June 2022 Event

[jigokumods]

MAIN NAVIGATION

1. SWIMSUIT TROUBLES (1 POINT)

As the city goes through its daily motions, the heat bears down harder and harder while bringing out some increasingly overheated behavior from the local population. Summer is here and the natives are flocking to the shopping district: both as a respite from the scorching temperatures and to stock up on the needed supplies to beat the heat.

That means one noticeable problem: the bathing suits left on the racks aren’t the most fashionable at this point! Suits are scarce and what is left over are the skimpy, the oddly-patterned, a size too small, or all of the above. Then again, you are probably just feeling lucky you aren’t in the Shuten Clan, who have been provided their own precious supply of freshly laundered tiger stripe bikinis. And nothing else.

You may be able to borrow around within your own faction, where the pickings might not be so slim, but are still unlikely to match your personal style. Better hope you ran out to buy something nice when the Daitengu first announced the party.

2. BEACH GAMES (1 POINT)

The indoor beach facility that the Alliance has provided is extraordinary. It’s massive! It seems to extend to the size of an entire soccer field. With the combinations of Kappa tech and Tengu magic, the experience has been made as close to a natural one as anyone could ask for. The heat of the beach feels true to the real world, the sand is white and pure, and the waves rolling in and out are just like the mortal realm. Even the palm trees and beach scrub seem entirely authentic. The vibe is immaculate.

Each faction has their own area set up for meeting and mingling but everyone is welcome to let loose and interact among all the groups.

SHUTEN CLAN

The Shuten Clan has set up their beach fort with food and drinks. The drinks on offer are a particularly strong Oni beer and a few spirits (especially sake). These drinks have been mixed so that anyone who imbibes them will feel a heightened sense of competition and the need to prove themselves!

There are plenty of opportunities to show off:

• Learning surfing with a few knowledgeable Oni.
  
• Volleyball matches.
  
• Shoulder chicken tournaments.
  
• Beer pong.
  
• Drinking contests that never seem to stop.
  
• And friendly scuffles with some of the Shuten who are feeling more rowdy than usual.

In particular, the volleyball matches appear to be the Shuten Clan’s sport of choice. They’re taking these matches deathly serious. With all powers allowed in play, the game is truly deadly with how powerful, how fast, and how fierce those spikes and volleys are. Hold nothing back and leave it all in the ring!

Toraguma himself is here in his tiger striped best! He’s observing the games and taking note of which Shutens do well and which ones shame the clan with their defeat. He’ll give out rewards to those he thinks are exemplifying the pride of the clan. Don’t worry though, if you’re not up to snuff you won’t be punished; except with Toraguma’s obvious disappointment.

TAMAMO CLAN

The Tamamo Clan doesn't disappoint either. Their tiki bar is set up with a far greater variety in stock than the Shutens. Every drink seems to be made to that Lost Soul’s exact tastes. Watch out, this may compel you to pound them back more quickly than normal. The drinks will make you feel much closer to those around you — either in camaraderie, or something more intimate. The Tamamos have arranged a number of floats, inner tubes, and water wings lounging in the water. Enjoy your time together!

When you aren’t relaxing, the Tamamo Clan has also arranged huge buckets of water balloons and have filled their water guns. The instructions are clear: whether sniping from afar or going in on a full assault, go nuts. Especially against the Shutens. Lady Tenkohime herself has a high-caliber, sniper-grade water rifle with her at her lounge chair. She will occasionally pick some unlucky soul to fire off devastating rounds against. She is not soaking them in just water, of course. This is the Tamamo clan’s patented ‘perfume’, which inspires the most amorous feelings.

Finally, the Tamamo have also inspired a spicy wet t-shirt contest. It’s essentially a sexy beauty contest, but given the variety of bodies and hidden ‘talents’ tucked away under everyone’s clothes, it should prove interesting! Tenkohime has described the simple rules:

• One must wear the provided white shirt and only that shirt.
  
• The crowd will soak them down.
  
• And the crowd will judge how well they pull it off.

SUTOKU CLAN

The Sutoku Clan has been given free reign on a fleet of jet skis and paddle boats; perfect for two. There are boogie boards and larger inner tubes ready to be attached to different jet skis. Just be careful, ok?

A large snack bar has been provided with cheerful yokai behind the counter ready and willing to serve up your heart’s desire. There are some strange candies towards the end of the bar, they taste a bit funny but once you eat one you’re compelled to have a few more. These sweets will give you the power to breathe underwater. What is the meaning of this power? Well, you’re in the Alliance, after all, you figure out what’s under the waves.

Sutoku games include things like kan jam and frisbees, but Sutoku Souls are also very much encouraged to participate in the Shuten Clan’s volleyball tournament. Much to Toraguma’s frustration, the Alliance has planted a Tengu referee who seems to really favor the Alliance players over his own. Use your powers liberally.

The Daitengu is in attendance with sunscreen marks on their mask, for some reason. They’re being a total busybody, as usual. They’re really taking the time to chat up Tenkohime and Toraguma, even if the two want to rip each other’s throats out. Could a resolution to the turf war be on the way? One can only hope!

ENMA DEPARTMENT

The Enma is instructing the members of the Department to volunteer (aka voluntold) for lifeguard duty. The shifts are short — it is ultimately a party — and participation will net you both free food and drink from any of the vendors, as well as license to let loose for the rest of the party! The fare provided by the Enma vendors is pretty staid, but it does fill you with the odd need to run down the beach shallows in slow motion. Not sure what that’s about.

There is one further task that is expected of the Enma Department: suikawari. It is a big deal and to be taken seriously! This is the Enma’s favorite beach activity and the only diversion that he cares about. Your guess is as good as anyone’s, but it’s probably because the game resembles a form of execution. Regardless! Every officer is expected to do at least one round of the game as a form of initiation to the Department itself. Captain Shiki hosts the game in the absence of the Enma. Someone should tell her to chill out with that whistle, though.

3. BONFIRE (1 POINT)

As the hosts of the event, the Sutoku Alliance has set up a massive bonfire as the sun begins to set and stars light up the magical sky. There’s a romantic feeling in the air. Things seem as chill as they ever could be, there are no Haniwa in sight! Things feel peaceful for the first time in a while.

A final happy hour is declared, with free libations for everyone to close out the night. It’s time to finish this party in style. For anyone particularly watchful, they may spy the extraordinary sight of Toraguma and Tenkohime together. Off in the shadows while the party rages on, they are sitting together and watching the waves roll in. What could they be discussing? It will remain a mystery, getting any closer to them would be a deadly mistake.

The evening closes without any major incidents. Nothing seems like it could spoil the mood. It almost feels too good to be true.

4. AND THEN... (2 POINTS)

As all the party goers change back into their clothes and exit the facility, there is a rumble of thunder over Jigokucho. The stars are quickly swallowed by a darkening sky and the ground shakes. A minor earthquake? That’s not unheard of but the sky above is looking threatening. Evil. Darkness washes out over the entire city, none of its many bright lights able to cut through. Something is wrong. Something is happening.

A warm rain begins to fall, spattering across you and your surroundings. It becomes quickly apparent that you are not doused with water, but with blood.

The silence is shattered suddenly when a scream cuts across the whole of Jigokucho. An accursed miasma pours out from every direction. Then you see them: the Haniwa. They are everywhere, gazing from every direction, pressing in. Something has gone terribly wrong.

Captain Shiki is the first to act. She makes a call to Kaigo no Bou, but what she hears is enough to freeze her in her tracks.

The containment center deep beneath the tower where the Haniwa were being stored has been compromised. All of the cursed energy that was stored there has leaked out into the city from below. The guards below are dead. No one is answering their radio. It is not just the containment center that has been compromised, but all of Kaigo no Bou.

Captain Shiki struggles to remain calm as she gives out orders. Her entire command structure has been decimated, but she has to keep these people safe. She urges everyone to seek shelter, immediately. Everyone needs to partner up and stick together.

None of the faction leaders present arguments and they enforce this ruling with their Souls. They direct everyone to make their way back to their home base. Shuten to the Arena, Tamamo to Mizukume, and Sutoku to Konoha. There, their faction leaders can protect them.

As for the Enma officers: they are on rescue duty. You will be heading out into the city to rescue as many people as possible from the nightmarish effects of the cursed energy on the city. Captain Shiki will act as their point of command at the indoor beach.

Good luck, everyone.

5. IN THE CURSED NIGHT (2 POINTS)

A rain of blood is sprinkling all around you. It pings off sign posts and garbage bins, it splatters wetly onto the concrete and your face. The scent is pungent and thick; spoiling. It is soaking in to your hair, your clothes, your skin. It is driving you mad: your pulse spinning, breathing short.

There are noises in the impenetrable darkness. Fox feet on the pavement, crow wings shifting on a perch, a stranger's cruel laughter. The dark energy that has swallowed you is bemused by your smallness, is lurking at the edges and waiting for the moment to strike. Hold tight to your fellows, lest in the darkness another hand be placed in yours. Do you know who you walk with? What you walk with?

The Haniwa are watching you from every surface; crowded together as one with their empty eye sockets and open mouths. Their dark eyes turn to follow where you go as you stumble through your nightmares and your delusions. They breathe in your suffering on the air.

Beware the onibi, they will lead you astray.
Beware the grasping hands in the trees.
Beware the whispers in the distance.
Beware the slope to the river.
Beware. Beware.

Welcome to the June event!

• Art by astrono77153462
  
• Special shoutout to vandalisto for coming up with the meat of this event; the beach party. They approached us with this as a player plot, and it was good enough that we made it into the full event for the month. Excellent work, Vandal!
  
• If you have any questions about event content, please ask them here!
  
• If your character participated in the volleyball games, see here! If they participated in the wet t-shirt contest, see here!
  
• If you have questions about the game itself, please check out the premise, FAQ, and rules pages.

Comments

VOLLEYBALL RESULTS

[jigokumods]

How'd your character do? Did they use powers/magic/abilities? Did they cheat?

Let us know and we'll determine if your faction leader thought it was good enough to reward!

[identitycrisiscore]

Daitengu told Cloud to win some gosh darn volleyball, so he's going to.

Specifically, Cloud will 'play fair' with anyone who isn't exhibiting anything better than mundane human-level abilities (and thus probably, you know, do okay, but be willing to take more losses despite having some power back.)

BUT, if any NPCs step up to playm obviously trying to flex their own powers or superhuman strength, Cloud is going to play for keeps and really let them see what an Ex-SOLDIER can do! I imagine in a number of cases and probably with the ref on his side, Cloud is going to scoop a few wins based on being at his baseline peak-human-physicality self.

I'll probably be poking other players to see who would want to face down Cloud from that angle, as well. I'll link threads if/when that does happen here.

[jigokumods]

Given what he's up against, Cloud's gonna need that ref, but the Daitengu gets really into it, either way. They feel like their watching a live-action sports anime!

Which is enough to earn Cloud a coupon book.

[starshepard]

Azem doesn't know the rules of volleyball but they will definitely be playing. They'll try to be as fair about it as they're able but they're also super competitive so they aren't going to hold back on their natural abilities.

So, yes, someone might trip over a bit of sand that suddenly became more stubborn or things like that.

[jigokumods]

Azem's got enough general experience to strategize without being super familiar with the rules, and does pretty well overall! She even causes one particular oni to spill ass over tea-kettle into the net with that trick of hers, causing Toraguma to yell for a whole minute at the Tengu ref.

Tenkohime loves all of this, and Azem gets some extra paid days off in the future.

[littleshield]

Felix probably gets off realistically to a rough start on account of not knowing how to play.

But he makes adjustments because he's in it to win it. He does not let up, and though he's not necessarily cheating, Felix is not above using what means he has at his disposal to win. So it may be that at times he's playing rough/skirting towards 'dirty'. If someone gets tripped up due to how quickly he's moving around or shoved or bumped into, well that's really not his problem?? Should've not been such a slow. Sucks to suck.

Though he does have relatively good reflexes to help his case and is using his battle tactics to score in quite a good number of wins...

Look, someone probably dragged him into this, but if he's going to be playing games, he's not going to hold back...!

[jigokumods]

Toraguma appreciates Felix's efforts. Who knew that crest of his could create some killer spikes? Even if he doesn't go undefeated, he put in a performance worthy of reward.

Toraguma just gives him a straight up cash bonus. Have fun with that at the bar, Felix!

Re: VOLLEYBALL RESULTS

[federates]

anything for the volleyball win....

barton doesn't have super strength or telekinesis but he's happy to make up for that by cheating whenever. reaching over the net? tripping opponents? toeing boundary lines? covering the ball in a thin layer of ice is fun, too... if he's not booted or worse for being unfair garbage then at least he's giving it his all...

VOLLEYBALL RESULTS

[enterthe]

Ydris and Ethan camyoflage are going to be Team Sutoku for pairs volleyball! Given Ydris can float over the sand and has extra limbs/hands/tentacles at their disposal, they're extremely difficult to get anything by defensively. They can't really jump and score though, so that's where Ethan steps in. Lizard here for big hops and sharp spikes from Ydris' set ups!

Something something Alliance, yadayada power of friendship.

[everblooms]

Aerith isn't the most coordinated type on the planet, and it's her first time really playing a game like this. She'll probably come off as clumsy and plain ol' bad until someone takes the trashtalk one comment too far. At that point, Aerith will have played enough and observed enough to know how the game works, and use her opponents weaknesses against them. Bigger guys will be slower than her, so it's a matter of just out running them and sticking to strong, fast downward spikes. Anyone taller than her is only a threat right up at the net, so it's a matter of luring them out further— she's also not opposed to tricking people so she can use them to slow the ball down and get the point.

Playing dumb also is something she's very good at, so she's happy to pretend that she has no idea what she's doing before announcing "Gotcha!" and nailing someone. On that note, she's great to watch; her trashtalk is pretty cute, and she's very animated.

There's no cheating on her end, she just works her butt off to make people feel bad for losing to a short girl in a pink bikini who hasn't played volleyball before. And hey, maybe getting her opponent for the cute looks is part of the tactic.

[fuckdogramagra]

tama is legit only here to have fun and learn about volleyball, why is everyone here going so hard, he's an out of shape twink please have mercy-

but he might tap delusions/illusions once out of frustration to visually displace where the ball is so it's easier for the opposing team to miss it. more of an oopsie than an intentional use of powers, but if you just pretend he's trying to be cautious about showing off what he can do,,,,

[watermemory]

Okay. Minato's going to need someone to explain the rules of the game. And once he does he's not going to cheat because do you think someone would just DO that? CHEAT in a FRIENDLY GAME OF BALL? (They would.)

But after a few drinks he'd pretty cheerfully throw himself into the game, since he's got good reflexes and speed for a non-superpowered human, and then get indignant about the power disparity. This would not stop him from going up against overpowered team matchups.

So he'd hold his own well enough, but also get bodily spiked into the sand more than once. wobbles hands

[worldbent]

Matoba will be using his shiki to play, as promised to the Daitengu! If he has to play to fill out the team, Matoba will be the center, of course. He is surprisingly athletic, for a magic-user- not much arm strength, but agile. Secret jock?? Is he aiming to spike his Shuten opponents in the face on purpose? Whooo can say.

Funny thing- when your servants are made of shadow, they can just dispel/reappear instantly under the shadow of the ball. Isn't that neat?

[horrifictie]

Harry will play volleyball and not totally blunder his hits, but at a certain point the ball comes down and he takes the chance to headbutt it back over. Not only does this fail to do anything but hit the ball into his side of the net, but he falls flat on his face and can't continue on.

[swordofhisou]

Tenshi has just enough sense to start out drinking shochu and watching a game so that she actually knows how to play. She might do one friendly game to figure the rules out, but once she's in? In for a penny, in for a pound. She's here to show up any Shuten she can, as hard as she can.

And she's using the full extent of her currently returned physique. So, when she spikes that volleyball, it's with some pretty serious force, since, ya know. She likes to use large rocks as a weapon. She lacks in serious skill in this competition, since she barely understands the rules (and is the sort to argue with a ref about a bad call), but she has ample enough athleticism to keep in the game.

I sort of assume she'll eventually get knocked out of any tournament, but not before she shows up at least a couple no-name oni. Girl's got an axe to grind, after all, in good fun of course!

[kikuichi]

Norimune is here to have fun, even if it's not exactly required of him to attend this activity. Before the match, he'd pull the usual old man act ("I hope this old man can be an good match for you, young man/lady.").

At first, Norimune would lose the first few points. But he's bidding his time as he get used to the flow of the game, and truly start throwing his all by using his strength to return powerful spikes (the big thing here) and starting to catch the ball most of the time.

He likely will prove to be a good opponent, and would increasingly have more fun if his opponent are using their powers and/or cheat. I hope no one get sick of his laughter, expect to hear "Uhahaha!" plenty of time. He wouldn't mind winning or losing, just having fun.

[harimaya]

Submitting this for Hizen and Chongyun!

Hizen is tired. He doesn't do sports. He doesn't even know how to play volleyball beyond the little bit he's watched. That all changes when Chongyun joins the match, Hizen decides to run his mouth because he has something personal against Chongyun, and he gets whacked (hard) in the face with a ball to keep him quiet.

They get competitive, there's a lot of screaming at each other, Hizen probably insults the entire Tamamo clan because HE'S TIRED OF THESE FOXES TRICKING EVERYONE BUT HE KNOWS THE #TRUTH ABOUT HOW THEY ARE. Chongyun is a perfect boy that defends the clan's honor by shutting Hizen up. They definitely single each other out, it probably devolves into a game of brawl-y ball instead of volleyball. This isn't about volleyball anymore. It never was. They keep trying to make the other eat sand even after the match ends.

Re: VOLLEYBALL RESULTS

[bananaoni]

Ibaraki is ready to smash! Smash the ball into people's faces! Which is what she's going to aim to do! Using her currently diminished strength to show her obvious superiority of the game.

She'll probably even score points too! All in all, banana is going to have fun with this surprisingly, violent sport. Kukukuhahahahaha!

[ganashara]

It's hard to pass a ball when it's on fire.

He really hopes they reinforced that thing, because Lio will, multiple times, turn the volleyball into a literal fireball when spiking it. The flames aren't that intense, able to control the actual heat of them pretty well, but it's still something most of his opponents probably won't want to touch...

[bratherine]

So, Kate doesn't enter this without sizing up the competition first, because when you're a teenager with nothing but passive powers, you need to know what you're doing.

Which means she is definitely playing dirty for the whole duration of this. Alliances with fellow Tamamo members are entirely on the table and she's more than happy to use her power sight to predict when opponents are about to use theirs. Her natural talent for all things athletic definitely extends here, and she genuinely enjoys volleyball even if it's something she doesn't play all that often, so even when she's not taking advantages of little tricks (whoops, guess that spike got a bit of sand in her opponent's eye. totally unintentional, of course!), she's genuinely a good player who manages to hit the ball quickly and accurately.

But she's polite enough to offer her opponents drinks before they play. The fact that they're enchanted cocktails from Shylock's bar, and likely to make said opponents more concerned with cuddling than playing? Eh, don't worry about it.

[aceslow]

After some goading, Kim was convinced to play some volleyball as well. He did middlingly well; better than what most would expect just by looking at him, but he really doesn't stand a chance power-wise against some of the youkai and superpowered opponents. What he lacks in athleticism, however, he made up for in learning the rules really, really well and taking pains to point out when one has been broken. If you can't win with sheer power, then you might as well use your wits!

[deathrespect]

samatoki is going all out here; it's hard for him to reel in his strength, but it helps drive his serves home. he's got better reflexes now as well, so ... !

this one's for you, toraguma

[sleepinglyra]

Sheliak doesn't know how to play volleyball so he spends a while watching the matches to learn the rules. He specifically pays attention to anyone using powers as he considers the best way to counter them. Sheliak is feeling extra competitive thanks to the shuten clan's special drinks and his usual reserved attitude has been replaced with a wild, arrogant confidence. He specifically challenges teams who are using powers or special abilities. He had no intention of losing and with his own magic sealed, defeating overpowered opponents would be the most satisfying victory for him.

He has the skills to back up his reckless confidence. He's an agile fighter with an eye for strategy, which he uses to exploit his opponents weak points and counter their abilities where he can. Even with his wilder side, Sheliak would never cheat. It would ruin the fun if he won with underhanded methods. Sheliak shines with adversity. Even if losing is beyond frustrating, his competitive side feeds off of it, and it forces him rapidly improve. With each loss, he comes back with a vengeance with a better strategy to make up for his failings.

(cw: Akatsuki no Yona spoilers)

[protectorofkouka]

Soo Won jumped into the game before learning the rules so he struggled for a bit until he got the feel of the game. He actually figured out the game quicker than he pretended to, but playing the fool was a useful tactic for sizing up his opponents, particularly ones that used powers. At the opportune time when his opponent's let down their guard, Soo Won would strike with surprising skill, which he laughs off as beginners luck. He's a harmless rabbit, not a hawk in disguise.

Soo won is more of a team player. He likes to see his team succeed and he hides his leadership as simply friendly suggestions that just so happen to play to his teammates' individual strengths and exploit the enemy's weakness.

Soo Won doesn't play for very long. Despite the confident show he puts on, Soo Won is secretly rather frail and after his team sustains a few loses Soo won chooses to retire, before anyone notices his fragile state.

[fullgauntlet]

Izuku is going to be doing his best at the volleyball games! But his power-quirk is still not working properly so he's accidentally breaking and exploding volleyball by spiking them too hard. But it's flashy and he's trying to play fair?!