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"

---

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Comments

[motherofallomelettes]

[Armstrong nods in agreement and acknowledgment. It didn't surprise him to hear that this place had many other more mature and more qualified potential candidates for the role, as everything he'd seen of Bede suggested to him that the boy had slid into this position for more reasons than simple skill.]

"Hearing he's handling the Gym he currently oversees is disappointing but, sadly, not surprising. The idea that he could just rip his predecessor out of retirement at a whim smacks heavily of him having entered into this position through nepotism, and you're absolutely right that it also begs the question of what he'd do if given another shiny new toy to chase. Would he just dip from the Elite Four and leave it to his teammates to cover the slack, or would he expect his precursor to just drop everything and come running at his beck and call? Either way, if you even have to ask that kind of question then it should be a pretty good indicator that they're not a good candidate."

[Drawing in a deep breath before letting out a heavy sigh, Armstrong continues.]

"It seems the majority of people here have come to the illogical thought process of following what's normal in this world for their decision-making, and abandon whatever logic their own experiences or upbringings may have granted them. Somehow the notion that the people here send ten year olds out into a wilderness that they damn well know is filled with man-sized bugs with swords for hands means that we should elect a half-pint into one of the most powerful positions in the entire Pokémon League. I just don't get it. While I'm used to the idea of voters turning their brains off the idea that people just shelve their own ideologies and sensibilities in favor of the illogical crap this world puts forward is just beyond me. We're castaways. We come from a million and one worlds and bring a kaleidoscope of experiences with us. We're supposed to be better than the morons of this world."

[insidescoop]

You would think wouldn't you? But apparently it was just poor choice.... [With a slightly exaggerated sigh, Carly adjusts her glasses.] From what I've picked up so far, the prior Gym leader saw his potential, and saw fit to train him into it. Unfortunately...

[She lets the word hang in the air for just a moment, frowning.] ...It did nothing to teach him to grow up as we can see. I'm sure that was the hope, but hope won't do much without any backing after all.

[Oh! Oh! And here is a topic she can get passionate about!] Don't even get me started on how people start out here- I understand there's a few things that simply go against the familiar laws of reality; it's practically paradise in that regard, you can't even pick up a spoon with the intent to harm anyone here. But my wife had to leave New Bark Town with nothing but a sleeping bag and a snow suit to her name in the middle of winter. The nearest town with any form of camping supplies is days away, but this is acceptable?

There's a line, [She emphasizes, inclining her head with a nod.] And it has definitely been crossed.

[A 'mutter' into the glass of water.] Well, not that Lance would hear any of that I'm sure... [Not when it was presumably Lance and the others who told her wife she had to do the gym challenge all over again after all!]

[motherofallomelettes]

[Armstrong flexes his hands in a "finally" gesture and nods in agreement. Finally someone else is talking about it.]

"The level of intelligence for how just about anything works in this place is a tour-de-force of dangerous ineptitude. That same wilderness expedition they made your wife undertake is something they force literal senior citizens to undertake anytime they step foot outside the city limits of wherever they live. Doesn't matter the season. Doesn't matter the weather. Literal ice caves, literal mountains, and the only thing they have as an option to help "soften the blow" is a service that lets these same untrained and unlicensed people take to the skies or open-oceans on the backs of a Pokémon. It's frankly insane."

[Armstrong leans forward onto the table, folding his hands together in both concentration and frustration.]

"I flew helicopters in the Navy when I was younger, so I got to see first-hand how angry both the sea and the sky can be. I'll tell you right now that the average Joe's Grandmother doesn't have any business riding a Pokémon bareback in either of those. They've got motorways between each and every one of the major cities, but they just don't let anyone but the big businesses make use of them. God help you if you're a small business trying to compete too, because they'll outbid and undercut you in seconds and then have the gall to tell you that the same roads they used to do it aren't able to accommodate a bus system."

[insidescoop]

Not even Frankly, it just is! I can only imagine the people born here are made of something else, because it's the only thing I can think of that explains how they made it this far- especially when I know they aren't stuck with this...background music thing, [she adds with something of a stage whisper, not that she expects the comment to only be heard by Armstrong.]

Oh gosh- you mention helicopters, the few times I've been in one it was terrifying..! I couldn't wait to get back on the ground! I've honestly wondered why we don't have a proper taxi system here. I did some research; that U-Bird service they only offer us every major event or so? Imagine something along those lines, for free, in a protected box. If other countries can put their super powered load bearing animals to use, why on earth haven't they done it here? The major cities have a teleport system, sure, but that means nothing for anyone in the smaller communities!

[With yet another shake of the head, Carly inhales.] But forget roads- has anyone told you about the airplane situation?

Because they do in fact exist- you'd be forgiven for assuming otherwise, [she adds, gesturing around them.]

[motherofallomelettes]

"I doubt that there's something especially hardier about the people here but, rather, that they've just gotten used to this as what their existences are now. Where I'm from cars and motor vehicles are everywhere. Commuting to and from work, going out to dinner, or whatever activity you might be undertaking will more than likely be done from behind the wheel of an automobile. It's an intrinsic part of daily life that people don't really give much thought to beyond its capability to take us where we need to go. Sure there are some enthusiasts who get really into them and people will have preferences of what kind of ride they have, but it's just accepted as a part of life... a part of life that nobody wants to look too deeply at. Back home someone is involved in a fatal car collision every sixteen minutes. In the time I've been at this table two people would have bit the dust and not a soul back home would care, so I'd imagine it's the same kind of deal with the folks in this godforsaken place. They might have protested sending little Timmy out into the backwoods once but, by this point, it's such an established part of their daily routine that the idea that two or three of the little guys disappearing a month is something they just gloss over."

[At the mention of the background music Armstrong just throws his hands up. He'd managed to tune it out but, much like when you brush up against a scab, he was now hyper-aware of it and could barely here anything but the tunes and tones of the ambient soundtrack.]

"Oh damn it all! I'd actually managed to shove that music crap into the back of my mind but now it's all I can hear."

[Looking upwards as if the music was being played by an invisible orchestra tucked-away in rafter, Armstrong grits his teeth. After a moment of being irritated he lets out another sigh and returns his attention to the conversation.]

"Helicopters take some getting used to for-sure but, provided you know what you're doing, it's a lot less intimidating from the pilot's seat. When every lurch or bob is something you're making the machine do it's a lot less nerve-wracking. Feels almost like an extension of yourself at that point rather than being a hostage in a tin bubble hundreds of feet up. I'd wager the reason we don't see innovation into the field of multi-passenger contraptions for Pokémon to make use of because that might interfere with Silph Co.'s precious bottom-line if through interference with Pokéball storage. Wouldn't want that now would we?"

[The sarcasm positively drips from Armstrong's last statement, but he's definitely not the only one who's seen that. People might have had closed-minds when it came to voting for Bede or Malva, but the minute that he touched-on how scuffed the very foundation of this place was everyone seemed to be all-ears. The mention of airplanes immediately grabs his attention, however, and the topic of Silph's monoply quickly falls by the wayside.]

"Now hang on. There's no airports here. Does that mean we're just the only places on Earth they've decided are S.O.L. on the air travel front or are there some fancy vertical-landers that only the fatcats and social elites get to make use of? Either way, that's pretty messed-up. Airplanes are statistically the safest way to travel, so they'd be the perfect mirror image of the ridiculous Russian Roulette they have us playing getting around here. Then again... maybe that's exactly why we don't see them knocking around here. It might give people an frame of reference for what reliable transportation actually looks like."