AUGUST 2025 EVENT LOG

[bayhelpers]

⋆✩ THE FIRST TRUE EXPEDITION ✩⋆

The Guildleader’s announcement comes off the excitement of yet another round of mysterious new arrivals floundering their way into society. It comes not long after a fresh round of beach parties and campfires, announced simply by notices posted to the Quest Board concerning a vital announcement to be made at the Archive’s steps. Within the first week of the month, that announcement has been made.

It’s time to expand their borders. It’s time to break through the unknown.

It’s time, the Guilds agree, for an Expedition.

i. LET THE EXPEDITION BEGIN

PACK YOUR BAGS

Preparing for the Expedition is no simple task. After the announcement has been made, all three Guilds prepare personal sign-ups for the matter, extending invitations to Pokemon they feel will do particularly well. An expedition, each Leader explains, is not at all the same as any typical quest. It is an effort comparable to the very exodus that formed what Bottlecap Bay is today. It’s a collective of Pokemon all headed for one singular goal, supporting each other in the effort.

Pokemon are encouraged to invest in sacks and satchels in some cases, while others are simply handed worn packs for their own use. Lists of necessary supplies are passed around, ranging from simple foods like apples and chestnuts all the way to rare and valuable goods that could make or break any team lost in the woods. Seeds that explode when chewed upon, or even revive a Pokemon from unconsciousness are carefully divided among Expeditioners, and as the day fast approaches the nervousness becomes a tangible thing upon the air. Heavy, like a storm. Static, akin to electricity from a yet unseen lightning bolt.

Yet skies are clear - and they remain clear when the day comes for the trek as well.

WE’RE TAKING A ROAD TRIP

⟡ The Expedition begins ICly on the 1st of August - Players are free to handwave characters seeing notices leading up to this day beginning from the 25th of July.

⟡ When it comes to being allowed on the Expedition, even new Pokemon are invited to join! The Guild Leaders are anticipating they’ll have hidden strengths and unusual insights in dealing with the unexpected, compared to native Pokemon - what with the experiences they have coming from very different worlds.

⟡ All Pokemon on the Expedition will at minimum be equipped with some form of sack for personal belongings. While larger Pokemon will also be tasked with carrying extra loads intended for tents and shelters, smaller ones will be asked to tow rations (or other supplies that are easily split) for their immediate party.

⟡ Many stores in the town are eager to do their part to support Expeditioners! While this doesn’t mean any special discounts, it does mean that items and goods they exchange might be a little more personalized. It seems a Pokemon’s favorite snack just happens to have been set aside, while the last satchel available is in their favorite color. How fortuitous!

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED

While all three are in agreement, it is only one Guild Leader who spearheads the charge. The Oran Berries of the Spire are left with a trusted deputy to handle any immediate matters as the Expedition Team sets off for the woods in early August, and where most teams are a mere two to four Pokemon strong it isn’t inaccurate to compare this one to an army. As a mass, these Pokemon move forward with their packs filled with supplies. Stone, lumber, and straw for larger sorts. Food and tools for others. And still more with nothing but the most vital necessities, first aid, and so on.

The three sections of forest that are known to Bottlecap Bay all border the sandy shore of the Bay’s lower crescent, with the ‘North’ in particular creeping along the Canopy. Through probing of the Forest’s boundaries and environs, thanks in large part to all of the explorations and quests of the past months, the Guilds have determined that the Forest eventually starts funneling together, the far end of each section growing narrower and narrower as the entire Forest is compressed between impassable terrain. This also means that whatever’s at the other end, any entrance to the Forest should exit in roughly the same place.

The Expedition intends to travel just through the North section - at this point they’ve had plenty of experience dealing with the primary hazard of spores! However, as the team carries on, they start to encounter discordant patches resembling the Middle and South in alternating moments of time. Some begin to voice concerns and questions - the Forest was never so strange before, even when the fog was at its thickest. Is this trip really worth it? How are they possibly going to make it through to the other side? The Forest seemed unending even when they were starting to get used to the conditions in each section individually!

As worries mount, Mightyena calls out encouragement, and hopeful whispers spread from the front of the Expedition. One of the Pokemon near Mightyena has a hunch, and says so in a shy voice. A feeling that just ahead, there might be something that isn’t just woods. Thanks to everyone’s efforts in recruitment, many wild Pokemon have agreed to assist over the last number of days - and the ones from the furthest corners of the Forest concur. The end is near, and this has been the forest’s final test. They just have to push on.

They can do that much, right?

ARE WE THERE YET?

⟡ While the threat levels over all within the forest have dropped down somewhat, navigation during the Expedition becomes even harder than it was before. The trip at minimum takes a full day - but notably, Pokemon who stray from the group quickly find themselves back in the pack, or back in Bottlecap depending on their intentions.

⟡ The Expedition only stops a few times during this trip, each time for a shared meal. There is always at least one Pokemon with their eyes directly ahead so that they don’t lose the path, and others in the group make certain to keep their fellows in sight at all times.

⟡ While they don’t ultimately set up tents in the woods, it’s clear from speaking with Mightyena that it was considered a possibility; in fact, finding a place for the Outpost within just a single day should have been impossible! She seems certain that at least one Pokemon move or ability was involved in this.

ii. BOTTLECAP OUTPOST, NAME TBD

CAMPING WITH EXTRA STEPS

After little more than a day of trekking, the journey comes to an end. The Expedition’s goal was to find a place suitable enough to create another settlement. To find a place beyond the woods that could be considered safe. A place that could eventually become another home.

Thanks to the cooperation of the Pokemon of the forest, they have managed just that.

The valley is a beautiful carpet of swaying grass, gently sloping hills, and tiny babbling brooks. Wildflowers sprout in colorful clumps or large swathes, and the air smells sweet and fresh; a breeze ruffles gently through Pokemon fur and feathers, chasing clouds through the sky. Scattered rocks and boulders make for perfect spots to lie down and sunbathe. One larger stream meanders through the center, its water clear enough to see straight through to the rocky bottom - at least except for the spots where rocks jut out above the surface, generating sprays of drops and foam. It's kind of hard to believe that this was just beyond the fog and gnarled undergrowth of the forest!

At the other end of the valley, the hills begin to grow steeper, and trees fill in again - in fact, it almost looks denser than the forest on the way back to the Bay, if that's even possible. Over near that end Mightyena is organizing expeditions, marking off three general directions to start exploring. It might be tempting to sneak out for a peek ahead of time, but Mightyena insists it's not safe to go solo and without supplies.

Off in the distance, beyond the dense woods, the hills stretch into an extensive mountain range. Dark clouds hang above many of them, caught on the peaks.

Closer to the center of the valley, on one side of the stream where the ground is flattest, the Outpost's boundaries are being marked out. It's time to start building!

NO REALLY DON’T GO IN THERE

⟡ Pokemon who haven’t been approved for Exploration Quests will be swiftly caught and carried back to the Outpost base. Done enough times, and they may even be sent back to Bottlecap Bay!

⟡ Curiously, Pokemon who return from their expeditions will note that even if they encounter mountains, none of the visible mountains match what they saw - no matter what direction teams explore in, the regions and sights are entirely incongruous with what can be seen from the valley.

⟡ Those remaining at the Outpost will have plenty of work to do. Regular travel routes must be established, as well as the placement of temporary shelters. Pokemon will be spending many days out here, which means lots of hunting and gathering work to be done as well. Players are invited to come up with their own unique tasks; a village has many requirements.

THE HEART OF DEVELOPMENT

So here’s the bad news: even with the wide number and variety of Pokemon present, and all the strange abilities and skills at everyone’s disposal, building an Outpost… just isn’t something that happens in a day. Everyone’s going to be here for a while! And there’s simply too much work for anyone to get away with slacking.

Any Expedition members who aren’t being sent out on an official exploration are going to have their paws, wings, and other assorted limbs full of construction tasks. Even those sent out on explorations will be expected to join in as soon as they’re back - assuming they’ve avoided injury, of course. And whenever Pokemon collapse for a well-earned rest… it’s going to have to be under tarps and temporary shelters. (At least it’s probably not much worse than what everyone’s already used to, for everyone but the Lum Berries?)

Still, the relief of making it through the Forest and the loveliness of the environs has the mood of the Expedition high! The overall feeling is like that of a barn raising, with cheers ringing out whenever a new building is framed, and again whenever it’s officially designated complete. Some massive fire pits are very nearly the first thing to get put together, and every sundown there’s bonfires for the Expedition members to congregate around and relax with their supper.

It won’t be long before the Outpost is complete, and this will all be worth it!

NEW PLACES

⟡ While the core of the Outpost won’t be finished until the final week of the month, other unique matters will slowly make themselves known as the 24th of August approaches. In particular, a uniquely shaped building with its own Questboard will finish its construction alongside a storehouse, a clinic, and a dwelling house.

⟡ The latter three buildings are quite basic; the Storehouse is used to maintain and preserve stock of all manner of necessary materials including food, and even has the beginnings of facilities meant to process these. There is talk of possibly creating a water wheel to help with this. The Clinic in turn is a far smaller version of its Bottlecap counterpart, meant for emergency treatment of Pokemon who cannot be brought directly to town.

⟡ By August 24th, Pokemon will be able to experience the finished Dwelling house on their own. While it’s constructed in the style of many of Bottlecap Bay’s buildings, it seems to follow the spirit of the Oran and Cheri guild’s dormitory systems. Pokemon share rooms with four simple beds, and the entire building makes use of a communal stove.

⟡ The final building is the most important; it’s a Post Office. The Quest Board outside of it is meant to host requests relevant to the regions too distant from Bottlecap to reasonably respond to, but for now something else is posted there. ICly posted on August 24th, these notices call for a vote on names for the Outpost and neighboring regions. Further details, and an IC Suggestion Poll, can be found Here.

✩ OOC NOTES.

⟡ CWS: Typical Pokemon violence - otherwise this is a fairly tame event!

⟡ As promised on the monthly plotting post, we are happy to announce that Activity Rewards are now available! You can find more information here.

⟡ While all Heavy Quests will ICly have completed by August 24th, sign-ups for these quests will remain open all month.

⟡ For those who participated in Heavy Quests this month, don't forget to submit your quest completion forms before the 30th!

⟡ Have any questions related to the event? Ask them here! If your question is more general for the game, please make sure to direct it to the FAQ page instead. Thank you, and happy threading!

FULL NAVIGATION

Comments

QUESTIONS

[bayhelpers]

[friendlyflower]

Sorry, this might just be my brain fog, but I'd like to make sure- this expedition took place August 1st and both old and new Pokemon were invited to join, and the quests (Explorations Yellow, Blue, Red, along with Play Nice and the outpost building/defending quests) take place afterward?

OUTPOST POLLS

[bayhelpers]

On the Quest Board of the Outpost Post Office can be seen a call for suggestions to name the newest regions discovered, as well as the Outpost itself. ICly, submissions are made by going inside and delivering opinions to the Pelipper recently entrusted with the building’s duties, before the various Pokemon of Bottlecap Bay come to a vote.

OOCly, we ask that players interested in suggesting names simply leave a comment here with their ideas. On August 24th, Players will then be invited to reply to comments with the names their characters prefer. The polls for this vote will close on August 31st, with results announced with the September Plotting Post!

[indifferentinferno]

I think it would be fun to name the RED exploration area Furnace Mountain! I think its a cool name :>

[improvking]

Proposing we call the explored forest region the Hazy Woods, in honor of the weird fog and mindaltering effects of the place.

ETA: RS would suggest calling the outpost Monsley. He doesn't elaborate of why. (it's after his favorite ttrpg back home -)

[friendlyflower]

Flowey suggests naming the outpost 'Death Blood Murder Skull Town'.

[bladeofnymeia]

Firoza proposes the BLUE exploration area be named "Sastrugi Peak", for the cavernous mountain surrounded by snow drifts.

And she would like to put forth the name "Crowncork Valley", to play into the theme naming of Bottlecap Bay. :3

[loopsiedaisy]

Siffrin (1) is compelled to suggest "Camp Brook-See" for the Outpost. Or maybe "Camp Brooking-Up" or "Camp Brook-Before-You-Leap" (you know, the thing they don't always do)?

brook what the cat dragged in

[followthescript]

Siffrin (2) supports every terrible pun Siffrin (1) suggests and also adds "Camp Brook-Alive" and "Camp Brook-The-Part".

[quirkynote]

There is no way A.B.A isn't going to suggest they name the outpost Paracelsus and you are free to ignore her.

[dripdrive]

Anasui will propose calling the forest: Memory Forest or Forgotten Forest. I think Spectrunk Forest (like Spectral but tree trunk) would be cool too.

Maybe the blue area could be called Icefall Lake because it hails there.

Anasui will also opt to call the Outpost 'Beseech' because everything has to be a song reference with a JoJo.

[loopsiedaisy]

Sneaks in one last suggestion for the yellow area --

Heavy Downmoor. You know. Like heavy downpour. Get it get it

Please discard their puns and call it something like Downpour Barren or Deluge Crags instead -

TALK TO MIGHTYENA

[bayhelpers]

[While the other Guild Leaders are back in Bottlecap Bay, Mightyena will be present at the Outpost during the entirety of its construction. She's also far more approachable - at least for those outside of the Oran Berries Guild - which makes it a wonderful time to talk to her if so desired!]

[truthdecided]

[Akechi feels... odd approaching Mightyena at this time. Surely she's busy. They all are, with so much at stake with this new settlement.

Still, there are pressing concerns that have come to light recently, so he shuffles over all the same.]

Mightyena-san, during my recent training with new arrivals, I encountered a certain degree of... skepticism, let's just say. Specifically, there were concerns about the living conditions among lower ranked guild members.

[He pauses.]

Their concerns, to be clear. I'm hardly ungrateful, but it did leave me wondering how to best address such concerns in the future.

Arknights || Flamebringer || Absol - Oran berries

[indifferentinferno]

Pack your bags 🔥:

[A]. Knights of the Ark:

Prep for departure is chaotic and busy. Its nothing he’s unfamiliar with. If anything its extremely routine, planning and checking in with and coordinating with other parties feels natural after all the time he’s spent working with Rhodes Island.

Its strangely comfortable, almost to the point where his own comfort makes him uncomfortable. But the distraction of having a goal to work towards keeps him from pondering on it too much.

As it is, he might seem more social than normal- that is until you actually talk to him and its all strictly prep and planning. He’s blunt and curt, but not rude, and if you need anything in particular he’s more open to giving directions or helping out- Depends heavily on the request however, he has no tolerance for tomfoolery.

[B]. Burdenbeast:

He was trying not to be too annoyed about it- But, ugh. He was annoyed about it.

He was used to being light footed. He by no means considered himself to be the fastest or most agile individual among his peers either amongst the Operators back home, or here amongst other pokemon.

But there was a difference between that and being a literal burdenbeast.

His own gear is strapped on a pack that takes up space spanning from his left shoulder down to right above his ankle- with plenty of flexibility for movement. There are tabs and belts he can pull to easily access anything he needs. But he mostly packs light for himself. Its primarily food and water. There are a few status clearing berries, but that's all.

His other burden however, is secured on his back.

Its not much compared to many of the much larger pokemon- But it still restricts his movement and speed a lot more than he would like. There is a tab attached to the back pack that- when pulled on fiercely, it will immediately drop his burden. So he isn't doomed to being literally dragged down by its weight. But split seconds matter in a fight. It irks him- for once he will be relying on others to keep an eye out for his safety.

The thought makes his fur stand on end. His general discomfort is more obvious than normal...

At least he could still use flamethrower liberally.

He’s still accepting people putting items into his bag. Minding the weight and gauging his own stamina. He glares at anyone who asks him to carry something particularly unnecessary- or who is obviously trying to offload their burdens onto him.

The Road Less Traveled 🔥:

With his experience as a rear guard, Flamebringer volunteers to stay closer to the back of the pack. He’s not as close to the edges as he normally prefers, due to his designation as a burdenbeast- but he’s still close enough that when mutterings about the strange phenomena, with time dialations and pokemon getting lost and confused, make their way to where he is, that he can easily move closer to the outside, and start keeping an eye out for said stragglers.

Some curious few wander away with no ill intent, if they’re small he tries to grab them, gently, with his teeth and put them back on track, letting them know about the dangers and peculiarities messing with them all. If they’re larger he will shout- or sometimes also bite and pull- though not enough to hurt. He’s just trying to corrall everyone back- not start a fight.

But by the the Furnace of Kazdel, some people are getting on his nerves with their lack of awarness.

Camping with Extra Steps 🔥:

[A]. Familiar warning signs:

Flamebringer watches the overhanging clouds with wary eyes… its a sight all too familiar. It’d be too soon if he never saw them again for the rest of eternity.

It looked like the harbinger of a Catastrophe.

The clouds appeared to be stationary as of right now, hanging in place above the mountain range… But that could mean venturing into those areas would be exceptionally perilous.

He knows Mighteyena is organizing expeditions all the same- And he doesn’t disagree. The danger can’t simply be avoided forever, lest it descends on them eventually regardless.

He just hopes that won’t be anytime soon…

“Does anyone here have an inkling of what those clouds could mean for us?” He asks the person nearest to him. His tone is even, but he doesn’t break his gaze away from the tumultuous sight.

[B]. Operator assigned to post:

Once he is unburdened and general work starts, he immediately looks for something to do. It doesn’t take long before something interesting reaches his ears.

Those with a green thumb (paw? wing? whatever)- Are taking it upon themselves to gather samples of and categorize all the local useful flora.

… It’d been months since he’d been able to engage in his hobby. He would have to learn from scratch about the plants of this world- and he tells the organizer as much. But he is more than willing to start, and the pokemon in charge of the endeavor was very enthusiastic about his commitment.

… Tch, whatever. He just missed watching his plants experience the cycles of life.

Although since most plants they were hunting for would be used for a practical purpose- it would be quite a while before he could experience that again. Small steps. He was content to get back into it even in this minimal extent.

The Heart of Development 🔥:

The work of this whole endeavor has been… satisfying. He can’t deny that. It was a feeling similar to the one he felt after a victory back on Rhodes Island…

However unlike there- he found quickly there was no escape from the celebrations.

By the furnace, did people forget they were still out in the middle of the wilderness, potentially exposed to dozens of possible threats they hadn’t even began to categorize yet?!

And yet still- People were celebrating, and partying, and excited like giddy children. Some stayed up far later than would even be advised back at the bay- much else out here in the middle of nowhere.

Thankfully the guild seniors and Mighteyena shut down the worst of the rowdiness past a certain time of night- but he still found himself yearning for his more secluded quarters back on the landship.

You can find him either wandering around being the general wet blanket to the happiness going on-

Or one night, he gets dragged by some well meaning pokemon into hanging out by the bonfire. Maybe the atmosphere is getting to him, he should’ve fought back more- but here he is now, awkwardly grousing amidst the celebrations while he himself just wishes to find a quiet corner to rest in peace.

Wildcard! 🔥:

[Send me a custom idea- Or feel free to PM me/tag me on the OOC August post for any other ideas! Also while I default to prose- feel free to tag me in whichever and I'll match.]

The Heart of Development

[shotinhead]

There's a quiet noise from the Dragonite, looking to the Absol, concern in the grunt. He didn't want to broadcast his feelings too loud, but...

"You know, I'd think they would have decided t'hold one big celebration at the end."

Burdenbeast

[holidaygirl1225]

Aww, it's not that bad!

[As a Deerling, Noelle is about half his height and much weaker, and thus doesn't have as much burden-- mostly, she's carrying a small pack of some food supplies.

It's obvious, though, she's taken on a bunch of personal requests for unnecessary things that Flamebringer would growl at someone for asking him to carry. To name a few: a bunch of hats and scarves, a bunch of toys and supplies for games, a large brick-- someone might be pranking her with that last one. Clearly, the newest Oran Berries recruit doesn't know how to stand up for herself.]

We're like Santa's reindeer! We're delivering gifts for the new outpost!

Flowey | Undertale

[friendlyflower]

[[OOC note. As this takes place August 1st, Flowey hasn't broadcasted "I hope everyone dies" to the entire Bay via Grumpearl yet. Just a reminder, because this will impact CR, LOL.]]

I. Name the Fallen

[Flowey had very few belongings to take with him. He always tries to have at least one Blast Seed, but they don't grow on trees (that he knows of, yet, at least). And with his limbless, diminutive stature, he can't do much to help with hauling supplies, either.

Flowey hitches a ride on a Pokemon's back or a cart instead of hopping the entire way. With a steady stream of rude or snarky comments, he seems more like a liability than anything else at first... but shockingly, he peppers insightful comments and directional assistance with enough frequency that the other Pokemon don't ditch him.

Soon, though, his smartass comments die down and he goes oddly quiet. The way the forest seems... choppy, almost like it's suffering some kind of identity crisis...

He remembers quests he's taken on in the past, when he had severe waves of doubt if he really is who he thinks he is. If he's not 'Flowey', who is he? What is he? Is he still soulless?

... And yet, the thoughts seem to slip from his mind. Who or what else could he be? He has no evidence, only strange feelings. But he's been through enough resets to know something doesn't feel right about this whole thing.]

... Something isn't right.

II. New New Home

[Improbable landscapes. An expedition that only took one day. Mountains that don't match up. Flowey is more convinced than ever that something is strange. He signs up for the first expedition he can, hand-picking Bigby and Courier Six for his crew of specialists.

The night before, he can't sleep.

He's already lost his identity once. Even though he would take nearly anything over being a flower (or a seed, or anything plantlike), the idea of losing 'Flowey' terrifies him.

Other Pokemon might find him stargazing. He still isn't used to the stars. Even though he tries to pretend he's too cool to care about the sky, he does find himself looking up often and being surprised there's no ceiling.

When he's had his fill of the stars, he raids the outpost's supply of snacks, fully planning on blaming someone else. Maybe you bump into him there, instead.]

III. Wildcard

[Feel free to reach out or just throw something at me!]

Name the Fallen....

[seacub]

Th...that's for sure...

[He primarily takes what he's 'supposed' to take. Standard supplies, snacks and the like. Given that Emporio also has two legs, he sees no issue in walking the entire way- happily trotting beside whatever Pokemon-of-burden is carrying his friend.

The forest choppiness is hard to ignore. Even their guides are a little thrown off by it. It pricks at him in a strange way though.

He can't explain why.]

Yeah. ...I know the forests are beside each other but...not like this.

[Can this even be called 'beside'?]

Firoza Istus | Final Fantasy XIV (OC) | OTA

[bladeofnymeia]

[Firoza is part of the first expedition into the blue exploration zone, but that doesn't mean you can't catch her before or after her trek into the area!]

A1 - Pack Your Bags

[...Welp. She only has a few prototypes prepared for her satchels - it's been taking too long, what with every single new development that happens each month - but what satchels she has, Firoza passes them out, adjusting straps on the fly. They're made of sturdy pressed felt and stitched with Bug Pokemon silk string, and any closures or adjusting bits have been gnawed and twisted by Firoza's own teeth out of fallen chunks of bark from the Canopy's floor.]

Be mindful of that supplies list, and pack accordingly. But don't overburden yourself, alright? Take what you can carry feasibly.

[She's been on enough journeys to know that an overfull pack can be more detrimental than helpful.

For Firoza's part, though, she's...absolutely not heeding her own advice. Thick rolls of furred fabric, courtesy of Emmet's summer shed, are being rolled up and tied tightly with twine for her to load up on her little back, in addition to everything else she seeks to bring. Um...maybe don't...let her be stupid?]

A2 - The Road Less Traveled

[Firoza keeps watch on the path ahead on meal breaks.

She takes up the station with insistence and little fuss. Her rations are eaten slowly, quietly, and while you can certainly keep her company, you will find that her gaze does not waver, not once. She's been given a job, and she will see it done. Maybe it's not the best time to have a conversation, but she will respond, so...you can try?]

B1 - The Heart of Development

[She doesn't get a lot of time to linger in the pristine valley before heading out on her expedition with A.B.A. and Shoka. But when she returns...

Firoza...is intrigued. Inspired, even, by how the native Pokemon and her fellow newcomers have come so far so quickly in establishing this outpost. What was the ultimate purpose, she wondered - just to explore, and have a new foothold? To reach out to other communities of Pokemon, wild or settled? To broaden their potential for resources?

She's not sure she wants to bring up her memories of Limsan explorers pushing further and further into territory they had given their word would stay in the hands of the kobolds, and how that worked out over generations. She'd like to think the potential for something like Primal summonings, even a universe-friendly equivalent, might not occur. Firoza will just...keep that to herself, for now.

There is much to do yet, anyway.

As much as she'd like to rest after whatsoever she encountered in her expedition, she sets to work to the best of her ability. Packs foundations with dirt and stone, assists in pulling up building frames, forages for food to add to their supplies...work keeps her busy, work keeps her from dwelling on last month's bittersweet memories. Anyone need a paw on a particular task? Firoza's your gal.]

B2 - Dwelling House!

[When the proper facilities for a dwelling are finished, there's an overwhelming sense of relief to be had in seeing it. Firoza did not mind the tents - the Cheri Berry facilities are not so different, nor is a night on the road - but there's nothing quite like a roof over your head and a bed to fall into after a long, long day. And oh, there's...

They have a stove. Each room has a little stove.

A wonderful, aching urge spurs her to borrow whatever spare metal cooking pot might be available - dented, blackened, it doesn't matter so long as it will hold its contents. And through her work foraging for everyone, she can absolutely find things to throw into it as she lugs it around the valley - herbs and carefully selected wild mushrooms, which are confirmed by natives to be edible. But she manages a few berries as well, the spicy kind...gods, a good root vegetable would be perfect, but where would she find one? She hadn't gotten to know the land so well as to dig some up. This would have to do.

Whosoever has decided to bunk with Firoza in the Dwelling House is in for a treat on their first day - she's testing out the stove, carefully feeding its fire with dried bits of wood while her precious pot simmers away...with soup.

It's not anything like soup from home, but the spicy berries cut up in the mix are doing things to the water to make it a right and proper broth, and the mushrooms ought to be filling...the smell is close enough. That's what's important.]

...Oh. Shite. Bowls.

[Fuck did they have bowls, she didn't think that far ahead-]

B2

[fromsprouts]

[Hearing her swear, Umemiya starts rummaging into his own pack.]

I brought a few mugs with me. I figured someone would work out coffee or tea or hot cider or something to drink warm on chilly nights. I only have, like, three though.

Emporio Alnino | JJBA: Stone Ocean | OTA (+1 Closed)

[seacub]

[ROAD TRIP!]

[Emporio spends the day before the expedition packing. There is probably something to be said about what lies under the adventure of all of this- is this colonialism? Is he about to experience a confusing crisis of faith between where he is now, and his ancestors?- but for the time being at least, he's able to maintain some excitement.

It helps, he thinks, that the Pokemon aren't trying to take down trees in droves.

...Probably.

It's an adventure though, and he happily invites friends to his small house at the outskirts of the town area to help with his things. Being a bipedal with arms, he has the rare advantage of being able to actually wear a backpack. It's quite impressive.]

...Okay...Mightyena isn't sure how long we'll take, so I have a bedroll to help keep me from getting wet on the ground, and Anasui said he would be carrying one of the small Pokemon tents...

[It's going to be rather awkward when they don't need those until the valley, but at least they'll use them? Emporio looks around the small house though, growing pensive.]

...It's strange, but I actually feel like this is...'home'. ...I know I haven't really done much in here but...

[...Hm. Come to think actually.] ...actually, Polteageist commented on that before...

[SNACK BREAK]

[He stares at his hands.

Are they hands? Emporio hasn't really felt a lot of...disconnect, he'll admit to himself. It's a point of guilt, if he's entirely honest. Especially with Anasui right there- Anasui was used to being able to change his body. To altering the shape if he so desired. Or 'she', at times. But Anasui's stuck like this now. It's a fact that has come up a few times, and always one that makes the Cubone mentally curl with upset.

Because of course, he isn't the only one. Even Firepaw while he was there- it wasn't 'right'. He wasn't the 'right' kind of cat.

Yet, as Emporio sits there, eating his dinner with everyone else, he admits that...it hasn't ever really felt like that. Certainly getting used to having a tail was weird but...

...Hm. Are they hands, or are they called paws...he does miss having fingers, but he thinks he's at least adjusted to the motions enough.

Emporio looks on down the path, quiet. They've been walking for a while. They've already stopped before, for lunch. The forest keeps shifting- in, and out, and in again.

...And he's feeling...a tug. A strangely familiar tug at that.]

...Why do I want to use an attack right now though...

[...It's fine don't worry about him.]

[CLOSED - THE SECOND 'RED' EXPLORATION]

[Per the instructions of Mightyena, and many others for that matter, quite a bit of time passes before Emporio ends up looking at the new Quest Board being set up. To ensure that things were properly organized, the remaining needs of the expedition were posted there, and that apparently- as he soon discovered when he spotted a lone (and somewhat familiar) Hatenna at the board- included the exploration missions headed farther out from the Valley.

...Being honest, he wasn't sure if going again would be a good idea. Memories of what he and his team found before coming back with their report are...interesting.

But he also can't see anyone else save a single Panpour (wait a second-) so...Oh. Hm.

Well, ultimately he ends up trotting over and offering to join them on the trip as someone who's gone already.

Which brings the lot here. In the woods that smell like ash and brimstone.

The Panpour's already disappeared somewhere into the trees (of course they have), but Emporio's not really too worried about that. He knows where they're going, after all.

He knows that...well.]

...Okay...we're coming pretty far in, so this is about where things should change a lot. Brace yourself, because once we cross that threshold, the trees disappear really fast. Do you have that mask I suggested?

[It's hard when Hatenna are mostly head, and he thinks he saw the Panpour pulling their own mask on from above, but it IS important after all!]

[MAIL'S HERE]

[It's honestly really heartwarming, seeing the Outpost come together.

If he thinks about it, they haven't really done too much to this valley that could cause problems. Pretty much no Pokemon lived in the valley, and for all that wild Pokemon started swarming in strange droves earlier that seemed less natural and more..

...Well he's not sure but it definitely wasn't normal.

The inner debate, he has to conclude, will probably not go away. Maybe he can sleep on it. Again.

For now however, he looks at the now completed Post Office and the Quest Board that has accompanied it since the first frame went up.

If he thinks about it...] Hm. ...We use clay tablets in the archives but... ...I guess for things like this, they still need paper...

[Anasui does have that fidget toy from Delibird via Polteageist, after all...]

...I wonder if I could figure out how to make journals...

snack break

[wolfcut]

[ Oh, he’ll worry alright. ]

You good, kid?

[ Clearly not, but the invitation to talk is there. He noticed those distracted glances, the stares of contemplation and consideration. Bigby himself hasn’t given this new form much thought beyond discontent, unable (or more likely, unwilling) to push through the persistent disconnect in the back of his own mind.

But it’s not as though he hasn’t done this before. Paws to hands, and now back again — not much of a difference, on the surface. ]

Don’t tell me you sense something out there. [ And during dinner no less. ]

Archnemon | Digimon Adventure 02

[wovensecrets]

[ A; on the road ]

[ Nothing like a sudden flurry of activity to keep the mind off of anything that might be pretty concerning, like a recent pesky transformation from one pokemon species to another. Such is the whirlwind of time that finds a certain Hattena more eager to be able to move on ahead with the group rather than potentially spending too much time idling in anything extra like recovery time back at the canopy. Some Cheri Berry members are probably... encouraged... to keep an eye on that one anyway.

The first part of this travel seems fine. She's not being asked to carry anything too heavy, given her size, she scarcely owns anything beyond what's freely offered by the suppliers (that lovely storage chest is a later acquisition), the general mood in the air seems to be the hustle and bustle of excitement, though hard not to sense any lingering negative emotions either, with the undercurrent of despair and caution. It's a big group. Lots of emotions. Oh it's- ...loud. She's feeling slower. Keeping up by walking, that might no longer be a possibility, with the rest of the group moving a pace. Drat -

Archnemon's stubborn to a fault, but - practical, if an option for a ride is available. Of course she doesn't plan to be completely useless, if she notices anything to give direction toward. Any rough patches that might send her tumbling off her 'ride' could be a potential problem, which might earn a few grumbles. Maybe actually engaging others through this process would make it easier? Nah ... ]

Hey, watch your step -

[ Or that, too. Also this forest was starting to get really annoying in a familiar way... the way everything else blurs and feels less real. Ugh. But she persists. Don't think about it, a tried and true mantra. Maybe she has to say it to someone else. ]



[ B; general mingling about ]

[ Once the actual travel is over, there's much to take in about this new, unknown area. Sure it's nice to look at, and empty, at least of course until the first signs of construction begin in earnest. Menial work needs done and there is much to take part in and organize. Crowded, at first, but the organization begins to come through.

If it's enough to distract from everything else... that's what keeps this Hattena surveying the surroundings, delivering items and occasionally approaching that quest board for more intensive work. To keep busy. Besides, some of the conversation about what other people have seen sound curious. Mostly, she'll observe and listen to see what she picks up, when not being busy with other tasks. She can't quite get up to the same creative perches she could reach as a spinarak, which feels disappointing, but she manages. Maybe she's on top of it, someday.

Of course if anyone seems like they're having trouble deciding on things- a lot of people seem to speak out loud even when not realizing it? She might be tempted to offer a suggestion or two. Being 'helpful', of course. Or maybe angling for an invitation? However these things turn out. ]



[ C; wildcard ]

[ Feel free to wing it - when Archnemon isn't too busy trying to find work to do, her time is either trying to find any spot that isn't being bombarded by emotional whiplash to refocus, probably being nudged into recovering, or poking around to see what's available for food options at dinners, or any other random chance we can conceive of c: ]

C

[wolfcut]

( ooc: tossing in the quest prompt, but totally good to adjust if you're feeling anything else. ;u; )

[ When the forces that be paired him up with some newcomer from Cheri, he was more than fine with it. All the better, in fact, to deal with a stranger who may be more inclined to listen to him than not. Despite not being too well-versed in the particulars of Pokémon, he knows how to fight even in this form, enough to show someone else the ropes.

But of course, it had to be her.

She may look different, but there's no way he'd forget that voice so soon. The shudder that immediately ran down his spine was all he needed to know, and as if in the cruelest twist of fate, he's now the one listening to her. She had intel, allegedly. A surefire strategy for taking out those wild Pokémon quickly. Whatever. He'll be holding her to it.

Given their size, they wait in heavy brush for the right time to ambush the assailants as they approach. With them focused on the workers, their guard should be down, leaving them wide-open for a Thunder Shock, unless— ]

... Those monkeys look like Water-types to you?

[ Panpour. That's what the posting said. No doubt about it. So now why does he feel like biggest idiot yet again. ]

Bigby Wolf | TWAU

[wolfcut]

a. pack your bags (ota)

[ At this point, Bigby is enough of a fixture at the clinic to know his way around. Doesn't help that he would have rather been volunteered literally anywhere else, but this isn't about him. He's there to help gather whatever medical supplies people tell him to, whether he likes it or not. Good thing he's small enough to weave in and out of tight spots without much problem at all.

Run into him later in the day, and he'll be even less pleasant than when he started. While everyone continues to work around him, he resigns himself to hanging around outside the clinic, in desperate need of a smoke he doesn't have. All he can do is angrily bite down on his seeds, trying hard to distract himself from seeing the coma ward moments before.

He doesn't even bother to look up if someone else approaches. ]

What? I'm busy.

[ He's not. ]

b. home on arrange (anasui)

[ Five minutes. He couldn't have been gone any longer than five minutes, and yet somehow that was more than enough time to disassemble whatever the hell he had been working on all morning.

(Truth be told, it probably could've used some adjustments, but starting over just crosses a line he didn't even know he had.) ]

I'm going to kill that fucking bird. [ Fur bristling. Ears twitching. The culprit doesn't even have the decency to make himself readily available to answer for his crimes. He kicks aside a few of the pieces, immediately ruining whatever tidy order they were in just moments before.

Through grit teeth, he growls after his so-called building buddy: ] Anasui—!

[ Hammer in hand, he's just pushing past whoever happens to be between him and finding that Espathra. ]

They're the worst, I love it

[dripdrive]

[While the quest itself says that no help is useless in building, Anasui certainly disagrees. These were supposed to be vital facilities for the outpost. They couldn't half-ass any jobs. Even Abomasnow was correcting some other Pokemon to adjust a pillar for the third time! And... Look. The fact that he could dismantle it in five minutes is a testament to how shoddy it is.

Anasui just thought he was being helpful by dismantling the structure and saving Abomasnow their breath. He certainly did not think that his building buddy would mind.

Fucking hell...]

What is it? I'm busy! [Anasui yells back. He had just gone to the storehouse to get wood that's properly sized for the task. Surely, that stupid hamster can't have messed up something again, right?]

Goro Akechi | Persona 5 Royal

[truthdecided]

A. Treacherous Travel

It's worrisome that after the fog receded, the terrain's only grown worse. Naturally, Akechi prepared himself for a difficult excursion. He's got a satchel around his waist, full of assorted berries, seeds, and other miscellaneous items in case danger arises. He's got his Safety Goggles to shield himself from spores and potential powder-based enemy attacks, and he repeatedly scours his surroundings from above, in case of surprise attacks or shifts in terrain.

Of course, with Ren's recovery so recent, he also hovers around his partner, making sure he isn't pushing himself too hard.

During meal time, he eats quite a bit, due to the exertion of flight.

"There must be a reason for this resistance, just as there must be a reason behind the fog..." Something doesn't want them here, yet here they are.

Curious, to say the least.

B. Open Space

The freedom from the forest draws Akechi into the air as he surveys the lush surroundings. Fresh air, swaying glass, welcoming brooks... It's quite beautiful, untarnished by civilization...

Yet that's all destined to change. They're going to build, they're going to expand. Will these Pokémon live harmoniously, or shall urbanization take hold?

Eventually, he lands on a rock near the stream, peering up at the distant peaks and foreboding clouds. Should others pass by, they may hear him muse aloud.

"We mustn't grow complacent. Our work has only just begun..."

C. Home on Arrange (For Laios)

Abomasnow's presence further serves to remind Akechi of how small he is. Time and time again, he's been dwarfed by creatures of all sorts. Their previous encounter with the Corviknight offered some glimmers of hope, but evolution remains a far off mystery. What will it take before he finally changes? When will his efforts truly manifest?

For now, he keeps such thoughts to himself, fluttering about with tools and supplies to aid in the building process.

"I assure you, I won't let my small stature hinder our efforts."

The Abomasnow offers a solemn nod, pointing to a small, wooden toolbox, then looking at Laios.

It seems Akechi is to work with the lighter materials, while Laios handles the heavier lumber and support beams.

D. Downtime

Between labor, attempted diplomacy, and exploring treacherous regions, Akechi's had his work cut out for him this month. So, suffice it to say, when the Dwelling House opens, he takes to a bed and collapses in the comfort it provides.

He knows he can't push himself too hard. Ren was a lesson, to say nothing of Firepaw. Still, he fusses about the bed, pecking and prodding and making sure it's just right. He even circles around the edge, making sure no one tries to pile in when Ren isn't around.

Of course, rest is more than sleep and lounging. When he's sure no one is looking, he takes to the stream, splashing and cooling himself just like a bird in a bird bath. One might even think it looks cute...

Just be careful not to draw his attention. Or don't. It's up to you...

E. Carts Before Charts (for Anasui)

Carkol isn't a Pokémon Akechi knows especially well. The fact that a living mine cart is among the myriad species shouldn't surprise him after seeing the likes of Magnetons and Alcremie, yet as they prepare to work, their unexpected ally draws a curious glance.

But only a glance, as they have work to do, and Akechi hardly intends to dawdle.

So, fluttering into the air, he turns to Anasui. "I should be able to scan our surroundings for viable materials. I can even lift a fair bit in my talons. However, you and Carkol-san have the size advantage, so I trust that you two can handle carrying the load."

He pauses.

"And, ideally, not undoing or deconstructing any existing work."

Sorry, Anasui. He remembers the cobblestones.

E

[dripdrive]

In contrast, Anasui barely looks at Carkol outside of an initial grunt of recognition and hello. He's also intent on getting started immediately, since idle chitchat or standing around was a waste of time. The Espathra looks up at Akechi blankly as the tiny bird flies around him, chittering at him. How annoying...

Anasui narrows his eyes.

"I'm not a child that gets distracted that easily. You don't worry about me. Just do your job properly and I won't have to undo it."

He remembers the cobblestones too and how poorly your group put the road together.

A.B.A | Guilty Gear | OTA

[quirkynote]

A. The Road Less Travelled

[As one of the largest quadrupedal Pokémon here, it was pretty much expected that A.B.A would be hauling a tremendous amount of materials on this expedition. You can bet a lot of locals were willing to put up with her weirdness if it meant less stuff for them to carry. A.B.A, of course, takes no issues with this. She loves showing off how strong she is, if only because she believes such a show of strength would make any would-be attackers think otherwise, and the weight on her back is...nice. Familiar.

In fact, she positions a piece of lumber over her shoulder just right that she could almost swear she was carrying Paracelsus again. To help comfort her, she's placed the Gogoat skull she's been treasuring since her last big mission right on the end of the piece of wood, letting it dangle close to her head.

Occasionally, she stops to comment on the forest, but not for the usual weirdness one might comment on. It's okay, she likes weird.]

Oh look, dear... These flowers are beautiful. Even when this fog tries to hide their splendor, they still manage to captivate an audience... Oh? They're for me...? Such a kind and caring man...

[A.B.A continues with a beak full of plucked flowers that are definitely from her husband and not a plank of wood with a skull dangling on it.]

B. The Heart of Development

[As someone who went on one of the official explorations, A.B.A is a...little checked out. Construction is just not a thing she does...or really cares about... The Pokémon apparently caught onto this, and A.B.A is left to what she was doing before: hauling materials around. She goes from one spot to another, dragging around stuff, and then simply standing around until she's called over again. It looks like she's...people watching. Or daydreaming. Or some combination of the two. When someone snaps her out of it, without fail, she bristles right before screeching at them.]

Vile, ill-mannered creature!! You are NOT to order me around!!

[She comes over anyway.]

C. Wildcard

[For anything else.]

The Road Less Travelled

[friendlyflower]

Wow, good job! They were alive and you killed them. [Flowey is sulking because someone else got tired of carrying him, so now the Sunkern is hopping along. It turns out not everyone likes conspiracy talk. What a bunch of head-in-the-sand idiots.

... He's also sulking because he just saw a field of golden flowers and it brought back memories he's not sure how to feel about.]

emmet | pokemon | ota (+1 closed)

[outbounds]

a. the road less traveled

[ The overall unease and atmosphere the forest induces in the group doesn't really appear to get to Emmet in the obvious ways— he's steadfast as he carries his fair share of supplies through the woods, and offers a smile or a few friendly words or maybe even a ride to anyone who looks like they might need them. That isn't to say he's entirely unaffected, however.

He's felt it secondhand before, via disquieting sense memory over the telepathic connection of the Grumpearls here, but this is the first he's personally experienced this sense of dissociation, the feeling of his body being so distant from himself. The middle forest is strange in that way, after all, where the fog makes your limbs feel like not your own, like your face, your very shape doesn't belong to you, worn like an ill-fitting guise. So this stronger echo of it now, what feels like potentially the forest's final pushback at them... It leaves him intrepid but unsettled, uncomfortable in his own skin (or what passes for it here, anyway), always on the move or doing something in attempt to keep from paying too much attention to the sensation.

Sometimes, when the feeling of wrongness is an itch under his skin he can't ignore, he might not even look like himself. If he isn't supposed to look like this, then maybe! Maybe he simply will not. ]

(( roll a d12. if you get an even number, then congrats, you get Emmet as you've probably gotten used to seeing him (or not, if your character hasn't met him before)— pale white and ghostly, red markings and billowing fur in the shape of a Zoroark. That said, ghosts aren't always the most solid looking of types in the guest place, and Zoroark is no exception; a higher number means that he's looking that much more phantasmal than usual, in terms of how the whole wisps coming off the body, billowing, physics-defying mane, and not always solidly defined outlines and shape things go.

if you get an odd number... well, then let me know what it is! maybe you'll get to meet a new pokemon (species)? ))

b. many happy returns

[ It ... is late summer now, isn't it? He hadn't really realized. How the time flies. Has it really been so long already since they first showed up here?

But that does mean that, disregarding any of the fiddly, finer details like the possibility of discrepancies in how much time has passed for each, or the time difference between here and where they came from... oh.

It's a date he hasn't had much care to acknowledge, much less celebrate, as of late. This time, though. This time. This time, hmm. ]

i.
[ Throughout the month, after they've established the outpost, Emmet can be found all around it lending his help with the building efforts where he can, regardless of whether or not he's still recovering from any injuries he'd incurred on an exploration to the south. (If it's a little later in the month he might even be checking in on and definitely not doting on a particular Archen just to see how well they're settling in.) If it happens to be that he sticks around longer with any weavers or woodcarvers, NPC or otherwise, to discuss something with them that's neither here nor there. Other than that...

Maybe someone catches him when they're both between tasks. Maybe they're both working on the same thing. Maybe you're one of the aforementioned mons who's good with their hands (or paws, or claws, or pedipalps, or-) being talked to and asked for a favor or your input on something. Or, maybe, you catch him at a rare moment of rest either by one of the bonfires, or out under the stars somewhere, a little bit away from the din of the lively crowd. ]

ii. (closed to ingo)
[ It's ... a little later in the month at this point. By Emmet's estimation, too late! He let the time get away from him. Should've started this sooner, should've thought about it more rather than try to figure it all out this late. Is he overthinking? Maybe he's overthinking. Maybe it isn't that big a deal, Ingo probably doesn't even know—

But that's why it's important. Isn't it? There's a pair of— trinkets, really, if they can even be called that— burning a hole in the sachel he's been carrying around, but he's starting to have his doubts even as he starts back towards everyone's temporary dwellings for the day. There's only so much he can manage here, between the work everyone's doing and the state of their resources, but he thought ... well. Never mind. Maybe it looks lazy, like he didn't want to put more effort into it. Like he didn't care. Or like he forgot and had to scramble to get something together at the last minute. Maybe, maybe. It's already late, maybe he should just put it off further until he has something nicer, more finished, polished and clean. Ingo isn't expecting anything anyway because he doesn't know to, so it's not like— no, that is ridiculous. Putting it off until later— missing the point! ]

It's just a present. [ he grouses quietly to himself, smile a little fixed as he makes his way to where 'home' is, for the time being. ] You have given people gifts before. Many times. It is not that difficul—

[ He cuts himself off on entering the building, however, blinking a little Rowlishly, because... ]

Oh. You are back early.

[ Excellent observation. In his defense, he thought Ingo would prefer to be out socializing for longer????? ]

c. wildcard

[ b-i is intended to be as much of a townbuilding catch-all as i can manage, but that said, if there's anything else you want to do that doesn't quite fit, please feel free to fling it at me here! ]

b-ii

[offtracks]

Hello, Emmet!

[ Is he back early? Maybe. Ingo does usually greatly value his socialization! ]

I was just tired, I suppose. I was helping on one of the building sites today! I am not much good for lifting, but I can dig up large stones well enough! How are you?