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

Steven Armstrong | Metal Gear Rising Revengeance

[motherofallomelettes]

[Dining Room]

[Following the announcement from Lance regarding the opening in the Elite Four Armstrong has set himself up at one of the larger shared tables and is engaging with whoever he can regarding the election. Making sure not to be too pushy or come on too hard and conducting himself with a cool and relaxed demeanor Armstrong nonetheless has come-to-bat with a firmly established point of view.]

"So, the obvious issue of experience aside, my understanding of things is that Fairy Types are hands-down the strongest type of Pokémon out there. Sure there's going to be advantages to each and every Pokémon, but Fairy has weaknesses to practically nothing while simultaneously being able to put the hurt on just about everything else out there. I have friends who are taking on the Gym Circuit and the Elite Four already sounds like it's one hell of an undertaking so my question is, given the actual chance to choose the opponent that you'll eventually be up against, why in the world would you choose something that's all-but-guaranteed to throw a wrench into the gears of any team you've put together?

It feels... I don't know, juvenile, for someone who holds such an elevated position within the Pokémon League to make use of a Type that's basically playing on easy mode. Elemental types like Grass, Water, Fire, and Electric seem to have a lot more history too, so having someone who's grown strong despite the vulnerabilities that come with using Fire Pokémon is a lot more impressive in my book. If we castaways are the ones picking the next member of the Elite Four I feel we need to pick someone who best represents the trainers themselves, and to that end I feel Malva's the one for the job."

[OOC: As more of the Prom is revealed he'll get around more too, so this will be updated as the event progresses.]

Please don't reply to this comment!

[motherofallomelettes]

[Prompts for further Prom hijinks will go here]

[singlespacedad]

[Normally Mando wouldn't engage with someone blowing smoke around like this guy, but he pauses while walking past.]

If you know what's coming, you can prepare for the challenge.

[motherofallomelettes]

[Armstrong hasn't engaged with many people outside of those he arrived with but it really seemed that this place brough in all kinds given the man he was now looking at.]

"That's exactly what I mean. If we're in a position to actually pick the enemy we're going up against why wouldn't we pick the one that's most advantageous for us? That's just tactics 101. Beyond that, I find it rather telling that the younger option just happens to have picked the single easiest Pokémon Type to win with. If we're going to pick someone shouldn't it be the one who didn't take the easy way out? Seems only fair to me."

[singlespacedad]

[You never know when you might get put in a situation where you need to fully armoured.]

That's also boring. If you've gotten strong enough to reach the Elite Four, why wouldn't you want a challenge? Fire Pokemon are great, but it just takes one strong water Pokemon to knock them out. With a fairy Pokemon trainer, you need to put some thought into your tactics.

[motherofallomelettes]

[Armstrong smiles, one side of his argument having activated the other, and leans forward on the dining table.]

"See that goes back to the other part of what I was saying though. If you're looking for a challenge when you've reached the Elite Four, then wouldn't you want the trainers you're going up against to have gone through that same kind of challenge to have earned their rank? If going up against a Fire-Type Pokémon is that much easier, then going up against a Fairy-Type Trainer just means they blew threw on easy mode. Oh I'm sure the kid's been through some hard battles, but if all of us trainers are expected to run the gauntlet in order to face these people than it's only fair that they would have to do the same to land the position in the first place."

[cmonandslam]

So what I'm hearing is that you're a scrub who's scared to battle fairy types. [Says the teenager with a Klefki hovering at her shoulder.]

[motherofallomelettes]

[Here's a feisty one! Given all the kindler-gentler crap Armstrong's waded through since coming into the world of Pokémon having someone just go for the throat was a refreshing change.]

"Oh I'm not engaging with any of that crap to begin with. I'm of the mind to leave animal fights to cartel members and NFL players. In a world that thinks a commute from town-to-town should consist of scaling a mountain there's a lot better ways to spend my time than having my team of animals punch out another guys but, if we're going that way, shouldn't we at least give the job to the person who worked for it?"

[Armstrong turns in his chair to better face the new arrival.]

"I don't think it's by accident that the kid just happened to pick the easiest Type to win with."

[cmonandslam]

[Mandy laughs. It is definitely a laughing at him kind of laugh, not a laughing with him kind of laugh.]

Oh nooo, he's got a working understanding of the metagame and strategy beyond "spam attacks and hope the opponent goes down first!"

Anyway, he's a gym leader. Gym leaders are constantly working at a type disadvantage, because their teams are a known quantity and challengers can and do tailor their strategy to counter specific gym leaders. Which you would know if you actually participated in the sport rather than talking out your ass. I guarantee you that kid has been facing a steady stream of steel and poison types since he took over his gym.

[motherofallomelettes]

[Armstrong cocks an eyebrow in a "really?" manner before replying.]

"Poison? Really? Poison is hands-down one one of the worst types in the entire circuit so even with the type disadvantage the odds are that any Pokémon he's got is capable of putting any Poison-Type they put in the ring six feet under without much issue. As far as Steel, they're the foremost defensive type so having a vulnerability to them doesn't really make for much of a weakness when nobody's using them on offense in the first place."

[Armstrong shrugs. He's not looking to argue about something he's not invested in, but the idea a half-pint is well-versed enough to take a place on what's essentially the special forces of the Pokémon world is something he's less than inclined to believe. Still, this other castaway seems oddly invested in the goings-on of the Gym circuit so Armstrong figures they must just be the equivalent of a die-hard football fan for Pokémon battles. No accounting for taste eh?]

"Besides, Gym Leaders get to pick their teams so it's entirely on them if they put themselves in a situation that's going to be a hard fight. You can't tell me that he's found himself too many hard situations though, when he hasn't even found puberty. If I'm putting someone into the equivalent of a public office than I'm going to pick the one who isn't sliding by on easy mode and might actually have a driver's license."

[nastyboy]

[Dimitri isn't entirely sure how he got here - mostly he just wanted to yank as much food as possible onto a plate, maybe five, and then smuggle it back to his tent. You know. Just in case.]

[But he's hardly one to turn down an invitation, so here he is, picking through his food in no particular order or taste. It hardly matters to him, after all. There's a Rattata on his lap, also doing similar.]

My! You have quite a lot of thoughts on this. I have to say it's rather admirable to be so decisive so quickly. I have been going over things slowly myself, but I can hardly say that I'm so passionate just yet.

Although I can't quite agree on a few points, personally, at least not as of present. For example... I wouldn't say that Fairy is the strongest type.

[motherofallomelettes]

[Armstrong rubs his chin thoughtfully before responding to his new conversation partner.]

"I could see an argument being made for Dragon as they're pretty much strong across the board and don't have much in the way of weaknesses, but I've been doing nothing but hitting the books since I came here and everything I've picked-up has pointed to the notion that Fairy is hands-down the strongest Type in the competitive scene. Unbeatable? Hell no. You can bet your ass it's taking the Pokemon League on in easy mode though, as the only things they've got weaknesses two are a primarily defensive type of Pokémon in the form of Steel and one of the pound-for-pound worst types of Pokémon in the circuit in the form of Poison. Considering that Dragon is weak to Fairy, too, I'd say it runs a pretty solid hard-counter to its closest competitor."

[He clasps his hands thoughtfully and leans forward in his chair.]

"Regardless of if you think it's the strongest, though, I'd wager you'd agree it's a hell of a lot easier than using a monotype Fire team. If people want a challenge than it's only fair the people we go up against had to face that same challenge before us, and I'm not seeing someone that young who just happened to choose the widely-agreed-upon most powerful typing as anything but someone who took the easy way out."

[nastyboy]

Ha. It is an extremely powerful type with weaknesses that not many trainers tend to deal in, isn't it? I won't disagree with you on that. And Poison often tends to be weak to Psychic, which Fairy types are also inclined to learning. Steel types are a little more of a solid guarantee, depending on which Fairy type is your specific opponent...

Yet, even so. Dragon once being thought of as the strongest didn't stop them from having a gym leader, or an Elite Four member.

And even so. [Dimitri grins a little more.] I would still say neither is the strongest. Because it is as you mentioned earlier - they are far from unbeatable.

To truly understand the strongest typing - which I believe is important for any trainer taking on the gym route and especially if they are aiming for the Elite Four - then you need only remember to ask each gym leader that you challenge. And, funnily enough, you will get nearly the same answer whether you ask Whitney in Goldenrod, or Misty in Ceruleean, or even Lance himself, should we bother him with such a trivial matter.

[Dimitri points to himself.]

"The best and strongest type is the type that I love." Something like that, more or less.

[He laughs a little bit again, leaning back with a fork wobbling slightly in his fingers.]

Some may say that is a bit of forceful thinking - [No not wistful thinking, he said what he said] - but I think there is a sort of value in it, myself... and I think it tends to be the sort of thinking which comes to those inclined to being traditional gym leaders.

I don't think young Bede is an exception to that - for your concerns could just as easily be applied to Claire and Lance, after all, with their fondness for the strength of dragons. I happened to listen to some of the answers he was giving, and I think he has his own fond reasons for being drawn to Fairy types that have nothing to do with wanting to take the easy way through battles.

While his attitude may seem lacking... Well, I can remember being that young, and I do have a daughter that will soon be reaching his age in the blink of an eye. So when I think of it like that... I have a feeling that some of it may simply be his way of dealing with an overwhelming situation. After all, he's a young man in a room full of adults, having to prove himself to those same adults. In his eyes, it may be better to be a little overconfident than a shrinking violet who lost out to someone with such bold confidence as Malva.

Besides, in terms of fairness... I still think it to be perfectly fair, and I don't think he is one inclined to hide anything about his team.

Although I will admit, as a trainer, I have to admit that I seek a challenge, and there have been no gyms yet that have a Fairy type focus. It would seem fitting that, to claim the title of the best, one would go up against something not seen in any of the other gyms before.

Ah - pardon me a moment. [Wow that's a lot of talking, and Dimitri picks up his glass.] It seems your passion for dialogue is infectious, sir! I don't believe I ever got your name. I am Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd, and this would be Gremlin.

[The Rattata on his lap shoves in an entire drumstick into his mouth, bone and all, and maintains eye contact. He is trying to Establish Dominance. Dimitri seems oblivious to it.]

[motherofallomelettes]

[Armstrong listens to the man talk with interest. He's certainly on to something with the way that each and every Gym Leader would insist their type is the best, and it's definitely a pleasant change to encounter someone who can actually use words with more than two syllables in them, but Armstrong has encountered similar arguments for such cases before in his younger life. Being a college football star brought him into close examples of people who staunchly support their team, regardless of performance, and so he knows all-too-well the blind zealotry such thought processes can bring about.]

"Steven Armstrong. A pleasure. Don't sweat it though. Conversation and debate are the cornerstones of a healthy society, so it's good to find someone who can actually string more than two words together without it devolving into a string of insults."

[Rising from his seat, Armstrong extends his hand to Dimitri in greeting.]

"You raise an interesting point Mr. Blaiddyd. "Espirit de corps" can be a powerful force. It's been around in some capacity or another since the dawn of time, as humans just love crowding together and rooting for the Home Team. Tribemind, however natural, isn't a good criteria for judging the performance of different Pokémon though. I'm sure there's plenty of people out there who've become die-hard supporters of different types based off little more than what their favorites were as a kid or what the local Gym Leader happens to use but, just like the yokel who's a ride-or-die supporter of his local football team despite their decades-long streak of losses, that comes down more to a sense of loyalty and belonging than it does to actual resorts."

[Provided that Dimitri accepted Armstrong's handshake the giant man would seat himself again, providing a deliberate pause in the conversation for his words to marinate.]

"I'm sure that people would continue to have irrational attachments to this type or that type and that we'd see play of all kinds of teams regardless of what holds the top spot. That's just human nature. From all the data I've collated and the course curriculum for the Violet Trainer School there's a clear advantage to using Fairy Types. I can get why people would want that to be in the Elite Four as it would definitely mean a challenge but I'm of the opinion that, if we the Trainers are expected to seek out a challenge, then that same expectation should go doubly for those who hold positions as the pinnacle of the Pokémon League."

[Taking a sip from his drink to wet his palette, Armstrong would continue.]

"That's not even considering all the psychological and developmental reasons not to put the youngster into that role though. I applaud his go-getter attitude and the clear skill he has as a trainer, but the simple truth is that it rarely ends well putting people as young as him into roles with the sheer amount of responsibility and pressure as something like the Elite Four. They're the pinnacle of what a Trainer can achieve and the gold-standard so any shortcomings are going to be ruthlessly identifiable to the public, and people feel little need to hold back when it comes to voicing their thoughts on public figures. It's an epidemic where I come from, with young folks putting themselves out there into positions of fame and influence only to have it cripple their development and leave them with lasting psychological issues because they weren't of an age to be able to handle it without recieving scars that won't soon go away."

[Shaking his head at the very-real cases he's seen of people being thrown to the wolves thanks to living their lives in the spotlight, Armstrong lets out a heavy sigh before returning his attention to Dimitri.]

"I don't know if they have them where you're from Mr. Blaiddyd, but in my world there's an ever-rising number of young people who've sought-out jobs as what's called an "Influencer". It's basically someone who lives their entire life under a constant spotlight of attention via something similar to the network we use here, and it's an exacerbation of the same kind of problems seen in childhood stars for television and movies in earlier ages as well. As someone who lives his own life under the spotlight I can tell you that it's not something that someone still at such an influential age should be doing, and there are countless results of... unhappy endings... for such people to prove that point. Far better for him to be able to learn and grow in an environment like those that Gym Leaders have, where the attention they receive is much more measured and much better contained, and to be able to make choices and enact change on their own controlled environment instead of being thrust hook, line, and sinker into something like the Elite Four."

[Dimitri seems much better-spoken than many of the people he's encountered not just in the world of Pokémon, but back in his world as well, so Armstrong hopes the points he's raising make any sense. Who knows what things are like in each person's individual home so, for all he knows, he's putting things out there that Dimitri doesn't have a single frame of reference for. Still, you miss 100% of the shots you don't take, so all he can do is try.]

"I respect the hell out of the skill he's shown, but he's only just started on his career. The Elite Four isn't going anywhere and neither is he, so there's no rush for him to get into a position like that yet. Let him take on the scary journey of becoming a teenager, figure out who he wants to be as an adult, and go through the roller-coaster-ride of emotions and experiences he's bound to take on without having his every movement scrutinized over social media. Then, if he still wants to do it down the line, he'll be even better prepped for the position. It's called a Pokémon Journey after all, and even a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. No need to try to take the whole thing in one bound."

[4play]

[IV waits for a lull in the area before he breaks off from the group he has arrived with to casually saunter over to Armstrong.]

So? How is it going for you? To me, it seems like the election's already pretty decided.

[motherofallomelettes]

[At IV's comment Armstrong pulls out his Pokégear and begins looking through the listing of posted votes, his brow furrowing as he does so.]

"Still looks pretty close from what I can see. I've sparked up pretty decent conversation on it, but that's still only a handful of people and we're in the thirties on votes for both sides. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't frustrating watching a bunch of kids voting on the basis of him being a kid too, given that's a piss-poor reason for electing someone to an influential position."

[Armstrong sighs.]

"I suppose I shouldn't have expected any better of a world that thinks an unsupervised cross-country journey through the wilderness should start at ten..."

[4play]

Mn~ If I wouldn't know it any better, I'd say somebody has rigged this whole thing. Have you heard some of the stuff he's said in response to those Q&A's he's got! And yet here everybody still is, fawning over him like "aww, he's so shy he's overcompensating!" and "he'll get better for sure!"

[He makes a very uncouth sound before he crosses his arms in front of his chest.]

Trust me, he isn't and he won't! I've dealt with plenty of that type in my career. Enough so that I can tell how it'll be going. [He uncrosses his arms.] Oh well~ He won't be my problem, in the end!

[chazz_it_up]

[See- the only problem with this whole speech, casual though it may be, is that it's too long. Are you trying to put him to sleep, old man? Are you ready for the enlightened words of a youth destined to take over some position in the future? I assure you. You are not.]

Fire's just cooler. This election was won before it was even announced.

[Was Chazz going to cast is vote? Eh, it's unlikely. Sounds like too much work. That's where the real convincing comes in.]

Can you pass the salt?

[motherofallomelettes]

[Ah the youth vote. It was always nice when things were able to be handled in ways as simple as this, and Armstrong would be lying if said it wasn't refreshing to encounter people for whom it came down to simple aesthetic preference.]

"If you know what you like then I'd imagine any amount of convincing would be too long. It's for the age-old dilemma of the "undecided voter" that you have to pull out the long-form arguments. You seem to know what you're about though, so it's only fair that it would all seem like hot air. I'd have to agree that Fire certainly matches my preferences better as well, but the professionalism of the trainer themselves leaves a lot to be desired."

[Reaching over to get a grip on the salt before sliding it to his dining companion, Armstrong continues.]

"People love to make stupid decisions though, so I'd be surprised if we didn't have the equivalent of a trust-fund primadonna for our newest member of the Elite 4 by the end of this week. Can't wait to see all the people who either have zero interest in actually taking-on the Gyms or just plain already beat the Challenge talk about how invested they are in seeing a Fairy-Type represented in the circuit though."

[Sighing heavily, Armstrong tries to lay off the salt himself, and instead turns his attention to making proper introductions.]

"I'm getting carried-away, though, and forgetting my manners. Name's Steven Armstrong. Pleasure to meet you."

[insidescoop]

Now, I wouldn't say Fairy is the strongest exactly- at the end of the day, you can take them out with fire as well as steel, which, hah, they have their own share of...advantages, but really if you look at the entire line up of the E4 it's...

[Does Carly know how she ended up in conversation with Armstrong? No. Actually this is the first she's even spoken to him, so she's doing fairly well at acting like this is casual conversation and not conversation with a complete stranger.

She's also of course sent her vote in for Malva by now, assignment that that was, but the thing about convincing other people is that the best thing to do sometimes is to talk to someone else...and just, make sure they're in earshot is all.

If enough people are heard talking about how one choice is better than the other, opinions will be swayed!] I'll be honest, most of the E4 goes down to Steel. It's definitely possible to be creative with the Fairy type, but they'd really be better off barring the gate with someone who forces people to reconsider their options going up there. Otherwise watching the challenge gets boring- you know everyone's going to be going in with the same three, four 'top dogs'.

[A sip of her water, and she nods.] Easy mode or hard mode aside, 'juvenile' is a good word for the issue. Have you ahhhh...Did you talk to him at all, 'Bede'? He doesn't give the impression of someone especially professional...

[And that's putting his age aside.]

[motherofallomelettes]

[Armstrong was used to gliding through conversations with strangers, and the formal setting only made it feel all the more natural to ease-in to his well-practiced ways. Shifting in is seat to face his new conversational partner Armstrong topped-off his glass of water and lifted the jug in-offering.]

"Sure there isn't any outright "instant win" in Pokemon battling, but I'd say the fact that he just happened to pick a type that's a complete hard-counter to the Pokemon League Champion is a good look into his mindset."

[Regardless of whether or not Carly takes him up on the top-off Armstrong takes a sip of his glass and leands back in his chair, assuming a more at-ease posture than he'd had when talking with his previous conversational partners. There was a lot of benefits to ambient influence and, whether or not this new arrival realized it, they'd given him the perfect chance to seed doubt in whoever might be around them.]

"I didn't get the pleasure of getting to talk to him directly, but I got to be present for those conversations he did have and I can tell you that it didn't fill me with confidence. People seem to be of the mind that he'll grow to fill the position, but did you catch how he talked about his Gym? He was just handed the damn thing by his mentor and, instead of caring for it, he just views it as a tool to use and then toss away when he's done with it.]

[Armstrong shakes his head in an ever-so-slightly overdramatic show of disapproval, clasping his hands together before continuing.]

"The Elite Four are meant to be the pinnacle of what a trainer can achieve, and the fame and power they command aren't something I'd imagine is small potatoes given the fact that we're sitting on a entire island designated for their private use. Taking someone with his, shall we say predilictions, towards arrogance and self-importane and putting them into a position like that won't end up with good results. People want him to grow in the position? Well they'll see him grow all right. Grow in a young man who's had his entire perception misshapen and twisted by fame, fortune, and never being told no."

[Armstrong purses his lips and does a single *tsk* to show his distaste for such an outcome.]

"He has the skills of a prodigy, but those kinds of abilities need to be carefully nurtured and their wielders kept constantly on level-ground. You let them get their heads into the clouds and grow to think that everyone else is beneath them and you'll just end up with a waste of space who spew poison and contributes nothing to society... not a pretty picture."

[insidescoop]

Mmmm, true, very true. [Carly happily- albeit with a casual air as she listens to Armstrong continue- takes the top-off offer, silently inclining her head in thanks.] I know plenty are assuming it's to bring a fresh typing to the table, but this is far from the first time there's been doubles in the Elite Four. As Malva herself has pointed out, the Gyms have a restricted format. Does anyone actually assume Gym Leaders such as say...Brock, or Falkner, roll over so easily? They keep 'Elite' Teams on the side for a good reason, the gym challenge is meant to scale, and what better proof of that than the jump between typical monotyped pokemon, and the variety we come to expect from the upper ring?

[Some water while she pauses for Armstrong. Her own flair for the dramatics is well refined- not too over the top that it seems staged, but just dramatic enough to catch eyes.] It might be better that you didn't get that pleasure. I've met people his age with far more maturity- challengers from my own gym, employees even- There was even a recent champion clear from a similar aged boy, and all of them, I would be more than willing to see in that role if they had the strength behind it. But this?

[As Carly shakes her head, she scoffs.] Not only has he neglected his role as a Gym Leader, he's all but stated that he'll be pulling his mentor back out from retirement to retake that role. The sheer disrespect is appalling- I almost can't tell if your prediction is on the mark, or if he'll decide somehow even this is beneath him if given the role. And then where does that leave them? Looking for someone else once again! Seeing this in front of me?

That's just a look back at how it was at home- and I more than agree, the picture was nothing to look at for long.

Dining Room

[viscora]

[ You catch Laszlo in this conversation while they're eating dinner, sipping on some wine while Torkos the Goomy tries to eat her trainer's salad. ]

Perhaps this might be my own bias, I've always loved dragons. But the point was always to make it a challenge for us, not them.

Besides, the types the Elite Four here use are a little...odd.

Re: Dining Room

[motherofallomelettes]

[As the first Goomy Armstrong has ever laid eyes on the little round creature is quite attention-grabbing. It has all the hallmarks of the sorts of mascots that were the rage during the 90s and early 2000s, but seeing something like that in the flesh was unusual in the extreme. It was undeniably adorable though, doubly so due to its attempts to purloin its owner's supper, and so Armstrong had to work to divide his attention between the conversation and the hungry sphere.]

"I can see why you'd have a lean towards dragons. Across so many eras and so many cultures those creatures have managed to hold a nearly-universal allure, and for good reason. Even in this realm of tranquility and passiveness dragons are often among the most powerful an dangerous creatures out there, so they've earned their place near the top of the food chain.

As for the Elite Four, everything about how the Pokemon League conducts itself is bizarre. There's no discernable way it earns money and yet we're sitting on a private island reserved just for them and they hand out prize money like it's going out of style. They're going to be an enigma regardless of who we elect, so I figure we should at least elect the person who's actually worked for the position. Having a representative to doesn't act like a pompous ass would also be a positive, but I've learned better than to expect actual standards from this place."

Re: Dining Room

[viscora]

[ Why does your spiel about dragons sound like a janky ass AI written article, oh my god, they're pondering so many things without knowing that Armstrong is just Like This. ]

Wouldn't be the first time I have seen someone with a modicum of power acting like a pompous prick.

[ They have such a perfect Dracula accent and it's hitting every word of their sentence most melodiously. ]