THE CONTEST SPOOKTACULAR!

[indigo_league]

You arrive before the sun sets over the shining sea, a little before 5 o’clock. A fleet of Corviknight taxis descend near the entrance of the castle, slowly setting their passengers on the ground and allowing them to depart. The golden rays of sunshine illuminate the edges of the castle, casting long shadows and making it take on a rather ominous appearance. Better hop to it–you wouldn’t want to miss the Halloween party, now would you?




WELCOME TO THE HALLOWEEN FRIGHTFEST!

Riegfried and Soy greet you at the entrance of the castle. Riegfried is dressed as a Zubat, toting a blue-and-purple cape, a cute hat with giant ears, and plastic fangs. Soy is dressed as a midnight Lycanroc, wearing a dark red suit and wielding a pair of fuzzy white paw gloves. They welcome you warmly, assuring them that they’ll be well taken care of here. Perhaps you’d like to get something to eat, first? Or maybe you’d like to look around at what games and delights they have to offer! Or, perhaps you’re here to perform in the Contest Spooktacular. The choice is yours!

(If asked about the previous attendants of the castle, Shieldbert and Sordward, Riegfried and Soy will exchange looks and explain that they had been…well, very politely asked to leave and not to come back to Kanto, under threat of legal action.)

EXPLORING THE FESTIVAL The Ball Room The old castle ballroom has been outfitted with spooky decorations and all manner of electrical equipment--all the necessary things to put on a good contest! Most of the furniture has been cleared away, save for a central stage for people to perform. At the beginning of the night, before the actual contest takes place, a costume catwalk will take place! Costumed guests will be encouraged to get up on there and strut their stuff. Don’t have a costume? Don’t worry! The attendants will usher you to a very big walk-in closet for you to pick out an utterly fabulous get-up. All from Riegfried and Soy’s personal collections, of course. They wouldn’t want someone to miss out on a chance to show the crowd what they’re made of! This is also the time for characters to register for the contest. After a few hours or so, an announcement is made informing people that the contest spooktacular will be taking place shortly, and for people to make their way to the ball room. The lights dim and a distant, pre-recorded bone-chilling cackle is heard. Who knows what sort of spooky scary things you’ll be seeing tonight? The Outer Courtyard For those wishing to get a breath of fresh air away from the festivities or to explore the activities the festival has to offer, look no further than the courtyard. Nestled safely within castle walls, a large fountain (certainly too new to have belonged to the original castle) stands at the center of the courtyard, the water gently cascading down over the marble figures of two nondescript and crowned humans, one holding a sword, the other a shield; wide-open doors welcome characters further into the castle. There are a plethora of spooky carnival games that have been set up along the perimeter of the courtyard. They’re definitely rigged, but maybe if you’re lucky, you’ll win that giant Mareep plush. One booth seems to be garnering quite a bit of attention–Bobbing for Applins. If you manage to grab an Applin with your teeth, you get to keep it! Just be careful you don’t bite too hard…. The Stables To the west lie the stables, with a sign posted that reads “HAUNTED HAYRIDE!”. The comforting smell of hay and wood hangs in the air. Instead of the Galarian Ponytas and Rapidashes that previously graced this area, there are a bunch of Mudsdales lounging, waiting for their turn to pull the cart. Outside, there is a scrawny bearded man perched on top of a Mudsdale, patting it on the neck and giving it reassuring words. A nearby cart filled with hay bale seats lies vacant, ready to be pulled alone. Fancy a little ride around the outside of the castle to see the sights? You can watch the sunset over the ocean, and maybe spot a few rare Pokémon! Heck, if it’s dark enough, you could even be so bold as to hold hands with someone else on the ride! Who knows what you’ll find out there? Of course, you could always just hang out with the horses. Nobody’s gonna stop you. The Kitchens To the east lie the kitchens, and what kitchens they are! Characters will be able to smell the delicious aroma of a variety of sumptuous courses being prepared for the festival. Officially, the guests are asked not to enter the kitchen, as to not to disturb the many cooks working there. Unofficially, there are not exactly any guards, so if you really wanted to sneak in, you probably won’t get stopped. The Dining Room Adjacent to the kitchens awaits a large dining room. Tables have been set up in long rows with plenty of room for all with some to spare, and once someone sits down, almost as if by magic, they will soon find one of the waitstaff at their side, presenting them with an extensive menu. Order as much (or as little) as you like! The chefs will have it ready for you in a flash. Many of the menu items seem to be…well, puns. Perhaps you’ll be interested in some Crobat Monsieur, a croque monsieur decorated like a Crobat? Or perhaps a spot of Pumpkaboo Pie? Perhaps a nice cup of Coffee-grigus would do the trick. (Rest assured, no Pokémon have been harmed in the making of any of these delicious selections.) The Inner Courtyard The Inner Courtyard looks…well, different. All the plants seem to have been temporarily removed from this area (as evident by the dozens if not hundreds of potted plants along the outside), and it’s quickly obvious as to why. A haunted house has been set up inside of the courtyard, the temporary walls obscuring the horrors that lie within. The door to enter is slightly ajar, and you hear strange and eerie noises inside. Was that howl from a person, or from a Pokémon? And what about that clanking, shuffling sound? The hairs on the back of your neck begin to stand up. Dare you enter? Fright and fun both await you. Feel free to make up what terrifying attractions are inside the haunted house. At the end, an attendant will present you with a photograph of you and your friends inside the haunted house. Ahhh, treasured memories. The Library It looks like the books were removed from the library with the departure of Sordward and Shieldbert. Perhaps they couldn’t be without their personal collection. Nevertheless, it seems that someone else has taken an interest in this room. A woman with frazzled, gray hair and gigantic spectacles stands near the entrance, a slightly unhinged grin on her face as she welcomes you inside. You see, her name is Dr. Espa–she’s a paranormal investigator, and she needs your help to study ghosts! No, no, not Ghost Pokémon–she wants to track down Bill’s great-great-great-uncle, and any other ghosts that live within these halls! The doctor–if she can even be called that–has a wide variety of pseudo-scientific equipment on hand, including spirit boxes, dot projectors, EMF readers, temperature gauges, and more. Your task, should you choose to accept it, is to wander into the deepest, most haunted sections of the castle and report back to her on whatever you find! If you weren’t already motivated by the pursuit of knowledge, she’ll also offer you a reward of 2000P for any evidence that you find. She’ll…accept any evidence, really. Is she a staff member, or just a regular woman with a keen enthusiasm for ghosts? It’s hard to tell. Riegfried and Soy certainly don’t know who she is. The Tower Not all of the towers have undergone restoration, but the grandest, largest of them has. It will take some real stamina to climb all these stairs, but if they do, characters will be rewarded with a stunning sight. From the tower’s high vantage point, it seems the entire Kanto region is on display in the incredible view. The ocean stretches out along the horizon, but closer to home, characters will be able to behold wild forests and cliffs, the green lush routes of Cerulean Cape itself and millions and millions of stars twinkling up overhead. The Rocky Beach The main attraction outside of the castle is a small stretch of rocky shoreline accessible just outside the main courtyard and down a surprisingly sturdy set of stone stairs. It looks like a group of people have set up a nice, warm bonfire on what little strip of sand they can find--perfect to stave away the chilly waterfront breeze. Why don’t you help yourself to a cup of warm cider and sit by the fire for a bit? If you’re done making your clothes smell like smoke, you could also comb the beach for interesting trinkets. Shells, whole or broken, peek out between smooth pebbles and the rare piece of sea glass, and at low tide clumps of seaweed lay draped over the craggy outcroppings. Nothing is stopping you from fishing or poking around in the shallows for Pokemon, but you're more likely to find an interesting souvenir than a new friend... And all the rest... Beyond those sparkling rooms and done up corridors lies... the rest of the castle. The parts of the castle not quite done with their renovations are roped off, but nothing is stopping guests from exploring if they so wish - especially if they are interested in finding those rumored lost treasures or traps. While the rest of the castle shines, these parts of the castle feel almost haunted. Dust and derelict dominates the rooms, old broken furniture covered in dingy white sheets and creaking doors adding to the atmosphere. Did the eyes of that painting just move? Why is there a weird draft coming from that wall? What was that strange ominous creak coming from behind you? Are there any dungeons? Wait, did you just hear someone crying in a far off room? Jeez, no wonder they say this place is haunted.

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AVAILABLE POKEMON Naturally, this wouldn't be a Pokemon Prom without some Pokemon to catch! All catchable Pokemon range between the levels of 10 to 30. The Pokemon in the castle mostly haunt the unfinished section, but feel free to have the occasional encounter in the renovated sections too! Castle Impidimp; Gastly; Haunter; Litwick; Lampent; Duskull; Shuppet; Sinistea; Misdreavus; Yamask; Dreepy; Honedge; Doublade**; Dusclops**; Mimikyu**; Polteageist***; Gengar***; Courtyard Venonat; Venomoth; Drifloon; Phantump; Pumpkaboo; Murkrow; Rookidee; Zubat; Hoothoot; Woobat*; Noibat*; Rocky Shore Galarian Corsola; Binacle; Staryu; Wimpod; Frillish; Krabby; Relicanth*; Wimpod*; Kingler**; Jellicent**; Slowking***;

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TRICK OR TREAT! Near the entrance of the castle is an old man dressed in dark, heavy wool clothes with a mysterious gleam in his eyes. He holds an oil lamp in his hand, waiting for those to approach. If you get close enough to speak to him, he’ll ask you a question. ”Halloween’s not over ‘til you’ve got yourself a good haul of candy. How do you feel about a little bit of…trick or treat?” He’ll regale you with an old tale about the castle grounds. You see, the castle was built by a relative of Bill (you know, the Pokemon storage system inventor?), but no one has lived in it for years and years because it is haunted. Though previously only haunted by the ghost of Bill’s great-great-great-uncle, the recent human activity in the area has caused droves of Ghost and Dark-type Pokémon to flock towards the area and take advantage of this newfound source of fun. Those who attended Prom 2020 would remember that trainers were allowed to search for hidden treasures among the secret passages and strange traps. This year, however, the search will be a…little different! Instead of trying to find treasures, your characters will be exploring the labyrinthian hallways and secret passages to find tricks…or treats. Feel free to explore those abandoned halls and ruins for these supposed long-lost treasures. Better check for hidden rooms and passages behind old bookcases, trap doors covered by thick dust-riddled carpets, and perhaps even a hidden vault or two in the castle basements. Players are free to go absolutely wild in coming up with secret passages and hidden secrets for their characters to find. Let us know in your comment where your character will be looking! As characters explore, they will have a 50/50 chance of encountering either tricks or treats! A character that rolls a treat will have a generally positive encounter with a Pokémon, who will likely lead you to great treasure and sweets! Conversely, a character that rolls a trick will probably be pranked by a Pokémon. Characters will not be able to catch the Pokémon they encounter, unfortunately–they’ve gotta scare the other guests, too! In both cases, characters will stumble upon a random assortment of sweets and ghost-related items, including but not limited to rare candies, Alcremie pastries, poffins, and other consumables! Characters may also find a rare, unique item that may be sold for about 5000-6000P or kept as a memento. In order to allow for an element of surprise, every character that wants to participate in trick or treating is allowed to comment once to a special RNG comment to find out exactly what they will encounter. Each treasure will consist of somewhere between two and four items, the exact number of which will be left up to chance. For any questions, please refer back to the previous OOC post.

Comments

Hermione | OTA

[logical_lioness]

The Outer Courtyard

[Hermione is laughing as she flicks back her damp hair from yet another attempt at Applin bobbing. Is it your turn? Feel free to nudge her out of the way or make a comment at her bedraggled appearance.]


The Stables

[Hermione has just climbed up onto the Haunted Hayride cart - it can't be that bad, since she's lived with ghosts at Hogwarts. She winces as she sits down on the hay.]

It's not exactly the most comfy of rides, is it?


The Rocky Beach

[It's been a long day, and Hermione is spending the last of the evening sitting on the beach by the bonfire, bare toes digging into the sand and hands wrapped around a warm mug of cider. She's gazing up at the stars, with Cheton, her Skitty, curled up in her lap purring loudly.]


Wildcard

[Hit me up if there's anything specific you'd like to do with Hermione!]

Outer Courtyard

[crystalmaster]

[Radley has been playing the carnival games and chuckles good-naturedly to see Hermione.]

Having fun?

[His Eevees warble. Evie goes on two legs to peek inside. It looks fun to play!]

[logical_lioness]

[Hermione accidentally splashes Radley's legs as she whips her hair around in surprise at his voice.]

Whoops, I'm so sorry about that Radley!

[She gives him a wide grin.]

Yes, actually I am. You? I don't know if I've ever gone apple bobbing before, and certainly never Applin bobbing. Except I'm afraid I'll accidentally bite one too hard trying to get it out!

[She noticed Evie examining the barrel.]

Watch they don't spray you in the face, Evie. They seem to enjoy that!

[crystalmaster]

[He waves a hand dismissively.≤]

Eh, it's okay. Just a little water!

[He winces a bit at picturing biting too hard, especially as he's worried in the past about hurting Applins.]

Yeah, I think I'll pass on that. I'm more into the carnival games myself. I get a kick out of getting past their rigged set-ups.

[Evie still looks curious and tilts her head. "Vee?"

Radley lifts her down, petting her as he does.]

[logical_lioness]

[Hermione pats her face dry with one of the cloths next to the Applin bobbing game as Radley talks.]

Oh? You know how to get past them? I'd love for you to show me how - I don't really play those kinds of games as I know they're a complete rip-off. I'd love to know how to beat them if only to teach those kinds of vendors a lesson.

[She glances back at the Applin bobbing game and lets out a laugh.]

As amusing as it is, I don't think I'm succeeding in this particular game, but that's okay - this one was more to have fun rather than win anything.

[crystalmaster]

[Radley smirks.]

Sure, I'd be glad to!

[He only goes after ones that have prizes he actually wants, but he still does it partially to show the vendors up.]

I wonder if anyone succeeds at Applin Bobbing.

[Isla peeks in now and reaches in a paw to splash around. Radley has to laugh.]

Isla ...

[He moves to lift her up with his other arm.]

[logical_lioness]

[Hermione grins at the antics of Radley's Eevees. They're all so dang cute, even as the Applin are bobbing away from the splashing Isla.]

Probably only if an Applin wants to be caught, I'm betting.

Which games are the easiest to beat despite the obvious manipulations of game mechanics?

[Hermione only really knows of the problems, rather than the solutions - she's heard about anything involving a gun having a bent barrel, the ladder climb one being almost impossible due to the need to maintain a centre of gravity at all times with only 2 points of stability, and baskets and so on being too small for the balls that you have to throw at them.]

[crystalmaster]

["Eeveeee!" Isla chirps.]

In that case, it doesn't look like they do.

[He ponders, looking at the available games.]

I've figured out just how to throw the balls so the bottles will fall over. And how to throw the weighted sacks so they'll go through their holes. I'm also pretty good at darts. Once you figure out the tricks, they're pretty easy.

[logical_lioness]

[Hermione pulls out a notebook and pen - something she always carries, and starts jotting down notes.]

So, what's the trick to each of them then? Is it a particular way that you have to throw it? A particular place you aim for? I assume a lot of it is to do with physics and trajectory?

[crystalmaster]

It sure does. I think the best way to tell you is to show you.

[He smirks and leads her to the bottle booth.]

Now, the way I throw the ball is like this.

[He demonstrates pose and grip and how he will throw it, and then throws it for real. The bottles fall.]

Stables

[phoenixwiz]

(Harry walks into the stables just as when Hermione is remarking on the hayride cart. After exploring the basement and getting his face smacked against a brick wall from chasing a Misdreavous, he is not entirely sure of what to expect with Ghost types at the contest right now. Violet and Rowan are currently accompanying him as well.)

Hey, um, Hermione, are you going to ride on that cart as well? Rowan has been begging me that I should try it as well.

[logical_lioness]

[Hermione gives Harry a strange look.]

Of course Harry, why wouldn't I? Don't tell me you're scared? It's the same as riding the carriages at school...although perhaps not quite as comfortable. And trust me, I've had plenty of experiences with ghost pokemon.

[A tiny Sinistea peeks out from behind a hay bale. Apparently, after meeting Hermione in the secret tea party room earlier, the Sinistea had taken a liking to Hermione and decided to follow her around for the rest of the night. Meanwhile, her Mismagius Umbra is somewhere nearby, probably trying to recruit more ghost pokemon into Hermione's party.

[Hermione frowns as she notices the red marks and bruising on Harry's face.]

Harry, what happened to your face?

[phoenixwiz]

Deci, Decidueye.

(Rowan can see the Sinistea and Umbra is taking notice of him while Violet is understandably staying him behind, worrying that her newfound weakness against anything Ghost type can get her in trouble.)

Oh no, I’m not that scared to take on carriage rides. I mean, I was able to evolve Rowan just in time for Halloween.

(Then Harry could hear her remarking how badly injured he got in the face from his run in with the Misdreavous and the brick wall. Yeah, tonight isn’t exactly looking up to be a great night for his nose/face and there is no hiding it.)

Um, the bruising on my nose? I accidentally hit my nose against a brick wall while chasing a Misdreavous earlier in the basement. And I honestly thought that Peeves’ pranks back at home were that bad.

The Stables

[outofsynth]

[Min-Gi's expression had not been dissimilar when he'd taken his seat a few moments before. He'd thought that maybe this would be a nice way to take in the sights in comfort, but he's already realising that might not be the case.]

Not exactly. I always thought hay would be soft.

[logical_lioness]

Same! I mean, the way that books and movies always depict it, it's like sitting on wool or something.

They never mention the fact that it's dry and crunchy and sticks into you.

[Hermione blinks, realising she's being very rude.]

I'm so sorry, I haven't introduced myself - I'm Hermione Granger.

[outofsynth]

This is nothing like sitting on wool...

[He's so distracted by trying to get semi-comfortable that it takes Hermione introducing herself to make him realise he hasn't. He blinks, embarrassed by the oversight, but extends a hand.]

No, no. Don't be sorry. I didn't think. Min-Gi Park.