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

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."

[indifferentinferno]

He glances at the other- ah, he recognizes this one.

He scoffs, "Some people find the need to celebrate constantly throughout a process." He doesn't normally care. People can do as they please. But usually he can avoid it. "For some I suppose its motivation."

"...For others, a distraction." He mutters under his breath. Stepping away from another pokemon walking past that almost brushes shoulders with him.

[shotinhead]

Sometimes you needed to be distant, but he gave a little shrug. "Reminds me of the-- uh, of one of the groups I knew. But then they'd be easy to ambush."

His voice is gentle, yet laced with knowledge. "Do they even have designated guards keepin' out of the celebrations, or are we expected to do it?"

[indifferentinferno]

Tch, right. Well that does nothing to settle his nerves.

But he does have an answer. "Yes. They take an combination of volunteers and a standard rotation." He'd made sure to check personally. If there hadn't been- he would've gone straight to Mighteyena and given her a piece of his mind.

He'd volunteered for it himself many nights- But the arrangers had denied him tonight. Said it wasn't good for anyone to be working the post every night. Even if it wasn't like it was effecting his sleep.

He sighed wearily, "People also can't seem to keep themselves from spreading their celebrations to others. Even if they don't want it."

But he turns his gaze back to Courier, "... Are you here of your own volition?" Despite his complaining, the question is not judgemental.

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!

[indifferentinferno]

[... Had he been talking to himself by accident? Or was his bad mood simply that obvious to others?

Still. He looks at the small pokemon beside him, and immediately notices how overburdened she is. He also notices that she's not someone he recognizes. She must be one of the new arrivals from last month- He'd been seeing an uptick in individuals he didn't even recognize in passing.

... Its not his business nor does he care if others allow themselves to be plagued and burdened by the requests of others... However.]

I don't know who Santa is, nor what a reindeer is. [He answers flatly, completely devoid of any return of her cheery enthusiasm.]

But the weather has been fair out recently. You're likely to overheat with all those pointless accessories.

[And he gives the brick a very dubious, disdained look.] ... and only the largest pokemon have been designated to carry building supplies.

[His gaze returns to her face.] You're more likely to be a liability, or find yourself defenseless, if you take on more than you can handle. [He's not going to say it outright, its up to her to make her own choices, for better or for worse. And the likelihood of her actually facing anything worse than an aching body full of regrets was low with the amount of people making this pilgrimage.]

for some reason i thought he spoke. sorry. maybe noelle just reacted to his bad mood OTL

[holidaygirl1225]

You... don't know who Santa is? [What kind of sick, twisted worlds are these people from?]

N-no, it's okay! I don't mind helping people. [Even as she says this, her legs are wobbling from the weight on her back.] I... I can handle it. And I won't be defenseless if I'm with a group!

... did you really never have Christmas? Gift-exchanges? Anything?

No worries! I don't mind, I thought it was fun! Girl rolled a nat 20 perception check

[indifferentinferno]

No. [Is the great revolutionary response she's given. And he could give her a list.]

The others can only do so much to defend you if you become a dead weight. [His gaze starts to drift off...] Over-reliance on others can be your undoing.

[He sighs, shaking his head minutely.] If the other guild members have their hands full- they won't be able to come to your aid. A certain level of reliance is... forgivable. But past that its the height of foolishness.

[What was her fixation on these celebrations she seemed to be discussing? It was irritating. She seemed more concerned about that then the obvious signs that she would collapse within minutes of starting this expedition.]

Gift exchanges are common on Terra. I am not often a participant in them. [He'd only started doing so in recent years for... reasons.

The word 'Christmas' is also entirely foreign to him. Not all that bewildering at this point. He was growing more familiar with the lack of the familiar.]

[...] You're going to collapse. [He belatedly decides to point out the obvious.]

the road less traveled

[wolfcut]

Bigby is, admittedly, more distracted than he knows he should be. Venturing into the unknown shouldn’t give him so much pause, but somehow, that strange sensation in the air seems to have gotten under his skin. At least, that’s what he’s thinking it must be. If not that, then what else? Guilt? Pity? His mind wanders back to the clinic, his body sure to follow, until he feels himself lift off the ground yet again.

“Hey—”

Asshole, he’d say, until he realizes just in time who he’s talking to. Instead, he bites his tongue, going slightly limp against the Absol’s hold. As much as he doesn’t want to admit it, he’s getting used to this as just another inevitably of his puny existence. “I can walk, Flamebringer.”

Oh yes, I love them.

[indifferentinferno]

"Yes, but can you walk in the right direction." He says through gritted teeth and fur. Despite his sharp tongue however, its not said unkindly, there's a hint of questioning to it even.

He huffs, unintentionally blowing hot air onto Bigby's back, but he quickly and gently puts him down at his side opposite the strangeness of the forest. His relatively gigantic form blocking the way.

He wasn't surprised to see other more chipper, curious, or foolhardy pokemon wandering off the path- but seeing Bigby doing it surprised him. He raises an eyebrow at him, "You've heard about the state of things out there, right? It's dangerous." Or at least too unpredictable to be considered safe.

eagerly handshakes in grumpy boys

[wolfcut]

"... Guess not." In different circumstances, Bigby might protest more readily. Of course he can take care of himself in the forest, as if that's even a question to begin with. Yet here he is, in need of someone to watch over him, to keep him from wandering too far from the pack. He feels the warmth of Flamebringer's breath against his back, his ears drooping slightly with embarrassment. A part of him would feel worse, if this was anyone else. Instead, he simply sighs, rubbing a paw across his face in resignation.

Two feet back on the ground, he adjusts the satchel across his shoulder before looking up at the Absol. Now would be the time to say thanks, but instead he still looks oddly distant, his eyes glancing back toward the trees.

"Yeah, I heard. Something about losing time." Clearly he wasn't listening well enough to heed the warning the first time, but he's quickly glossing over that fact. No need for concern, not that he expects Flamebringer to immediately pry. "Go figure. Never a fucking break with this place, is there?"

[indifferentinferno]

The half hearted response also surprises him- and not in a good way, Bigby can't see his face, but in a rare moment compared to his current streak of behavior at the Bay- Flamebringer's expression takes on a quality of actual concern.

When he's back on the ground he pauses to actually look at the morpeko, eyes locking with his for a fraction of a second before they waver off in the distance. His gaze is intense, per the norm, but this intensity is different. Nothing seems to be off about Bigby. He looks the same as always, but he sees the glassiness- it puts a seed of dread in his stomach.

He grunts an affirmative, "Some pokemon have reported getting physically displaced as well." No one had gone missing. Yet. Or he just hadn't heard about it yet.

There's some of the normal Bigby. Still. It doesn't settle his nerves entirely. He lets the tiny morpeko walk a little further ahead of him so he can keep a closer eye on him. Something unusual is in the air... "It could be worse." he responds dryly. This place was free of Terra's qualification for Catastrophes, so far, at least.

... Not to even mention Oripathy.

But it was irksome that every path they tread seemed intent on messing with their minds. "As far as hostile environments go, this place has definitely been one of the most irritating I've experienced." He grouses empathetically... His attention keyed on how Bigby reacts.

Familiar warning signs

[wovensecrets]

One of the people near him happens to be a Hatenna, who mostly had been watching the skyline and mostly looking for any distraction to speak of that would take away from anything internal she had to wrestle with. Those clouds were dark, but she'd... seen her share of skylines. Not so much for portents, when she'd been rather heavily involved in matters of destruction herself, once upon a time.

Still, to potentially speak further of the territory they had arrived in, that was more than fair game for substance. When no one else in the vicinity seems to lend themselves to the question, she'll speak up.

"Oh, are you concerned of it being more than 'just' a storm?"

Perhaps not the sort of response being looked for... she can't quite help her nature at times, to test the waters, though she's curious all the same.

[indifferentinferno]

He briefly glances at the small pokmeon before returning to looking at the clouds.

"... It never hurts to be prepared. The wrong kind of disaster could wipe all our efforts off the face of the planet within seconds."

In his experience so far- This planet was completely free of Catastrophes as he understood them. Something which was alien and bewildering. Even the rain that had messed with the memories of himself and others hardly qualified- But he couldn't find it in himself to simply accept that was all there was too it.

"... Its nothing." He says. Not eager to expose himself to this stranger. His paranoia would be kept to himself.

[wovensecrets]

"It could, but I doubt that would stop such a group. Too many idealists, and heroic types..."

Among some of them, there might be panic for certain, but others... they would likely be persistent enough to take up the mantle of just starting all over again. The way they had tackled this part of the expedition so far had shown that much.

"Unless you're afraid that it might wipe us out too, of course."

Yeah, she heard him say 'it's nothing' but it's not going to stop her from pressing just slightly, either. Messing with things they don't know about, fine. Survival? That was a little more important.

[indifferentinferno]

He huffs, slightly amused. He couldn't disagree with her there. He wonders how many of them would choose to stay and face the storm despite it all...

Tch, great, a nosy one. "... Lets just say I'm familiar with storms that you shouldn't trifle with. Can't trifle with. Else you face your grave for your idiocy." It was a rare kind of expert, or fool, that made it through a Catastrophe unscathed. Its why Catastrophe messengers were held in such high regard and allowed universal clemency.

"Whether or not this is one of those kinds of storms..." He pauses again to stare at the clouds, "... I can't say. I'm no weather expert. Lets hope those clouds don't harbor that level of ill will." For now they seemed sedate enough. It didn't stop his eyes from lingering on them however.

Camping A) Warning Signs

[dripdrive]

You would think that a chronic dismantler would struggle being brought into a construction site but Anasui is thriving. The various bags they had brought needed to be sorted, meaning Anasui was free to tear open the contents and unpack wood, stone and other goods to his heart's content.

He's measuring the wood and sorting them into piles by density when he hears Flamebringer. The Espathra pauses his work and glances up, twisting his long neck over to look behind him at the mountain range. He frowns, pausing for a moment as he wonders if this is a trick question.

"You asking about the stratus clouds or the lenticular clouds?" Anasui, what? "Clouds usually form around mountain ranges because the temperature up there is colder and the cooler air can't hold the water vapor it was able to hold before. Those types of clouds usually hang over mountains when they otherwise wouldn't down in valleys because the air is warmer. There may be a cold spell running over." Nerd.

[indifferentinferno]

Flamebringer looks at Anasui with the long kind of look from a person who didn't understand a single word that was just told to them. Except Flamebringer manages to look just slightly less like he's got a windows loading symbol over his expression.

Only slightly.

The feeling of getting word vomit thrown at his head was familiar. It would almost be nostalgic. Almost. He just barely keeps his eye from twitching.

"So... You're saying that's... normal." That was about as much as he could gather anyways. He was no scientist, unless horticulture somewhat counted.

If it was normal that would be a relief. He didn't want anymore surprises.

Also for being surrounded by so much Anasui had somehow managed to not make it look like a mess. It was somewhat impressive.

[dripdrive]

Anasui rolls his eyes. It's not like he wasn't expecting that reaction but it's still annoying. Honestly, is Emporio the only guy here who knows science? Or does he just talk to people who don't read various encyclopedias for fun? It's definitely the latter.

"Hmph... Ordinarily, I would say yes and this is normal weather. But... This place doesn't play by the rules I'm familiar with. There's no way to tell if those clouds are being conjured by another Pokemon. That's the problem with weather changers... It can sometimes seem natural. Unless they come down here... Like I said, that would be abnormal," Anasui sighs as he moves another plank to the end of his pile. "Troublesome bastards..."

[indifferentinferno]

The eye-roll earns Anasui a flat look. He's lucky Flamebringer considers him tolerable. He didn't need to know much more about the weather on Terra then get-clear-or-die- although that was ignoring the significant amount of time he'd spent learning to observe the weather for signs of trouble. But still.

That was an angle he hadn't considered. "Pokemon who can control the weather..." He hadn't met anyone who could yet, although it wouldn't exactly surprise him to find some such person. "Have you encountered someone with that kind of ability before?" He asks.

He huffs, "I'd much prefer to have to fight something than to be subject to the whims of nature." Although debatable if it was natural around here after the state of the forest. Unless that constituted as nature.

Warning signs

[truthdecided]

Perched on a nearby rock, Akechi's kept his attention on the clouds for a few minutes now. It's rather hard not to, given the precedent set by prior weather-based phenomena.

"You're rise to be wary. Many of the unusual occurrences here are rooted in weather. I certainly haven't forgotten the rain..."

Though the rain subsided, the fog proved most foreboding until relatively recently. "Whatever lurks out there, we mustn't lower our guard for even a second."

[indifferentinferno]

His eyes flicker to Akechi- surprised at first, he was a quiet one as always, but quickly his expression smooths back out into his serious demeanor, and his concern over the looming clouds.

He's right, and it makes Flamebringer's brow furrow even more. While he can reasonably say its unlikely this world faces the kind of disasters he's familiar with- their own brand was a pain enough, and something to be taken seriously. Something that messed with your mind was not to be taken lightly.

"Don't worry. I have no intention of doing so." its not something said as a retort, but as reassurance. He'd never let down his defenses so easily.

It bothers him- now that Akechi's pointed it out, that there's a pattern to all of this. "... Has anyone been able to make any sense of why these things keep happening?" Akechi had seniority over him. Maybe he knew something he didn't. Flamebringer's efforts so far had been regulated to fitting in and finding his footing again- little of it had been dedicated to understanding the greater picture of this place.

...WISE. I meant to say wise, not rise. DARN TYPOS. D<

[truthdecided]

"We're still trying to make sense of it, truthfully." And that 'we' encompasses everyone, of course. Even the guilds.

Right now, Mightyena is busy directing guild members in various tasks. He casts a glance to her, conversing with some of the resident Pokémon that accompanied them on the trek. Best not to disturb her.

"The timing strikes me as odd. These phenomena and incidents all seemed to gain frequency around the time we arrived and have only persisted since. The sickness from the fog, the cognitive distortions... Even the discolored Sandygasts are all suspicious."

WHEEPS i saw it and i was like Ah Yes. Normal RP hours SDLFKJASLKJFLSDGG

[indifferentinferno]

He makes a dissatisfied growl, but its not directed at Akechi, "So things aren't so simple." Its not a question.

"Do you think our arrival is the cause of it?" How ironic that would be. That would mean their summoning here wasn't something done for the good of the world- And they were a plague just as much as the anomalies.

Ha, that's something he was used to being called.

"I can only assume things have been the same since you arrived, long before I did." he sighs, "It bothers me how unpredictable these things are. They seem too large scale to be the caused by any singular person." He couldn't rule out a group but... Well, back on Terra it wasn't easy to cause such kinds of mass phenomena without Arts and Magic that was difficult to obtain, and even more difficult to execute.