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: (heehee)

Cheri Berries

[personal profile] friendlyflower 2025-06-15 10:53 pm (UTC)(link)
[Flowey has spent the last few days asleep. Although healing berries, Leech Seed, and other methods have meant he hasn't wound up permanently scarred or dead, he still got blasted in the face by a monster bear, nearly drowned, was sent flying by a massive whale, and worst of all, got dragged to a sleepover. He's exhausted to the very core.

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.]
friendlyflower: (talkside)

[personal profile] friendlyflower 2025-06-16 07:07 pm (UTC)(link)
[He preens a little at the praise. Even though Ribombee is clearly wearing a mask just as much as he is, Flowey's still been doing this to prove his worth-- it's good to have that recognized.] Aw, shucks, guildmaster-- I'm just trying to do my part, just like everyone ought to!

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.]
Edited (minor wording changes) 2025-06-16 19:09 (UTC)

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arceusstansme: (001 : Blank)

Oran Berries

[personal profile] arceusstansme 2025-06-15 11:06 pm (UTC)(link)
[Akari wanted to do a proper check in with Mightyena. Akari had been trying to prove her worth still, she trusted her guild leader to some degree, but a part of her would always be nervous even if she didn't show it.]

[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.]
arceusstansme: (005 : Happy)

[personal profile] arceusstansme 2025-06-16 07:55 pm (UTC)(link)
Of course I am. It was only a lick.

[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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firealone: (57)

Cheri

[personal profile] firealone 2025-06-16 01:23 pm (UTC)(link)
[It's been a long time since Firepaw first came here - it feels much longer for him than others, since he's spent a third of his life in Bottlecap Bay. He missed the first opportunity to speak to Ribombee, so he's been antsy to talk to him this time.

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.]
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.

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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!]
dripdrive: (resting bitch face)

[personal profile] dripdrive 2025-06-18 07:40 am (UTC)(link)
[Good grief, it's a system that hinges on everyone knowing where everything is. This would be fine for general use of the Archives but you'll be scrambling when you're doing a general search for something obscure. Like Anasui has been. Anasui does have words for Polteageist about it but he's decided it's more important (and easier) to pour the answers about other matters out of the little teapot.]

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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truthdecided: (calm)

Oran Berries

[personal profile] truthdecided 2025-06-20 12:26 am (UTC)(link)
[Akechi has been so busy focusing on quests and research that he's hardly had time to let loose or slow down. Taking on two large bounties certainly hasn't helped, even if both quests turned out significantly better than the Northern Forest expedition.

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?
truthdecided: (perplexed)

[personal profile] truthdecided 2025-06-20 05:26 pm (UTC)(link)
It's been... interesting.

[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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seacub: (AND NOW A PIPE TOO??)

Lum Berries

[personal profile] seacub 2025-06-21 03:14 pm (UTC)(link)
[It's late into the night. Late enough that perhaps someone ought just be in bed, but with the festival on it's no surprise that Emporio's still awake. He's been settling in well- no doubt the townsfolk themselves agree. It feels different when your interloper from humanity is a child, probably. But he's done regular volunteer work under Dr. Denne's watchful eye, and he's done everything he can to read anything and everything his strange hands can take hold of in the archives too. The more time passes, the more he's coming out of his shell.

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??]
seacub: (AND NOW A PIPE TOO??)

[personal profile] seacub 2025-06-24 05:09 am (UTC)(link)
AH-

[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?]
wolfcut: (pic#17883253)

Oran

[personal profile] wolfcut 2025-06-21 08:20 pm (UTC)(link)
[ All things considered, Bigby could be faring a lot worse.

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.
wolfcut: (pic#17883237)

[personal profile] wolfcut 2025-06-25 03:28 am (UTC)(link)
[ He tilts his head at the conversation he's now interrupting, but rather than try to listen in, he glances away until Mightyena addresses him directly. ]

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.
favorforafavor: art by bones (v)

oran berries

[personal profile] favorforafavor 2025-06-23 03:02 am (UTC)(link)
[In the months he's spent in Bottlecap Bay, Dark Heart hasn't spoken much directly with Mightyena. His month-long sleep aside, the silence has almost certainly been noticeable. Maybe it's the idea that she sees through him in some way he doesn't actively register, maybe it's the general sense of independence he's had throughout his solitary existence. Answering to someone is... new. Being a part of a team is newer still. Better to just ignore all that, right?

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.]
favorforafavor: (o)

[personal profile] favorforafavor 2025-06-25 05:54 pm (UTC)(link)
That creature in the woods? Turns out it was a giant bear-- was on a bit of a rampage, too. Must be something with the fog. What else is new, right?

[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.