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

Poolside, After the Announcement

[heartofalioness]

[Allura, meanwhile, has just finished a vigorous morning swim and finds nothing weird at all about discussing the Elite Four choices. It's an important decision.]

Just a bit. Then again, I don't think Lance would have considered Bede for the position if he didn't think he could handle it, let alone one of the top two candidates.

[outofsynth]

Yeah, maybe. I still think that's a lot of responsibility to put on a kid.

Even having his own gym already seems like a lot.

[heartofalioness]

True.

[She thinks of her own responsibilities back in her world, the fate of a universe placed on her shoulders and her companions when they were still teenagers, older than Bede is now. At least he seems eager for the chance, but hopefully he isn't biting off more than he can chew...]

On the other hand, not only do the Elite Four receive less frequent challenges than the average Gym, balancing that pressure somewhat, he should also have the support of Lance himself, and the other members of the Elite Four. [A soft smile.] And it sounds like he and his Pokemon have strong bonds as well. They'll support each other too.

[As nice as the Fairy representation would be, it was hearing how much work Bede had put into getting where he is now and how much faith he has in his team that's convinced her to vote for him.]

I take it you're leaning towards Malva?

[outofsynth]

Maybe. The challenges will be harder though, and good support isn't enough if that isn't really what he wants to do.

[Projection? Maybe, but genuine.

Min's own challenges had been less high stakes from the outside, but they'd made his life unbearable. He knows the pressure of trying to live up to other people's expectations, no matter how well meaning they might be. If he hadn't been given a job he might have voted for Malva, or he might have abstained. Between Bede's answers and him rubbing him the wrong way anyway, he can't see himself choosing him even under different circumstances.]

I think so. Malva just seems like the better candidate no matter which way I look at it.

[heartofalioness]

[Yyyyyeah both of those statements are yellow flags.]

In what ways is she better? [That's pretty vague...] And... how do you mean "not what he wants?"

[outofsynth]

Fire types have a lot more resistances than fairy types. Even when you look at the specialties of the whole Elite Four put together, Malva's team would give them cover against more typings. Steel too, which a fairy type team opens up a weakness for. That seems dangerous when you think about just how strong steel types are defensively.

And as a trainer... Malva seems better equipped to handle it. Even if he does have support, Bede just doesn't seem like he's grown up enough.

[He'd been prepared to back himself up on why Malva's the better option. He's aware there's more to strategy in an actual battle, especially at such a high level, but considering his limited experience and so little time to look at the pros and cons of the two choices he doesn't think it's bad logic.

He's less prepared to be questioned on Bede.]

He sounds like he gets pressured into things a lot. You didn't think that?

1/2

[heartofalioness]

[Allura nods patiently.]

Fairy also has one weakness fewer than Fire, and a type immunity to Dragon, which Fire has none. [The smile turns a little proud.] Keith and I happen to lean towards Fire and Fairy ourselves, respectively.

[Meaning Allura definitely knows about each type's strengths and weaknesses... and how to counter them.]

Not to mention their answers to my questions revealed they both have strategies to counter those type disadvantages.

2/2

[heartofalioness]

[Min-Gi's second point... definitely gives her more pause.]

You aren't wrong, but that seems to be something Bede himself is aware of. He did seem outwardly eager about this opportunity, at least. And I would hope that at least one member of the Elite Four would find the idea of pressuring an unwilling child distasteful, especially if more experienced and willing candidates were put forward.

[Then that expression turns hard.]

And if that is not the case... I happen to know two very skilled investigators, one of whom is an Aurora League Champion. If such a pressure did exist and was made public, it would be much more damaging to the League's reputation in the long run. It is in their best interest to treat any newcomer well.

[outofsynth]

Lance is kind of a deterrent against dragon types though, right? It's a double-edged sword, but it's something.

[He shrugs. His notes and charts don't seem much use here. He could argue harder, but that might be a mistake with someone who has good reason to understand the ins and outs of both typings.

He's been left on the defensive, which was not what he was hoping for. He can only hope no one important is watching. They might not be pleased if they are.]

You're probably right, but I'd still prefer to go with the person who seems like they're ready already.

[heartofalioness]

[A light nod.]

That's certainly fair. And ours are just two votes out of the whole. Hopefully whomever is chosen proves a good fit.

[outofsynth]

I'm sure they will be. Lance probably knows what he's doing, right?

[heartofalioness]

Exactly.

[There, what a nice friendly debate!]

How are you enjoying your first prom?

[outofsynth]

[A nice friendly debate that Min is trying very hard not to wonder how much trouble he'll be in with the bosses over.]

It's okay? People keep saying something bad's going to happen, but so far it seems good.

[heartofalioness]

Good, I'm glad. It would be nice if nothing interrupted things this year. Doubtful, but it would be nice. It has been very relaxing so far, though.

[outofsynth]

So what people are saying is true then? There's never a nice prom?

[heartofalioness]

I'm not quite sure about never, but... yes, it's the norm for something to throw a wrench in things. Usually one or more incredibly powerful Pokemon showing up, like last year, but apparently Team Rocket has been known to stir up trouble as well.

[Not that Min-Gi would know ANYTHING about the latter, right?]

[outofsynth]

[Oh. Nope. Definitely nothing he would know anything about. When he'd been talking to Riz it hadn't occurred to him he might be the problem here, but it's kind of hard not to think of it when she puts it like that.]

I'm sure that won't happen this year. There's no way they'd want to risk anything with Lance around, right?

[Anything more than swaying votes, anyway...]

[heartofalioness]

True... then again, that could be what they want us to think.

[Maybe they're going full Ocean's 11 here.]