Schoolhouse Rock

rp blog for cheren from pokemon black/white 2!

[blackmambacheren]

Appeal Results - June

@konpeitocoordinator

Bun-Bun had been watching the other Lopunny with sharp eyes throughout the entire appeal. She seemed almost singularly focused on Berry, though there were clearly other elements to the performance. Luckily, Cheren was there to watch the other two. It was funny... Lopunny tended to work well alongside princes. Maybe he was biased.

“Well, June... I think this was perfectly fitting to the Beauty category. There’s nothing out there that says tragedy can’t be beautiful. And the interplay of Grass, Ice, and Fire was a striking combination we don’t see often. I think this easily could have been a Smart appeal as well— a lot of Smart flavor this competition from everybody. But you definitely shifted the fairy tale vibe from Cute to Beauty.”

“There were some parts that seemed a little unnecessary, the flashback for one— although it was a neat effect. And it did seem as if Folie was doing a little more than Berry at times... but they worked very well together. You had good Pokemon choices for this sort of story— Though I suppose I sound biased.” He reached up to ruffle the fur on Bun-Bun’s head affectionately.

“And so with that, I have to give you a 93 out of 100. Excellent job, June. Thank you for participating in the Winter Solstice Festival!”

[blackmambacheren]

Appeal Results - Zoey

@heartists

Throughout the entire appeal, Bun-Bun had been holding Cheren’s hand under the judge’s table. Her teeth chattered quietly and rapidly in a rabbity imitation of a purr, trying to keep him calm throughout. Cheren had an incurable phobia of ghosts, and an entire appeal that centered around one was almost unbearable to him. One where the ghost, and its powers and its old life and its death, were all prominently on display... It was difficult for him. But his Lopunny kept him grounded.

“Right,” he said quietly, finally managing to speak. He looked down at his clipboard and realized he hadn’t taken a single note. Winging it. “It was certainly... a story. A very intricate one. Symbolic. One that definitely requires the audience to think. Deduce. Analyze. All hallmarks of a great Smart appeal. I... don’t think I’ve ever seen one like it.”

He took a deep breath, trying to gather his thoughts and judge normally. “There were a lot of unique techniques at play... With the—” He paused, then moved on to a completely different subject. “It was quite long, and I think the audience may have gotten restless near the end. Always best to keep things moving at a steady pace and picking up in intensity right when the crowd wants it...”

“It... was quite solid. There was very obviously a great amount of effort put into this, and with it being a personal story... There was passion. I judge it at an 86 out of 100. Th-Thank you for competing in the Winter Solstice Festival.”

He reached into his pocket and began to puff on his asthma inhaler as Bun-Bun sighed, embarrassed.

[blackmambacheren]

Appeal Results - Kenny

@musesbygeoff

Bun-Bun’s nose twitched, highly interested in the Corviknight. She had never seen one before. Neither had Cheren, though he had seen many pictures of them before. It was fascinating to see one up close... Alas. They weren’t judging based on Pokemon species. Bun-Bun seemed charmed by the performance, and Cheren glanced down to see her little tail wagging happily.

“Well, this was an interesting Beauty appeal, I thought. Came in two parts, it seemed... They were a little disconnected at first, but I think you brought them together at the end. There was an overall theme of class, which I think fits nicely into the Beauty category. Very black tie. Though the winter theme is very common here, especially in Beauty appeals, it was plenty charming here.”

“There were a lot of elements I would have considered more Smart than Beauty... though that seems to be a running theme here this contest. Everyone has been so creative with their moves and costumes. We’ve seen a lot of illusion work... and yours was nice, if simple! But I could see the joy your Pokemon had in putting in this show, and they certainly seemed to have fun with their trainer. That connection is quite important.”

“All things considered, I award you 70 points out of 100. Thank you, Kenny. I hope you enjoyed the Winter Solstice Festival!”

[blackmambacheren]

Appeal Results- Elijah

@coldbornthief

Bun-Bun was applauding wildly as the appeal ended, very much a fan of elegant battles. After all, her whole shtick was to be both beautiful and powerful... so she certainly appreciated the underlying theme of the appeal, whether she could express it or not. She certainly tugged on Cheren’s sleeve a lot throughout, pointing at certain elements she was impressed by. Cheren looked stoic as ever, however. He consulted his notes.

“Well, Elijah, I for one thought it was an interesting and fresh take on the Tough genre. Battles are common enough, but you don’t often get a story mixed in, nor large puppets. It was very theatric. I agree that this could have worked very well as a Smart appeal... even better as a Smart appeal, probably, what with the clearly researched folklore and the tricks used to create the puppets. But being Tough...”

“I thought Noel did wonderfully. She was very small compared to her enemies, but didn’t back down. There’s always something impressive about an underdog story. I rather liked it... and I think the audience did as well. You certainly seem to have doubled down since the dress-up round...”

“All this said, I award you 80 points of 100 in the appeal round. Congratulations, and thank you for participating in the Winter Solstice Festival!”

[blackmambacheren]

Appeal Results- Tobias

@drkvoid

Bun-Bun’s eyes were shimmering as the light show came to an end. It seemed she was very impressed with the visuals. Cheren heard her humming tunelessly along after the song ended, swaying a little in her seat as if she too wanted to dance. Indeed, the appeal had been quite the pretty display...

“That’s the problem, isn’t it?” he asked aloud. “It was all very stunning and beautiful to see... but this wasn’t the Beauty category. If it was, you would likely have very high marks, though! But I see what you were going for with the precision, the careful and exact movements. Like robots specially programmed to be perfect. It’s quite subtle and clever.”

“I think the smartest part of the appeal was the faux audience. It gave it a very futuristic sci-fi feel that matched your dress-up. The rising and descending light platforms were clever as well. Very unique move combinations and utilization. I rather liked it... though I think it might have worked better for a different category.”

“And so, I award you 70 points of 100. Thank you for participating in the Winter Solstice Festival!”

[blackmambacheren]

Appeal Results- Steven

@ringsreachingout

Bun-Bun’s nose was twitching with concern, and she let out a few rabbity squeaks, pointing to Steven’s shoulder. Cheren nodded as the other judges gave their takes, and he quietly spoke into his headset, calmly alerting the first aid folks that they might want to check out this participant after judging. When it came to his turn, he reached up and pet his Lopunny’s head, calming her.

“Steven, again I feel I must address the issue of focus. Metagross was doing quite a bit here, but I’m afraid I agree that your participation was a bit more varied and focus-drawing through most of the appeal. And the concept was a bit basic— smashing rocks.”

He took a deep breath. “But, you did have some creative moments. The bit at the end with the Hyper Beam and Psychic— I never would’ve have thought of turning the stage to glass. Nor changing the glass’s color! It was a very striking moment, and the highlight of the appeal, I think. I would simply recommend looking into safety measures if you’re going to be tumbling into broken glass.”

“And so, I award you 60 points of 100. Thank you both for participating in the Winter Solstice Festival!”

[blackmambacheren]

Appeal Results - Diantha

@diamontha

Cheren reached over and patted Bun-Bun’s back consolingly. The Lopunny, always moves by tragic romantic stories, was crying. But Cheren had to be made of sterner stuff. He was tough, darn it!

“Well, Miss Diantha, I think it’s safe to say that your cinematic background shone through here. The story was intricate and theatric, like a stage production. You and your Pokemon certainly seemed to be very in-character. I like a good story, and this one was quite nice, though I feel at times it strayed a little out of the Beauty category. And perhaps there were a few focus problems, bouncing back and forth between Pokemon... but overall, it was quite dazzling.” Ugh, had he really just said that? Dazzling? Bun-Bun gave a rabbity chuckle through her tears.

“I admit there were some elements that didn’t work as well. As was mentioned, the Z-Moves dances are difficult to make elegant... but that really was minor. You were clever with your moves and used them each to stunning potential. I know Bun-Bun enjoyed herself.” The Lopunny nodded in agreement, her eyes glittering as she looked the team over. Very pretty!

“As such, I award you 78 points out of 100. Thank you for participating in the Winter Solstice Festival!”

[blackmambacheren]

Dress Up Results- June

@konpeitocoordinator

Bun-Bun was thrilled to see another Lopunny onstage, but she was also casting a critical eye upon her fellow rabbit. She had high standards for Lopunny, obviously... and so did Cheren.

“Interesting, these small appeals in the dress up round. Like a taster of the future appeal... I just hope you haven’t pulled out all the stops nor used all your ideas before then. It’s nice to be surprised by an appeal. Though this was very well done.”

“I admit, the idea of a fairy tale retelling seems a little more Cute to me than Beauty, but the categories do overlap quite a bit. In any case, Berry’s final gown was very pretty, as were the other outfits. They certainly helped sell the story, and I think it was familiar to everyone in the audience. Though I have to admit there’s something a little familiar about the last bit...”

Cheren glanced at Bun-Bun who held a paw to her lips and let out a rabbity giggle. She too had been reminded somewhat of she and Cheren’s appeal their own first year in the competition.

“But I digress... I award you 85 points in the dress up round. Very solid.”

[blackmambacheren]

Dress Up Results- Kenny

@musesbygeoff

Bun-Bun was hopping you and down excitedly, always completely entranced by Beauty dress-ups. Cheren couldn’t suppress a smile himself, having grown fond of the category. He glanced down at his clipboard.

“Well, you all certainly seem to be dressed to the nines, as this particular category calls for. And my Lopunny always likes to see a bit of glitter...” He glanced over at Bun-Bun, who nodded emphatically. “It is rather nice that you all match. Though I do agree it is a mite safe. Perhaps simple... though I do like a subtle hand myself.”

“I like that your own outfit references your Pokemon, though I do feel you still have a little too much focus. However, your Pokemon shine nicely themselves, their costumes fitting their species quite nicely. It’s simple and elegant.”

“And so, I award you 75 points in the dress-up round.”

[blackmambacheren]

Dress Up Results- Zoey

@heartists

Both Cheren and Bun-Bun were rather speechless. Of course Cheren, being the well-read nerd that he was, understood just what Zoey and her team were going for— and he was mightily impressed. Bun-Bun, who knew nothing of human history, was far more focused on the mini-appeal and the elaborate costuming. In any case, all aspects of the dress up were fully appreciated between the two of them.

“I... I have to admit... It really is astounding to see the monumental effort put into this round. So much research! All the intricate details, all the information displayed for the sake of the audience, all the symbolism and extra showmanship...”

“I can’t really fault it myself. It’s astounding what you’ve been able to do. And your Pokemon are clearly very invested in what you’ve pulled off. I can see where they had their own input... which is also important. First and foremost, their personalities should be shown. And I think you’ve accomplished that wonderfully.”

“And so, due to your absolutely fantastic efforts... I award you 100 points in the dress up round.”

[blackmambacheren]

Dress Up Results- Steven

@ringsreachingout

“Hmm...” Cheren looked over Steven and Metagross’s ensemble critically. Bun-bun was rolling her eyes at her trainer, never quite trusting him to do this bit correctly. “I admit, this particular style seems more like it would fit in the Cool category than the Tough category, though there is a lot of overlap in both. What with the spikes and all... I suppose it has a sort of biker feel to it.”

“There’s certainly plenty of detail... but I worry that more focus has been put on the trainer than the Pokemon. Metagross should be the star first and foremost, and I feel that, while they look rather striking with their alternate coloring, they almost feel like a prop for Steven and his lovingly embellished ensemble. However, if I look at Metagross alone, they definitely look intimidating... which is what the Tough category is all about.”

“I award you 65 out of 100 points.”

[blackmambacheren]

Dress Up Results- Elijah

@coldbornthief​

“Right, well...” Cheren had to force himself to lower his raised eyebrows, admittedly shocked by his fellow judge’s vicious scoring. As somebody who consistently wore very feminine jeans and still felt very secure in his masculinity, he found he couldn’t agree at all with Fabien’s summation. Alas, he didn’t think any score he gave would be enough to help Elijah in the long run without a pure miracle. ...So he would simply call it as he saw it.

“I admit I’m partial to the Tough category, and I found your take on it to be wholly unique and creative. I dress my own Stoutland in tartan in the winter...” He neglected to admit that it was more because he thought it was cute than because it made Tam look like an old Galarian warrior. “I’m impressed by the historical research put in and think it might very well overlap with Smart... though many categories often do. Noel looks ready for battle, as prepared to defend as to attack... which makes her rather formidable. I worry some of the spikes are a little much... but they certainly match Noel”s natural coloring, simply enhancing her form, which I appreciate.”

“Honestly... I’m truly impressed by it. I award you 95 points out of 100.”

[blackmambacheren]

Dress Up Results- Tobias

@drkvoids

“A very creative entry in the Smart category... though I would personally argue it could belong in Cool as well. I admit... I have a bit of a soft spot for sci-fi.” Here, Bun-Bun rolled her eyes, knowing all too well her trainer’s off-duty hobbies. Cheren ignored her. “It’s really amazing the amount of work you’ve put in... I can’t even imagine how long it mast have taken to find such material and find a way to make it work so brilliantly. It definitely takes a lot of smarts to put this together, I don’t think anyone would argue that.”

“Gardevoir’s shiny coloring is very striking, and I think it was smart to match it. It keeps things nice and simple and clean looking, which is a great sci-fi aesthetic. I like that Gardevoir’s skirts weren’t altered... The mesh on top allows us to see her natural form simply enhanced. A lighter touch than most would use... but I like it.”

Cheren showed his clipboard to Bun-Bun, who poked at it a few times, raising an eyebrow at her trainer. He had such a soft-spot for geeky things like this... He had to use his head! But Cheren pointed to a few different lines on the clipboard while Bun-Bun nodded slowly to his whispered argument. Eventually, trusting her trainer, she nodded.

“Right, then... I award you with 95 points out of 100.”

[blackmambacheren]

Dress Up Results- Diantha

@diamontha

“Well, it’s certainly something that would be at home in a ballroom, isn’t it? It’s nice to see you all matching without all wearing the exact same style of dress. I especially like Sinal’s style. Designed with her comfort in mind, it also shows off her natural beauty— that of a battler. Which I appreciate, preferring battles myself. I do wish Cerebella’s outfit showed off something unique about herself as well... but her natural features were used to bolster her skirts. There’s a nice simplicity to these outfits. Understated, yet eye-catching. The little details that bring it all together are very nice— the headpieces, the bracelets, the scarves.”

“Perhaps it’s a little safe to go with a starry theme for the Beauty category. But it’s a safe choice for a reason... it’s always sure to be very pretty. Which it is.”

Cheren turned to his Lopunny to gauge her own reaction, checking to see if she agreed with his summation. Bun-Bun was enamored by all the stars... but she managed to shake off her star-struck expression long enough to nod to her trainer.

“Right, then. I award you with 88 points out of 100.”

[wintersolsticefestival]

The Hearthome Winter Solstice Festival is returning for a fourth year!  If you’d like to write in a casual IC event, consider joining! Join by Saturday, December 7th to enter this game-based contest event!

[RULES] - [MODS] - [PRIZES] - [TAGS] - [TIMELINE]* - [DISCORD]

*Timeline is open to suggestion until mid November.

[blackmambacheren]

@coldbornthief

Cheren had to reach over and place a hand gently against Bun-Bun’s mouth to encourage her to stop humming tunelessly along with the music after it had stopped.

“An interesting story we’re being told. Like my fellow judges, I see a few different categories here... Definitely some Smart and even a little Beauty in my opinion. It’s an interesting take on the Cute category, but I enjoyed the direction you took it. Bonding with your Pokemon, being there for one another, weathering the good and harsh times together... I think highlighting a bond with your team was a good move. Very... heartwarming.” He felt himself blushing but soldiered on. “I didn’t sense any danger in the act, and I liked the unconventional approach to tackling your category. Excellent work.”

[blackmambacheren]

@flyiingpress

Bun-Bun giggled as she reached up to pick some stray confetti out of Cheren’s hair as her trainer tried to keep a stoic face. He tried to look as official and dignified as he could while speaking despite being groomed by his Lopunny.

“I agree with the others that there are some elements of Beauty in here, especially with the music, but Beauty and Cute overlap a lot, I feel, and this definitely fell more on the Cute end of things. There was a certain... lack of sophistication that I feel worked to your advantage.” He allowed himself a small smile. “You worked well with the moves you had at your disposal, mixing them cleverly with props. I think the two of you show enormous potential.”