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***

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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"

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Not sure what is going on? Why not check out our prom FAQ

Comments

[nastyboy]

[Gently, Dimitri pats her shoulder reassuringly.]

Think of it this way: you now know fully what lays before you, what mistakes might have made before, and how to now best tackle those challenges.

It only seems a great deal because you know what now is in front of you.

[chirpier]

[ encouragement . . . ! how could she not swell up like a little puffy bird! ]

Y . . . Yes—! I'll—! I'll better prepare with a Fairy Tpe team in mind! [ the first time she challenged them, she'd used ume for being her battle-loving starter. but . . . if she's going for a career change the way she's considering, she'll have to do this without him. and with a slightly different roster. ] I'll do my best!

[nastyboy]

I believe you'll do wonderfully.

[Encouragement! Always very important - especially for young and excited warriors trainers.]

And if you need any assistance at all, let me know. Fairy types are not ones that I am overly familiar with, but I've grown a little bit accustomed to many different moves, and I have gone through all of Johto's gyms. I'm sure I can be of some use.

[chirpier]

[ she's the kind of person that needs encouragement before her anxiety rips her down to shreds . . . ! yachi happens to smile brightly and even shy, but she's looking up at dimitri with eyes that really say "you really think so?!" ]

W-what do you do, now that you've challenged them all—?

[nastyboy]

Well, for myself, personally... I actually want to finish the Kanto gym circuit as well.

[With the others gone... It feels like something he needs to do, now.]

Once I have proven victorious there, I will qualify for challenging the Elite Four on my own. Although I admit I am making it harder for myself. [Dimitri chuckles.] For the Kanto gyms, I am actually challenging their elite teams. It has been a very different experience.

[chirpier]

[ oh, wow—! ]

If the regular gyms are already a challenge, I could imagine something elite—! [ maybe she’ll get there, one day! ] Are you still using your rats . . . ?

[nastyboy]

Ha, on occasion, yes - I always make sure to have Gremlin on my team, alongside Dean. However, I am trying to give all the others a chance to participate in gym battles as well.

Also, Hob has become more invested in taking part in contests, and so her interest is there. Were you there for the most recent one?

[chirpier]

I don't think I was . . . !

[ but her eyes might be sparkling—! ]

Is there a recording of the performance—?!

[nastyboy]

Oh, yes! Riegfriend and Soy always ensure that such things are recorded and spread about. It is an important part of contests, from what I understand! Ah, but, give me a moment... Gremlin, if you could please?

[Was the Rattata always there, scurrying up onto his shoulder? Don't worry about it. Or how Dimitri holds up his Pokegear for him, letting Gremlin smack his little rat hands about until he finally pulls up a video on the screen.]

[As he angles it to show Yachi, Dimitri lowers his voice to a whisper.]

She placed first this time!

[chirpier]

Ahhhh, Gremlin—?!

[ hello you!!?!?! where did you come from! augh, and rattata can manage to be cute after all . . . but before yachi could make a big commotion of her greeting to the little rat, her attention is taken to the gear screen.

gradually, her lips pull apart and hang agape as she watches and brings the gear closer. oh, the spectacular—?! the story!! the use of moves to define beauty! ]

No way . . . !! First place?! [ SHE’S GONNA CRY (positive) ] Did you come up with the whole performance, Dimitri . . . ?! This is amazing!

[nastyboy]

[Seeing a reaction like that... Dimitri and Gremlin both seem to puff up proudly. It's their Hob! Of course they're proud.]

It was a team effort, but I am glad that it pleases you so. The contest requirement was that one grass move had to be used in order to properly display the theme of spring.

However, the Rattata lineage can only learn one grass type move - Grass Knot. It is a rather subtle move as well, which was an additional obstacle. You see, Grass Knot's main purpose in battle is to trip up one's opponent, causing them to hit the ground and hurt themself. It is a valuable move in its own right for battle, but... It is not something flashy and eye catching. In fact, so hard to see, I did worry a bit on if it could be missed entirely.

So I addressed that problem first of all, by telling Hob that we would have to find a way to make Grass Knot more visible. With a little bit of experimenting, we discovered that we could tie the knots atop one another - that is how such moves work against massive opponents, which it does particularly well against.

[Utilize that weight difference damage!]

However, we still needed something which could properly display Grass Knot.... And that was when Hob thought of Coblynau, who is a Steelix. She tends to be rather shy and hesitant, you know, but just staying in place as a mountain was perfect for her!

After that, things came together quite neatly, I think, although I mainly handled deciding on the different moves, and Hob came together with the wardrobe.

[With all of that said, he pauses a minute, and chuckles.]

Ah, I rambled quite a bit there, didn't I? But with the restrictions in place, I was worried about how well it would be received. IT is nice, to know that such hard work paid off in the end.

[chirpier]

[ rambling? a problem? dear sweet arceus, yachi eats it all up like dirt to a roomba. she loves this sort of thing and throughout his explanation, she couldn't be more attentive. attentive and excited! she claps her hands together with a grin. she's learning, and on top of that, celebrating a friend's win! ]

That's such a smart use of a move that's so subtle— no wonder you all placed in first! The way you brought out the best in everyone is just so—! [ kya! ] amazing! It makes me want to give it a try!

[nastyboy]

[Hearing that kind of interest only makes Dimitri beam even more, and Gremlin claps his little rat hands together.]

Oh, you definitely should! They happen every few months or so, which means you have plenty of time to prepare now.

And Riegfried and Soy are very generous hosts as well. They always make sure there are some costuming supplies for people to take advantage of and borrow for their contest entry. At least, that is how it has gone in my experience.

I would recommend finding which of your companions is the most interested in acting in the spotlight, personally. It makes the process much easier in coming up with an entry much easier, with both of you invested, and adds something genuine to the performance.

[chirpier]

Ume was always pretty flashy— that is, if I could get him back . . .

[ she misses her first first starter, not like her current starter was unimportant, but. well. lotus was a baby. and all yachi could see in a walking egg was a baby. ]

I’ll have to see how the rest of my team is, I guess . . . ! I still need to learn more about them.

[ and it’s there that yachi pulls up only three balls in her hands. ]

New and all . . . !

[nastyboy]

Well... I will do my best to keep an eye out for him. Although I have heard that there are some places where old companions go. I know little about it.

[Dimitri mostly just hoards all the Pokemon belonging to his boyfriends. It's fine.]

But for contests... If it would help make things easier for you, they record all of the entries from past contests online. That is how Gremlin was able to pull up that video. Perhaps if you showed them to your team, it would be easier to tell who has an interest.

Or I could even have Hob speak with them, if you would like! Who are your new companions?

[Yeah, they should be voting on a new Elite Four member, but, listen. That can wait.]

[chirpier]

[ —!!! her new team. okay, listen. she knows who she’s going to vote for. she could def take this time to show and tell. def!! with a bit of a shake of her tiny fists and red cheeks, yachi fishes for her pokeballs and lets them out, one by one. it doesn’t take long! each flash of light brings with it: a cutiefly, a flabébé, togepi and finally . . .

a shiinotic that seems a little isolated from the three. the cutiefly seems uncertain of it, the flabébé as well—

but the togepi is incredibly playful and welcoming.

(all fairy types, too) ]

Here they are—! Um, Shitake is little new, so . . . [ she looks a little uneasy herself. ] We’re trying to be friends.

[nastyboy]

[...You know, he kind of has a suspicion of just who she's going to vote for in terms of the Elite Four.]

[Still, Dimitri has his manners. He gives a polite bow to the variety of Pokemon, while Gremlin just clings to him with his hind feet and excitedly waves his little rat hands around in greeting.]

It is a pleasure to meet all of you. I am Dimitri, and this is Gremlin. May I ask who Shitake is...?

[Maybe he can help a little bit, if there's some awkwardness. Goodness knows he's had to deal with his fair share of troublemakers - whether that would be Burry's determination to take everyone out including himself so help him or Mononoke's intense hatred of every living creature.]

[chirpier]

[ yachi steadily points to the shiinotic. ]

There it is . . . Armin caught it and gave it to me after it, um— almost sucked the life out of the Cutiefly.

[ her cutiefly seems happy to say hi to gremlin, but....... yes she's ignoring the mushroom. ]

[nastyboy]

Ah. That would be a problem.

[Interpersonal relationships between Pokemon are tricky to start with, at times, and all the moreso when they were involved in a battle or conflict before their capture. It can be difficult to put that aside no matter if they're now on the same team.]

[Well, it's something that will be solved with time and patience. For now, Dimitri crouches down and extends one hand to Shitake, while Gremlin goes to babble at the Cutiefly.]

Hello, Shitake. How have you been adjusting to Yachi's team?

[chirpier]

[ shitake raises a long little mushroom finger and touches dimitri's hand . . . and with it, a slow smile spreads on it's creepy (but cute) face. honeydrop eagerly chitters at gremlin with basic greeting chatter while dandy hangs around to listen. lotus, on the other hand, strokes the ratata's tail. ]

I-I don't know if he likes me . . .

[nastyboy]

[That sure is a creepy smile. But, you know, if Dimitri could handle going to school alongside Hubert for near a year, he can handle this, and he shakes that finger gently. So.... incredibly.... gently.]

Hm. Well, have you ever asked?

[chirpier]

[ shitake likes this shake of fingers. thank you, human 🙂

just oh so very 🙂 ]

W-well, um . . . [ oops . . . ] I-I never knew . . . How to ask . . .

[nastyboy]

I see. Well, it can be a little difficult with the language barrier being what it is...

[A lot of emotional guessing at, and mostly yes or no questions. Before he taught his Pokemon how to write, Dimitri dealt with that a lot too, and he was in an even worse state for guessing at such things.]

Still, polite honesty is not a bad way to go. [Dimitri looks back to Shitake.] Would you mind an honest question?

[chirpier]

[ shitake continues this blank little smile— with these big fings now sticking to his legs! touch friend . . . touch.

it doesn't look like he's objecting, and while that happens, yachi watches on nervously fidgeting her fingers together. ]

[nastyboy]

[.....This is sure an experience he's having right now.]

Then - Yachi, could you come over here, please?