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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!
no subject
It's clear our personalities, our memories, the sorts of things that can be stored in the soul, were mostly unaffected by the change. But preferring an altitude predators can't reach or saving rations while they're readily available like you've said suggest these bodies might provide their own instincts for all of us. I'd like to find out everything that has a chance of being attributed to them.
no subject
[Averting his eyes, Akechi slightly fluffs up.]
Admittedly, I have also found myself... allopreening.
no subject
It's good to hear you're so healthyy! Both of you.
[Then, a bit too eagerly,]
If any of that changes, let me figure out what's wrong, okay?
no subject
[His head dips down, and he shifts in place.]
no subject
From the nightmares? I'd only heard of them vaguely-- the clinic was pretty busy with other things when I got here. What were they like!?
no subject
[He grimaces. Even if Akechi didn't truly kill Ren, he would have, had the Phantom Thieves not outwitted him.]
On the whole, the nightmares were incredibly pervasive, only truly subsiding once I opened up about the matter.
no subject
[He looks down for a moment, at how undamaged his current form is. Maybe what he'd credited to a salamander's natural regeneration was something else?]
If I'd been here earlier, I'd have liked to experience it myself. I wonder what I would've seen?
[While they might both be taking the subject seriously in their own ways, they're clearly on different tracks. And cementing that even more,]
Okay! I'll do my best not to miss out on anything going forward! You, too!
no subject
[But... why is Akira so excited about this? Akechi watches skeptically. Pure fascination? Something more?]
Though, I must admit, I'm surprised you'd want to subject yourself to something so unpleasant.
no subject
Whenever I've been hurt, Yamazaki-kun has always come to visit me, too. Maybe it would let me see him again?
[... It doesn't seem to be registering that having spent those days in question in his own world meant seeing his attempt at a family for real, instead.]
I'm not too worried about what I have to go through if it means I can learn more. I just want to be able to understand my future patients better.
no subject
[Interesting that he's willing to expose himself to pain in order to improve the quality of his work.]
That you'd willingly seek out afflictions certainly shows... dedication.
no subject
[It's probably.. not the kind of thing that should be followed with laughter. And yet.]
But I think it's fine to be dedicated! It's been over a hundred years since I started as a doctor, and I still keep discovering new things. I sure can't think of anything worse than letting that stop now.
no subject
[The laughter makes the implication all the stranger and earns a puzzled look from Akechi.]
...One hundred years is certainly a long time as a practitioner as well, especially since you don't sound geriatric.
[An immortal, perhaps? Or maybe a being with a longer lifespan than humans...]
no subject
...
... It might be a bad idea not to.]
Hm? I'm still pretty young, though.
It's nothing like thaaat. He might even be better with them than I am! I run an orphanage out of my home. Now that I can't be there anymore, I'm sure he's taking care of everyone instead.
[So for the obvious problem that would come with showing up here,]
If it's possible, I'd rather not let any of them be abandoned.
no subject
[That's... rather noble, actually. Akechi deflates, wincing as he's stung by memories of his own childhood.]
You sound more thoughtful than a lot of the caretakers in the orphanages I've seen. Japan's foster system is hardly any better.
no subject
[Says the one who doesn't recognize anything wrong in the other's reaction.]
I don't actually know too much about how human orphanages are run. I just had more money than I could spend on my own, so I used it to take care of anyone I found without a family. Since I'm already a pediatrician, it's been pretty easy to get the hang of.
But you've seen some? What are they like!? Even if it's only what not to do, I have to knoow!
cw for mentions of child neglect
[His words carry a razor sharp edge, feathers fluffing up at the recollection.]
In Japan, the vast majority of adoptions aren't children in need, but adult men as part of arranged marriages to avoid having a woman inherit the family trade. Many foster "parents" seek children specifically for the financial benefits and leave the children to languish.
no subject
[Is that a rare hint of irritation for a moment? Not that he can talk when his own reasons are selfish, too, but he's never had much tolerance for the thought of harm coming to anyone under his care. And over money at that...]
... Among youkai, all that used to matter to anyone was species. A lot of the older folks still think like that today, too.
It's not the powerful kinds who end up in need of help. The ones without families are usually those who've just transformed, or came into existence without any reason. I'm not so sure anyone truly bad would want them as heirs.
[And if they did, well...
That's why he's not usually left to make his own decisions.]
So humans run into more subtle problems that can be difficult to prevent. You didn't learn that by being a visitor, did you?
cw for implied parental suicide mention and also mentioned misogyny/sexual abuse
[It's delivered with a cold resignation, though his feathers slightly fluff up.]
So, I circulated for many years, never truly belonging and never truly desired. I always had to try harder than other children, because I was seen as less than them solely due to matters I couldn't control.
no subject
That's no good! If I had someone as bright as you given back, I'd have kept them myself!
[Or not let them go in the first place, really.
Although... With a bit less eagerness in his voice as his thoughts turn more serious,]
... How old are you now?
no subject
Akechi quiets, briefly gazing out into the distance. It's... well, if someone were so earnest and sincere, perhaps he wouldn't have turned out the way he did.]
Nineteen, as of this month. Of course, I've hardly had the luxury of an ordinary adolescence.
no subject
That's not much older than Kuniko. Still, it's enough to make him an adult by any species' standards. Surely he's fine on his own.
... No, how is he supposed to convince himself of that?]
Would ordinary have prepared you any better for this place? Our experiences are only one of the ways we learn. Even if they're different, we're as normal as anyone.
Humans your age should be in university by now, right? It doesn't compare, but I can help to make sure you always have access to the archives. [... Wait, does that sound irresponsible?] I can't operate like this anyway, so it's really no trouble if I'm pulled away from the clinic!
no subject
[Still, it is a tempting offer, and one that gives him genuine pause. He has asked Courier Six for assistance before, but open access would make matters easier going forward.
So, ultimately, he nods.]
That being said, I wouldn't object. Easier access to the Archives would in turn make my investigations much simpler.