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]

He snorts slightly, not amused at Bigby's frustration no- But it was a little cathartic to find someone who often shared the same kind of outlook as him.

"You're welcome." Likewise, he sounded curt to all the others- but it was just his way of saying it was water under the bridge. That they didn't need to dwell on it.

Bigby is being more talkative now. Good. Usually that's not a metric of 'good' for him, but there are always exceptions to the rules. Once in a while, idle chatter was good for keeping people alive. Once in a while. He doesn't let him out of his sights, but he relaxes a little bit. Something is clearly bothering him, but he was never one to pry.

He chuckles lowly, "There are worse places to die." his tone is clearly sarcastic. He had not intentions of dying here. But he trusted Bigby would pick up on that.

That gets his attention, "You've experienced similar kinds of phenomena before?" he asks, head tilting slightly. Terra had many issues, but the kind of magical strangeness this land contained was usually something that could only be managed through rare and powerful Arts, or was simply the fancy of science fiction. "You're also implying that there's normally a kind of logic to this." If that were true- it would make their lives simpler. Assuming they could decode the logic, Bigby didn't make that idea sound promising.

He hums, he's not one to dwell on the past, but this is a bit of a different case. It wasn't like he chose to leave Terra behind, its not something he even thought was possible. And it seemed everyone here had the intent to go home eventually... "There are many definitions of 'worse' where I come from." He makes a face, "Although I'd admit, this is not a problem I'm accustomed to handling."

"Terra is a world ravaged by near constant natural disasters, however. Catastrophes as we call them. If you stay in place for too long, you run the risk of getting smeared off its surface. As if you never existed in the first place."

He looks up at the sky, "For as strange as the weather has been around here- its almost uncanny how calm its been. There are very few places like that back on Terra." Kjerag being one of the ones that came to mind. He wasn't sure if he believed that there truly was a benign goddess watching over it, but it was certainly an anomaly.

[wolfcut]

He huffs quietly to himself. Worse places to die. Isn't that the truth. Despite himself, Bigby always finds it a little amusing whenever Flamebringer manages to bring out the sarcasm. No better time for it than now, considering their current circumstances, but the question that follows gives him pause when he realizes what it was that he let slip. He's been getting lax about his whole situation, about who he is and where he came from. Back in New York, keeping his mouth shut around regular mundies was so much simpler, but here? Hard to say how familiar some people were with magic already. At least the talking animals bit is already covered, with them being Pokémon and all.

"The Homelands were a complicated place, but you could always count on running into an enchanted forest eventually." He pauses, grimacing a little as he does. "Usually, they were just cursed, or caused by some old hag with magic who liked fucking with people. Find the source, fix the problem, get the reward. You know how it goes."

Just a matter of cause and effect in his mind, but there's no telling yet if the same rules would apply here. If just another Pokémon was capable of doing all of this, wouldn't one of the locals already know? He sighs, though more out of unspoken sympathy for Flamebringer than anything else. Bigby had surmised his world was anything but pleasant, given the other's general disposition and experience, but it sounds even worse than he first thought.

"... Must feel like night and day, coming here from that," he starts, glancing back again to meet Flamebringer's eyes with his own. "Those Catastrophes... that's really just how things are? No real rhyme or reason either?"

[indifferentinferno]

"Sounds like a pain." He says flatly. He sympathized with Bigby for having to put up with that. "They sound like they'd get along well with the Liches of my world." Not that he knew much about them, but what little interaction he'd had with their kind made him suspect they were a headache. Especially one who'd been staying in Leithanien for over 500 years.

"Something like that." He says, frowning at the sky before returning to looking at Bigby, its something he was trying not to dwell on. He wasn't the sentimental type to begin with- But thinking about how he of all people ended up here, in a world free of the kinds of things so many died trying to end or prevent... It was like a cruel joke... Not that it really mattered to him personally.

He hums contemplatively, "I am no scientist, but I've heard that Originium effects it somehow." It'd been quite the stroke of luck- or maybe some would call it fate- that so many extremely well versed scientists ended up making their homes at Rhodes Island. But he'd never truly talked to them about it. He cared more about how to navigate what already existed, not about why it existed in the first place.

Although he couldn't deny it'd be very convenient if they could actually end Catastrophes for good...

He blinks, belatedly realizing- "Oh, Originium is a crystal like formation that exists on my world. Its extremely common and is utilized to power equipment and Arts devices." It was strange to have to explain this- but Bigby didn't hail from Terra, so it was possible their two worlds didn't share that common mineral.

How unnerving.

The side of his face itches.

[wolfcut]

"You're telling me," he says with a quick huff. If Flamebringer's Liches are anything like the witches he had back home — his first home — then Bigby is no disagreement there. Still, being on the same payroll as some of them now does make it a bit harder for him to be too openly judgmental, never mind of their history of messing with his old hunting grounds in the Homelands. Bygones and the like.

He watches curiously as the Absol looks up, though he doesn't comment on it directly. Some things left unsaid are intentional, and if anyone is going to respect that, it's Bigby. Instead, he simply offers: "Yeah, I get it. It's been something for me too, and I'm just from a city."

He wonders, briefly, if the other's world could afford such establishments, when they might be wiped away in an instant. Regardless, just as Flamebringer is no scientist, Bigby is hardly much of an expert on such matters, either. He knows as much as he needs to when it comes to stuff like this, though there's something to be said about using an energy source related to Catastrophes. His ear flicks.

"Well, it's something at least. Already more to go off of than what we have here," he starts. "And no telling what else we might uncover wherever the hell we wind up next. Living forests and memory problems might be the least of our problems."

[indifferentinferno]

"Although I'd gladly exchange some irritation for an explanation at this point." It was frustrating how little they knew- Even for one more socially reclusive like himself, he'd been able to learn from everyone he'd held a conversation with, as well as just passing rumors and knowledge- that they really didn't know anything, and that above all else was the most concerning.

He hums, while he won't say it out-loud, he's glad to be distracted from his strange feelings, "Tch, I'm assuming there's some key differences between here and there for you as well." He leaves it for Bigby to answer if he so wishes. He can't deny he's curious to know more, since they get along so well. But he won't push.

"Yes, that is the bigger headache." For all its dangers and issues- he was starting to miss Terra's problems, if only because he knew them well. "I dislike how vulnerable to their whims we are. All our issues seem to dissolve by pure chance or coincidence." He growls, deep in his throat and clearly annoyed at all of the shenanigans he's already been put through.

[wolfcut]

Bigby simply sighs in unspoken agreement. Despite how long some of them have been here by now, there has to be something more than just adjusting to their new normal. At least the local scholars have been a bit more busy as of late, though ever since he got here, he's been wondering what's behind the closed doors to the special collections at the Archives.

"You'd think by now there'd be some sort of pattern," he mutters. Every month brings yet another slew of unanswered questions to add to the list. "Honestly, at this point, I wish it was just a Pokémon causing all this. Then at least we'd have a chance to stop it."

He says that now, but hindsight is twenty-twenty. Again, he goes quiet to adjust his satchel, glancing over his shoulder. Though he seemed to have glossed over it, Bigby did in fact catch that hint of curiosity in Flamebringer's earlier comment. If only because it's Flamebringer he's talking to, he can't help but divulge just a bit more.

"... You know, if there weren't so many fucking problems here, I might actually enjoy it. The place I came from before here... nothing but too many buildings for too many people. Dirty. Crowded. Loud." New York City is a far cry from Bottlecap Bay and the Homelands, but at least his problems there felt more grounded. "Guess I got what I asked for, wanting a break for once from all that."

[indifferentinferno]

He snorts. "I couldn't agree more." His gaze hardens as he stares off into the distance ahead of them, "Beasts, people- they're fallible. Destructible. To themselves and the influence of others. No matter how powerful they may seem in a moment, in the blink of an eye they could be pruned, just like any common weed." His gaze narrows at a seemingly invisible foe, "But things that cross that line... that dip beyond common life... I usually make a point of avoiding confronting such things." There was a difference between cowardice- and knowing that you were infinitesimally small when stood before a force that you couldn't comprehend.

Flamebringer can't help but chuckle at that description, how... nostalgic. Not that he cared to waste his time carrying forward any kind of vague fondness he might've had for Kazdel. If it wasn't clear that Bigby was from a different world- he would've first guessed he was a Sarkaz Mercenary like himself. "Fate likes to play its games. Or maybe whatever hand dragged us hear has a twisted sense of humor." Somehow... he had a hard time imagining so. Not with the feelings he'd been conveyed when being dragged here... but he was hesitant even to trust that.

"... My work here is strangely similar to my work where I'm from." He offers with a small bit of hesitation. Its only fair to trade, at least that's what he tells himself. "If it weren't for a few things," he says as a sarcastic understatement, "I'm not sure I would've noticed the difference."