JUNE 2025 EVENT LOG

[bayhelpers]

⋆✩ 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

Comments

Cheri Berries

[friendlyflower]

[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.]

[bayhelpers]

[Poor Flowey... Ribombee has read the reports from his misadventures, and it sure seemed like Arceus had it out for him this month. Ribombee has made sure that Flowey has less responsibilities since coming back - it's important to rest up after all of that hard work, and he did face two of the three major threats in the area. That's worth a lot of pampering!

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.)]

[friendlyflower]

[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.]

[bayhelpers]

[The sincerity seems to give Ribombee pause - at least, he listens quietly and nods along, and actually takes a proper bite of that poffin now. Which also means that his answer is going to have to wait until he finishes chewing.]

Yes, I think... everyone has had a fairly difficult arrival. But I can't imagine going your whole life without seeing the sun - especially for a flower.

[There's a hint of sincerity in his voice, although it never stops sounding upbeat.]

Really, though, I'm glad to hear it. Too many, I find, fail to see why that matters. The city is beautiful, and it takes initiative to keep it that way. But I think you're the right kind of Pokemon - the kind that understands how much hard work goes into keeping everything afloat.

[Here, the sincerity swells and overtakes his tone - he really loves Bottlecap Bay, and that is something that is easy to parse even if the rest of him is sort of muddled in blanket positivity.]

I expect great things from you - I'd hate for the Pokemon who recommended you to be disappointed.

[friendlyflower]

[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.]