors--though in this case, smaller still means larger than anything your wallet could ever hope to afford. With white marble, a bright blue ceiling patterned to resemble a bright sunny sky, and a fully stocked and staffed bar on the side, it's pretty clear this pool was never meant to see racing or competition; it just screams relaxation and slow, leisurely afternoons spent reading by the water’s edge while sipping an overly complicated cocktail.

And there's more than "just" the pool. Characters will be able to find two saunas (separated by gender for everybody’s comfort), a hot tub, and even a second (third?) smaller pool, located in a low-lit, adjoining room. The water in this pool has a high salt content, making it perfect for floating on your back, closing your eyes and simply relaxing underneath a ceiling that looks like a dark and starry sky.

Unlike the indoor pool, the large pool outside has been designed to evoke more of a playful and natural feel. Around the edge of the pool, water cascades down an artificial rock face, while carefully picked plant life creates some shade for eager swimmers. A artificial grotto houses a hot tub and another wall-manned bar, there to make sure nobody will have to resort to drinking the pool water if they get thirsty.

Of course, there are sun chairs by the pool’s edge to stretch out on, but why do that when you could be in the water, challenging some friends to a game of Torchick(en)?

Massages and More (but not like that)

What's a weekend spent relaxing in the lap of luxury without tons and tons of self-care? Thankfully, Riegfried and Soy’s mansion has an entire wing dedicated to rubbing, scrubbing, cleansing, and more.

First of all, there is a wide variety of massages available, offered by trained professionals, both for you and your Pokémon. Why not stretch out and enjoy a nice aromatherapy massage (aromas provided by a very well-trained Bellossom) or perhaps a hot stone massage (when you’ve got Magcargo heated stones, you know it's good) or go for a good old-fashioned Kantonian massage provided by a resident Machoke?

And once your every muscle has been kneaded and rubbed, how about indulging yourself in the very wide variety of facial and body masks available? You are going to be attending a formal dance on Sunday, after all. Don’t you want to look your best? Don’t you want your skin to simply glow, your hands to be soft as silk and your feet to be ready for a night of dancing? Whether you are looking for sugar scrubs, mud treatments, salt scrubs, or even more exotic treatments, you are sure to find it here.

AVAILABLE POKEMON

Considering the mansion is, well, a mansion, it probably won’t come as a surprise that there aren’t exactly lots and lots of wild Pokémon to catch here. Pokemon like living in tall grass, after all; not on the well-manicured lawns of the ridiculously rich.

But if you had come to prom hoping to pick up another friend or two, no need to despair! With the Safari Zone just around the corner, your hosts have arranged that anyone with a prom invite will be able to enter the Safari Zone freely, as often and for as long as they wish. If all the fuss and self-indulgence at the mansion isn’t quite your style, why not visit the Safari zone for a few hours and scamper through the mud and grass to your heart’s content?

ANNOUNCEMENT

While welcoming and directing people to their rooms, Riegfried and Soy also mention that there will be a small announcement later in the afternoon about one of the surprises they've been planning for this prom, so please do attend to hear what will be going on!

Once everybody has dropped off their suitcases and gathered for the announcement, Soy and Riegfried guide them down to a small (relatively speaking) foyer and a pair of closed double doors.

"First let me speak for Riegfried and myself and say how delighted we are to be hosting this prom for you! For this weekend, our home is your home. Please do not hesitate to ask us if you need anything at all. That being said, we'vetaken the liberty of arranging a few surprises for you during this prom, the first of which I'd like to reveal right now!"

Soy claps his hands together, his eyes shining bright.

"While Sunday evening will of course be reserved for dancing, Riegfried and I have decided to organize a special contest for you all on Sunday morning! Why not combine the glamour of an evening soiree with the excitement of a contest, after all?

I can already see you're all wondering what this contest's theme will be, so I will not dawdle about the big reveal. Come Sunday morning, we want to see your take on Fashion and Glamour! We understand this is a very broad subject, especially when you are so pressed for time, so we thought it might be fun to see you try and incorporate your bedroom theme in your contest choices!"

He's smiling, sparkling as he gestures for silence, not wanting to be interrupted by questions just yet.

"Of course, we also realize that by surprising you like that, you won't have had a chance to bring your contest essentials with you, so Riegfried dear and I took the added liberty of providing those for you. We collected some of our old things. These clothes served us well at the time, but now it is time for them to be reborn, within the fires of your creativity."

At this point, Riegfried opens the doors behind them to reveal what can only be described as the world's best-stocked sewing atelier. The circular room is absolutely filled to the brim with everything one could possibly need while designing or altering clothing, from sewing machines to an entire display case of different ribbons, from baskets and baskets full of different buttons and gems to enough thread (of every color imaginable) to string up an Onix. And as if that wasn't enough, there are three adjoining massive walk-in closets, filled with those few old things Soy was talking about.

"You are free to use and alter anything in this room as you see fit. And keep it too, of course! We look forward to seeing what you can come up with!"

THE DANCE

And on Sunday evening it is finally time for the grand event of the weekend.

A large staircase will take characters up to Riegfried and Soy's personal ballroom, a room which has been closed off up until now. Access to the room is granted by two massive double doors and as expected of your hosts, this room is absolutely, wildly over-the-top.

The center of the room is left empty, though hopefully it will soon be filled with people mingling and dancing. Delicate white tables and chairs stand at strategic intervals along the sides of the room, allowing those who need a bit of rest a place to sit. And amongst these stand several large tables laden with food and drink, constantly attended to by a flock of servers who make sure that empty plates are whisked away as soon as possible, only to be replaced with immaculately-arranged replacements. The parts of the table not laden with food hold a seemingly endless supply of delicate glasses filled with only the best wines and champagnes, although there are also non-alcoholic options for the youngsters among us. Set a bit apart, there is one table that holds not one, but three enormous chocolate fountains (white, milk and dark), as well as everything one could possibly want to dip into chocolate and eat.

Several opened doors along the side of the room give access to the balconies, where people can go for a moment of privacy, or just to breathe in the night air. It's only April, so it will get pretty chilly, but then again, isn't that just a good excuse to stand a little closer with your loved one?

But before you can witness all this in person, it seems your hosts have a little announcement.

There, on the stairs (forming a very well-dressed barrier between your characters and the ballroom), stand Reigfriend and Soy. And just behind them, looking every bit as well-dressed, is a third man many might recognise. Why, it's Solus zos Galvus, also known as Emet-Selch, an otherworlder like yourself! What is he doing there?

"Welcome to the final event of this year's prom. We hope you have enjoyed your stay here at our home." That is Riegfried starting off, greeting the characters with a small bow and a gesture of his hand. "Being able to serve as your hosts for this weekend has brought Soy and myself great pleasure, though we must admit we have one final surprise for you yet."

"Indeed," Soy takes over, smiling brightly. Now that your attention is drawn toward him, you'll notice he's standing next to a table with several baskets. "We know that ending these weekends with a dance has been a Prom tradition going back several years; however, my dear Riegfried and I couldn't help but put our own little spin on things. This last surprise we have in store for you is not our doing alone, but the efforts of one of your own, who's helped us prepare for you the experience of a lifetime. So before I reveal our little surprise to you, I would like to speak for Riegfried and myself and extend our warmest thanks to our new dear friend Solus zos Galvus for all his hard work in helping us organise this."

Soy is quiet for a moment. It seems like he's expecting you to clap. Clap, please.

"And now, without further ado, allow me to reveal our last and perhaps greatest surprise for you."

Like a true showman, Soy is able to stretch the excitement of the moment, allowing it to build as he reaches into one of the baskets, pulling out a golden mask.

"Welcome to our Masquerade!"

Prom FAQ

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I. Friday & Saturday

[Emet has heard much and more about Prom through the near year he's been here, and thus he has looked forward to see what it will entail. Perhaps, that is likewise why he lent a hand to the event's lovely hosts, but the hand he's lent matters little in the first two days of festivities. In fact, for the most part Emet-Selch, or Solus zos Galvus to some, can be seen out and about the mansion.

However, sometimes when he is spotted, it is not because he is presently conscious. Soy and Riegfried certainly wish for them all to rest and relax, and that's exactly what he is doing. Just, you know, quite literally. It's entirely possible to find him asleep near either pool, having dozed off on one of the chairs dressed in a sarong, though black in color. Perhaps the warmth of the sun was much too alluring and now he's asleep. Hopefully he applied sunscreen, because as well all know the typical comedy routine of napping while sunbathing and the lobster-like look that serves as a punchline! Perhaps you can be the hero he (questionably) deserves?

If not there, it's not unlikely to find him in other such places like the host's library, dressed decidedly not in the sarong, and more dapper. He will be either looking over their artistry books, or finding himself napping in one of the reading chairs, book still in hand. Look, he's an older man, and probably overworked as it is, cut him some slack! Besides, you'd be hard pressed to find somewhere more silent than a library!

Even the garden isn't free from an old man snoozing, but perhaps it's a bit more understandable and less odd of an image to see an old man napping on a bench. Emet's arms are folded over his chest, his head slightly hanging to one side as the Vivillion peacefully flutter about. The relaxing breeze, warm sun, and aroma of the garden truly invite one to relax—but maybe this old man should retire to his room if he plans on napping everywhere!]

II. Masquerade

[With being one of the hosts for this little event, Emet has taken it upon himself to fit the rules of the contest, dressing appropriately despite not competing. After all, he has had a lot on his plate to get this masquerade up and running! Which begs the question how he was able to get that suit made with all his napping, but that is neither here nor there.

Those wearing masks, which is everyone here, might find themselves unable to recognize the difference in Emet's own mask—silver in color, not unlike a shiny Yamask's mask—but it does appear to be functioning the same. Regardless, he will be approach guests, greeting them (though not by name, for how could he know?), and thanking them for their most valued attendance. While wishing them well for the evening, he notably does not announce who exactly he is when he does so.

After all, he is part of the masquerade isn't he? It would not do to ruin the game, even if only for his own identity. However, he will stay and linger if there are those who figure out who he is or simply wish to chat. Otherwise, Emet is merely on host duty, and while he might like the idea of taking to the dance floor, he has resigned himself to the role of observer. To make sure everything is going absolutely perfect, just as he promised to his new but dear friends Riegfried and Soy.]

[Chip is, in fact, not the sunscreen hero Emet needs nor deserves. Frankly, they're the opposite of that--or they intend to be. Given the swimming lessons and associated goofing off Chip has been doing, it's a miracle he's remained asleep for this long, but once Chip notices him doing his best lawn chair impression they can't help but give in to bratty little kid instincts.]

[It starts with hanging by the edge of the pool and trying to spit water over onto him, but he's far enough away that they only manage to get the ground near him wet. Once they've made sure Grant isn't paying too close attention, Chip goes back to paddling around the pool...and circles back to their sniping position with some extra ammo.]

[Suffice to say that this time, the stream of water is more than powerful enough to hit the target.]

[The sharp contrast betwix the warm sun to the cool water is enough to make anyone snap awake. And while Emet is a man unlike most and if he was so inclined he could will himself to ignore it--he doesn't. Instead, there's a visible jolt to him as the uncomfortable clash of temperature happens far more quickly than he (or anyone) would like, he sits bolt upright to survey the possible culprit.

His eyes falling to one armed child at the edge of the pool. A child he recognizes, but wonders idly if they recognize him, not that it matters. Not really.

A smirk replaces the earlier glower, and while his brow remains furrowed, it's less with malice and more with mischief.]

Truly, have you no one else to entertain you? Or is it a habit of yours to menace the elderly while they rest?

[As he speaks, he reaches to a bag besides him, one that's clearly made for damp endeavors. What ever could he be retrieving?]

[Oh, they absolutely do not recognize him at all. But that doesn't matter, because they have a water gun and swimming in circles is getting a little boring.]

Shoulda slept somewhere else!

[They dunk the pistol back into the water to draw up another shot, and beside them a Wooper pops out of the water to fire another arc of water at Emet--not at maximum power, and not aimed terribly well. He just wants to be part of the fun!]

Oh?

[Is about all he can say before he finds himself doused again. Perhaps he'd ordinarily be annoyed by such disrespect, but the relaxation and the future aspects of this soirée has him in better spirits.

Speaking of spirits, what he retrieves from his bag, despite Chip's best efforts to gun him down, is a luxury ball holding none other than his Fretus—his wash rotom. You see, he has no interest in getting into the water himself, but every interest in returning fire.

Which Fretus absolutely does. In spades no less. Holding the hose with one of its phantasmal arms, it blasts a deluge of water right at Chip—the pressure isn't enough to hurt, but it's certainly more omph than that little water gun he's holding.]

Perhaps you should have picked your opponent more wisely, hm?

[Chip has exactly enough time to make an amazing imitation of a certain meme before the blast of water connects, sending them and their Wooper ass over teakettle in the water for several seconds. Luckily their arm floaties don't get knocked off in the ruckus and they float back up to the surface with a sputter.]

No fair, I don't got a bazooka!! That's cheating!

Is that right? My apologies, 'twould seem I was slumbering when you set the rules of engagement. Care to repeat them?

[Don't trust him, because the moment Chip goes to speak again, Emet will be giving a signal with the curl of his fingers towards the kid for the Rotom to douse them once again--though with less water this time.]

[Getting a facefull of water sends them tumbling in the water once again, and Chip has to take a moment to cough out a bit of water before they start flailing their way over to the edge of the pool properly.]

We're battling!! What level is he?

[Maria giggles to herself as she takes her red marker and starts coloring in a triangle on top of the silly old man's nose. After that? Why, it's whiskers of course! She's going to turn the sleeping old grandpa man into a kitty.

Her newest friend, Vine the tiny Pumpkaboo, seems to think it's a good idea too, because he's giggling with her.]

[See, the thing is, Emet can sleep through most things. He's actually slept for centuries at a time before, and had aimed to do just that some moons before his run in with the Warrior of Light on the First. Sleep is something rather sacred to him, a favorite pastime, a comforting hobby...

However, with all things practiced come some measure of skill, and one such skill is his awareness while still technically being asleep. As such, when the girl approaches, it is not without notice. When she dons that marker and begins to draw on him, that too is not without him knowing. In fact, he's curious now to what lengths she may well go should he continue to present himself as being in a deep slumber.

To act the part, however, it would be too unconvincing of a performance if there was no reaction at all, so instead of staying still with his slow, deep breaths, he allows his eyebrow to twitch, and his brow to furrow for a moment...before letting out a slight huff of air through his nose as his expression softens to that slumbering countenance it bore moments prior.]

[Maria pauses for a moment when the old grandpa man seems like he's almost gonna wake up... but when he goes right back to sleep, she breaths a soft sigh of relief and goes back to drawing the whiskers. Periodically, she stuffs the first of her other hand into her mouth, so she doesn't giggle too loudly again and almost wake him up.

Hm. After whiskers, he needs little freckles, Maria thinks.]

[Ardbert really had no idea what he was getting into when he agreed to go to prom- well, that's not entirely accurate. The invitation was pretty clear there would be a ball, he just wasn't prepared for this exact level of grandeur. Still, the past few days weren't bad and just exploring was enough to capture his curiosity. The same curiosity that kept him staying for the masquerade despite looking well out of his normal element. At least someone managed to get him properly dressed for the occasion.

He of course didn't miss that Emet of all people happened to be one of the hosts of this event. Not that it rang any red flags (besides the baseline suspicion he held towards Ascians in general he supposed), no this masquerade just happened to radiant big Emet-Selch energy with how extra and glamorous it was. He was sure he must be thriving. Frankly, it was convenient since he needed to talk to him anyways. It would... just have to wait until after, when he could tell who anyone was again.

As for the dance itself, Ardbert keeps off to the sidelines for the most part comfortable with taking the part as observer as well. Which is where Emet will find him as he's making his rounds greeting guests.]

[But how could he not notice Ardbert of all people—though, the fact he noticed Ardbert is merely coincidence of the form he takes, because in Emet-Selch's mind's eye he does not see Ardbert. The countenance he recognizes is of another man, another shard of that dear friend he lost so long ago, and for a moment he feels his chest squeeze painfully.

However, he drops not his act as he greets guests and makes his way around, acting inconspicuous as he tarries on towards his goal. That he would get the chance to meet with the Warrior of—well, Darkness as he was known on the First—here in this world with a likeness that he recognizes...]

Good evening, sir.

[His voice is even and steady, betraying not a single thought nor feeling that's rumbling around inside of both heart and head.]

I do so hope the festivities are to your liking. I cannot help but notice you are yet alone—perhaps you hope to find a fresh partner to dance with under the romantic mystery of the masks, hm?

[At Emet's greeting, Ardbert had a brief 'who, me?' moment, looking around to make sure it was him who was actually being addressed. He wasn't actively trying to be anti-social, but it still took him by surprise that someone came to talk to him.

Getting over the initial surprise, he nodded.]

Evening. I can't say this is an event I would usually find myself at, but it's fine enough.

[Wait. Was this stranger propositioning him to a dance? I mean, if you wanted to be sly about asking someone to dance.]

Ah, are you asking for a dance partner?

[Dressed entirely like an asshole, really, with a Swanna on a delicate string of pearls as leash, Hythlodaeus has busied himself in finding Emet-Selch among the rabble. This is a fun game, he thinks. One free of consequence, even. So when he approaches, he believes there is an equal enough chance that this is a stranger or Emet-Selch. This shapes how he chooses his words.]

Excuse me, but would you mind telling me how many teeth you have?

[See, if Emet was under the same spell as everyone else, this question alone would tell him who is speaking to him. Only one person would try to determine the identity of another by asking about how many teeth they have. Which is why he responds immediately and flatly with:]

Three.

[Hythlodaeus, why are you like this!!]

Three! Your enunciation is quite good for so few. May I examine for myself?

[ He removes a glove. ]

After so long, you merely learn to adapt.

[Why is he not surprised Hythlodaeus would pull something like this?]

I had not realized we had a dentist in our midsts! However, you will have to forgive me--I fear I have little desire in allowing a stranger to rummage around inside of my mouth, I'm sure you understand?

Edited 2021-05-18 05:48 (UTC)

All dentists are strangers, really. Can a man really allow another to witness the sins he has committed against his own mouth and invite him to dinner to satiate his morbid curiosity?

With only three teeth, you might be in the most dire need of my expertise. And what is your age, sir or madam?

[ He grins, blinking slowly at the other.]

What of dentists with family? Do they not work their expertise on their own? Would it not be an insult to go to an unfamiliar dentist when you have one in the family?

[He can't help but smirk at this ridiculous conversation.]

As for my age, well, I do not believe it to be any of your business. Besides, it is rather impolite to ask and not offer the same information, do you not agree? Perhaps if you'd be so kind, I shall feel similarly moved.

If you want to know how many teeth I have you will have to count them yourself. I have a few extras, but those are quite none of your business.

[ he sighs as if our upon. ]

You must be quite advanced in your age for so few teeth. Seventy, perhaps? Eighty?

[ He looms over Emet, a hand coming up towards his mouth. He's pretty sure at this point by reaction alone, but this will cement it. ]

Edited 2021-05-18 08:06 (UTC)

Do I sound--Oh, stop it!

[And that slap of Hythlodaeus' hand is definitely the cement.]

Are you quite finished? How long do you plan to prolong this mummer's farce?

You sounded as if you were having fun. Last I checked, you were quite fond of mummers and their farces. Shall I approach again with a different character?

[ He rubs his hand in mock wound tending. ]

But only if you do proper non-contact stage action.

As I recall, you favor the contact, so I do not see why I should attempt to oblige that request.

[He folds his arms over his chest, shaking his head at Hythlodaeus.]

...Exactly how many people have you inquired about their teeth ere you reached me?

It is unbecoming of a host, I think, to lay his hands upon a guest. But what do I know?

[ He taps his chin, pretending to need to conjure the information. ]

Three, perhaps? Those conversations were really very brief, however.

Prom 2021, McMansion edition

Emet-Selch | OTA

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