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bottlecaplogs2025-06-15 10:36 am
bayhelpers) wrote in 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?
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!
Cw: Endwalker spoilers (cont'd)
Well, you do you! But when you're trying to get sand out your ears, you're going to be thinking, "I slayed a cosmic monstrosity for this?"
[He's not sure what else to say, but he has listened attentively to her words. What an interesting person... she's lived such a different life than the rest of them, it seems.]
Oh, silly me! I didn't introduce myself! You can just call me 'Flowey'.
Cw: Endwalker spoilers (cont'd)
[She nods at the name.] Mine is Firoza Istus. But please, call me Firoza.
no subject
[She must be strong-- maybe the strongest one here. Then again, she does look like a little blue rat-thing with a horn (he doesn't know much about Pokemon still). He decides to test her a little.]
Hmm... do you work for a guild here? Wait, someone like you must be a guildmaster yourself, right?
no subject
[Just very casually humble about it.]
no subject
no subject
[Well yeah, you know where boastful adventurers end up? Six feet under in one of the seven hells. Or one of the heavens, hopefully.
Man if the aetherial sea wasn't the afterlife she would have loved to spend eternity in the Heaven of Water, it was so pretty! Nymeia would let her in, right?]
Is there anything about the guild you wish to know? I can answer to the best of my ability.
no subject
... Say. What do you think about the guildmaster? He's hard to get a read on, isn't he?
no subject
[She's not stupid enough to badmouth Ribombee...]
To me it seems he looks to find the best way to improve the guild, and by extension the town.
[It's the kindest way to say "opportunity sniffing merchant in the guise of a fluffy bee creature" she can think of.]
no subject
... But also, someone so well-traveled couldn't have not encountered someone like Ribombee, right?]
That's why I was excited when Ribombee asked me to join the guild! It seems like he really knows this town inside and out, hee hee.
... It makes you wonder how such a great leader got his start, huh? Maybe from another world, like us...?
no subject
Hm, I don't know. I was under the impression that the Pokemon before us were natives to this land...they might be offended if you suggested they weren't.
no subject
Maybe he'll pry a little more before she gets the idea.]
... Golly. You can enjoy getting sand in your ears all you want, but you still must miss your friends back home, huh? Not to say that our guildmates are lacking or anything! But it's different.
no subject
[Even for those back home, many of which she came to blows with, she had come to terms with a form of sympathy. Even if they were still enemies at the end of the day.
Except for a small few. But still.]
But to be the only one here...it can be hard. And lonely. There are friends who I know would have matters well in hand better than I, and others who would relish the challenge of this world, the experience of being something totally new...I would be lying to say I do not think of them every day.
[She doesn't want to pry because she hasn't seen anywhere to pry - not that she's looking? Firoza did offer to tell stories, after all. But she'll ask if she's curious, that's for sure. It's what Flowey's doing right now, isn't he? Asking because he's curious.
That's totally the only thing he's doing.]
no subject
Caring enough to miss someone... couldn't be him. Not at all.]
... hey, chin up, pal! You've got me! And you can tell me all the stories you want about your friends back home, so it'll be like you're not even really gone!
no subject
That actually perks her up a bit.]
You would like to listen? Truly? Even if it might be confusing? If it's confusing I do understand, I'm not the best at explaining everything...
[And there is also so much she doesn't know as a person with limited knowledge.]
I don't get to tell stories often. But...a small part of me enjoys it. And I have always loved to hear the stories others tell, so, I'll try to make sure I'm at least half as riveting.
no subject
And hey, don't worry about it being confusing! I'm pretty clever, you know! [He has, after all, taken everyone he knew apart and put them back together again in countless ways countless times. He loves digging for lore, finding ways to break the game, learning things nobody else knows.
Suddenly, he realizes that Firoza seems genuinely happy thanks to him. He feels numb inside, like always... but being nice sometimes isn't so bad, he guesses. After all, his actions have consequences, now. The consequence this time might be 'cool stories'!]
My life before I came here was really boring! [He says, lying.] So I don't exactly have any stories to tell in return... but, I'll tell you what. Call me if you're ever going to take down a bounty and need some backup! I'm tough, too! [He attempts to puff up and look as intimidating as an undersized Sunkern can.]
no subject
What the fuck Flowey what does that even MEAN
Firoza opens her mouth to ask, but...hm. He was very flippant about it...that didn't always equal being okay with asking questions. Her brow furrows in concern and she keeps her council.
For now.]
I am sorry to hear that. At least...well, at least here, it should be a change of pace for you. But regardless - you're very kind for indulging me, thank you. I will try not to disappoint. Even if I do not know what a video game is.
[A genuine smile!]
I see! Well, then we ought to both practice and train to make sure we can be as strong as can be for the future. Starting strong is good, but staying strong is better.
[Weh does...he wanna hear more story tonight or...get adventurer lectured about training...]
no subject
Hmm... I'll tell you about games, then! [There weren't many in the Underground... just whatever the humans above threw away. He remembers playing an adventure game where you kill monsters with a sword...] How about that?
no subject
[Still, she settles in, attention on Flowey. Curious!]
I would like that very much, please.
no subject
[He saw his entire world as a game for a long time. It's hard to shake that off; even now, he feels like he's just 'leveling up' his relationship with Firoza.]
When I was a kid, my best friend and I used to play this game... 'the Legend of' something? [It was a long time ago.] We took turns playing when the other lost. [His friend took more turns than he did, admittedly, but he didn't mind. He was a pushover like that.] Then our mom would come and tell us to go play outside, so we could pretend to be the hero and the bad guy, and use sticks as our swords. That's probably more what you're used to.
... Most games are about getting stronger. Leveling up. Being able to kill enemies you couldn't kill before, until you save the world.
[He pauses.]
That's... just like your life, isn't it? Getting stronger. Fighting bigger foes. Even now, I'm just training to take on more outlaws. All universes must be like games at their core. [With heroes and enemies. He knows he was the latter. He still is. Maybe Firoza will have to kill him, eventually.]