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

Goro Akechi | Persona 5 Royal

[truthdecided]

A. Treacherous Travel

It's worrisome that after the fog receded, the terrain's only grown worse. Naturally, Akechi prepared himself for a difficult excursion. He's got a satchel around his waist, full of assorted berries, seeds, and other miscellaneous items in case danger arises. He's got his Safety Goggles to shield himself from spores and potential powder-based enemy attacks, and he repeatedly scours his surroundings from above, in case of surprise attacks or shifts in terrain.

Of course, with Ren's recovery so recent, he also hovers around his partner, making sure he isn't pushing himself too hard.

During meal time, he eats quite a bit, due to the exertion of flight.

"There must be a reason for this resistance, just as there must be a reason behind the fog..." Something doesn't want them here, yet here they are.

Curious, to say the least.

B. Open Space

The freedom from the forest draws Akechi into the air as he surveys the lush surroundings. Fresh air, swaying glass, welcoming brooks... It's quite beautiful, untarnished by civilization...

Yet that's all destined to change. They're going to build, they're going to expand. Will these Pokémon live harmoniously, or shall urbanization take hold?

Eventually, he lands on a rock near the stream, peering up at the distant peaks and foreboding clouds. Should others pass by, they may hear him muse aloud.

"We mustn't grow complacent. Our work has only just begun..."

C. Home on Arrange (For Laios)

Abomasnow's presence further serves to remind Akechi of how small he is. Time and time again, he's been dwarfed by creatures of all sorts. Their previous encounter with the Corviknight offered some glimmers of hope, but evolution remains a far off mystery. What will it take before he finally changes? When will his efforts truly manifest?

For now, he keeps such thoughts to himself, fluttering about with tools and supplies to aid in the building process.

"I assure you, I won't let my small stature hinder our efforts."

The Abomasnow offers a solemn nod, pointing to a small, wooden toolbox, then looking at Laios.

It seems Akechi is to work with the lighter materials, while Laios handles the heavier lumber and support beams.

D. Downtime

Between labor, attempted diplomacy, and exploring treacherous regions, Akechi's had his work cut out for him this month. So, suffice it to say, when the Dwelling House opens, he takes to a bed and collapses in the comfort it provides.

He knows he can't push himself too hard. Ren was a lesson, to say nothing of Firepaw. Still, he fusses about the bed, pecking and prodding and making sure it's just right. He even circles around the edge, making sure no one tries to pile in when Ren isn't around.

Of course, rest is more than sleep and lounging. When he's sure no one is looking, he takes to the stream, splashing and cooling himself just like a bird in a bird bath. One might even think it looks cute...

Just be careful not to draw his attention. Or don't. It's up to you...

E. Carts Before Charts (for Anasui)

Carkol isn't a Pokémon Akechi knows especially well. The fact that a living mine cart is among the myriad species shouldn't surprise him after seeing the likes of Magnetons and Alcremie, yet as they prepare to work, their unexpected ally draws a curious glance.

But only a glance, as they have work to do, and Akechi hardly intends to dawdle.

So, fluttering into the air, he turns to Anasui. "I should be able to scan our surroundings for viable materials. I can even lift a fair bit in my talons. However, you and Carkol-san have the size advantage, so I trust that you two can handle carrying the load."

He pauses.

"And, ideally, not undoing or deconstructing any existing work."

Sorry, Anasui. He remembers the cobblestones.

E

[dripdrive]

In contrast, Anasui barely looks at Carkol outside of an initial grunt of recognition and hello. He's also intent on getting started immediately, since idle chitchat or standing around was a waste of time. The Espathra looks up at Akechi blankly as the tiny bird flies around him, chittering at him. How annoying...

Anasui narrows his eyes.

"I'm not a child that gets distracted that easily. You don't worry about me. Just do your job properly and I won't have to undo it."

He remembers the cobblestones too and how poorly your group put the road together.

[truthdecided]

"Our supervisors seemed to believe we did a respectful job." Regardless, he gets to work, swooping down and picking up materials in his talons before ferrying them over to both Anasui and Carkol.

The Carkol grunts in annoyance. "No bickering, you two! We got a tight schedule."

[dripdrive]

"Yeah. After you were done," AKA, after he had finished fixing things. "The architect had a perfect logical plan. And roads shouldn't be uneven, cobblestone or not." Not that the road wasn't straight, it was just Anasui...

Anasui snorts dismissively but tosses his hair, as if shooing Akechi away. "Whatever. Get to searching so I can pick it up already."

[truthdecided]

"Gladly." He could point out how the work on the roads stalled due to Anasui's interference, but they have work to do, and Carkol is watching and may very well report any disharmony to Mightyena.

So... fine. Fluttering along, he gets back to work, organizing the materials into neat little piles before he picks them up and ferries them over.

It's more efficient that way.

[dripdrive]

Anasui would absolutely be happy to continue arguing his point, Carkol and Mightyena be damned: who cares that things were delayed? They were finished and finished well. If those roads need to be fixed in forty years, Anasui will be genuinely surprised.

The man shakes his head and he follows along. He does appreciate the piles being organised neatly and he happily takes them off Akechi's hands, putting them in his satchel.

Anasui looks for bigger twigs to grab when he sees a large, fallen log. He looks over the wood and paws it with his talon, testing the quality. It's pretty big and sturdy - heavy but it would be useful to secure.

"Either of you pack rope?"

[truthdecided]

Akechi gazes down at his own satchel, appropriately scaled to his eight inch body. A snort of a laugh escapes him. "I doubt I'd be able to fit much else if I tried to carry rope with me."

"Don't you worry." Carkol shifts a little, coals rocking and tumbling to reveal... rope. Yes, the rope was concealed in coal. Is this practical? Not really, but whatcha gonna do?

[dripdrive]

"Can you even fit anything useful in that bag of yours?" Anasui asks Akechi, genuinely curious despite his tone. He then looks down at Carkol and raises an eyebrow but doesn't comment.

Anasui picks the coal-covered rope up in his mouth brings it over to the log. He tosses it over and looks for a way to fix the rope onto the trunk. This would be so much easier if he had hands...

After a long moment of staring, Anasui looks up to the Rookidee again.

"... You're small, Akechi. Get over here and thread this through for me."

[truthdecided]

"You could say please, you know." But, with an air of irritation, he moves over anyway, grabbing the end with his talons so they can keep the pace up. "It's amazing what time as a bird will do. We take for granted such simple things as hands."

[dripdrive]

He sure could say please.

... Anyway.

Anasui pretends not to hear Akechi as he watches the smaller Pokemon grab the rope. Anasui moves over to the other side of the log and waits to receive the rope from Akechi so he can secure it to his own body. He may need a hand knotting this thing too...

"... At least you have wings that work as a trade-off," Anasui mutters He has no hands AND he can't fly. It's bullshit, honestly!

[truthdecided]

"With practice, you may be able to use your wings more dextrously." If he wasn't flying, he'd demonstrate, but it's rather difficult to gesture and hover, so he'll settle on working with the rope. "What I find absurd is that wingless birds like Doduo can still use Fly, even if they favor running."

It's a bit tricky, but he is getting the knot squared away. "And wings do provide balance for flightless birds while running."

[dripdrive]

"Hmph. You don't know how dexterous my wings are," Anasui mutters indignantly. He ruffles his feathers but makes no attempt to show Akechi his point. He merely watches Akechi hop around and finish up the knot.

"Oh? Doduo. No, it makes sense. Their heads rotate like a propellor. It's why they can learn fly but I can't despite Espathra having bigger and stronger wings." Anasui says this with complete and utter seriousness, with no change in his tone. Why wouldn't it make sense? Less bullshit than stands.

[truthdecided]

"It's very... cartoon logic." He winces at the logistics of it. "Not to mention, it must be agony on their necks." Then again, perhaps their necks are built for it. It would make sense in a world this absurd.

C.

[dunchies]

By contrast, Laios appears utterly delighted at meeting Abomasnow for the first time. A Pokémon made of grass and ice — quite the combo, to say the least — but now isn't the time to ask them what it might be like. No, instead, he's here to help start the foundations for a permanent outpost, just like Akechi is, just like their entire expedition group seems to be.

"On the contrary, Akechi," Laios chimes. "Your talons will be a lot more helpful putting everything together. My teeth don't have nearly the same finesse."

Not that it's a competition, of course. The combo of them luckily cover a lot of the requirements of building, even without proper hands. Laios trots over to the tools, then goes a little further past to lug back a few wooden planks that are close enough by. "You think I should grab a bit more, or should that do it for now? I can help keep it all steady while you nail things together, too."

His tail starts to wag. It's been a while since him and Akechi could catch up; just this month provided plenty to discuss.

[truthdecided]

Hmm... A hammer and nails in his beak and talons would work. His wings give him added maneuverability. Laios' reasoning is sound, and so he surveys the work area another time before nodding.

"Your size and strength would help hold things steady. In turn, it would allow me to do the finer steps of the process."

For now, he'll flutter over to the toolbox and pry it open. That's not especially difficult, at least. A hammer he can always grasp in one of his feet, but the nails... hm. "I'll need to figure out an efficient way to alternate between placing nails and hammering, but that shouldn't be impossible."

[dunchies]

He's glad Akechi seems taken by his suggestion. One's strengths are easy to miss, but Laios is always quick to offer a reminder to a friend. As the other opens the toolbox, he nudges a few planks closer, carefully putting them into place for the next steps about to come.

His head tilts down at their materials, before he looks back at Akechi. "Mm. Maybe if it gets wedged, that should keep it still enough to hammer, right? But to get it to that point..."

Honestly, Laios is not much of a handyman, but a solution would have to come to mind eventually. His brows furrow just a tiny bit. "Maybe with a strong enough Peck?"

[truthdecided]

"A peck could work. It'd certainly free up my talons so that I'd be able to use nails more efficiently." Juggling a hammer and nails requires more dexterity. Dexterity he has but even so...

Abomasnow soon lumbers over, raising their very large hands as a reminder that they are here, they are large, and they can help keep the pieces stable. In fact, they'll move over to help Laios hold things together.

[dunchies]

"Exactly! Now I know you're beak isn't built like a woodpecker's, but I think you can still make it work if you're careful," he starts, fiddling a bit with some of the wood. Despite being comfortable with using his teeth for most things nowadays, it's still a bit awkward when the task requires just a bit more precision than usual. "Now let me just — oh."

Suddenly, there's a lot less pressure to keep multiple things carefully in place. His tail wags up at the Abomasnow, his appreciation duly noted as they give a small nod back at him. What a cool Pokémon... which actually reminds him: "It's nice seeing all the different Pokémon helping out nowadays. Emmet and I actually recruited an interesting one recently. Even he was surprised to see that kind around here!"

[truthdecided]

"Oh? Do tell." Fluttering his wings, Akechi rotates around their work area, trying to eyeball the best place to start working. Once he's satisfied, he starts pecking away with a Fury Attack.

It's more efficient for a task like this, even if the individual pecks carry less power.

[dunchies]

Do tell. Like music to his ears, but he waits until Akechi starts to at it with Fury attack first. Still holding the wood in place, he can't help but take a peak at the move in action. His ears flick at the sounds.

"So, the new recruit we found was an Archen. They're avian-like, but not exactly like you or Anasui. Almost more... reptilian or draconic. But, apparently they're extinct in the wild where Emmet is from!"

[truthdecided]

It takes a moment for Akechi to respond, simply because he had work to do. Once he's satisfied with the first nail, he takes a moment to catch his breath.

"So effectively, an archaeopteryx." When another nail goes down, he flutters over. "They were a prehistoric species and one of the significant links between dinosaurs and birds."

[dunchies]

Akechi's mild reaction only stirs a bigger one from him. Laios nearly loses his hold on the wood.

"You... you have those too?" The man who has dragons and minotaurs to look forward to is genuinely upset at this revelation. He's been missing out this whole this. "Don't tell me your world also brought them back to life! That's so cool!"

He might be getting a little off topic, but honestly, casually encountering an extinct Pokémon species out in the wild will do that to him.

[truthdecided]

Abomasnow balks at this line of discussion, but decides not to intrude. As long as they remain focused on the task at hand, there's no sense to intervene.

Fortunately, Akechi is adept at multitasking.

He takes another nail, pecks away, and considers his words.

"Alas. The idea of resurrection and de-extinction exists largely in the realm of fantasy. There are certain circles in the scientific community interested in recreating prehistoric life, but there are many hurdles, to say nothing of the drastic changes in the climate over millions of years."

[dunchies]

To a regular Pokémon, the the thought of humans meddling with the natural order of things might be more than a little disturbing. Unfortunately for Abomasnow, Laios seems to have forgotten he's in mixed company.

"... I guess that does complicate things. Bringing back Pokémon that don't exist in the wild anymore... Emmet said it was called, ah, conservation back home," he adds, head tilting slightly. "He didn't make it sound so out of reach, though."

It's a good thing they have an extra pair of hands. Laios moves to bring over a few more pieces of wood in preparation. "We were wondering how an Archen that young could be out here all on its own, especially if they weren't part of the original group that made it to the Bay."

[truthdecided]

At the very least, Abomasnow lets them carry on their discussion. So long as they keep working, it's not too harmful... for now. There are many things they don't understand about these outsiders and their customs. The notion of other worlds is so vast and overwhelming...

So they'll prioritize carrying over supplies and directing the placements of boards and nails with simple gestures and grunts.

How fortunate, then, that Akechi keeps up his multitasking like a well-oiled machine. A peck here, a flutter there, all while he processes Laios' words.

"Perhaps Emmet-san's world simply found a healthier means to preserve and reintroduce those species." It sounds far more ideal than Akechi's world, at any rate. "As for this particular Archen, perhaps they were dislocated or transported here in a manner similar to the Pelipper that Ren, Courier Six, and I encountered."