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

3 - It's Time to Duel!

[thetombkeeper]

[Marik happens to be walking by, more interested in just exploring the outside area than catching anything so seeing IV grabs his attention. He walks over with his usual crew of Chenzira (Yamask) and Usi (Gengar) with him, Chen drapped on his shoulder like always.

He arches his brow when he sees the Rookidee and Fletchinder... sword fighting?]

... What are they doing?

[4play]

[IV looks up at the sound of somebody approaching, greeting Marik with a nod once he sees who it is. Out of IV's pokemon only Diva is out, clinging to his shoulder like a fuzzy epaulette. The Joltik has its eyes on the scene before them, acting as a secondary side-lines referee.]

Dueling, I think.

[He shrugs his shoulders.]

It was Murder's idea. From what I heard Rookidees can take the "rook" in their names a bit too literal ....either that, or he's a knight-otaku Hey! I saw that!

[Gesturing at the two birds, he dons a serious face.]

Break! Murder, aiming for your opponent's legs is a no-go! The big one, your weapon is catching fire!

[The Fletchinder - who is nearly twice as big as the Rookidee - squawks in surprise and drops the twig, rushing to put it out by repeatedly jumping on it and scratching dirty onto it. Then it looks around for a new weapon.

Once both opponents are set and ready again, IV gives them the sign to continue. To Marik, he adds laconically]

I'm starting to question some of my life decisions right now.

[thetombkeeper]

Can they?

[He never had that issue with his own but Ramses was sort of traumatized by Bahiti almost eating him so. That might have curbed some of that behavior before it ever became a problem.

Marik just watches as all of this happens, slightly weirded out despite the fact that his pokémon happen to do crazy stuff like this all the time. Particularly with Usi, who's clapping at the bird fighting show.]

Er... At least it keeps life interesting...?

Are you trying to catch it or is it only a Duel?

[4play]

Hell if I know. Maybe it's just this one. [Having been the victim of a flying Magikarp ambush tackle at full force by IV's one and only Shark might very well have knocked something loose in the little bird's head for all IV knows.

Usi's antics are only egging the birds on. The Fletchinder has the power and the range, while the Rookidee has the advantage of experience (how??) and being simply a smaller and thus harder to hit target. Who will prevail!?]

Catch it. [IV shrugs his shoulders again, keeping half an eye on the fight.] Although it's apparently some bird honor or territory deal that started it all. I was trying to send out Murder to look for potential team members for us when that other one swooped down on it and then things escalated until this happened.

[He stares at the spectacle before murmuring mostly to himself.]

I guess I can't just drop a fish on them both again. That'd be a bit cruel...

[But he is tempted. Redirecting his attention to Marik, he cocks his head and offers him a lopsided smirk.]

So you're the famous card history keeper in the flesh, huh? It's a pleasure to finally meet properly.

[thetombkeeper]

[Marik hums in thought. He hasn't captured many pokémon in the wild outside of like... two so he doesn't have much experience on if this is normal or not. Chen looks less than impressed but at least it's creative...? And maybe less violent than regular battling. The Yamask murmurs something to himself and rubs his chin.]

I guess I can respect that. Wanting to Duel to see if your team is worthy of him.

[The mental image of dropping a ridiculous fish on them both is enough to get a snicker out of him but he does nothing else in response to that, instead straightening his posture slightly and offering IV a smile.]

I wouldn't say famous... but it's a pleasure to meet you too. IV, right?

[4play]

I suspect it's the other way around. Murder thinks we're like... some royal court or something, ever since he's found out about me. In any way, he's been pretty picky about who we wants to stick around. [He gives a lopsided grin.] Thank god he's still tiny. It'd be real trouble if we had a Corviknight pulling antics like that on hand!

[Putting Diva down to keep playing referee, IV stands up and stretches displaying his full impressive height. Then he shoots Marik one of his best fanservice-y smiles.]

That's right. Thanks for remembering my name. Are you out to look for some more team members as well?

[thetombkeeper]

[Marik looks to the Rookidee and shakes his head with a smile.]

Fitting for a Knight then. Mine always kept close to me before he evolved.

[He blinks.]

No need to thank me. That's common courtesy.

[Something he's worked to improve on because before he arrived... he was very selective of who's name he bothered to remember.]

I'm not looking for anything. I was just curious about the area since this is my first time here.

[4play]

Oh? You have one too? What is he doing now? Or is it a she?

[There's a small series of chirpy huzzah's behind them as Murder scores a point.]

That makes sense. I guess I'm just a notorious busybody when it comes to these things. [Looking over to the pokemon, IV stretches before crossing his arms behind his head in a not very dignified manner.] I can't stand fighting without having a full deck. Or sitting still for too long, that is.

Are you here on your own?

[thetombkeeper]

Yeah. Caught him a couple of months ago. He's been taking it easy since the weather got cold and I got my yacht.

[Usi throws his stubby little arms up and laughs.

Marik winces slightly at the metaphor. He knows IV means his pokemon team but... still.]

It's good to keep busy. Some people work better that way.

Ah, I'm here with my girlfriend and two of our roommates. What about you?

[Who he really needs to get back into the full graces with. Obviously it doesn't matter if Shy's friends don't approve of him but... it's just easier for everyone if they do.]

[4play]

[IV catches the way Marik flinched and raises an eyebrow.]

Did I say something wrong?

[He smiles at the notion of a girlfriend, and promptly decides to be a little bit mischievous.]

I'm here with my date as well. She's still resting in the tent after all the activity we got up to last night, though.

[You know, soul searching talks at the pool and then just splashing around, getting each other wet... At least nobody drowned.]

[thetombkeeper]

No. It's nothing.

[No point in talking about it. Not like he can do anything anyways.

IV certainly enjoys messing with him, doesn't he? Marik's face turns red at the statement because that specific phrasing, then immediately begins mentally berating himself for thinking along that line. They could have been doing anything! Talking, walking, exploring the villa.

Anything but that. Marik has only just gotten to the point where she's seen him shirtless and they've fallen asleep in each other's arms. S-So clearly IV just means something innocent because he only arrived 2 months ago...]

T-That's nice you found someone to come here with. Have you been enjoying yourselves here?

[4play]

Mn. Not so much before she found me at the pool last night.

[He has caught that flicker of embarrassment in Marik's eyes, and like a good older brother IV is now gleefully pouring oil in that fire. Yuzu might be mad at him letting the other teen believe they did something like that, but for now it's just entertaining for IV.]

Speaking more in general, I guess it's okay. This world is nothing compared to Heartland City, though. I try to view it like a much-earned long holiday.

[thetombkeeper]

Oh.

[Marik, not very imaginative in these matters, has no idea what one could do romantically at the pool, so his embarrassment fades.]

Yeah, it does feel like a prolonged vacation in a weird way. Is it a good thing that it isn't like Heartland?

[4play]

[Marik, you sweet innocent summer child

IV just shakes his head with a small smile playing along his lips.]

Only if you prefer camping out in the wild to luxury resorts.

[thetombkeeper]

[Only sweet and innocent with love. We all know he's a monster about everything else.]

I mean, you at least get to stay at the hotels when you reach town...

[There's a pause.]

But I get what you mean. Once you're more established, it feels more like a second home.

[4play]

A home, huh? I don't think I can remember how that even feels.

[His somber mood gets broken when another cheer breaks out behind him right before his Rookidee lands on his shoulder puffed to twice its size with pride.]

Dee!

[thetombkeeper]

[Marik's inclined to agree and is about to voice that when the cheering starts. Usi claps and ... laughs like Marik, to which the blonde leans to look behind IV and glare at his Gengar.]

I'm going to guess your Rookidee won his Duel.

[4play]

[IV shoots first Usi and then Marik a disturbed look, before he refocuses on the bird on his shoulder.

If Murder puffs up any more with pride the little featherball will start floating off.]

I... Looks like it, does it? Does that mean that we have a firebird in our team now?

[Murder stares at him, beak agape, before he starts to wildly shake his head no, hopping back and forth. More gesturing seems to imply that his opponent was judged 'too weak' to pass the acceptance exam.


...which promptly causes a VERY insulted squawk from behind them before the Fletchinder is all but in Murder's space. The birds are very obviously arguing over who's being 'too weak' or whatever, but all IV really gets of it is a lot of noise and feathers in his face.]

What the- Stop that! Fuck!

[thetombkeeper]

[Marik just... sighs. Usi is Usi. An absolute menace.

The tomb keeper holds out his hand to try and interject but the birds begin arguing and all he can do is stand there with his mouth hanging open for a few moments before he can finally put his thoughts to words.]

You... should probably grab a pokeball for the Fletchinder and recall Murder?

[Chen covers his face with his hands and sighs. Why is he surrounded by... gremlins?]

[4play]

[IV is doing his best to get out of the strike zone - feathers don't taste well, thank you - and fumbling for the balls in his bag.

Unfortunately the first he pulls out is already taken.


Cat materializes with a meow, only to look around, see the birds and go sparkle-eyes. There is a second of butt-wriggling where IV still manages to realize incoming disaster, and then the meowth has already jumped, joinging the squawking mess and turning it into ultimate chaos.]

$()§()$Fuck!!

[IV ends up landing on his butt before he finally manages to grab Murder's ball and order it back. The second ball is empty and hits the Fletchinder none-too-gently, putting an end to that front of the squabbling as well. Only Cat stays out by virtue of having grabbed it own pokeball and pawed it out of IV's reach before he could go for that one too.

The meowth sniffs on a couple of fallen feathers before promptly rubbing itself on IV's leg, looking pleased with himself. IV brushes some debris out of his hair and grimaces as he finds a random feather in it.]

...Truly lovely. This is why I prefer Duel Monsters over pets. They at least listen!

[thetombkeeper]

[All Marik can do is watch as the insanity unfolds in front of him. He has no idea if he should bother stepping in as he doesn't know IV very well yet and has trouble reading him. So all he does is wince and back away a little. Usi is absolutely loving it though, having pulled a bag of popcorn from who knows where and munches on it.

It isn't until the madness has ended that the blonde speaks.]

You okay?

[4play]

Yeah, only my pride isn't, as usual. [IV grimaces and holds his chin. That damn bird had quite a punch for hitting him with only a wing.]


I out to name it Rocky for that mean right hook... How the hell is this kind of normal whenever a person wants to catch one of them?

[thetombkeeper]

I, er, promise I won't tell anyone, if that makes you feel better?

[He looks to Chen for a second.]

Like the boxing movie I've heard about? That could be a good name. I can't really comment on if this is normal behavior though. I bought most of my pokemon.

Ah, were you planning on looking around for more to capture? I've heard there's a bunch of the newly discovered species available here.

[4play]

Thanks.

[He sighs and pushes himself up. IV takes his time to dust himself and his clothes painstakingly off, before he stashes all the pokeballs away. Then he collects Diva and sets the Joltik back on his shoulder.]

You did? That's a way I've never really considered. Money hasn't been my strong suit since I arrived here, although I guess I've got the cash prizes for two badges now.

[He looks thoughtful for a moment. Then he promptly tries to recall Cat back into his pokeball, only to have the feline dodge behind Marik's legs at the last second.]

Almost! Okay, you can stay outside for now, but I won't go looking for you if you get yourself lost, Cat! [to Marik, he adds] I'd like to, yes. I even brought a secret weapon for one of them!

[He points to a nearby tree, where a folded up cardboard box is leaning.]

[thetombkeeper]

You have a Meowth. If you spend just 15 minutes a day having him use Pay Day until his Power Points are used up, you should begin to see some gains to your funds. That's how I maintain mine.

[Marik makes sure not to step back when he feels Cat against his legs, instead looking down at him until IV begins speaking.

Then he slowly looks over to the cartoonish display of a cardboard box ready to tip over. Marik gives him a bemused grin, obvious doubt in his expression. Chen like bewildered, Usi claps his hands and cackles again. It's genius! He loves it! Yes! By the end of the day, he'll probably wind up in it.]

... You're very creative, you know that? I was going to suggest we just walk around until we bump into something but if you think this will work..

[A shrug. He's willing to try it. Who knows, maybe it'll end up getting them a bunch.]