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the_plateau2023-03-27 05:25 pm
indigo_league) wrote in the_plateau2023-03-27 05:25 pm
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Prom 2023 FAQ
HEY GUESS WHAT TIME OF YEAR IT IS.
THAT’S RIGHT IT’S APRIL, WHICH MEANS IT’S TIME FOR...
P O K E M O N P R O M
THE BASICS
WHAT EXACTLY IS PROM?
Prom is a reoccurring, yearly event where everybody and their Pokemon get to go PARTY HARD in sweet sweet formalwear and generally have a good time. We’re talkin’ music, dancing, big ol’ buffet tables, all that good stuff.
SOUNDS FUN! SO WHY HAS THIS MADE HALF OF EVERYBODY SUDDENLY VERY NERVOUS?
Well, you see, in recent years, Prom has had a bit of a tendency of... going off the rails.
It's (mostly) never the fault of the otherworlder guests (except that one time it was), but for some reason, when everybody gathers together, it just attracts trouble. Sometimes it is Team Rocket, sometimes it's extra-dimensional invasions. Honestly, it's a miracle anyone still wants to organise this stuff!
SO WHOSE PARTY ARE WE RUINING THIS YEAR?
This year, for the first time in several years, the organisation is going to be in the same hands where it all began -- Lance's! Remarkably, it seems he's regained interested in being in charge of prom, despite persistent rumours that after the whole Rocket Debacle Lance was heard saying "I'd rather eat Dragonite than host another one of those!"1
Ah, well, you know what they say about rumours. They aren't all true.
1 No Dragonites have been eaten during the creation of this post.
OH. DOES THAT MEAN WE ARE GOING BACK TO TOHJO FALLS?
It indeed means we are going back to Tohjo Falls!
For those that have never attended a prom organised by Lance before: Tohjo Falls are two water falls that separate the Kanto and Johto region. If you've ever taken the ferry from New Bark to Pallet Town you'll have passed by this location in the far distance. And the reason you've passed by at such a distance is that Tohjo Falls is normally off limits to any visitors, because this is where the Elite Four have a private vacation retreat.
The Elite Four, after all, do a lot of work for both the regions. And they don't exactly get a chance to just stroll down the block without being recognised and hounded for autographs and battles. So Tohjo Falls is the only place where they get to just relax and be like normal folks.
And this year, for the first time in about five years, they are inviting you back to their vacation home.
MY CHARACTER’S REALLY NOT INTERESTED IN PARTIES, BUT I AM! HOW DO I MOTIVATE MY STICK-IN-THE-MUD CHARACTER TO ATTEND?
Like every year, prom is more than just a fancy dress party. It is three days, after all! Nobody can dance and drink for three days. There will be various activities on offer during those three days, giving characters a chance to do a lot more than just dance!
Not to mention that Lance's invitation seemed to imply the opportunity to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime event. Whatever that might be.
And if none of this works, perhaps your character’s friends can be counted on to drag them to prom. Maybe even their pokemon if you want to play it that way.
WELL, I HATE PARTIES AND PARTY EVENTS.
That’s okay! The event is entirely optional, and no one is obligated to come! Granted, characters who choose to stay behind will probably find that there’s not a whole lot going on in the interim, but hey, peace and quiet! Either way, if you'd rather avoid this event altogether, you're perfectly welcome to!
I’M NEWER TO THE GAME AND HAVE NEVER ATTENDED A PROM BEFORE! WHAT’S IT LIKE?
It’s a big party event serving as an excuse for characters to all get together in the same place. Even more important, it's a fun excuse to pick fancy outfits your characters might otherwise never wear. And if things go wrong (but listen, at some point it has to go right, right?) there will be a lot of action-packed adventure too.
If you are curious, you can check out some of our previous prom events to get a feel for what sort of thing might (or might not) go down.
MY CHARACTER WANTS TO GO BUT HOW WILL THEY GET THERE?
Transport will be arranged for every individual who wants to attend. Lance might just borrow that handy flock of Corviknights from the JKBA. Or look to his own collection of dragons. Either way, you are getting there.
ARE WE EXPECTED TO DRESS UP?
Nobody will stop your character if they show up wearing their regular duds but... they'll look very out of place. Prom has traditionally been a chance to go wild and dress up to the nines, and most characters throw themselves at that opportunity with relish.
WHAT DATES WILL THIS ALL BE HAPPENING?
This year, Prom will be from Friday 7th of April to Sunday 9th of April.
On Friday, your characters will get picked up by the taxis arranged by Lance, and will be brought to Tohjo falls. Depending from where in Johto and Kanto your characters are flying in, they might be arriving anywhere from early in the afternoon to early evening, so apart from a little announcement (probably not important) from Lance during a little buffet-style dinner, this day is mostly travel and settling in.
On Saturday, your characters will have the chance to vacation in the lap of luxury. Perhaps they'd like to explore the publicly available parts of the Villa (some areas are off limits!) to see all the things the Elite Four have collected. Perhaps they'd like to enjoy themselves in the pool, or even take the chance to explore the natural area around the falls, and catch a new friend or two. Maybe there will be another thing happening, we simply do not know.
On Sunday, we have the actual Prom part of, well, Prom. Sunday evening is reserved for dancing and prancing in your best and finest. And perhaps also something Unique. The earlier parts of the day can be used to get dressed and ready. Or to resume lazy activities around the pool if your character is not the type that needs four hours of preparation.
Your characters will be able to take a taxi back to their homes either Sunday night (if they don't mind a night flight) or they can remain at the Villa and fly back Monday morning.
YOU'RE NOT GOING TO TELL US ANYTHING ABOUT THIS UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY LANCE HAS MENTIONED, ARE YOU?
Nope! :)
I HAVE SOME OTHER PROM QUESTION.
That’s what this post is for! Let us know down below, and we’ll try and answer you as much as we can, keeping in mind that some things are still going to be hush-hush until the actual event happens.
OKAY, NOW JUST QUICKLY SUM IT UP FOR ME.
Elite Four member Will has decided to retire, and thus Lance needs a new member to fill out this now vacant spot. The Johto-Kanto branch of the Pokemon League has been in contact with other branches in other regions, and various potential candidates applied for the position. And while all of them had excellent skills, Lance and co were able to weed them down to just two final applicants: Bede, a gym leader from the Galar region, and Malva, a reporter from the Kalos region and part of their Elite Four.
Now that it is down to just these two, he'd like the Otherworlders' help in deciding who will fill the position.
WHY IS LANCE LETTING US DO THIS?
Well, obviously, it wouldn't be as fun as a plot if you didn't get to be involved in some manner!
But in game, Lance has a deep admiration for the Otherworlders. Though there might be the occasional bad Applin, the fact remains that most of you brilliantly adapt to suddenly finding yourselves in a new world, and bond with your pokemon as well as any native might. Additionally, the Otherworlders have helped out in many a crisis, and Lance has faced off against enough of you to know that many of you are skilled trainers! Even those that don't strive to the heights of becoming an Aurora League member often still display knowledge of the basics of battling in your badge challenges or knowledge of pokemon husbandry. And he wants to reward all of that.
Additionally, well, you are Otherworlders. Theoretically, you should be neutral and not biased towards certain regions, right?
OKAY, SO HOW IS THIS GOING TO WORK, EXACTLY?
In character, each character will receive a unique vote slip, on which they can write who they feel is best suited for the position. These slips have special watermarks, so nobody will be able to copy the slip and gain more votes. Characters can either make the decision immediately, or they can, if they so choose, ask some questions of both Bede and Malva on Saturday (they will be available for questions all day) and then submit their vote. Maybe talk it over with their friends, who know!
Unfortunately, because each slip is unique and watermarked, it won't be possible to replace lost slips. So you better hold onto yours!
On Sunday, during Prom, the votes will be tallied and Lance will reveal who the newest Elite Four member will be.
Out of character, we'll have a post where you can submit your votes. Important to note is that while we ordinarily ask you to vote as a player (so only one vote, no matter how many characters you play), for this event, you will be voting for each of your individual characters. So you will need to submit individual comments for each.
Voting opens on Friday April 7th and will run until Sunday April 16th. This is to ensure that everybody has a chance to vote, and also gives you the time to thread out some IC discussion if you wish, and for us to answer the questions you'll pose to Bede and Malva.
HOW WILL THE QUESTIONS WORK? WILL WE NEED TO THREAD THEM OUT?
Oh sweet Arceus no. That would honestly be far too much work and we wouldn't be able to get back to the posed questions in time.
Instead, we'll have threads where you can submit your questions to either Bede or Malva. Phrase your questions like you might phrase a debate question i.e. "what is, in your opinion, the most difficult but rewarding pokemon to raise?" or "eating Appletun skin -- delicious pastime or horrifying practice?". We will then do our best to respond and answer as many of these questions.
ICly, you can assume and handwave an actual conversation happening between your character and Bede or Malva. There might be some chit-chat, small talk, (well, less so with Bede) and general pleasantries.
HEY. UH. HEY ABOUT THAT MESSAGE ROCKETS RECEIVED?
Oh, yes, that.
Well, it just so happens that our rocket players will be walking into prom will a little extra information in their back pocket.
You see, Malva is actually a rocket plant. Team Rocket has been working hard behind the scenes to get her in this position, and is hoping to get her elected so they can use her influence as a member of the Elite Four to really pull off some big heists!
As such, our rocket players have a special objective this prom -- if they want to be good rockets and receive great rewards, they will need to try and convince as many people as possible to vote for Malva.
WHAT METHODS CAN WE ROCKET PLAYERS USE?
Team Rocket is striving to make this a subtle mission, so smacking people's kneecaps with your Aggron is right out!
Instead, they ask you to lean on your powers of persuasion. Point out flaws in that Bede kid. Try and encourage people to see the good side of Malva.
Or, if you aren't that great at talking, those voting slips are unique. Why, if you could just get your hands on other people's voting slips, you could submit Malva's name a few extra times. Unfortunately, the vote box is well guarded and impossible to break into, so you'll need to try and get the slips before that point. Maybe you are a good pickpocket. Maybe you know a few people who are very scatterbrained and are sure to misplace their slip anyway. Maybe you can think up some other scheme!
Obviously, OOCly, this will all require player agreement. It just so happens that the start of prom coincidences with our next CR meme, so this will be a perfect place to hash this out.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MALVA GETS ELECTED?
Well, we'll just have to see. :)
WHAT HAPPENS IF MALVA DOESN'T GET ELECTED?
Well, we'll just have to see. :)
WHERE IS WILL GOING?
We cannot say.
HE'S GOING TO LEAVE TO BECOME A MAGICIAN, ISN'T HE?
We can neither confirm or deny these rumours.
I HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION?
Please let us know below and we'll get back to you ASAP.
So, there you have it! Another prom wraps up. For those looking for a quick sum-up of events (possibly from years into the future, hello future you!), here you have it.
The vote between Malva and Bede was close. Nail-bitingly close! In the end, Bede prevailed however. After defeating Malva by a handful of votes, he'll go on to become the new Elite Four member. Malva conceeded gracefully and congratulated her opponent and we all had a nice, disaster-free prom.
WAIT, THAT'S IT? NO KABOOM?
No kaboom! Statistically speaking, prom does have to go right at least one time.
The potential disaster this time was less immediate and more long-term. Which is not to say that now that Bede has been elected, everything is free and clear from here on out. Team Rocket put a lot of work into this and they got very close. They are, to say the least, not pleased! But they know better than to ruin a valuable asset, and anyway, who would throw a tantrum over a fair(ish) election? That's just silly!
WILL THIS BE THE LAST WE SAW OF MALVA?
Maybe. Maybe not. Time will tell. :)
WHEN CAN WE FIGHT BEDE?
Bede will officially be instated as the new member of the Elite Four on May First. This gives us a little time to get his team together (Unfortunately, Gamefreak did not give him a full team, so we'll have to get creative) and update all the pages.
SO, WHAT NOW?
Now, you party. Boring, we know, to have a party without something going gloriously wrong, but you'll survive.
Oh, but be sure to pick up your prom favours. It might not be as big a haul as you've seen in previous years, but then again, you didn't have to fight invading aliens, prissy legendaries, or criminal organisations. This is just a little thank you from Lance formaking a difficult decision for him helping him out.
If you are a rocket, make sure to head over here and fill out your mission report. Team Rocket may not have been succesful, but you all have still done plenty of work, and they know that deserves a reward.
THERE IS JUST ONE MORE THING I'D LIKE TO ASK!
Go ahead, that's what this post is for.
THAT’S RIGHT IT’S APRIL, WHICH MEANS IT’S TIME FOR...
THE BASICS WHAT EXACTLY IS PROM?
SOUNDS FUN! SO WHY HAS THIS MADE HALF OF EVERYBODY SUDDENLY VERY NERVOUS?
It's (mostly) never the fault of the otherworlder guests (except that one time it was), but for some reason, when everybody gathers together, it just attracts trouble. Sometimes it is Team Rocket, sometimes it's extra-dimensional invasions. Honestly, it's a miracle anyone still wants to organise this stuff!
SO WHOSE PARTY ARE WE RUINING THIS YEAR?
Ah, well, you know what they say about rumours. They aren't all true.
1 No Dragonites have been eaten during the creation of this post.
OH. DOES THAT MEAN WE ARE GOING BACK TO TOHJO FALLS?
For those that have never attended a prom organised by Lance before: Tohjo Falls are two water falls that separate the Kanto and Johto region. If you've ever taken the ferry from New Bark to Pallet Town you'll have passed by this location in the far distance. And the reason you've passed by at such a distance is that Tohjo Falls is normally off limits to any visitors, because this is where the Elite Four have a private vacation retreat.
The Elite Four, after all, do a lot of work for both the regions. And they don't exactly get a chance to just stroll down the block without being recognised and hounded for autographs and battles. So Tohjo Falls is the only place where they get to just relax and be like normal folks.
And this year, for the first time in about five years, they are inviting you back to their vacation home.
MY CHARACTER’S REALLY NOT INTERESTED IN PARTIES, BUT I AM! HOW DO I MOTIVATE MY STICK-IN-THE-MUD CHARACTER TO ATTEND?
Not to mention that Lance's invitation seemed to imply the opportunity to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime event. Whatever that might be.
And if none of this works, perhaps your character’s friends can be counted on to drag them to prom. Maybe even their pokemon if you want to play it that way.
WELL, I HATE PARTIES AND PARTY EVENTS.
I’M NEWER TO THE GAME AND HAVE NEVER ATTENDED A PROM BEFORE! WHAT’S IT LIKE?
If you are curious, you can check out some of our previous prom events to get a feel for what sort of thing might (or might not) go down.
MY CHARACTER WANTS TO GO BUT HOW WILL THEY GET THERE?
ARE WE EXPECTED TO DRESS UP?
WHAT DATES WILL THIS ALL BE HAPPENING?
On Friday, your characters will get picked up by the taxis arranged by Lance, and will be brought to Tohjo falls. Depending from where in Johto and Kanto your characters are flying in, they might be arriving anywhere from early in the afternoon to early evening, so apart from a little announcement (probably not important) from Lance during a little buffet-style dinner, this day is mostly travel and settling in.
On Saturday, your characters will have the chance to vacation in the lap of luxury. Perhaps they'd like to explore the publicly available parts of the Villa (some areas are off limits!) to see all the things the Elite Four have collected. Perhaps they'd like to enjoy themselves in the pool, or even take the chance to explore the natural area around the falls, and catch a new friend or two. Maybe there will be another thing happening, we simply do not know.
On Sunday, we have the actual Prom part of, well, Prom. Sunday evening is reserved for dancing and prancing in your best and finest. And perhaps also something Unique. The earlier parts of the day can be used to get dressed and ready. Or to resume lazy activities around the pool if your character is not the type that needs four hours of preparation.
Your characters will be able to take a taxi back to their homes either Sunday night (if they don't mind a night flight) or they can remain at the Villa and fly back Monday morning.
YOU'RE NOT GOING TO TELL US ANYTHING ABOUT THIS UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY LANCE HAS MENTIONED, ARE YOU?
I HAVE SOME OTHER PROM QUESTION.
OKAY, NOW JUST QUICKLY SUM IT UP FOR ME.
Now that it is down to just these two, he'd like the Otherworlders' help in deciding who will fill the position.
WHY IS LANCE LETTING US DO THIS?
But in game, Lance has a deep admiration for the Otherworlders. Though there might be the occasional bad Applin, the fact remains that most of you brilliantly adapt to suddenly finding yourselves in a new world, and bond with your pokemon as well as any native might. Additionally, the Otherworlders have helped out in many a crisis, and Lance has faced off against enough of you to know that many of you are skilled trainers! Even those that don't strive to the heights of becoming an Aurora League member often still display knowledge of the basics of battling in your badge challenges or knowledge of pokemon husbandry. And he wants to reward all of that.
Additionally, well, you are Otherworlders. Theoretically, you should be neutral and not biased towards certain regions, right?
OKAY, SO HOW IS THIS GOING TO WORK, EXACTLY?
Unfortunately, because each slip is unique and watermarked, it won't be possible to replace lost slips. So you better hold onto yours!
On Sunday, during Prom, the votes will be tallied and Lance will reveal who the newest Elite Four member will be.
Out of character, we'll have a post where you can submit your votes. Important to note is that while we ordinarily ask you to vote as a player (so only one vote, no matter how many characters you play), for this event, you will be voting for each of your individual characters. So you will need to submit individual comments for each.
Voting opens on Friday April 7th and will run until Sunday April 16th. This is to ensure that everybody has a chance to vote, and also gives you the time to thread out some IC discussion if you wish, and for us to answer the questions you'll pose to Bede and Malva.
HOW WILL THE QUESTIONS WORK? WILL WE NEED TO THREAD THEM OUT?
Instead, we'll have threads where you can submit your questions to either Bede or Malva. Phrase your questions like you might phrase a debate question i.e. "what is, in your opinion, the most difficult but rewarding pokemon to raise?" or "eating Appletun skin -- delicious pastime or horrifying practice?". We will then do our best to respond and answer as many of these questions.
ICly, you can assume and handwave an actual conversation happening between your character and Bede or Malva. There might be some chit-chat, small talk, (well, less so with Bede) and general pleasantries.
HEY. UH. HEY ABOUT THAT MESSAGE ROCKETS RECEIVED?
Well, it just so happens that our rocket players will be walking into prom will a little extra information in their back pocket.
You see, Malva is actually a rocket plant. Team Rocket has been working hard behind the scenes to get her in this position, and is hoping to get her elected so they can use her influence as a member of the Elite Four to really pull off some big heists!
As such, our rocket players have a special objective this prom -- if they want to be good rockets and receive great rewards, they will need to try and convince as many people as possible to vote for Malva.
WHAT METHODS CAN WE ROCKET PLAYERS USE?
Instead, they ask you to lean on your powers of persuasion. Point out flaws in that Bede kid. Try and encourage people to see the good side of Malva.
Or, if you aren't that great at talking, those voting slips are unique. Why, if you could just get your hands on other people's voting slips, you could submit Malva's name a few extra times. Unfortunately, the vote box is well guarded and impossible to break into, so you'll need to try and get the slips before that point. Maybe you are a good pickpocket. Maybe you know a few people who are very scatterbrained and are sure to misplace their slip anyway. Maybe you can think up some other scheme!
Obviously, OOCly, this will all require player agreement. It just so happens that the start of prom coincidences with our next CR meme, so this will be a perfect place to hash this out.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MALVA GETS ELECTED?
WHAT HAPPENS IF MALVA DOESN'T GET ELECTED?
WHERE IS WILL GOING?
HE'S GOING TO LEAVE TO BECOME A MAGICIAN, ISN'T HE?
I HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION?
So, there you have it! Another prom wraps up. For those looking for a quick sum-up of events (possibly from years into the future, hello future you!), here you have it.
The vote between Malva and Bede was close. Nail-bitingly close! In the end, Bede prevailed however. After defeating Malva by a handful of votes, he'll go on to become the new Elite Four member. Malva conceeded gracefully and congratulated her opponent and we all had a nice, disaster-free prom.
WAIT, THAT'S IT? NO KABOOM?
The potential disaster this time was less immediate and more long-term. Which is not to say that now that Bede has been elected, everything is free and clear from here on out. Team Rocket put a lot of work into this and they got very close. They are, to say the least, not pleased! But they know better than to ruin a valuable asset, and anyway, who would throw a tantrum over a fair(ish) election? That's just silly!
WILL THIS BE THE LAST WE SAW OF MALVA?
WHEN CAN WE FIGHT BEDE?
SO, WHAT NOW?
Oh, but be sure to pick up your prom favours. It might not be as big a haul as you've seen in previous years, but then again, you didn't have to fight invading aliens, prissy legendaries, or criminal organisations. This is just a little thank you from Lance for
If you are a rocket, make sure to head over here and fill out your mission report. Team Rocket may not have been succesful, but you all have still done plenty of work, and they know that deserves a reward.
THERE IS JUST ONE MORE THING I'D LIKE TO ASK!
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What if there's a tie. Is it another :) or will mods tie-break.
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Honestly, we haven't thought that far ahead, but should it happen, we'll wing it. Somehow.
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The Elite Four, at least, won't listen to any accusations as they've put a lot of work into vetting both individuals and haven't gotten any indication that either of them is not above board. So just a random accusation without evidence is going to come across as more petty than something to actually take into consideration.