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

Hoshiguma | Arknights | Shuten

[sawofstrength]

[Hoshiguma's beach swimwear will resemble this number.]

[Patrolling The Waters]

[This isn't her world and she knows that for a fact. But given what she knows of the oceans back in Terra, she can't help but be a little cautious. Eventually, she eases up and stops worrying about it, but until she gets to that point, you might spot her frowning and looking on at the waters in front of her. Maybe someone should tell her to relax, or at least get out of the way.]


[Shoulder Chicken & Drinking Games]

[Once she again she finds herself a little... embarrassed at the sight of any rowdy Oni. It's like remembering a phase she grew out of, and would very much like to stay forgotten! But in any case, she's up for some games. Her size and strength makes her a solid pick for the bottom half in shoulder chicken, and she's all for it.

And as for challenging her to a drinking contest...]

Ah, sure. I don't mind. Just let me know if you need me to carry you anywhere once we're done.

[The way she says that... It doesn't really sound like arrogance, but more like an eventuality.]


[Wildcard]

[Feel like chatting her up, sniping her with your water gun (please stop), or catching her after an appearance at the wet t-shirt contest? Let's do it!]

drinking contest

[disagree]

[ this enma officer can only narrow her eyes at the other woman as she takes her seat. ]

No need. I can hold my liquor just fine.

[ she comes from a nation famous for their wine, after all. it'd be shameful if she passes out soon.

in any case, the drinking contest commences! the table is practically covered in shotglasses of alcohol, and eula doesn't hesitate in taking at least five of them for her own. ]

[sawofstrength]

[Hoshiguma is a little more pragmatic, going at it one by one and making sure to enjoy herself rather than pounding them down in a hurry.]

You been here long? I only just arrived recently.

[Even now, during what's technically a competition, she remains the relaxed and casual sort.

Nothing wrong with a little friendly chatter between drinks, right?]

[disagree]

[ she doesn't mind; in fact, one of the reasons why she joined such a contest in the first place is to have a friendly if competitive chat with someone else. ]

Mm. [ she shakes her head. ] I was one of the newer arrivals from last month. But I'd say that time passes by rather quickly in this realm, don't you think?

[ another shot down. still going strong here. ]

[sawofstrength]

You and I probably arrived in the same group, then. Don't think I'll be forgetting that whole mess any time soon.

Everyone kept trying to recruit me...

My size and race weren't helping matters much, either.

[No problems on her end, either. It's nice to be able to enjoy drinks without having to worry about the other person.]

[disagree]

[ oh, yes, the horns. and the fact that she is pretty tall as well, not that eula isn't statuesque herself. she crosses her legs and knocks back another one. ]

That's good, isn't it? You may not look any different from other youkai I've seen in this realm, so you could put that to your advantage.

[sawofstrength]

[Another one down on her end, too. It's practically like water.]

It was a little more attention than I would've wanted, honestly. Especially with everything else that was going on.

[For as well-built as she is, Hoshiguma is perhaps more modest than typical oni.]

Didn't really matter in the end, they just put me in with the rest of them. Something about my name, too. Sounds like it carries a lot of weight to them. Maybe I'll ask around once this is done.

[disagree]

[ her name... somehow eula can relate a little. something something about being judged just because of your given name. ]

I haven't quite caught your name, honestly. Though I assure you that I won't arrest you on the spot or anything like that if I recognize it in some way or another.

[sawofstrength]

[Well that was... reassuring? She wasn't quite sure. It wouldn't be how she'd wanted to spend her day, that's for sure.]

Ah, it's Hoshiguma. And from what I've experienced, it's enough that even the Shuten leader took notice.

[disagree]

[ she pauses in the middle of drinking her... fourth? fifth? shot, and raises a brow at the other woman. ]

Did he punish you for that? Having a unique name compared to the others?

[sawofstrength]

Not so much punish, but he couldn't help but point it out. To have a faction leader say that to someone who's still just a low-ranking grunt, it just sticks out.

At least he was easy to talk to.

Patrolling the Waters

[kikuichi]

[He would've passed by her without a second thought. However, he happen to spot her worried look, which is enough to rouse some curiosity in him. On a fine day at the (artificial) beach, why would someone look so concerned? Norimune over to the tall Oni lady, not bothering to mask the sounds of his soft footsteps.]

What caught your eyes, young miss?

[sawofstrength]

The oceans were I come from are pretty treacherous. Full of things you'd rather never have to see, much less meet in person. Well, that's what I've picked up here and there. I usually stick to the cities, or wherever work takes me.

So I was just making sure that everything here was on the up and up.

Probably was to begin with, but I couldn't help myself. Thinking I'll head back to enjoy myself before long.

[kikuichi]

Oh... how interesting. I don't often go to the beach, but most tales I hear about the ocean are either due to nature... or warnings using monsters to scare children. And the occasional ships from other lands.

[Typical stories and gossips shared among humans. Even he hear a couple of them in his time.]

Going to the beach should be a fun occasion, so yes, you should head back and have fun. If you're still concerned, there's plenty of us around here.

[Like the Enma department, even if he really prefers to have fun instead of working.]

[sawofstrength]

I've mostly just heard stories and seen footage of... Well, calling them 'creatures' is a bit too kind. Ah, but I went to an artificial beach not too long ago as part of a vacation.

[Just gonna gloss over the fact that her world has "artificial beaches" like it's nothing at all.]

That one wasn't too bad.

[kikuichi]

[The fact that they're on an artificial beach right now, at this very moment, means it's to imagine other worlds have it.]

Ohh, so your world have the technology and resources for one.

[With how impressive and authentic looking this beach is, he's imagining a similiar level of work and resources. He gesture back to where the activities are, in general.]

Why not tell me a little about it? If you don't mind walking and chatting with this old man.

[sawofstrength]

Come on, you can't be that old.

[Or maybe he was, for all she knew. Lot of different people here, wish Hoshiguma herself in her 40s.]

Ah, I only know some of the details from my old partner. Said that they get all of their water from an ocean and that they have clean the whole thing about twice a year.

Can't help but wonder what that's like, you know?

[kikuichi]

Uhahaha! I certainly am old, and feel like it some times.

[Since he's aware that different species have different lifespans. On the other hand, it's always fun to see people's surprise at his claims.]

Collecting water from an ocean... how curious. I hear about collecting water from rivers and lakes, but not the ocean. [Since they're salty.] I can't say I know. But maybe playing around here might give you some answer.

[sawofstrength]

They clean it quickly enough, and have a big competition every year to celebrate.

[And the one held this year sure was... A Lot.]

It's not all that different from the real thing, honestly. You stop thinking about it. Makes you wonder what else we can make if given the time and resources.

[kikuichi]

With enough time and resources, people can be surprisingly smart and innovative. Or necessity forcing their hands and minds to work quickly.

[Nothing inspire innovation like survival or boredom.]

And what kind of competition is it?

drinking games.

[osake]

[ the difference in height between the two, fellow in species, is less comical while sitting, but she notes those long legs when she slides into position and brushes knees under the table with her newfound opponent. she notes the aura, the scent, the horn — it's not hard for the mountain king of oni to detect another.

shuten, on the other hand, is dress in frills and ribbons, red horns standing tall and proud against her flashy display of femininity.

that confidence from the other woman tickles her pink-suffused smile, light laughter floating between them as she readies her drink. ]

Oh, would you be such a dear? Do try to take it easy on me, though, if you could...

[ and she already seems a little ... tipsy? hoshiguma has this in the bag, surely.

right? ]

[sawofstrength]

[Height difference or not, there's always an added bit of... relaxation whenever she's with another oni. Although being less reckless than most others, she can't help still feel that secondhand embarrassment whenever they're acting up. A reminder of a phase she'd like to stay gone and buried.]

Don't worry, this is all meant to be in good fun.

I'm not nearly as rowdy as the others.

[Her reply is courteous and to the point.]

[osake]

No?

[ a drifting hum leaves her, only a sliver disapproving.

there's a subdued elegance in the way her thin fingers wrap around her glass, the way the edge of her lacey cuffs just barely skim the bleached wood of the table as she pulls it forward, but where hoshiguma finds good company in being an oddity in their species, shuten is leveling her keen gaze over the rim of her shot, scanning the other oni up and down. ]

Not your kind of fun, then?

[ she tips the shot of spirit into her mouth — and immediately returns its empty glass to the table, breathing a sigh of contentment. ]

—Mmm. ... But you still couldn't resist this sort of contest, could you?

sorry for the delay; i'll still tag this if you'd like!

[sawofstrength]

I didn't quite say it like that, Missy. A party is a party, after all. It's a nice change of pace, and it's fun seeing everyone enjoying themselves. Makes you want to get involved, you know? Even if the others are more likely to make noise and take center stage.

[Hoshiguma is simply the type to try and keep the peace or clean up the aftermath, rather than start anything herself.]

But it's like you said...

[She follows suit and downs the rest of her drink before immediately beginning the next.]

I just can't help myself when it comes to this.

would love to!

[osake]

[ "missy" — that's cute, familiar and endearing right off the bat. it's odd, in a way, to be in the company of so many oni again — the grating of their fangs-filled, raucous laughter filling the air as they party the days away — when her recently favored drinking partners have been easy-to-tease humans.

the drink, now her second, and the way the other oni says she just can't help herself soothes shuten's ever-present desire to needle. ]

Oni will be oni, after all.

[ down another one goes. ]

But, I must ask ... is it the drink for you? Or the competition?