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!

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.]

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?"

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.]

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.

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.

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. )