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

[nastyboy]

[At least Dean doesn't seem to be too bothered by thee show of aggression. He just nods politely, sighing a little bit and grumbling a bit. Buddy, calm down. You have the type disadvantage too - ]

[Dimitri pats him on the arm sympathetically.]

It is fine - Dean has had to deal often with feisty companions. [Dimitri's own Kingler is an example, honestly.] Do you have a source of light, then? Perhaps the crystal might shimmer if we used bright light here.

[soupguy]

Oh, that's why I called Archie out, actually. [The Volbeat gives up on trying to intimidate Dean and flutters over to his trainer.] Can we get a some light, bud? Thank you.

[Archie twirls proudly as his tail sets aglow with a fairly bright light.]

He can make it dimmer, or a little brighter, if we need. [A tired but warm chuckle.] But when he sees something he wants to fight, he'll get distracted and it'll go out for a moment. Still, he's a big help for such a tiny li'l fella!

[Archie is in fact about half as tall as Boober, but hey, he knows he's a pretty li'l fella himself, even as a human.]

[nastyboy]

I see! Truly, he has a wonderful talent at his disposal!

[Or, you know, a.... perfectly natural part of his biology. Well, best not to think on it too much.]

Thank you for showing the way and offering your light, Archie. Then, me and Dean shall do our best to keep an eye out for interesting rocks! Or.... They are not too subtle in design, yes?

[Dimitri knows he is a novice at rocks, so he's hoping they're not subtle. He has one eye, he's already at a disadvantage]

[soupguy]

[Archie brightens his glow a bit already, grinning with a cocky sort of pride.]

Oh, no, I wouldn't say subtle at all. And really, I'm not that picky, anyway. [Boober shrugs.] It's just nice to have more things for my collections.

[nastyboy]

Then, I will do my best to find very nice rocks for you!

[No promises on quality, but, by goodness, Dimitri will try his best.]

[Although he still feels a little bit out of his depth for all that he's keeping his gaze glued to the ground. He's not really finding any crystals just yet, let alone anything shiny, but...]

[Well, he does find something else that he thinks is Pretty Neat, so, hey Boober]

Oh, look! [Leaning down, he plucks a rock off the ground to show to him in his cupped palms.] looks like a little crescent moon!

[soupguy]

[Boober leans in to look and smiles in an awed sort of way, nodding.]

Gosh, it does! A moon... Or maybe one of those moon-shaped fruits. A banana! Oh, that's pretty wonderful...

[He reaches for the stone but stops just shy of taking it, glancing up at Dimitri.] Is... Is is okay? Or did you want it?

[nastyboy]

Oh, I never would have thought of a banana, but you are right! I suppose it does! Or a claw...

[Moons and claws being the things he is most familiar with. Bananas were not a fruit which took well to Faerghus's hard soil and frigid temperatures, after all.]

[But at the question, Dimitri shakes his head, and holds out the rock insistingly.]

Oh, no, please. Take it! I am here happy simply to expand your collection. Simply seeing something interesting is enough for me.

[soupguy]

[Boober smiles and nods as he takes the stone.]

Thank you, Dimitri. That's really nice, but of course... That's not very surprising, from you. It always seems like when I see you around, you're finding ways to help people and Pokemon.

[nastyboy]

Ah.... I am glad you think so.

[He straightens up, arms crossing in front of him.]

It is the least I feel I can do. I've done much that was the opposite - although more to people. [On account of Pokemon not being in Faerghus.]

[soupguy]

Ah, well. [Boober tilts his head to the side.] We all do things we aren't proud of, sometimes. Or maybe more than sometimes.

[He shrugs.]

I'd say it's better to be aware of it, and focus on the parts of yourself you are proud of.

[nastyboy]

[The parts he is proud of... Honestly, Dimitri often doubts there are things he can be proud of even when he knows that theoretically they exist. It's why he has so many people who love him. But the brain is what it is.]

[At least...][Dimitri shakes his head, and tries to get a smile onto his face once again.] For now, I am simply happy that I could find something you liked, even if it is not a crystal of any sort. But there is still time to be fortunate.

[soupguy]

Well, I don't know how likely it is we'll find more good rocks, [Boober, comfortable running on the rules of pessimistic averages, shrugs with a smile.] but we can keep looking, sure.

It's kind of just nice being here.

[nastyboy]

Oh, but a cave has so many rocks...

[Surely if they kept looking they'd find another one?]

[Against all odds, considering his life, Dimitri sometimes ends up optimistic over the smallest things. And, anyway, it's just about numbers, right...?]

Well, I do agree with you there. There is a nice security to a proper cave. Perhaps, if the kitchen at the estate is willing, we could prepare a small picnic to bring here during the weekend.

[soupguy]

Security, yes! That's it exactly. [Boober even gets a little animated in his excitement, making a broad gesture around the space they're in.] It feels so much safer in a place like this, with all the nooks and crannies to hide in. And you don't have to worry about things in the sky. A picnic in here would be very nice, too. Cozy.

[nastyboy]

Indeed! There is a certain amount of vulnerability outside, I must admit. [Moreso back in Faerghus when he was a wanted criminal waging a one man war against the Imperial army patrols, but...] And it really can be so very cozy, when you find the right place. I know many seem to think that caves are damp and wet, but they simply do not know the best ways to nestle inside.

[soupguy]

Yeah, yeah. It's nice, although I would also say damp and wet is pretty cozy. Or, well, maybe not cozy... But it can be atmospheric. Sets a nice tone.

[nastyboy]

Hm, I suppose so... Perhaps I have never had a proper experience with such things, then. You see, the caves that I were most familiar with were those of my homeland, which is a very cold place where winter is more at home there than spring.

So when things were damp and wet, well, they quickly became frozen, you see.

Perhaps I should spend more times in warmer caves to see the difference...

[soupguy]

Hmm, well... I do like sock weather, but the problem with frozen caves is they invite slipping. An-and games of ice hockey, those get very loud, and have more slipping.

But a damp cave is nice, especially if it's damp because it has a pond. And warm caves can be perfectly lovely. I think many people underestimate what kind of interesting things can grow or thrive down in caves.

[nastyboy]

Indeed. That is why it is important to find the exact right kind of cave in such cold climates. There are rather cozy ones, but you have to take good care of such things!

Still, perhaps it would be nice to find a proper damp cave. I have only experienced a few here in Johto, but they were not that sort.

[Two were freezing cold, and the other was blistering hot, so.]

[soupguy]

I haven't found one yet, myself. Parts of Mt Moon are, well, kind of close... [With a soft sigh, he shrugs.] I'll let you know if I find one. Absolutely.

[nastyboy]

Mount Moon... I have not visited that place, yet. I will have to see it for myself. But...

[Dimitri tries to think.]

...Have you visited any of the island? I have heard tell that some of them have cavers, or caverns of some sort, there along the coast. Perhaps they would be closer to what you seek...?

[soupguy]

Oh! I have, actually, but I was mostly on the beaches. Maybe I could visit some of those caverns next time, because I do think they'd be more, well, like home.

[nastyboy]

I hope that they will help you in that regard, then. Perhaps if they suit you well, I can visit myself, and see a proper wet but cozy cavern.

[Expand his cavern sensibilities and all that!]

Then, shall we continue on a while longer? We can discuss what picnic would be best in this sort of cave as well!

[It won't matter to him, exactly, but, still. Important to think about!]