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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?
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!"
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!"
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!
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!
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!
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!
✩ 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!
⟡ 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!
GUILD LEADER THREADS
While Guild Leaders can be assumed to be in their Guild Base, or performing normal guild duties, they may also be found at the Festival Celebrations.
Cheri Berries
So, no, he won't be participating in a race, thank you very much. If he had curtains he could draw, he would. Alas, he can hear the festivities from his roofless abode well into the night. When he actually tries to participate and asks for some alcohol, the vendors don't even give him a sip. 'Too young', his left leaf-- sure, discount the time loops if you want, but he nearly died for his guild already! Now he can't even drink?
... Speaking of, he spots Ribombee nursing some mead. This might be his chance to endear himself to his guild leader. Ribombee must recognize that not only did he put in great effort in his guild duties, but now he's here being a good sport about their festival, too, right?
Flowey picks up a poffin and carries it on his head over to Ribombee.]
Guildmaster! Wow, it sure is great to see you! Hope you're enjoying this wonderful Dragafloat Festival!
[He knows Ribombee is far more shrewd than he lets in on-- doubtless he's heard more rumors about Flowey's... temperament. He gestures forward, beckoning Ribombee to take the poffin.]
Here, my treat! Just wanted to show my appreciation for all you do! [He somehow manages to say this while maintaining his smile and not wretching. Ugh-- he hates playing suck-up. But he will.]
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The smile on Ribombee's face as he takes the poffin seems natural enough, and yet it's hard to shake the feeling that it's just as rehearsed as Flowey's.]
How thoughtful of you, Flowey! [He takes a small bite of the poffin, and places it in his lap.] I hope you're enjoying the Festival as well - after all, it wouldn't have been possible without your contribution.
[It's hard to tell if Flowey's attempts are working - there's a baseline of friendly enthusiasm that Ribombee doesn't seem to stray away from very often, although Flowey has definitely heard some stories about him by now. (Like the fact that he and Mightyena got in a physical fight over one of the newcomers. Which, of course, Ribombee lost.)]
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Actually, I just wanted to thank you again for giving a chance to a little old Sunkern like me. I think my training has really been paying off!
[Of course, knowing Ribombee is displaying a careful mask like him means that too much sucking up will actually be counterintuitive, since he'll just get suspicious. Flowey plans to back off after this. Trust takes time, and once he's completed more quests and become Ribombee's favorite, he'll have plenty of time to pry out all of the guildmaster's dark secrets. The thought nearly makes him giggle.
... But to his own surprise, he finds himself suddenly speaking with sincerity.]
Back in my world, I never saw the sun. Not like this. [The one time he did, he was carrying the body of someone special in order to lay it to rest. Now, the soft sea breeze ruffles his leaves, and the sun's warmth shrouds him like a well-worn blanket. He could almost get used to this, let himself think he even deserves it if he's not careful.] I'll admit, I didn't have the best first impression of this world, but... it really is beautiful. I get why you work so hard to protect it.
[He quickly covers up his genuine awe with his practiced smile. Hopefully that was a good tactical move (at least, he thinks of it as such to protect himself from thinking he has feelings) and not a blunder.]
I'll keep working hard, too! That's all I wanted to say.
[He'll wait for the guildmaster's response, but he doesn't want to take up his entire day, either; once Ribombee responds, he plans to politely bow out and let Ribombee enjoy his mead and his poffin. Unless there's anything pressing that Ribombee will ask of him, of course.]
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Oran Berries
[What if she didn't prove her worth? She should have been doing more? What if she is making it where the leader's expectations were lowered each month.]
[The Cyndaquil felt timid for once as she approached the guild leader. But she also took a deep breath and stood up straight after gathering her nerves.]
Hey Boss.
[Her tone was as casual as she could make it.]
Just wanting to check in.
[Preemptive strike.]
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I'm glad you came - I wanted to make sure you were okay after your last quest.
[Granted, it didn't sound like Akari's team had too much trouble, but Mightyena is always worried about her guild members. And who wouldn't be worried, learning that Pokemon they care about were out fighting a giant, unrecognized Pokemon.]
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[She put her little nubby arms on her hips.]
Although something wasn't right with that Ursaluna. I made a comparison from the Pokédex entry I made back home about them to what I observed here.
[She reached into her satchel, and sure enough- there it was. In case stuff goes belly-up she wanted to be safe, and she handed it over to the other Pokemon.]
[included with it was some very bad sketches (because nubs and not knowing how to draw with them) of the comparison between Ursaluna and the Bloodmoon one. Including the normal Ursaluna having an arrow drawn at it with 'cute' written on top and the Bloodmoon one having 'Angry' written by its.]
Like, I figured you'd like a Pokedex entry on this one even though it is so not complete.
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Cheri
Firepaw seeks Ribombee out in his office, carrying a small bag in his mouth that contains a bottle of apple mead. The bag just makes it easier to carry. He places the bag carefully on Ribombee's desk, and backs up so he can sit up straight and look as mature and serious as possible. It... honestly just makes him look stiff and silly.]
Ribombee - are you busy? I wanted to give you a report on the fog, since the bounties are all dealt with.
[It hasn't really occurred to Firepaw that he doesn't have to have a work-related reason to talk to his leader. Back home, the leaders are always busy, either surrounded by older warriors or resting to get their mental energy back, and Bluestar only had time to focus on him when they were training together.]
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Ribombee could be difficult to track down at the best of times after all, at least outside of anything truly important.
Firepaw is lucky however, in that the office is precisely where he is. Luckier still to open with something relevant. Firepaw might not need such a thing to warrant a meeting of course, but it doesn't hurt.]
Firepaw! [Genuine happiness seems to waft off the bug Pokemon as he inspects the bag. Though his attention seems to be on examining the contents, he make sure to address one of his (recent) top recruits. After all, Firepaw has been one busy Litten.] Wonderful to see you- I've heard fantastic things about all your progress so far for the Bay. You're doing the Cheri Berries marvelously. I would be thrilled to hear a report directly from you.
[The bottle is revealed in that moment, and Ribombee's eyes briefly light up.] Apple mead! Hmhmhm! How did you get this?
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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.
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Lum Berries
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!]
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Anasui's entrance startles them, but they recover quickly enough - there's some quiet clinking of porcelain as they turn to face him, and let out a somewhat dramatic breath of air.]
I was hoping I'd see you, actually. [Their voice is chipper, and they balance their elbows on the edge of their pot to lace their fingers under their... chin? It's unclear if they have one.] But let's talk about your report first.
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Hmph... have you now? [Since Polteageist is giving him the floor, he doesn't ask about it more, not that he cares. Instead, he grunts.]
I have nothing interesting to report about the Dondozo bounty. I gave them a piece of my mind after I was swallowed and they obviously spat me out. That's fine. It was taken care of.
...But it's about the Spiritomb: I've gone two missions to beat up that thing the Southern Forest. But while my missions were successful both times, I don't know how worthwhile it all was. Do ghost Pokemon actually die? Or are they just defeated and left to gather their strength?
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Oran Berries
Still, opportunities to meet with the guildmasters are not something to take for granted.
So, with careful calmness, Akechi approaches Mightyena, bowing as he greets her.]
Mightyena-san, I trust you've been well?
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I have, yes - how have you been holding up? You've been very busy for the last few months.
[She's been, honestly, very impressed by his accomplishments - although she also heard about how poorly he handled his one failed quest. Still, that seems to have been resolved on its own so she isn't too worried about it.]
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[He heaves a small sigh, contemplating the right words. The tail wag is a good sign, where canine body language is concerned. She seems to be in good spirits, too, though that may be in part due to the festivities.]
I'll admit, I've been rather heavily focused on earning my keep. This world has provided somewhat of a blank slate for me, and I'd rather not take it for granted. That being said, it certainly would be easier if I evolved...
[It's not lost on him how small he is, and the inconveniences therein.]
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Lum Berries
Helmet?
Whatever. The fact that he went after two bounties speaks for that in itself, but right now it's time for celebration. For stories!
And just as Polteageist ends that last one about the Festival with the remark that they'll have to see the purpose of the bonfires for themselves on the night of the race, Emporio looks at the fire.
And out to sea.
Back to the fire, and-]
...Oh!
[Don't worry now, he'll keep his mouth shut. He promises.] ...Neat!
[HE PROMISES??]
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Did you have a question, Emporio?
[It sounds almost like a teacher putting a student on the spot, but they really do want to give him the floor.]
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[Oh, and what a spot it is. He doesn't want to give away the bonfires answer- that would be spoiling the fun of it for Polteageist, he's sure. But he can surely think of an actual question, right..?
Lucky for him at least, since the story was over, there's not a whole lot of pokemon right here at the bonfire. It may well dwindle down to just them, soon enough.] Uhhh...
...Oh. Actually...I think so?
There seems to be a lot more Pokemon who can't swim or fly here, than those who can...I know boats were involved, but does that mean a lot of those arriving here had to come in some kind of planned group?
[That's relevant enough, right?]
Oran
His trip to the Middle Forest ended with him waking up at the clinic with plenty of bruises and scrapes to show for it. Nothing he couldn't get over on his own, honestly, but the head injury kept him there longer than he would have otherwise liked. Not eager to become a fixture at the place, when the opportunity finally arose for him to split, he took it, lingering headache be damned.
Now, despite the festivities happening, he finds himself at the Spire first, not really one for parties on his own, anyway. As he wanders the tunnels, he spots Mightyena from behind after turning a corner, much to his surprise. His ears immediately perk up, though he quickly notices that she looks busy, likely as part of the preparations.
He's inclined to leave her be, but before he turns away, he spots a small bag nearby, causing him to approach to pick it up. Curiously, his fingers press against the satchel, its contents unknown. He wonders what could be inside, just for a moment, before he calls after her. ]
Mightyena. Think you dropped something.
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Oh- thank you, this must be Mareep's. She's been running herself ragged...
[Mightyena takes the satchel, and carefully slides it over her neck for safe keeping. But instead of hurrying off, she sits down with the tip of her tail waving idly.]
How are you feeling, Bigby? Do you need me to get you anything?
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I can— [ Before he can even make his offer, the guild leader has already taken it upon herself to return it. His ears flatten, just enough to be noticeable. A wolf gently tending to the need's of a sheep — it stirs an odd emotion he can't place. ]
... Nothing I can't get myself. [ His voice is quiet, and he manages a weak smile until rubbing the back of his head. The pain is still there, try as he might to ignore it; her first question remains unanswered, nonetheless. ] But, thank you.
[ He looks up at her, curious now. ] I could ask you the same. Heard there's plenty to do for this festival, but still only one of you.
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oran berries
Dark Heart approaches her with a calculated, intentional calm.]
Hey there, Boss. Got somethin' for ya.
[Maybe she's not as touchy-feely as the rest of them and all this tension is for nothing.]
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Oh? What would that be?
[Her interest is genuine, although her tone still sounds fairly blunt. Maybe that's for the best, in this case.]
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[It's always bears-- usually they're nicer and that's the problem. But it all comes back to bears.
Dark Heart's side is bandaged up, but he doesn't acknowledge it. He shrugs, voice lilting up.]
But I took care of it-- for the most part. Should be smooth sailing for a little while, I think. I'll return once I've rested more.