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bottlecaplogs2025-10-15 10:01 am
bayhelpers) wrote in bottlecaplogs2025-10-15 10:01 am
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OCTOBER 2025 EVENT LOG
⋆✩ AUTUMN SKIES & PUMPKIN PIES ✩⋆
Where the summer heat seemed like it would never leave, autumn’s embrace is eager to prove minds wrong. Brisk and frigid, second only to the now absent Froslass, the winds bring a chill that cuts right to the bone. It is a signal to the world that it’s time to wind down - for the leaves to turn their colors and fall below, and for the spoils of harvest to ripen with what little time they have left. By the time the middle of the month has arrived, there’s no questioning it.
Fall is here.
DEAR GOURD
With society as it is, it can be easy to forget that Pokemon are still animals in the sense of what they resemble. Since becoming these strange creatures, all manner of instincts have taken hold - some have learned to hunt, catching their meals and sharing the spoils so others don’t have to. Others of course have found themselves more protective, more social, more skittish, so on and so forth. Many of those who have been here long enough have come to master these new habits through practice, either commanding them through great willpower or simply accepting things as the new normal.
The encroaching winter, however, brings this back to the forefront. Winter is a season that looms like a shroud over many Pokemon in the region, and as the leaves begin to turn, so too do the bodies of such Pokemon turn against themselves. Pokemon with seasonal fur coats find themselves quickly growing thicker, fluffier fur while needing to shed and brush out the shorter summer hairs. Those who would typically migrate region to region in order to avoid such hassle are struck with wanderlust - which is unfortunate, given how difficult it is to get anywhere around here.
As for anyone who would typically hibernate? It’s probably a good thing so much food has been successfully harvested this year.
The encroaching winter, however, brings this back to the forefront. Winter is a season that looms like a shroud over many Pokemon in the region, and as the leaves begin to turn, so too do the bodies of such Pokemon turn against themselves. Pokemon with seasonal fur coats find themselves quickly growing thicker, fluffier fur while needing to shed and brush out the shorter summer hairs. Those who would typically migrate region to region in order to avoid such hassle are struck with wanderlust - which is unfortunate, given how difficult it is to get anywhere around here.
As for anyone who would typically hibernate? It’s probably a good thing so much food has been successfully harvested this year.
ii. THE HARVEST SEASON
APPLES TO APPLES
The harvest season has kicked into full gear! It's time for squash, and berries, and grains, and a bounty of practically anything you can think of. This month is busy, busy, busy, but after a few slow days where Pokemon recover from last month's escapades, everyone seems to be in high spirits. The harvest is much larger than anyone anticipated, and it feels like a good omen!
There's not a lot of time to relax this month, but Pokemon find ways to insert fun into the work wherever they can. Mudsdale and other larger Pokemon pull carts to and from the fields around Skull Town, and they make each trip into a fun hayride whenever there are passengers. Much of the harvest needs to be processed, such as turning excess berries into preserves, or pickling vegetables, or slicing up produce and setting it out to dry in the sun (or via fire moves). Very often this becomes a race or competition, with small prizes for the winners, and the same is true of harvesting in the first place!
There's so much food that not all of it is getting preserved. In town - both Bottlecap Bay and Skull Town - the smell of baked goods permeates the air. Fruits are pressed into ciders and juices. As activities slow down towards the end of the month, Pokemon have time to get a little silly. Someone suggests apple-bobbing rather than drawing lots over unwanted chores, and the novelty spreads like wildfire through all the guilds.
Also throughout the month, Pokemon set baskets outside their doors. Each basket contains various excess treats from their baking or preserving or other activities, seemingly up for grabs. The rule is: you're allowed to freely take whatever strikes your fancy, just as long as you swap something that you've made and leave it behind in the basket. It's a tradition that originated with the Bottlecap Bay villagers from overseas, but it's quickly adopted by the locals that have joined them since!
There's not a lot of time to relax this month, but Pokemon find ways to insert fun into the work wherever they can. Mudsdale and other larger Pokemon pull carts to and from the fields around Skull Town, and they make each trip into a fun hayride whenever there are passengers. Much of the harvest needs to be processed, such as turning excess berries into preserves, or pickling vegetables, or slicing up produce and setting it out to dry in the sun (or via fire moves). Very often this becomes a race or competition, with small prizes for the winners, and the same is true of harvesting in the first place!
There's so much food that not all of it is getting preserved. In town - both Bottlecap Bay and Skull Town - the smell of baked goods permeates the air. Fruits are pressed into ciders and juices. As activities slow down towards the end of the month, Pokemon have time to get a little silly. Someone suggests apple-bobbing rather than drawing lots over unwanted chores, and the novelty spreads like wildfire through all the guilds.
Also throughout the month, Pokemon set baskets outside their doors. Each basket contains various excess treats from their baking or preserving or other activities, seemingly up for grabs. The rule is: you're allowed to freely take whatever strikes your fancy, just as long as you swap something that you've made and leave it behind in the basket. It's a tradition that originated with the Bottlecap Bay villagers from overseas, but it's quickly adopted by the locals that have joined them since!
THE CACTURNE WALKS AT MIDNIGHT
As the fields are harvested and the food stores dug, keen-eyed Pokemon begin to notice something odd. The fields, for starters, are not being harvested in straight lines. Instead it is as if each one cutting the stalks is an Applin within an apple, carving spirals and paths without rhyme or reason. The storage burrows located beyond the Canopy and set in part within the Gravebone Woods of the Middle Forest do similar - this time with the added confusion of moving up or down. And just what are those things being constructed within Skull Town?
It seems in the excitement of the Harvest, the Ghost population has begun to add their own flair to the fun and games. Corn mazes hide cackling Cacturne and Nuzleaf, while tunnel mazes contain the ground dwelling Durant and Pawmi. The ‘Haunted Houses’ that pop-up are far more variable than their natural counterparts, but the trade off is the limitation of construction - it doesn’t take long to find out just how many of these things are using the same template!
It seems in the excitement of the Harvest, the Ghost population has begun to add their own flair to the fun and games. Corn mazes hide cackling Cacturne and Nuzleaf, while tunnel mazes contain the ground dwelling Durant and Pawmi. The ‘Haunted Houses’ that pop-up are far more variable than their natural counterparts, but the trade off is the limitation of construction - it doesn’t take long to find out just how many of these things are using the same template!
iii. CITIZEN’S ELECT
I CHOOSE YOU!
Amidst all the bustle of harvesting, small poll boxes go up on street corners in Skull Town - and even a few in Bottlecap Bay! After all the complications of last month, the guild leaders agree that there needs to be an authority figure in Skull Town, able to make decisions without being a day's travel away. They can't have Mightyena (or any other leader) stationed there permanently, they're all needed in Bottlecap!
As such, five primary candidates for the title of (Death Blood Murder) Skull Town Mayor have emerged.
The first candidate is Grimpig, the older Grumpig brother. He's busy enough with the network that he isn't actually campaigning for himself, but the Grumpig brothers are well-respected enough that plenty of others have put forth their names. Realistically, electing one means electing both, but as the older brother is more outgoing, he's the official candidate. Regardless, though, considering how busy the Grumpigs already are... they're probably the most hands-off option. They'll only be there to make decisions in times of crisis!
The candidate from the Lum Berries is... hang on, that's our friend Malamar again! Out of the guild candidates, he's the only one who has a speech, and it's hard to claim that he doesn't care about Skull Town or the residents. But it's clear he values his own opinion most of all, and can he be trusted to respect peoples' boundaries? Regardless, in the short term he wants to prioritize getting more infrastructure set up in Skull Town: getting a secondary clinic built, and guild administrative buildings, and perhaps a research HQ.
The candidate from the Oran Berries is Umbreon, who isn't enthused about this situation! It sounds like not a lot of the high rank Oran Berries were interested in managing a new town, and in the end he got volunteered. When asked about his policies, Umbreon sticks to saying, "My record should speak for itself." Honestly, he seems to be hoping that the lack of transparency will keep him from getting elected. He just wants to go home to his cave…
The candidate from the Cheri Berries is Lurantis, who avoids crowds and speeches but makes a point of talking to many Pokemon one-on-one or in small groups. She seems to be the most consistently interested in hearing what people have to say, but she's very cautious about actually making wide, sweeping promises. The Cheri Berry gossip is that while she likes having a reputation for compromise, deep down she's actually Contrary; if something ever truly crosses her principles she digs her heels in hard. Regardless, in the short term she wants to prioritize the relationships between the Skull townies and the local Pokemon, as well as stocking up and hunkering down for winter.
The last candidate is Oricorio, campaigning on behalf of the Pokemon native to the forest and valley. His argument is that, while (many of) the local Pokemon have willingly joined up with Skull Town now, they were here first, and they should get the most say over what the town becomes! Which certainly seems convincing even to many guild members. However... he refuses to talk about what his actual priorities will be, and is openly uninterested in the opinions of anyone who isn't a Ghost Pokemon, local or otherwise. The local Ghosts respect him, but the other local Pokemon roll their eyes and talk about how they wish it were anyone else. (Still, none of them seem to be volunteering...)
There are, of course, more candidates who have put their names forth - a shiny Teddiursa who keeps heckling the others, a nervous Arcanine, a laid-back Mandibuzz, and perhaps even some of the transformed Pokemon from other worlds? However, the guild leaders have been up front: at least when it comes to candidates from the guilds, they're only considering Pokemon who have been high in rank for a while already. It's a lot of responsibility. So in practice, these five are the ones in the running!
As such, five primary candidates for the title of (Death Blood Murder) Skull Town Mayor have emerged.
The first candidate is Grimpig, the older Grumpig brother. He's busy enough with the network that he isn't actually campaigning for himself, but the Grumpig brothers are well-respected enough that plenty of others have put forth their names. Realistically, electing one means electing both, but as the older brother is more outgoing, he's the official candidate. Regardless, though, considering how busy the Grumpigs already are... they're probably the most hands-off option. They'll only be there to make decisions in times of crisis!
The candidate from the Lum Berries is... hang on, that's our friend Malamar again! Out of the guild candidates, he's the only one who has a speech, and it's hard to claim that he doesn't care about Skull Town or the residents. But it's clear he values his own opinion most of all, and can he be trusted to respect peoples' boundaries? Regardless, in the short term he wants to prioritize getting more infrastructure set up in Skull Town: getting a secondary clinic built, and guild administrative buildings, and perhaps a research HQ.
The candidate from the Oran Berries is Umbreon, who isn't enthused about this situation! It sounds like not a lot of the high rank Oran Berries were interested in managing a new town, and in the end he got volunteered. When asked about his policies, Umbreon sticks to saying, "My record should speak for itself." Honestly, he seems to be hoping that the lack of transparency will keep him from getting elected. He just wants to go home to his cave…
The candidate from the Cheri Berries is Lurantis, who avoids crowds and speeches but makes a point of talking to many Pokemon one-on-one or in small groups. She seems to be the most consistently interested in hearing what people have to say, but she's very cautious about actually making wide, sweeping promises. The Cheri Berry gossip is that while she likes having a reputation for compromise, deep down she's actually Contrary; if something ever truly crosses her principles she digs her heels in hard. Regardless, in the short term she wants to prioritize the relationships between the Skull townies and the local Pokemon, as well as stocking up and hunkering down for winter.
The last candidate is Oricorio, campaigning on behalf of the Pokemon native to the forest and valley. His argument is that, while (many of) the local Pokemon have willingly joined up with Skull Town now, they were here first, and they should get the most say over what the town becomes! Which certainly seems convincing even to many guild members. However... he refuses to talk about what his actual priorities will be, and is openly uninterested in the opinions of anyone who isn't a Ghost Pokemon, local or otherwise. The local Ghosts respect him, but the other local Pokemon roll their eyes and talk about how they wish it were anyone else. (Still, none of them seem to be volunteering...)
There are, of course, more candidates who have put their names forth - a shiny Teddiursa who keeps heckling the others, a nervous Arcanine, a laid-back Mandibuzz, and perhaps even some of the transformed Pokemon from other worlds? However, the guild leaders have been up front: at least when it comes to candidates from the guilds, they're only considering Pokemon who have been high in rank for a while already. It's a lot of responsibility. So in practice, these five are the ones in the running!
✩ OOC NOTES.
⟡ CWS: None expected this time!
⟡ A huge thanks to the players who have made Player Quests a rousing success. After some internal discussion, we’ve added a ‘Quest Complete’ form for Players who wish to make use of the format as well. We hope you continue to enjoy full use of the Player Quest Board!
⟡ While all Heavy Quests will ICly have completed by October 25th, 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!
⟡ A huge thanks to the players who have made Player Quests a rousing success. After some internal discussion, we’ve added a ‘Quest Complete’ form for Players who wish to make use of the format as well. We hope you continue to enjoy full use of the Player Quest Board!
⟡ While all Heavy Quests will ICly have completed by October 25th, 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!
MAYOR POLLS
OOCly, we ask that players comment here with the Pokemon their character believes in the most. This is also the right place to mention any shenanigans they might be up to, such as sneaking in multiple votes or campaigning themselves (although no player character will be chosen at this time). The polls for this vote will close on October 31st, with results announced in the November Plotting Post!
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But he's actually voting for Lurantis! Partly for Cheri loyalty, partly because he agrees with stocking up and hunkering down for the winter.
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Or technically for Malamar. But unless he's stopped and forced to actually write a name, he seems more interested in writing up an entire roadmap for how to improve the outpost's clinic instead.
... It'll be fine. He's had a pet kraken as a kid. This thing can't be that much harder to rein in once it all inevitably goes wrong.
(From an OOC standpoint, it'd be funnier if the vote's considered null for all the extra rambling
or the dex entry that nobody can understand anything Slowking says, but whatever happens happens)no subject
So, in solidarity with the Cheri Berries, she votes Lurantis.
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Besides, the Soul thinks a little mind control is A-OK if it's for a good reason.no subject
He might even offer to help campaign. Vote Malamar, the baby is Also Voting Malamar, see?
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Granted, she might hear the rumours about Lurantis' behaviour later and regret it a bit.
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the ominous pickleMy friend Malamar from before, she wasn't fond of the looming wonder from the prior interaction. Instead, after some careful consideration, Dolly cast her vote in for Lurantis. That one is clearly far more trustworthy, especially with the upcoming winter preparations and totally not going to brainwash the township.no subject
He actually votes for Umbreon. Additionally, as noted in my TL, Flowey secretly spreads rumors about Lurantis in an attempt to hinder her campaign.
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That said, he won't push the motion too hard. He's more interested in calling Malamar out for being a mind-controlling bitch.
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Until midway through the month, he was all prepared to vote for Lurantis, since her behaviour distantly reminds him of Roland and Sofia. However, with some encouragement from Akechi and the further endorsement from Mightyena, both of whom he trusts, he's listening to his gut and going for Umbreon. He doesn't seem the most sociable, but his priorities are in the right place - much like himself, if he's being honest.
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They're fully aware that it won't be counted and that's part of what makes it extremely funny to them,
They're also very late to the voting in general because they were too distracted to pay attention/care, they barely make it in in time...
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Instead, he'll toss his vote in for Lurantis. She seems the most down-to-earth and willing to help everyone. As for the rumors, he actually quite likes that she knows when to stick to her convictions. Can't always make everyone happy; he knows that firsthand.
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Unfortunately, because she's not an official candidate, he's voting for Malamar. Despite what happened last month, he's taking the candidate's concern for Skull Town at face value, as his ideas are a lot more realistic and attainable in the short term than some of the others. Establishing infrastructure before the coming winter is important, after all!
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Nothing Malamar has done seems that bad to Need. He hasn't even mindwhammied anyone into permanently loving him and being hopelessly dependent on his approval, so, he's ahead of a lot of her colleagues. Psychic ethics in her canon only apply to humans and otherwise it's kind of a nightmare.
however she's practical and since when she puts her vote in she has the sense he won't win, Need goes with Umbreon. It's a bit spiteful of her as he clearly doesn't want it, but the arguments she's heard are persuasive.
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Eventually she puts in a vote for Lurantis.
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