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

[bayhelpers]

Yes, you have. But perhaps it would be more productive if we found you something that is meant to be disassembled. A fidget toy, for lack of a better term.

[The idea of pulling a Ghost Pokemon apart... clearly bothers Polteageist, and the pleasant expression on their face visibly strains. They already knew they were signing Mismagius up for a terrible time, but... Arceus.]

I understand your line of reasoning, but I'm sure there are... more compassionate ways to learn about the ruins. [Their words are slow, and carefully chosen - not quite treading on eggshells, but definitely watching for his reaction.] Now that the fog is receding, for example, we might actually be able to spend time studying them. Perhaps the local Ghost Pokemon will be more receptive to talking, now that Spiritomb's influence seems to be gone.

[dripdrive]

[Anasui's eyes narrow at that.] A fidget toy? I'm not a child. I just... Need to do it sometimes. [It's just the urge to do that sometimes. It's completely not really normal.] I've been curbing it, somewhat. The boats are still in tact, right?

[Honestly...

Anasui can be tactless but he isn't stupid. He watches Polteageist's expression change to that tight-lipped smile and his own scowl softens into a concerned frown.]

I don't hurt people who don't deserve it. I'm a murderer, not a monster... [Anasui...] But... If you think that will be a better approach, then I'm willing to try it. It's just... weird to hear that being nice and talking works here at all. [He means that, genuinely. You'd be punched in the face if you tried to be nice to anyone in Green Dolphin Prison, including the guards...

... He's trying, Polteageist. He well and truly is trying to be a decent guy. At the end of the day, he doesn't enjoy hurting people. He just defaults to it, especially when he's trying to help.]

Just don't complain if it breaks out into a fight after I try being nice. I'm not exactly well-liked.

[bayhelpers]

[Yes... Polteageist doesn't know all of the details, but they do know that Emporio and Anasui come from a much darker place than many of the other humans. It makes perfect sense that Anasui would struggle with the lower stakes here, especially if violence has been a solid answer for most of his problems.]

As long as you're giving it your best shot, that is what matters. I don't expect you to completely change overnight. Just- try to strike second, as a general policy. It makes less trouble for the guild.

[That is really what Polteageist cares about - honestly, more than the safety of the Spiritomb. It's important that Anasui is happy and comfortable, and not causing too many issues for Polteageist and the other Lum members, and that involves encouraging him to engage with things a little more gently.

After a moment of thought, Polteageist floats a little closer to eye-level, and lowers their voice to a conspiratorial tone.]

But... do come and speak to me if someone is causing you trouble. I'm sure I can work it out for you.

[dripdrive]

Hmph... [Anasui generally strikes to ensure there are less problems. However, the Espathra holds his tongue for the moment and nods. He doesn't actually see it as Polteageist caring for him though - just the guild - and he accepts that (he has not realised he is included under that umbrella).

Anasui watches the Polteageist float over to him curiously, staring with his usual, blank-eyed expression. However, a small smirk comes over his face.]

If you insist. Whatever saves my time and energy.

[bayhelpers]

Good lad.

[Polteageist pats his... neck, since his shoulder is pretty awkwardly low and his head feels a little too patronizing.]

Now, I hate you turn you away, but I'm sure you have better things to do than listen to me all day.

[Polteageist is going to return to their work... but later today, they will send a Delibird to deliver a gift. It's made of bright pink paper, and is relatively easy to unfold and remake.]

[dripdrive]

[Anasui snorts, amused but appreciative of the gesture.] Assuming that's all you want to talk about to me, then fine. I have to find Mismagius anyway.

[And with that, the Espathra nods his head and walks off.

Later in the day, when he gets the gift, he'll roll his eyes but start absent-mindedly dismantling it. This gift alone probably has reduced Anasui's dismantling habits about 25%. Not bad, for a piece of paper!]