Hearthome Winter Solstice Festival

Welcome to Hearthome, Sinnoh! Home of Contests, fame and glamour! To celebrate the longest night of the year, the Winter Solstice Festival brings Coordinators together to put on displays to dazzle the eye and warm the heart! All are welcome to participate, whether they have experience on stage or not. In the end, the deciding factor is the passion you put into your appeal!

[wintersolsticefestival]

@konpeitocoordinator​ - June Nakano - 484 points [Beauty]

Score breakdown: Dress Up: 231, Appeal: 253

@heartists - Zoey Ying - 478 points [Smart/Clever]

Score breakdown: Dress Up: 255, Appeal: 223

@diamontha​  - Diantha Sophia Durand - 467 points [Beauty]

Score breakdown: Dress Up: 253, Appeal: 214

@musesbygeoff​  - Kenny - 364 points [Beauty]

Score breakdown: Dress Up: 186, Appeal: 178

[wintersolsticefestival]

@drkvoids - Tobias Gaudí - 460 points [Smart/Clever]

Score breakdown: Dress Up: 265, Appeal: 195

@coldbornthief - Elijah Pyroarheart - 405 points [Tough]

Score breakdown: Dress Up: 195, Appeal: 210

@ringsreachingout - Steven Stone - 381 points [Tough]

Score breakdown: Dress Up: 218, Appeal: 163

[sayurismiles]

Sayuri cartwheeled into the arena, Mareep and Growlithe flanking her and leaving trails of sparks and embers.  She turned her last turn into a somersault, landing neatly in the center of the arena as fire and electricity met behind her in a tiny explosion.

“GOOD EVENING HEARTHOME!  The Winster Solstice Festival is over!  Let’s hear it for all our contestants!”  She paused, letting the audience fill in her silence with cheers and claps.  She gave the din a moment to die down before continuing.  “There are prizes for second and third place on top of first place, so now that appeal scores are all in, let’s take a look!”

“Can I have a round of applause for our second runners up: Mr. Steven Stone and Ms. Diantha Durand!  Each of them will be receiving a cash prize of ₽127,000 for their performances in our Singles and Doubles divisions!”

“Our Singles and Doubles runners up are Mr. Elijah Pyroarhart and Ms. Zoey Ying!  You’ll be getting a brand new set of winter themed pokeball seals, as well as a cash prize of ₽272,000!”

“And finally!  Our ribbon winners: Mr. Tobias Gaudí and Ms. June Nakano!  Congratulations to you both!  You’ll be rewarded the Winter Solstice Ribbon!  First place also takes home a cash prize of ₽545,000!  As well as a brand new set of pokeball seals and one commemorative Winter Solstice Pokeball!”

Sayuri took a bow.  “Thank you all!  You’ve made the shortest night of the year one to remember, and while I wish it could last forever it’s sadly come to a close.  May you shine as brightly in all your future endeavors as you did here tonight!”

[wintersolsticefestival]

@konpeitocoordinator​ - June Nakano - 253 points [Beauty]

Score breakdown: Fabien Lafayette Miki Amari gave 80, Poppy Somma gave 80, Cheren Shirogane gave 93

@heartists - Zoey Ying - 223 points [Smart/Clever]

Score breakdown: Fabien Lafayette Miki Amari gave 59, Poppy Somma gave 78, Cheren Shirogane gave 86

@diamontha​  - Diantha Sophia Durand - 214 points [Beauty]

Score breakdown: Fabien Lafayette Miki Amari gave 56, Poppy Somma gave 80, Cheren Shirogane gave 78

@musesbygeoff​  - Kenny - 178 points [Beauty]

Score breakdown: Fabien Lafayette Miki Amari gave 31, Poppy Somma gave 77, Cheren Shirogane gave 70

[wintersolsticefestival]

@coldbornthief - Elijah Pyroarheart - 210 points [Tough]

Score breakdown: Fabien Lafayette Miki Amari gave 50, Poppy Somma gave 80, Cheren Shirogane gave 80

@drkvoids - Tobias Gaudí - 195 points [Smart/Clever]

Score breakdown: Fabien Lafayette Miki Amari gave 49, Poppy Somma gave 76, Cheren Shirogane gave 70

@ringsreachingout - Steven Stone - 163 points [Tough]

Score breakdown: Fabien Lafayette Miki Amari gave 40, Poppy Somma gave 63, Cheren Shirogane gave 60

[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 were fed 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!”

[themaryiestsuetoeversue]

Appeal Results - June

@konpeitocoordinator​

Ooh. This was very nice. She grabbed all her paperwork -

“As always, your Pokemon look like they are having a blast. I say that about almost everybody but that’s because it’s true.” Getting to let loose on a stage? Using attacks just for the heck of it? What’s not to love? “My only real safety concern is, mm…I know you’re fine with the vines right now but while they were forming, I was a little bit nervous - what if the thorns punctured you? And what if the flames got out of control? But that’s a minor nitpick, I’m being silly. I think you showcase your Pokemon very well - I loved Folie’s grass type specific actions. I think it puts a little bit more of a spotlight on Folie, though? But the teamwork with Berry was fantastic, perfect for Doubles. 50 points!”

Now for the cons! Could never be pros without cons. “I don’t think it’s Beauty enough, actually. The acting out a story just seems really Smart category to me, but you do show enough spectacular visuals that I’m still very happy. Although, having to recap what the story was - while the use of Extrasensory was a nice way of showing it, have you really captured the story very well if you have to explain what it was? It was a nice twist that you actually sang, though, and it didn’t take the spotlight from your team at all. 30 points!”

CALCULATOR TIME. “80 points! I hope you had fun performing!”

[themaryiestsuetoeversue]

Appeal Results - Kenny

@musesbygeoff​

Huh. So that’s what a Corviknight in flight looks like. Neat. Must be part steel with how its wings shine like tha - okay, no, focus on the judging! “I guess it must be old hat by now with me gushing over how much fun the Pokemon are having but that’s so important! And any birds with plumage like that are definitely well taken care of.” Ah, if only Nori could see this bird - he’d probably be very impressed. “I don’t really see any safety concerns - I guess sequins are small enough to be swallowed, but they aren’t really close enough to be ingested unless the crow wants to preen and Corviknight are pretty smart birds.” What else did she write down - she had to stop gushing over these avians. “I don’t know if you battle at all, but I was really impressed by the sheer strength of Empoleon’s Blizzard - and also its ability to tone it down when the time called for it. That level of control is really impressive.” And probably useful in a battle. “And I just wanna say, I didn’t realize how much presence or lack of music made! I felt like I was really able to focus on the show itself without getting distracted. 55 points!” That was really a personal problem of hers, though…

“Honestly, I felt like I was watching less of a performance and more of a variety show - but that’s a really refreshing concept. Little short snippets of Pokemon doing wonderful things with their attacks is a lot easier to digest, and they flow into each other so wonderfully. The overabundance of snow for a Beauty Appeal that takes place in the winter is a little bit overdone, though. And I didn’t really think you yourself contributed a lot? You were just kind of there. Uh, 22 points!”

And this number plus that number - “77 points! I hope you had fun with your performance!” Now she wondered if he’d let her ask his Corviknight if she could pet it…

[themaryiestsuetoeversue]

@heartists​

“You put your dad on the spot…” She whispered. Clearly Zoey got his permission, she supposed. “Your Pokemon clearly wanted to participate in something so deep and personal and meaningful to you. You showcased that beautifully - your Mismagius was reenacting something he was actually there for and your Gallade’s emotions seemed very genuine too. And you made wonderful use of the former past life, as well as Gallade’s natural mastery over martial arts. Flip flopping between forms that often is rather taxing though, so I hope Mismagius gets a well-deserved break after this.” She didn’t know Sinnoh National Team regulations but surely Zoey did not use team members back to back? “45 points!”

She took a deep breath - that appeal was heavy on the electricity… “I think this is a perfect example of the Smart category - a story, and so metaphorical! You have to think to understand it, nothing is spoon fed to you, and it’s so emotional and moving too! Even if it was maybe very sad at some points - life is sad sometimes. I think you struck a great balance between trainer participation and not overshadowing your Pokemon but I am a little disappointed that a lot of Mismagius’s participation was in Luxray form with a lot of flip flopping back and forth. It kind of felt like you were overusing the technique. And, ah…Mega Evolution AND a z move in the same Appeal? It’s kind of overkill, I think? But I think it was very sweet of you to do this topic in honor of your father and his Pokemon. 33 points!”

She did math on paper AND the calculator, to be extra sure. “78 points! I hope you had fun being in the Winter Solstice festival!”

[sayurismiles]

Appeal Results - June

@konpeitocoordinator​

“Yes.”  Miki straightened up, jabbing a perfectly manicured finger at June.  “Yes.  You get it!  The call back to your dress up, the fact you kept your dress up attire.  The balance of focus, the dancing!  Grace and story, oh thank goodness one of you gets it.  It’s true what they say, the best is saved for last.”  Miki squeezed the pokemon in her lap, throwing her Jigglypuff skyward when the pink creature gave a tiny “puuf!” of protest.

“Music, timing, you utilized all your moves.  I mean, the costume change in the middle was a bit over dramatic, but it worked.  So whatever.  Nnnot the biggest fan of the flashback either, but I get it, you were busy being a tree.  And this really could have been in Smart too, maybe even Cute if you didn’t have such a sordid take on Cinderella.  Oh, but you didn’t need mega forms or Z moves, oh, bless you.  You really, really get it.  Pure effort and skill without crutches.”  She reached up, plucking Jigglypuff from the air as she floated down.

“80 out of 100.”

[sayurismiles]

Appeal Results - Kenny

[wintersolsticefestival]

sayurismiles‌:

@musesbygeoff​

“Oh you are brave, aren’t you?”  She laughed, hiding her amused smile behind a hand.  “Out of the box with no accompaniment.  Needing to cue your team to start, oh my.  That dead air between the introduction and your nod was short but excruciating.  An appeal should be smooth like butter.  Or maybe it’s just your bad luck to be following Miss Fancy Skates.” 

Miki leaned back, pushing back from the judge’s table to allow room for her Jigglypuff to hop up into her lap.  She folded her hands over the balloon pokemon’s bow and rested her chin on them. 

“Or maybe not, at least you didn’t drag it out for miles.  After Zoey, this is a relief.  And I suppose the light illusion was creative, even if that was more Smart than Beauty.  Still, more of that thanks.  Better to have pokemon working in tandem than shunting one off to the side.  Not that you’re not guilty of that, but you made an effort so, whatever.”  She waved a hand, sitting up.

“Okay, let’s review.  We have a two part appeal, carried by two pokemon.  I know I complained about trainer participation to Zoey but she at least did enough to get a little star on her report card.  You didn’t even utilize four moves for each pokemon.  Come on.”  She sighed, resting her chin down again.  “31 out of 100.”