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

[4play]

[IV merely laughs in response, moving for Marik to keep following him and to pipe down a little because they are getting close.]

Of 'something', huh? And who might that something be?

[He leads them to where a tree and a couple of shrubs would something of a natural green-leafed wall before a small clearing. In the middle of the clearing, just somewhere to the side is another one of the box. There's plenty of flattened grass and traces of the box having been shoved around and messed with, while all the treats that had been around it are gone. The box is also very clearly not empty right now.]

[thetombkeeper]

No one you would know of.

[Or so he assumes.

Marik follows after IV, squinting his eyes as he looks over the set up. He notices the treats are gone and the box seemingly filled with something. It's so simple to the point of ridiculousness. Cartoonishly so. If it actually worked, he... well, he's not sure what he'll do.

The blonde leans in closer to the other teen to (try to) speak softly.]

... I think your plan worked.

[4play]

But it's something! So not a thing~

[He trails off with a chuckle. Looking at the box, he pulls a couple of pokeballs out and weights them thoughtfully in his hand.]

The one I want is a grass type. So I will go with you two. Diva! Murder! [The Rookidee and the Joltik assemble next to him, looking at him for their orders. Cat joins them, even though he obviously wasn't called.]

Murder, carry Diva over the box. Diva, I want you to prepare a net and drop it the moment you can seal the box with it. Charge it to paralyze with an extra notch, since your opponent might be strong against it. Can you do that? [Both pokemon nod.] Then go!

[He grabs Cat before the Meowth can join the fight and turns to Marik with a cocky smirk.]

You didn't think a plan as harebrained as this would work, admit it. But animals are almost as easy to catch as humans are.



[Behind him, Murder and Diva follow the strategy to a T, flawlessly executing what ought to be an easy catch. The net goes over the box, there's a surprised squawk from whatever is in it --- and then a fire blast shoots out at its top, nearly incinerating IV's pokemon in the process. The redhead whirls around, grimacing in shocked disbelief.]

What?!?

[thetombkeeper]

[Happy to drop the subject of a certain Thief King, Marik focuses on IV's pokémon and the plan he tells them. He has good control over them. It's nice to see they work well with his... unique style.]

I didn't. I'm impressed it did.

[The tomb keeper doesn't say anything about the comparison of catching pokémon to humans. He's very aware of both but there's no need to tell IV about that.

He peers around the other teen to see what the commotion is behind him. Chen holds on to Marik as he leans over.]

Doesn't seem like your grass type... unless they can learn fire type moves.

[4play]

You don't need to tell me that! Murder! Diva! Everything okay?!

[Both pokemon look rattled as Murder circles them around the still-going flamethrower and lands in a safe distance on a branch of a bush to regroup. Diva looks decidedly more upset - bugs and fire are NOT friends! - but once it has made sure its glorious fur is still mostly unsinged, it waves its fronts legs in an all-clear signal.

Murder, on the other hand, has puffed up to nearly trice its diminutive size, some feathers clearly burnt and still smoking, and looks ready to live up to its name with all the righteous wrath a Rookidee is capable of. Meaning it looks mostly like a very upset tiny ball of poofy feather right now.

....and the fire is still going. IV stares at it for a moment before exchanging looks with Cat.]

I'm amazed by how long they can hold that. Marik, better get a water monster out just in case, if you got one. Could be we'll have a forest fire soon. Cat! Go!

[Rushing forward, the meowth tackles the box hard with a relish that it usually just shows whenever it's trying to hit anybody in the face with its coins as a game. The box keels over, cutting the roaring flames thankfully short before they can hit anything and set it aflame


and a small red parody of a crocodile rolls out. Cat immediately claims the box, looking smug.]

[thetombkeeper]

[Ah, the puffy Rookidee. Marik's all too familiar with that state. He can't really blame the poor thing considering what he just went through.]

It is weird. I don't understand how it doesn't hurt them to use it but... this place doesn't make all that much sense when it comes to things like that.

[He releases his Persian, Bahiti. Who... somehow uses Water Gun to put out any fires the Fuecoco may have started. Once the fires are gone, the cat hones in her attention on IV's little kitten and rushes over to him. Her baby...! This is her baby...! The one that got stolen and Marik did nothing about! She'd recognize the scent anywhere! Come here, baby. Let mommy give you a bath while you sit in your box.

Marik only half pays attention his Bahiti's antics, too focused on the little crocodile that looks like someone slapped a piece of cheese on its stomach.]

Huh... I've never seen one of those before. You got your pokeball ready? I think it's stunned enough it won't put up much of a fight.

[4play]

[IV can't deny that. Especially not as he keeps staring at the crocodile while it gets up on its hind legs and waves at them comically, looking very much like a clown who just wants to be friends. Except that Murder is still glaring bloody Murder at it. The Fuecoco flinches and mimics a shy 'oopsy-daisy' before looking back up.

That's when Cat decides that he's had enough of that overbearing strange other feline bearing down on him and hisses as strong as he can, waving a paw full of claws at Bahiti - and by chance in the Fuecoco's general direction - and the little crocodile jumps with a scare before dashing off.

IV looks from one pokemon to the other before his gaze settles back on Marik. Good job being a help here, pal.]

...Whatever your cat is doing, I don't think that mine appreciates it much.

[thetombkeeper]

[The little crocodile is very cute. Are all of them like this or just this specific one? If they all are, that outgoing nature might help his more shy pokémon...

Bahiti, unimpressed with her son attempting to be tough, places a big paw on his head and pushes down in a sort of don't be a fool manner. Who taught you to talk back to your momma?

As the Fuecoco makes a run for it, Marik sends Chenzira after it to see if he can calm it down. No point in losing a pokémon when IV's already put the effort into trying to catch it!]

I don't know why she's acting like that. I've never seen that behavior in her before...

Bahiti, stop it. You can't just bully other Meowths because you're bigger!

[She slowly looks over and gives him a look that says are you kidding me. Her trainer is as hopeless as her kitten!]

[4play]

[The Fuecoco is surprisingly fast for its shape, and quickly gains a lot of distance between itself and the scary humans. It will just find another nice place to sleep and make friends, for some reason there seem to have several popped up since last night.

When Bahiti pushes Cat down like that IV glares at her before he walks over and quickly plucks his feline out of her reach. Cradling the clearly upset Meowth against his shoulder, he scowls at her.]

You. Cut it out now, or I'll make you!

[thetombkeeper]

[Try as Chenzira might, even he can't keep up with the tiny crocodile. He eventually gives up and returns to Marik and IV.

The blonde raises an eyebrow when the other teen goes to fetch his Meowth, not entirely liking him threatening Bahiti. She maaooohhss at him, pacing back and forth. Marik walks over and places a hand on the Persian's head.]

If anyone's disciplining my pokémon, it's me.

[He crouches down in front of her.]

What has gotten into you? Why are you-

["Baby," says Chen. Marik looks over his shoulder and blinks. The Yamask just rolls his eyes. He's not going to spell it out for him.]

You're babying Cat because he's still a kitten?

[Bahiti smacks Marik on the side of his head with her massive paw. How much of an idiot are you?! Deciding that there's no point in getting through to that thick skull under that massive head of hair, the Persian swats her pokeball with her tail to return to it. The tomb keeper huffs and stands back up.]

... Right. Sorry about that. Should we chase after the crocodile or check the other boxes?

[4play]

[IV gives the bigger feline a mean glare while he makes sure that she can't get at his cat, who still doesn't seem very happy with Bahiti's presence at all. Cat wants to know who that strange Persian is and why she's that persistent on bothering him! That cooky old bully lady-cat should go away!!]


....You should get her a stuffed toy if she's like that around Meowths. Did she lose her litter recently, or something?

[IV's lack of approval still rings clear in his voice, but after a moment he nods and starts leading the way downstream.]

Let's check the other boxes. If I'm lucky there won't be a crocodile in the next one.

[thetombkeeper]

That's the thing. She's had full clutches. I'm pretty sure all of them got adopted out... although... hmm.

[The gears turn for a bit but ultimately stop and he shakes his head.]

I don't know. I'll look into it later.

[He's here to have fun. Not do detective work. Marik follows after IV, keeping up with his pace.]

If we do come across one of those, I might try to catch it if you don't want it.