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The Indigo League ([personal profile] indigo_league) wrote in [community profile] victory_road2022-10-28 09:52 am

THE CONTEST SPOOKTACULAR!

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.






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***;






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.
nevercaught: (iconoclast)

Jarlaxle Baenre | OTA

[personal profile] nevercaught 2022-11-03 05:22 pm (UTC)(link)
Ballroom

Jarlaxle is being slightly lazy and reusing his demon devil costume from work, but in his defense, he needed to come up with a credible Matron Mother’s robes for his contest entry in time for the festivities and something had to give. If Kimmuriel had been interested in most of his matching costume suggestions, perhaps he would have tried an original costume for the festivities regardless… but the only one Jarlaxle’s co-leader had even found acceptable was his rueful declaration that if that was how Kimmuriel would be, he might as well just reuse his work outfit and make Kimmuriel a properly furry demon costume to match.

(Still. He did find it a bit amusing that he was dressed as a fiend of order, while orderly Kimmuriel was dressed as a fiend of chaos.)

Although his partner is something of a wallflower, Jarlaxle is much too sociable for that. He scans the crowd to see people he knows or recognizes, so that he can go over and congratulate them on their own costumes—though if a particular costume tickles his fancy, he might go over to compliment them regardless as to if he knows them.

“Ah! You look wonderful, my friend!”

The Library

Jarlaxle nods along to Dr Espa’s explanation of what she’s looking for and the equipment involved. He is not sure why so much equipment is needed—in his experience, ghosts and spectres just tend to show up fully manifested whenever possible and he is very experienced, given that Bregan D’aerthe’s base in the ruins of Illusk is quite definitely haunted. Still, this is another plane of existence than his and maybe their spirits behave differently. The important thing is that he ought to be able to make some money from this.

Even so, he’s liable to bring it up with anyone else looking alongside him.

“Do you think the spirits here are shy?” he asks, curiously.

The Tower

It had been a slog and Jarlaxle knees weren’t quite as forgiving as they’d been in his prime—especially now that he was stuck in this human’s body instead of a proper elf’s—but in the end, he thinks, the view makes it worth it.

“Beautiful,” he says under his breath. “Simply beautiful.” Then he glances at whoever's standing next to him.

“Do you not agree?”
desirestruth: (And fell into Hell)

Ballroom

[personal profile] desirestruth 2022-11-03 08:58 pm (UTC)(link)
Well, she had a few...questions...about that particular performance. About Vierna's, too, though she hasn't yet connected that they are part of the Drow Contest Cinematic Universe. Still, she had been out this far on the floor to steal more sweets when he approaches, and the mask she's wearing does well to hide she was startled by not hearing him coming.

She misses her real ears so much.

Still, she turns at his words, even glances down at her own costume, a hastily put together excuse to wear a fancy dress, and manages a polite smile, faint as it is. She's practiced emoting! She's doing it! She is...not going to remark on his work costume because that would be rude!

"...Oh! That's quite kind of you, sir."
nevercaught: (conversational)

Re: Ballroom

[personal profile] nevercaught 2022-11-04 06:14 am (UTC)(link)
It's a very flattering and well put together work costume, for all that it's clearly a 'sexy' demon devil from a burlesque show.

"I especially like the mask," he comments. "The gold detailing is most charming! And your magical creatures were charming as well during your skit. I enjoyed watching it."
desirestruth: (If I knew I wasn't loved)

[personal profile] desirestruth 2022-11-04 01:15 pm (UTC)(link)
But sir, she can see your ankles, that is lewd?

Naeva does pause, reaching up to tap her finger to the mask, measured and contemplative.

"It is a funerary mask...as this is a festival which honors the dead, I found it appropriate. And the ghosts here have agreed, thus far."

At 'magical creatures', though, Remy has made himself known. Jarlaxle has gone a whole ten seconds without appreciating this tiny Riolu and his magnificent cape, and Remy will not abide by it! ...At least, this is what we must imagine those imperious yips meant.

"...He appreciates the compliment." Did Naeva snerk? No, of course not, must have been a chair pulled out. "I found your performance...fascinating, if somewhat...ah, concerning? That did seem to be the aim..."
nevercaught: (self-assured)

[personal profile] nevercaught 2022-11-08 10:45 pm (UTC)(link)

Jarlaxle smiles broadly. "It was meant to be horrific on multiple levels. Initially, just because a seemingly helpless creature that cannot be killed and will retaliate with force unexpectedly is most disquieting—and it is also my hope that the viewer is similarly disquieted by the traditional sacrifice of the thirdboy once they recall that my performance was based on a true story."

Edited 2022-11-08 22:46 (UTC)
desirestruth: (And fell into Hell)

[personal profile] desirestruth 2022-11-08 10:48 pm (UTC)(link)
"...I beg your pardon, but did you just say infanticide is traditional?"

She has some concerns, Jarlaxle.
nevercaught: (obnoxious)

[personal profile] nevercaught 2022-11-08 10:59 pm (UTC)(link)
"Only in the noble houses and only by the Matron Mothers," Jarlaxle says, "but yes, unfortunately so."

He has no business speaking of these things so casually but here we are.
desirestruth: (Have you forgiven me?)

[personal profile] desirestruth 2022-11-08 11:03 pm (UTC)(link)
"Funny to call them Mothers if they're doing such a thing."

She may have...growled, just a little bit, but manages to pull it back together.

"...A true story, you said. What became of the child?"
nevercaught: (self-assured)

The specific location of where his wet nurse raised him is headcanon but the lake is CANON

[personal profile] nevercaught 2022-11-08 11:19 pm (UTC)(link)
He sketches an elaborate bow. "You see him before you. With Lolth's price paid through the untimely death of my brother, my mother ceased her attempts to sacrifice me. Alas, my death had already been announced, which meant she needed to save face. She instead wrapped me in my swaddling clothes turned shroud and cast me into Lake Donigarten, as she would have if it had succeeded—but my wet nurse was waiting at the side and she fished me out and took me to be raised in the shadows of the great house, at the silkweaver priory within the house compound."
Edited 2022-11-08 23:20 (UTC)
desirestruth: (Where is my motherland?)

SCREECH WHY IS MENZO LIKE THIS

[personal profile] desirestruth 2022-11-08 11:25 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, no, there went Naeva's composure. She is actually stunned speechless for a second but her anger is coming seconds after, at a very sharp pitch.

"She threw you in the lake?!"

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nellacerniera: (due)

Ballroom

[personal profile] nellacerniera 2022-11-05 01:02 am (UTC)(link)
[Bucciarati smiles a bit, adjusting the cape of his costume slightly.]

Thank you. I thought this would be a good pick, and one of my friends did a spectacular job with the makeup.

[He tilts his head.]

Your contest entry was an interesting one. That was really based on a true story?
nevercaught: (explaining)

Re: Ballroom

[personal profile] nevercaught 2022-11-08 10:57 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh yes. My own, in fact.

[He smiles, though it doesn't quite reach his visible eye.]

I was the title role, you see. Of course I had to trim down the cast list to three, so I couldn't include Kimmuriel's own mother as a witness to the sacrifice—from what I understand, it was her powers and that shielded me from my untimely fate.

Ah, Kimmuriel is my partner. We run a mercenary company together back home. [He points over to a shorter man, just as dark, with white hair drawn in up into a ponytail, who seems intent of fading into the wall.]
nellacerniera: (tre)

[personal profile] nellacerniera 2022-11-09 12:09 am (UTC)(link)
... Ah, I see. My apologies.

[Between that contest entry and the conversation Bucciarati had earlier with Vierna, Bucciarati has... concerns.

(Namely, "what the fuck is wrong with that world?")

... It is not a concern he's voicing for the time being.]


Ah, so you're fortunate to have people from your world here as well? I'm glad to hear it.
nevercaught: (curious)

[personal profile] nevercaught 2022-11-09 12:47 am (UTC)(link)
Yes, indeed. Kimmuriel and also Vierna Do'Urden, who also entered the contest. She is the daughter of my old friend Zaknafein and I am very pleased to see the life she has made for herself here.

And you? Who do you have from your world?
nellacerniera: (due)

[personal profile] nellacerniera 2022-11-17 10:50 pm (UTC)(link)
Narancia Ghirga--he entered the contest too--and Leone Abbacchio.

[He points to a man with long silver hair with a low effort black cat costume.

(Though with on-point makeup.)]


The three of us worked together back home, and I'm glad to have them here.
nevercaught: (conversational)

[personal profile] nevercaught 2022-11-25 03:11 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, splendid! Vierna has also worked for me under an alias for a time--her elder brother Dinin was a very fine lieutenant in the company until we lost him.

[He peers at Abbacchio.]

His cosmetics are very well-done.
nellacerniera: (undici)

don't feel like you have to reply to this, sorry for letting it sit so long!

[personal profile] nellacerniera 2023-01-12 04:42 am (UTC)(link)
Aren't they? He's very skilled with them.

[If this wasn't Bucciarati, he'd be beaming.]

He did mine for the evening as well.
psionicmolotov: (14)

library

[personal profile] psionicmolotov 2022-11-08 11:18 am (UTC)(link)
"Or they may simply not exist. Or are not detectable by whatever these devices are." He waves his chosen piece of equipment around dismissively, the expression on his face clearly indicating that all this is rather unremarkable to him. "It all seems a matter of guesswork, as far as this human can explain such."
nevercaught: (smirk)

Re: library

[personal profile] nevercaught 2022-11-08 11:02 pm (UTC)(link)

"A pity," Jarlaxle says with a theatrical sigh. "How are we to earn our pay with no guarantee of evidence?"

He favors Kimmuriel with a knowing look. Are you thinking what he is thinking?

bloodyroses: (Default)

Re: contest

[personal profile] bloodyroses 2022-11-09 03:52 am (UTC)(link)
Welp. Cordy is just going to blink for a second. She has a lot of questions, but knowing Jarlaxle, she's not sure if she can ask them without raising further questions.

So she's just going to... Slow clap.
nevercaught: (beaming)

Re: contest

[personal profile] nevercaught 2022-11-09 04:02 am (UTC)(link)
Afterwards, when he is back in the audience, Jarlaxle gives a little wave to Cordy.

"Did you enjoy our performances?" he asks under his breath, coming over towards her.
bloodyroses: (and humans live throughout the galaxy)

Re: contest

[personal profile] bloodyroses 2022-11-09 04:08 am (UTC)(link)
"I gotta say, there is... Very little I understand about drow culture, so it was enlightening at least?"

She doesn't quite know what to make of it, really. But this is definitely something she can say in all honesty.
nevercaught: (self-assured)

Re: contest

[personal profile] nevercaught 2022-11-09 04:23 am (UTC)(link)
"I thought since the theme of the holiday is one of horror that I should do my entry on something that would be horrific on multiple levels," Jarlaxle says blithely. "What of Vierna's? I thought her conceit with the puppet and mask for Selvetarm was most ingenious."
bloodyroses: (It's 3400 A.D.)

Re: contest

[personal profile] bloodyroses 2022-11-09 04:35 am (UTC)(link)
"Oh, it was..."

There's a slight blush, one that belies the fact that she's not really used to blood pumping in her veins, but it's there all the same.

"It was. Pretty cool. Honestly she's really talented..."
nevercaught: (conversational)

hello references to my own dragon heist campaign

[personal profile] nevercaught 2022-11-09 05:08 am (UTC)(link)
"She is!" Jarlaxle agrees. "One of my lieutenants was raised in the cult of Selvetarm as Lolth's champion. I think that he would appreciate her entry very much."