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

[behindblueskin]

THE LIBRARY

Anyone who's ever known Keldor, in this world or his own, knows just how much of an avid reader he is. Now, being as this is the library the Elite Four own, it's not going to be as vast as the libraries Keldor has been to [this is certainly nowhere near as large as the library of Eternos' palace], but it's a library and far be it for Keldor to turn his nose up at an opportunity to read.

Hmmm...

Fascinating.

THE GALLERY

At some point, though, Keldor will eventually leave the library, and if there's anything else here at the villa that's Keldor's speed, it's the gallery.

To be specific, he's examining the ancient artifacts, including what looks like a fossilised footprint of an animal that is—was—massive. The card doesn't say what beast made it, but the current hypothesis is that it came from a species that once roamed the Paldea region.

Or it might still be roaming.

THE SURROUNDINGS

Word has reached Keldor's [pointy] ear that the lands surrounding the villa has seen some pokemon of the Paldean persuasion appearing in it as of late, which means Keldor's out roaming as much of the surroundings as possible. Another Fuecoco would be ideal, and could be something to give to Shishito as a friend and, if it's female, might lead to more Fuecocos to train or sell.

Of course, he'd really like a Sprigatito and a Quaxley as well, because why not get something that's brand-new?

THE DINING HALL

What the dining hall lacks in size, it makes up for in terms of what's available to eat.

They really treat themselves well, these Elite Four trainers, yes?

OPTION E: NONE OF THE OTHER PROMPTS

If not in any of the above places, you could certainly run into Keldor as he's going from place to place.

Or maybe you have something else in mind instead?

Prom Stuff.

[behindblueskin]

[Coming soon!]

OK, sure, I probably should've included this in the main comment, but...

[behindblueskin]

THE TENTS

Keldor packs light, as is his habit post-exile. This is not a problem.

Keldor is rather big and tall. This is a problem, because it means anyone who bunks with him is either going to have to scrunch, or find another tent with people of more sensible proportions in it.

We are so very sorry for this.

The Surroundings

[lorentzforcego]

Running into another larger than average adult seems to be rare in this place so while heading outward of the tent area Monsoon spots Keldor. Dressed in a more casual pinstripe shirt with rolled up sleeves and suspenders, leather gloves, and his ever present sunglasses, he strolls up to the other man - and that's when he recognizes him from his post to the network a few weeks ago.

"Oh, hello! A pleasure meeting you in person. How has your Slowpoke been settling in?"

[behindblueskin]

They grow 'em big in Eternia, let me tell you...

"She is doing about as well as her kind can do."

You know. Loafing around whenever she's outside her ball. She's probably one of the only pokemon Keldor has that he can trust to not take off when let out.

Not that she's out just now. Nobody is, because we're still trying to decide where to go first in search of new things.

[lorentzforcego]

Indeed they do.

"Good, good. I'm glad to hear it."

That sounds like a good life honestly. Maybe not for Monsoon but for a Slowpoke, yes.

The albino folds his hands behind his back, "Are you looking to catch more pokémon while you're here? I was about to do that myself so we could partner up if you'd like."

[behindblueskin]

He could play for the NBA if he wasn't built like a linebacker who lifts in his spare time.

"I am. Access to this area is generally forbidden to anyone other than those with permission to reside here. I will not pass up this opportunity."

That, and Paldean pokemon. It might be a while yet before Kanto and Johto see an influx of these creatures, so Keldor's getting in while the getting's good.

[lorentzforcego]

Keldor will fit right in with Monsoon and his boss, the latter being did actually play football during college.

"Then perhaps we'll find less common species here if luck is on our side," Monsoon remarks, idly adjusting one of his rolled sleeves.

There's a pause before he adds: "Oh, I never introduced myself the last time we spoke. My apologies. The name's Lorentz."

[behindblueskin]

[Which reminds me that I still owe tags in that post... +_+]

"That is a much-preferred outcome."

It'd be nice to find something super-duper rare to boast about later on the network out here.

"I am Keldor."

Son of King Miro, supposed-to-be-king-of-Eternia-but-isn't-thanks-a-lot-for-not-standing-up-for-me-Randor, current exile, student of Hordak, leader of a rebellious band of misfits, and so on, but we'll save those parts for later, when we get to the traumatic portion of this show.

[lorentzforcego]

[No rush. I'm always up for backtagging!]

"Isn't it?" Monsoon will let Keldor catch the first rare one. If they happen to come across another he can snag for Rocket, all the better.

"It's a pleasure, Keldor." That's a lot of not-titles that he has no idea about. "Where shall we head to first?"

[behindblueskin]

"I am hoping that there are Fuecoco in these parts, as I think Shishito would appreciate having one of his own kind about, even if it is not evolved as he now is."

He rubs his chin thoughtfully. What habitat would a little fire gator choose to live in? By the water? Unlikely. Same perhaps for the forest, as these creatures would (wood?) be a fire hazard.

"Perhaps somewhere not near water or plantlife would be the place to begin."

Dining Hall

[nastyboy]

Frankly, Dimitri didn't mean to spend so much time in the dining hall. Really, he just wanted to pile up some food, and then retreat back to his tent. Considering the past few months in combination with his past experiences with prom, and, well, he is somewhat in hoarding mode.

But he is also, at his core and when in a good state of health, a naturally friendly individual, and he can't help but recognize a faintly familiar face.

"Oh, Keldor! It is good to see you. How did things go with the Slowpoke?"

[behindblueskin]

He's got his chopsticks [which he prefers. The Elite Four are considerate enough to supply them, unlike several of the places he's been to in this world, even if his father did teach him to eat with what humans consider "civilised" [hah!] utensils] halfway to his mouth when he hears someone calling his name.

People are starting to recognise him, and, more importantly, it's all positive thus far.

Briefly Keldor thinks that coming here isn't really so bad. He's treated well despite not being human [the ears will always be a giveaway outside of Weird Weekends™], and if he's ever hassled, it's usually some young up-and-comer looking for a battle.

It's all good, but he's not being asked about his opinions on this world.

"Things are going well, thank you."

Pause.

"I brought her with me to this 'prom' event to get started on her training, once I am done here."

[nastyboy]

"Oh, that is good to hear. I am sure that it will be a good experience for her." Dimitri nods, glad to hear it. Of course, it was up to the choice of both individuals, but it's nice to see a partnership be made.

"However, from what I understand, some of the inhabitants of the nearby lands are rather high leveled, and I am afraid that I do not know how much experience you have yourself. Will the two of you be fine on your own?"

[behindblueskin]

"We should be. I did bring some of my stronger pokemon just in case. And if not, I still have berries in plentitude should things take a bad turn."

But as this is the home of the Elite Four, there should be a means to access one's storage just in case what's brought isn't up to the task, and the berries aren't doing it for you either.

[nastyboy]

"Excellent." Dimitri nods, glad to leave it just at that. "Well, you will be sure to have an intriguing experience, I am sure. This is not something that we often get to experience, from what I understand, so taking full advantage is more than acceptable.

"Although if you ever wish to have backup just in case, do let me know. I wish to go out there as well with my own companions, and would not mind making sure that others do not get unduly surprised."

[behindblueskin]

"No. I would presume that opportunities like this are scarcely come by. Be it during this 'prom' or elsewise."

He's heard the other otherworlders talk about prom. About what might happen during it.

Seems that there's a tradition with prom where things ... don't go as one expects them to go.

It's made Keldor ... not nervous—he never gets nervous—but ... concerned.

[nastyboy]

"Indeed. It seems that, no matter what else may occur, the locations at which prom takes place do tend to be unique and rarely visited."

Whether that's worth going through the inevitable trouble.... Well, Dimitri supposes he has to admit that is an individual choice.

It's just that, as individuals, they apparently keep making the worst decisions.

Gallery

[crystalmaster]

Radley is happy to see his friend and approaches with six Pokemon. "Hi!" He stares at the print. "Oh yikes. I'd hate to meet the thing that made that."

[behindblueskin]

The card does mention that there are a few researchers who believe that made it was either a "Great Tusk" or an "Iron Treads", but as these beasts have a status equivalent to "cryptid", most people dismiss such claims, insisting that there are other, more plausible candidates, but the mystery still remains.

Still...

"Neither would I."

Only a foolish person would try to go looking for it.

[crystalmaster]

Evie jumps in the fossil with a cute trill.

Radley has to laugh and lift her out. "That's not for playing in!"

He looks at the card too. "I've never heard of those things. I wonder if a Great Tusk is like the Woolly Mammoth in my world."

[behindblueskin]

"I do not think the residents here would want you doing that," he says to Evie, thinking that the Elite Four are the types to guard their treasures just as much as Eternians do.

Killjoy...

"A ... woolly mammoth?"

[crystalmaster]

"Eevee-vee," Evie sighs.

"Yeah, it's like ... uh ... a huge, fluffy ... Phampy? With giant tusks...."

[behindblueskin]

"Ah. I see."

Well. Sort of. But he gets the general idea.

"And did they leave behind evidence of their passing in the form of their tracks?"

[crystalmaster]

"Yeah, there's tracks and even skeletons," Radley says. "We have skeletons for a lot of amazing creatures that are extinct now."

"Vee...." Evie thinks it sounds sad that they're gone.