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

Goro Akechi | Persona 5 Royal | OTA

[truthdecided]

A. Feast

[It's a curious thing, seeing creatures try to prepare foods based on human tastes and sensibilities. Akechi is no chef, and far be it from him to try and describe Leblanc coffee when he could always request it from Ren...

But curry? Now there's a fascinating prospect. Something richer, more savory than sweet... And sushi? Oh, now there's a treat. Freshly prepared rather than served on conveyor belts, with hot miso on the side...

Suffice it to say, Akechi can be found all over, sampling the various offerings with a wry chuckle and an almost morbid smirk.]

It still boggles the mind how despite us all being sapient creatures, Pokémon feasting on each other is so... mundane.

[But the fish is good, so far be it from him to complain? He happily pecks away, sighing contentedly.]

B. Artistic Pride

[Akechi can be found surveying the paints as he ponders what approach to take. This is an opportunity for self-expression, but what sort of self does he wish to express?

Bright, bold and heroic like Robin Hood? Dazzle camouflage like Loki?

...

Or black and crimson like Hereward...

With sharp focus, Akechi gathers the paints, trying to envision how he'll adorn himself...

A task easier said than done as a bird.

As others partake in the body paint, he casts curious glances.]

I take it you intend to participate as well?

C. Bonfire

[At night, Akechi basks in the glow of the bonfire, watching the ghost Pokémon dance, though there's a distant look in his eyes.]

To think I'd spend my nineteenth birthday like this...

[Well, his birthday's since passed, but the sentiment remains.]

Not that I expected to live this long.

[It's muttered to himself, but with so many Pokémon sharp of hearing, it's entirely possible to overhear him.]

C.

[friendlyflower]

Hee hee. You and me both.

[Akechi spots him, just at the edge of the firelight-- far enough away that he's cloaked in shadows, close enough to eavesdrop. Flowey waves his stem like a hand and hops a short distance away.

If Akechi chooses to follow him, they'll find themselves on the edge of the festival grounds-- the din of joy and merriment just far enough away that the sounds and smells run together like watercolors.]

Too noisy over there for my taste. [There's a tremble in his voice. Akechi can tell there's almost certainly something else to it, but Flowey doesn't give time to press.] This is a better place to talk.

[It seems like every time he's talking to Akechi, it winds up being about death. Maybe that's all he has in common with people, now. Flowey hesitates.]

... It's not like it's a big secret anymore that I died. After everything happened and the others went to live on the surface, I prepared myself to live in isolation.

But then, I was transformed again! And now I've been here a whole month.

[And what a mess he's made of it. What's he ranting to Akechi for, anyway? It's not like he can feel bad for all the people he's upset. It's not like he'll ever change.

... He wonders how Frisk and Toriel are doing on the surface. Not that he cares.]

You said that someone saw something in you. When we met, I mean. How did you know what that is?

[He can't make it sound like he's asking for advice (even though he is). He'd better pivot.]

Sure, you've got Ren to keep you in line. You must have screwed up before, though. Hurt people. Maybe even killed.

[truthdecided]

[Akechi does follow, from the warmth of the fire light to the fringes. Distance is better for topics such as this.

Of course, he lets Flowey speak first. Clearly, he has a lot on his mind, so Akechi listens.

A bitter grunt of laughter escapes him, once Flowey finishes his speech.]

Oh, I've done both. Even if the majority of my targets were under orders, that doesn't change the damage dealt. I could have asked for help. I could have tried using my powers for more daring rebellion...

But I didn't. I "had" to see my goals to fruition and utterly destroy my godforsaken father.

[...]

I thought I had control, but I was sorely mistaken.

[friendlyflower]

[Right... Akechi's past. It's like a memory of a memory at best. He much prefers hearing it from Akechi himself.]

... That was still before you came here.

[Maybe he wasn't speaking clearly enough... but, every time he tries to start talking about it, he can't quite get the words out.

Finally, he manages:]

Ever since I got here, all I've done is screw up. You forgave me for some stupid reason, but now I've hurt... someone who thought of me as a friend. Someone who I would've thought of as one, if I could. [It's not like he can really care.]

I'm not cut out for this. Being around people. Being 'nice.' I figured I should at least let you know before I skip town so they don't send people looking for me.

[Maybe he'll find some place underground, like before. He won't have to bother anyone there.]

[truthdecided]

[Akechi stares, eyes narrowing.]

You intend to run away?

[...]

You do realize that won't resolve anything, correct? You'd be far better off speaking to the one you hurt than taking the coward's approach.

[Rather ironic, coming from him. He lived, and he didn't even tell Ren until they both arrived in this world.]

[friendlyflower]

'Coward'? [That seems to snap him out of his self-pity, at least a little bit.] You're calling me a coward? Newsflash, smart guy: I can't care about anyone. I'm never going to just turn back into a smiling placid good boy who never does anything wrong. Even if I go and talk to him, it doesn't change anything. Not a thing!

[What's the point of an apology from someone who can't feel remorse? Someone who will just do it again and again?]

... So long as I'm around people, I'm going to hurt them, again and again. That's what I do. Cutting myself off from everyone isn't cowardly, it's logical. I'm removing the problem before it gets worse.