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

[senorita_perfecta]

Oh yes I am aware. I was hoping to find Luisa as well, in fact I was able to reunite with another sister of mine, Mirabel, earlier. She was so happy to see me again even if it was on the network earlier in the week.

Oh how wonderful. I’m really glad to hear that you happen to live not far away from my sisters in the same city. And yes I will remember to ask for help whenever I’m struggling on something.

Bud, Budew, Dew!

[nastyboy]

I am sure that you will see her sooner than later. Things can simply take some time in a place like this. While the network allows us to speak with everyone, we are still ultimately separated by simple distance, and not everyone checks it often.

[As he clearly demonstrated.]

And it seems that you have a Budew as a companion! That is excellent to see - my own lover had one once, and she lives with us together. They are wonderful, are they not?

[senorita_perfecta]

Oh yes, you do have a point Sir. The network does have its pros and cons so I can understand that very well; we don’t have stuff like this back in our world. So hopefully Luisa is among the people invited to come here sooner than later.

Bud-Dew! Budew, Dew, Dew.

Yep, she is my starter Pokémon and I agree: they are such beautiful creatures with the potential to evolve and grow stronger. She is quite a bundle of energy and eager to battle. Oh wow, your lover has one too? That is really sweet of them to keep one. I do wonder what their Budew grew into.

[nastyboy]

Well, if you would like to see.... I could actually introduce you? His own has since grown, and reached the first evolution - Roselia.

She can be a bit shy, but I am sure she would be delighted to see another of her kin.

[senorita_perfecta]

Oh yes, that would be wonderful. I’m always happy to meet any Pokémon especially the Grass type Pokémon. Plus Carmen is going to love meeting and befriending another from her evolution line, isn’t that right Carmen?

Bud-Dew, dew, dew! Budew, dew, dew!

[nastyboy]

Then, this way - we are in the blue tent in the third row.

[At least, that's where his family has chosen if they haven't been kicked out, yet. Hopefully not! That would be awkward.]

[As Dimitri leads her along, he speaks over his shoulder.]

Do you have a preference for the grass type, then?

[senorita_perfecta]

(Isabela certainly makes sure to find the blue tent in question as soon as she gets to drop off her stuff. Carmen waddles along with her as she cheerfully squeaks along the way.)

Bud, Bud-Dew, Dew, Dew, Dew! Bud-Dew. Dew!

Oh yes indeed. I have a big interest in botany and plants ever since I was a little girl. Back in my world, I actually have the ability to grow almost every plant imaginable at will. Though I can’t seem to access them while we’re all in this world.

[nastyboy]

Oh - what an amazing ability! And so helpful.... I admit myself envious.

[After all, if he could grow plants.... How much good would that do for Faerghus, with its hard soil and inhospitable weather, where they all tried so hard to grow anything at all? Even with the school for sorcery right there in the capital, magic has yet to be able to truly help them in this important area.]

But yes, it appears that all such abilities are barred to those who arrive in this place... At any rate, perhaps you would be at home in Ilex Forest, here in Johto, or Celadon City in Kanto. They may be of interest to you.

[Arriving at his tent, Dimitri settles down, and goes to dig through their bags.]

[senorita_perfecta]

Oh gee, thanks. I really appreciate the compliment. And yeah, I also noticed that I can’t access my gift in here either when I first arrived here. Strange situation to be in although this is not the first time I had to deal with the loss of my gift.

(Yes, this is coming from a woman who lost her power during Casita’s destruction while trying to help to save the miracle candle.)

Oh wow! I would love to explore the Ilex Forest someday and marvel the plants in there. Celadon City sounds like a wonderful city to visit and I’m pretty sure that I’ll enjoy its scenery whenever I get the chance to visit Kanto.

[nastyboy]

I see.... It is good, then, that you can adapt so easily.

[And that she realized right away. Unlike some people. Who were in such a state that they didn't realize for many weeks, until it was blatantly pointed out to them.]

[Dimitri won't comment too much on that.]

[At any rate, he finally pulls out the Pokeball he was looking for.]

Here we are. This is Desta.

[And there pops out a delicate little Roselia, who blinks a bit upon release before tapping over to hide behind Dimitri's arm, and he chuckles.]

Forgive her - she is a bit shy with new people.

[senorita_perfecta]

Oh that’s okay. I do hope to warm up to her eventually. No need to rush things too fast. Hello Desta. My name is Isabela, it is very nice to meet you today.

Bud! Budew, Dew! Dew, Bud-Dew.

(Carmen cheerfully greets the Roselia, she wishes that her arms are big right now so she can wave to her.)

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Take it easy, Carmen. The nice gentleman here just said that his partner’s Roselia is a bit towards new people, so try to be a bit more gentle, okay?

Bud-Dew!

[nastyboy]

Ha, give her a moment. She is just not used to so much energy so quickly.

[There's a lot of energy in their household, of course, but that's something she's had time to adjust to over many months.]

[When things have settled down just a little bit, Desta pokes her head out again, one rose held up to her mouth in mixed worry and thought. With a little coaxing from Dimitri, she finally steps out however, making soft little plant noises of her own.]

Budew naturally evolve into Roselia with enough time spent with you, and a strong relationship. It's something you'll have to keep in mind.

[senorita_perfecta]

Understood, I did told Carmen not to get too excited that fast. Ah so I need to get my friendship with Carmen to be super high so she can evolve into a Roselia and gain new moves? That is really interesting to hear, I honestly thought that most Pokémon need to level up in order to become stronger for the most part.

It is still quite fascinating to see that there are Pokémon with unique ways to evolve as well. I wonder if there are more of them who also have unique evolution methods.

Bud! Bud-Dew.

[nastyboy]

Oh, indeed. Evolution by leveling is by far the most common, but it is not the only way. There are close relationships, as with Budew becoming Roselia, but also evolutions which require the use of a special item, such as a stone, or an item for battle. Others are dependent on the time of day, or must undergo a trade to facilitate the process.

It is something to learn for yourself, depending on your companions.

[Dimitri smiles, gently stroking Desta's head as she exchanges chatter.]

With your interests, you may wish to look into leaf stones in particular.

[senorita_perfecta]

Amazing. So many ways to evolve a Pokémon, I never thought that there are so many possible ways before coming here to this world. I’m really looking forward to see where my relations with my team will go and I do hope that they’re going to be amazing and last for years to come.

(Carmen happily hops up and down, being so excited to hear about the way she can evolve into a Roselia. Isabela is quite keen to see what kinds of evolutions she will see in any Pokémon she will add into her team. Especially if they are also grass type Pokémon too.)

Wait there is a stone that evolves Grass type Pokémon? Whoa, this gets even better. I should look into which Pokémon can evolve with the leaf stones. Maybe I can find some in this place too.

Budew! Bud.

[nastyboy]

[Seeing all that wonder and excitement... Dimitri chuckles.]

Indeed. Many seem to evolve through battle, but, if you are ever unsure, it never hurts to look into more on their particular species.

And it will help you learn more on how to help them as well, and of what to expect. Some evolutions can be quite drastic! A boyfriend of mine didn't realize that a small fish of his would grow to be so huge a serpent...

[senorita_perfecta]

Oh I will be keeping my eye out for any methods to evolve my team every time I get to catch and raise them under my care. It never hurts to do a lot of research to know which requirements any species would need to get to their next form.

A small fish that grows into a size of a serpent? Now that is quite a change of form that can take some by surprise. I never saw a creature who can change into much different forms before so thank you very much for the reminder ahead of time. Might as well prepare to brace for the day when the changes do come.

Also are there species with multiple forms too? You did say some Pokémon forms can be a lot different from their previous forms.

[nastyboy]

Indeed. Most are not so bad, especially if they have two evolutions - the change feels more gradual.

[A Tepig into an Emboar is a huge leap, but a Tepig into a Pignite? That's not so bad.]

As for different forms... I was thinking mostly of the evolutions, but I have heard that there are those who change depending on things such as the weather. I believe Cherrim is one, if you wish to look further into that - and a grass type as well.

[senorita_perfecta]

That is really great to see how their forms can change depending on the situation they are in. I hope to find some Pokémon who could switch forms under these conditions.

And oh yes, I’m very interested in finding a Cherrim and see how they look like depending on their reaction to the weather. That would make for a wondrous experience. I wonder where I can find a Cherrim or its pre-evolution if it has any in Jotho.

Bud, Budew, Dew! Budew.

[nastyboy]

I wish I could help you more, there, but... Unfortunately, it is not something that I have much expertise in. I am sure that it is easy enough to learn about, however, with some digging.

The people here are always glad to help, and there are many places open to learning various things, such as libraries open to the public, or even things you can learn on the Pokegear.

[The Roselia behind him finally starts to poke her head out a little bit more, nodding along silently. Definitely not as chatty as the little Budew.]

[senorita_perfecta]

Why thank you so much for the information. I will try to see if anyone else have similar Pokémon who go through these types of changes and share what they know of them. I have been using my PokéGear’s dex as well to learn more of the Pokémon I encountered so far.

Maybe it has the information on Cherrim as well. I’m going to try to visit the libraries as well, and I think that there is also one in the villa as well.

(Carmen happily squeaks to the Roselia in return, doing her best not to too rowdy for her.)

[nastyboy]

It most likely would, honestly. And I am sure that if you look into the Celadon Gym's activities, you may find even more information. The gym there is focused on Grass types, and I'm certain they would be happy to entertain visitors.

[But he smiles a bit as Desta walks out, finally being a bit more sociable even if her own squeaks are a bit quieter.]

[senorita_perfecta]

Oh that’s great, now that is one gym I would be excited to visit and enjoy in. I can’t wait to get the chance to visit Celadon City someday as soon as I’m done with the gym challenges in Jotho of course.

But I could try to visit it on my own pace, right?

[nastyboy]

Of course. There is no race to the gym circuit. In fact, I imagine that you could simply fight one gym during your entire time here, and none would think that strange.

Ah, of course, I do encourage giving them all a try... It is interesting to see the different strategies within, and lovely to see everyone's passions. It is only my personal opinion in the end, so take it as you like.

[senorita_perfecta]

Wow, that’s good to hear and know. For a moment, I thought that I had to go through all of them in one siting. But at least I know that I can take the time to form a good team and strategy and see what works and what doesn’t work.

In fact this is motivating me to consider doing all the gyms slowly one at a time and form my own battle plans for each of the types every Gym specializes. I hope that I will get to grow my team strong enough to be able to face the gym leaders.