008 ⟡ MARCH TEST DRIVE

[bayhelpers]

⋆✩ test drive 08 ✩⋆

The day begins like any other.

Routines, eventful scenes, and boring errands — no matter what you were in the middle of, there's a moment where everything begins to feel wrong. A searing pain tears through your body, so intense that it feels like every nerve has been struck at once. Muscles spasm, joints scream in protest, and as you double over, you find yourself clawing or clinging at anything within your reach. As your attempts to maintain composure fail you, your bones begin to twist with an agonizing force, the pain rising in a crescendo until it becomes unbearable to even breathe. Then, as quickly as it began, everything stops.

For a single, terrifying moment, there's nothing. No sight, no sound, no touch, no taste, no smell — just the weight of nothingness swallowing you whole. The absence of sensation might even be worse than the pain, leaving you adrift in a void you can't escape. Hopelessness threatens every fiber of your existence, and try as you might to fight it, your darkest thoughts begin to surface, flooding your mind in an onslaught of suffocating feelings and ideas.

In the darkness, you hear a voice.

It's faint, a gentle flashing of something warm along the edges of your mind, like sunlight itself. It's a voice, but you can't identify who or what it comes from, how it sounds, or what it means — still, you know it's directed at you. Something tugs at your heart, a powerful ache that throbs once and ripples outwards. You can feel the aches again, like fresh sores throughout your body. You feel off, like something isn't quite right, like you're not where you should be, or who you should be. But the voice continues, whispered just beyond your understanding. The sound is warm like hope, and it wraps around you, distant yet intent, before you wake up.

i. ARRIVALS

IT’S RAINING, IT’S MOOR-NING,

The first thing you notice is that it’s wet. Not wet in the way it would be if you were submerged in a pool, or beached at the edge of some mysterious shore line - just wet, damp, a pervading layer that covers every inch of you.

The next thing you likely notice, by virtue of this state of wetness making it impossible to ignore, is probably the fact that this is not the body you had just a few moments earlier. Whether covered in fur, feathers, or scales, they aren’t what you knew.

Nor is the land you’ve awoken in. It appears that you’re in a building - one that’s not been in use for a long, long time. Dust and leaf litter are scattered near openings to the outside world, and melted snow explains why that pervasive dampness surrounded you so entirely. That and perhaps the rain falling through any holes in the roof…which might be falling on you, if you’re unfortunate enough.

It almost looks like a library. Almost, because anything that could resemble a text has been smashed into dust; clay tablets, the scraps of some sort of writing upon them, lay in scattered fragments across the floor that you were once asleep on.

As do the forms of other creatures, be they awake or asleep themselves.

The land outside is a perpetual rainstorm, and aside from the building you’re in there isn’t a single scrap of civilization to be seen. Just where are you all?

No one can say. But perhaps banding together, you’ll be able to find your way to some form of civilization. …Provided of course, it’s not all ruin like the one you’re in.

THE CASTFORM ARE SNORING

⟡ Welcome to the region of Heavy Downmoor; a perpetually rainy place, which fortunately isn’t experiencing the snow it had in earlier months. While Pokemon will eventually realize where the arrivals have appeared this time, player characters will have ample time to make their own way out to Skull Town.

⟡ Whether guided by their own determination, or current residents, Lurantis of Skull Town will be fairly welcoming over all; while apparently occupied with a personal gardening project of some kind, the absence of snow combined with some kind of recent ‘success’ has the residents in a good mood. Characters can certainly be escorted to other locations, but why not rest a while? There’s shelter, food, and most importantly - it’s not raining.

⟡ Did we say it’s not raining? We meant it’s mostly not raining. It’s spring after all, and such weather is to be expected; but it might just be raining a little too much thanks to some over-eager Pokemon doing something called the ‘Rain Dance’. How rude!

ii. STARLIGHT, STARBRIGHT

A MINIOR INCIDENT

The Starfall meteor shower this year is unfashionably late, but perhaps it's for the best - at least this month's newly transformed Pokemon have a cheerful, friendly introduction to the city! Once Psychic Pokemon finally receive the date, all of Bottlecap Bay bursts into activity, dusting off starry decorations and accessories. But thanks to so many Pokemon starting to prep food ahead of time last month... whoops, it seems everyone's a little bit sick of the usual festival food? The bakers and cooks of Bottlecap Bay are scrambling for new ideas, particularly from new arrivals.

In exchange, they're happy to explain the festival to anyone who missed last year's: it's a celebration of wishes, excitement for the unknown, and hope for the future! Legend even says that if you close your eyes and wish upon a falling star, there's a strong Pokemon that can make it come true. All Pokemon agree that it's the strength of someone's willpower and heart that makes the biggest difference, but there are many superstitions about what will make your wish more likely to be heard. The most common this year seems to be that you should share your wish honestly with one other Pokemon - though there's a lot of light-hearted debate about whether it should be the first Pokemon you see after you open your eyes, or whether a friend of your choice is fine. Others will say that you should keep your eyes closed after you wish and stumble all the way home like that, or that you should draw a representation of your wish on the ground before moving.

Perhaps everyone's anticipation and all those superstitions do have some effect, because shortly after the festival begins - days before the peak of the meteor shower even arrives - occasional shooting stars start falling all the way to ground. They impact with loud cracks, scoring gouges in the ground and breaking chips off stone... and leaving broken shells behind them as they bounce. There's something very colorful inside: is that a Pokemon?

Miniors emerge from their shells dazed and confused, and while they respond and react to speech, the noises they make are practically impossible to understand in return. What is quickly clear, though, is that after falling they're too exhausted to immediately shoot back up... and that without their protective shells, their cores are starting to fade! Pokemon scramble to help, looking for safe containers the meteor Pokemon can recover their strength in. Sometimes, if a Minior is lucky, the pieces of their shell are still pretty intact and can just be tied together around them. Other times the nearest intact container is... less optimal.

Quick, grab that jam jar! Surely there's nothing more likely to make your wish come true than rescuing a fallen star, right?

CRASH, AND BURN

⟡ The Starfall Festival might be off to an awkward start, but that doesn’t mean there’s no games - from March 10th to the 18th (as long as the meteor shower), small luck based games such as card guessing, and dice rolling can be had. How do Pokemon do this without hands? Well, you’d best learn!


⟡ Another staple of the Starfall Festival are Farigiraf Fortunes; one time Fortunes that Pokemon can draw will include simple statements of how good, or bad, their luck will be. Bad fortunes are tied to festival decorations to dispel ill fortune, but this, too, may be tricky without hands…

⟡ OOCly speaking, Farigiraf Fortunes are little omikuji fortunes with an included ‘lucky Pokemon’ and ‘lucky color’. You can make up your own, but if you’d like one randomly generated for you, reply here.

⟡ The Stargazing Club is having an absolute ball during all of this, and even non-members can take a gander at the falling stars through their telescope. While everyone has to share- so please, no more than five minutes per run, there’s a line! - even a glimpse at the stars through the crisp lens shows just why this club is so passionate.

⟡ Just what’s wrong with the Minior? They’re not sure; those who were awake during the initial disruption that brought them downward remark on a strange vibrative force that struck them through the air, followed by…well, the sensation of falling. They’re very grateful to the Bay for helping, but they hope to return to the sky as soon as possible. It’s very dangerous for them down here!

iii. CHARACTER GROWTH

GROWING PAINS

The Pokemon across Bottlecap Bay and Skull Town - and the regions surrounding - are in high spirits for more reasons than just the ongoing festival. Every so often, they’ll see it; one of the locals stops mid-gait, and a brilliant glow seems to surround them. Their figure grows, or shrinks, or sometimes even stays the same size, but with a burst of energy it’s clear that the Pokemon has visibly changed. ‘Evolution’, it’s apparently called. A natural part of most Pokemon’s growth, and something that simply hasn’t been happening for a while for some reason.

A few scholars from the Archives can be heard debating on just what it was that caused this change. Some theorize it’s something to do with the weather; that visitor during the Longest Night evolved first, didn’t they? That was during record breaking waves of snowfall, so it must be meteorological.

Others point instead to the rifts that were appearing and creating so much havoc. Didn’t the brave Pokemon who fought those bounties remark on their strange appearances, as if it were an evolution gone wrong? The only problem with that theory is those bounties were encountered after that evolution during Longest Night…

It sounds like there was another theory that the rifts were the source of the otherworldly arrivals all along, and that Bottlecap Bap wouldn’t be seeing any new ones this time. So much for that one.

While the arguments continue with no end, the fair weather and festive moods have allowed the more innovative Pokemon of the region to pull together something they haven’t had the energy to pull off in quite some time - specifically, training mazes! As they explain it, Evolution is often sparked when a Pokemon acquires enough power to do so, taking that final push from battle to go even farther. The mazes are also just good for practice in the first place, and with rumors of a rescue operation for those missing scholars beyond the cliff, every bit of training counts…

…after all, they’ll only be sending Pokemon they think are capable!

BODY ROCKING

⟡ With the variety of body types unique to each Pokemon, it’s no surprise that some of the first obstacle mazes to be found come in the form of simple race courses. Those suited to the water will find hoop-ring challenges littered through the bay and its underwater caves, while those with wings will find similar challenges put together in the Canopy.

⟡ What of those who have nothing but legs (or even no legs at all)? For those Pokemon, the general understanding is that it can take time to adjust to things like an overly large tail, or having four-plus legs where there might have been two, so more simple pop-up mazes are found sprung about the city. Some even include a task- get those flowers up to the shelves, but only after going through this precise set of roads. Collect all these flags, and return them to the place you started. It’s a lot easier to walk now that you’ve done hours of it now, isn’t it!

⟡ Naturally not everyone really wants to run a footrace, or swim, or fly in one for that matter. But for that reason, the beach is getting cleared for some good old sparring tournaments, courtesy of Mightyena! Get your practice in by having a good battle! As a bonus, there are more experienced veterans on site to help explain just how best to tackle an ‘impossible’ foe.

ROCK-PAPER-LIZARD

⟡ There’s a lot of Pokemon types, and it can be hard to keep track of what they do. So aside from the generalized courses, a fun incentive to make it stick is happening through both towns - specifically, after signing yourself on for ‘practice’, you’ll find you get ambushed quite abruptly through the day! Learn to defend super-effective moves, or power through weaker ones! …And don’t forget those first aid kits scattered through the streets either.

⟡ Every type is unique, and that involves more than just the types. As the weather warms up, the spring weather brings out the strangest things in everyone; ground types might want to burrow a safe den, while electric types seek out places most likely to attract lightning. There’s a number of struggles that, fortunately, the local Pokemon are happy to help with!

⟡ Of course, not everyone is a tactile learner…which is why the Archives are also open, and ready to help everyone locate information on their species. Hopefully it’s nothing too unfortunate though - some of these entries seem to have been written with alarming bias behind them, if the wrong scholar was put on the task!

IT’S EVOLUTION BABY

⟡ While no player Pokemon will be evolving through these events, that doesn’t mean they can’t try their best! The most grueling of ‘mazes’ are escape rooms created through the natural resources available to the towns, intended to mirror experiences in the wild with random Pokemon battles and strained resources. Everyone is invited to try them, though they only have so much time to complete the course - after that, experienced rescue Pokemon will go to retrieve them.

⟡ The Cave Tunnels - These tunnels are connected to the Spire that the Oran berries reside in, and come in both flooded and dry flavors. Water Pokemon are invited to give the flooded ones a try, taking advantage of their existing skills, while other Pokemon will find themselves waking in the dry maze to work their way out. There’s all kinds of things down here; they’re deep enough that the occasional lava pit (or vent) is a real risk, as well as low oxygen levels to boot. Watch your step, that the path doesn’t collapse either!

⟡ The Spektrunk Woods - While often split into three zones of ‘north’, ‘middle’, ‘south’, Pokemon might find themselves anywhere in these woods…and the challenges vary across from them. The north has plants that seem almost alive, moving to create entire walls behind Pokemon who don’t pay attention. The middle in the meantime has a number of barely hidden tunnels and crevasses, which Pokemon risk falling into if they aren’t careful. As for the south…the south is perhaps the most tricky, with ghost Pokemon happily pulling tricks on passerby, and the surroundings changing once one looks away. But don’t worry!! You’ll surely get through this after you fight this next Pokemon.

MARCH-ING PROGRESS

One day in the middle of the week, among all the evolving and obstacle courses, Pokemon cluster in the center of Bottlecap Bay. It seems as though Ribombee has an announcement!

The bee Pokemon is accompanied by several other high ranking members of his Guild and seems especially energized, practically buzzing with pride. He waits only for a short while - until there's enough of a crowd, perhaps, or until some designated time known only to him - before launching into what he has to say. Which is this: he and several of his High Rank Cheris have been volunteering extra time scouting, trying to determine more reliable ways through the malleable Forest. And with all their experimentation... they've actually discovered something!

It's already known that in much of the Forest, natural landmarks shift places and Pokemons' senses of time grow more and more distorted. The same happens with constructed landmarks, like someone making an arrow on the ground out of stones, or scratching a tree, or even putting up a hasty sign - and those experiences have taught Pokemon mostly not to bother, doing their best to trust in their innate sense of direction instead. But as it turns out... the Cheri Berries have discovered that sometimes, deliberately constructed landmarks do stay in place, tacking down the forest around them!

They're still trying to figure out the details. It's clear that it takes building something more than in passing - simple signs are still a no-go - but that isn't all of it, as they've still had their experiments disappear on them. Is it to do with specific spots in the woods? If so, why those locations particularly? Is it a type of construction? About all they can say is that they're reasonably confident now that it's nothing to do with the materials used, as they've tested each one individually and in some simple combinations.

However! Ribombee excitedly motions forward Aurorus, one of the Pokemon on stage with him. The contrast is almost comical: the small Ribombee, with his voice lively enough for three Pokemon, and the huge, tall Aurorus, who seems bashful to be on stage. The dinosaur Pokemon flutters his sails shyly, but goes on to say that he found a conveniently central spot in the woods where something he built has been sticking, and he kept coming back to try and stretch it into the beginnings of a road without much success... and then Ribombee suggested expanding it into a Forest Waystation instead! Even without a full road, something like that will make voyages through the woods more predictable, since you can split your journey into two shorter parts with consistent stopping points. Besides that, it'll be a great base for foraging, and they can station some Pokemon there to provide emergency medical treatment at short notice - something that seems especially necessary with how many teams were disabled by those over-evolved Pokemon recently!

"It really just feels like pinning down a perfect possibility," Aurorus concludes.

The end of his explanation is followed by clapping from the side of the stage, where Polteageist enters with praise, telling Ribombee that he and the Cheris have done excellent work. If anything, Polteageist is even more interested in the Cheri's experiments than the Waystation; they're quick to encourage the Cheris to submit the results so far to the Archives, as they'd love to take a look. They'd be happy to assign some Lum Berries to provide support and have the guilds cooperate. (Polteageist doesn't say anything about the Oran Berries, however... is someone still annoyed about the standings?)

There's a sense of genuine comradery between the two guild leaders for a moment... until Polteageist continues. "And in fact, your Waystation feels like the perfect spot to base a point for what I'm here to announce."

Teleportation points. That's what Polteageist is here to announce. Is this what all their sleepless nights have been about? Regardless: it's now possible to send large groups of Pokemon out to wherever is necessary at a fraction of the Psychic Pokemon effort. No longer will Psychic Pokemon have to teleport one Pokemon at a time, and tire themselves out sending an entire team - instead, with a special room constructed to amplify their abilities, a team of Psychics can teleport the entire interior at once!

Now, this isn't fully ready yet, Polteageist clarifies. They've only got one prototype, hidden in the Archives, and things can't be teleported back to the room. For this to be an effective use of resources, Polteageist is picturing building finalized points at useful locations, such as Skull Town and the to-be Forest Waystation. Outside of emergencies and special expeditions, these rooms will be used for scheduled warps several times a day rather than on demand. And anyone who's being warped out on an expedition will still have to return on foot. Still - it's a massive improvement! There will no longer be a need for a day-long trek just to go between Bottlecap Bay and Skull Town, and emergency supplies can be transferred seamlessly to deal with situations like February's avalanche! So Polteageist is sharing this now to provide context for quests they'll be posting on the questboard in the coming months.

With this announcement, nearly all the Pokemon in the crowd lose interest in gossiping about the Forest Waystation - this is so much more exciting, after all! Ribombee is left to leave the stage with a half-hearted glare at his fellow guild leader... but as he and his group of stage Cheris head back to the Canopy, the bee Pokemon's wings seem to flutter more tiredly than before.

BUSY BUSY BERRIES

⟡ Aside from the obvious topic of gossip, this series of announcements has left the Pokemon of Bottlecap Bay chattering about guild rivalries, and they're interested in guild member opinions on this… or in asking new arrivals which guild they'd be excited to join!

⟡ In town, the Lum Berries seem to have regained their most favored status - and various stalls and merchants try to bribe members with small treats on the off chance that they have pull with Polteageist. Can you get them in to take a look at this prototype room? They're so curious!

⟡ While both Polteageist and Ribombee seem to lock themselves in their respective work focuses after this, Mightyena is available for comment after everything is announced - and she seems quite worried about both of her fellow Guild Leaders! She doesn’t say much on it, but she seems certain that if they aren’t careful, they’re going to burn out.

✩ OOC NOTES.

⟡ TDM CWs: Pokemon typical violence, Mortality (Minior focused)

⟡ TDMs are game canon and act as events for the month they are posted.

⟡ New characters can link to their top level beneath the NEWBIE DIRECTORY

⟡ All new arrivals are not assigned to any one guild. However, they may assume themselves to share rooms within any one of them during the course of the TDM.

⟡ Remember that at least one thread for your application must come from the TDM! There is no comment minimum, but we will be looking for engagement, as well as for players and characters who take the time to delve into things like character thoughts, emotions, morality, and other deep themes. Take this time to engage with the setting as you would in game!

⟡ As a reminder, reserves and applications are permanently opened. Please see their respective pages for details on processing time.

⟡ Notes concerning arrival timing, settling timing, etc, go here!

⟡ Have any questions related to the TDM? Ask 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

QUESTIONS

[bayhelpers]

Re: QUESTIONS (OOC)

[ghostlysobble]

OOC: (I'm totally new to roleplaying here, and I hope replying ooc with my rp account is ok.)

(First question: Are there any mandatory roleplay conventions/roleplay format conventions that I need to follow for the TMD?)

(Second, related question: Am I allowed to go slowly? I'd like to spend a lot of time replying to the arrival section but I've seen people reply to multiple sections at once)

Re: QUESTIONS

[bugbeverage]

Hey there, mods! I just need a quick info refresher--I've had BJ here in the game before, but I had to drop him. He's also been on a few TDMs here and there. What's the game canon for him?

Currently I've just imagined him occasionally dipping back into the wilderness and becoming Wild again, but if something else would have happened to him, I'd love to include it in my TL here! (I'm gonna app him back in very soon and want some fresh samples)

NEWBIE DIRECTORY

[bayhelpers]

If you have posted a top level with a new character, please feel free to link it here!

Jack Wynand | Bioshock

[belowthesea]

Somewhere below the sea, somewhere waiting for me...

Ritsuka Fujimaru | Fate/Grand Order

[lightofchaldea]

No, this isn't the first time she's woken up someplace strange OR been transformed... Both at once is new, though!

Napstablook | Undertale

[ghostlysobble]

a song in the ruins, under the rain.... there's a sobble there...

FARIGIRAF FORTUNE

[bayhelpers]

Want to get a generated fortune? Reply here!

Please note that we will reply as quickly as we can, but we will stop offering fortunes MARCH 25TH 12:01AM EST to focus on the reserves and upcoming application round.

[colorsflyinghigh]

Ren goes up to Farigiraf with a grin. "Might as well grab a fortune, yeah?"

[gimmeeyeballs]

Catrina strolls up to the Farigiraf sporting one of the new dentures she made...she'd going with the ear piercing dentures. "Heard yah did fortune telling, what's my fortune gonna be?"

[wolfcut]

Bigby doesn't believe in any of this superstitious schlock, so go ahead Farigiraf. Hit him with your best shot.

[autumnrainrunaway]

Woah! There really is a fortune teller of sorts here! ....Dolly crosses her flesh bows in hopes of not getting an apartment with oozing green slime or being kidnapped by weirdoes.

"I'd like to take a fortune reading please.."

[notyourbloodymessiah]

Eleanor's familiar enough with the concept, but has never gotten to try it for herself. Come on, Farigiraf, do her good.

[edgewater]

Parvati has no clue what this is, but it seems fun!

[bladeofnymeia]

Firoza would like a fortune! It's like Heavensturn when you're doing the fortune box thingie...

[cedricthegreat]

Okay, you've piqued Cedric's curiosity. He quietly approaches Farigiraf with his head high. "Are you the one handing out fortunes? Not that I need any, but... you know, in case you have extras."

[telewarped]

"Bet."

Fortune please!

Jack Wynand | Bioshock | Returning player, new character

[belowthesea]

i. Arrival

It's peaceful at first. Laying here with his eyes closed, feeling something heavy covering his body. Listening to the steady drizzle of rain, distinctly different from the dripping of burst pipes that he's used to.

It takes a while for him to realize what exactly that heavy thing is - it's his fur, completely soaked through, although it doesn't smell like seawater. Jack slowly opens his eyes, and glances around - only to realize there are creatures nearby. Not animals- something else. Something foreign.

The Teddiursa springs to his feet, and stumbles as he backs away from whoever is closest to him. He doesn't speak - it doesn't occur to him that they'd be able to answer anyway. But there's fear in his eyes, and a Thunder Punch already forming in one of his little bear fists.

ii. Starlight, Starbright

(a) It takes Jack a while to get used to the world he's found himself in - the amount of 'people' here, the crowding and loud noises and the smells of food. Most often, he hangs around at the edges of the crowds, sheltering under or next to something so he can be in the shadows. He wants to watch, but actually walking around the festival preparations is far too overwhelming. There are too many Pokemon, and he can't keep track of all of them.

He does brave it occasionally, though, mostly to get snacks. Others may find him wandering around with a poffin clutched tightly in one of his paws, and the other paw pressed over his mouth because the Teddiursa instincts make that very soothing to do. His gaze keeps sweeping around the area constantly, like he's watching for danger at all times. Because he is.

(b) Later on, when the Miniors start crashing down... well, that's fucking terrifying. At first Jack hides from them, but eventually he starts to get used to it. Enough that he ends up catching one of the Miniors, and immediately panicking when it starts to fade.

He doesn't know what to do, he desperately needs guidance. So he turns to the nearest Pokemon, and just... shoves the Minior in their face.

"Help!?"

iii. Character Growth

Still new, still fairly disoriented, Jack is hesitant to sign up for the mazes in case he panics. He has, after all, been incredibly violent when startled even in town. But... this would be good for him, he thinks. It's a little more familiar, exploring an area and fighting whatever he comes across. So he's hanging around the sign-up sheet, just sort of... frozen, trying to figure this out. It's hard, it turns out, to make decisions on his own.

Whenever someone comes up to him, his attention turns to them, and he mutters what might be the longest sentence he's said since showing up.

"Do you want to team up?"

III!

[gimmeeyeballs]

Well, hot damn that's a legit teddy bear Pokemon! How can Catrina ever say no to that? Losers say no to teddy bears, that's who! Of course, Catrina isn't a teddy bear hating loser, so she already knows what her answer will be right off the bat.

"Well shit man, sure I can team up with yah for the maze."

This has been the most social (or least destructive) thing Catrina has done as of yet. Look Jack, a talking candle is here to hang out with you!

Ritsuka Fujimaru | Fate/Grand Order | new player!

[lightofchaldea]

I. Here we go again...?

In a way, the dampness wasn't really that odd. Nor was the feeling of something being off, somehow. She'd had no idea where, or even when, she'd find herself after stepping through that portal between one world and another, so a certain amount of disorientation was to be expected. Especially after everything that had just happened.

No, the thought that made the Rufflet suddenly bolt fully awake and jerk unsteadily upright was the realization that she still remembered it.

The unfamiliar body was pretty weird, too, of course, but that was only a secondary priority, at most, as she blinked and stared blankly while her brain attempted to figure out what on earth was going on now.

"What...?"


II. First Things First

For better or worse, waking up in an unfamiliar place was not, itself, an unfamiliar experience for Ritsuka. Being some kind of oddly proportioned bird was new, but more an inconvenience in her mind than anything. No, once she'd had a moment to get her bearings and get over the shock of somehow ending up somewhere entirely unexpected, Ritsuka was quick to fall back on what she's done in similar situations before: namely, start investigating what was going on and what to do about it.

"We can't stay here, or at least, not without fixing it up a bit..." Said while prodding a puddle with a talon. "But we'd also need to find food, so. Either way we need to start exploring and see what's around here."

Whether anyone else was actually inclined to listen to the Rufflet who was clearly just as ignorant as they were, well, that was the question, wasn't it?


III. Festival Activities

Eventually, one way or another, Ritsuka would make it to civilization. Just in time for a festival, as it happened! Despite the many unanswered questions, Ritsuka was quick to join in the festivities. Which means you might find the Rufflet anywhere from explaining Japanese snacks to one of the cooks, to trying very, very hard to learn how to hold playing cards in her talons.

"You know, cartoons always make this sort of thing look so easy!"

Or, when the sky is dark and full of stars, shooting and not, you might find her quietly sitting and watching it. Perhaps she was thinking of a wish? Either way, she seemed too absorbed in her thoughts to notice company.


IV. A Helping Talon

Ritsuka didn't need to be asked twice to assist when it became clear the minior needed help. Or even once, for that matter. Nevermind that she still hadn't quite got the hang of her new body, the Rufflet was still busily hopping and flapping about to drag pieces of shell or substitutes there of to any in need.

"Do you think this is enough? Or should I get more?"


V. Cheering Duty

While it quickly became obvious that Ritsuka would need to, at minimum, get the hang of her new form before properly participating in the various challenges, that didn't mean she couldn't take part at all. Which was to say, she could often be found amongst the spectators, cheering folks on and occassionally offering advice.

"Dodge left next time he attacks, he leaves himself open on that side!"

Those who pay attention might notice that her observations were actually pretty keen, and her advice often useful. This despite the fact that if asked, Ritsuka would deny being much of a fighter herself.

Well, assuming one could even hear one lone Rufflet over all the ruckus, of course.

III!

[autumnrainrunaway]

It's a rather beautiful night, isn't it? The meteor shower is about to start any moment and Dolly is making her way to a good spot to observe them with the Stargazing club. A pause though...was that a tiny owl Pokemon?

Dolly supposed it'd be alright to go meet with the new Pokemon, making a turn to go greet the newcomer. Hey Ritsuka, there's an Eevee sized Sylveon coming over!

"The meteor shower is amazing, isn't it? It's been a while since I last saw them."

Nico Robin | One Piece | Cofagrigus✨️ | Existing Character

[voidcentury]

I. Lost Knowledge

[Robin drags herself out of the clinic for the first time since she brought Sanji in. She was drawn out by the hope that one of the other Straw Hats ends up appearing.

Not seeing any immediately, Robin starts gathering up fragments of tablets, hoping to be able to piece together information. She ignores anyone approaching, seemingly unaware.]

II. Papyrus Covers Rock

[Back at the clinic, Robin is assisting with checking in and first aid for any incoming Minior or other Pokémon who got too overzealous during type training, freeing up the more experienced staff to help the more serious cases. She greets any new arrival with a simple,]

Hello, do you need assistance?

[ooc: For context of what's going on with Robin: dropped characters fall into a coma and Sanji just dropped so. She is very much focused on That right now,]

Dolly Mancer | OC | Sylveon/Current Player

[autumnrainrunaway]

A. You Would Not Believe Your Eyes if Ten Million Fireflies (Heavy Downmoor)

Might as well change it up a bit along with wanting to visit the soggy wet place once more after last month's incident with the bounty quest as she heads towards the Ruins version of the Archives. Instinctually, Dolly did the little shake off that all furred creatures tend to do, sprinkling of water coming off a bit upon reaching the destination and heading inside.

So, this was the ruins version of the Archives? The ruins was eerie to say the least, the ravages of time having down its job with broken clay tablets or even those reduced to dust.

It truly felt like an apocalypse had happened here, that was for sure. Wait...was that sound? Maybe it's one of the new comers? Dolly was an absurdly tiny Sylveon as she decides to take the risk to call out.

"Hello?! I mean no harm! I'm just here to help you back to town is all."

B. Lit up the World as I Fell Asleep (Starfall Festival) (CW for potential Pokemon (Minior) Death)

1. Dolly sits down before laying as she goes into Star gazing mode, taking in a deep breath in and a deep breath out before checking to see who is nearby. She has some snacks she gathered for sharing with others should they decide to join Dolly for the Starfall Festival. Plus..apparently you're supposed to be verbally honest with someone about your wish for it to come true? That was definitely a new tradition, Dolly thought mortals didn't tell their wishes to make sure they came true or something along those lines. Might as well try something new, what's the worst that can do?

2. Oh look, the meteor shower has started and...they can wink....Sweet Mac Lir those meteors are alive and....dying!? Well this really took a turn for the worst there! Dolly is amongst those attempting to rescue the Miniors from dying horribly, trying to get their shells back on or trying to see if there's something to make a cast with to cover these star shaped bundles of cuteness....can these guys fit into a jar though?

"Hey hang on buddy! We'll save you!"

C. And Leave Teardrops Everywhere (March-ing Progress)

Boy Golly, that certainly was an announcement to be had! A part of Dolly is a bit nervous about the Teleporting Spots that was mentioned, then again, Dolly did enjoy watching the ol' sci fi flick, 'The Fly'. Yep, nope, not gonna try that one out...Oh no..Skipping a bit forward in time...

So Lum Berries are back in the spotlight so to speak! Dolly goes to laying low from the onslaught of attention and offers of treats...she's not even that close with Polteageist..right..RIGHT? You may find Dolly hiding around the Archives during that time, being busy with research and...I don't think she's gotten anything to eat...you can hear that stomach making complaints.

D. A Foxtrot Above my Head, a Sock Hop Beneath my Bed (Wildcard)
Please feel free to drop something else on here, PM me on my character journal, or PP me over on Dolly_Mancer

B!

[0dchess]

Kinger jumps into action from his spot lying nearby when he hears Dolly shout. He knew there were things landing around him, but he didn't notice until now that they were alive, or that that fact was now in jeopardy.

"Dolly!" Kinger says as he approaches, recognizing the voice and description from their shared dream. "How can I help?"

Firoza Istus | Final Fantasy XIV (WoL OC) | Current Player, OTA

[bladeofnymeia]

A - Starlight, Starbright

[Firoza may have been here for a year now - gods, has it already been a year?! - but she's still considered 'new' in the eyes of the natives. And thus, she's been asked what she thinks they ought to prepare for the festival in lieu of the usual fare. What did she suggest? A few things, probably, but two seemed to catch the attention of the Pokemon: konpeito, the star-like sweet of the Far East, and zefir, something her Mother would have made on rare occasion back home.

And, well, being the one to suggest they be made, who better to distribute the new treats to the masses after the more confectionary-minded Pokemon of Bottlecap Bay have made mounds of each?

It's why you'll find yourself approached by a blue Nidoran with unusual blue eyes, pulling a cart of delicate paper bags behind her, each decorated with stars. Whether she knows you or doesn't, there's no better way to bond than over something tasty.]

Would you like to try some sweets? I've been asked to hand them out for the festivities...

B - Growing Pains

[Evolution is happening.

Not to Firoza - not yet. But she's heard whispers about it - even caught sight of a local glowing, shifting, changing form, and she is inspired.

She wants to take that next step. She must. For whatever is to come next, she has to develop her strength and abilities.

Which is why she's signed herself up for Mightyena's sparring matches, practically vibrating as she waits for her turn. Hells, she might insist on going multiple bouts.

How about it? Fancy your chances against a plucky little Nidoran? Or are you waiting for your turn in the ring and need someone to cheer you on?]

C - March-ing Progress

[Okay, so, teleporting rooms...sounds like Aetherytes. That's great and cool and all, but maybe Firoza is biased for her own guild just a teensy bit, because she's still intrigued by the idea of a Forest Waystation. An actual honest-to-gods landmark in that mess of a place! Something that stays, something that can be maintained, a link in the chain between Bottlecap Bay and Skull Town! She wants to help. Where does she help. Ribombee has already fluttered off, who does she...]

Ah, this could really be something incredible! A permanent place in the forest...there truly is so much potential there - and if we can have a waystation there, couldn't we construct more in some of the other areas?

[Is she talking aloud to herself or asking you? Either way, seems she'll respond to conversation.]

A

[lightofchaldea]

Ritsuka was, by all accounts, pretty used to finding herself in strange places. Still, this one was definitely a bit more, well, more than most, and it was taking her a while to take everything in. Which would be why she jumped a little when someone spoke to her.

"Oh! Uh, sorry, were you talking to me?"

Sad with an apologetic expression. Or, well, as much as she could manage one; Ritsuka was learning that a Rufflet's avian features really were not the most conducive to many expressions she'd long taken for granted...

Henry Townshend | Cheri Berries | Flygon

[no_ufo_ending]

Look out below!

You're walking along minding your own business and--WHOOPS! It seems you've fallen into a hole. It's not very deep, but it's wide enough for a Pokemon to fit inside. Once you poke your head back out, you'll notice that the Bay is littered with holes and a sharp eye can spot one with a spray of dirt and sand erupting from it every few seconds.

Approaching, you will see the back end of a Flygon, tail waving in concentration and wings buzzing to blast the sand out of his way.

He doesn't know what's going on, but Henry Townshend has woken up with the urge to dig now that the snow has receeded. Which doesn't make any sense because he's sure he's some kind of flying type, what with the wings and all. For once, his big red goggle lenses are useful--perfect for digging through sand. Nary a grain gets in his eye as he paws at the earth with his strong claws. Maybe this will be the perfect spot.

Up up and away!

If you're a flying-type Pokemon or happen to look like one, you may find a shy Flygon approaching you with his antennae bent downward. He has a small bundle of carrots in his paws and a small bag hanging from a cord around his neck.

"Excuse me..." He begins quietly. "I was hoping...that you might have some advice on flying."

He's going to do it. Now that the blizzards are past, he is getting off the ground one way or another.

Look out below!

[bladeofnymeia]

[hey who put this hole here

It would be very funny if Firoza wasn't looking and fell into one of these various holes...but she has been watching where she's going, a leftover baggie of treats from her impromptu stint as a treat-distributor clutched carefully between her teeth. She's sitting at the edge of a hole near the one Henry is working on, looking at it curiously.

Hm. Decent depth and...stuff. Hm hm. Hole observations, yes.

Her eyes flick up at the dirt that flies from one of them catches her awareness.]

Are you looking for something?

Napstablook | Undertale | (new player)

[ghostlysobble]

[I] Arrival | Archive Ruins, Heavy Downmoor

There's a pink-sailed sobble lying in the rain. The rain falls through holes in the roof, and drums against the sobble's scales. They're cold, and... solid, heavy against the ground.

---

Their... scales ached. They had scales, they... they were no longer a ghost monster, were they?

And they'd... um... not fallen down a hole this time, but... they... they knew they couldnt get up easily. Oh no...

"nghhh..."

the scaled monster groans, water running over the strange dark straight-vertical marking above their nose.

Past the despair, past the pain- Napstablook tries to remember the remnants of the warm voice, to anchor the feeling in their memory. If they held that memory now, maybe, maybe it would still help, but... it was so faint....

Yet the rain, somehow, it... was helping them. Not in regaining their energy, but it was soothing.

The hopeful feeling of the voice and the rhythm of the rain drumming against them- they imagined that this was its own song.

---

So the weak, sad voice of the sobble sang to themself, thankfully only watery because of their sadness and lingering pain and not from rain in their mouth. This song was just "ooo", odd for an observer to listen to, probably...

ooooo... oo oo oo ooo oo oo ooooo

oooooo... ooo ooo oooooo ooooo...

oooo ooo ooooo oo ooo oooo ooo

oooo oooo oooo oooo ooo oooooooooooooo

ooooo... oo oo oo oo ooo

ooo... ooo ooo ooooo.......

Seems that was the end of this strange, ghostly, improvised song.

Napstablook could breathe, and sing. Getting up was a challenge that could wait.

[0dchess]

Kinger finds himself, for the third time recently, in the "other Archives". He's gotten to the point where he's confident he can be helpful in the rescue missions, and the constant rain makes it dark enough for him to focus. Hearing the singing, though, a thought occurs to Kinger that feels like it comes more from the amnesia-addled side of his mind, but maybe it will be comforting.

"Ooooo, ooooooo, oooooo~" Kinger begins harmonizing as he wanders the Archive looking for the source, eventually ending up at the sad collapsed Sobble.

"Hey." Kinger says gently. "Are you hurt?"

Eleanor Lamb | Bioshock 2 | Brionne | current player ota <3

[notyourbloodymessiah]

1] Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes

Eleanor's out and about in the festival, snacking on something sugary and just simply having fun. She's admired the stars with the Stargazing Club, and is now settled down cosily to admire the meteor showers. Or, Minior showers? Why are we celebrating Pokemon falling, that are dying all around us? She's not sure what she can do to help, but she still scrambles around to do her best.

2] Don't Stop Me Now

With the evolution games beginning, Eleanor's eager to participate. She's not likely to evolve, but she knows she can. More than anything, though, she's just eager to move about and really test her agility. Anyone who teams up with her is sure to have an advantage from being paired with such a movement-savvy Pokemon.

But if she's not taking it seriously, she's happily skidding through the wet tunnels in the Spire like a kid on a slip-n-slide. "Wooohoo!!"

Sorry to anyone she's definitely splashing.

3] Don't Fence Me In

Obligatory wildcard option! Feel free to throw something my way or contact me at lesbiankrile to plot! Fair warning I'm definitely going to be taking RP easy this month because *gestures vaguely at college* so these prompts are definitely lacking >.>