bayhelpers: (Default)
Baymod Helpers ([personal profile] bayhelpers) wrote in [community profile] bottlecaplogs2025-06-15 10:36 am

JUNE 2025 EVENT LOG


⋆✩ THE BOTTLECAP RAFTING FESTIVAL ✩⋆



May Showers long gone, the sun that greets the month of June seems to intensify its brilliance to make up for absence. It’s only the start of the season of Summer, but the heat is already rising by the passing of the day.

For the residents of Bottlecap Bay, this is just another part of life. Once the threats of strange Pokemon and the enraged Dondozo are resolved there’s nothing stopping them from preparing for the end of the month. Banners are being strung across the streets. Signs are being posted at every business door.

But just what is the Dragafloat Festival anyway?

i. PRE-EMPTIVE CELEBRATIONS
PREPARE FOR A FEAST



Though life in Bottlecap Bay still proceeds with relative normalcy, the air of celebration is impossible to miss after the mid-month passes by. Not content with simply displaying festive banners and flyers for the incoming event, plenty of stores and even small eateries are pulling out all the stops. This holiday celebrates the very first arrival to Bottlecap Bay — but more than that, the timing of their newfound peace can’t be ignored! It’s the kind of chance experience that puts spirits into the highest of moods.

With street foods of all kinds on display, it’s no surprise that Pokemon will see things that weren’t there before. In fact, some shops might even be taking a page from the books of their newly accepted friends, giving their very best attempt at dishes and treats as described to them by these strange foreigners from worlds afar.

The celebratory air isn’t restricted to the daylight hours either. With the battles in the various parts of the woods, the Fog that so afflicted the bay has now receded; only partly, but enough to encourage bolder acts into the night. Local Ghost Pokemon are far more friendly (though no less mischievous) without local suspicions turning their way, and happily dance along great bonfires being erected upon the beach.

As June 20th draws closer, even the Guild Leaders can be seen joining in on the fun. Was that Ribombee with a mug of mead? Did Polteageist just offer to tell a story by the bonfire? It’s said that similar fires were used as signals for other Pokemon to make their way to the shores, but in his very own words, that’s not quite what these blazing towers are for this time. What are they for, in that case?

"Well, that’s just something you’ll have to see for yourselves!"
WINE AND DINE⟡ Players are encouraged to come up with their own foods present at the festivals as they proceed throughout the latter end of June. Examples can be found here, but real world examples of street foods and drinks are also allowed within reason.

⟡ For characters over the age of 21, there are alcoholic beverages. The fermentation process means plenty of options to go around - feel free to assume they are made from berries, fruit or vegetables, at whatever ABV you'd like.

⟡ While the festival itself isn’t officially until the 20th of June, festivities will nonetheless fill the streets leading up to that day — and even after. They will die down significantly after a few days of cleaning and sobering up however.

⟡ The Guild Leaders are available for threads once again! Players may comment for such threads here, keeping in mind that threads will not exceed more than 5 comments from Leaders.


ii. THE ANNUAL DRAGAFLOAT RACE
ARTISTIC PRIDE



On the morning of the festival, many Pokemon rise much earlier than they normally would. The lone exception belongs to those who were early birds and nocturnal sorts to begin with — in which case they’re not only out and about already, but in some cases staying awake as long as they possibly can. It’s the Dragafloat Race, and for some aspiring extreme artists that means it’s time to show off their Pokemon spirit.

What better way to do that, than express themselves? The Pokemon preparing their paints don’t intend to do that on just any canvas though. They’re here to paint each other, and will happily encourage others to do it as well. Eager to show their skill or teach a new budding artist, it’s time to get creative and try something new.

And preferably, something bright!

IT’S TO DYE FOR⟡ The paints being used by Pokemon vary. Some Smeargle and Grafaiai use their natural power. Others, such as Ink creating Pokemon, blend their inks with natural pigments for various painters to make use of.

⟡ All paints are safe for Pokemon skin, but are NOT water soluble. Pokemon will be warned of this in advance, but the hope is that these painted designs last through the float race — which is difficult if the water washes it away. It takes about 2 days to fade away naturally.

⟡ Characters participating in the races themselves will be encouraged to paint with colors matching a team theme! See the following prompt for further details.
ON YOUR MARK…



In the days leading up to the 20th, sign-up sheets will have been seen near to the Quest Board’s typical postings. These sheets require Pokemon to sign up for any one of two roles: Tow, or Passenger. Apparently, the sheets explain, random pair-ups will occur at the start of the race for full fairness.

But what about the race itself? When the day finally arrives, the morning is dedicated to preparation. Uniquely colored rafts are prepared for each team, and various body-painters offer their services to help each team match their float. In the true spirit of the race’s origin, each team is encouraged to choose one of the first Pokemon of Bottlecap to theme their ride around. Samurott perhaps? Maybe Gastrodon? The right to pick the coveted Dragapult is one many fight over, so it may be best to choose one of the less popular ones! Bottlecap wasn’t made by one alone after all.

The race starts in the bay, and ends in the bay; it takes Pokemon far, far out to sea before turning them around as Passengers cheer and support their Tow partner through the entire event. It’s up to the Passenger to protect their partner so that the Tow can focus on swimming. It’s a group effort, and one that takes hours of work to boot!

But with the end of the race in sight by way of massive bonfires sitting in the Bay’s evening light, it’s work that will be well worth it. Do your best, Pokemon of Bottlecap!

...GO!⟡ The race will take only one day, but Sign-Ups are available as a fun bonus for players to participate in. No threads will be required, and a random draw will be performed on June 30th to determine a winner from among a pool of NPC Pokemon.

⟡ Unless otherwise requested, pair-ups for the race are completely random. In fact, players may find themselves ‘partnered’ to an NPC! If two players wish above all else to form a team, please indicate this when signing up.

⟡ Despite the nature of the race, Sign-Ups do not require particular typing for the roles of Tow and Passenger. Instead, there is a disclaimer and a warning encouraging any and all Pokemon weak to Water against the role of Tow.

⟡ Festivities noted in earlier prompts will reach their peak energy during the afterhours of the race, carrying on through the entire night.


✩ OOC NOTES.
CWS: Water/ocean related risks, potential alcohol use, references to prior heavy quests (Pokemon death, Pokemon eating other Pokemon)

⟡ While all Heavy Quests will ICly have completed by June 15th, 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 24th! We understand that there's been a few months now where this wasn't expected, so we don't want you to forget.

⟡ 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!


FULL NAVIGATION
friendlyflower: (normal)

B.

[personal profile] friendlyflower 2025-06-16 08:50 pm (UTC)(link)
[The fire makes Flowey a little nervous, being a little Sunkern and all. He's seated close enough to enjoy the warmth, but far enough away to avoid any stray sparks-- and close enough to the water to hop in if anything does happen.

He hasn't partaken much in the festival food- preferring to photosynthesize- or the drink- he's too young for alcohol- but he has taken an interest in the tales of Bottlecap Bay's founding. When Firoza turns, he perks up.
]

Me? Aw, I'm not that interesting. You sound cool, though! An 'adventurer'? Did you have a sword and enchanted armor or something? [His main point of reference: fantasy games and a wild imagination. He's admittedly also excited to get to know someone without a painful memory-share.]
Edited 2025-06-16 20:51 (UTC)
bladeofnymeia: (hewwo)

[personal profile] bladeofnymeia 2025-06-16 09:01 pm (UTC)(link)
[She actually takes a moment to think about that.] I don't think my armor was enchanted. Just well made. But, yes, I had a sword that a friend gave me called Lightbringer. And a very special shield bequeathed to me from House Fortemps. They have served me incredibly well.
bladeofnymeia: (tea time)

[personal profile] bladeofnymeia 2025-06-16 09:05 pm (UTC)(link)
'Tis the same as a Birthday. Though in some cultures, many people aren't given their proper name until they're a certain age...and yet it's still considered a Nameday.

[She knows how to spell, it's correct! Until he gets a canon update, and then she'll fix it for free.]

It is wool. Back when Pokemon were donating things - some are wooly, and I made a good amount of fabric out of what was donated. The bolt this came from was better for blankets.

[Might be a blend of Wooloo and Mareep, honestly.]

telewarped: (All the little things)

[personal profile] telewarped 2025-06-16 09:32 pm (UTC)(link)
[She would have already gotten a picture if she still had her phone, but Grumpearl pics just aren't the same when any images captured will inevitably fade into her memory anyway.]

Nah. You've suffered enough—but I appreciate your bravery!

[She... tried to have the wrapping be simple and easy (but fun!) to remove for his sake, but she snorts as she watches him tearing messily into it with his teeth.]

On second thought, maybe I should've just skipped the wrapping... My bad. Need some help?

[Whether he needs an additional set of claws or not, eventually he'll manage to get it unwrapped and find three items inside: a sweet malasada (wrapped in a bit of parchment paper) for old time's sake, a small, hand-sewn crinkle toy, designed from scrap fabric in the vague likeness of a flattened bird, and a round, smooth rock—an Everstone.

(If he wants, the box itself can maybe also count as a bonus fourth gift, being just large enough for him to fit inside once its contents are removed.)]
wolfcut: <user name="unification"> (pic#17853767)

1.b. (birthday c-c-combo breaker)

[personal profile] wolfcut 2025-06-16 09:39 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Coming from the sterile environment of the clinic to the festivities outdoors is a little overwhelming on the senses, to say the least, but the food (and alcohol) easily brings Bigby in for more. Having a persistently hungry stomach makes it easier to burn through most samples, he’s found, though one savory-sweet smell in particular draws him away from the main stalls, until he finds—

of course. Firepaw might be orange, but he recognizes that scent almost immediately.
]

The hell are you hissing at?

[ Bigby takes a slow drink from his cup, keeping his eyes locked right onto the Litten’s. He’s certainly looked better, that’s for sure, but Firepaw might also notice his fur seems to have shifted from purple to white since they last met. ]
quirkynote: (94)

iii. congratulations on the born

[personal profile] quirkynote 2025-06-17 12:15 am (UTC)(link)
[Much like Firepaw, A.B.A doesn't really...understand birthdays, either. She knows they're a thing, she's read about them countless times, but she often has a hard time...getting the idea. From what she can gather, they're a celebration of life??? That's...good??? But what does THAT have to do with pinning severed tails onto livestock?!

If she didn't like Firepaw, she probably wouldn't have bothered showing up at all. But she does, and so does Shoka, and so does a lot of other Pokémon she likes. A.B.A doesn't typically care for parties, but no one seems to be too rowdy at the moment. She can just...leave once things become overwhelming, it's...fine. When she sees her chance, she'll approach Firepaw with a small nod.]


You did it, you survived a year... I do hope you can survive another.
friendlyflower: (wink2)

[personal profile] friendlyflower 2025-06-17 12:54 am (UTC)(link)
[He's so jealous that it's almost making him angry. Where's his cool sword???] Wow! You sure do come from a different world than I did! You must've been a real hero, huh? What's the strongest foe you ever beat?
firealone: (38)

[personal profile] firealone 2025-06-17 02:36 pm (UTC)(link)
[Firepaw's fur puffs up, and he basks openly in all of the praise. It's very different from Bluestar's praise, which wasn't rare but always seemed carefully chosen. In both cases, it's been a little embarrassing to feel like the favorite, but it still feels nice.]

Oh, one of the adults helped me get it... [He realizes halfway through speaking that this might be against the rules.] I mean, older adults. The brewer wasn't sure if twelve months is old enough for a cat, and I wasn't sure either... we didn't have this stuff in the forest.

[And he isn't sure if he wants it, anyway. It smells rotten.]

Um... anyway, it looks like the fog is receding, which means... the bounty Pokemon must have had something to do with it, I think. The big bear that Dark Heart and I fought in the Middle Forest, especially, seemed to have a lot of control over the area. Now that it's dealt with, it should be safer for Pokemon to live in that area, although... if it's wild Pokemon, that probably is going to make it just as dangerous.
firealone: (13)

[personal profile] firealone 2025-06-17 02:40 pm (UTC)(link)
Well, it's wonderful! This is going right on my nest.

[Cat beds might be the only thing he truly misses about being a housecat - and this is a fantastic substitute.]

Back in the forest, we didn't have namedays or birthdays... but we had ceremonies to celebrate new seasons of our lives. I've only had one so far, when I got my apprentice name. But... if I'd stayed in the forest, I'd probably get my warrior name soon.

[He actually would have it by now - he was supposed to become a warrior fairly young. Nowadays, though, he doesn't think much about returning to the forest, although he does feel silly keeping an apprentice name as an adult.]
firealone: (38)

[personal profile] firealone 2025-06-17 02:45 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm plenty sharp without thorns, anyway.

[He holds his paws up, and alternates unsheathing his claws on one paw and then the other.]

I'm feeling... the same, I think. Actually, I feel a little better after the bounties - fighting those huge Pokemon made me feel a lot better about going into the forest. I mean, I fought a bear!

[He did not know what a bear was before May, but he knows he got to fight something multiple times his own size. And he won!]

What about you? I heard that you fought a Dondozo.
firealone: (13)

[personal profile] firealone 2025-06-17 03:00 pm (UTC)(link)
[He does end up needing help - but as soon as he gets it open he starts buzzing with excitement. He recognizes the Everstone immediately - he's been taking those quests specifically to try and get one - and then notices the crinkle toy, and then the malasada, and then the box possibilities click into place-]

StarClan above- Shoka, these are amazing!

[Before anything else, he needs to move the box aside so he can bump his forehead into hers, purring at max volume the entire time.]

Thank you so much! I promise I'm gonna find you something just as good for your birthday!
firealone: (67)

firepaw: idk what a birthday party is but bigby's not invited-

[personal profile] firealone 2025-06-17 03:07 pm (UTC)(link)
[The hiss was purely instinctual - but as soon as he recognizes Bigby, he decides he has to double down.]

You. Don't touch my food.

[He's going to continue eating, but his gaze is locked onto the Morpeko, and a constant stream of growls is rumbling out of him while he chews with his mouth open.

He does notice the color change, although he doesn't know enough about Morpeko to tell what the difference means. After a few bites he pauses to ask, although his tone is... almost accusatory.
]

Did you get painted too?
firealone: (39)

[personal profile] firealone 2025-06-17 03:11 pm (UTC)(link)
[Lucky for A.B.A, cat birthday parties have to be a lot more chill than human parties. It's pretty easy for Firepaw to get overwhelmed by crowds and loud noises, although he'll tough it out for the sake of the vibe if they do get rowdy.

When she approaches him, though, he beams up at her.
]

Thank you - you too.

[Is that the normal response? He has no idea, he's done zero research.]

It's been a very strange year... but I wouldn't mind spending another one here. It's actually... easier to stay fed and healthy than it was in the forest.
dripdrive: (Espathra_Neutral)

Lum Berries

[personal profile] dripdrive 2025-06-17 03:24 pm (UTC)(link)
[Even before being arrested, Anasui wasn't one for festivities. He prefers his own company and reading, which is good because he has a number of things he wants to research at the Archives such as 'what the hell is the Forest's Heart in the Northern Forest?' and 'How the fuck do you torture ghost types because I want to throttle that Spiritomb myself?'

But, as Anasui finds quickly, the Archives is expansive and it's impossible to find anything useful despite it being the Lum Guild's responsibility to organise the archives. It's utter chaos (at least to Anasui's standard, which should not be the standard we measure by, as the Paved Roads Quest Board has proven). Anasui's felt the urge to disassemble the entire Archive so he could find what he needed (or at least make a new index! Let him take apart this one shelf and show how useful it can be-)

After months of combing over the Archives, Anasui decides to air his grievances on the Guild Leader. He makes no attempt to mask his presence as he walks up the stairs to the floor and he very quickly barges in to where Polteageist is with almost no warning.]


... Guildmaster. I need to talk to you about the results of some of the quests... [Don't sound so calm when you nearly kicked down their door, Anasui!]
bladeofnymeia: (:o ?)

[personal profile] bladeofnymeia 2025-06-17 05:36 pm (UTC)(link)
[All cats deserve comfy beds, even warriors!]

So you would get a whole new name entirely...?
bladeofnymeia: (breathe in)

Cw: Endwalker spoilers

[personal profile] bladeofnymeia 2025-06-17 05:47 pm (UTC)(link)
[That's rough, buddy. Jealousy, who even is that, Firoza doesn't know that Pokemon.]

The strongest...hm. That's difficult. And, I wouldn't like to sound like I was bragging...

[Also the persistent voice in the back of her mind reminds her of one certain opponent who would throw a shitfit if she didn't name him as the strongest...]

I suppose...it would be a tie between two of them. The first would be the Endsinger. The collected and compounded despair of eons, from countless stars, in her nest at the end of the universe. Without the efforts of many dear friends, she would have never been overcome, let alone reached.

[Jesus crispy fried Christ, what the hell]

And the other would be Zenos viator Galvus, former crown prince of the Garlean Empire. [A pause.] We both thought a duel to the death at the edge of creation was an experience one couldn't pass up.
arceusstansme: (004 : Explaining)

[personal profile] arceusstansme 2025-06-17 07:59 pm (UTC)(link)
It is. Ingo might know more because even though I did study Ursalunas, Ingo has been around them longer because like, one is a Nobel in his clan. And it was only acting weird because a frenzied Nobel accidentally powdered it bad.

[Might as well give Mightyena as much information as possible. And yes, she is going to mildly ignore the first comment. She had been told similar before by people who still threw her out when things went sour.]

I really hope this isn't some horror fog or something. But like, even if it is, I am ready to find out why.


friendlyflower: (wink2)

[personal profile] friendlyflower 2025-06-17 08:46 pm (UTC)(link)
Yup! I nearly took it down all by myself! [He lies effortlessly. It's probably easy to find out that's not the case at all- what with Firepaw, Lusamine, and Siffrin all being in the same guild- but whateverrrrr.] It juuuust got away. Maybe someone else can go ahead and finish it off and hog the glory since I'm such a nice guy!

But enough about lil ol' me. [Notably, he hasn't actually mentioned how he's feeling at all.] You sure are tough! I thought Fire-type was weak to Ground-type, but you're stronger than that! [This might seem like a backhanded compliment, but he actually seems a little impressed.]
friendlyflower: (golly)

[personal profile] friendlyflower 2025-06-17 08:59 pm (UTC)(link)
[The sincerity Flowey receives in return catches him off-guard. It's not just all for glory-- Ribombee really does care. Flowey wants to ask a million questions- did you come from another world also? How long have you been here? Do you also feel like you aren't really who you think you are?- but the time isn't right. He'll be patient.

And that sincerity is punctuated with a thinly-veiled threat. Flowey expected no less; and it's fine, he likes a challenge. He'll show Ribombee how much he 'cares' about this stupid city, what with its kind people and warm sunlight and all that beauty worth protecting.
]

You can count on me, guildmaster! [With that, he does a little bow and takes his leave.]
firealone: (31)

[personal profile] firealone 2025-06-17 09:10 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, no. Most warriors keep the first part of their name, so mine would be... Firestep, or Firetail, or something like that. Sometimes they get a different name - one of our elders is named One-eye, but I think her apprentice name was Whitepaw. Our leader chooses our warrior name, and we keep it until we pass on, unless we become the leader. Their name always ends in -star, like Bluestar.

[He loves talking about ThunderClan's culture, although every month he feels a little less connected to it. He was only there for two months... but that was his home, for those two months.]
friendlyflower: sunkern with its mouth open shouting (shout)

Cw: Endwalker spoilers (cont'd)

[personal profile] friendlyflower 2025-06-17 09:13 pm (UTC)(link)
What? [He leans in, excitement shining in his beady eyes.] The collected despair of eons at the end of the universe?!

[He realizes he's overreacting and takes a moment to collect himself, clearing his throat.] I mean, I bet you and your friends were cool too! Hee hee.

Must be a hard act to follow up, huh? One day, you overcome impossible odds with the help of people you love... the next, you're sitting alone on a beach. [He coughs a little. Projecting, who?] ... Or something.

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