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!

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Comments

[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.]

[holidaygirl1225]

[With every word he says, the Deerling's ears droop more and more. It even looks like the flower on her head is starting to wilt.]

... Y-you're right. I'm... I'm sorry. [She sheds a few of the items she thinks nobody will miss-- the brick, notably. She thought she was being useful, which is all she could hope for, as a weak little newcomer. But to think she's burdening others, instead...]

[indifferentinferno]

[He's not cowed or ashamed in the slightest by how clearly down trodden her behavior is. If anything, he looks on with a sense of approval as she sheds the weight.

He levels her with an even gaze.] You don't owe me any kind of apology. [For one thing she'd listened. Which was more than some others would do. And she'd done nothing to wrong him, he was but a passing bystander.

But he also would have no intention of blaming himself should she have fallen due to her own stupidity.]

[... And yet after a heartbeat he speaks again.]... You should not be so quick to assume others are so reliable. You're new here. These people don't know you. You don't know them.

Some play in teams only because it serves them. [He closes his eyes with a sigh.] And its an arrangement that does currently serve us all the best. [He admits begrudgingly.] But do not mistake convenience for comradery.

[Of course, he was still of the opinion that one could never truly rely on the help of others the way one relied on themselves. But, one lesson at a time. Clearly this person was young and idealistic.]

[holidaygirl1225]

... I guess you're right. I shouldn't rely on others if I don't even know them. [The others had done so to her, but... she thought it would be a good way to ingratiate herself to them. She really just isn't strong on her own. Not like he is.]

Though, um... I don't know. That way of thinking, isn't it kinda... lonely? [Her voice is quiet as she says this, anxious about questioning someone so authoritative.]

[indifferentinferno]

Reliance on others is a limiter. [Thats his only comment on that subject however, just one look at her shows that she's not going to be receptive of his advice in a way thats productive... tch, you can't prune a flower when its barely begun to grow. Clearly she wasn't all that confident in her own self or opinions given how little she fought back.]

[He observes her silently for a second, before scoffing, and laughing quietly, shaking his head.] If that's how you feel, than my advice might not be for you. [His tone is gentler. His gaze off in the distance as a frown pulls at his lips, but its not the same kind of stern frown as before, if anything he actually looks mildly troubled himself.

Maybe it was lonely. And he didn't care... but this conversation was familiar... there were other people who expressed similar sentiments to him before, albeit one of them more stubbornly...]

[He sighed, there was no use dwelling on people who weren't here.]

You're new. Whats your guild? [Its rare for him to seek filling the silence, but there were exceptions every now and then.]

[holidaygirl1225]

[Noelle gets the impression that this is a man who's used to fighting and being alone... she feels a pang of sympathy for him. As much as she would like to reach out and get to know him more, maybe even become friends, he seems... closed off.

Not dangerous, though. Even though he definitely has a menacing and strong vibe to him, Noelle doesn't think he would hurt her. He's trying to help her in his own way, isn't he? She wishes she could help somehow in return.]

Oh! Um... [She's snapped out of her thoughts by his sudden question.] I'm in the Oran Berries. I'm not very strong yet, but Mightyena said there's more than one type of strength, fahaha... what about you?

[indifferentinferno]

[Its hard to help those who do not ask for it. Who in fact cut it off, and make it impossible for someone to reach into their heart. Noelle will have quite the effort ahead of her if she tries.

But every tree grows from the smallest seed.]

[That was a very Mightyena thing to say... Although it wasn't something he could argue. He just imagined he and Mightyena had very different definitions of such kinds of strength. She was far more soft hearted than he was.] Learning to handle yourself is valuable... but there is a reason we're all part of a guild. [Is all he'll comment on that.]

[He blinks.] ... It seems we are guildmates then. [A small part of him is satisfied. Good. Better to keep an eye on her-

He flinches subtly- surprised by that path of thought- This wasn't Podenco, Suzuran, or Popkaur. But he couldn't deny for a moment he was so viscerally reminded of them by this young girl. That tentative hope tied with her young age... By the Furnace, he was getting so sentimental as of late, why?]

... Do you have any experience in this kind of endeavor? [He asks another question to distract himself from his wayward and maddening thoughts.]

[holidaygirl1225]

... No, not really. [She grew up in one house, in one town, and has been there her whole life. Until now, at least. Unless he means being a burdenbeast, which... she can't say she ever was, unless carrying textbooks in her backpack counts. Which she thinks it doesn't.] It's all pretty new to me, haha...

[She does perk up a little upon learning they're guildmates. She almost says something about wanting to count on him or learn from him, but... she knows what he's already said.]

What about you?

[indifferentinferno]

[Ah, no wonder she'd been so easily fooled then. Besides her... possibly gullible nature, she had no frame of reference for how these things are normally handled.]

Hm, things here aren't all that different from how they were where I came from. [In terms of the work load that is- There was a massive difference in being covered in fuzz, walking on all fours, not having Oripathy, not having Catastrophes- but he digresses, he's not going to explain that.] The work is similar. The reasons are similar. Its almost uncanny. [He says with a slightly chagrined tone. Although it was not as uncanny as what was different.]

[holidaygirl1225]

Um, I guess I have a lot to learn from you! [She still thinks his words seem lonely, but... there must be some merit in them. He seems like he knows what he's doing for sure.] You must've been in a guild already. That makes it easier, right?

[indifferentinferno]

[He sighs. She certainly did, assuming they ended up sharing each other's company enough for any of his experiences to rub off on her. The idea of taking up an active mentor role wasn't even up for consideration- He still had too many questions to seek answers to to waste time on such things. Unlike his time at Rhodes, he couldn't risk staying idle.] In a manner of speaking, yes. [Whether this was an answer to her first or second question is up in the air.]

[Technically speaking Rhodes functioned incredibly similar to the guilds. And before that he'd been a member of many different sarkaz mercenary groups over different periods of time. Not to mention his brief stint with Reunion... for all that counted.] Every situation comes with its different challenges. There might be many superficial similarities between our current situation and the one I experienced before, but that doesn't make them identical.

[holidaygirl1225]

Right... [Noelle's curiosity is piqued, despite everything. It might be best to ease up for now, though, she decides. She'll keep a close eye on him during the expedition.]

... thanks again. I'll remember what you said.

[indifferentinferno]

[He doesn't respond immediately, trying to look unruffled as he decidedly does NOT look at her...]

... Keep your wits about you. Keep yourself safe. [He's kicking himself for saying it immediately after he does- but he can't resist the urge. All too used to keeping an eye out for people who sound so much like her... tch, he can't let himself get sentimental like this.

But even if he doesn't want to- he will most likely find himself keeping an eye out for her as well.]