bottlecaplogs | JUNE 2025 EVENT LOG

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

Threaded | Flat

Welcome to the Sign-Ups for the Dragafloat Race! Keen Eyes will notice a sheet for the Dragavault race too...but Player Pokemon are quickly denied entry to that one. Come back when you have a little more experience under your paws. As such, there aren't really prizes to be gained beyond being talk of the town for a while, but it's all in the name of fun! Why not toss your name into the ring?

Comment with 'Passenger' or 'Tow' for your Pokemon Role. If you intend to join with another player as your partner, be sure to specify in your comment.

(Keep in mind that Fire, Rock, and Ground Type Pokemon will be heavily discouraged from taking up a Tow role, due to the inherent danger involved.)

To thread with one of the guild leaders, reply to this comment with your guild in the subject and write a starter! As a reminder, we will reply a maximum of 5 times! This is the new team's first attempt at threading with the playerbase, so please be patient with us.

While Guild Leaders can be assumed to be in their Guild Base, or performing normal guild duties, they may also be found at the Festival Celebrations.

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.]

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)

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)

[1] - Prepare for a Feast

[As the type who always needs to see everything that's going on, it's no surprise that Akira's wound up spending his off hours wandering the newly decorated streets, and in turn noticing how even the shops' offerings have expanded. Whether truly relevant to him or not, it seems that almost everything manages to catch the Slowking's interest at some point. Still, when it comes to keeping his attention, a few things in particular do eventually win out.]

(1a)
[For someone who so desperately wants to learn everything about everyone, there's a different sort of allure to the street foods containing meat. And so throughout the celebrations, it's not uncommon to find Akira trying something new with just a bit too much enthusiasm.

Cooking's always been more of a hobby than a skill for him, and one he's often been shooed away from at that, so he may not be the best judge of what ingredients are appropriate and where. But as he always enjoys anything he's given, he can only innocently assume everyone else feels the same, and those nearby will be generously offered part of whatever he has at the moment.]

These are so good, right? I wish I knew what it tasted like when it's plain, too. Hey, have you used this kind of meat before?

(1b)
[Or perhaps he's caught in an incredibly rare moment of indecision. Of course anyone exploring the food stalls would eventually find the ones serving alcohol. Most just wouldn't be so picky in such a casual setting. Even if this world's berries provide such new and foreign options, all Akira sees is something he needs to turn to the nearest Pokemon for help with.]

Hmm.. I wonder if any of them taste alright? I don't usually go for anything much lower than ten thousand yen, so I'm not sure how people choose from things like this without currency. But I don't wanna miss out, either. What should I do??

[2] - On Your Mark

[While a race sure sounds exciting, and with his Slowking form Akira may be a Water type himself, joining in just isn't what he's shown up for.

Instead, he's set himself up by the shore with some supplies to provide first aid, in case any teams end up needing to turn back early. It's a far cry from what he could offer the academy's sports festivals, with even the most basic of things like medicine being replaced by berries, but he's never found himself unable to improvise yet.]

(2a)
[If an injured Pokemon happens to approach or simply enter his sight, he's quick to be by their side and start looking them over. Whether they really need the help or not,]

I'm sure you don't want to spend any time at the clinic on such a nice day. Let's begin the examination here, instead, and I'll have you fixed up right away~

(2b)
[Of course, that doesn't mean he's ignoring everyone who's well. Quite the opposite, his friendly nature has him eager to chat with whoever he can throughout any downtime.

While he may not miss his old life in the same way most people are able to, it had some conveniences he'd like to regain. And among them, as he may tell those who happen to be nearby,]

Maybe it's all these Ghost types getting me excited, but I keep thinking I'd like to try making a new nurse some day. With the way even the departed in this world still seem to be alive, how do you think resurrection compares between Pokemon and humans?

[3] - Wildcard

[Want something else? Akira generally tries to be wherever the most interesting things are happening, and also has a tendency to show up when people simply mention him, so he's pretty easy to encounter. Feel free to tag in with any scenario, or reach me via PM or discord (osoroshia) if you'd like a custom starter!

While Yohaji may be a gag manga, Akira does come with some fairly dark themes, so consider checking his game permissions or full info and opt-out, too!]

[STAYING UP LATE]

[It's late into the festival proceedings- both in day, and in hour. At this time, Emporio would normally go to bed. He'd kip up in his house and his little bed there, and be there until dawn.

But this is a festival! This is a party, with a big bonfire, and lots of food. In fact, the food he's got with him might even look familiar- as in, from another world familiar.]

This is really good... [He muses over what may well be a favorite of a Pokemon he knows.] I wonder how close it is to the original dish...

[ARTISTIC PRIDE]

What theme is my team using? Uhhhh....

[Emporio's in a bit of a bind with the painters, honestly.] I'm...

I'm not actually sure. They took off for the water before I knew...

[The painters are of course offering to paint his skull, but, well.] H-honestly I'm not sure I wanna wear it out there, it's hard to see with that thing anyway...

[Hard to see?? But it's his skull!! He's a cubone!!

N-no really it's fine! Anyway, uhhh....I guess, for facepaint, I'll take what you recommend..?

[The artist looks insulted. Emporio, by this point, starts looking for anyone who can help.

...Help!]

[READY...YEAH!]

[The race is on! The teams take off with their rafts, and prepare themselves for battles on the sea! Emporio despite his typing opted to sign on anyway. And even as a passenger, by the time he gets back he is pooped. The cubone doesn't so much walk over to the bonfire as he does slink over and roll onto his back, helmet on after all thanks to the unexpected protection from sun-glare it had offered.]

Houugh....

...That was fun, but...

[Tired...] ...I guess I can add water type to the list of move types I have that I shouldn't though...

[He doesn't. It's Secret power.]

A) You say that I'm blue
[Despite Lum Berry members having their own apartments, Anasui usually stays in Emporio's house for two reasons. 1) he's used to having a ~~cellmate~~roommate, and 2) because he's using his apartment for stress relief (AKA there are a number of dismantled things in there). However, this means that Anasui doesn't keep food in his own apartment, and either digs through Emporio's kitchen or goes buy food whenever he's hungry.

But there's a festival going on, and Emporio said he's going to get festival food... which means there's no food at home. Which means he has to go buy food. Which means he has to go to the festival.

And UGH. Anasui didn't want to go to the festival (he had planned specifically to not go!). It's not just because they were noisy and annoying but yesterday Anasui had been warned by multiple Bottlecap Bay residents that they would not tolerate him dismantling any boats. He didn't even think of that and they still all yelled at him! Anasui figured that it would be easier if he just avoided the festival altogether... But here he is, prowling the stalls, grumbling curses under his breath.]

How the hell does anyone put up with other people?

[He may bump into you, given he's an Espathra and larger than the average Pokemon, or you may see him staring at a dish from a different world that you recognise and speaking to himself.]

Why would you even eat that?

---------------------

B) But I feel pink, yeah

[Anasui isn't exactly artistic but he is willing to get painted. Excited even. When he's asked what he wants, he has two requests. The first one is pretty simple to understand.] I want you do colour my hair back to pink. I'll tell you the shade.

[The second one... is a little weirder but the Smeargle is all about it! However, it does involve your assistance. So regardless of what you're doing, Anasui will walk over to you and stand right in front of you! Cooking? Painting? Trying to eat? The giant ostrich is there, likely glaring down at you.]

Give me your footprint. [Hello???]

---------------------

C) And purple is for you | cw: alcohol
[Anasui has no interest in dancing but the night is cold and the bonfire is warm. It's a nice location, and despite wanting to go back to read in the Archives, Anasui nests near the fire, sipping away at a mug as best as he can with a beak.

That's the real reason why Anasui's here... the bonfire is conveniently near a stall that sells some good stuff and it's been a while since he had alcohol. Anasui had been arrested at 21, the legal age for drinking, so while he had drank before, he hadn't had had many opportunities to do so. How long has it been? Four years? Five? He must have last drank the weekend after his birthday, the end of May...

Anasui pauses as he suddenly realises that it's now in fact the middle of June. He had arrived here in April and now it was June? That meant...]

Hah... Hahhhhh... Wow. Here's to my 26th- as a fucking bird, I guess.

[And Anasui will down that mug and sigh heavily.]

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.]

Edited 2025-06-24 16:59 (UTC)

A. Guilmon Bread!

[Something deeply pivotal, pertinent, and revolutionary has transpired within Bottlecap Bay. With Guilmon's careful instructions and descriptions, one of the local bakeries has finally crafted...

Guilmon bread!

Naturally, this a momentous occasion, and so Guilmon can be found excitedly darting about with a tray in his claws.]

Look, look! Guilmon bread! They really made it! You should go get some, too! It's still fresh.

[The bakers may be perplexed by the idea of a "Guilmon," but that's okay. They don't have to understand!]

B. Making a Mess

[Guilmon has very little experience with works of art. However, paint is fun! It's got so many colors, and it's fun to splash around, and...

In his enthusiasm, it seems Guilmon has splattered all sorts of colors all over his scales in addition to the area around him. He's giggling, not a care in the word, but there sure are a lot of mismatched colors on him...]

They should have paints more often! Fun, fun, fun...

Threaded | Flat

QUESTIONS

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GUILD LEADER THREADS

Firoza Istus | Final Fantasy XIV (OC) | OTA

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

Firepaw | Warrior Cats | OTA

Akira Takahashi | A Terrified Teacher at Ghoul School (Yohaji)