Off The Menu [Workshop]

[Afterglow Ampharos]

♪ Pure Class
♫ -or- Slick

𝖎 ∭ 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐫

James Cadbury. In butler fashion, he's called by his surname, and his first name is generally never mentioned unless he must state his full name, or it's an intimate situation where he's on a first-name basis.

Surnames are an uncommon thing in this world, but James has one. His father, Cassius Cadbury, was also in the business, as was his father and so on. James shares this classy "family name" to connect him with this family's history of great service.

𝖎𝖎 ∭ 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Cadbury is a Linoone who has been trained to stand biped, putting him at 3'3". As all Linoone, his half-lidded eyes are entirely blue except for his slit pupils, and brown stripes mark his creamy-furred body, most notably one stripe atop his head that forms an arrow.

He wears a little necktie, bordered by a short waiter's jacket over a white dress shirt. (Usually they are red and blue respectively, but Finer Things has requested a different colour to suit their theme.)

Nothing at all covers his lower body, but no matter. His large white claws have been filed down to a harmless blunt tip. His tail is held up in a shape similar to a squirrel's, and a comb tucked in his pocket ensures his fur is kept well-groomed at any time. James was lucky to have inherited very silky fur from the genes of his father, a rather rare male of the Cinccino species.

𝖎𝖎𝖎 ∭ 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐨𝐢𝐫𝐞

Switcheroo.
Useful for quickly getting a replacement dish out to someone, or a second order. In a pinch, it may be needed for a stealthy, unscrupulous deed. When done right, this switch of objects can go entirely unnoticed.

Helping Hand.
Used quite literally toward both fellow staff and toward customers. When Cadbury lends a paw in aiding others, efficiency is increased twofold. Simply put, he is a naturally helpful person.

Odor Sleuth.
Checking the dish for everything that needs to be there before it hits the table. Sniffing out clues in other situations. Linoone are one of those species good at finding things with their sense of smell.

Charm.
A sophisticated charisma is used to win over others. It can be used in conversation, in a simple glance, in his posture, or in exceptional presentation when a dish arrives. It's also handy in case he needs to excuse himself out of a mistake he's made.

Yes, this moveset makes Cadbury utterly unable to fight, but that is entirely within his character. He would never use violence, not with his refined demeanour, and he's certainly never had a lick of practice. Expect fancy-boy to get floored if it comes to that.

𝖎𝖛 ∭ 𝐔𝐩𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠

James was raised as a young Zigzagoon footman, and as he showed promise, he was groomed for a higher position. He was trained to stand upright, and raised to be polite, respectful, genteel, and serving. His father, Cassius Cadbury, insisted upon this training to stand biped, so James could easily perform duties with his forepaws. Not to mention the much more civilized appearance it lends.

Cassius also insisted young James keep his fur exceptionally groomed at all times. James was lucky to have inherited the same silky fur as his father, and Cassius was not about to let such fine fur go to waste with a disheveled appearance.

These lifestyle choices and this training stuck with Cadbury as he grew. He found his duties as a footman rewarding, and as he matured and gained experience, he became a butler, serving the wealthy and occasionally the famous.

Helping them enjoy themselves through his service is what he lives for.

As recently as a year ago, Cadbury found himself between masters in his butler career, and took notice of a particularly fashionable Bar and Bistro that was just opening its doors. Cadbury had himself a look about the place on what just happened to be its opening day. My, what celebration there was to be had! And the joint was so sophisticated, yet without feeling stiff. Cadbury enjoyed himself thoroughly, and by mid-evening, he'd already made plans to become a regular customer.

That's when he realized they were hiring, and he knew. He knew becoming a server at a place like this would be every bit as fulfilling as working as a butler.

𝖛 ∭ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦𝐚

Cadbury has impeccable manners, enjoys serving others, and lets his kind heart show through his prim and proper demeanor.

The Linoone speaks formally, and appears to be in his 30s or 40s. He is very refined and genteel, but he's likely to fluster under the right kind of… unprofessionalism. He is by-the-book, comfortable only with the proper procedure, both that his employer has set, and that he considers part of his own lifestyle.

He is fastidious in maintaining a neat-and-tidy appearance, both in himself and his workplace. He is, however, not below delegation of such tasks to others when need be, given how often his job involved equal parts his own labour, and organization of maids and footmen.

And let's see… some of his soft spots include cheesecake and adorable outfits. He's likely to do best in the cigar room, and would also do fine in the foyer, patio, and dining room. Is there anything else you'd care to know?

𝖛𝖎 ∭ 𝐀 𝐒𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠

Spoiler:

♫ Slick

Cadbury pulls the cab door shut as he settles into the backseat. No sooner is it closed, the Linoone produces a comb from inside his jacket pocket, and starts to fix his fur. It was a short jog from the building to the cab, but the drizzle outside managed to put a damper in his grooming nonetheless.

"Where ya off to, man?" the cab driver asks, his neck craning over his shoulder to reveal the face of a Gumshoos.

Cadbury looks at him from the backseat, pausing his work with the comb and lifting his brows.

The Gumshoos takes note of how the Linoone is dressed. "Sir," he corrects.

Cadbury's brows drop again, and his comb sets back into motion. "33 Moore, thank you. And if you could not drive too terribly fast, I'd appreciate it."

His comb finds its home back in an inside pocket of his jacket, and from the same pocket, a folded sheet of notebook paper is pulled. Cadbury wants to make sure he got the address correctly. Yes, there it is, just as Carmine wrote it. Cadbury exhales something of a pointed sigh.

The other day, a customer called the bird and asked if "that handsome Linoone from the other day" is single. Cadbury hasn't the foggiest why Carmine chose to divulge such information, but, long story short, this paper details a rather… ludicrous request. Even Carmine recognized it as a silly task to give his server, but he felt that it could only help the reputation of Finer Things with this particular customer, and Cadbury might even have some fun.

Cadbury has a date.

"Ah, did you come straight from work, Cadbury?"

"Oh, no, I simply enjoy this outfit."

The Linoone has appeared in the doorway of his date's abode, dressed in the same short waiter's jacket and little necktie he'd worn at work, both in a deep stromboli green, the latter with a bold black, and a thin white stripe pattern.

"Though I admit my favourite is a blue and red combination. I'm told it matches my eyes," he admits with a smile.

"I'll have to see it sometime! Speaking of, step in for a moment, I was just about to get dressed up myself." Cadbury's semi-blind-date, a Lopunny, encourages the badger inside and onto a couch. "Sorry to make you wait, I'll only be a moment!"

With a brief chuckle, Cadbury leans back, sandwiching his large silky tail between his back and the couch. He has to wonder, does this bunny always get dates this way? Bit of an unusual method. But, if you see someone you like, even serving your food, Cadbury supposes there's no harm in it. He almost wishes he'd been asked in person, but admittedly he might not have taken the offer in that case, flummoxed by the protocol between server and customer. The rabbit was clever in that regard, more clever than Cadbury had initially given credit, going through his boss like that.

"Ready!" Cadbury turns around at the announcement, looking over the back of the couch to see the Lopunny dressed in a dark suit and red bowtie. With paws set on hips that have jutted to the side, the bunny gives Cadbury a playful look. "How'd I do, up to your standards?"

Cadbury remains in his pose, peering over the back of the couch and frozen, his mouth just slightly open, eyes flicking up and down the Lopunny's form. His ears stand right up.

"Uh, Cadbury?"

He jolts back to attention, ears twitching, freed from his frozen state. "Oh, of course, don't, don't be silly! You look grand."

So that must mean the Lopunny's name is Chris… Not Kris. Did Carmine honestly set him up with… with a man?

Cadbury had suggested a lower-key establishment to dine at tonight, but the Lopunny would have none of it, insisting on going to Cadbury's place of work. Cadbury finds himself embarrassed at the thought of being seen on a gay date by his co-workers and his bosses, but must go along with what Chris wants.

And as expected, the server at the table Cadbury and his gentleman friend are seated, just happens to be a staff member Cadbury works with. The Linoone feels the need to glance away whenever the server smiles at him in that teasing way.

The badger has never been forthcoming about his sexual preferences. This is a hell of a way to come out to his co-workers as, ah, more than heterosexual, let's say.

"Hey now, you're lighting up! What's with the red cheeks?" Chris asks, noticing the hue in Cadbury's face just before his picks up his menu.

"Ah, it's nothing, I…" Cadbury thinks quickly, and finds a way to reply honestly without telling a potentially offense truth. "I'm embarrassed, actually. I work with these fine 'mon daily, and it's a very professional relationship, and… it's embarrassing to have them see me on a date."

Which is true. It's just not the entire reason he's embarrassed.

"Aw! Well, you're cute when you show a little colour, so don't stop for my sake."

Cadbury smiles, shyly but graciously accepting the compliment, and looking down at the table. He even fidgets.

Chris realizes that his date isn't looking at the menu. "Oh, that's right, I guess you know the menu by heart, huh? What're you gonna have, Cadbury, can you make any recommendations?"

"Actually," Cadbury notes, "since this is a date, you may call me James."

"James? Is that your real name?"

"It's my first name. Cadbury is my family name." The badger finds his disposition calming down quickly now that the subject has changed. His blush is fading away.

"Really! I thought your first name was Cadbury! Huh, James Cadbury. Heh, you sound like a butler with a name like that!"

A smile breaks out across the Linoone's muzzle. "Funny you should say that…"

At the end of the date, the badger finds himself back where the date started, in Chris's doorway. The Lopunny thanks Cadbury for the lovely time, and adds, "I was sincerely hoping that… our lovely evening together wouldn't end here. Do you think you might… join me inside? I promise it'll be even more fun than the restaurant."

Cadbury hesitates. His large claws click together in front of his chest. Mental images are already forming in his head, and in turn giving rise to another blush overtop his muzzle. "Ah, I… I suppose a gentleman can't turn down an offer like that, can he?"

The next day, Cadbury comes into work, passing a familiar, beaked face.

"How was your date last night, Cadbury?" Carmine asks, allowing himself a curious smile.

"... More enjoyable than I would care to admit."



((I had a blast writing this. I think I may have gone a tad too long. Haha.))
​

𝖛𝖎𝖎 ∭ 𝐀𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞

Spoiler:

"How exactly did you 'show so much promise' as a Zigzagoon that those around you started grooming you for better positions?"

"Was there any place you studied at or with your father during your childhood to become a servant?"​

♫ Pure Class

Cadbury leaned back in his chair, producing a quiet squeak. "Curious lad, aren't you? It's not often I chat with someone so full of questions." With a single claw hooked through a teacup's handle, he paused to take a thoughtful sip, planning his wording carefully.

"Well, first of all, 'showing a great deal of promise' was the word my father used. Not all young footmen take to their job, you understand -- many begrudge their work. I've seen it myself. I remember my peers, fellow footmen and the like, they saw it all as... as chores they were being forced to do by some man with altogether too much money and influence."

Cadbury's shoulder lifted in a one-sided shrug, his expression showing a moment to consider the notion. "And that view isn't wrong, strictly speaking. But I relished the role, personally, even as a boy. It was less about the work I was doing, and more about the act of serving others. Of course, I did the work well, and I was highly polite, and that's what my father meant when he said I showed promise." The butler chuckles. "It doesn't hurt that my father wanted me to become a butler in the long run, in the first place. I suppose he was biased!"

After another sip, he continued along the same line of questioning to explain his studying. "I was tutored, actually. There isn't really a school for this type of thing. I had a tutor who would come to our house, or invite me to his, to teach me etiquette and common chores and tasks, and how to perform them with class and efficiency. This tutor worked closely with my father, and my father was also a good teacher when it came to etiquette."

"It sounds pretty unnatural to stand biped for your species ... does it hurt? Do you ever resent being raised so rigidly by your father? Do/Did you ever yearn for something other than high-class servitude?"​

The Linoone broke into a polite laugh. "Oh no no, it doesn't hurt!" His paw batted at the air dismissively. "Here, look at it this way. A Pikachu is perfectly comfortable standing quadruped or biped, yes? And it doesn't hurt him at all. Even quadruped Linoone will frequently rear up on their hind legs; they simply don't walk about that way. I was trained to stand upright -- this was again at the behest of my father -- so I could easily perform my duties with my forepaws. Not to mention it lends an air of, ah... how should I say... sophistication? Civilizedness?"

His eyes glanced away in recollection. "I wouldn't describe my father as rigid. I don't think there's anything to resent. I'm grateful for what he's done for me. I can't imagine my life as some uncivilized..." Instead of finishing his thought, Cadbury's eyes returned to his conversation partner, and he chuckled, catching himself. "Nevermind, let's move on, haha. Mustn't insult anyone."

"I do yearn to be something more someday," he agreed with a single nod. "Own some land of my own, my own butler... Host social parties at a mansion, or even a pleasant cottage if I cannot afford the former. Wouldn't that be a pleasant way to retire?" he asked, his smile spreading across his muzzle.

"Speaking of your father, did you ever get to know your mother? Was she ever in your life? I mean, you at least must be curious, considering you're the same species as her."​

"Ah, I was a bit of a daddy's boy, I admit. Mother worked as a maid. Still does. Fortunately we've never worked under the same master." He laughed politely. "Imagine that, hm? A butler telling his mother what to do in the workplace."

He stopped there, and it became clear he didn't have as much to say about his mother as he did his father, or even his tutor. They must not be close.

"I would love to hear about some of the families or masters you've served! Were any particularly memorable or left significant impressions on you or the way you live your life?"

"What caused you to be 'in-between masters' during the time you discovered Finer Things? What happened to the last one? Why have you had several masters instead of just having had one all your life?"​

The butler perks up in his seat. "Ah, of course! Let's see... I'll just list some as they come to mind.

"I have worked for a Galvantula. Very sweet woman. Affectionate, kind. Lived alone. She had an interesting way of decorating her home, with these intricate webbings of spider silk." He spread both arms, gesturing to the entire room he sat in. "Everywhere. The house was completely overtaken with them. They were pretty, but still sticky. It took some getting used to, that's for certain!" he laughed.

"In some cases, a butler serves for a family and not just one person. I personally worked for a family where the parents were good proper folk, but their son was the one who demanded the most of my work. There's no other way of putting it: he was lazy. It was exasperating, I admit. He wanted me to bring him everything, do everything for him. And yes, that is my job, but in my opinion it was just him acting in sloth.

"A later master I worked under taught me that the relationship between master and butler can be so much more than that," he added to lighten the mood.
"A butler can be... a personal servant, an advisor, a confidant, a close friend," he spoke slowly, his gaze cast toward a window.
Cadbury's teacup was placed on its saucer, freeing his paws. Subconsciously, one of them rested atop his other in his lap, squeezing lightly.
There was a distant look in his eye, a smile on his face.

His attention returned, as did his eye contact. He hadn't realized he'd broken them until just then. "Ah, yes. Who else...?" he asks himself, pulling another example from memory.

"I've also worked for an Alolan Meowth. She was single and enjoyed gambling a great deal. In fact, I... I was 'won' by her. You see, this Meowth, she and my employer at the time, they were gambling together. And in the final hand, during a fit of desperation to cling to their pride, my current employer bet my employment. The Meowth won, and I was obligated to go work for her."

The Linoone leaned forward and inclined his head, tipping his nose downward to look at his conversation partner just a bit more seriously. His tone of voice hardens just enough to be noticeable.

"Let me teach you a hard lesson I've learned: no matter how successful you are at your job, there are always things beyond your control that may cause you to lose it. I've had my employment gambled away. I've had it transferred to friends of the family (under friendly terms, mind you). In a couple jobs, I was only hired for a temporary position to begin with. In one, I was to work with that master for life... and I did, as they passed away. Bless their soul." He shook his head, shutting his eyes in a brief moment of sad recollection.
"In other situations, your boss loses his fortune and cannot afford the luxury of a butler anymore. In some, political danger necessitates you abandon your position."

With another shake of his head, Cadbury took up his teacup and leaned back in his seat again. His eyes closed. "There are myriad reasons why you may transfer hands, or have to look for new work. It is in fact a rare myth that butlers find perfect masters whom they serve for life."
​

𝖛𝖎𝖎𝖎 ∭ 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

An envelope sits upon a side-table, sealed with a disk of wax, centered in the spotlight of a desk lamp. It is addressed: "For Cadbury's eyes only."

​

 

[Who's Kiyo?]

Here's a picture of my old Cornered Furret Character being excited for Cadbury's chance to enter the universe that I stole from the internet and did not make myself so just pretend ssh:

I don't think there's anything I'm able to critique right now that we haven't gone over already! Very good job.​

 

[Afterglow Ampharos]

By "benefits" I mean that, if you're the one to discover the secret, your character will come upon some sort of benefit at whatever stage they are in within the roleplay. Let's say you crack the secret out of Character X, you as a player are then given a prize like "Cadbury stumbles upon [Beneficial Item] in your next post," or "You get an extra opportunity to play Fate and have something happen to another character in their next post," etc.​

Oh, I was led to believe that the benefit would be directly related to the NPC. Thank you for explaining.

Here's a picture of my old Cornered Furret Character being excited for Cadbury's chance to enter the universe that I stole from the internet and did not make myself so just pretend ssh:

"A-alright, Miss Furret, I like you too, now please...!"

That's by the same artist who drew the first of the images I used. Keijimatsu!
I took that inspiration and ran with it for a character, back in 2013, which explains the profile and the OTHER image I showed you (the bowing one), drawn by my friend derFisch.

 

[Your Daily Vitamins]

Thanks for notifying me, Kiyo.

I have a question: Will mega-evolutions be handled in the same way COTM did with that Aggron in the OOC, or is it honestly up to our discretion?

 

[Ech]

"A-alright, Miss Furret, I like you too, now please...!"

THIS IS WHY I DEPICTED CICARO AS SUPER GIRLY WITH THAT EXTRA MASCARA, I DID NOTHING WRONG KIYO

Cicaro is the Pokemon equivalent of a trap, that's why he's the best character ever. please bring him back as the main bad guy

 

[Afterglow Ampharos]

THIS IS WHY I DEPICTED CICARO AS SUPER GIRLY WITH THAT EXTRA MASCARA, I DID NOTHING WRONG KIYO

Cicaro is the Pokemon equivalent of a trap, that's why he's the best character ever. please bring him back as the main bad guy

Ech, the Furret is literally wearing a maid outfit in that image. Mascara ain't the half of it!!

Besides, Cadbury has nuance, he'd call guests by their preferred pronoun regardless of all else. It's [insert OTM campaign date/year], we're progressive.

 

[Who's Kiyo?]

"A-alright, Miss Furret, I like you too, now please...!"

THIS IS WHY I DEPICTED CICARO AS SUPER GIRLY WITH THAT EXTRA MASCARA

Ech, the Furret is literally wearing a maid outfit in that image. Mascara ain't the half of it!!

That's by the same artist who drew the first of the images I used. Keijimatsu!

I figured that's where Cadbury was sourced from! I thought he looked familiar from back in the day when I stole used Keijimatsu's art for Cicaro's constantly-changing mugshot.

It's [insert OTM campaign date/year], we're progressive.

This reminds me of something I wanted to bring up. So, obviously, human calendars aren't really a thing anymore, and I've always been a fan of how Paper Mario dealt with the issue of portraying a certain year: using a set of symbols. For example, Off the Menu can take place on ...

Summer 14th, ​

There. Gives off that air of "human calendars no longer apply, so we're not sure how long it's been since humans disappeared" and "ambiguous, could take place anytime."

Will mega-evolutions be handled in the same way COTM did with that Aggron in the OOC, or is it honestly up to our discretion?

Mega-Evolution can exist so long as your character is in contact with their respective Mega Stone, though I ask that if you choose to be a Mega that you stick to that choice rather than constantly shifting in-and-out of it.​

 

[Your Daily Vitamins]

Mega-Evolution can exist so long as your character is in contact with their respective Mega Stone, though I ask that if you choose to be a Mega that you stick to that choice rather than constantly shifting in-and-out of it.​

I'm not gonna be a mega, but I planned on having it in my character's backstory for a background figure. Thanks for clarifying!

 

[Afterglow Ampharos]

Ooh can I pipe up here about Megas, suggestion-wise?

So from what we know about mega evolution at current, it triggers when in battle, and my rationalization of this is that it triggers at points when the body is experiencing high stress, exhilaration, stimulation, adrenaline, things of that sort that a good brawl would tick all the boxes on.

But I also think that other activities could trigger it too, like... Like a Lopunny putting on an energetic dance routine for example. With that kind of prereq for mega-stones they still make sense but they can also be used out of battle. (Buuut they can't be used indefinitely because adrenaline doesn't last indefinitely.)


P.S. Yeah I remember the Ship's Log in PM:TTYD went like: Month ★ Day ☓☐
I don't remember the year ever appearing in any of the games, though.
Still, I pick up what you're putting down.

 

[Junier]

I have a question/concern regarding the world of OTM too that I'd like to address before I go any further with Cadbury, Model 2.0's backstory. Specifically, I'm concerned with the level of technological advancement these Pokemon have access to; you stated in the FAQ section of the "OP" that anything "barring cellphones, cars, and the internet" were fair game and to expect things "like landline phones, electricity, and basic infrastructure", but I also know you've referenced the technology as being based in the 40's and 50's outside of the forum, minus televisions--and you may have stated that someplace different in the interest thread; I don't want to seem like I'm accusing you of being f a k e. But I'll advocate for a "bump-up" in the decades, for both selfish reasons related to my character and basic accessibility.

I think a time like the mid-70's when at least basic computers and game systems like Atari existed would be a bit more appropriate, really, for reference's sake. We are playing "modern-minded" characters, so to speak, after all, who are living in our present and I feel, regarding your preferred decades of reference, a huge aspect of that presence would be set back a tad too far.

And then there's also the fact that I envisioned Cadbury obsessing over his collection of retro video games in a frail attempt to omit his building loneliness and dissatisfaction with his own unfulfilled existence.

Of course, if you're still pro-TV-less 50's, I can always give him a record player instead and replace "videotapes" with "vinyls" for the inevitable American Psycho reference.

Actually, while I've notified you, might I ask you review Cadbury's moveset? You seemed a little concerned about him having Blizzard so I went ahead and wrote a little description for it and his three other moves in-addition. Tell me what 'chu think?

Spoiler:

Blizzard: An upsurgence of howling wind and streaking snow that relentlessly douses the surrounding area. More a temporary summoning of turbulent weather conditions, though some Ice-type capability should be invested on the user's behalf, otherwise the final product would include only the tumultuous winds carrying, perhaps, a hint of chill—far less effective or characteristic of the move's stigma as the "strongest Ice-type technique", according to many battle analysts. Of course, being that 'Blizzard' describes a literal Blizzard, it is subject to the same erraticism of real-life weather; regardless of how encompassing it can be, its impact can range from barely effective to devastatingly destructive depending on the subject's positioning, the environment in which the move is used, etc, as of course, when the natural weather corresponds with 'Blizzard', the technique receives a boost in power and accuracy.

Freeze-Dry: A technique learned only by a select group of powerful Ice-type Pokemon, 'Freeze-Dry' imitates cryodesiccation, singling out a target who is chilled at a rapid pace while also causing air pressure around said target to plummet. Though the dehydrating technique has a very low chance of outright freezing an ordinary Pokemon, it is especially effective against Water-types, to the point where usage wavers the line between super-effective and malignant. Of course, if an Ice-type is especially reliant on water to utilize 'Freeze-Dry' (see: Vanilluxe), it is also somewhat pernicious for that user to utilize it recklessly. The move does have more practical applications also as just a simple way to freeze ordinary items or preserve food.

Mist: A thick, gelid, white mist, as its name implies, with almost magical properties, as it blesses its user and any other subjects from receiving a "proficiency reduction", in analyst terms; a Pokemon is unable to grow faster nor slower, stronger nor weaker, when steeped in the 'Mist'. A similar effect can be induced with a Dire Hit, though many battle arenas discourage the use of X-Items. In battle, it is used solely to benefit allies on the user's side of the field as, otherwise, it would also benefit his/her opponents. The user has more control over the technique's span than with moves like 'Blizzard'.

Mirror Shot: A Steel-type technique characterized by the user attributing a blindingly-bright sheen, the same of which is ejected, usually, in battle as a blast of searing light-energy. The flash in itself may well disorient an opponent before the actual attack lands. Therefore, the move is very popular amongst Steel-types who, while otherwise unagile, are given a chance to re-position themselves. There exists a low probability that Mirror Shot will impair an opponent's accuracy for the remainder of the match as well. Finally, because the sheen that will imbue a user upon using it, 'Mirror Shot' can also grant a strategic Pokemon the ability to reflect light-based attacks, like 'Dazzling Gleam', and even moves like 'Thunderbolt', back onto an opposer. However, it should be noted that 'Mirror Shot' cannot grant full immunity in Thunderbolt, or any Electric-type move's, sake.

 

[Your Daily Vitamins]

I have a question/concern regarding the world of OTM too that I'd like to address before I go any further with Cadbury, Model 2.0's backstory. Specifically, I'm concerned with the level of technological advancement these Pokemon have access to; you stated in the FAQ section of the "OP" that anything "barring cellphones, cars, and the internet" were fair game and to expect things "like landline phones, electricity, and basic infrastructure", but I also know you've referenced the technology as being based in the 40's and 50's outside of the forum, minus televisions--and you may have stated that someplace different in the interest thread; I don't want to seem like I'm accusing you of being f a k e. But I'll advocate for a "bump-up" in the decades, for both selfish reasons related to my character and basic accessibility.

I think a time like the mid-70's when at least basic computers and game systems like Atari existed would be a bit more appropriate, really, for reference's sake. We are playing "modern-minded" characters, so to speak, after all, who are living in our present and I feel, regarding your preferred decades of reference, a huge aspect of that presence would be set back a tad too far.

I didn't catch the tech restriction to the decade by Kiyo, but if this is true, I also agree that something like the 40's in terms of accessible tech is a surprising choice. I figured if the only restrictions were cellphones, cars, and internet, it was because 1) there were no able Pokemon who could even upkeep a working wireless connection (let alone network) of cell sites and Internet service, and 2) if people abandoned their towns then they took at least their motorvehicles with them, or they've at least become inoperable after even just a few years without use in garages - and gas stations have either been emptied or have gummed up gasoline from neglect, making them unusable and/or restricted hazards. It all depends on the nature of this abandonment by humans, but I just imagined they weren't apocalyptically wiped, more so they just... migrated elsewhere, taking resources with them. And then nearby wild Pokemon, aware and observant of what was once urban operations curiously wandered in and settled. Then the success of the first all-Pokemon town in operating human resources spread in the Pokemon world, and then there starts these pilgrimages to find and settle other abandoned towns, build models of success, etc.

At least that's what I imagined. I figured the most recent things left behind were more 90's sourced, if only because I imagined it like the Kanto anime-level of tech and import, like it was still "modern" but left at least a decade of disparity between the equivalent of what we players today consider "modern" and advanced. More recent real-world references can be made. Like personally, I was going to have my character when she got to the big city be introduced and influenced by modern marvels like boomboxes and music, VCR and small collections of video-taped cartoons and soaps since broadcast wouldn't be operable (TVs would be a thing just for video), alternative fashion magazines, maybe even slip some homage to Nintendo consoles and games but with Pokemon puns galore. I felt like the 80's and 90's are a comfortable mix of past and present for players to toy with, myself included. It's probably because the impression is when you link tech to an era, it also sets the setting because tech is so influential to way of life that everything builds off of it - and the player tends to think that the best way to portray what's in the past is to mimic mannerisms of the past, too. I mean, we're already mimicking human social structure with Pokemon so it would stand to reason, I think.

 

[Junier]

I didn't catch the tech restriction to the decade by Kiyo, but if this is true, I also agree that something like the 40's in terms of accessible tech is a surprising choice. I figured if the only restrictions were cellphones, cars, and internet, it was because...

Yeah, yeah! I gravitated immediately to stereo systems with my character which is even more recent, lol

I actually really like the logical connection you made between the absence of cellphones, cars, and internet and the related absence of humans. I liked to have the theme somewhat explored during the course of the roleplay.

Also, can you please post your character's prompt response here? Pleeease?

Most Likely to Be Kink-Shamed in High School

ALSO KIYO HOW DOES THE SCHOOL SYSTEM WORK

Does this city have a public school? Private school? Is there higher education? Does it matter!?

 

[Ech]

bringing some private chat talk here but

I really thought by the whole 40's-50's look was only being applied to Finer Things purely for aesthetics. Like, I know a restaurant that emulates the 60's just as a style preference to give off that pizazz. The actual world OTM would still take place in in a similar time period as Cornered. Heck, didn't you say somewhere it took place a few years in that universe?

Personally, I don't have any serious dissent since it encourages me to do some research and that'll help enlighten me on some things I never knew about, like outdated slang. I just mostly want clarification, I guess, since this does make a prominent impact on what I want to do for my yet to be actually written application.

also why am i not being credited, i thought i meant something to you senpai

 

[Junier]

I really thought by the whole 40's-50's look was only being applied to Finer Things purely for aesthetics.

Yeah, I'm certain the decade is only relevant regarding the age of technology available in the world. It doesn't actually apply to the culture itself.

Only slang I'll be using is British and gratuitous.

I promise I'll at least start the prompt responses this evening!!

 

[Who's Kiyo?]

#tfw you were busy yesterday and everyone suddenly decides to question your rp's entire existence at once

Ooh can I pipe up here about Megas, suggestion-wise?

Bleh, seems like an overly-complicated mechanic for a roleplay that doesn't remotely deal with individual power statistics and something that will have no bearing on the strength of a character. My only prerequisite is having the Mega-Stone on your body somewhere; keep it simple, have no real "end" to when the effect wears off.

the 40's in terms of accessible tech is a surprising choice

I'm accusing you of being f a k e

# c a u g h t

I haven't gotten around to updating that particular FAQ question with the 40's-50's detail you mentioned. I'll elaborate: as far as OTM's society is concerned, you are absolutely correct in saying that characters are expected to be "modern-minded;" the environment they reside in resembles the social standards of today. I in no way intend for the RP to adopt the social structure or associated fears, bigotry, class systems, and what-have-you of those decades. As for time-period slang (as Ech brought up), I don't mind either way; it's pretty fun if your character uses it but I'm certainly not requiring it or denying the usage of more modern slang. As for when this game takes place in relation to Cornered, it's about a year after the events of that roleplay; I will note that the world has been edited to suit what I personally envision, this "time aesthetic" being the most prominent change.

How this 40's-50's thing applies is when it comes to how everything looks, and it does encompass the entire city and not just the restaurant. Like, if a particular piece of technology exists within the RP, it appears as it did back at that time. For instance, the payphones in the foyer would look like (this) and your local trendy malt shop to be decked out like (this), and journalists would be using cameras like (this). This style also infects fashion, so you can expect the affluent lady customers to sport their hair (if they have it) and wear dresses (or things more fitting of their body shape) like (this) and their gentlemen callers to woo them in clothes like (this). Basically just use your imagination to filter all the buildings, tech, clothes, and music to appear this way.

But this doesn't mean former human culture died in 1959; I actually like Camille's idea of them reaching somewhere around "90's-esc Kanto anime level" (maybe having them just retain the aesthetic of the 50's) before going extinct (in Cornered they were "missing" but could be existing someplace else, I believe in my FAQ I have made them completely extinct and like it better that way.) No one is sure why or how they did, but they weren't apocalyptically wiped out by some disaster. They more slowly and quietly began to disappear, as if they were just migrating to somewhere else, before they vanished completely. After some period of abandonment, Pokemon reclaimed society, and anything they didn't reclaim got overtaken by the Earth as abandoned placed do. I imagine that there's probably some great city in the region that hasn't been touched since and is reminiscent of Bethesda's Fallout franchise, and I'm all about Camille's notions concerning things like eroded facilities becoming "hazard zones." O-la-la.

So yes, things up to that "decade of disparity universe" time - like retro video games and videotapes - did exist and their husks still do, albeit it with more post-WW2 flair. And maybe I was a bit too hasty to say TVs and cars didn't exist; I could be a fan of television shows ("did you see [smarmy such-and-such actor] in [monochromatic 'performed in front of a large studio audience' comedy]? Oh, he's so dreamy!") but I see the predominant mediums being radio, newsprint, and music. Anyone who could figure out how to operate and maintain a car or train could probably make a good business toting around any ground-dwellers that can't learn Fly (I can see them using more biological alternatives to fuel them versus gasoline, or coal-powered trains.) I'll still enforce the no-internet-or-cell-phones-or-modern-computers rule out of personal taste, but for simplicity's and convenience's sake, allow these other amenities to exist.

I will say, however, that I encourage you to get into the grove of the aesthetic, because (at least I think) it's more fun to embrace than struggle against it trying to make more "modern" things work. Like, at least in Camille's case, you can replace boomboxes with street performers or (these) and make the cartoons black-and-white early Tom and Jerry-expy stuff.

Also, the 70's aren't as cool, Blinky. plus i would love an american psycho reference since and there's a record player on the patio

HOW DOES THE SCHOOL SYSTEM WORK

I would say in a big city like this or anything like it, there definitely would something akin to a public or private educational institution - a college too, perhaps. That being said I feel like the huge timeframe discrepancies of physical development between species would put a wrench into the more traditional human approach to schooling, so those places would have to cater to every student's needs individually, making formal education a bit of a luxury. Teaching a certain trade or labor (like Oddy's Cadbury), homeschooling, or a schoolhouse-esc approach to education would be more common in the world as a whole and in less developed places than the city.

might I ask you review Cadbury's moveset?

Thanks for reminding me: I'd like any TM or Egg moves within your moveset to be marked. Otherwise, this is great! I was weary about Blizzard when you first mentioned the idea to me in private, but you've made its effect not as overpowering as I imagined and quite interesting and unique. And I am definitely an advocate for some roleplay chaos, so.

why am i not being credited, i thought i meant something to you senpai

can you hold your fucking horses

I was waiting until I dived into the other updates I intend for the OP to announce it and properly squeeze in credit, but since we're here already, if everybody can take a look at the OP you'll see some fabulous mugshots of Carmine, Lombardi, and PJ Clarke by Ech!

Be sure to tell Ech how great and wonderful and sexy they are while you enjoy the full pictures:

Carmine:

Spoiler:

Lombardi:

Spoiler:

PJ Clarke:

Spoiler:

And if you're wondering "why do Lombardi and PJ have fancy pictures of grapes on them," that is the Finer Things logo!​

 

[Junier]

eat my shorts

Fine, put your foot down. I don't care. At least we can watch TV now. I think, the more comparable options there are, the more comfortable most players will be, so opening up those options of at least referencing the more recent past is especially appreciable, as well as a point of probable intrigue. I'd be down with a character who owns, or whose parents own, a transportation service of some sort! Maybe a Pokemon with the fabled "last car" in the city who essentially runs a taxi monopoly? Keeping that air of mysteriousness regarding mankind emphasizes the fact that this is, foremostly, a Pokemon roleplay, so I'm very excited about that.

And, of course, I can always get behind a cute aesthetic. I'll admit, the culture of 70's/80's/90's has become a bit hackneyed, haven't they? I can get down with many of the examples you showed. Ha, the idea of a Vanilluxe attempting to manage an old school, wall-mounted phone!

Though, regarding being "modern-minded", I did reach a point when outlining Cadbury's childhood where it was gradually beginning to mirror the growing idolization of the nuclear, patriarchal family and suburban lifestyle in response to the Second Red Scare and Baby Boom during the late 40's. Perhaps I can make the Vanilluxe line especially susceptible to the level of technology around them, to the point where they unwittingly mimic a set of societal standards that are relatively outdated...? Or maybe I can just stop being a pussy and update my involuntary social commentary, lol.

Also, the 70's were totally rad and you are totally wrong. We were using jetpacks in space! Scientists discovered AIDS! There was Pong!!

That being said I feel like the huge timeframe discrepancies of physical development between species would put a wrench into the more traditional human approach to schooling, so those places would have to cater to every student's needs individually, making formal education a bit of a luxury.

That's a good point! I did reference public education with Rina back in Cornered, though she had more specialized education before she moved to Jubilee, but I'll be considering schooling more deeply with Cadbury now that, comparatively, I'm spending more time developing how he became the giant, floating frozen dessert he is today.

Actually, somewhat-related to Cornered On the Market, I just want to kiss your ass some more real quick and say that I appreciate how relatively-vague you're keeping the setting. Sounds backhanded, but in-reality, by failing to give the city a defined name or true identity, you both encourage a focus on what matters--Finer Things in-particularly--and for players to really go nuts with their character concepts. Jubilee was a cute setting to base Cornered in but, because of the additional prioritization of the world outside of Spirited Away and Forget-Me-Not, some players' interpretations of the city as being grimmer and more slummier in nature came across as really off-putting. For Off the Menu, I don't see varying perspectives of the setting as being too distracting.

Thanks for reminding me: I'd like any TM or Egg moves within your moveset to be marked. Otherwise, this is great! I was weary about Blizzard when you first mentioned the idea to me in private, but you've made its effect not as overpowering as I imagined and quite interesting and unique. And I am definitely an advocate for some roleplay chaos, so.

I actually have "Blizzard" labeled as being a TM move outside of the descriptions for the actual sign-up. No egg moves here either; Cadbury's lineage is purely of the Vanilluxe line... so he thinks.

But I'm so glad the description helped in Blizzard's case! And fuck yeah, chaos!!

ECH DRAW A CADBURY GIJINKA NUDE Art is amazing as usual! I love fem!Lombardi's biceps!

 

[Afterglow Ampharos]

And if you're wondering "why do Lombardi and PJ have fancy pictures of grapes on them," that is the Finer Things logo!​

That's a cool logo, good job!

I am in a state of wanting a pair of these.

I will say, I miss seeing the pose of PJ falling on his face, though. :p

Sounds backhanded, but in-reality, by failing to give the city a defined name or true identity, you both encourage a focus on what matters--Finer Things in-particularly--and for players to really go nuts with their character concepts.

I disagree, I think it would be very helpful if the city had a name. When I want to reference the city in my narration, putting "the city" each time can be clunky, and it's even worse in dialogue. Just having a name for it would be nice.

 

[Junier]

I disagree, I think it would be very helpful if the city had a name. When I want to reference the city in my narration, putting "the city" each time can be clunky, and it's even worse in dialogue. Just having a name for it would be nice.

Idk, I still think the "clunkiness" can be averted by just avoiding mention of "the city". Regarding dialogue, most citizens of "the city" wouldn't have much reason to refer to the place where they live anyways, unless they're explicitly describing it which, again, I don't believe is the point. The setting of-focus is our place of work; characters shouldn't get as distracted with the surrounding world.

The fact that this is a nameless city could be a source of satirical comedy as well. Imagine a character phoning a friend or family member faraway and saying something along the lines of, "Yeah, there's never a slow moment in 'the city'. Yes, 'the city'. What else are we expected to call it?"

 

[Who's Kiyo?]

Also, the 70's were totally rad. We were using jetpacks in space! Scientists discovered AIDS! There was Pong!!

Ah yes, AIDS. Good thing that happened.

I appreciate how relatively-vague you're keeping the setting

I disagree

I'm in the Disclosed school of thought, the namelessness of the city is very purposeful; the ambiguity allows players to etch in details where necessary, plus I like - and my main reasoning why I chose this approach - the fact that you can't refer to it directly. It forces you to only be able to passively speak of it as a whole. An unspecific city setting is very versatile and accommodating to a variety of backgrounds as mentioned, and I have seen plenty of fictional texts and movies that get away with not naming things like the main town, or the main character, even. You can refer to made-up places within the city like a "Banking District" or "Sycamore Street," if you need. I'm essentially saying "don't worry about the city, the focus is here" with this decision.

I think the only real detail (defined in Cornered) is that it has a thriving steel industry.​

 

[Junier]

Hey, better they figured out where it actually came from than continue to perpetuate that was the "gays fault", eh?

OH YEAH BITCH I WIN SUCK IT GODDEEM DEEZ NUTZZZ

Hmm, if the steel industry's this place's bread and butter, I might make Cadbury's dad a factory worker. I'll probably continue with my concept of Vanilluxe attempting to blend into the mainstream.