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

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.

[bladeofnymeia]

Y-You brought mugs? Ah...

[Foresight! She should have had that kind of foresight.]

I-I don't know if I can just accept them when they're yours, but if you're alright with sharing, I don't see why we can't share mugs of soup around...

[Or she could go without! She's not hungry it's fine, let other people have the soup! Soup good!]

[fromsprouts]

I mean, they're not so much mine. I borrowed them from a cafe before we left town. So you have no reason not to use them.

[He passes the mugs over to her.]

Besides. A cuppa soup seems a fair trade for their use.

[bladeofnymeia]

Ah, then, if you so insist, how could I refuse?

[Don't ask how she gets the soup in the mugs. Probably just dunks 'em in there. Ladles, what're those?

Next time she'll be prepared. Cups, bowls, spoons, proper serving utensils, even her own pot...!]

Here you are...let me know what you think.

[fromsprouts]

[He takes a sip of the soup, his ears relaxing as he lets out a contented sigh afterwards.]

That's real good. Local recipe, or something from your world?

[bladeofnymeia]

[Aaaah it's good it's good!!!]

It's what I could make due with, given the resources available. I didn't want to take much from the stores, so I went and foraged what I could...we definitely don't have everything we'd need for something from home, though. Gosh, if I could make one of Mother's recipes...

[That's one of those far-off dreams for sure, now that she knows it's a possibility.]

[fromsprouts]

What sort of ingredients would you need from home? Meat or vegetables?

[Ume's already starting to think about gardening and making sure more veggies are available to all.]

[bladeofnymeia]

Both would be ideal, but I know not everyone is keen on meat here...

[For obvious and apparent reasons. Has Firoza abstained from meat? It's...possible? She doesn't like to use Bite on other Pokemon to begin with. But she doesn't judge those who partake. Circle of life and all that.]

Ah, but, I could make due with mushrooms and vegetables if I only had the right spices and herbs...

b2 SOUP SOUP SOUP

[shotinhead]

[ Courier Six looks exhausted as he ducks in, following the scent. So many places were built for smaller Pokemon. He is carrying a tattered-but-familiar satchel by his side, but: ]

--fuck, I didn't bring bowls either. Think some other dwellings might have 'em, though.

[ There's a little bit of a smile on his lips, but it's clearly a fake one. ]

[bladeofnymeia]

I should have thought this through - I just...I got excited...

[It's not like soup from home but it's something she can actually cook, not just roast over a fire. She just...they'd all been doing so well! Such a good job! They should celebrate!

Aaaaah she's frustrated, could she go ask for bowls and leave the soup behind? She couldn't ask Six to go fetch them, that'd be rude!]

[shotinhead]

[ He gives a bit of a wave, a tiny bit of a smile. ]

I think I saw some in another house. I'll go get 'em and come back. [ Without being asked! ] Can't help it. Sometimes y'bunker down and forget the importants.

[bladeofnymeia]

Are you sure? I don't want to impose on you or anyone else, I...

[But he's offering, she isn't in a position to tell him no...]

[shotinhead]

[ He's headed off! He returns a bit later with soup bowls. Notably, he's chipped a few with his awkward grip, but he looks pretty pleased. ]

I'm glad somebody thought to bring some. I was busy tendin' to survival supplies.

[bladeofnymeia]

[Aah, she looks so embarrassed, having needed help like this...but she's thankful, too. Even if the best she can do with bowls is dip them into the soup to fill them.

Ladle, next time.]

I...had brought fabric. It's been useful! But I also didn't think I would have the chance to cook something...

[shotinhead]

[ Ah. Fabric. There's a slight frown. ]

Uh. I-- the bag you made me. Wrecked it accidentally. [ He mumbled, as he placed down the bowls. ]

But honestly, there's always a chance there's time t'cook!

[bladeofnymeia]

Oh, is that all? It can be fixed, though I am sorry it broke in the first place.

[Just means she needs more prototypes and testing!]

B2 :)

[wovensecrets]

[ The outpost is so very busy! Which on the one hand is good, with so many Pokémon focused on work, it definitely helps to avoid some of the particularly emotion-dense areas, whether it be the areas of loud, positive excitement, or the more negative side of the coin.

This Hattena has been trying to keep busy and yet mindful of which areas she winds up wandering, and mostly, she's been avoiding the communal areas, but a side effect of having her cabinet retreat being so far a distance from the the main area (let alone the rumors floating about from others that it's "haunted"...) also means she's further away from figuring out how things like - just eating dinner, or something, is going to work.

... Well, she approaches the area to consider finding a meal or one of those serving carts... and something does smell particularly tasty, nearby, but instead, there just seem to be too many condensed emotions, positive and negative alike, so the closer she gets to the nearest building, she just ends up stumbling and slumping to the ground outside it, instead. Not again... ]

Nngh...

[bladeofnymeia]

Shite, bowls, shite, what do you do without bowls for soup...

[Firoza is muttering this as she exits the building, not knowing where to start looking - everyone had been kind enough to offer mugs or go find bowls but she feels like such a fool not having any herself-

Uh.

Uhoh.]

...Excuse me? Are you alright? [Hurrying over with a clear sense of fretting over the Hattenna, which can't be helpful, but it's very kind at least? No ill intent in it.] Do you need assistance? I can get you inside to a bed...?

[wovensecrets]

[ She hates this, it's so unavoidable when it happens, when she just can't thread the needle and avoid the trap of an emotional pitfall.

It takes a moment, to hear the words more clearly. The outside world sometimes sounds like it's coming from underwater, when trying to come to. ]

Hn... What...? M'fine. It's fine...

[ That sounds so very convincing out of her, right now. She can barely focus, though she tries to roll back to her feet. So convincing. ]

[bladeofnymeia]

It is very clearly not...

[Let's uh...is it okay for her to touch Archnemon? Just to like, get her righted on her feet, let her lean against the building since...leaning against a little creature with poisonous poke-y bits isn't great.]

Do you need medical attention, perhaps?

[wovensecrets]

Tch...

[ Building... building's good, that's a solid wall there at least while she works through processing what was said and what had happened. She leans against it once she has a better footing. ]

No... they can't help with this. It's just...something that happens! Don't worry about it.

[bladeofnymeia]

You would be surprised at the kind of remedies they have in this world, surely there must be something...

[Gently tries to fan Archnemon with her lil paw.]

But if you're so certain - do you know what's happened?

[wovensecrets]

[ Blunt, but deflecting crankily is her usual go-to when dealing with her own discomfort levels. She might be lying about what does or doesn't surprise her. Sigh. She'll probably have to do a better job of explaining, won't she... ]

Unfortunately! There are a lot of people around, so it can get very...~ loud. Emotionally speaking. When it happens enough times, it's not difficult to figure out the problem.

[bladeofnymeia]

...Oh! Oh.

[Sounds familiar to someone she knows from back home.]

And you cannot control it at all, I assume?