Beach fun for beach bums

[indigo_league]

Who: Everybody!
Where: Cianwood!
When: June 21st, all day.
Summary: Come to Cianwood today to celebrate the solstice, participate in a race and maybe even get a date??



June 21st. The solstice. The longest day of the year. Practically half the year gone already, which frankly, seems rather insane. It seems like only yesterday you were all fighting to save Christmas with Santa, and yet, that was almost six months ago! How can that be? We just don't know. Time is a force even more mysterious than pokemon evolution.

In any case, Cianwood has gone all out to make this solstice a great big celebration. The beach is awash with bright-coloured umbrellas and stands, selling everything a visitor might need to make this into one hell of a day (and, let's be real, also a lot of things you don't need, but hey, who doesn't want a nice souvenir?) Rental stands have everything from surfboards to huge inner tubes for rent for those who want to stay at the surface of the water, as well as snorkelling equipment for those who won't mind taking a peek below the surface. On a cleared stretch of beach, a small Sand Castle Contest is being organised. The prize won't be anything fancy (just a token little reward, really) but why not enter? Don't worry, there are separate prizes for kids and adults. Meanwhile, large piles of wood have been stacked here and there, waiting for evening to fall so the bonfires can be lit.

One particular section of the beach is a riot of different smells, with various restaurants and other establishments having set up stands to sell you all the very best. It doesn't matter what you are in the mood for, because you won't have any trouble finding it here! Want some BBQ? It's there; several Sizzlepede keeping those coals nice and hot while the cooks chuck everything that can vaguely be chucked onto those grills. Would you rather cool down with some ice cream? No problem; just as long as you can actually make a choice from all those different flavours available. Has the summer sun put you in a fruit mood? Watermelons (whole and cut), strawberries, cherries, papaya -- it's too much to name!

Or do you maybe just want a drink? It's important to keep hydrated, you know! Juice, water, mocktails and cocktails, everything that you could possibly want to stave off the heat is there. There is even coffee and teas available for those who need their daily worship at the Church of Caffeine. Just don't overheat on them!

And, of course, there is the race.

It looks like the first-ever SEMPER race has drawn quite the crowd. And where there is a crowd, there are more souvenir stands. Why not buy a flag or two to cheer on your pokemon? Or maybe you should buy an 'I ran the SEMPER race and all I got was this lousy t-shirt' for your pokemon to commemorate the occasion. They sell them in all sorts of sizes.

And then there is that mystery section of beach, currently cordoned off with ropes and screens. Signs let everybody know that this is where the Helping Hand auction will be taking place later tonight, but if you had hoped to get an early peek at the decorations or items up for auction, you will be sorely disappointed. Be patient and wait like everybody else is.

So come all and enjoy the beach. Participate in a race maybe, and pull your wallets for tonight's charity event. After all, who knows when disaster might strike again? Better enjoy things while you can!



ooc: The Charity Auction will have its own log, which will be posted later tonight. Should there be any questions, please use the event info post to ask them.

Comments

(frozen comment) SEMPER RACE

[indigo_league]

If you are participating in the race, this is where to comment. A list of race obstacles will be posted soon. For each obstacle (nine in total), we ask for your pokemon's strategy in trying to get past/through said obstacle. In this race, it won't be possible to detour around obstacles. Every obstacle will have to be taken, and should any pokemon be unable to get past it, it will, unfortunately, be disqualified.

For this race, we will be making our judgement partially based on the strategy you give us, as well as your pokemon's actual stats. To accomplish this, we ask you to include the base stat of your pokemon's species with your strategy where relevant. The base stats of all pokemon can be found on Bulbapedia by looking up the pokemon's species.



In addition to the obstacles, this race also features relays. There isn't much you can strategize for that, so we have decided to judge each relay based on luck. But we wanted you to have some input too, so we've come up with this system.

For each relay, we ask you to pick two numbers between 1 and 20. We too will be generating two numbers between 1 and 20 using our trusty random generator tool (each player and each relay will get uniquely generated numbers).

If at least one number you choose matches one of the two we generated, hooray! You had tremendous luck on your relay and you'll have a speed advantage.

If at least one number you choose is within a -3/+3 range of our number (I.E - if we generate the number 5, that would mean any number between 2 and 8), congrats, you did reasonably well on your relay. You don't gain a speed advantage, but hey, you also don't get a demerit.

If both of the numbers you choose fall outside of the -3/+3 range of our number, alas, your pokemon completely fumbled that relay, and you will take a small speed penalty.

However! there is one exception to this.

If the pokemon passing on the baton knows the move Baton Pass, your relay will always be successful. So please let us know when/if this applies.



ICly, the race will take place on the 21st, but we won't judge the entries until Saturday the 26th, so players have until then to comment. Should all participants have submitted their race strategies before Saturday, we'll try and judge things early!

(frozen comment) OBSTACLES

[indigo_league]

Water

01. Maze

After the contestants have set off, the first obstacle that awaits them is a clear stretch of water.

Or at least, that is what it appears to be until they actually cross into it. Though there are no actual walls, this section of ocean is home to strong currents that push swimmers back and fro. And not only that, small whirlpools lay scattered across the water, waiting to trap unsuspecting swimmers in their midst.

It’ll soon become clear that this is not a section of water that can be cross by using strength or speed -- wits are what’s needed here! You see, those currents that push swimmers around can actually be used to get through this invisible maze. You just have to find the right ones. And make sure to memorize them. And keep away from those whirlpools. Though they aren’t strong enough to actually drown a pokemon, they will trap your pokemon until they’ve struggled free of them, which will cost them quite a bit of time and stamina.

For this obstacle, please tell us how your pokemon will be tackling this. Do they have any clever strategies? Are they the sort that can actually find their way through by using their wits or will they just be brute-forcing things until they get lucky enough to hit that correct path? Feel free to mention any moves, abilities or statistics that you believe could aid your pokemon in making it through this invisible maze puzzle.

02. Treasure hunt

A short swim brings the competitors to the next challenge to face, which is… a locked chest on a small platform. There is one for each participant, marked with their race number. A large lock sits on the front of the chest, with each chest having a different unique lock. And the only other thing in sight is… a sign. With an arrow pointing down.

Yes, your goal, should you wish to continue on in this race, is to unlock the chest with your number on it. And for that, you are going to need a key. And for that, you are going to need to dive.

Those clever enough to follow the sign will find that several meters below the surface, the sea-bed is covered with keys. Far more than there are chests! And each key has its own appearance. There should be one that matches the lock on your chest, so go on, get to searching!

For this challenge, please give us anything that might be relevant to retrieving a key from underwater. Are they searching for the right key underwater and then coming up, or are they just going to settle for grabbing a key and going back up, repeating that action until they hit the jackpot? How good is your pokemon at diving and staying underwater? Does your pokemon have anything that might help them navigate the waters down below? Nobody is being asked to dive into the abyss, but there sure is a bit less light down there than there is at the surface.

Oh, and what is in the chest you ask?

Just the satisfaction of making it past obstacle two on a nine obstacle race.

03. Speed Race

For the final stretch, the track glistens in front of the competitors, the water calm and a beautiful deep blue. There are no rocks to dodge, no currents, waves or even a whirlpool in sight. Instead, for once, this part of the race brings us back to the very essence of racing, the most primal drive of all those who enter in contests like these boiled down to one single sentiment.

Gotta go fast.

Yes, for once, all we ask of you is to supply us with your pokemon’s speed, and anything they might have in store to boost that speed.

Ground

01. Evasion Race

After a short stretch of road where they can run full out, contestants soon will be getting to… what seems to be a rather literal obstacle course. Rather than be faced with a flat road, they are staring out over a huge pit. There are poles to jump from one to the next, narrow beams to scurry along, thin single-rope bridges -- there are even moving arms that aim to knock individuals down as they try and make it across this long and difficult pit.

There is no one single route; individuals can somewhat decide for themselves. Are they better at jumping from pole to pole? Maybe the narrow beams are their forte? Either way, the rules are the same for every path they might take -- fall down and you have to start all over again. Fly over the obstacles (should you be able to) and you’ll be disqualified.

And right when you think you are safely across -- Is that a goddamn boulder??!

(It is, though it isn’t made of rock. Still sturdy enough to knock a pokemon back into the pit if they don’t think to dodge it in time.)

For this section of the race, please give us your pokemon’s strategy, their evasion stat, and any information you have on their evasion as well as possible ways to boost it.

02. Accuracy Race

The next stretch of track is surprisingly short. In fact, your pokemon will have barely gotten up to speed before they come to the next hurdle. Just off the track sits what can only be described as a shooting range, neatly divided into several slots. Red lights hang above each slot, and in the distance, there are five targets, each a bit further away than the next.

The goal here is quite simple. Hit the target, get the green light and off you go again.

Yeah, we got some biathlon in your triathlon. You are welcome.

In order to get the green light, your pokemon will have to hit each target in the distance, starting with the nearest target first. Each target needs to be hit separately (no trying to hit them all at once!), and you will not be able to move onto the next target until you’ve hit the one in front.

So for this part, please tell us how your pokemon will be trying to hit those targets in the distance. Your pokemon cannot move beyond the line, so hopefully, they’ve got some sort of long-distance move they can use. Please let us know about anything your pokemon might be doing to improve their own accuracy or any abilities or characteristics of their species that might be aiding them in this part.

03. Speed Race

Once again, the track takes a final twisting turn to lead to a long stretch of open road. There are no obstacles as far as the eye can see. Supporters stand at either side of the road, eager and willing to cheer on any contestant that passes.

Hopefully, your pokemon has kept enough stamina in reserve to go all out here. Their third and final teammate is waiting at the end of the track, ready to take over that baton and bring it home. All they have to do is just run.

So, please give us your pokemon’s speed, anything they might be doing to boost it, and remember, if you are going to try and cheat, probably don’t do it on the one section of track where everybody is watching your every move!

Air


01. Strength Race

The first section of the air race takes the competing pokemon through a winding labyrinth of sea-side cliffs. Thankfully, the two paths through the cliffs are clearly marked, so there should be no concern about pokemon getting lost.

What might be a concern are the heavy crosswinds that constantly chase through these narrow passages. They are certainly heavy enough to knock a light or inexperienced flyer off balance.

Pokemon in this part of the race have two options. They can choose the longer path through the cliffs, the one where the winds are constant, but not quite as strong, or they can choose the shorter, more direct route where the wind is at its strongest.

Please give us your pokemon’s choice, as well as anything they might have planned to deal with the heavy winds or any physical features (like weight) that could be helping (or hindering) them in this part of the race.

02. Agility and accuracy

Once clear of those windy cliffs, contestants won’t have much time to catch their breath, because the next obstacle is already looming ahead.

Rings have been suspended on huge polls and hung from balloons and the expectation here is pretty straight forward -- fly through the rings. However, while the general idea might be straightforward, actually carrying it out is anything but! Those first few rings are easy to pass through, but then the rings start getting smaller and set at sharp angles from each other necessitating quick turns and good eye-sight to spot them all. And it is important to spot them all! Race control won’t make you start all over if you miss one, but each missed ring adds extra seconds onto your time. Collect too much of those, and you might pass the finish line first, but you won’t win.

And, as if all of that wasn’t hard enough, eventually the rings start to… multiply? Rather than single rings through which contestants much fly, suddenly they start appearing in groups of three of four. However only one ring has the proper colours and that’s the one you’ll have to get through. Pick any of the others, and its more of those penalty points.

For this section, give us your pokemon’s strategy -- will they go at top speed and hope to get all those rings? Will they pull back on their speed and instead focus on not getting any demerits? Or do they have some different, clever strategy in mind?

As before, please give us your pokemon’s speed and agility stat, as well as anything else they might use to try and pass this obstacle.

03. Speed Race

For the final leg of the air race, speed is of the essence.

A track has been set out in the air using balloons and flags. It’s a straightforward, straight fly towards the finish line. Like before, there are no tricks here, no hidden traps or clever puzzles to solve. The only thing that counts is speed. And lots of it.

Oh, and staying within the marked track of balloons.

The only two things that count are speed and staying within the marked track of balloons.

And not forcing your opponents outside of the track.

Right. So the only three things that count are speed, staying within the track, and not forcing your opponents outside of the tracks.

And also--

You know what, just give us your pokemon’s speed and anything they might be doing to boost that as they tackle this very last section of the track.

<B>Character:</b> <B>Pokemon entered in the Water race:</b> please either provide a link to their profile, or at the very least their species and level. <B>Pokemon entered in the Ground race:</b> please either provide a link to their profile, or at the very least their species and level. <B>Pokemon entered in the Air race:</b> please either provide a link to their profile, or at the very least their species and level. <B>Strategies</b>: <B>Water</b> 01: --- 02: --- 03: --- <B>Relay</b>: please give us two numbers between <B>1 and 20</b> <B>Ground</b> 01: --- 02: --- 03: --- <B>Relay</b>: please give us two numbers between <B>1 and 20</b> <B>Air</b> 01: --- 02: --- 03: ---

And the winner is....

[indigo_league]

Sometimes, a race ends with contestants vying for position neck-to-neck, one pulling ahead only to be beaten by the other at the last second.

Not this race though.

As the contestants speed down the last leg of the air race, one bird proudly leads the pack. Bard the Talonflame’s red and black wings are practically a blur as he rushes towards the finish line at break-neck speed. He is untouchable, a master of his element and indisputable the fastest of all those who have gathered here. When he crosses the finish line, the crowd erupts into a loud roar, amazed by the prowess shown by this bird.

The battle for second a third place is a lot more contested, fought out between a second Talonflame, belonging to Kiri and… a very small balloon? Wait, that’s no balloon, that’s Emporio Alniño’s Drifblim! Though Bard the Talonflame’s victory was impressive, the crowd is also loving this fight for second and third, cheering on both pokemon. In the end, though, it’s Kiri’s Talonflame who manages to pull ahead of Emporio’s Drifblim and it is she who crosses the finish line in second place.


And there you have it, folks! The result of this first (but hopefully not last?) SEMPER race!

First place goes to Geralt of Rivia with his pokemon Lampro the Luvdisc, Gweld the Mimikyu and Bard the Talonflame! Second place goes to Kiri and her pokemon Cramorant, Archen and Talonflame! Third place goes to Emporio Alniño and his pokemon Dewdrop the Floatzel, Salem the Absol and Violet the Drifblim!

All other pokemon who participated (yes, all three of your team) will receive a small commemorative medal for their efforts and participation!



Unfortunately, two contestants ended up being disqualified.

Jolyne’s Jolteon was disqualified after hitting another contestant with its Wild Charge during the last leg of the ground race. Fortunately, the other contestant was able to carry on without significant loss of time, but really! It’s a race, not a wrestling match.

Wait, can you even do that during wrestling...


Steve’s Cramorant was disqualified for… trying to eat one of the track balloons, hoop and all. It certainly wasn’t something race control had been expecting to deal with, but they eventually made the decision to remove the Cramorant from the track to save this poor bird’s innards from himself. Please do not eat balloons! It’s not healthy.

Rei Ayanami | OTA

[instrumentally]

[The glare of the sun. The chirp of cicadas warming up. Wind through the reeds, the sea, the sky. Warm, almost blistering sand beneath her feet. If she were to close her eyes, she would feel familiar. That this is not so strange. But now and then, the sound of ice cream vendors break the bubble of her memories, and she remembers where she is.

There is a strange feeling inside her. She cannot put her finger on it, cannot possibly explain. Like a dark hole in the bottom of a well has been filled with stones. She feels as though she may float away without it, as though she is... invisible, a ghost. Somehow not as real as she may have been before. Or, perhaps it is the other way around. More solid, more substantial.

In any case, Rei is here, and can be found in many places as the sun winds its way through the sky. Early in the day, she will wade into the ocean up to her knees, her Solosis floating in the waters ahead, bobbing up and down with the motion of the waves. She will purchase some ice cream as the heat boils over in the afternoon. And she will be found silently but attentively watching the Semper Race as it unfolds.

But for now, there is only the sun, the sea, and the sky. And Rei, sitting in the sand.]

[lovelybottom]

Geralt doesn't have the same affinity for the ocean that Jaskier does-- he can swim, but he doesn't particularly like to do so for fun, mostly because he isn't particularly buoyant. Sinks like a stone, really. It's probably all of that witchery muscle he's got on him. Good for killing monsters, bad for taking a leisurely swim in the sea.

There's something relaxing, though, in watching the sea. Maybe it's the steady rhythm of the tides, or maybe it's the fact that the ocean rarely changes, even after the passing of decades. It existed long before Geralt, and will continue to exist long after he's been put to the earth, and it still will be the same as ever.

He sits on a bench on the boardwalk overlooking the sea and watches, drinking a coffee drink that he'd gotten from one of the shops. People enjoy the fine day, swimming or building castles in the sand or flying colorful kites shaped like Magikarp. The drink that he'd gotten is one of the overly complicated kinds, and it's too sweet for his tastes. He drinks it anyway, because it would be worse to waste it.

Down in the sand, there's a wisp of a girl with pale hair that he recognizes. After a moment or two's contemplation, Geralt stands and makes his way down onto the beach. He's not exactly dressed for being in the sand-- the seasons may change, but his black wardrobe doesn't.

"Take care not to burn."

Spoken like a man who fries without a constant layer of sunblock.

Dimitri - OTA

[nastyboy]

Dimitri may have three Pokemon that are due for the race, and thus can't have too much fun until after it, of course. However, well... The man has around 40 other Pokemon that could maybe find some time enjoying themselves, and he also needs to have some fun in the sun.

Even though, you know. He lives here now. So it's not like he really needs to worry about that too much.

A - Watermelon Stand

What he does have to worry about would be his pair of Vivillon getting up to mischief. Anyone in the vague vicinity may come across the sight of Dimitri sternly holding onto a watermelon, even as one of his Vivillon - Gillian in this case - tries to desperately flap her wings in order to take off with it.

Can a fragile bug like a Vivillon even do that? She's sure trying.

However, while Dimitri is dealing with that - "No, you cannot Psybeam a watermelon" - Julian, the other Vivillon, is trying to make off with an entirely different watermelon.

It might be your own.

Whups.

B - Surf's Up

Have a surfboard? Are you vaguely near a surfboard? Do you just look like you're not doing anything busy? Have Dimitri tiredly approach you.

"I don't suppose you could help me?" he asks tentatively. "One of my Paliens has gotten loose at sea."

You can probably hear him, you know, underneath the sound of warbling howling. Shuck the Lycanroc is on a surfboard, desperately trying not to fall off of it as she's out in the water.

Dimitri thought about just swimming out to get her, but, well... He'd rather have backup just in case her dumb Rock-type butt gets too excited or panics and falls off.

C - Beach Fun

Dimitri knows you strip down at the beach. He knows that. And there are a lot of his scars he doesn't hate - that he's proud of, even. And he knows there are plenty of people who show skin even back in Fodlan - many pegasus riders do so depending on the weather.

But it still feels kind of weird, which is why, after a while, he can be found at the Femblemtroika Towel and Umbrella set up, looking around for them. He's still wearing a tank top with a stylized Emboar on it, but also a pair of dark blue swim trunks. No, they don't match the tank top.

If anyone is near enough, or doesn't look interested in the waves, Dimitri smiles slightly to them. "Not interested in swimming, or just waiting?"

C - Going with the assumption they continued to have a good talk in their 4th wall thread?

[fayblood]

Shrike is still pretty uncomfortable with the idea of being at any kind of large, social gathering. Not to mention, he lacks enough Pokémon to compete in the race, and certainly doesn't have enough money to even think of bidding on anything in the auction, charity or no. And unlike prom, this event didn't come with a direct invitation that would feel rude to turn down.

But, even so, there's a couple of people he's met--maybe even started to get to know a little--that he figures are likely to be here and, well. Shrike maybe, possibly, wants to talk to them again just a little. It's kind of a strange and new feeling for him.

Which is why he's now found himself at the beach, looking around to spot someone he recognizes when Dimitri happens to spot and speak to him first.

"Oh. Um, I don't know..."

He's definitely not dressed for swimming. Leaving aside the fact that he'd never heard of swimwear before arriving in Johto, Shrike's still keeping himself fully covered, hooded cloak and all. What a strange kid.

A

[neverfinishanyth]

Leonardo and his fleet of bird pokemon are here, and unfortunately, Canto, his Staravia, has decided that it also would like to destroy a watermelon with his beak. It might just be the same one that Julian the Vivilion is trying to destroy with psybeam, in fact.

This might get a little messy.

C - hey remember how much your daughter loves food?

[fortuna_tenax]

( jinx looks up just barely, sitting nearby with cinna as a comfortable backrest- don't take it the wrong way, that cuddly persian is loving it too. under the shade, she's perfectly content with a book, a particularly vibrant drink and a pack of banana chips. )

... Nahhh, it's snack time right now. Wanna try some?

C

[zukeini]

Zuke didn’t participate in the race at all. He and his team really just wanted an excuse to have a vacation at a beach. And Zuke, once again, was an old calm soul in a young adult man’s body. So he was laying on a towel and on a chair, catching some sun. He was positively enjoying himself a tall glass of iced tea with fruit. The other Pokemon on his team were also laying around. Well, May the Toxitricity and Nadia the Gardevior were playing with a baby Galarian Zigzagoon and building sandcastles. With the little metal head girl wanting inside of the castle.

Zuke was near napping when he heard a voice, and his eyes appeared from his shades.

Needless to say, he had to stop the shade of pink to appear on his face.

“Oh…hey! Dimitri, yo! Sorry, didn’t see you coming.”

Jane Crocker | OTA

[cyan_maid]

[Well...what's the harm in popping over to Cianwood, right? Jane's got the time, and she's got some cute clothes for the season. Why not celebrate?

While not participating in the sand castle contest, that doesn't mean she isn't out on the beach making a sand castle with some of her Pokemon. Dinah the Audino, of course, is leading the charge, directing a Marill and Rockruff as they pat and shape wet sand into something resembling a structure. Honestly, it looks more like a wet hill with shells pressed into it, but Jane laughs as she assists, handing over bits of broken shell she finds and urging them on to continue. Nearby, Quinn the Type:Null naps in the warm sun, and Franklin the Galarian Meowth is curled up against them, one eye open as he watches out for any who would dare disturb his friend's repose. Seems like Jane's just got a chill selection of Pokemon out with her today.

You might also catch her by the food stalls, quietly asking something of the vendors as she holds onto a stack of sheets. It seems the vendors are amiable to the idea of handing some of these out, should she purchase some of their wares, which Jane is all too happy to oblidge, but...this is a lot of food. She certainly can't eat it all, and neither can her Pokemon, though you can see them nearby as they dig into some ice cream. Anyone want some snacks on the house? She might have one of those puzzle sheets for you, too, if you ask.

Otherwise, feel free to run into her anywhere you like! I'm open to wildcard interactions.]

Beach!

[missleadingquestions]

[Maya's still getting used to training a pokemon as rambunctious as Lycanroc, even though hers isn't quite as rowdy and scary as others she's met. Rather, Missile can't seem to grasp that he is a bit more scarily shaped, instead convinced that he is Very Cool.

Which is why a Very Cool lycanroc in brightly colored shades for the summer just kind of meanders on over to examine marill and rockruff and Dinah's pretty little castle. Missile gives them all a big sniff, inspecting their handiwork with a curious nose, as his trainer and her oricorio come hurrying over to squat by his side.]

Do you like their castle, pal?

[Maya asks, giving Missile a scratch on the neck, to which he gives a... weird little howl that is probably happy. Maya then turns her attention to Jane with an almost apologetic smile, adding—]

Hey~ You guys aren't working too hard, now, are you?

beach

[purifyingroots]

[So Bitingbird the Toucannon, having lost interest for the moment in trying to dismantle everything Millennial Tree Cookie and his other Pokemon have tried to accomplish (or just given up because MT kept stopping him), has decided to explore the beach in search of other activities.

Activities here meaning victims to hassle.

And hey, here are some more Pokemon trying to build a sand castle! He can take that apart!

...Yeah, so that's why there's a Toucannon just... slowly hopping toward Jane and her Pokemon, eyeing that little sand hill and clacking his beak. A criminal approaches.]

Kazuki OTA

[forsaintcecilia]

SEMPER Race

Kazuki went into this just to have fun with some of his small Pokemon, so he wasn't particularly concerned about how well his team did.

However, his Yamper, Wiggles, wasn't really built for the rigors of the Ground Course. He couldn't help but wince as his poor little Pokemon fell off of platforms and balance beams, got hit by foam boulders, and tried to hit targets without having a long range attack to work with.

Wiggle didn't seem to mind, though. He gamely pulled himself out of pits and reset himself back at the beginning of the different obstacles to try again, all with that signature goofy smile on his doggy face. Meanwhile, the pack continued to pull further and further ahead of him.

"At least it looks like he's having fun..." Kazuki groaned as he pulled a hand down his face in secondhand embarrassment. "Go on, Wiggles! You can do it!"

Cracking Watermelons

Kazuki had done this before (I'd include a link, but I can't remember exactly where it happened lol) but that didn't mean he was tired of the concept. It wasn't summer until someone broke a watermelon open! He gathered a small pyramid of watermelons, a baseball bat, and a blindfold, and sat himself down to wait for takers. Or for people to explain what the hell he was doing to.

Wanna take a shot? There's plenty for everyone!

During / After the Auction

Oh lord. As soon as he saw the stage that had been set, Kazuki was immeasurably grateful that he didn't get pulled into this.

Make no mistake, he almost did, but he managed to catch Honky Tonk in the act of signing him up. The Primarina had his Gear privileges revoked for what was probably the tenth time this year alone for that transgression.

But, yeah, he would have died right up there for everyone to see if he had ended up for auction. He couldn't bring himself to bid on anyone either. Jaskier had recently taken it upon himself to set Kazuki up on dates, and none of them had ended well. We're talking anywhere from a polite parting after a lukewarm dinner to downright disasters of embarrassment. He couldn't force any more romance in his life. It just wasn't working out for him.

The night itself wasn't so bad, though. Despite having no intent to bid, Kazuki still came for the Auction. He had put a stay at the Silver Horn up after all, and he hoped that someone would want it. It was for a good cause, and he could stand up for that.

watermelons

[instrumentally]

Rei steps across the sand, her Solosis trailing behind her. She stops when she crosses paths with the stack of watermelons, and the baseball bat that would presumably be smashing them in a moment or two.

"What are you doing with those?"

She asks, hands clasped in front of her politely. Her Solosis peers around her shoulder, curious and wondering.

Watermelons

[freckledarcher]

Ashe finished a swim and decided to walk around the beach for a bit. Ky, his Piplup, and Loog, his Mudkip, walking by his side as they step on the sand. He looked out at the water for a bit when his Piplup chirped and pointed at the watermelons. Ashe picked up followed Loog and followed Piplup who happily chirped at the watermelons. He stopped and looked over at the guy with Loog in his arms staring at the watermelons while Ky walked around them.

"Ahh, sorry about that. He can get really excited sometimes." Ashe placed Loog down who walked over to join Ky at the watermelons. He pointed to the baseball bat. "Um, what are you going to do with that?"

wOTTERmelon

[spacebaloney]

[If there's a beach, Lance the Human Dolphin will be there. And he certainly has shown up in all his glistening oiled up tanned skin glory, hair still damp from his multiple dips into the ocean. Cianwood is no Cuba, but it'll do when there's nothing else.

Right now, he's taking a break from pruney fingers and toes and strolling along the beach and people watching. One guy in particular catches his eye. It might be because of all the watermelons, it might be because his hair color matches the watermelons. In any case, Lance pauses and snorts a laugh.]

Dude, that's not a piñata.

[Because last time he checked, anybody who had a bat and a blindfold was gearing up to smash a sweet-filled donkey at a birthday party.]

watermelons

[missleadingquestions]

Maya was no stranger to the practice of cracking open watermelons this way— but all of her visits to the beaches at home had been serious, ceremonious occasions, during which her dear old auntie morgan would never have let her participate in anything mildly perceivable as fun.

So when she saw Kazuki next to his pyramid of watermelons, she couldn't help but run up to investigate, excited. With her lycanroc, Missile, and her Oricorio, Wei, tailing after her, Maya clapped her hands together in excitement.

"Wow, are you gonna be cracking these open today? For real?" she asked, grinning ear to ear, though the pokemon she's been with today still stared in puzzlement.

Grant Abaroa | OTA except first prompt

[woofdad]

closed to travel group

Grant’s spent pretty much the whole time from when his group set out for this event onward going over a mental checklist of everything to keep track of - making sure he knows his budget for the auction, ensuring they’ve got everything they need for the beach, and so forth. He’s tried to keep his fretting to himself as much as possible, not wanting to bother the others, but there is one thing he wants to check with everybody on.

Once his group’s spot on the beach is claimed, towels and umbrellas all set up as necessary, he’ll kneel down to unpack his bag, and hold up a bottle of sunscreen. “Everybody got sunscreen on? We don’t need anyone getting burned today.”

After having lived in a beach town for a while, Grant certainly hopes his little group has gotten into the habit of using sunscreen, but… might as well be sure. Especially since some of them had never even heard of the stuff before getting here. Better safe than sorry, right?

Lunch time

So it wasn’t that long ago Scooter evolved to a Golisopod - and, by and large, Grant feels he’s adapted well! He also feels like he probably shouldn’t think it’s so funny that poor, dear Scooter, who is trying his best, does still need some help eating. He seems to have a little trouble stooping down to just stick his face into a bowl, he isn’t quite comfortable using his claws yet… it’s kind of a process, finding things he can get a good hold on without completely destroying.

So the availability of entire watermelons is kind of a relief, because you know what Scooter can do? Dig those clumsy claws into the rind and just mash his face into half a melon. Less than a foot away from Grant, splattering his trainer with watermelon juice.

Grant is trying so hard not to laugh while he pats Scooter encouragingly on his giant armored shoulder, wiping juice off his face with his other arm, but it’s sort of a struggle. “Great-- good job, buddy, you’ve got it!”

Souvenirs

So, he’s not really planning to buy a whole lot here, unless something really catches his eye; after all, tourism souvenirs aren’t the kind of thing he usually puts his money into, even when he’s not trying to save for an auction later that same day.

...However, as he notices a sign announcing the availability of gift wrapping, Grant slowly raises his hands to press over his mouth. He’s just mumbling to himself, but anyone near enough by could well hear him: “...Oh god, I’ve missed so many people’s birthdays. Crap.”

He’s been having a hard month for the past few months, okay, but he can not believe how many birthday gifts he’s late on.

In the water

Grant stands out in the surf, waves breaking against his blue and black swim trunks, still wearing his goomy-patterned t-shirt. It might look like he’s looking out over the ocean, enjoying the view, except that he’s… looking directly down, into the water, as if looking for something within the haze of stirred-up sand. And he… looks sort of nervous, actually?

When he hears someone approaching he’ll look up, and give… something between a friendly wave and a warning gesture. “--Hey! Uh, be… be careful if you’re gonna be wading here, my Corsola… managed to get out of sight.”

Yep. Somewhere in this water is an unseen, mobile coral, just… ready to get stepped on.

There’s a reason Grant has not moved from his current spot while looking for her.

In the water

[schachmeister]

Armin had been moving this way, intending to get a bit of snorkelling done. At Grant's warning, he pauses, giving the water a thoughtful look. He's got a pair of flippers on, which should protect his feet somewhat, but he doesn't want to accidentally hurt the Corsola. Not that their branches don't grow back -- Armin knows they do -- but getting stepped on can't be fun.

"How long have they been gone for? Do you think they have gotten far?"

sunscreen time

[nastyboy]

Frankly, Dimitri probably should be better at remembering things like sunscreen. Unfortunately, sometimes he just gets too tired, or excited, and things slip through the cracks. That's sometimes what happens with trauma: it just says 'fuck off' to the concept of daily memory in favor of using up all that storage space for things that don't matter as much.

At least part of it is just Dimitri being anxious about the upcoming auction. Will the sword do well? He doesn't know how many people would actually care about something like that, besides Felix. Jaskier had praised it when he'd delivered it just the other day, but what if...

He blinks, still smoothing out a towel, when Grant speaks up. "Oh," he says, remembering that the present exists. "I've forgotten. We have a bottle with us, don't we?"

Souvenirs

[zukeini]

[Zuke was absolutely beside himself. Many stalls were nearby to sell homemade crafts like shell anklets and Sharpedo teeth necklaces. He couldn't help but be eyeing at all of the stalls like a kid in a candy store.

Zuke was looking at all of them. Holding kites with the widest innocent eyes. Hackey sacks getting a good try out on his feet.

He was...having fun.]

Sunscreen!

[freckledarcher]

The beach! It had been along time since Ashe could enjoy some time on the beach. He let Ky and Loog out of their pokeballs so they could have some fun as well. Ashe stretched his arms above his head when Ky chirped at him. He knelt down with a smile and rubbed his head.

"I'm going to be fine, Ky. Don't worry about me, okay?"

Ky eyed him for awhile, until he chirped and rubbed Ashe's arm then walked off with Loog. He knew Ky worried about him, though Ashe wanted him to have a good time at the beach too. Oh right before he goes swim he should get some sunscreen. Ashe walked over to Grant and accepted the bottle of sunscreen. "I almost forgot about this. Thanks for bringing it. Do you go to the beach often, Grant?"

Millennial Tree Cookie | OTA

[purifyingroots]

On the Beach

It’s rare, overall, to see Millennial Tree Cookie not accompanied by Earth Colt, his beloved Mudsdale who has more or less made it his job to look after his strange, spacey trainer. But, uh… his giant muddy hooves aren’t super well suited to walking on sand? He can manage it, but Millennial Tree Cookie felt it might be best to spare him the effort for today. He’s semi-competent on his own now, it’s fine!!

...Unlikely. But, at least he’s not totally on his own today. He kneels in the sand (wearing some light, comfortable clothes - he won’t change into the outfit Shadowmaru helped him pick out for the date auction until later, so no worries about that getting dirty!), watching Little Guardian the (decidedly no longer little) Golurk splash in the surf while Puddleskipper the Masquerain flutters around his shoulders, giving shy little trills to direct Peppermint Petal and Shadowfox in constructing a rough approximation of a sand castle. Masquerain might not have hands, but at least Lurantis and Zoroark… kind of do? It’s iffy in Peppermint Petal’s case, but he’s doing his best to shove the sand into the correct location.

Millennial Tree Cookie is also just… periodically reaching out to keep Bitingbird from taking literal beakfuls of sand out of the carefully-arranged pile. And from a Toucannon, those would be pretty big beakfuls. “Bitingbird, please do not interfere unless you’re helping them - you probably shouldn’t have sand in your beak, anyway.”

Restaurants

So, speaking of Millennial Tree Cookie’s general need for guidance when it comes to existing in a human body, Thunder Cub the Luxray is determined to take the lead in helping him navigate the trials of being a person today. Which, as the day goes on, means shoving him directly toward the restaurants. She knows how he is, she knows he’ll forget to eat until it’s urgent if she doesn’t remind him!!

“Yes, yes, I know - Thunder Cub, I will need a moment to make a decision, you know.” He reaches down to pat at her, and she responds with a sharp huffing sound. She’s just… leaning against him now. She’s not letting up, mister.

Jinx | Teen Titans (2003) | OTA

[fortuna_tenax]

( i. beach! )

( she expected a beach event at some point or another- and it's certainly delivered, all things considered. for right now, she's content to stay sitting on a rolled out towel, just basking in the warmth of the sun...

and also a very bright italian soda with the whipped cream and cherries and everything. if one's going to cool down, it's going to be fun or delicious and that's all there is to it. beside her, she's let ness, her lapras, out as well. for right now he's content to rest, but soon he'll want to go swimming for certain. she seems to be in a pretty good mood, and if she sees anyone she knows, she'll give them a shout and a wave. come over! she's got snacks! )

( ii. in the water! )

( ness has, at some point, urged his trainer into the water and is happy to dive below the surface and pop out at random times to say hello- it's absolutely adorable. jinx herself is also diving down, both to play and to simply see if she can find anything interesting. at some point she'll surface with a shiny heart scale. )

Oh, this is pretty...

( iii. foooooood )

( eventually, she'll at least put on a pair of black shorts and some sandals and go looking for lunch or dinner, depending on the time of day. jinx will let the sun dry her off, brushing lingering sand off her shoulders and legs before checking out different options. )

What to do, what to do...

( iv. wildcard! )

( jinx is just vibing, honestly. as wild as the auction is, she has no intention of going over their without good reason, but you can probably get her to go spectate! she also is down for food at all times, and may be drawing at some point. )

the Lapras man cometh

[schachmeister]

[It shouldn't be a surprise that the presence of a Lapras at the beach catches Armin's attention. It's funny. He's not sure if he can even call them his favourite pokemon -- there is just something about Wailords, okay? -- but after working for so long with them, he cannot help but want to check out every Lapras he comes across.

And who knows, in another month or two, the young of his herd should be ready to go into the wild, and it'll be time to breed a new batch of eggs. Perhaps this Lapras too could help out in that effort. The more bloodlines, the better.

So the next time Ness pops up above the surface, Armin is there to give him a good looking over, standing in the surf.]

Oh hello. Don't you look handsome?

[Sorry Jinx, you haven't been noticed yet. Like a grandma who will zero in on her grandchild before everything else, Armin's eyes are on the Lapras alone.]