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

[infernofireblast]

[Joey continues to shake his head emphatically.]

It ain't worryin' sis! It's just being a good brother! Half da places in here ain't got roads goin' through 'em and da otha half are covered in weird creatures who attack ya the minute you walk through tall grass! I spent da better part'a half a year sleepin' on Pokemon Center couches and eatin' camp food and der ain't no way in heck I want you to have'ta go through dat too.

[Giving her a reassuring pat on the shoulder, Joey smilles at her and gives her a thumbs-up with the other hand.]

I'm glad Tristan's been lookin' out for ya doe'. Comin' in here alone ain't great... but now dat you're all here why da heck would I let'cha outta my sight? Gotta scoop you up into a big 'ol bag and take ya with me!

[Making "monster hands" Joey goes to launch a fau-attack on his little sister. Having family and friends again is a blessing he can't put into words, and having them appear seemingly out of thin air at an event he already had big plans for was even more moving. Gotta smile or you'll start crying though right Joey?]

[oncewasblind]

Well, I don't mind making a trek of it, you know! I did have an encounter with the tall grass, so, I know what you mean. But, Big Brother, Tristan and I are trying to make our own pokemon journeys. Don't worry! We're doing our best and we already made it to Goldenrod before coming here. I guess I can see why you would want to help, though. Maybe talk about it with Tristan? He's the pointman on this!

( she finds herself easily amused, touched and giggling at her older brother the moment he's making "monster hands." she lets out a squeak when he lunges and lifts her arms to put up some form of defenses but her brother can easily surpass them. don't cry, big bro. you're not alone now. )

[infernofireblast]

[Joey frowns. Sure he wanted his sister to have her own adventures, but taking on the wilderness in one of the most illogical places he'd encountered wasn't the ideal situation for it as far as he was concerned. Obviously he wouldn't stop her if she had her mind set on it, but he hoped Tristan was of a similar mind to him or this would be frustrating.]

I'll talk with him, but I'd hate ta lose you two right afta findin' you both! I didn't even realize you'd both blow into dis place, so I guess I need to be keepin' betta track of da network so I don't miss out on important stuff like dat.

[Scratching at the back of his head sheepishly, Joey continues.]

You both gotten good Pokémon at least? Can't have ya runnin' off into da wild without some good friends at ya back right?

[oncewasblind]

( she's not entirely opposed to taking her brother's advice but she's not sure what tristan wants to do. she's been mostly hanging about with him after all. this is less her journey as a trainer and more her journey of tagging along with a friend and trying to piece together how to breed these little cuties along the way. )

I don't want to lose track of you either, big brother! I'm planning to record what I can of this fun journey though because I thought having a video diary of this place and what happens might be fun. So if you watch the network, then, we'll definitely always be together -- especially if we go our separate ways.

( she smiles at the question of pokemon. )

Yeah! I have an eevee and a skitty that I got from a lady on Route 29. It has a really, um, unique name! Tristan has a Chimchar and one of the siblings to my skitty! Mine is called Mr Pibbles, ( she giggles a bit saying the name. ) Tristan's was named Anna Banana.

You must have such cool pokemon! What are yours like?

[infernofireblast]

[At the mention of his Pokémon Joey's eyes flash.]

Oh you know me sis. I didn't slide into dis place with a plain-ol' team of Pokémon. Ya big brother's got a whole-ass squad'a Duel Monsters! I got Red-Eyes, Baby Dragin', Alligator Sword, Fortress Whale, Gearfried, and even da Legendary Knight Hermos!

[Joey flexes and shifts into a pose that points his two-thumbs-up back at himself in emphasis.]

Been beatin' da everlovin' crap outta each and every Gym too! Dis time next week I'll have cleaned-out da whole'a Johto and Kanto. You or Tristan need help turnin ya teams into lean, mean, Gym-crushin' machines you just let me know!

[Shifting the conversation away from himself Joey turns it back towards what he and Serenity had been talking about prior to his Pokérant.]

I'm glad you got cuties to back ya up, but if you're takin' da road of a breeder dat's something you'll need space for right? If... if you're gonna spend some time on da road, den maybe I can turn my attention towards gettin' a place where we can lay our heads-down without havin' to wondah what da next day will bring. Once you've got ya bearings and you've gotten some warp points, den you could come and take a load off in a home of ya own. Does dat sound like somethin' you'd like?

[oncewasblind]

( she can see how excited he is to talk about his team and serenity is suddenly thrilled, too! it's infectious! given that she isn't a duelist herself and therefore isn't super familiar with the cards that he has, serenity isn't really all that certain who he's comparing his pokemon to but she loves how enthusiastic he is. )

I'd never think otherwise, you know! Of course you'd be making your way through the league and leaving everyone in your dust because you're amazing, Joey! Which means that you've trained your pokemon to be just as amazing as you are and you won't lose!

( she clenches her fists with delight that he's doing so well. it's sweet of him to offer his help and she's sure that tristan would think so, too! serenity smiles and shakes her head lightly. )

I'm not going to be going through the gyms, I think. Fighting isn't really my style, I'll leave it to the professionals like you and Tristan! I'm going to do my absolute best though as a breeder. But... yeah, I'll need to settle down at some point. I'm just not really sure where. I'll have to get information on where most breeders settle and try to avoid it-- I think somewhere without a whole bunch of breeders would be the best spot. I don't want to get in the way of other breeders and all. So it would be great to eventually have a house, but, I'll have to save up for something as great as that!

[infernofireblast]

[Joey sighs and shakes his head, but there's a smile on his face as he does so. His instincts as a big brother, especially given what the two had been through, might be to pull her close and keep her safe but he could see that she needed to have her own adventures and he couldn't help but smile at that. He was proud of her vision and proud of the speed at which she'd adapted to her surroundings but he hoped she wouldn't grow up too fast. It was a very Wheeler way of handling things, taking life at full-tilt and coming out on top, but that didn't mean he didn't want to hug her and spirit her away to someplace he knew was safe for all time.]

Well, it seems you've got a good idea what you want outt dis place and I can't say dat surprises me. I took like a fish to watah here too and I'm gonna be king'a da hill here in not too long now, so it's only right my sistah would get a read on dis place and know just what she wants'ta do right outta da gate. You know ya big brothah's got your back no mattah what so I hope you have da time of ya life on yer adventures, but dat don't mean I won't be worried sick da whole time.

[Placing a hand on her shoulder, he raises his other hand with it's index finger up in a very parental manner as he continues.]

Weathah's a lot bettah den when I came inta dis place, but dat don't mean it's all sunshine 'n rainbows goin' out into da woods. Der's weird places you'll have'ta go through, like ice caves and mountains, so I'm gonna make sure you both got everythin' ya need for a smooth trip. I know da guy who runs da bike shop in Goldenrod too, so we can get you both some wheels for gettin' around and dat'd make things a whole lot more smooth. Dat sound like da kinda stuff you can get behind Sis?

[oncewasblind]

( she wants to do things her own way -- just like he would. she idolizes him so it's not surprise that she would want to do her best to cut a path for herself in this place. she's pretty adaptable but having tristan with her upon arrival was really helpful, too. he made her feel safe and like she didn't have to be alone in this. )

Us Wheelers are made of stronger stuff than most!

( okay, that's maybe not super true for serenity although her strength was shown a few times in the show because he's definitely the stronger one of the pair of them. he had to deal with so much more than she has in her life.

she appreciates all the help that he wants to give though and it would be dumb of her to look a gift horse in the mouth. )

Hmm, I'll have to think about it~

( okay, she's teasing and she can't do it for long before she snickering behind her hands. )

Okay, I think that's something I can definitely get behind, Big Brother!

[infernofireblast]

I'm gonna be makin' a trek cross Kanto once da Gyms are all done. Mai needs to get all da warp spots and catch some Pokémon, so I thought I might be able'ta catch some for you too and send 'em back your way! Dey got a list of what you can be found in da different areas, so just take a look through and let me know!

[Joey goes-in to give Serenity another hug.]

Wouldn't be any trouble either sis. We'll have so many Pokémon comin' your way you won't know what to do with 'em all!

[oncewasblind]

Oh, so you're going to be helping Mai. That's really great of you! I'm sure she'll make the trip really fun, too. ( by teasing him the whole time. :x ) Wait, catch some for me? Oh wow, Big Brother, that would be so nice. I'm not really sure what kind I want yet, though. But I can definitely look at the names on the maps and cross-reference with the pokedex. I'll let you know, okay? Thats really, really nice of you.

( she steps into her brother to accept his hug and return it, closing her arms around him to give him a Serenity-squeeze! she chuckles at him. )

Gosh, don't send me too many! I won't know what to do with them! I don't have a place to settle down and get to work yet, either. But once I do, I'll let you know.

[infernofireblast]

[Joey reaches forward and gives his sister touches her nose with his index finger in a classic sibling "boop".]

We hit da road in two weeks so you bettah pick out da Pokemon you want me ta grab fast den, or I'll just have'ta catch every Pokemon in Kanto and send 'em to ya! I'll turn ya into dis place's Noah, with a pair'a each 'n every animal walkin' two-by-two behind ya.

[Now that's an amusing image. With the sheer amount and ridiculousness of the Pokemon varieties, too, that would be certain to be quite tehe spectacle.]

You know you don't gotta keep all da Pokemon with ya doe' right? You can store 'em in da PC and get to 'em when ya ready, so you don't gotta deal with a zoo everywhere ya go. I don't know how it works or nothin' but I've even got one in der' myself so it's definitely handy. So if I send ya a buncha Poke-couples you can just hold onto 'em until ya need 'em!