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

[neverbreaks]

Yeah, it's pretty cool getting to see the different kinds, and even getting to bring some into your team. Learning to get along with them and training them is pretty fun.

She did, yeah. Actually... [ Does she have the right one with her? As she checks her Pokeballs, she retrieves one. ] Okay, I do have her with me, hang on.

[ In a moment she tosses the ball to the ground to let out her Lilligant, who stretches her limbs a little with a trill. ]

Isa, this is Bella.

[ And yes, the name is inspired by her. ]

[senorita_perfecta]

I’m sure as excited to find some later after looking around at the gallery. Whatever I might end up catching, I do hope to get everyone to be good to each other and train them too.

(As soon as Bella the Lilligant appears from her ball, Carmen squeaks in sheer delight as she bounces up and down. Isabela is amazed to meet another Grass type Pokémon too, a part of her is tempted to have one half of her team to be full of Grass types.)

Hola Bella! It is very nice to meet you. I also want you to meet Carmen the Budew, she is my starter Pokémon and she is very excited to meet you too.

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

[neverbreaks]

Well, I'm sure whatever kind of Pokemon you find, you'll learn how best to get along with them.

[ Bella greets Isabela and Carmen cheerfully, and with a graceful twirl she gives them a deep, somewhat dramatic bow. ]

Lil!

She's happy to meet you both too. Especially you, Isa. [ Luisa rubs the back of her neck, somewhat embarrassed. ] I actually kind of named her after you.

[senorita_perfecta]

Whoa! You actually named her after her? Oh gee I don’t know what to say right now if I should be flattered by this but I guess that it is a nice gesture.

Bud! Bud-Dew!

Is it possible to name Pokémon after people from home and then the people they got their names from shows up?

[neverbreaks]

Oh...I'm sorry, is that weird? She's just so graceful but strong, so she reminded me a lot of you, but I can change her name to something else if it makes you uncomfortable.

I guess it is. I mean...it happened with you.

[senorita_perfecta]

Oh no, it is okay. I don’t mind it at all, it took me by surprise but it is not too weird at all. I actually thought that it was a sweet thing to do to name one after me.

(To be fair, she didn’t expect to be honored in a Pokemon’s name but she is still touched by the thoughtful gesture. Nothing too weird for her at all.)

Yeah, it can happen to anyone. I wonder if I might end naming a future Pokémon after someone in the family and then they show up too, that would be interesting to see their reaction to it.

Bud-Dew!

[neverbreaks]

[ She breathes out a relieved sigh. ] Oh okay. I'm glad you don't mind. Like I said, she reminds me a lot of you, that's why I named her like that.

I actually have Pokemon named after Papá and Tía Pepa too. [ Although Pepa had been named by someone else first. ] I really want to name one after Mamá, but I haven't found the right one yet.

[senorita_perfecta]

(Carmen continues to chat with Bela, happily squeaking and jumping as she pleases.)

Oh that is amazing. I bet that it is a lovely gesture to remember the family by while we’re all in here. I can imagine that they would be flattered to meet the Pokémon bearing their names if they do get to arrive in this world.

So you haven’t found the right Pokémon to give Mamá’s name just yet? I imagine that with the amount of Pokémon living in this world, it can be tough to find a Pokémon who would go well with the name. Maybe there is one out there, waiting to be found and live happily with a loving and selfless trainer.

[neverbreaks]

Heh yeah, I hope so! Maybe they'll get to meet them someday.

[ After all, Isabela showed up here after a while, and even Bruno was here for a little bit. So maybe someone else from home could someday show up too. ]

Uh huh. There are so many different Pokemon out there, but so far none of the ones I've seen have that same kinda feeling as Mamá, y'know?

I dunno, maybe I'm being too picky about it.

[senorita_perfecta]

Hey, there is no need to rush it, Luisa. Everyone is taking things on their own pace from what I have been seeing in other trainers since I got here so you can take your time with it as you wish.

I’m not even sure if I’m willing enough to give a Pokémon Abuela’s name just yet.

[neverbreaks]

Yeah, that's true. I'm sure there's a fitting Pokemon out there, but I guess I don't have to really hurry to find one.

Really? You don't think you will?

[ Sure it had turned out to be a lot with their Abuela, but they'd reconciled and things were getting better at home, weren't they? ]

[senorita_perfecta]

Exactly. I mean, I don’t think that everyone invited to Prom look like they’re going to rush things while they’re all in here.

Well… I think that it will take a little longer for me to do so. Just not yet ready for that day to come soon.

[neverbreaks]

Yeah, one of the nice things about Prom is just having fun. Or at least trying to, before something happens.

I guess that's fair. Even if we were working on things back home, it doesn't mean that everything is automatically okay.

[senorita_perfecta]

As in before chaos usually erupts and everything goes downhill. Yeah so much for hoping that things would stay calm and quiet for 3 days.

Yeah I absolutely get it. It hasn’t been easy letting go of the times I had to hide my own dreams behind a façade and try to pretend to be someone I’m not. Even now I’m still trying to let go of all that excess emotional baggage through the years.

[neverbreaks]

That's what people say. Some of them have been here a long time, and they say that something always happens during one of these weekends.

[ Luisa nods a little. ] Yeah, it's...it's taking some time. I'm realizing there's a lot that I need to work through too.

[senorita_perfecta]

Yeah that’s exactly true for both of them. I should probably not let my guard down if ever something crazy happens in next year’s Prom if there is ever going to be one. Hopefully it won’t be one that could put everyone’s lives at risk.

And it is going to take some time to let out of that emotional baggage over time. It’s not going to be easy nor it will be fixed overnight, but hopefully we’ll get to a state of mind where we don’t feel burdened by them all the time.

[neverbreaks]

As far as I know, this happens every year. But last year it was held be different people. It's hard to say how dangerous it might be, though. People who have been to others said that it can get pretty bad.

Yeah, I hope so. Being here and getting to talk to people about it has really helped, I think. [ Even if she...hasn't talked too much about it. ] I hope you're able to find what you need to heal too.

[senorita_perfecta]

Well in any case, it doesn’t hurt to brace for any possible scenario at the Prom events then. I just hope that things won’t go horribly wrong at every turn in this world.

(Oh Isa, don’t think that things and life in the world of Pokémon would be that simple and quiet for long.)

Thanks Luisa. I do hope to find the strength to slowly move and heal from that at some point. Talking about it to others does feel very refreshing and cathartic.

[neverbreaks]

Yeah, it couldn't hurt to at least be prepared. But good, fun things do happen in this world too.

I hope so too. After everything, it'd be nice, right? Having a chance to heal.

[senorita_perfecta]

Oh yeah. Being vigilant does help a lot but having a nice day for once wouldn’t hurt much either way.

Same here. Being able to heal from the rough times is always appreciated.

Bud-Dew!