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

[wolfcut]

Hm. An itch. [ He doesn't sound entirely convinced, but he's taking Emporio's word for it. ]

I'd say just scratch it, but sending an attack out over dinner might start something. [ He takes a bite out of his poffin, brows furrowing. ] Well, you're a smart kid. Let's go for process of elimination. When did it start? Before or after you started eating?

[ He glances toward the direction the Cubone was looking at. If nothing out there, then what else? Suddenly, a silently remembered thought: not all attacks are for offense. ]

[seacub]

Yeah.

[An itch...

He winces.] Y...yeah, I don't want to accidentally hurt someone...especially since it's the attack that changes depending on where I am. It'll always hit, but what it does on top of that...varies.

[When did it start though....He thinks about it, and frowns.]

...I guess around when we arrived at this spot? I think I've noticed it the more we've sat around...

[wolfcut]

So nothing to do with the food. That's good at least.

[ Foodborne illnesses are no joke, after all. He cocks his head to the side. ] What is it about this spot, then... You'd think sitting around with everyone would make you less antsy. [ General nerves about exploring unknown territory aside. Another pause, another bite. He's thinking it over. ]

If you used that attack right now, how would it change? Do you know?

[seacub]

Nope.

[Which is good, because Emporio's on the same line of thought when Bigby says that. Eating something 'off' would be no joke.

As he eats, he thinks it over. There have at least been some points of consistency, and he can work off those...]

Well...normally, it would mean I hit someone with my fist. ...And also it would look green, and whoever I hit would possibly fall asleep.

[All of these things are not especially helpful right now.]

[wolfcut]

[ He quirks up a brow. That's definitely a description, alright. (Why is nothing ever simple with this kid?) ]

So maybe you do want to knock someone out cold over dinner. That's a bit rough, even for you, Emporio.

[ Half-teasing, but who knows. Sometimes an itch is just a need to rage. Bigby wouldn't blame him for it. ]

... But, never misses, huh. Even if you don't have a target in mind?

[seacub]

D-definitely not..!!!

[He's embaraaaaaaassed!!]

A-anyway...I wouldn't say it never misses. It can definitely miss. It's just definitely going to look a certain way if I try it in a forest...

[He scarfs down the last of his food, sighing.] ...I just wish I knew what to do though...

[wolfcut]

Uh huh. [ He finishes up his poffin with one last bite, blatantly ignoring any embarrassment coming from Emporio. ] Look, no judgement. I'm just saying.

[ Briefly, Bigby glances down at the other's food, until Emporio finishes it all the same. He could go for seconds himself, but instead, he simply sighs. ]

C'mon. You already know the answer to that one. [ He stands, motioning for the Cubone to follow suit. ] If you're itching to use an attack, then you might as well. And don't worry. You don't have to do it here. [ As funny as that would be. ]

[seacub]

Still...

[He's getting even more dad experience than he ever expected...cease, cease!!

But...He sighs. And nods, of course, because that's a good point.] We...should hopefully be moving again soon I guess...

[wolfcut]

Emporio. [ Said in the most dad way possible. (Why is he doing this? What is happening to him? Where's the off button?) ] If you don't use it now, it's just going to keep bothering you. Now's as good a time as any. [ He glances at their party. Most are starting to finish up too, but not all. ]

We'll make it quick. Promise.

[seacub]

[There is, of course, a long and exhausted sigh.]

....well...Okay.

[But Bigby is right. Emporio takes a deep breath then, and looks directly along the path they're all preparing to take. The itch gets stronger the longer he looks at it. He readies his arms on instinct. Prepares what, he's pretty sure, would usually be his Secret Power attack.

...But just as he aims his hand, the itch leaves. Like something...

Already happened.]

...Huh?

[wolfcut]

[ Just folding his arms at that sigh. At least Emporio seems convinced enough to give it a try. He watches quietly as the Cubone readies his attack, curious to see it in action now after all that build up.

Only for nothing to happen. ] Huh. [ One of his ears flicks. Was there a sound somewhere? ]

... What? Can’t do it with someone watching? [ He very overtly looks away, shielding his face too, for good measure. ] Second time’s the charm, kid.

ilu secret power

[seacub]

Uh.

[..................]

The feeling's gone. ...It. That was all it took I guess?

[Hey??? What just happened???]

too secretive...ENOUGH

[wolfcut]

... That's it? [ Emporio, what— ] No, no, no. There has to be something we're missing.

[ All this build up for that? There's absolutely no way. ]

What — what happened to the green lights? Or whatever else normally happens?

[ He's just going to walk around to give the Cubone a closer look. What could possibly be different here... ]

We can't keep doing this, secret power!

[seacub]

It...There's nothing! It just doesn't feel like anything now...

[...Mightyena is calling for everyone to get moving...

...Something about the smell of something different?? Okay.]

...And I definitely don't feel different...

[And he isn't. Bigby can confirm, nothing has changed about this cubone.]

[wolfcut]

... What? What do you— [ There's Mighyena's call. His ears just flatten in response. ]

Emporio, are you serious? We can't just leave yet. [ THIS IS GOING TO BOTHER HIM ALL DAY, EMPORIO.

Wait, the sound, the scent— ] What if... you did do something? Maybe we just can't see it yet. [ Because again, nothing is ever simple with this kid. ]

[seacub]

W-Well what are we supposed to do then!?! [he hisses, looking nervous.]

Nothing happened..! I'm no different at all, I-

'Woah, is that a path out??' 'The forest is clearing up already!!' 'Wow there was nothing there before...'

[.......................

SOMETHING HAS HAPPENED.]

[wolfcut]

[ He gives Emporio a very pointed look, not even bothering with a response when the surrounding reactions are speaking for themselves. Coincidence? He thinks the fuck not.

Explain yourself, young man. ]

[seacub]

[All he can do is stammer.]

Wh-

But-

What did I even do that would've caused that..!? [he hisses to Bigby.]

[wolfcut]

Hey. [ That tone is definitely making him a bit more steamed. ] Don't get pi—hissy with me. I'm trying to help.

[ He looks over his shoulder with a huff. Time for them to get going, too. ]

That move of yours reacts to your surroundings, yeah? You think clearing paths is out of the question? Makes more sense to me out here than some green fist.

[ Granted, they didn't actually see it happen, but his point still stands. ]

[seacub]

I'm not-

[Okay maybe a little!! But!!]

Why would it make a path though..? It's supposed to be an attack..!

[wolfcut]

... Right. [ Anyway. ] Look, I don't really know. Just seems like convenient timing.

[ A pause as he tugs at one of his ears in thought. Ume's Life Dew comes to mind again. ]

Might as well ask why some attacks heal, too. Your guess is as good as mine. But like I said, you're a smart kid. You'll figure it out.

[ Either way, he's taking that tone as a sign to pull back and leave it for Emporio to chew on. He moves toward where they were sitting to help pick up a few things, including his dedicated satchel for this trip. Not much time to dwell anymore with the group heading out again. ]

[seacub]

I- I mean I guess...

[Rubbing at his face, he sighs.] Maybe someone can explain it later...I...

[He's being a bit rude about it all, he realizes. So-] ...Thanks for helping, Bigby. I'll, uh. I'll catch up, I should probably try talking to Mightyena about it maybe...