Introducing the JKBA!

[indigo_league]

As promised in the mysterious invitation, on March the First, every breeder (and potential guests) interested in attending, will be met by a flying taxi -- not a standard UBIRD this time, but instead a stately fleet of Corviknights, each carrying a small carriage. There is no further explanation inside the carriages or by the silent drivers of each carriage (no matter how much your character might try!). Instead, all you can do is take a flight of fate.


-*-


The Corviknight taxis will carry your character to Kanto, to an area on the outskirts of Viridian City, where one can find several large and old mansions. Your characters will be brought to the garden of the largest of these mansions, where a small fleet of uniformed servants and their Indeedee are waiting to lead you inside to a large, ornate tea room.

Listen, some of your may have attended the prom hosted by Riegfried and Soy. If you did, then you'll have been surrounded by wealth once. The wealth on display here though is different; where Riegfried and Soy's wealth is new, almost playful, this is Old Wealth. Its stately mansions and hereditary titles and extremely fancy little finger sandwiches served on even fancier little plates.

Frankly, unless you are already used to this sort of thing, it's somewhat uncomfortable.


-*-


Waiting, as your characters are lead into the tea room and onto old, expensive chairs, is an old man and a young woman. A regal Nineties sits at his side, while an adorable little Alolan Vulpix rests on a silk pillow besides her. Both are dressed to the nines, though the man's clothing is far more stuffy than that of his companion. His expression too lacks her warm and open excitement; instead he regards everybody with a stiff expression that best can be described as 'Oh, must we?'. You get the sense that the only reason he is not rolling his eyes at all of this is because he was brought up better.

It's his female companion who takes command of the situation though, clapping her (finely gloved) hands together to call for everybody's attention.


"Welcome all. Thank you for responding to mine and my uncle's--"


( "My uncle and mine's, do speak properly, Honoria." comes the sotto voce interjection, though this Honoria cheerfully ignores it)


"-- invitation. I'm certain you are all familiar with our fine work--" At the undoubtedly confused faces, she looks a tiny bit crestfallen. "No? Oh heavens. Then please allow me to introduce ourselves! I'm Honoria Ameliá Hornsbury, and this is my uncle Reginald Archibald Hornsbury the Third. We are the present chairs of the Johtonian-Kantonian Breeders Association. The JKBA has a long history of uniting the best breeders in our combined regions under a single banner."


"Rightly so!" Reginald takes over, his hands folded on the head of his cane, and his expression can only be described as 'resting patronising'. "Ours are not common breeders. The pokemon produced by the JKBA are the finest and most skilled pokemon around. For generations we've strived to better ourselves and our pokemon; to create pedigrees any trainer could be proud to own! Not that I'm sure many of you here would understand the importance of such a thing."


Honoria swiftly cuts in again. "Uncle, you promised to be nice!" And then back to the crowd with a big, bright smile. "Yes, the JKBA has always strived to be a gathering of only the best of the best. Up until now, membership of the JKBA was not open to, ah, individuals like yourself. But I believe it is time for a change! And my uncle has agreed to agree with me. So, as of this moment, JKBA applications are open to you far-flung travellers from beyond the stars! On your tables, you'll find more information about our darling Association for you to peruse and consider." And yep, there it is -- fancy little booklets silently and swiftly supplied by the waiting staff. "I, for one, would certainly love to see you among our number."

Comments

[soupguy]

OTA prompts
1. Discomfort
[This stuffy, fancy, formal stuff? It's wildly un-Fraggle-y, and even though Boober isn't exactly the textbook definition of Fraggle-y himself... He feels so out of place, even in his nicest sweater, and it's just uncomfortable.

The biggest problem is how scared he is of accidentally breaking something! He is trying so hard not to bump into objects that he keeps bumping into people.]

Oh, sorry, I... [He fiddles with a pin on his scarf.] Gosh, it's hard to move around in here, huh?

2. Sandwiches
[The one not-awful thing about this is the food. It's pretentious, yes, but it is also tasty! The sandwiches are tiny, too... Very charming. He's very partial to the ones with a cucumber and seasoned cream cheese filling, but can't quite place what that seasoning is. ...Which means one find Boober with a tea sandwich, meticulously picking it apart. He is deeply focused on this task.]

Closed to Riz
[Okay, sandwich diversion aside, there comes a point where enough is enough. Boober tracks down Riz and just grabs for one of his best friend's hands with both of his own.]

Riz, this place is too-- [He doesn't even have the word, so he just makes a whining sound.]

[nightyorb]

[The moment Boober had declared (well, not exactly declared, more anxiously hemmed in a vaguely positive manner) he'd be going to this... this thing, Riz had also decided to go. There had been next to no information on the card. It could be a trap. Or a conspiracy.

Worse yet, a multi-level-marketing scheme.

Boober was his Best Friend (official). He had to keep him safe.

Of course, then it had turned out to be exactly what it had said on the overly fancy tin -- some sort of Pokemon Breeder organisation and now Riz was trapped in the worse place imaginable: some fancy rich place, with tiny food that served no other purpose than to show off how rich you were. It truly was the Swan's Little Parade all over again.

When Boober grabs his hand, and lets out a dying croak, Riz just nods in understanding.]

It's the worse. If you see anyone coming towards you with a brush, you run, okay?

1

[desirestruth]

It's okay.

[Naeva, naturally, is completely at ease here. She is a queen. Her husband's an emperor. Their palace is fancier than this. But she's not unsympathetic to Boober's discomfort--so she'll hold a hand out for him.]

Do you want to stay near me?

1

[singlespacedad]

[This place isn't Mando's scene either. He's dressed nicely--a dark purple suit jacket and tie over his armour, with some strategically placed glitter and some other glitter that looks like it got brushed off on him, how strange--but the helmet doesn't exactly blend in with all the rich people. He can't eat the food, and he gets the sense he'd be booted out if he used his straw for enjoying the booze.]

[Oh, well. He's here to support Shadowmaru and keep an eye on the kids. There have been far, far worse side quests missions.]

[As expected, it looks like the atmosphere is getting to Boober. Mando quietly excuses himself from Shadowmaru and makes his way over. Once he's there, he stands next to Boober and drops a hand on his shoulder.]

Too many people?

[Don't worry, kiddo, your scary Mandalorian bodyguard is here.]

B

[nastyboy]

Boober!

[Dimitri felt a few emotions, when he first found a certain little Abra in his inbox one day... and that is why he is glad to see Boober in person, already trotting up to him with his own lady Indeedee in tow, although she makes her quick movements somehow look completely natural and effortless.]

[Honestly, Dimitri is fairly certain that Boober has been here a while, but, well.... The mun lost track of everything Things happened.]

[Dimitri is about to greet him properly when.... ah.]

I see the food has captured your attention?

[zukeini]

You're telling me. But hey, you're fine Boober. You don't have to worry about us here.

[He was barely fancy himself. In his generously modest suit and tie.]

This is just too much for me, personally. I feel like we're all sitting ducks in a pool of swans.

Sandwiches

[looneylovegood]

[Eventually, if Boober ever picks his head up, he might notice he's been watched by a very curious and probably pretty hungry Diggersby. Well, he wasn't hungry, per se. But he did like cucumber, gosh darn it, and that sandwich smelled a lot like cucumber from here. The 'mon's nose twitched as he sniffed again. Yup. That was cucumber alright. He moved a little closer. After all, if the person wasn't going to eat it, someone had to, right?]

[desirestruth]

[A. You may address me as the Sandwich Queen.

Naeva is realizing very quickly she may be one of the few outsiders absolutely at ease with this display of wealth. In fact, after Reginald's performance, she's inclined to be snobbish about it, but currently she is refraining since, well, Honoria seems nicer and she does find the breeding association information quite fascinating. And quite fortuitous, actually. She has brought Remy with her, naturally, but also with her is an Umbreon--Luca, newly evolved, wanted to come with. Both pokemon are wearing dashing bowties.

Right now, she is negotiating with the Umbreon about his sandwich etiquette, which means he has broken away to go harass other outsiders for less strict sandwich rules. He is starving. He's never once been fed in his life. Give him your sandwich.

B. Egg SOS

At some point Naeva has slipped out the door to talk to one of the Corviknight taxis--wait, no. That is her Corviknight, who she seems to be asking to go and get her something? She has given him an egg-sized bag...

Jacob is full of anxiety about a Task and also the bigger, more Impressive Corviknights who have Regular Jobs. The negotiations are taking some work out here.]

[schachmeister]

[When he had received the invitation, Armin had been filled with plenty of curiosity. He's been here for years, but he had never heard about this Association.

Plus, considering everything, it's probably good for him to get away from-- to just get away for a little bit. See some fresh sights. Breathe in some different air.

So, Armin is here, listening politely to the whole speech when something lays two little paws on his thigh. And looking down, he beholds the most starving, most near death Umbreon he has ever beheld.

Or. Well. That is what he'd believe if he hadn't seen Adorababy pull this exact thing every day.]

Oh hello.

A

[nastyboy]

[Honestly, the little sandwiches do nothing for Dimitri. They tend not to, when he is a man lacking a sense of taste, and things as small and inoffensive as these tend to lack any particularly interesting taste as well. So really, he's just been eating enough to show good manners, or handing them to his own Pokemon.]

[So when the little Umbreon slips on over to him, Dimitri glances down with a bit more interest than otherwise - he's also used to such old wealth nonsense but that doesn't mean he likes it. Any distraction is a good one.]

Hello, little one. How can I help you, then?

B

[sonrise]

[Varian was invited to come along with Hunter here, not so much interested as feeling he didn't want Hunter to have to go alone, in case it was boring or awkward. Social events can be hard!

He doesn't notice Naeva in attendance until he sees her stepping outside, and he decides to go out after her-- Just in case something's wrong. What he sees is more confusing than concerning, though...]

Hey! Naeva, is everything alright?

OTA

[sassymaru]

[Waiting around is excruciating. Half of Shadowmaru expects this to be a terrible trap. Which is precisely why he has his Whirlipede along with him - albeit secured in its ball. The angry bug would make a terrible scene otherwise. His Growlithe flank him as usual - one Kanto, one Hisui. On his shoulder is his Sensu Oricorio, looking as prim and proper as the household.]

[And Shadowmaru himself - dressed up to the nines. Though he'd replaced the dress portion with flowing pants, the cape and gold decor stayed. Hair perfectly in place, as usual... and feeling like he's wasting the effort to simply pace around in a waiting room.]

If this is some sort of trick, they are taking too long to spring it. The longer we wait, the less tractable we are.

[Buddy maybe you should sit down and have a tiny sandwich you'll feel better.]

[singlespacedad]

[Mando didn't bring Spicy. She wanted to come, but is still too under-levelled to be useful if hell breaks loose. Instead, Mando has Mudhorn and Razor in their balls, and Noodle was in her ball, until she realised Shadowmaru was here and looking fashionable and decided it was time to be a living scarf. Mando wrestled her away--she looks lovely as a scarf, but she'd mess up his hair--and now she's curling around Mando's shoulders and eyeing Shadowmaru, getting ready to make another attempt at Fashion.]

[Mando's outfit is much simpler. It's what he wore to last year's prom, his dark purple suit coat and tie (over the armour, naturally), although there is a suspiciously higher amount of glitter on it than last year. Like Shadowmaru, he's waiting for the other shoe to drop and on edge.]

Whatever it is, we can handle it.

[He nudges Shadowmaru with his shoulder.]

Between a Mandalorian and a ninja, we can take whatever they've got.

[nastyboy]

[Dimitri is similarly dressed - although only partially because he thinks this could be a trap. Partially, he understands the kind of old money nonsense that is expected here and, fortunately, he is someone that knows exactly how to deal with that.]

[....He also has limits to his ability to give a damn, however, on account of hating that sort of thing despite being raised in it, so he's just recycling his outfit from last year's prom, with the airships. Honestly, it didn't need much adjusting. Suits are suits are fantastic with a fur cape draped over them.]

[There's also a lady Indeedee at his side - Silkie, who radiates enough condescension and superiority that even some of the other Indeedee plentiful throughout the place seem to be giving her a bit of a birth sometimes.]

[At Shadowmaru's commentary, Dimitri hums.]

Oh, I do not believe it is a trap, coming here now. The arrogance is rather genuine.

[looneylovegood]

Do you really think that it's a trap?

[Luna was quite happy to enjoy some tiny sandwiches, and she was sharing some of the cucumber ones with her Diggersby.]

[instrumentally]

[Rei has never been somewhere like this before. Surrounded by ornate decorations, ornaments, small sandwiches. An invitation to join is offered. She is not certain if she should accept. What joining would mean. Would she become like this, too?

So she leaves the meeting, booklet in hand, to explore the gardens that surround the mansions. The first buds of spring dot the branches of the trees. It is quieter here. It makes it easier to think.]

Have you heard of such an organization before? [She asks, to anyone who may come across her.]

[schachmeister]

Can't say that I have. And I've been here for several years.

[Armin doesn't really know what to think. It doesn't really feel like his scene. Technically, he is a breeder, yes. But what he is trying to do with his Lapras project and what these people are trying to do seems like it is truly so far apart.

Then again... could this be a way of getting new blood into his pod?]

What do you think? Have you made up your mind about joining yet?

[nastyboy]

[Honestly, Dimitri has definitely encouraged most of his friends and lovers who aren't used to growing up in old wealth places - so, you know, all of them right now - to take a step out into the gardens as well. The gardens, of course, are as impeccably styled and expensive as the rest of the place... but in a manner that is slightly easier to swallow.]

[That means him being out here too, sometimes, and Dimitri of course approaches a familiar face.]

I personally have not... and yet I am not surprised. Not only am I a trainer and no breeder, but things such as this tend to be fairly insular. Those involved believe it elevates them, gives them prestige.

Does it interest you?

[forsaintcecilia]

[While Kazuki was far better at handling social situations than Rei, he still didn't have much taste for formal gatherings, and eventually ended up in the garden as well. He hadn't been forced to be a part of that world ever since he arrived in the Pokemon universe, and had more or less forgotten all the decorum he'd occasionally, clumsily participated in.]

Not here in the Pokemon world, but back home, people would breed dogs and cats to look a certain way... Maybe it's kinda like that?

[tearsofademon]

No, but I can't say that's surprising.

[Ryner has been to this sort of old-money place before. They might not have the same sort of technology in Roland, but nobility is gonna nobility whatever the world.]

Assuming they've actually existed this whole time, it's only natural they'd only invite people they think are worth it.

[(Ryner's not jaded, why would Ryner be jaded.)]

[talkyourwayout]

Networking: OTA
[Louie is here for this, from the promise of securing an income to simply being in a place like this. In so many ways, this is his element! And the comfort is clear as he approaches his fellow breeders - or maybe their guests, he really can't be sure! But he's acting with confidence anyway. Connections are going to be key in this business venture, as in any, so it's time to make more.

The teen introduces himself to strangers at the party with his hand offered to shake and a sly smile, plus a whole lot of bravado... He's probably coming across more silly than anything else.] Well, hello there! Louie Duck, pleased to meet you.

[However, those Louie already knows at least pretty well will be greeted more earnestly. Well, a little more, he still wants to seem professional... He's just also fourteen. He approaches holding a teacup and saucer and trying not to giggle.] How cool is this? I didn't even want tea, but look at the porcelain!

Exploring: Closed to Rei
[Since this is a breeders' event, Louie isn't surprised to see Rei among the attendees - but he's definitely excited, all the same.]

Rei, hi...! [He's not trying to keep up appearances with her, he is positively beaming.] You wanna check this place out?

[instrumentally]

[She smiles. Strange, how something that was once so difficult has become so simple.]

Yes. [She is not particularly interested in the party.] We may find information that they have kept hidden from us.

[First things first: they must sneak away from the crowd.]

OTA

[woofdad]

Grant is, indeed, so, so uncomfortable. In a place like this, his presence feels like some kind of a mistake, like it's only a matter of time before someone realizes he isn't supposed to be here at all - and the general attitude of a certain one of their hosts really doesn't help. He sort of doubts there would be much point to his applying, either, but not making the effort to at least look like he's considering it would probably be rude in itself... ugh.

No doubt, his hesitation must show on his face as he pages cautiously - so cautiously - through the booklet, like he's as afraid of damaging it. Because he's afraid of damaging anything.

In a weird way, though, it all has him a little more willing to assume it's actually not a trap. They've met a baseline level of unpleasantness, here; he has to assume that if someone were setting a trap, they'd try at least a little harder to make it seem welcoming.

All the same, he's sure glad he didn't come alone.

"If there's an application process, I assume there's got to be something in here about their standards for acceptance... even if they're opening up the option of us applying, they've still got to be pretty stringent, right?"

[nastyboy]

In contrast, well, this is nothing strange to Dimitri. In some ways, it is even so familiar that it almost makes him nostalgic - not for any good reason, in his opinion, but simply because this place looks very much like the place he once called home. A place where he ran around with Felix and Ingrid and Sylvain, and where he could look upon his parents.

And then everyone died, and it became a pit of vipers, at least to the eyes of a child.

So, you know.

Like he said, no good reason.

If nothing else, however, it means he knows exactly how to act in such a place, and has made sure to get his finger formal outfit to wear in a way one might equip a shield to their arm. The elder man's patronizing gaze does nothing to him; he's seen far worse when he used to fiercely advocate for Duscur.

Still, he knows that he is not everyone, and so he ensures he stays close to Grant as though he were a bodyguard a shield of his own. When Grant finally starts to go through the pamphlet, Dimitri at last tears his gaze away from their hosts.

"Oh, I am confident you can pass them as though you were a wyvern going over mountains," Dimitri says, leaning close to kiss Grant's temple. "You have access to many of our own fine companions, such as Gremlin, and your skill is truly unmatched, Grant."

What do you mean Gremlin is a Rattata. What do you mean they don't think that would be impressive.

Frick you, his rat is amazing.

[shiningkindness]

A. Mingle, pre-announcement

[ Fluttershy hadn't realized how fancy could be until she steps into the mansion. She'd already had a feeling that she would feel out of place, just from seeing the outside of the mansion, but inside is even more grand and opulent than anything she could ever imagine.

It doesn't really feel all that welcoming, to be honest. As they wait for whatever they had been brought here for, she at least tries not to look as uncomfortable as she feels while nibbling a bit on one of the finger sandwiches. ]

B. Post-announcement

[ Many of the guests continue to linger after JKBA make their announcement, and Fluttershy can't help wandering around the mansion and out in the gardens a bit, deep in thought. The idea of joining an association is interesting. But anyone who happens to catch sight of her might notice she seems a little uncertain, lost in thought as she is. ]

B

[looneylovegood]

[Fluttershy wouldn't remain alone for long. In fact, a very happy looking ghost dog came wandering her way, curious about what she was doing out there alone. In fact, the Greavard, named Ralph, was going to ask her just that. After all, there was a party inside and lots of people to meet!]

Vard!

OTA

[zukeini]

[To say that Zuke was in discomfort was an understatement. He's been around wealthy people before, or people with a lot more privilege in general. But this felt outrageously much, and stuffy. Even if Zuke was dressed nice, he was in a very modest tan and black dress suit and a black tie. He still looked like such a commoner in the sea of diamonds. His blue and green dyed hair just made him stick out more and he just wanted to mingle with the crowd he knew. The other breeders. With as introverted as he was, despite him being a rock star and a breeder by trade...he just couldn't understand what was the point of such formality.

It was just Nadia joining him this time, as the rest proved to be overly uncomfortable. He let them all sit this out. She was humming and offering a sandwich to Zuke. He wasn't hungry, but he munched at it slowly as if to look like he was a part of this out of politeness. He would be seeking his loved ones out, like he knew Grant might be here. So Dimitri and other by extension. But other times, he would be wandering away from anything that looked valuable.]

So, uh, some party?

[forsaintcecilia]

I know, right?

[Kaz feels your pain, Zuke. He was so out of his depth at formal events like this. He was able to put together something to wear, but it really didn't feel genuine to him. It showed in the way he carried himself. He didn't know the proper conduct of wearing a suit like this, and he ended up looking coltish for it. And he knew it. It was pretty embarrassing.]

Whenever I have to wear black tie to perform, I feel like a total imposter.

OTA! will match format

[looneylovegood]

[Luna was just going to enjoy herself for as long as she was there. She might join, but she wasn't entirely sure, yet. But the party was nice, and it was fun to meet new people. She'd also brought out Ralph, her new Greavard, for the first time. Also with her was her Diggersby, Rocky. The two were quite social, though Rocky was in it more for the food than anything else. Despite his rotund shape, the large rabbit-like rock was determined to act like he was sooo hungry to get as many of those cucumber sandwiches as he could. Ralph, on the other hand, was a very happy ghost dog, and was just very excited to make your acquaintance. Look at him wiggle!

As for Luna, she could be found exploring various places around the mansion in the down time, chatting pleasantly about strange random things with others at the party, or just gazing at her surroundings while snacking on some of the food.]