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

[ To tell the truth? She's a little disappointed when the wolf doesn't speak. ]

Mm?

[ Raising her head up to look him over, she notes his awkward posture, the way he's dressed for... a day walking his dog, and not a day at the beach. A little chuckle leaves her before Aerith tilts her head; it's hard to say which of these facts all tune her into his temperament, in truth. But she definitely gets 'awkward teenager' from this guy, all the same, and with a more sincere smile, she leans in to pet the wolf, much more eagerly than before. ]

You could try and help me build another one, at least!

[ These people? You gotta force them into the zone. Get down here and build!! ]

[ If his wolves talked he would never have a need to talk to humans ... The black wolf (which has no name, wow) leans into those pats, definitely feeling rewarded now for the demolition under its paw pads. It steps in, sitting so its body is up against Aerith's side.

Megumi himself hadn't expected this but this is happening ... ]

That feels kind of -- [ Childish? Embarrassing? He doesn't want to be seen playing in the sand. He decides not to say that because it's his fault Aerith's castle had been destroyed in the first place, and it would be a dick move to call the activity childish on top of it all. ]

I've never done that before. [ He doesn't understand fun. ]

[ It doesn't bypass her that he definitely does not want to sit in the sand and make sand castles with her. Her expression turns into a cheeky sort of stare, the smile leaving her face. ]

Oh? Too cool for sand castles, huh? Well, everyone learns how to have fun eventually. C'mon. The sand is warm!

[ She's patting the spot next to her, sunglasses gleaming in the sunlight. ]

[ Two people over the age of 12, building sandcastles ... he finds this so embarrassing. Still, it's his fault her sandcastle was destroyed in the first place. Letting out a sigh, he takes some hesitant steps over, squatting down beside her with some awkwardness. ]

Don't you think we're a bit old ... [ He was keeping it in before, but he has to say it. Megumi glances down at the sand and her ensemble of spades and buckets. He looks like he's about to give it a try, then ... takes out his phone instead and starts looking at it. How rude of him!

(He's actually looking up how to build a good sandcastle psdoiryjj )

More like too old to pretend when something isn't fun.

[ She's looking over, trying to see what he's looking up. It's hard with the glare of the artificial sun overhead, but can she do it? Can she? ]

[ Teenagers don't realise that true adulthood is embracing what you find fun even if it's not 'mature'. At his stage in life, he ... doesn't get it. He will continue to put on a mature front and deny himself of said fun activities.

He can see that she's curious, but struggling to see what's on his screen because of the glare (most likely). It's slightly embarrassing that he looked it up even if he comes off so reluctant to participate, but he lets out a sigh and angles the screen so she can see it, sighing as he does. It's sandcastle inspo? He doubts they can achieve this but when he does anything he wants to do it well. ]

[ He relents surprisingly easy for someone who acts so mature and above it. Aerith smiles in gratitude, and takes in the image...

Ah. Well. ]

You wanna try?

[ She's not going to make fun of him for it. She merely assumes he has more experience than her, but... well, she also brought him down to her level for now, she might as well be polite. ]

[ So, Megumi did note that definite lull in her enthusiasm, almost a hint of incredulousness in her tone (despite how she still tried to sound patient and kind). ]

Hold on ... I'm not saying we have to build that. [ He was just looking!! Please!!! He must look like some fanatic now, and whether or not she made that assumption about him, he feels awkward about it, a blush forming at his cheeks. ]

I was only looking at what others have built. We can ... go with what we know. [ Maybe she has some structures or buildings from home she can suggest? He's really not great with imagination, and that's why he had to look things up at all. ]

[ Oh, he's cute. Aerith wants to pinch his cheeks, just a little bit... she'll settle for teasing, though. ]

No, this is good. [ Reaching over, she starts to fill one bucket with sand... is this even how this works? Who knows. ] I was wondering... are you a perfectionist?

[ He tends to like order and structure, and doesn't do so well simply winging things. He glances once again at the basic instructions from some website on his phone, feeling a bit nervous that she's starting and he still doesn't really have a good basis of knowledge yet. But okay, he kind of gets it now. They should build a strong foundation first. ]

Huh? [ Yes. ] Not really ... I just like having a plan for things.

[ More like he doesn't know how to relax. Meticulous. ]

Are you the type to go with the flow?

[ That is, in truth, a very interesting question, and Aerith doesn't know where she would fall. A lifetime in a bird cage, scared of the outside world, and all it's given her is a curious sense of identity. ] Hmm.

[ She thinks about this heavily— and then shrugs. ]

Maybe! Or not. It just depends. Me, I like to work with what I have. I'd call myself... resourceful!

[ He must be the kind of person to over think things... ]

[ That's a longer contemplation than he had expected, given that it was really just a throwaway question - smalltalk, almost. He's curious now to know what she was thinking about, but he won't ask because they've just met. ]

Resourceful ...? You must have some good skills in different areas then. [ Tell him, he likes to know things about other people (and watch him share nothing about himself in return). Megumi starts to do as the webpage has advised him, molding the sand into a more solid base. ]

[ Megumi is arguably the most polite boy Aerith has ever met, as of now. ]

I'm good at gardening! [ Her answer is swift and cheerful, as she leans in, mimicking him. He's the one with instructions, as far as Aerith is concerned. ] And helping out. Cleaning, too.

[ All terribly mundane things that have nothing to do with super powers or being a member of an ancient race of beings with magical healing powers. ]

What about you?

[ sometimes he does a lil baby swear when angry enough but he is otherwise all politeness and formality u_u

What she's telling him about herself, he instinctively notes to memory. Megumi does take some interest in gardening given the fact he has recently come into possession of a few indoor plants, and wants to know how to keep them alive. That's something he would like to ask about.

Only, she starts to ask about him (which is natural for conversation, he supposes), and he has to take some time to think, hands on the sand pausing. What is he good at? He can fight, but there are others much better than him. He can use his cursed technique, but he knows he isn't using it to its full potential. ]

... Nothing in particular. [ Which isn't said to garner any sympathy - simply a fact to him. Megumi's self-esteem has never been .... too great ...

He's nonchalant about that, pondering about what he's going to ask her about gardening as he keeps molding the sand. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

June 2022 Event

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not me being embarrassed for 5 days

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