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bottlecaplogs2025-08-15 11:33 am
bayhelpers) wrote in bottlecaplogs2025-08-15 11:33 am
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AUGUST 2025 EVENT LOG
⋆✩ 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.
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.
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.
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?
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?
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!
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!
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!
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!
✩ 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!
⟡ 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!
this is enrichment for assholes :)
[Anasui puts down the bags he brought over, not at all threatened by Bigby or his new weapon. The Espathra only gives him a side-glance as he begins to sort out the nails they brought, calm as ever.]
I didn't break it. Breaking implies that was strain or a blow to the structure. I undid it because it was messy and unstable, and would have broken if any weight was applied to it. If you're going to do a job, do it properly.
the real reason abomasnow put them together lbr
Same shit, same result. Don't get technical when it's still in pieces either way. [ His nose scrunches up, eyes following the nails as they get put in place one by one. ] Lot of fixing that was. Maybe wait till the job's done first, then you can talk, huh?
so true
It would have broken if you finished it. I'm saving time and making sure you don't have to start all over again when it doesn't pass Abomasnow's standards. [His standards, more likely...] Just stick to gathering things and leave me to do the building.
no subject
Are you even li — rrgh, that's not my point, Anasui. [ He kicks the hammer back up to lug over his shoulder. ] Abomasnow's standards. Like you're their second-in-command. [ Just growling to himself through grit teeth now. ] Fine. You want me to gather? I'll fucking gather.
[ Stomping closer to the bags Anasui brought, he snatches some of the sorted nails in his free paw in a very see-how-that-feels sort of way. Whoops, sorry about that organization. ] So helpful, isn't it?
no subject
Oy bastard! What do you think you're doing? [Anasui reaches over to snatch the nails off of Bigby with his teeth.] Stop messing things up!
[Children. Both of them.]
no subject
[ Despite Anasui's efforts, Bigby manages to hold on to a few, enough to still play keep away. He turns his back to the other, nose scrunching when he finally realizes— ]
What the hell are you even organizing these for? They're all the same! [ To him, anyway. ]
Anasui you're gonna get electrocuted.......
[Anasui's feathers puff up, hackles raised, at the Morepeko. He bends his long neck over to Bigby to try grab them again.] No they're not. Their density differs as does the metal quality. Don't you have eyes? I'm doing a head-count so I can figure out which nails are needed for which task and which ones are best for it.
[With that, Anasui will grab Bigby by the scruff like how he would any other Pokemon. He shakes the rodent, trying to free the nails from him.]
he's so lucky he's not actually a flying type....
What the hell are you even talking about? They're all nails, Anasui! They do the same thing! Stop wasting our fucking time. [ If they get the job done the same way, then why bother. Clearly, he is in all ways but physical still just a wolf, not a handyman. Though, getting yoinked himself now sure makes him question that first part. He lets the rest of the nails scatter as he tries to kick himself away. ]
I already said fuck off, and I don't like repeating myself.
no subject
... Hmph. You probably don't know the difference between a casing nail and a ring nail. And the nails with a zinc coating are supposed to be used outside. They resist the weather better. Ugh! You're so frustrating! [He walks over to pick the nails. As he does, he grits his teeth.]
... Just go. I'll do this alone. You can tell whoever you participated or did the job or whatever. I don't care. I'll get this done eventually.
[It's not the same. He knows it's not the same. He can see it isn't, even if Bigby can't. And even though it may not be important to Bigby, it feels important to Anasui.]
no subject
... Stop. You’ll just take forever with those fucking things.
[ Anasui’s talons, he means. Being smaller might actually give him a little more finesse with objects just as tiny as he is. He still can’t visually tell the difference on some of these, but the scent between what does and doesn’t have that coating is enough to start sorting best he can. Not that he particularly enjoys the smell of metal, the scrunch on his face evidence of that. ]
Don’t tell me what to do. Like hell am I gonna quit now ‘cause of you.
[ Not like he feels a little bad now or anything. ]
no subject
Anasui's only interrupted by his thoughts by Bigby's voice. He glares at the rodent, ready to start retorting, when he sees Bigby sorting things a little bit more correctly. It's... it's not perfect but the organised pile does soothe Anasui a little.
Anasui purses his lips (beak?) together. Honestly, he's not sure what to make of the situation. Does he stay and sort the piles further or does he maximise efficiency? Anasui decides to do the latter and he begins to actually start putting things together.]
...I wasn't telling you anything. You could have left. You chose to stay. Doesn't concern me.
no subject
[ He scowls down at the nail currently in-hand, too focused to even give Anasui a glance. Measure twice, cut once. Bigby supposes that’s what the bird is all worked up over. It’s not his style, but there really isn’t room to talk when he’s the one known for blowing down houses anyway.
With a sigh, he tosses the nail into its designated pile, moving over to the hammer he also dropped during all of that. He extends it out toward Anasui. ]
Here. Save your break the trouble of drilling them in.
no subject
[It's... not a teasing tone but Anasui does say it more casually than some of the things he said before. Anasui mutters a small thanks and then takes the hammer into his mouth. He can't say much more since he needs to have his mouth occupied, so he gets to work, taking one of the now-sorted nails and then hammering it in.
And Anasui is not slow with his construction. Though Anasui doesn't have his Stand anymore, Anasui is still good at putting things together and construction is much easier than surgery. He'll have the skeleton of a drawer put together in no time at all.]
no subject
[ Like Anasui, his snark isn't entirely absent, but it's far less than it was before. Hammer now fully with the Espathra, Bigby goes back to sorting, only pausing to chew on a seed to stay focused.
At some point, he glances over to his partner, his curiosity finally enough for him to silently watch as Anasui quickly makes work of whatever he's building. Bigby won't bother asking, but it's obvious he's admiring just how easily the other is putting it together.
A thought occurs before he scampers off without so much of a word, only to come back with a few larger Pokémon towing some extra materials on his behalf. How he managed to get their help is beyond him, but it seems everyone is in the spirit of collaboration anyway. ]
Yeah, here's fine. That should save us the trouble with how fast he's working already.
this has gone down a path where i didnt expect but awwwwww....
What else needs to be done? You tell me, I'll build it. [... He seems happy, in some odd way.]
holding my heart at happy anasui......maybe two jerks CAN be friends
When Anasui finally turns his attention back to him, he immediately stiffens, ready to go back on the defensive. Instead, his ears go flat, eyes widening like a deer caught in headlights. ]
Me? I don't, uh... [ That question completely takes him off guard in more ways than one. Unlike Anasui, he's entirely not in his element when it comes to deciding on furniture. ] A table and some chairs, maybe? Or... a desk?
[ And that is the extent of his immediate frame of reference based on what he has back home. Do people really need more than that? ]
ikr!! But friends... (said cautiously bc they still will go at each other at a moments notice) XD
The Espathra raises an eyebrow, completely having missed Bigby's reaction and not understanding why he's reacting the way he is. He tilts his head and sighs.]
You have no imagination. But... I can't disagree. We do need those things. [And like that, Anasui will look at the assorted materials again for what he wants. He starts measuring out using his feet the length of a table but pauses when he thinks of the height. There are Pokemon who are large like Abomasnow and himself but then there are small Pokemon like Bigby and Emporio. Maybe he needs to make two sets?]
What do you do if children come over to your house? [Anasui, that's not how you ask the above question.]
their friendship comes with the longest terms of service agreement that'd put disney to shame
... Anasui.
[ Again, his frustration seems to melt in place of bewilderment. As if any kid would visit the Big Bad Wolf's shit hole of an apartment, much less get an invitation. TJ could barely deal with talking to him in the business office as it is.
Also, just generally, what. ]
What kids? What in the fuck are you talking about?
As it should :)
Anasui clicks his tongue, as if annoyed that Bigby can't understand something so obvious, but repeats himself.]
You're small. You probably won't be able to use the furniture if it's too big. Would it be better to make a small set of furniture for anyone who decides to stay here? Or would it be better to make aids, like booster seats?
no subject
(Woe to Littleby whenever that secret eventually gets out, though.)
He rolls his eyes at the tongue clicks. And being called small. ]
Like that makes sense. I'm not child-sized back home. [ He so wants to be angrier, but he's been here just long enough to get used to the furniture situation. His nose scrunches at his own answer. ] ... Maybe the booster seats for now. We can build smaller sets in the future once we get a better sense on who's staying out here regularly. [ Very upsetting to think he's going to be using booster seats. ]
shall we start wrapping up?
Anasui shrugs but says nothing, taking Bigby's suggestion into consideration. After a long moment, the bird nods.]
That makes sense. I'll start working on it now.
let's wrap!
[ Against all odds, the buddy system works just intended. Bigby didn't expect this to end in anything but more fighting, so it's nice, for things to go right for once. He'll see how long this truce lasts.
Either way, at least he's getting a +1 to his life skills by learning more about furniture building. ]