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

[4play]

"Huh?!"

IV's initial volatile reaction gets damped by the realization that he apparently scared the other person way more than they did him. He's still not fond of being seen - those scars are private, man! - but he also knows that trying to hide them now will only call even more attention to them than the discoloration around his right shoulder and arm already do.

So he only slowly swims a little closer, wondering what the other had been so eager to hide.

"Hi. Are you here for a night swim too?"

[fayblood]

"Um, I didn't know someone was here..."

Shrike is pretty plainly a bit nervous. Sure, a small handful of people here have seen his face and not made a big stink about it, but that's just a few people compared to all of his past up to arriving in Johto.

"I, I can go..."

[4play]

His only answer is a mellow chuckle.

"Please stay. We can both stick to different sides of the pool if you're worried about being seen. ...unless you're worried about sharing the water with my fish?"

There is a half-insulted 'Karp!' from IV's Magikarp, right before the tell-tale gurgling of somebody - or rather something - drowning. Again. IV sighs and pulls the pokemon back to the surface. It's kind of sad that he's become that used to Shark's apparent inability to focus onto something else and still stay afloat even though he's a fish that it doesn't even annoy IV anymore.

[fayblood]

"I d-don't know..."

Even keeping their distance, he might still see. Or something.

"I mean, a Pokémon is fine, but, um."

Shrike is also not terribly good at things involving social skills.

[4play]

"But not me? Is that it?"

IV stops shaking Shark lightly and holds it against his shoulder instead, giving the water pokemon a chance to balance itself before it wants to do its next attempt at swimming.

The redhead thinks for a while. When he speaks again, his voice is lower and gentler.

"You didn't see much of me, did you? I'm not very pretty to look at myself."

[fayblood]

"Oh, um, I didn't really look..."

Shrike had been a little too preoccupied making sure his hood was up again to stare, really.

[4play]

"Really? Do you want to look now, then? It's not an offer I make often."

He has gotten a little closer, intrigued by what he's so obviously not supposed to see.

[fayblood]

It's probably good for Shrike that it's dark out, making it pretty difficult to impossible to really make anything out under the hood.

"I, uh-- It's fine."

Apparently the kid's too preoccupied to be properly curious. If he hadn't been specifically asked to stay he probably would have bolted already.

[4play]

"...if you say so."

Iv isn't happy to not get his way, but he's had to deal with enough shit over his own scar that even he knows when any further pushing would be too far. There's the faint sound of splashing water as he swims further away, giving Shrike some physical space as well.

"I can let you know when I get out, if you want. That way you can get in after me."

[fayblood]

"That's--you don't have to..."

By which Shrike really means that, he'd probably just come back later. Or not at all. Sure, not getting a chance to try swimming in the fancy pool would be disappointing, but he still has a lot of trouble with the idea of someone seeing him. And reacting poorly.

[4play]

IV raises an eyebrow at that.

He knows this kind of person good enough - painfully shy to the point where they will deny themselves everything, just because of a constant fear of What If's. He doesn't do well with them, but since they already engaged-

"Then how about this? We duel for this spot!"

[fayblood]

"Huh?!"

Now that gets a reaction out of Shrike. He's so startled by the suggestion that he nearly loses his balance.

"I don't want to fight!"

Unless the other guy means a Pokémon battle. But if that's the case then why didn't he just say so...?

[4play]

"Why not? I'll even let you pick what kind of duel!"

A pause, before several spalshes indicate that IV is getting closer again.

"Or do you not know how to duel? What that is?"

[fayblood]

"I don't like fighting..."

Which he assumes is what 'duel' refers to. Go ahead and call him a coward or pansy; he's heard that or worse before.

[4play]

"So what? Then pick a different thing we can compete in!"

Pffft, the people of this place are all so terribly slow and overly complicated about things! A duel means a competition where they both have reasonably the same chances to win, it's as easy as that!

[fayblood]

Well, that's not what 'duel' means the way Shrike usually hears it use! And the locals refer to Pokémon battles as, well, battles. Maybe sometimes matches. But not duels.

"... Like what?"

Shrike also really doesn't know much by the way of competitive games. Or games in general. He had a very deprived childhood.

[4play]

"Like, I dunno. What do you like to do? Something that you are fairly good at?"

There's got to be something, everybody IV knows has their likes and dislikes. Hell, even his own pokemon do!


.....



....especially his own pokemon do.

[fayblood]

"Uh, I like books..." Though he's still not that great at the reading part, more practice is definitely needed. But something he is good at...? "Oh, I know some magecraft, I guess?"

He's been told he's good at that by a couple people now. At least one of whom would actually be in a position to know.

[4play]

"Books and magic? That's something, not really anything we could have a competition at. Magic doesn't exist in my world, only science that can be a lot like it."

Sometimes IV would like to know some magic. But all he has is that cursed crest.

[fayblood]

"Oh, there's not really magic here, either..."

Just at least one person willing to talk magic theory with him anyway. But that said, it might be telling from Shrike's answers that he's really not all that familiar with competitive stuff, anyway.

You need to have other people to play with to learn competitive games, after all.

[4play]

"I know. I'm kind of glad about that."

He shrugs his shoulders, offering nothing but a vaguely apologetic smile. He isn't going to share any of his secrets with somebody he just met. Hell, usually IV would just let somebody that painfully shy run off, but he's in a strange mood tonight, and sometimes it's just nice to have somebody to talk to that can actually reply using human words.

"Do you have curses where you are from?"

[fayblood]

"People call magic that does bad things curses." Perhaps oddly, Shrike responds much more readily--maybe even confidently--now that the topic is something he's familiar with. "If a mage uses a spell to make someone feel weak or sick, sometimes people call that a curse, even though it's still magecraft.

"O-or sometimes if someone makes a fay mad, it'll use its magic to curse them..."

[4play]

"That's an oddly wishy-washy definition. And I don't mean the fish pokemon." He crosses his arms in front of his chest and thinks about it. Calculating... Calculating... Nope, still doesn't make much sense to him, sorry.

"Like, how do you draw the line where something is being used as 'bad' magic, and where it isn't? You could use the same spell to keep a patient from moving around too much and aggravating an injury as you could use it to cause a person serious harm, can't you? Is there some kind of rule? And what's a fay?"

[fayblood]

"Oh, uh, I think that's why books about magecraft don't call things curses? But people say that anyway, or it's called that in stories when someone is enchanted in a way they don't want..."

Shrike's definitely not an expert on the subject though, it's just a thing he's noticed.

"And you're not supposed to hurt people with magecraft anyway like you're not supposed to hurt them with weapons or anything. Some people are bad and do those things anyway because they don't think anyone can stop them."

More like a lot of people, where he's from. It's been stuck in a pretty lawless state since the old empire collapsed, and Shrike's seen plenty of aftermath of people simply doing what they wanted with no consequences.

All of that said, he definitely hesitates a bit on the last question. For multiple reasons.

"Um, a fay is..." a thing taken for granted in his world that doesn't have analogue in this one. How does he even explain? "It's a thing that's partly magic, I guess? Like, uh, like there's little weak ones like animals, and powerful ones that are smart too, a-and you have to be careful because they're not like people and sometimes get mad if you do something wrong..."

Shrike's also clearly a lot more nervous talking about this topic than the magic one, go figure.

[4play]

"Hmm. So it's a lot like us in a lot of ways... " Not with the magic, of course, but there are always more than enough people who get easily drunk on some short-lived illusions of power and who are even more easily willing to take it out on others. Some things apparently never change.

IV notices the other's sudden renewed bout of nerves, but he feels like the best way to react to that is to ignore it until the other feels better. No need to call him out and make him feel even worse when he's giving him information. "So they are like kami or nature spirits or fae, or the like?"