jigokulogs | May 2022 Mini Event

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May 2022 Mini Event

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As the Haniwa continue to pop up in the city and the turf war rages on, life goes on in the city.

1. SHUTEN CLAN

Remember the Isonade? Yeah, those guys. The surly shark-dudes who were no doubt involved in some black market smuggling along the banks of the Sanzu. They were too tough to fight off in order to figure out what they were up to, last time.

Well, Toraguma has caught wind of them now. Despite the ongoing turf war, he’s not about to lose out on an opportunity here! He wants his Shuten Clan operatives to scour the river looking for these guys. They will be a lot harder to find without the rabbits’ help, though. If you find them, you are to “inform them” that the Shuten Clan will be taking over their operation. If they have problems with that, well… you know what to do.

Don’t forget that they’re quite strong and that they aren’t too keen on giving up the information on their supply line without a fight. You’ll need to use teamwork to get what you need out of them.

Should you manage your way to their warehouse, you’ll find a fresh shipment of their products: specialized herbs, mineral-rich clay, and rarefied ore. None of these products can be found in the city naturally. The Isonade won’t dare name their primary buyer but they will let slip that all of this is being smuggled into the city from the outer Wastelands.

The Shuten Clan will demand their cut out of this operation, but you may get the impression that this is only one small piece of a much larger shadow creeping over the city…

Art by Alejandro Gonzalez Agudelo

2. SUTOKU ALLIANCE

The death and subsequent “rebirth” of the Daitengu has caused a considerable amount of chaos. Many of the subsidiary tribes have struggled under the weight of uncertainty during this debacle. The Daitengu has decided that an apology tour is owed. It’s good for the sake of the Alliance, after all.

Oh, but they’re not going to be doing it themselves. You, the Sutoku Lost Souls, will be fully responsible for it. ૮ ˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶ ა

Sutoku Souls are tasked with going to various businesses and tribe centers with an offering of gifts and deference to any and every group within the Alliance who will agree to meet with you. The gifts have been provided by the Daitengu, and are mainly snacks and coupons. Which will not be enough to please everyone. Some clans will demand more and some, in their rage, will try to take their anger out on you. You are an (lowly) ambassador right now, better to turn the other cheek.

This all boils down to be less of an apology tour and more of a bribe tour. What the Daitengu has provided won’t cover everything and you’re going to have to go out of pocket to truly placate the other clans. If you don’t have enough cash on hand, you may be asked to do various unpaid tasks and labors: washing dishes, scrubbing floors, cleaning windows, taking out the trash, serving kids’ birthday parties; any amount of the lowest work you can imagine.

It’s rough! But somebody’s gotta do it

3. DEPARTMENT OF THE ENMA

The chaos of the Night Parade has caused a resurgence of unaffiliated gangs popping up around Jigokucho. They can usually be found identifying themselves through the use of basic colors and mascots. They are made up almost entirely of violent youths with uncertain futures, who are lashing out at an uncaring world. The antics of the Daitengu, the accusations against the Enma, and the squabbling between Shuten and Tamamo is not inspiring their confidence nor loyalty.

In addition to this problem, the retrieval of the Haniwa is going poorly. Most residents are too uncomfortable to even touch the statues and their appearances don’t seem to be slowing down. There are too many for the Department to collect.

With an abundance of cursed objects in town, the petty gangs have decided this is an ample resource for them. They are using the Haniwa to harass the general public and against one another. They have weaponized the excess Haniwa and are using them as “curse bombs”, hurling them at both each other and the residents they want to intimidate. It’s getting nasty.

It’s the Department’s job to keep the Haniwa figures from falling into the wrong hands and to keep some semblance of order. The official orders from the Office of the Enma are directing all hands to converge against the youth gangs. Use any force necessary and retrieve those figurines.

4. TAMAMO CLAN

How inconvenient! In addition to the complications of the turf war, an extremely important time of the year has arrived for the Tamamo Clan.

It is time for the yearly visit of one of the clan’s greatest benefactors: the Tennin. These Celestial Immortals descend from the Heavenly Realms to spend time (and incredible amounts of money) in Hell’s Playground, Jigokucho. Hell simply offers the sort of delights you just can’t get in Heaven. Due to Tenkohime’s connections with them, the Celestials have had her host them for several years in a row now. She emphasizes how incredibly important it is to keep them happy.

The Celestials want entertainment and delights of every variety. It’s up to the Tamamo Clan’s Lost Souls to entertain them. Your entertainments can take many forms: keeping the Celestials company, putting on a performance, showing off your cooking and skills, tea ceremonies, and other exhibitions. Should you choose the carnal and kinky route for entertainments, know that you won’t be laying down with any Celestials themselves. Oh, no no no, they’re Heavenly, after all! This is still performance, so you may need a partner to help you out.

Keep in mind that the legends are true! The Celestials are deeply deeply fond of peaches. Both literal and metaphorical. 🍑

The Celestials love to chat and gossip, so keeping them entertained is also an excellent way to hear some interesting information. Tamamo artisans will likely learn that many Celestials openly trade with Tenkohime. In fact, the aphrodisiac goods that the Tamamos so famously deal in come, in large part, from the Celestials. Tamamo isn’t the only clan they do business with either. They also have connections within the Sutoku Alliance and are the land owners of several Alliance properties. They are considered one of the primary sources of capital in the real estate market.

Why would the Celestials want properties in a world they literally can’t live in? Doesn’t that just reek of capitalism.

5. TURF WAR (ALL FACTIONS)

The turf war between the Shuten and Tamamo clans is at a simmer right now. Which doesn’t mean that it’s over – not even close. Minor magical traps, similar to those found in the sewer, have been found in Shuten territory. Frustrated Shuten enforcers have been taking out their anger on anyone that so much as looks at them funny. Bars in both districts are regularly getting smashed up. Knife fights are breaking out in the streets. Cars known to belong to members of both clans turn up with slashed tires. There’s even rumors of hits being taken out on higher ranking members.

Watch your step if you’re out and about in either territory. Faction affiliation doesn’t matter when tensions are running high. What’s more, rumors are flying all over about which of the two warring clans is going to be the one to escalate the violence further.

Will tensions boil over at any moment? At what point does the Department of the Enma have to step in? Why haven’t they already?

It’s all getting too much to handle…

6. CURSED OBJECTS (ALL FACTIONS)

The presence of the Haniwa is having increasingly frightening effects. There are whispers about blood coming out of the walls and the floors in apartments, about black ooze pouring from faucets and coming up from storm drains. There are even whispers of terrible household hauntings.

These aren’t just rumors though. Bars are having to close early due to the presence of wailing ghosts inhabiting the toilet or blood pouring from the taps. People run screaming out of alleyways pursued by ghostly hands.

These curses and hauntings seem to be fairly localized; kept to one building or one block at a time. Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be much rhyme or reason as to when these accursed sightings will take effect.

Be careful out there! Who knows what could happen with so much terrible energy running rampant.

Welcome to the mini event!

If you have any questions about event content, please ask them here!
FOR THE PURPOSES OF REWARDS, since all of these prompts tie into the main plot in some way, we will count all qualified threads in this post as 2 point threads!
If you have questions about the game itself, please check out the premise, FAQ, and rules pages.

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Not that unusual where we came from.

[ Karasu flashes a sharp-toothed grin at Ryouma. Something isn't right with him, but Karasu can't quite pinpoint it. He chooses instead to be an asshole about other things. ]

He hasn't told you anything about that place, right?

[ Karasu hasn't moved off the bench, preferring to taunt from afar. Well, that and stepping in the puddle doesn't seem like the greatest idea. ]

No, but I've heard a little from other people who were there too. Can't claim to make much sense of it though.

[ he's the last person who would ever ask izō to slog through who knows how many bad memories just so he can fill in the blanks about a place that — as far as he's heard — ceased to exist. what matters now is that they're here and alive but he gets the feeling karasu isn't going to be satisfied with that. ]

Everyone's said it's better here, which is all that matters, right?

[ worth a shot. ]

No. They're all on edge right now because this kind of shit? [ He points to the wailing, spreading puddle. ] Happened all the time.

[ Karasu carefully perches on the edge of the bench so he can flutter over the puddle without touching it. ]

Why do you think I'm out? [ He laughs. ] Probably the same reason you are. Can't handle what's going on at your place?

So, you're protecting him.

[ even if it's purely selfish motives, if izō is better off taking the backseat on this then it's for the best. it never gets less weird that these are the kinds of choices he has to think about now; it makes him miss the simplicity of the past.

he hates how he stiffens at the question because ryouma is a poor liar and it's right at the back of his mind. he's eyeing that puddle too because he doesn't much trust that puddle because that puddle could decide to turn into something else. ]

Nothing wrong with getting a little fresh air under the circumstances. I can handle it just fine but it's more trouble than it's worth...

[ he doesn't hate himself enough to stick it out in a haunted apartment any longer than he needs to. ]

No. [ A firm correction. ] I got sick of him barking at the dark, so I muzzled him.

[ Making fun of Izō when he's out is something Karasu like to do and the opportunity presents itself. ]

Which is something he likes. You're welcome.

[ The puddle doesn't seem to be doing much besides trying to cover the entirety of the ground in the small park. Karasu is careful to avoid it. The bloody puddle slowly turns more clear, almost reflective, like the surface of water. He peers at it for a moment. ]

If you're feeling brave, maybe you should take a look.

[ he'll keep on framing it how he wants because it's the only way this is palatable enough for him to get through. his opinion of the tengu has improved he takes a few steps back and away from the growing puddle, not wanting to touch it to begin with but less so with karasu being so cautious. ]

That's the sorta thing he can tell me himself, you know...

[ a pointless effort even saying so, he's sure, but he's embarrassed for some reason. ]

What's the point of looking anyway? That's why I never had a use for stuff like this.

[ he's always been sceptical of this stuff and being made of magic and married to an orochi has not endeared everything weird and supernatural to him across the board. whatever the hell this is definitely is in the reject pile. ]

You might want to see what's in it.

[ If Ryouma does choose to look, the puddle seems to be as deep as the ocean. The water isn't murky at all and it's clear enough to see to the bottom. A familiar shape lays at the bottom, black and pink and undeniably snake-like. Oryou sleeping at the bottom of the ocean... ]

Pretty sure it's meant for you.

[ does he? ryouma is fairly sure he doesn't. still – against his better judgement – he inches close enough to the edge of the puddle to look. he'd been bracing himself in anticipation of seeing something horrible. this is worse, in its own way. the distance had made it easier; just seeing her makes it all come rushing back again. he misses the sound of her voice terribly and even breathing feels like an effort. he rubs one shoulder unconsciously like he's trying to massage a knot out of it. that pain of his isn't "real", but he tenses enough that it eventually ends up that way. ]

See?

[ ryouma can't look anymore and he can't stand to look at karasu either. altogether, he just feels exposed. karasu can probably see right through his attempt to play it off as nothing. ]

What's the point? Nothing's changed...

You must think I'm as stupid as Izō is. He tried to tell me the same thing when he saw you everywhere.

[ Karasu is in a mood. If he can be mean to Ryouma, he can stop thinking about how uneasy this curse situation makes him. Anything not to think about that accursed city.

The puddle shifts and shrinks, settling into a pile of headless corpses in the corner of the park. One of them might look uncomfortably familiar if Ryouma were to look at them. ]

Probably telling you to be honest with yourself or some kind of sentimental crap like that. Or it's trying to get you to come closer so it can curse you directly.

What do you mean he saw me everywhere?

[ he shouldn't ask. he should be better at this and not ask. with everyone trying to deflect it's just getting messier. ryouma turns away from looking at that pile of corpses directly because it's not an image he needs to be seared into his memory in all its gory detail. his imagination does just fine on its own whenever those thoughts see fit to plague his nightmares, thanks. ]

Good thing I'm not fallin' for that. It's not real.

[ because the real izō is right here, even if he's not the one in control right now... ]

You were haunting him back in Hakagemachi. Wherever he looked, he saw you. Windows, mirrors, even puddles on the street. Started driving him insane...Pathetic he kept falling for it.

[ Izō never would've told him any of this. Karasu has no reservations whatsoever in sharing this information, for better or worse. ]

It isn't pathetic. Laughing at the suffering of other people is what's pathetic.

[ it isn't said nicely. everyone has limits. if ryouma doesn't look at him then he doesn't feel bad for taking that tone with izō because it isn't izō. ]

You choose petty things to pick at to hurt him and try to bring him down to your level when you oughta do better and catch up with him. If what you say is true then seeing me here is the last thing Izō would ever want, but he still lets me hang around and make 'im angry anyway. I don't deserve a good friend like him, so I'll be damned if I'm gonna stand around here and let you keep on talkin' like that.

[ there's nothing he can ultimately do about it especially since he won't fight. and he should stop. even as he's saying it ryouma knows he should stop but izō is one area where he fails to think rationally ~~or at all??~~ ]

[ Karasu seems pleased he found Ryouma's limit. Even someone as diplomatic as him has a line they won't cross. He flashes his teeth in a vicious grin. ]

All he wanted was to see you again. Now that you're here, he doesn't know what to do with himself. It hurts him because he's too stunted to just tell you how he feels, so he suffers. He drinks to bury what he's feeling and lets the cycle repeat itself.

I'll say it again: pathetic.

[ it's not like ryouma could claim to be any better even if he wanted to. it's not like he hasn't done his own share of drinking specifically to bury things lately. ]

It's easy to make judgements about things you don't know or understand.

[ and peering into someone's mind when they don't want you there doesn't count. ]

You're not in that place anymore, why don't you try something different?

I'm stuck in this asshole's body. Tell me, exactly what I can do differently?

[ He's curious to hear it. ]

Have you considered that there might be a solution for that? There's clearly a lot more power in this place than where you came from.

[ he sighs a little and the tension eases out of his shoulders a bit. he always feels better when he has something to think through. ]

This situation isn't ideal for either of you, but wouldn't it be easier getting along?

You don't know anything about where we came from.

[ Karasu shrugs. ]

We do get along. That's why he let me change his body to better suit the both of us. He never told you I taught him magic, did he?

If we didn't get along, I probably would've let him die and take out both of us. Had the chance for that at least twice.

I know enough to know that it was crumbling and you were trying to restore it somehow.

[ or that's as much as he was able to glean from the explanation he got once before. ]

... But I guess there are a lot of things I don't know. He's had a whole other life somewhere, after all.

[ it's the sort of thing that makes him doubt what he's doing sometimes. he promised he wouldn't go anywhere and he won't break his word but it doesn't stop the thoughts creeping in every so often about whether or not he's really doing the right thing. how can he say he wants what's best for izō and then hang around him, just reminding him of painful things? ]

You're luckier than you realise. You shouldn't say cruel things about him, is all.

Care to tell me why I'm lucky? I don't have a body of my own and I couldn't be stuck with someone worse. When we get along, it's fine...but those times are rare.

[ Karasu shakes his head. ]

I'll say whatever I damn well please about him until I'm out of him.

Because poor company is better than none at all.

[ and that's not just him feeling sorry for himself; it's just a fact. ]

It doesn't matter how brave or smart someone is. Spending too much time in your own head especially with all this going on isn't good for anybody.

I'm spending all my time in someone else's head! That's the fucking problem!

[ Whatever. This is useless. ]

You want to understand everyone, but you end up understanding no one.

[ karasu may be irritating, but ryouma never doubted that he was perceptive and this just proves it. the visible wince that follows is mostly because he wasn't prepared for that. ]

Well, the good news is between the two of us, your problem might still have a solution.

[ he doesn't expect to find a solution to something that's been a thing his entire life. he can gather people around him and inspire them to a cause but never for himself. it's one of those things he accepts as a necessity of his duty — whatever form that takes — but that doesn't mean it doesn't hurt. ]

Well, at least you're honest.

[ Karasu loves nothing more than to torment the people Izō likes. ]

Doubt that my problem has a solution, anyway. You're looking for one, aren't you?

I think having weaknesses makes room for more strengths in other areas, so I can only do what I can. No point in getting upset over it.

[ if it pleases karasu enough that he goes easier on izō later, ryouma will accept it... ]

Yes, I'm looking. Someone should if you'd both be happier that way.

You're wasting your time. Spend it on better pursuits.

[ Karasu looks like he's done here. Ryouma has ceased to be amusing and the tengu is not in a great mood. ]

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