bottlecaplogs | APRIL 2025 EVENT LOG

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APRIL 2025 EVENT LOG

⋆✩ SPRING FLING ✩⋆

The sun rises, and a gentle breeze blows. A day like any other arrives in Bottlecap Bay, and for many of the pokemon that so recently arrived it is a now familiar process. Members of the various guilds flock to the Quest Board, in search of tasks to better provide for the town. Others, maintaining businesses of their own within the small settlement, start to open their doors for another day of work.

There is something different about this day however, and it is a difference that defines the next number of them. There is never truly a dull moment here after all, and it’s time to get involved.

DONATION DRIVE

As spring fully settles into the bay, the clinic begins to advertise for additional activities on the Quest Board. A call for donors is made- but donors of what? Pokemon arriving in response to the request will find that answer to mean “anything and everything that can be given” - along with potential medical samples to help with further research into the mysterious illness, there are a great many things that can be made from shed feathers, brushed-out undercoat or trimmed horns and claws.

Or even sweat, alarming as that may seem.

Those willing will be given small interviews in which they determine what to donate, and after the process (however involved), be given a small boxed treat as compensation. And of course, they’ll record the contributions with their guild leaders too!

⟡ WHAT NOW?

Donated materials can be used for a great many things, and throughout the later half of April local businesses will be happily showing their relevant crafts off. Pokemon are invited to try their hand at sewing satchels made using Spinarak threads, spinning yarn from Stufful fur, or stuffing pillows with Ducklett down- and perhaps if they donated anything themselves, they can even make something of their own.

Literally.

NO “I” IN TEAM

With the need to re-evaluate the results of recent expeditions through the surrounding forest before making the move to branch out further, the leaders of the three guilds have come together with some training exercises to better pass the time. Rather than sit and wait between tasks determined by the quest board, the last weeks of April see various events hosted through the city with one goal in mind:

Team Building.

A. ⟡ SHOW-AND-TELL

As part of an effort to encourage understanding and community, the Guilds each host various meet-and-greets in their personal buildings- or in the case of the Lum Guild, the public Archives. It’s a chance for pokemon to show each other where they sleep and eat, to share a little of their lives with their fellows from other guilds.

There are also more awkward sharing activities- tossing a ball in a circle and giving a fact about oneself. Tying each other limb to limb and performing races. Or even gift exchanges with the donor crafts! Nothing says community like a present from the heart.

B. ⟡ STAR LIGHT, STAR BRIGHT

As an extra step from simply showing what each guild room looks like, sleepovers will be encouraged through the remaining month as well. Perhaps it’s time for a repeat of the great Oran Sleep-Pile- or maybe a sequel hosting can be held in the Canopy with the Cheri Berries.

It’s a little trickier with members of the Lum Guild, with each one having their own apartment of sorts, but just ask! Surely a few friends can pile together in their Lum buddy’s house.

C. ⟡ THE GREAT ESCAPE

Polteageist is thrilled with the success of the ‘escape rooms’ from March. As such, the existing courses and challenges have been since repurposed in order to encourage pokemon to work together, improving on the initial project. Once again working in pairs, dangerous (but not lethal!) challenges await those who wish to sign up for them. As with before, there are three different rooms to choose from, and experienced rescue Pokemon will be on call the entire time. Anyone who takes longer than the allotted time will be rescued.

⟡ Ocean room. Two Pokemon are put to sleep and wake up in a small cave beneath the water, with pockets of oxygen for those who need them. Upon waking, they must work together to escape the labyrinth of caves beneath the water and make it back to Bottlecap Bay. Some obstacles along the way may include: a maze-like cave system with misleading routes, paths with less or no sunlight, strange plants that may inflict status effects, agitated or disoriented wild Pokemon, and varying water temperatures/underwater geysers. It has an hour time limit, so good luck!

⟡ Forest room. Two Pokemon are put to sleep and wake up in the center of a dense forest, with tree cover blocking most sunlight. Upon waking, they must work together to find their directions, navigate through thick brush and forest, and make it back to Bottlecap Bay. Some obstacles along the way may include: the fog, collapsed floors into cave systems, sudden steep drops, aggressive Pokemon and plants, vines, thorns, poisons and toxins. It has a two hour time limit, so good luck!

⟡ Cave room. Two Pokemon are put to sleep and wake up far beneath the city, in one of the many tunnels belonging to the mines. Upon waking, they must work together to reorient themselves and find a way out to Bottlecap Bay. Some obstacles along the way may include: unstable sections of mines leading to collapses, a vast assortment of tunnel directions leading to disorientation, extreme temperatures, lava pits, and lessening oxygen levels. It has an hour time limit, so good luck!

OOC NOTES.

⟡ CWS: body horror, medical imagery

⟡ Though dates specified cover only the last two weeks of April, players may assume continued donation drives and crafting projects to be available through the start of May, though less frequent.

⟡ We of the Bottlecap Bay Help Team would like to extend a sincere thank-you to everyone for their patience during the transition of tasks concerning the upkeep of the game. Current events have been taking a significant toll on many, but we are hoping to finalize Exploration Quest responses within the next few days. Thank you again, and happy threading!

FULL NAVIGATION

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Can we really be a boy band..? [Emporio muses, and it's unclear if he's referring to Akari, or literally everyone other than himself. Gender is a hell of a construct today.]

Uh- R-Right, I'll try to move at a good pace...we really can't rush though, [he emphasizes as he moves to take point.] It's not the same as the woods to the south, but this branch of it will still be pretty disorienting. So we need to try and stay close.

...Oh-

[Before he goes though, he does take the stick torch from his helmet, taking the satchel he has as well so that the helm is empty. The bone ends up right on his head, while everything else is adjusted on his person.]

Akari, can you light this?

[The torch, obviously.] It's supposed to be pretty foggy going forward.

[What, almost no pun reaction? Boooo, even a more negative one would have been fun. Oh well.]

[Siffrin shakes their fur out and pads back to Emporio, averting their gaze once they realize what Emporio and Akari are doing.] I'll stay a little bit ahead - I can see in the dark okay.

[Kitty eyes are good for that! Or... eye. So they should probably try to preserve their "night" vision and keep their eyes off the torch, once they all get into the fog. Plus it'll let them test the forest floor for sudden drops.]

Are we just going straight east, or is there somewhere more specific that needs mapping? [Anasui and Emporio are both from the Lum Berries... they should know what hasn't been mapped, right?]

[Shh, Akari didn't pick up the pun! But she flares up a little so Emporio can light the torch with some of her flame.]

The general area up ahead looks pretty good, so at least there is that. And like, how good can you see?

[Anasui nods to Emporio, acknowledging that he can't charge ahead with the fog obscuring their path. Despite how bright his eyes are, they don't glow and he can't see much further than Akari can, so he'll be relying on Siffrin and the torch too.]

We're supposed to map the parts of the forest that haven't been explored yet. I went through the maps that the other groups came back with yesterday: We go East to start with. Then we head North-East when we can't travel Eastwards anymore.

[Sometimes, Siffin, people talk about so much weird stuff in your earshot that you just miss puns.

Even obvious ones.] Thanks Akari. [Okay, torch is lit!]

I think it would be best for Akari to go between me and Anasui, and you then, Siffrin- even if you can see, we won't be able to necessarily spot you in the fog. But if Akari's fire is right beside you...

[Well, there they go.] I can see okay in the dark, but that's without something obscuring my vision. We'll need to rely on light thanks to that.

Anyway. [Seems they're on about the right page!] It's like Anasui said- some parts of the woods have been mapped, at least enough to recognize what the danger is, but we really don't know a lot...our best option is to travel the path that was recorded so far, and then start moving farther out.

Everyone ready? [Assuming yes, it'll be time to move!] Then let's go!

[Okay, maybe one more. In response to Akari:] As long as it's not pitch dark, I think it's pretty ad-eye-quate!

[Teehee.]

[(Pitch dark, not pitch black? What weird phrasing.)]

[But alright, moving on - go time it is! Siffrin sets off, matching their pace to Emporio's. Their tail waves in the air jauntily - honestly, the starred tip makes for a good beacon to spot them with, even through the fog.]

[Despite the nonchalant act they're putting on, they're clearly on the alert. Their ears keep swiveling around to catch sounds, and every once in a while they'll sniff the air. And while they're not actively trying to sneak, their steps don't make much noise, what with their paw pads.]

Disgusting-

[To Siffrin.]

But you may continue.

[In response to the pun.]

[And it is obvious Akari has done exploration before, she is keeping low and loose, scanning the area before calling out if it is good to move ahead.]

Easy.

[Given how weird life in the Green Dolphin Prison was, pitch dark isn't even registered as something weird. And neither is the pun, though it gets a second dismissive snort. Anasui follows after the group, taking one step to catch up with everyone else's ten.

Shockingly, Anasui doesn't make much noise either despite his size (He's used to operating unnoticed before springing a trap). He just watches their surroundings carefully.]

[He's got three months of Ermes' horrible jokes in his head and he still has to pause at that pun. At a loss for words for a few moments, he simply gives Siffrin an almost injured look as the shinx moves ahead.

A few moments pass and he shakes it off, moving at a speedy trot.] Uh-

Let me know if the lighting is too low, okay? [He says up to Anasui, realizing just now that perhaps having all the fire at a foot above ground isn't great.]

Should we try to hold some conversation maybe..? ...To help make sure we're all accounted for with all of this?

[Siffrin makes a smug little cat grin. There we go, that's better!]

[Hmm. If Emporio's not worried about attracting something's attention - which Siffrin figures the Lum Berries would be more informed about than they would - sure, why not. They like to hear people talk.]

Is there something you want to chat about?

[It'll be a good distraction from the chill of the fog, too. It's already seeping in, almost like it's being actively attracted to the four Pokemon.]

We can talk about what the coolest part of being a Pokémon is.

[Akari suggests.]

And battle strategies.

[Anasui grunts quietly in response to Emporio. The fire down low is fine. He can at least see where he's going. However, he glares at Emporio when he suggests 'holding conversation'. Really? Now? And with him?

At least Akari has a somewhat good suggestion...]

Opponents getting hit by my glowing crash move seem to be more vulnerable to it the more I use it. [He means Lumina Crash.] It's the only ranged move I know so when I use it make sure you all close your eyes.

[Emporio just gives a somewhat helpless shrug upward- look, he knows, he knows conversation is not Anasui's thing, but trust him- It's better than being caught by a weird fog hallucination!

Ahem.] Uhhh...not much comes to mind...

Those sound like good ideas though! [He hurriedly says when Akari speaks up though.] ...Especially since we're probably all over the map, skill-wise... ...I still don't have any ground moves, but...from what I can tell, there's one ability I have that can do things based on the terrain?

[A look up to Anasui again.] ...Oh yeah, I thought I saw you use that on someone when we were helping at the clinic...

[Twice even.

Poor dude got roasted.] It kinda looked like a meteor shower actually.

[Don't think about Westwood-]

...you hit someone with meteors at the clinic? [Okay, but. Why.]

[...also, is it just them, or does a meteor skill seem really overpowered??]

[To be fair, on the other hand:] I can make lightning.

[It paralyzed someone, once, but they're still not sure if that was a fluke... so they don't mention it.]

Shinx is a good Pokémon line.

[Akari says easily.]

Good moves, but a little more on the frail side.

[She has studied the line after all in Hisui.]

[Anasui snorts. He's not sure talking actually is better than hallucinating danger but whatever, Emporio.]

No, not literal meteors. [Anasui says, offhandedly in Siffrin's direction.] I project a strange light that shimmers. They sort of look like streaks off a meteor.

[No, he will not elaborate why he was attacking Pokemon at the clinic. That should be obvious.

Anasui looks over to Akari.]

How many Pokemon species do you actually know about?

Hahaha...I guess that wouldn't make a lot of sense to someone who hadn't seen a meteor shower, sorry... ...though to be fair, the end result sure looked like an asteroid landing...

[He mutters that last bit, so it's possible only Anasui is able to even hear it.

Though, now that Akari and Anasui say that, he's curious-] Oh, right- you came from the same place as Ingo! I bet you know lots more about what we can do!

[NOT THE PALDEAN SHE DON'T]

[Good moves but frail, huh?] I guess that fits?

[Not that they think of themself as especially frail, but they're definitely not a tank, and they can admit it. If they were, they wouldn't have spent so much time... dying...? No, don't think about that right now.]

[Unfortunately(?) for Emporio, Siffrin's big ears are more than capable of catching a bit of muttering. They make themself grin again.] Soooo... basically still meteors?

[Oh, the fog's hiding a ledge here. Siffrin catches themself and calls out a warning for the others, then smacks a pebble down with their paw. It doesn't sound far, especially since the fog most be muffling the noise, so they cautiously follow.]

[The drop is a few times their height, but that's no problem for a cat. No particularly nasty roots or anything to twist your foot on, either.] There's a drop, but it's safe! Just be careful landing! [Unless you're Anasui, then you can just... step down.]

I know a ton about Pokemon, but I have no idea what the big bird fellow is. Maybe it evolved after Hisui?

[She suggested.]

Like, a mutated Starly or something.

[Anasui didn't catch what Emporio said but he gets the gist from Siffrin. He supposes since 'meteors' refer to the streaks of light after meteoroids. Siffrin is right. However, he responds to Akari instead..]

It's equally likely that I'm a completely different species. But it doesn't matter. I prefer people not knowing what I am anyway. [Though Anasui would like it to not apply to himself too.

Anasui pauses, waits for Siffrin and then steps down. He quickly makes their whole party is together before he continues.]

Edited 2025-04-30 08:55 (UTC)

S-somehow I don't think so...

[But, if Siffrin thinks meteors...well, whatever he supposes. He watches as the shinx soon goes down the ledge drop, Akari thereafter, and then of course, Anasui and himself. While waiting for his turn, he hums.

He has no idea what a starly is, but he feels like that's probably not correct.

...of course Anasui would prefer it this way though, of course.

The cubone sighs, and slides carefully down the slope. A step or two forward, and he nods. So far, so good, he thinks. Except-]

Huh..?

[...Are his feet...sinking? It feels like they are. It feels like his view is starting to gradually lower. It feels, fearfully, like something is starting to suction him down, lower...lower...]

U-Uhh..! Guys..!?

I think the ground isn't stable..!

[Oh no!!!]

[Siffrin spins around, fur bristling and eyes wide. Were they not careful enough, did they miss something?? That would be typical of them, wouldn't it, idiot -]

[They don't see anything obvious, but Emporio's definitely acting like he's sinking. Siffrin bunches up their haunches to spring over to the Cubone's side -]

[Except, as soon as their front paws land, the ground seems to just collapse under their weight and yank them under, their front half chest deep. They yelp and get a mouthful of dirt for their trouble; when they try to back up and drag themself out, their back paws start getting sucked in too.]

[When they realize this, they switch gears, struggling furiously to try and get over to Emporio - who, as far as what Siffrin's seeing, is seemingly already buried up to his neck.]

[Akari looks at the two looking like they are having a time, then looks at Anasui. Then back at the other two.]

Guys, it's okay- it's okay, go over to the bird.

[As Emporio calls out, Anasui's head swivels around sharply, ready to rescue them. However, what he sees is Emporio flailing about, as is Siffrin. The bird frowns, not exactly sure what he's witnessing. He looks back at Akari. Then at the other two again.]

What the hell are you talking about? Ground is fine. [To prove it, Anasui will reach his foot out and step between Emporio and Siffrin.] See?

[You two should probably grab onto the lifeline! One long leg can easily make for a ladder, even if the illusion makes it look like Anasui is sinking as well.]

[It's going past his legs. It's going up his waist. Emporio panics, scrambling to grab at Anasui's legs on a point where the perception of ground isn't. It's clear that he feels some kind of danger is there. He can't perceive anything else, and yet there's nothing there.]

A-

Anasui, you need to get out of the dirt, quick..!!

APRIL 2025 EVENT LOG

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CW: (FAKE) QUICKSAND TIME

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