bayhelpers: (Default)
Baymod Helpers ([personal profile] bayhelpers) wrote in [community profile] 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?

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
firealone: (62)

[personal profile] firealone 2025-06-15 03:59 pm (UTC)(link)
Firepaw is signing up as a Passenger! And I'd like for Laios to be his Tow :>
truthdecided: (smirk)

[personal profile] truthdecided 2025-06-15 05:25 pm (UTC)(link)
Akechi would like to sign up to tow with Ren as his passenger!
friendlyflower: (heehee)

Cheri Berries

[personal profile] friendlyflower 2025-06-15 10:53 pm (UTC)(link)
[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.]
arceusstansme: (001 : Blank)

Oran Berries

[personal profile] arceusstansme 2025-06-15 11:06 pm (UTC)(link)
[Akari wanted to do a proper check in with Mightyena. Akari had been trying to prove her worth still, she trusted her guild leader to some degree, but a part of her would always be nervous even if she didn't show it.]

[What if she didn't prove her worth? She should have been doing more? What if she is making it where the leader's expectations were lowered each month.]

[The Cyndaquil felt timid for once as she approached the guild leader. But she also took a deep breath and stood up straight after gathering her nerves.]


Hey Boss.

[Her tone was as casual as she could make it.]

Just wanting to check in.

[Preemptive strike.]
bladeofnymeia: (heartwarmed)

Firoza Istus | Final Fantasy XIV (OC) | OTA

[personal profile] bladeofnymeia 2025-06-16 12:39 am (UTC)(link)
A - Prepare for a Feast

[Gods above, who doesn't like a festival? The preparations remind Firoza of so many holidays that come and go around the Eorzean calendar - and the summer heat puts her in mind of the Moonfire Faire. Though instead of jumping up to dizzying heights, there's a race in the sea? Interesting. She'll put a pin in that for later.

She may or may not have dropped a few food ideas towards some curious local vendors, wanting to know what she meant by this or that term, and it's with an incredible enthusiasm that she'll point out the things she recognizes to anyone nearby. Notably, most of that seems to come from the stall of a Daschbun...]


Look! Look, they've made Dark Pretzels! They're incredible fresh, you should try one! Oh, oh - and those Honey Buns are good, too, and - aaah! Incredible! Those are definitely Coffee Biscuits, I don't know how they found everything for that...!

[Seeing a 30yr old woman in the body of a little blue Nidoran hopping around like a child at the sight of baked goods is actually very funny and cute. Who knew Firoza had such a sweet tooth? Or more a taste for carbs, most like.

Clearly the secret to tanking is carbo-loading.]


B - Bonfire Time

[It's actually quite nice to spend time by a fire on the beach with friends. After her elation with the surprise selection of festival treats, Firoza takes the time to settle in the sand in the evenings leading up to the 20th, listening to stories or the ocean waves, or just kind of vibing while watching the flames, sipping on...a cup of water? A cup of water. Just because she's old enough to drink across universes doesn't mean she wants to.

If you're sitting with Firoza, or nearby, she'll turn to you and say,]
Mayhap we could share tales as well. As interesting as it is to hear of the Bay's founding...I would know more of you all, from your time before this place. Or, if you'd like to hear an adventurer's tale, I happen to have a few...

[This, she feels, is a much better way to learn about others rather than stumbling unceremoniously into their memories.]
conradachenleck: (Holy rabies!)

Conrad Achenleck | Hanna Is Not A Boy's Name | OTA

[personal profile] conradachenleck 2025-06-16 05:05 am (UTC)(link)
I. Feast!

— [Things sure are looking festive, alright. It's not easy for Conrad to relax in general, let alone get cheerful, but things seem pretty good right now, more or less. And with all the frivolity everywhere how can he resist indulging at least a little bit? He isn't about to shy away from visiting the shops and eateries, in any case.

His favorite spot is a café where he discovers they've stocked up on biscotti and little tea cookies just like the ones back home, so he'll be taking quite a few of those, please and thanks. And they have a special coffee on the menu. He orders it without hesitation and the rather grizzled looking Linoone running the place offers him a knowing smile and says he'll add something extra special to his order. This gets a brow raise, but Conrad accepts, and with the first sip he realizes what that special ingredient is. His coffee is generously spiked. He nearly spits it out, simply because he wasn't expecting that.
]

... Wow. I sure could've used more of this when I first arrived here.

[He will have a seat at one of the café's little tables and nurse his drink, then maybe have another before he even samples the cookies...]

II. Arts & Crafts

— [It's not like Conrad has ever used body paints before, but he is a seasoned artist, so he volunteers to help paint other Pokémon who are in it to win it. Or, yanno, just anyone who wants to become more colorful. With a palette of ink-based paints and brush in hand he'll offer up his services to whoever wants to be painted.]

What's your theme? I need to know what colors I should use.

[Conrad is also participating in the race, himself, so he'll need someone else to paint him, too. He will approach the most trustworthy Pokémon he can find and hope they do a decent enough job.

And when he's not bodypainting he'll help his race partner with a very elaborate Garchomp float. Garchomp might not be Water-types, but they can learn Surf. Plus they're a cool dragon-shark-jetliner, who wouldn't want a watercraft themed after their likeness?
]

III. Fireside

— [After the race has been won and everyone is enjoying the warmth of the bonfires, a small Jigglypuff can be found hunkered down in a towel, looking a little disgruntled. His pink fur is damp and his ears droopy. Obviously he's taken a dunk in the sea, maybe whether he wanted to or not. Perhaps the race wasn't much fun for him in the end?

In any case, he is glad to be by the fire so he can dry off. And when a generous Pokémon offers him a stick and some marshmallows to share, how can he say no? He could use some sugar.
]

Th-Thanks. [There's maybe the faintest hint of a smile on his face as he stabs a marshmallow and holds it up to the fire.] So... How's your night going? [He'll ask whoever is nearby about their racing experience, whether they were a participant or a spectator. Hopefully they had a better time than he did.]
Edited 2025-06-16 19:09 (UTC)
firealone: (57)

Cheri

[personal profile] firealone 2025-06-16 01:23 pm (UTC)(link)
[It's been a long time since Firepaw first came here - it feels much longer for him than others, since he's spent a third of his life in Bottlecap Bay. He missed the first opportunity to speak to Ribombee, so he's been antsy to talk to him this time.

Firepaw seeks Ribombee out in his office, carrying a small bag in his mouth that contains a bottle of apple mead. The bag just makes it easier to carry. He places the bag carefully on Ribombee's desk, and backs up so he can sit up straight and look as mature and serious as possible. It... honestly just makes him look stiff and silly.
]

Ribombee - are you busy? I wanted to give you a report on the fog, since the bounties are all dealt with.

[It hasn't really occurred to Firepaw that he doesn't have to have a work-related reason to talk to his leader. Back home, the leaders are always busy, either surrounded by older warriors or resting to get their mental energy back, and Bluestar only had time to focus on him when they were training together.]
quirkynote: (72)

[personal profile] quirkynote 2025-06-16 02:02 pm (UTC)(link)
Signing A.B.A up to be a tow with Firoza as passenger.
Edited 2025-06-16 14:56 (UTC)
seacub: (: ' D)

[personal profile] seacub 2025-06-16 02:06 pm (UTC)(link)
Emporio is here as a Passenger!
firealone: (14)

Firepaw | Warrior Cats | OTA

[personal profile] firealone 2025-06-16 02:10 pm (UTC)(link)
i. Prepare for a Feast

(a) [Firepaw isn't very interested in most of the food on offer - he's sure it's great, but nothing beats hunting small animals for sport. But he does see an opportunity to be helpful, so he'll be taking requests to ferry food from the market stalls to whoever wants them. He can't carry anything heavier than two pounds, but he's willing to make two trips if you have the patience for it.]

Delivery! [He mumbles around the bag straps, hopping onto a nearby table to drop it off.]

(b) [Eventually he does get an idea of a food to eat - not one from home, but something that's been on his mind. Firepaw speaks to one of the cooks at some point about making something sweet and meat-based, and ends up with a honey-glazed Ducklett drumstick that he would kill to protect. Genuinely, anyone who comes near him while he's eating it (off the ground, like an animal) is going to get snarled at. You can take the cat out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the cat.]

ii. Artistic Pride!

[Firepaw was hesitant about the paint at first, until he spoke to a Smeargle about getting his old colors back. It took a while to get the look just right, but for the next few days Firepaw looks almost normal. He's been painted bright orange, with darker tabby stripes and white muzzle and belly. He'll probably be repeating this a few times throughout the month, so feel free to assume he is orange during other threads!]

iii. Birthday Boy!

[On the 13th, a few Pokemon gathered together some food and decorations to throw Firepaw a birthday party! (Feel free to assume your character helped out, if you'd like!) This includes a regrettable 'birthday cake' made of meat for Firepaw, and a normal birthday cake for everyone else, plus an opportunity to give him presents. Firepaw is generally confused by the whole thing, but excited nonetheless, and spends the first hour wearing a dumb little party hat before deciding it's too uncomfortable.]
Edited 2025-06-16 14:10 (UTC)
bladeofnymeia: (shrugs!!!)

iii

[personal profile] bladeofnymeia 2025-06-16 05:26 pm (UTC)(link)
[NAMEDAY BOY, NAMEDAY FOR FIREPAW

Let's be real there is a warmth in Firoza's heart seeing him in that lil party hat, he's so legit toughing it out for that hour. And of course she did her best to help out, this is her fellow Cheri Berry after all! Even if the meat cake is...that sure is a Thing, innit.

For right now, though, she trots over and deposits a gift before Firepaw! A bolt of felt, you see, was found to be a bit too thick for cutting into pattern pieces on her own...but it's fine to get it cut into squares by an amicable Scyther to repurpose into blankets. And one of them has had the edges sewn around it with thread dyed as red as possible, with one corner having some kind of word embroidered along the edge...the script is likely unreadable to anyone but Firoza, but-]


Happy Nameday, Firepaw. Um...I made you a blanket. See? It's even got your name on it.

[Noses at the word on the blanket...it looks like there's space beyond it if it needs to be changed, but that's just a lucky happenstance.]

I thought it would be good to have for your nest, if just to lay on.
friendlyflower: (talkside)

[personal profile] friendlyflower 2025-06-16 07:07 pm (UTC)(link)
[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.]
Edited (minor wording changes) 2025-06-16 19:09 (UTC)
friendlyflower: (happylaugh)

iii.

[personal profile] friendlyflower 2025-06-16 07:17 pm (UTC)(link)
Howdy, Firepaw! I heard it's your special day! [Even he's surprised with how much genuine-sounding joy comes out in his tone. Better to not examine that.

Flowey made a token effort to help set up the birthday party, but the month's heavy quests have left him physically and mentally exhausted. Still, it's the thought that counts?
]

I took the liberty of getting you a special gift! No need to thank me-- it's all yours, bud!

[It's a flower crown. He selected the flowers himself and very painstakingly managed to tie it together using roots. He doesn't admit it took him the better part of a day. It makes him a little annoyed to think Firepaw might prefer a slab of meat instead, but he was not hunting for that. It's good enough that he didn't give him a gag gift like his sibling did to him.]
telewarped: (I will show them)

iii

[personal profile] telewarped 2025-06-16 07:35 pm (UTC)(link)
Heavy is the head that wears the birthday crown, huh?

[Shoka indicates the discarded party hat as she approaches with her present: a few items tucked away in a simple box. It's large enough that she needs both hands to carry it, but it doesn't look especially heavy.]

To be honest, though, I'm impressed you wore it as long as you did! Wish I could've gotten a pic...

[He was so cute, even though he hated it!]
firealone: (52)

[personal profile] firealone 2025-06-16 07:38 pm (UTC)(link)
Nameday?

[Oh no... he just learned about birthdays and now there's different words for them too? Oh dear. He hesitates, before deciding that maybe it's silly to point out that technically, he got his first name a few months after being born, and his new name a few months after that. Although... he thinks his mother gave him a name too, he just doesn't remember it.

Nevermind that, though, the blanket is wonderful! Even if he's just going to have to take her word for it about the name - he can barely read Pokemon script, let alone anything else.
]

Thank you! It's so soft... it feels like wool!
firealone: (13)

[personal profile] firealone 2025-06-16 07:43 pm (UTC)(link)
[Head-empty as always, Firepaw reads absolutely nothing under Flowey's tone. He's just excited to see his good new friend, and receive a gift. And surprisingly, he can understand the effort that went into it - it makes him think of watching ThunderClan warriors painstakingly weaving bracken leaves together to fortify the outer wall of their camp, or tucking moss into the inner walls of the Nursery so that the sharp thorns on the outer wall wouldn't harm the kittens. It must be even harder without any paws.]

This is beautiful, thank you!

[It takes some effort to put it on - Litten heads are bigger than cat heads, so the mechanics are sillier than usual - but he's very proud to wear it.]
firealone: (45)

[personal profile] firealone 2025-06-16 07:46 pm (UTC)(link)
[He ducks his head a bit, as if caught doing a crime - the birthday hat was, after all, explained to him as a very important part of the ritual.]

I can put it back on if you want a picture... actually, I might need help with that.

[Getting things off of his head is easy, putting them back on is much more involved. But more importantly - present! Once Shoka sets it down, Firepaw starts scratching at the wrapping to the best of his ability, but... it is hilariously difficult for him. He ends up having to pull at the wrapping with his teeth.]
arceusstansme: (005 : Happy)

[personal profile] arceusstansme 2025-06-16 07:55 pm (UTC)(link)
Of course I am. It was only a lick.

[She put her little nubby arms on her hips.]

Although something wasn't right with that Ursaluna. I made a comparison from the Pokédex entry I made back home about them to what I observed here.

[She reached into her satchel, and sure enough- there it was. In case stuff goes belly-up she wanted to be safe, and she handed it over to the other Pokemon.]

[included with it was some very bad sketches (because nubs and not knowing how to draw with them) of the comparison between Ursaluna and the Bloodmoon one. Including the normal Ursaluna having an arrow drawn at it with 'cute' written on top and the Bloodmoon one having 'Angry' written by its.]


Like, I figured you'd like a Pokedex entry on this one even though it is so not complete.

friendlyflower: (wink)

[personal profile] friendlyflower 2025-06-16 08:36 pm (UTC)(link)
Heehee, looking sharp! Not literally, though, I didn't get ones with thorns. [Now he wishes he had some cool thorns.]

Can you believe I've already been here a full month? Time flies when you're grinding quests. How've you been feeling, pal?

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