jigokulogs | June 2022 Event

June 2022 Event

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ oh, what could go wrong indeed. eula can only give him a skeptic look that's half-hidden behind a pair of dark-sunglasses, coupled with a hand on her hip. ]

Do you even know how to steer these waveriders in the first place?

[ because that's basically what they are, right? albeit on a smaller, more portable scale. she too had eaten her share of waterbreathing candies during her shift, but it's not like she needed those when she already knew how to swim.

that being said she's not one to talk when she still doesn't know how to drive, so... ]

[ barton scoffs at the question, as if fewer inquiries could be more insulting. secretly, though, he's a bit pleased eula may be joining him for a race - she'd proven her worth in similar circumstances, after all. ]

Riiiight... [ barton tips the handlebar in that direction. and vice-versa: ] Leeeeft.

[ he looks back up to her. ]

Are you gonna join me, or you wussing out already?

[ okay, she gets it! he's proven his point. but she's still going to return his flat look with one of hers.

well, this isn't the first time she's hitching a ride with him, so it should be all right! totally. until she actually sits down behind him on the jetski does she realize that there's nothing for her to hold on to. should she just place her hands on her lap? wait, no, he's the type to go Fast and the Furious: Jigoku-cho Drift, isn't he. it shouldn't be this complicated to figure it out, and yet...

no, she has to be professional here. her hands then move to grip on barton's waist as a compromise. there. ]

No turning back now. You'd better win it for us.

[ the enma, she means. ]

[ - barton laughs aloud when eula's hands go to his waist. he'd expected it, sure, but he'd noted the slight hesitation. the jet ski flares to life, and he has to raise his voice to address eula over the hum of its engine. he revs it. ]

Damn right! [ he sounds as excited as the other gang members on jet skis; their taunts have turned more anticipatory. ] Ah, you know, I expect you to do your part, too...

[ --isn't that mysterious?? wow. the cliffhanger really is something and he clearly wants her to ask. ]

[ blinkblink. she can barely hear him over the thrum of the engine and the cheers and jeers from the other competition nearby, but she manages to catch it. what does he mean? isn't it enough for her to sit back here and look pretty?

with a tilt of her head and her voice slightly raised as well: ] And that is?

Edited 2022-06-12 12:37 (UTC)

[ remembers her SICK CAR STUNT. sorry, that's going to apparently stick with him a while. he steers the jet ski away from their docking point. then coupled with a look tossed over his shoulder and a fangy grin, ]

If I get close enough, you can knock 'em off their seats, can't you?

[ that was pretty unforgettable, so she can't exactly blame him. but also— ]

What? Are you certain that they won't get injured?

[ she scans their competition once more, and she notices that most of them have at least one more passenger riding behind them. maybe that was the goal of this game all along?

well, all right then. carefully, eula stands up from her seat, using barton's shoulders and then head to hold on to. not gonna lie, she may be pretty fast on her feet, but this has been exhilarating for her. maybe she should just let him take the wheel more often? ]

If you can go faster, I might just think about it.

[ good thing he can't see her crack a smile from here. ]

[ barton, actually, isn't sure they won't be injured -- and doesn't attest to as much. he's figures that their participation warranted any waiver of liability of that... ]

'Ch! I don't believe that.

[ "might just think" about it? please. if his hair ends up yanked during this entire debacle, then so be it. ]

[ with a small jolt of their jet ski, barton cranks up the speed. he keeps some distance yet between their opponents - someone's signaled that they're to kick off their competition, their goal being some distant buoy, and he begins to push the machine to full throttle. even the rush of sea breeze feels real... better hang on, eula. ]

If they do, then that's their problem! 'S not like I'm gonna aim to hit any swimmers. [ freshly knocked off their ride or not - he can only hope the same of their opponents. ]

[ he just wants to see her pull some cool shit, huh... then again, it looks like they might be the only humans around in this little game; the rest are youkai, humanlike and otherwise, and they look like they're greatly underestimating these two. something something about how the enma don't know what fun is if it ever spat in their faces.

hold on, she'll move her hands to grip at his shoulders the more he picks up speed, her sharp eyes scanning the other opponents in their vicinity. she'd better move now before those guys get to them first, so she stoops down to whisper into his ear: ]

I'll take down the ones at two and three o'clock. Make sure I can still reach you for when I return, will you?

[ because she is NOT swimming her way back to him, that'd be too much hassle. and with that, she climbs on top of the seat and does a huge leap towards the opponent, effectively catching them off-guard with a spinning kick and sending the other partner flying into the water before jumping off to another jet-ski to do the same thing.

well, she wasn't famously called the Spindrift Knight for nothing. though right now she's attacking like a crashing wave instead of ocean spray... ]

Edited 2022-06-14 09:54 (UTC)

[ barton can roger that just before eula prepares to leap. much as they may have anticipated interference, and counted on returning with their own, their opponents did not see that assault coming as quick and assuredly. ]

Ha hahaha!! [ it really is invigorating to see. he wants to punch someone in celebration if they get too near. ] Take that, you bastards!!

[ not that barton's unwise enough to count on any win before its been sealed - he keeps the jet ski's pace measured; it's a balancing act of remaining with eula's range and also keeping pace with remaining opponents.

one of the skiers have quickly re-strategized; they keep their distance from the spindrift knight, but push their machine to full speed. and barton does get his wish when another competitor gets too close - he gleefully takes the opportunity to give a strong shove at their driver, resulting in a splash, and their passenger having to scramble for the handles. ]

[ why is he so violent!! they're just having fun here, hello?! it does look like barton is able to fend on his own, so eula can continue literally kicking ass on the passengers -- much like a well-oiled machine. after taking down the aforementioned riders, she backflips towards barton's jet ski, using the seat as a stepping stone to reach the other side and take down the other opponents that way too.

the competition isn't going to let this slide, however. initially they are entranced by the sight of a strong young woman in a dark two-piece swimsuit and sheer white coverup do all sorts of flips and kicks, but now that they know that these two are an actual threat, they have to bolster their offense and defense. eula can no longer knock them off their rides with one or two kicks, as they're now willing to brawl it out with her this time. but she didn't bring her measly sword with her...?!

and if that isn't enough, barton better think fast -- the two riders who are just up ahead of him are slowing down, intending on taking him on at the same time. eula can only barely register what's going on in his end, fighting for her life behind an opponent's jet ski as it is, until she looked up at the right moment. ]

Barton! Incoming pincer attack at eleven and one o'clock!

[ can she even reach him in time? time to make a leaping start then. ]

[ --well! crap. ]

[ the skiers, in sync, pivot their rides. heeding this, barton grits his teeth and doesn't slow.

since it's a wide pincer attack, it difficult to avoid - but he figures if he can rush through, before either close in... he speeds up. one opponent looks surprised; they tighten their course, and likewise squeeze the throttle. it forces barton to dodge, having him swing the jet ski towards the other rider. ]

[ the resulting impact knocks barton clean off. the other riders keep their balance and grin at their success. splashing into the water, he gasps and ends with saltwater in his lungs (looks like the effects of that candy had faded some time ago).

thankfully, his head breaks the surface. he coughs. without any riders, the jet ski drifts. he's only five or six feet away. that's not too far, right...? ]

[ the way he flails in the water confirms eula's thoughts -- that he cannot swim for the life of him. it only makes her swim even faster before his head completely submerges into the water, catching him in her arms just in time. ]

Stay-- with me. [ she's so winded already, no thanks to all the stunts she'd had to pull... ] Can you at least move your legs?

[ paddle them, maybe? she can help him. babby's first swimming lesson right here right now. ]

[ ah.. eula has him. tossing an arm over her shoulder, that should make things easier - and he instinctively kicks his legs. but, my god, he loathes how the current fights against him, the way the ocean wraps around his body completely, and it still feels like he's being dragged downward even while he's kept afloat. ]

[ the rush of fear, unavoidable, is nauseating. eula's saying something. he can hear her, but it's getting harder to keep focus. he doesn't think he could see the bottom even if he did force himself to look, which he doesn't, because everything's beginning to go dark anyway. ]

What-- What'd you say?

[ then his muscles lose their tension, eyelids fluttering shut as he loses consciousness. sorry, eula, barton.exe has stopped working... ]

[ --eh?! what kind of person faints right when they were rescued? unless he's...

no, no time to speculate. there's absolutely no way she could hoist him up onto the jet ski with her own lack of driving skills, so she has no choice but to tow him back to shore on her very own... which is not an easy feat when the guy's pretty built. but hey, if eula was able to take down thirteen mitachurls on her own during a botched recon mission, getting barton to shore should be a piece of cake.

she does succeed moments later, but not without a Lot of effort on her end; she feels as though she's about to keel over in exhaustion herself as she carefully lays barton on the sand. a lifeguard on duty runs over to them and she immediately tasks them to bring a medical kit asap, before she kneels at his side and mentally prepares herself for cpr.

okay. he has a pulse, at least. eula then places both her hands on his chest and starts pushing hard and fast, twice per second -- and barton'd better wake up soon, before she tilts his head back, closes her eyes, and leans in to give him mouth-to-mouth. really, it's nothing personal, she's just doing her job...! ]

[ the brief lack of consciousness, and total nothingness, is a reprieve. barton doesn't even dream, nor he is out long enough to startle awake from a nightmare. but he does come to eventually, registering the welcome solidity beneath him, the less welcome commotion all about, his chest being pressed. then is that... someone giving him mouth-to-mouth...? ]

Ah!

[ barton regains himself enough to jolt awake. his eyes fly wide to see eula pulling away to prepare to administer another chest compression and at least one other person nearing with a medical kit. he flails an arm, then coughs. ]

[ he immediately, automatically knows what had happened, even if his memory isn't the best for those moments. ]

I'marigh - [ words. he still feels a bit woozy, but corrects himself: ] I'm fine, I don't need anything!

[ eula starts as well, the immense feeling of relief washing over her like a tidal wave but also... hm. she did do just that to resuscitate him, huh.

...

whatever, she's going to narrow her eyes at him regardless. it'd be bad for the both of them if she dwells on it any further. ]

Oh, do you, now? [ the lifeguard lowers the medical kit beside her and leaves her to it. ] No concussions or sprains or any of the sort? You were out like a light for a moment there.

[ barton huffs. rather, takes a deep, steadying breath. he leans back his against his elbows and wipes sweat from his brow. he's... clammy, but he's getting some color back. ]

[ with a frown, abruptly, ]

No! Just happens when your blood pressure gets low. [ the most detached way he can explain it. eula probably knows this, but it's an explanation, all right... ] I passed out, that's all.

[ nope, sorry, she's not buying it. she was initially apprehensive about riding the treacherous waters with him after all, though for a different reason. she didn't think their fun was going to be cut short like that...

she closes her eyes in an attempt to remain calm, but her temper is slowly rising. ]

You can't swim, can you. [ just giving it to him straight. ] You claim you know how to ride one of those vehicles and even took up lifeguarding despite knowing that. Do you know what would have happened if I wasn't there?

[ oh my gosh, the scolding... barton's frown turns into a grimace. he's trying to not immediately revert to being on the defensive, but it's a challenge. ]

Aah... Maybe I would've drowned?

[ just -- also pointblank. he lifts a hand to rub at his eyes, and just gets some grains of sand there. god, he thinks he might start to dislike the beach, too. ]

But I didn't—! I can't swim, but I wasn't supposed to... It's not like I'm ungrateful that you were there to help.

[ oh, so he is aware of the consequences! good to know!! eula digs into the medical kit and hands him a hand towel to help wipe off the sand and that scowl off his face, at least. ]

I'm aware. I have to keep you alive so that I can exact my revenge on you for your very own idiocy, after all.

[ not again... ]

Either way, we lost. Not that it means anything what with how those competitors were playing dirty. You will have to make up to me in the meantime.

[ for worrying her, of course, but she doesn't want to say it out loud. hmph. ]

Screw 'em... A loss is a loss! We can get 'em back another time.

[ yes, "we," even if he should maybe consider the solitary "i." mention of their loss intensifies the scowl, but he accepts the towel and wipes his face with it, dries out some of his hair. with a groan and a sigh, he flops back onto the sand again.

in absence of his sunglasses, he drapes the towel over his face. ]

What'll you have me do?? You want an apology, or what?

[ "who's saying we," she was about to say, but she stills her tongue. annoying and belligerent as he is, he did show her how to have fun for a little while, even if it ended on a terrible note. should she really begrudge him for that?

...yes, because she can hold grudges for days on end. sorry, barton. ]

Yes. A written or spoken apology will suffice. Or would you rather grovel on your knees and beg for my forgiveness?

[ because... you know. that's also preferable. ]

[ okay, he may have to pass on grovelling on his knees... a general has his pride. ]

Fine...

[ which he has to swallow anyway, even as he does know these circumstances go have arisen... well, mostly because of him. ]

I'm sorry. [ a pause, though. he lifts the hand towel to peek at her. ] For...?

[ just to make sure he apologizes for... the best thing to apologize for, here. ]

June 2022 Event

a... i know we have a thread already but u_u

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