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

[chazz_it_up]

Well normally, they would say something bac- [Chazz started to reply then he realized that wasn't the voice he was expecting. He jumped and let out an undiginfied yelp, turning to face the other male.] Nha-ha!

Did anyone ever tell you that it's not polite to sneak up on people?! [Then after a pause] Oh, hey. I know you. Guess this is the first time I've see you in person though... IV, right?

[4play]

The very self-same. [He hints on a gallant bow, before straightening back up again.]

And I'm sorry if I scared you. I figured you'd already noticed that I'm nearby.

[That's a bold-faced lie.]

[chazz_it_up]

[The bow was a little over the top, but Chazz mercifully let's that one slide.]

I mean- I should have noticed, sure, but I guess I was more engrossed in the exhibit than I realized.

[It's easily explained away to his satisfaction anyway.]

Don't sweat it. [Looking between the nearest case then back.] You know, when Yugi Mutou's deck went on tour, one of the stops was on Duel Academy Island? [Not that he was there to see it, since he was at North Academy then....... trying to recover from his tremendous loses at Duel Academy, but IV doesn't need to know that!] Wait- did I ever tell you that's the school I was attending? I've spoken to so many people, I kinda forgot who I told what.

[4play]

[It's just part of IV's gentleman routine. He needs to keep practicing it from time to time to make sure it's still on spot whenever he might need it again.]

I'm sure that's it.

[Bad excuse, boy, but he'll let you safe face for now. Turning to look at the same exhibits Chazz was before IV invited himself, IV hum under his breath.]

So you got a chance to see the legendary cards of the king of games himself? I'm a little jealous. I didn't even get to see the statues that were made of them yet. [Glancing to Chazz, he gives him a curious look.] And you haven't. What kind of place is it?

[chazz_it_up]

[Chazz was nothing if not a fountain of bad excuses. He appreciates IV letting this one slide because he really didn't want to have to explain that he was attempting to talk to duel spirits.]

Uh- yeah. [One little fib, to try and look cool. That should be fine.] Admission was limited but being one of the top of my class granted me instant access. [A slightly bigger fib now...] There are statues?

Well it's a prestigious boarding school, set on a tropical island where the best of the best train to enter the dueling circuit. The competition to get in is fierce.

[4play]

Your duel skills are that good? I'm impressed! [As impressed as with all the other kids who tried to endear themselves to him trying to look strong. But he's a good actor.]

There were. Or are, I should probably say. I think they were made by a famous sculptor or monk or something and are near a temple- [he shrugs his shoulders, looking wistful for a moment] my little brother really wanted to go see them together, but thanks to my busy schedule that wasn't possible.

I see. It's no wonder I never heard about that, then. Orphanage kids would have hardly been their target democratic.

[chazz_it_up]

You know it. [Actually he doesn't know it. Despite being from the future. Where is this legacy of yours, Chazz?] Hey, you're some kind of champion too though right? That must be why we hit it off so well. Skill recognizes skill.

A monk at a temple? Man- things just get weirder and weirder. [Says the guy that's met a literal vampire.] Harsh, you couldn't even get that much time with him. [.. And this is the brother IV gets along with.] Maybe someone's made one of those travel videos about the statues and you could both watch those. I know it's not the same of actually being there but at least you'd both get to see them through a shared activity.

[Oof. Chazz walked right onto that landmine.] R-really? I thought that... I mean. You just carry yourself like.. [What is he trying to say here and how can he prevent sticking his whole foot in his mouth?] That sucks. There are some kids that got in just based on their duel skills! [Like that makes it allllll better. Also it undercut his own position by implying he paid his way in. Sigh. That was partially true, but Chazz actually excelled at the game as well as being disgustingly rich.]

[4play]

Most likely~ [Haha, yeah, as if! But let's go with that, shall we? IV shakes his head lightly and offers a humble smile.] Yeah, I have won some championships.

[Pulling out his D-Pad, he flips it open and hits a couple of buttons. Then he turns it so that Chazz can see the info called up on the screen.]

Recently, I've won the Asia Duelist Championship, the Mini Surf Expert Match and the T.F.E. Tournament. I also won the National Duel Circuit, although I asked them not to put it on my list since the final match never happened. [All those tournaments, and IV never took a single loss. He doesn't point it out and just sighs, shaking his head.] My opponent in the finals got disqualified for cheating. That's not how I like to win things.

[Chazz idea gives IV a start before he looks at the teen with a new appreciation.]

You know... That's actually a really good idea! We could do that, once we're reunited! I'm sure he'd have a good time, stopping the video here and there to point out extra details to tell me about them and stuff! [It'd be exactly the kind of family thing to do that III loves so much! Just imaging it distracts IV that much that he easily waves the faux pas off.]

I carry myself like a nob, I know. My family used to be pretty high-ranking among the better offs, you know, old blood, but then our father didn't return from his last expedition... [he shrugs his shoulders] ....with no living off-age relatives left, we stayed in Japan because that's where our big brother got adopted. III and I ended up in the system there.

[chazz_it_up]

[IV knows exactly what to say to appease this duelist right here]

Woah, what is that thing..?

[Chazz marvels as the D-Pad is drawn out. There's something kind of familiar about the design but it's also way different. Then when he reads the display his awe doesn't stop there.]

No defeats...? [His eyes flicked between the screen and back to IV a few times. That kind of record was incredible, and not one that Mr. Princeton could boast. Sure, he had a lot of wins under his belt, but plenty of losses too.] Didn't want to win by default, huh? [The answer was swiftly supplied.] He... didn't like throw your deck into the ocean or anything, right? [COUGH, because Chazz might have done that once to Bastion Misawa. It wasn't something he was ever planning on repeating at least and it hadn't been for a tournament..]

[The look that follows after his suggestion makes Chazz feel self-conscious for a moment, but it's all for nothing. His smile practically beams at the praise.]

Exactly! And as an added bonus you won't have any of the monks bugging you for donations either. [He folded his arms and gave a knowing nod] It would be just you and your brother. [Luckily for Chazz he gets away with his misstep.]

Oh geeze, that's rough. [He couldn't imagine going from being loaded to ... poor. Even though if he thought about it, that's exactly what happened when he was drawn into this place.] ... but it seems like you're doing pretty well for yourself now. You don't need to rely on anyone else.