Prom 2023 - Back to the Falls!

[indigo_league]

What’s this? There’s glitter in the air. What’s this? There’s dresses everywhere.

Oh right. It’s Prom time.



From the afternoon on, on Friday the 7th of April, your characters will all be arriving at Tohjo Falls via the transport arranged for by Lance. He did end up borrowing a few of those Corviknights from the JKBA, but there are also several of you who will find themselves flown to the Falls by one of Lance’s Dragonites or Charizards. Please give them a poffin if you are able, they are all very good boys and girls.


Your characters will be set down on a tiled driveway (more like flyway, Ha) in front of an impressive-looking villa. Those who have been here before might note that the villa has gotten a bit of a renovation and an update. Turns out that when Team Rocket kidnaps you and keeps you captive in your own home for several weeks while wrecking the house and digging Arceus knows how many basements beneath the house, you might be entitled to some compensation.

And from the looks of things, Lance and co used that compensation to turn their little vacation home back into something where they can relax in peace.

After you arrive, you’ll be greeted by Lance or one of the other Elite Four members, who will give you a quick run-down. You are free to explore the house and surrounding area at your leisure. Please respect their privacy and do not go into any of the locked rooms. You’ll find your accommodations behind the house, so feel free to head there and unpack. Oh, and, there will be a little announcement later, so if you could be in the dining room for that, that’d be stellar.

Well, off you go!




WELCOME (BACK) TO THE FALLS

THE SIGHTS The Villa As mentioned by Lance and Co, parts of the villa are off-limits to guests. Not to worry, there is nothing nefarious hiding there this time. It's just that those rooms are the Elite Four's private quarters, and they'd rather not have people go through their underwear drawers! Other areas that are off-limits include the kitchen, but this is just for practical reasons; wouldn't want to get in the way of the cooks preparing lunch and dinner. Still, even with these off-limits areas, there is still plenty to see. Library On the upper floor, there is a decently sized Library for anyone who needs a bit of peace and quiet. The books within are part of the Elite Four's personal book collections. There are a lot of books related to each members' preferred Pokemon type, as well as a very sizeable collection of books on Pokemon Battling, strategies and counter-strategies, in addition to a good number of autobiographies from famous (former) gym leaders and Elite Four members. Their books aren't all business though! There is also plenty of fiction available, as well as non-fiction related to the Elite Four's personal hobbies. The books are not marked, so it's hard to tell which book belongs to which E4 member, so have fun trying to figure out who added the books on glassblowing to the collection, and to who the knitting books belong to. Gallery Also on the top floor is a gallery that contains the many prizes each Elite Four member has won over the years, as well as some interesting artefacts they've found during their lives. Ever wanted to see Lance's first badges? Or perhaps Bruno's weightlifting trophies? And wow, looks like Will participated in some contests back in the day! Okay, those things probably aren't worth hours of visiting, but there is also a collection of photos of various legendary pokemon, as well as some items related to them, such as a feather that is said to have belonged to Ho-oh, a scale that was left behind after Groudon and Kougre fought and could it be true? One of Hoopa's hoops itself? Fascinating! Dining Room Obviously where characters can dine. Unfortunately, the dining room itself is not big enough to fit all characters at once, so they've also set up some tables outside among the tents, and people are asked to check back if there is no space. When not in use to have dinner in, the room is left open and available to anyone who'd like to use it. Ball Room Now that prom night is finally here, your characters may enter in what was previously forbidden. Yes, beyond these doors lay a mysterious land of, uh... tables and a dance floor. Listen, there is only so many ways you can describe a ballroom, okay! There is a central floor where people may dance if they so desire, and around that spot, plenty of tables and chairs have been set up for you to rest your tired dancing feet at. Though there is no big dinner served at prom, there are staff flitting around with refreshments and canapes and, fitting the style of the villa, tapas. There are, of course, also flutes of champagne and wine and other adult drinks. Note the emphasise on adult, there. Don't expect to con these waiters into giving you something if you are underaged. (instead, try and find a trusted, untrustworthy adult friend. It's okay. We won't tell your mom. Pool Outside, of course, is the pool. This hasn't changed that much from previous visits here. It's... well... it's a pool! What more can we say? It's a good place to have some fun and play around, but if you are more into relaxation or perhaps even catching some rays, there's also plenty of space around the pool with plenty of deck chairs available to you. It is still only April, so to make sure nobody catches pneumonia in the pool, the water has been heated. Please do not heat the water further. You know what we are talking about! The Accomodations Those who have visited before may remember that the Villa doesn't exactly have enough bedrooms to house all promgoers. In fact, there have been years where you just kipped on the floor in the garage-like area. Maybe Lance is trying to match the standards set by previous organisers. Maybe there was a little extra money left over after the renovations to plurge, but this year, you won't be expected to sleep on the floor in a sleeping bag! Instead, behind the Villa, beyond the pool area, there is a field of tents. And these aren't your basic little travelling tents. These tents look pretty luxurious. True, you will still be sharing them with a few others, but at least you'll be sleeping in something like a regular bed. There are also some chairs and benches dotted around the area, where you can sit and relax, as well as a few open tents that have tables and benches inside of them where one could eat breakfast or dinner. (And, of course, there are tents available too where you can take care of the, ah, less glamourous needs of the human body. No need to bring your own TP either, it will be provided!) The tents house four people each. If you, for whatever reason, want to cram more people inside, Lance will be a little startled but will allow it. If you try to grab a tent all to yourself, Lance will give you a very disappointed look. The Surroundings If your character isn't the type to hang out for hours by the pool or spend their entire Saturday already getting ready for prom, why not go exploring a bit? The area around Tohjo Falls is normally off-limits to people, after all. This might be your only chance to see it. (unless we come back again here next year) While exploring, your character has the option of trekking into the forests behind the villa or descending into the cave that houses the waterfalls this area has been named for. Wild pokemon can be found in each area, though please be careful! As few people visit this location, the pokemon here are very unused to humans. Please always bring a strong pokemon with you when you go exploring! And who knows, if you keep an eye out, you might run into an unfamiliar pokemon or two... Forest (lvl 20-45) Charjabug, Corvisquire, Venipede, Sizzlipede, Fletchinder, Greedent*, Whirlipede*, Nincada*, Flapple**, Appletun**, Talonflame**, Ninjask**, Shiinotic**, Sprigatito**, Centiskorch***, Vikavolt***, Corviknight***, Trevenant***, Scolipede*** Cave (lvl 20-45) Sandshrew, Woobat, Rolycoly, Noibat, Roggenrola, Aron*, Glimmet*, Sandslash*, Rhyhorn*, Carkol*, Noivern**, Swoobat**, Boldore**, Fuecoco**, Lairon***, Rhydon***, Glimora*** Falls (lvl 20-45) (Fishing/Surfing) Qwilfish, Staryu, Arrokuda, Wishiwashi, Finneon*, Skrelp*, Lumineon*, Relicanth*, Starmie**, Overqwill**, Quaxly**, Seadra**, Gyrados***, Barraskewda***, Dragalge***, Kingdra***

---

THE ANNOUNCEMENT


Once everybody has arrived and has been given some time to unpack, it's time for the announcement Lance has been teasing. What is this unique opportunity he mentioned? Will this have anything to do with prom itself? Has Lance conned us all into attending a Tupperware party?

In any case, you all gather in the dining room. The Elite Four is gathered at the front of the room, Lance taking the center stage. Will is standing next to him. For a moment Lance just glances out over the crowd, as if checking that everybody is here, before he clears his throat and begins.

"First of all, let me say that I am very happy to see you all here. It's been a few years since we last were able to greet you in our home, and here is to hoping things won't end as badly as last time.

But that is not what this announcement is about. Rather, there is going to be some changes within the Elite Four. Changes we'd like to make you a part of.

A few months ago, Will announced to us that he will be stepping down from his position as Elite Four member to--" Lance seems to pause for a moment, looking at Will, "--pursue opportunities elsewhere!

Of course, we cannot leave his spot unoccupied, so in the last few months, we've been hard at work vetting and narrowing down the choices for who will replace him. And finally, we've been able to narrow it down to just two remaining candidates. It's been a struggle, let me tell you! We've had so many qualified and incredible trainers who wanted to join us, but we believe we've found the best two.

And that is where you come in!

As I said, we have been able to narrow down the field to two final choices. And what I'd like to offer you this weekend, is an opportunity to take an active part in deciding who gets to be our newest member. You all, after all, have proven over the years that you not only care about pokemon, but you've also grown to care about this world, often helping us out when situations were dire. We believe you, as much as anyone, have a right to determine the future of this region.

In just a moment, I'd like to introduce you to our two final applicants. I can already assure you that they are both excellent trainers, and very skilled battlers, as well as individuals who we believe we can rely on in a bad situation. What we'd like if for you to cast the final vote on who takes over Will's position.

Throughout this weekend, they will make themselves available for questions. Please ask them anything you wish to know, and please also discuss the manner among yourself if you wish. Whichever person you choose, know that we already feel we could work and depend on either of them. At the end of this meeting, we'll distribute voting slips to everyone. These cannot be replaced, so please hold onto them, and once you've made your choice, please submit them to the vote box in front of the Ballroom before the start of the dance. Then, during the party on Sunday, we will reveal who will become our newest members.

Now, I've said quite enough, so let me introduce you to our two final applicants--"

The dining room doors open, and two figures stride in, walking to the front to join Lance and the other Elite Four members.




"Please welcome Bede from the Galar region and Malva from the Kalos Region"

---

Not sure what is going on? Why not check out our prom FAQ

Comments

[mamalike]

Riz isn't the only one who's checking this place out a bit more deeply. Eda is doing some investigation of her own. And hey, if this turns out to be some kind of trap and these guys are trouble? Yeah, she's taken note of where a few things she might want to grab on her way out are.

But theft isn't her MO, and really hasn't been at all in her time here.. Mostly because by the time she was anywhere where things were worth swiping, she had met up with Hunter, and she doesn't want to cause the kid any problems. Her real concern is that this whole thing, down to the name, has a very Grom feeling. And while Grom is a standard practice on the Boiling Isles, it's not for the faint of heart, and people here seem a lot more that way than back home.

All this to say that at some point, Riz may come upon a locked door that is already being worked on by the witch. She doesn't have any special tools for it on her - she wishes! - she's just fiddling with a bobby pin. This is the entire reason she has her hair up in a bun, actually! Such an updo is not really her style, it's far too grandmotherly and clearly the only reason that fairy-training brat said what he did.

And maybe Bede just threw Eda off her groove entirely, because she's muttering to herself and doesn't even notice someone approaching.

[nightyorb]

Maybe its her preoccupation with what Bede called her, maybe it's the fact that Riz just has a pretty bonkers stealth. Whatever the reason though, it gives Riz a few moments to watch her as she works on the lock.

She isn't someone he recognises, but then again, there are times where he gets so preoccupied with the mysteries he's chasing down for the paper or with training his pokemon, that he doesn't think to check the network at all. Could she be a potential ally? Someone else who doesn't trust all these locked doors and who isn't just gonna hang around the pool and wait for trouble to come to them?

A professional thief would have better tools than bobby pins right? Maybe her reaction can tell him more?

"Need a hand?"

He tries to go for a cool and casual tone. Just supes cas. Totally cool.

Of course, considering Riz thinks a suit and tie is the height of casual, it doesn't really land.

[mamalike]

Eda looks over her shoulder at the question, and aside from a moment of looking surprised, she appears neither ashamed nor flustered. As she regards this kid, she's not sure if she should be amused or impressed. It all depends on if he can really help her or not, she supposes-- If he's even trying to. He does sound a little awkward, maybe tense? Either way, there's only one thing to do to see what's up here:

"Sure. You any good at this stuff?"

[nightyorb]

Riz falters for a moment at her response. It's just--

Listen, when the cool spy in the movies lands a line like that, the reaction is usually either a sputtered denial of what is happening or just an outright attack. Those were the reactions Riz had been prepared for. Not... not for this lady to take him up on the offer like he just offered to carry her groceries for her.

"Uh. I mean, yeah. Once you tell me what you are trying to break into those rooms for first."

[mamalike]

Okay, yeah, that's a fair request. And really, Eda figures, she should be wondering why the kid is offering to help her, what his intentions are. So, not getting up from her crouched position, she scuttles around to face him.

"Alright, well, I'm not sure if I trust any of this. I've heard people saying these parties get messy most years, so knowing the layout here seems like a given." She shrugs. "Honestly, even if I hadn't been hearing the muttering, though... It seems pretty strange that, what, the most powerful people in this place would every single one of us misfits to their fancy villa? I don't think I'm buying it, even if they do want our help in deciding who gets to join their club."

Really, even with Lance's explanation of why he's having otherworlders make the deciding votes, that whole aspect of this just adds to Eda's suspicions.

[nightyorb]

The more she says, the more Riz's shoulders relax until he is just nodding along with her points. This lady is speaking his language -- the language of paranoia!

(Though Riz would, of course, just call it having common sense)

"This world is super weird. There is so much crazy shit going on that people just... don't want to look into? It's insane."

Is he thinking about the Jennies, he might be thinking about the Jennies.

[mamalike]

"Like people being dragged here with parts of who they are taken away? You're telling me," Eda huffs, as she steps aside with a vague gesture to the lock. Hey, if he still wants to take a crack at it, she won't be stopping him!

[nightyorb]

Riz sniffs in distaste, though it is not directed at her at all. It's directed solely at this world in general. He kinda wants to follow it up with a middle finger, but there is no convenient target. What is he going to do? Flip off the ceiling?

"You tell me. I'm supposed to be a Goblin. Not-- Not this." And again, nothing wrong with humans! Some of Riz's best friends are human (or partially so) but it just isn't for him!

When she steps aside, he takes her spot at the lock, though he won't have to do this work with some bobby pins. Instead, he's got a nice, pocket-sized lockpick set, which he quickly uses to set to work.

[mamalike]

Eda certainly has more she could say about the way this place messes with people, but when Riz pulls out his lockpicking set and gets working, that takes the focus. She raises her eyebrows, impressed, with a smile.

"Wow, you weren't joking, kid-- You really know what you're doing with this! Where'd you pick that stuff up without getting side-eyed by the cops?"

[nightyorb]

"Technically my old babysitter taught me to pick locks, but even if she hadn't, I would've learned it at school." When the lock opens with a little click, Riz looks up at her with a toothy grin and a little two-fingered salute. "Aguefort Adventuring Academy rogue at your service."

"And the police don't mind. This is what we are supposed to do! We are learning to be adventurers." A pause, and then he adds, slightly begrudgingly. "Well, my mom keeps telling me I have to stop crashing crime scenes, but I think that's more of a mom thing than her being a detective thing."

[mamalike]

Huh. Well, Eda had been hoping he'd got the lockpicking set here and could point her in the right direction to get her own - just in case! - but... The information he shares, while less valuable, is a lot more interesting. The little salute gives the kid away as a total dweebus, but dang. He's a dweebus with talent. And the mention of his mom gets a very warm laugh.

"Well now, that sounds like a school that might actually be worth attending. I mean, if everything they're teaching you about adventuring is as useful as this?" She gestures to the opened lock. "And based on the job you did there, they're teaching you well, too. See, this is the kind of school the Boiling Isles needs!"

It does sound like maybe he's more on the lawful side of things than her own style, but he also called himself a rogue as he picked a lock. Eda knows these things can be a bit complicated, plus that when you're young it can seem a lot simpler. She's not about to write him off on that alone.

"Name's Eda Clawthorne. What do you say we work together to see if things here are really as squeaky clean as it seems?"

[nightyorb]

Riz did actually pick up the lockpicking set here. He can show her. Owning this stuff isn't illegal!

(just maybe a little questionable)

"Riz Gukgak." And because he likes the look of her and the cut of her jib, he reaches into his vest, withdrawing a business card (Riz Gukgak, private investigator) holding it out to her. "And yes. I'm ammendable to such an arrangement."

If Eda thought he was a dweebus before, he goes and doubles down on it.

[mamalike]

There is no way Eda can stop herself from giving a snorting snicker at what is indeed a display of dweebus-ness, but she takes a the business card all the same, tucking it away in her hair. Not before looking it over, though, and taking a note of his title. She could already tell Riz had a good brain on him, but this supports that.

"Alright, well, I guess if I ever need someone to look into some kind of mystery here, I know who I'm going to call. Now, let's go."

[nightyorb]

Did she just-- yep, she just put his business card into her hair. Her... massive, enormous hair. Is this... does she do this often? Is her hair hair-of-holding? Hw does it not fall out?

Though perhaps this is one mystery Riz shouldn't try to solve.

Instead he snaps his attention back to the door, carefully easing it open. Though it doesn't look like he needed to be so cautious; there is no one inside and there aren't even any traps set. Truly pathetic security.

"So, are you any good at finding evidence?"

[mamalike]

Eda gives a small sigh, herself, when nothing exciting happens.

"Finding evidence isn't something I've done much before," she admits, tapping her fingernails against her thumb. "But I'm no slouch at figuring things out."

[nightyorb]

Riz brings his palms together in front of him. It's not an actual clap, because that is a sound that could potentially give them away and he is a very good rogue, okay, but the gesture is clear enough.

"Okay. In that case, we are looking for anything out of the ordinary. Files, documents, personal letters." Riz frowns a little as he goes through his list. Ordinarily he'd add weapons to that list too, but nobody here has anything cool. "Large sums of money are suspicious too. Anything like that, you show to me. Or if you are not sure about something."

With Eda's admission that she hasn't gotten much experience finding evidence, Riz has put himself in charge of this investigation. Eda being super old (who know how old even!) doesn't matter. It's about putting the best person for the job in charge.

[mamalike]

"Heh, alright, you've got it." There's a hint of amusement, but mostly, Eda just respects the kid's confidence in his own know-how. It doesn't seem unwarranted, at least so far, so she's more than happy to acknowledge him as the leader in this little mission. "Is there anything I should be worried about with, I don't know, leaving finger prints and stuff?"

[nightyorb]

"I've got gloves if you want them, but also, considering what this world is like, the worst they could do, if they'd catch us, is throw us in jail. And I can break out of there, no problem."

It was only the magical protections that had kept him from being able to break out of the Elmville Jail, and those won't be here. And should that fail, he might not have a demon motorcycle and socio-anarchistic mailman to help him break out, but he has Mando which works just as well.

[mamalike]

He can break out of there, no problem, huh? Eda is liking this kid's style more and more. Eda shakes her head at the offer of gloves.

"Hey, if you're that confident in breaking out, I'm with ya, kiddo. And, I gotta say, I'm impressed. You'd do a lot better on the Boiling Isles from the start than some other non-locals I can think of."

Said with all the affection in the world and a very warm smile, of course.

[nightyorb]

"I've already broken into one of their precincts once, so breaking out shouldn't be any more difficult. And I've got some cool allies here."

Mando would absolutely break him out! Allura, too, he thinks; though she'd probably lecture him afterwards. Boober...

Well, Boober'd have the soup ready afterwards.

Riz starts going through drawers, rifling through the objects inside without trying to make it look too obvious. Just in case the owner of this room is above board. He's got part of his attention on Eda though.

"Boiling Isles? That sounds about as inviting as the Mountains of Chaos."