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

[infernofireblast]

[Not sure if Mai means the scenic vista present at the Falls or the fact that he'd been walking around shirtless he stands there for a moment as his brain chugs to process what response to give, eventually landing on playing it cool. No worse way to fall on your face than assuming a compliment and being wrong after all, so leaning on the safe side is the way to go.]

I still feel bad doe'. If you need me to run 'n find a hair dryah or somethin' I gotcha.

[Turning back to look at scenery viewable from the pool chairs, Joey nods in agreement to Mai's statement before looking back to her.]

You ain't kiddin' doe'. It's gorgeous here!

[ladyharpist]

( both are a viable option here because she meant him but the view around them is breathtaking. )

That's alright, I'm not even sure they have them here, actually. Tents don't tend yo have outlets to use and all. I'll just have to suffer a little frizz.

( it's hard to just not let herself be infected by his good mood and she smiles, leaning backward against the beach chair she's been seated on. The towel around her shoulders remains there, stuck beneath her body. the second one continues to be used on her hair. )

It really is. You been here before? I gather this prom thing is something they hold at least every year, right? Wait, when did you get here again?

[infernofireblast]

Well maybe not in da tents, but look at how swanky dis place is. You know dey'd have one'a them wireless ones in da bathrooms inside...

[Seeing her settle back in to relaxing, Joey trails off his hair dryer suggestion. There certainly were some views to take in at this place but, as far as Joey was concerned, the best one there had flown-in with him. Doing his best not to stare again, though, Joey turns his attention towards the mansion itself.]

Can't say I have. I think da prom must be a spring or summah time thing, cuz I got here right about da fall and dis place has been off-limits da whole time. Far as I know it's just for da Elite Four, so if dat don't show how ritzy things get up at da top'a da Pokemon League ladder den I don't know what does.

[Moving his view across the various terrain types present he can't help but be reminded of Duelist Kingdom. There really were a lot of parralels between his world and this one, and the presence of a multi-biomed private island with a massive manor at the center of it was certainly one of then. Curious as to what Mai would think, Joey gestures to where he's looking.]

Ya know... dis place reminds me a lot'a Pegasus' digs at Duelist Kingdom. A'course there ain't all da duelin' arenas set up with different terrains n' such, but it's still definitely readin' from da same book if ya get my meanin'. Given dat it's all private n' such, too, dat makes it even closah 'cuz dose' rich cats love hoardin' things for themselves.

[He looks back towards Mai before going any further-on about things they were both there to see.]

Kinda crazy how much'a da stuff in dis world is the same as ours eh?

[ladyharpist]

( she waves a hand and shakes her head. )

Don't worry about it, really. I'll manage.

( especially now that she's settled in and closing her eyes to let the sun shine on her anew. no reason to focus on the small things now that everything has pretty well been taken care of. )

Guess they don't want the "lesser" trainers in here unless it means something for them.

( maybe it isn't as black and white as that but mai's kind of jaded in that respect considering the way she had to claw her way up to even rub elbows with the rich and outstanding duelists. )

This whole league ladder reminds me of back home, too.

( he's not wrong. it does kind of have a duelist kingdom vibe sans the arenas. it brings back some memories to be in a place like this. reuniting with joey even strikes a chord given that was where she had met him in the first place. they had gone through some ups and downs at that time but mai managed to come out with some solid friends -- even if she had a hard time accepting them at first. )

It's really nuts, huh? Monsters that battle and all that... the parallels are a little unnerving, really. But there's enough differences, too.

[infernofireblast]

Yeah!

[Joey nods in agreement as Mai talks about the similarities.]

I gotta admit I'd noticed dey don't seem ta want us mixin' with da normal trainers. Dey've got a whole 'nothah league set up for us people from other worlds, and der ain't a chance we get to run for cool spots on stuff like da Elite Four here or anythin'. Sounds like da Breeder Group is pretty bad about dat too, cuz dat things been closed-up tight to us outworlders for years.

[Putting his hand to his chin thoughtfully, Joey didn't seem particularly upset at the way that things seem slanted against him but rather just intrigued by the double-standard.]

It does suck we ain't got a shot at da real big leagues in dis place, but I gotta admit that it makes me want to hit da tops-spots dat I can hit all da fasta just'ta prove dem wrong for tryin' ta keep me down! With things so close to how dey are back home, too, most'a da people in dis place don't stand a chance.

[And they really didn't either. Even with the early age that most of the trainers in this world started at the sheer lack of stakes in how battles were conducted meant that next to nothing in terms of strategy or pressure needed to develop, while virtually every Duelist that blew in here had been through a veritable arsenal of occult or virtual baddies all single-mindedly going for the proverbial throat on each and every one of them. Folks from their world were just built different as far as the Pokémon League would be able to tell, and Joey looked forward to seeing that difference become clearer and clearer as more of his friends started their run through the Gym Challenge.]

[ladyharpist]

How are we supposed to make a name for ourselves if there isn't a higher goal to attain? I guess the idea of running a gym is meant to be top-tier but if there's a higher level, like this Elite Four junk, then why not open it to the public? Give us something to really strive for.

( she waves her hand lightly. )

I guess that's a bit too much to ask though, hn? It'd be like reaching the position of Pegasus -- not that I want to be like that guy in any manner whatsoever. Creep.

( she nods. )

Well, you already know how I feel about you climbing that ladder. I hope you get the remaining badges and start on your way toward being one of the leaders yourself. You've got big plans and I hope you see them through.

[infernofireblast]

[Joey nods in wholehearted agreement with Mai's sentiment.]

I didn't realize it at first but didja know da Gyms we get'ta run ain't even part'a da regular Pokemon League? Der's a seperate league for us called da Aurora League. Feels kinda like bein' shoved into a broom closet if ya ask me, but at least it means der's a lotta people like us we can go up against.

[Joey docks pops into one of his signature faces at the notion of going-up against a sleugh of new opponents.]

I dunno how often dey do it eithah, but der's a championship to determine da big cheese of all da outworlders, and if dey bring dat thing back dis year then you can bet that Joey Wheeler's gonna be in there!

[ladyharpist]

( mai scoffs. )

What the hell? They have to give us our own league because we can't, what, taint theirs? That's just a way to keep us from being on top.

( she definitely agrees with him that it's kind of like being put down into the bottom such as being locked away into a closet. it's almost insulting as though they don't think they could be on the same level.

joey no, not that face omg. )

That's a little more interesting. I assume you plan to join it, because I would and I know you'd like the opportunity. I'm sure I'll still be on my path through the gyms and all when that comes up, so, I'll just have to make sure that I'm there cheering you on should it be sometime soon.

[infernofireblast]

[Sitting down on the beach chair beside her Joey wears an expression of excitement. He hadn't actually gotten to talk to anyone about the possibility of the outworlder tournament being held again this year, and Mai had that rare mixture of capable and competetive to be the perfect person share it with.]

Da tournament is the most excitin' thing for me too! I dunno how many of the othah outworlders take Pokemon Battles serious enough to make it in da big leagues like dat, but I do know dat da guy who's da current champion has been in dis place for like a decade and has been trainin' hard for da whole time. If I got dis strong aftah only half-a-year imagine how frggin' strong somone like dat's gotta be.

[Getting more comfortable the further into chatting with Mai that he gets, Joey slowly sinks further into his beach chair as he talks. Eventually caving to the tempting siren song of relaxation he lays back and kicks his feet up, fully joining her in reclining poolside. Still involved in talking about the otherworlder tournament, though, he doesn't stop talking either.]

Dat is the kinda face-off I wanna have. If we don't have da kinda strategies and payoff we got with Duel Monsters den da Pokemon Battles bettah be bustin'-out all da stops ta be every bit as fun as da stuff we lost. Right?

[ladyharpist]

( it's clear that he's thrilled at the prospect of making this become a reality and honestly, mai's happy for him. there's a little competitive spirit inside of her that wants to be up there with him, of course -- but mai will have to wait her turn. she's barely got a team together, after all. )

Sounds like this champion could go down a peg or two but if they've been here that long, then, it'll take a very damn good team to beat them. I know you're team is big and bad enough that you can run through the gyms here but you're going to have to take a hard look at the critters you've got and piece together a team that you think is undefeatable in order to beat someone who's been around that long.

( as he sinks onto his seat, mai crosses her legs and closes her eyes anew, enjoying the heat from the sun's rays. it's still pretty chilly for april but with the sun directly overhead she can at least enjoy that bit of heat from the cold. )

Good luck, Joey. I'll be there to root you on if I can since it'll be my turn to be racing through the gyms at that point.

[infernofireblast]

[Joeys eyes fly open and he snaps his fingers in excited recollection. All the talk of the Outworlder Tournament had sparked his memory as to how the teams themselves were built, and what he'd recalled was something he was certain Mai would like to know.]

Oh! Oh oh oh! Mai!

[He sits up in his beach chair.]

Da last tournament dey ran was only three Pokémon! While dat makes da choice'a tough one if you're pickin' from a real big selection, if you're lookin' to put together a team to start with den' dat makes it downright doable! What'da say? You think we can put togetha a trio of ladies with enough butt-kickin' oomph for you ta feel good throwin' your hat in da ring?

[ladyharpist]

Hmm?

( something has him hopping on his toes. mai leans on her arm against the chair she's laying in and thinks about it as he tells her. so she can only have a three pokemon team which means that it's even more important to think about types, movesets and levels. not to mention items being held and all. )

That makes it harder, doesn't it? I guess I've faced worse. I just have to piece together a kickass team and tell them to come at me. It'll take some time since I don't have a team put together at all, but, we'll see. I'm sure I can come up with something after I've got more pokemon and have learned a bit more about everything it takes to make them the best they can be.

( she casts a smile his way. )

Thanks for the heads up.

[infernofireblast]

I'd only say it's hardah if you've got a big pool'a Pokemon you gotta pick from. If you're just buildin' for da event then it means you just look at da options you've got and pick da three ones dat cover da most ground or dat fit da bill da best.

[He taps his chin thoughtfully for a moment, mulling over his own team as an example.]

Like, for "Da Revolution", I'd probably go with Alligator's Sword, Legendary Knight Hermos, 'n Red-Eyes. Dey hit da hardest outta my guys but all got specific areas a lotta trainer's go for dat dey can counter. Each mix'a types is gonna let you counter a different buncha monstahs, so if you got some hard-hittin' ladies lined-up and dey cover ya bases well you'll be good to go.

[Joey looks towards Mai and gives her an enthusiastic thumbs-up.]

Der's really not dat many trainahs here who're shootin' for da top spot, so you'll go a lot farthah a lot fastah dan you'd think. I think der's only like five folks who've even made somethin' of themselves in da Aurora League too, so if does' are da only people who stand a chance against us den we're gonna through da rest'a da trainers without too much problem!