victory_road | Halloween 2023

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Halloween 2023

The last few hours before dusk sees you all arriving at a large, stately home just outside of Lavender Town.

Unlike previous years, where Halloween had you visiting dilapidated castles, this manor home is in perfect condition. Age hasn't crumbled the walls or worn away the dark roof, but rather it sits on the manor like a heavy, proud crown, a testament to the many long years it has stood here while everything around it changed but it stayed forever the same. Candlelight flickers in its many windows, while it casts a dark shadow against the slowly setting sun. The gravel crunches under your feet as you make it up the long drive and a cold wind chills you to your very bones, even through the layers of whatever costume you've chosen to wear.

Then the manor's large double doors fling up. Two long shadows stretch down across the driveway towards you, light spilling around two silhouettes standing in the opened door, beckoning, inviting. Soy doffs his hat, while Riegfried bows deep, his hare ears nearly brushing the ground.

"Welcome to our Halloween Feast."

Inside the Manor

Not all of the Manor is available for you to explore. In fact, it's really just the ground floor that has been decorated and made available for your use. And even then, what rooms are available to you depends on the time of evening.

Contest portion

Early in the evening, several large rooms on the left of the Manor are open to your character.

The largest of these rooms has a stage and chairs set up, clearly where the contest will be held. Soy can be found in this room, in case you need to discuss some things with him ahead of your performance like lighting cues or other things you might need.

In addition to this, a dressing and prop room have also been made available. Need some last-minute adjustments on your costume? Desperate to find one final prop to really make your performance shine? Why not peruse the items Riegfried and Soy have brought with them for you to use? This is also a good place to have a chat with some others -- perhaps you like to scope out the competition before the performances start, or you are a newbie looking for some advice. Either way, this is the best place to find it!

Haunted Ball

Once the contest has concluded, and night has well and truly fallen, characters will be able to enter the large room on the right of the Manor.

The Ball Room has been decked out in enough black lace and dark velvet to make any classical vampire quite jealous. The ceiling has been decorated with spider silk that sways ever so slightly, casting flicking shadows on the walls in the candlelight. And while there are some seats and benches along the edges of the room, most of it is left free for people to dance and mingle. On a small podium in the corner of the room, a band of ghouls and zombies (costumes, we hope!) plays the kind of spooky tunes that are still, somehow, upbeat enough to dance to.

As folks dance and make merry and the evening carries on, one might note a spectral shape gliding around the dance floor, observing, before finally nudging its ghostly nose against a hand here and there and suddenly the ballroom floor is a lot more crowded.

More details about this part of the event can be found here

Outside the Manor

If you run out of interesting things to do inside (or you need some fresh air), why not visit the sprawling yard behind the Manor? It too has been decorated for the occasion -- carved pumpkins sit everywhere, candles burning merrily inside and on top of them. As night falls, a trained flock of zubat swoop low over the garden, adding that extra hint of spookiness to the air. Don't worry, they've been trained not to get caught in anyone's hair!

Food

The garden is clearly where Riegfried and Soy have put the less formal Halloween Activities, starting with a fair few food stalls. There is a stand where you can get drinks, offering things like tea and coffee, hot chocolate for the kids (or the young at heart) and mulled cider for the adults. No one shall go parched tonight!

Food is also available in various flavours, from various sorts of candy (cotton and otherwise) to more hearty snacks. No need to worry if your character isn't into all of this sweet stuff! There is piping hot soup and other common festival foods available as well for those seeking a break from all the sugar.

One stand in particular draws attention though, not for the food on offer --though those Candied Apples do look mighty tasty!-- but rather for the unusual pokemon that sits both proudly on the booth itself as well as the sign above the stand. Rumour has it that if you feed one of these Syrupy Apples to your Applin, you might just see something amazing!

Maze

A large corn maze has been grown towards the back of the sprawling yard. Riegfried and Soy have made sure to make it a little more exciting than your average maze though.

A small warp pad will transport you to the middle of the maze, from where you'll have to find your way out, guided only by lantern light (please remember to pick one of the lanterns before warping in!). And as if that isn't spooky enough, the maze has been stocked full of Pokemon ready to give you a little fright. Try not to run towards that dead end now!

The pokemon in the maze are available for capture. In fact, Riegfried and Soy encourage you to make a new friend or two in their haunted maze.

Available Pokemon: Zubat, Gastly, Murkrow, Misdreavus, Shuppet, Duskull, Drifloon, Yamask, Galarian Yamask, Litwick, Phantump, Pumpkaboo, Sinistea, Impidimp, Greavard, Gimmighoul

Bonfire

Set a bit away from the food stalls, and very safely away from the maze, is a large bonfire. October nights, after all, can get quite cold, and it will be nice to warm yourself up next to the fire. And maybe put all manner of things on a stick and roast them above the fire.

At the bonfire, you'll also find Riegfried. You've only ever seen him in his role as a contest or prom host, but today he's here to show you he's got one more hidden talent. Yes, by the light of the bonfire, Riegfried will be telling ghost stories. Why not sit for a spell, drink some hot choco and listen to the frightening tale of man door hand hook car door.

(Of course, Riegfried cannot be there the whole night. He still has contest duties to attend to too, so whenever he is absent, why not try your hand at telling a spooky story yourself? Tell people what goes bump in the night back in your home world)

Contest submissions | Shiny draw | Witches' judgement | Greavard event info

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Frankly, even though it's been years in the past now, the effects of prom have meant that Dimitri has always felt a little... on edge when it comes to being in ballrooms that in theory could lock everyone inside and then there's a giant robbery and he goes a little feral and -

Listen, he has baggage, is what it all ultimately means.

So for his own peace of mind, if nothing else, he has to step out from the festivities every now and then. The entire event has seemed a bit more full than he thought it would be as well, so... It's nice. To get the air.

Clad in his dark armor that he's often worn and with the new helmet made to match it tucked under his arm, he's just taking in the night air when he comes across Bo-Katan. He pauses a moment, with a Luxray at his side whose eyes glow eerily in the dark.

"Miss... Bo-Katan? Is that you?"

Having found what she thought was a private spot, Bo-Katan has removed herself from the crowd as she found it hard to contain her emotion. She didn’t like crying in front of others, a habit born from being a leader of her people. Needing to set an example for others and to be a pillar of strength.

So once she was away from prying eyes, the tears quietly fell. She just needed a moment. Some time to let it out and pull herself together.

But then she hears a voice and immediately she stiffens. A brief moment of panic seizing her as she realizes she been caught. Quickly she wipes her eyes and takes in a steadying breath. Putting on her best sabacc face as she turned to see Dimitri.

“Yes… yes it’s me.”

Ah. Dimitri pauses, just a moment, recognizing that sort of gesture. It is one he is quite familiar with, his childhood having been engulfed in grief as it was - with him, and everyone who he knew as well.

It is why he can understand that this is perhaps nothing he should speak on. Truly, it is not his business, is it? So Dimitri hesitates only a moment before speaking up. "I had thought to look over the outside, to enjoy the autumn air and perhaps something warm to drink with it. It is good to see that you were able to make this celebration. If you would like, I were to fetch a warm drink for myself, and could easily get another at the same time."

Warm drinks are good for the throat after some crying, he's found.

Appreciating his discretion, Bo-Katan does what she can to salvage her dignity. A bit embarrassed for having been caught in such a vulnerable moment. Thus trying to pretend that nothing had happened at all.

"I would like that," she says to his kind offer.

A warm drink is probably exactly what she needed right that moment. Perhaps even some company to take her mind off certain things wouldn't hurt either. So after straightening her skirt, she walked out from her hiding spot.

It is good, maybe, to see her step out from where she'd been trying to hide herself. At the very least, Dimitri can only hope that it means she isn't in such a turbulent state as to lash out.

Also, maybe it would be good for her? But he hardly thinks of himself as someone qualified enough to make such an assurance.

"Then, give me but a moment, and I will fetch something for us." Dimitri gives a slight bow of his head. At the very least, such celebrations means that accomplishing this task is made trivially easy. All he needs do is step away for a moment, searching out the nearest location of steaming hot apple cider. Even if he himself cannot taste it, the smell at least fills up his lungs, all the way from purchase to when he returns to his new companion's side to offer her a cup.

The paper cup trappings aren't particularly elegant - nor is the way that Dimitri has taken to wearing his helmet a little lopsided on his head so that his hands could be free - but he hardly thinks it matters. "Hopefully it will suit your tastes."

No, she’s not in that sort of state. Bo-Katan has her wits about her and is able to control her emotions for the time being. Putting up a strong front is something she’s good at.

When he walks away, Bo takes the opportunity to further gain her composure. Her gaze turning back to the party hall and swallowing thickly before looking back to Dimitri when he returns. Forcing a smile she takes the offered drink.

Lifting the cup to her lips she gives the cider a try and is pleasantly surprised. “It’s very good. Thank you.”

"It is little trouble on my end. Hopefully it helps - these fall nights can dry the throat sometimes worse than a summer's heat." Dimitri knows that kind of thing well, from his time spent in his own homeland.

But now as they stand together, he is left with the choice of what exactly he should do, here. He has no desire to pry into the personal matters of another person, not when they still know each other rather little, but at the same time... It feels against his own morals, to leave someone on their own in any sort of state.

For lack of better idea on what to do, he adjusts the cloak along his shoulders and just sips at his own cider. "If you need anything else, please let me know. In truth, I am not often one for parties such as this, so I have been looking for excuses on things to do."

Hmm, yes. She knows all about living in cold and dry climates. Bo-Katan has had her share of traveling across a galaxy, visiting many planets with different weather patterns. The cider is warm and soothing, and she's content to just be quiet for a few moments as she enjoys the beverage.

Eventually though, she glances at Dimitri, realizing the awkwardness of the situation and deciding to break the silence. Although a bit tentatively.

"This may be a bit personal," she starts out. "But you've mentioned having a... lover? Lovers?" He had said it plural before, so she's really not sure what his situation is. But there's the unspoken implication that he doesn't have to indulge her if he doesn't want to.

Oh thank goodness, a conversation is happening.

Which, Dimitri supposes he could last for a very long time without, as someone who once stubbornly refused most talk for a long while as he hunkered down in the ruins of a church. But it's been years since he was in such a state, so this is far more preferable.

"Oh, yes," he says immediately, no hesitation to his voice. "Some have - disappeared from these lands, but I am grateful to say that I still reside with the others, and their presence is a comfort to me. Grant is only one of them, and there are still two others still here."

Ignore the... three not here.

His love life was a busy one.

A bobbing of her brows and smirk in amusement as she can definitely tell he's a busy man, Bo-Katan takes another sip of her drink.

"You must not be used to rejection then. It seems that everyone here has someone. Or in your case, more than one someone."

Must be nice.

For just a moment, all he can do is stare, and it's nearly possible to see the way his brain is just popping emptily behind one eye. Frankly, it had never occurred to him to think of it in that respect, but it isn't as though it isn't true.

When his synapses finally fire back up in his brain, he jolts a bit with a healthy flush gracing his face. "I - it was simply something which occurred! This place and its peace allowed some... bit of freedom and calm that my lovers and I had not known before, and, through that, our minds were finally able to consider such matters. In truth, I am amazed that they saw anything in me, particularly during that time."

He shakes his head, turning down to hide just a bit in his drink. "It was a very rough time, when we all initially started out..."

Bo-Katan simply sips her drink as he stares, paying it no mind. It’s when his face starts turning red that the corner of her mouth turns up in a smirk and she chuckles. She hadn’t thought her words would embarrass him so much, but it deeply amuses her.

“Yes, this place does allow a certain freedom.”

So she supposed that’s why everyone was pairing off. Because they had the time and could focus on such things. Having time can be a blessing, but also a curse she’s found.

“Well, good for you. I would think you deserve to be happy. Are your lovers all from your world?”

"Ha... Thank you for the kind thoughts." Dimitri sometimes struggles with that himself, considering the things he's been through, but he's at least made progress where he can appreciate other's kindnesses.

Besides, it's a party. There's no reason to make the air all the more miserable with talk of his past.

At her question, he shakes his head. "Many of them, although some have... left this place, in the time that I've been here." He can only hope that, one day, they'll return. "However, there are those I've come to love that I would have never met if I had not arrived in this place, and I've learned to treasure that experience for what it is. Even if that means I may never see them again, outside of these lands and my own..." Another breath that ripples across his cider. "The emotions and experiences shared were still invaluable, I think."

Bo-Katan smiles softly as she listens, a bit wistful. “You must have a big heart to have room for so many.”

She takes a sip of her drink again before letting out a light sigh. “I don’t think I could do that. I’m not the type of person who likes to share. Not in that way, at least.” Bo-Katan would only want one in her life. A committed partner who only had eyes for her and vice versa.

"I have been told that before, so I suppose." Dimitri huffs a bit of a sigh, a faint smile on his face. "Although such a thing comes with its own problems." One romance, he's learned, is tricky to manage on its own. Multiple almost seems as though it to be masochism.

He would change nothing about his choices, of course.

"Still, I do not think the way your own heart works is a bad thing. There is something nice, to be in a relationship like that, I think." Not that he exactly has any experience, but... "Like partners."

She listens, but it’s that last part that has her green eyes refocusing and tilting towards him. “Yes, partners.” Said softly, almost painfully, in agreement.

“I’ve never truly experienced that, but it is a nice thought.” She had thought she had come close, enough to realize that is what she wanted, only to be disappointed.

“Perhaps one day.”

Though admittedly her hope was fading.

Ah... Perhaps this is the sensitive spot for her? Or... just something that has come up from the conversation. Dimitri has to admit that he doesn't know nearly enough to be confident in settling on one answer or the other.

"Perhaps one day," he agrees quietly. "Especially in this place. No end of unique circumstances can occur here, one way or another. I am sure that much has been made obvious to you, even just being here a short while."

“Unique is certainly one way to put it,” she said with a touch of bitterness.

She wasn’t happy here. As much as she liked certain aspects of this world, especially the pokemon she had befriended, she felt caged. Convinced that Arceus just brought her here to torment her. Maybe as payback for the terrible things she had done in her past. Bo wanted to go home where she felt she had purpose.

“I’m just passing the time here. I expect nothing more.”

"...I see." Even though he has found far more happiness here than back in his own home, Dimitri thinks he can still understand it. In many ways, there is a part of him that also occasionally feels restless - especially if his mind starts to leave him, as it often does, and he becomes certain this is all punishment again for his own failures.

That's around the time one of his psychic types usually gets him by the hand, makes sure he's eaten, and then gets him to bed. It doesn't always erase the feelings or delusions, but sometimes it does manage to work, so.

You know.

"Even so," he continues, "I hope that you find some happiness here, even if fleeting. Time is strange, here, and you never know what it shall request of you. Best that is not so painful. If you ever need company, please allow me to know. I have come to appreciate yours in turn, in the few times we have spoken."

She’s quiet, letting him say his piece and then… his offer. That part was not something she expected and she looks at him. A bit stunned, a bit touched, and more than a little lonely. He's so young, most everyone she’s met here is. They have their own lives, their own things to do. Why would anyone want to spend time with her? Especially when the one person from her own world seems so distracted with his own cares? What does she say to that?

“I… thank you. I might do that.”

That she accepts is all that Dimitri can hope for, and he nods. "It is no trouble of mine." Where would he be, himself, if he were not given any grace when he first arrived?

Still. Perhaps it is better to not linger for too long on more miserable feelings. They're akin to a swamp, and it is no good to get stuck in that particular mire. Dimitri lets the offer rest a moment while he sips at his drink, before saying, "Have you seen the rest of the entertainment our hosts have provided?"

Grace is not something she found much of. Even when she was back home. So when she does come across it, it is something to cherish. But it’s true that it’s not good to dwell on such things so the change in subject is accepted.

“No, I haven't yet. Is there anything interesting?”

"In truth, nothing more than the sort of thing which would delight children," Dimitri has to admit. He does not admit that he sometimes takes some amusement in those childish things himself.

Even if maybe it'd be obvious. And may become obvious very quickly depending on things.

"But there are simple stories being passed around, and a maze to wander through with many different types lurking with in it. Stalls, as well, with things not too unlike with the cider, and many other pleasant things to partake in on a chill night such as this."

"Hmm. A maze with Pokemon you say? That sounds like it could be interesting."

Is she interested in the maze part? Not really. The Pokemon? Yes. Who knows, she might find something interesting in there! Plus she is also aware of the shiny that's supposedly wandering about.

She sips at her cider, enjoying the taste of it. At least the food is good. Good food is always a good remedy into making on feel better. At least for the time being. She can ponder things later.

"Would you like to come with me?"

Ah! So something like that does have her interest, then. He wouldn't have expected it but Dimitri can't say he's not relieved. It's good to know that he was able to offer some sort of distraction.

"If you would not mind my company, then I will be glad to go along with you." He bows his head slightly. "I hope you will enjoy the walk."

Halloween 2023

Outside

Re: Outside

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call it a wrap around here?

Sounds good to me!