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

[For this beach party, instead of a swimsuit, Monts is opting for a pure look, specifically in the form of a classic white summer sundress. Aerith's attempts at sand castles are very admirable and if it wasn't for that and recognizing her from their network conversation, Monts would have passed her by. Instead, let's give some feedback:]

You definitely need to add some water to the sand if you want the structure to keep... It's a bit of a pain, but if you have a bucket of sorts, I don't mind hauling some over.

[ Ah, Aerith thinks, so that's what her voice sounds like. Looking up at Monts through her giant sunglasses, she gives the other woman a smile. It's sheepish, but sincere. ]

It's nice to actually see you. [ Nothing beats a face to face conversation, it turns out. She's cute— cuter than her picture implied. ]

How about we call it a late date? [ Holding out a plastic bucket clearly intended for children, Aerith is still beaming. ] If you want. [ No pressure. Obviously, she means it as a tease and a joke. ]

Same here. [Monts could have remarked the same thing about Aerith; she's much prettier up close, with long voluminous hair only she could ever dream of having (maintaining it is another thing; there's a reason why Monts keeps her own short).]

No arguments from me here. Happy to help out a fellow member. [She takes the bucket and a part of her feels like she's ten again, only in a good way.]

One bucket of artificial seawater is coming right up! Not to drink of course. Regular seawater already does some funky things, let's not get into the hell part.

Edited 2022-06-13 21:33 (UTC)

[ She's listening, watching with interest and turning her body to keep following Monts as she speaks. Aerith isn't someone who hides, it seems. ]

What's regular seawater do? [ This is a normal question.

What Aerith is really noting, of course, is that she knows a lot about the ocean, or water. That's holding her attention. ]

It makes you thirstier if you drink it! You know, it's got salt in it and all. Not the best beverage to indulge in as you can imagine.

[If Aerith is asking about seawater basics, Monts thinks it might be safe to assume she doesn't come from a place where that was normal or even nearby.]

Oh, but sea salt itself is a perfectly fine ingredient for food and some drinks. Just don't chug a gallon of salt water and expect to come out of the other end perfectly fine.

That's strange...

[ Aerith is noting this information for when she likely will never need it, maybe. Out back in Midgar, she's on a vision quest to stop the end of the world, and here she's on the clock. Except for when she's not, it seems. ]

I would have never known that. Is it something you need to know? You know, where you're from?

Mm-hm! I lived in a coastal region. North, south, it's all outlined by the sea.

[Monts reaches the water and liberally dips the bucket underneath, filling it to the brim.]

As for needing to know it, well, I think it's worth knowing, especially if you travel on a boat for one reason or another. Don't want to be stranded in the middle of the ocean without some fresh water after all.

[She grins at Aerith as she starts making her way back to their sand castle plot.]

Not that I would know. I'm not gonna try it out for sure!

[ The image is painted in her mind immediately. A little coastal town, with boats out front, lined up like a gate... Picturesque and lovely, with the scent of sea and fresh food in the air. ]

Mm. That sounds really lovely. Poisonous sea water aside! [ Or maybe because of it? Who knows... ]

Do you miss it? [ By the time she asks that question, she's already starting to form the foundation of a home in the sand... she wonders if she could make something that might fit in on a street of her co-builder's home. ]

It's less poison and more of too much of a good thing you shouldn't try to ingest.

[And does she miss it? A good question. Monts slowly pours some water onto a pile of sand for Aerith to use.]

I do. Sometimes I took the beach for granted since it was never too far away. I mostly miss my grandparents though. Or rather, I'm worried about them. I forgot to get my grandpa's medicine you see.

[She joins Aerith, squatting down to add more water to the sand.]

Well, my grandmother can take care of it if nothing else, but I feel a little bad about it.

[ The water trickles down over the sand and makes a tiny little ocean of Aerith to work into the sand. It's like magic, and her eye glimmer with wonder before she looks over to Monts, beaming.

It may not be surprising when she keeps shaping the sand, even as she listens and replies. ]

Aww. They must be very sweet. What's it like? [ Maybe this is a little odd to ask, but she wants to know. ] Having grandparents?

Edited (i forgor) 2022-06-20 01:00 (UTC)

[It's an interesting question. Very telling as well. Monts pauses to look at Aerith, her expression thoughtful, but otherwise hard to make out.

Everyone did not have the fortune (or misfortune in some cases) to have blood relations. It's the sort of thought that makes her realize that she does take some things for granted, even her affection for her guardians.

She answers her question regardless, starting on her own sandcastle (or rather they're starting to look like a series of dunes sitting on top of each other). ]

Well, my grandfather is sweet. My grandmother is a little ornery, but it's not bad, being strong in spirit at her age. And as for what it's like... You start realizing that you need to support them since they're not as fit as they used to be.

Still, old people are stubborn. They'll keep insisting they're fine, but you have to be patient and work around that.

[Monts has to wonder though.]

Who took care of you, growing up? If you don't mind me asking about yourself of course.

Edited 2022-06-20 06:41 (UTC)

[ Try as she might, she can't picture it. Beneath her big sunglasses, Aerith closes her eyes and listens to Monts speak, a gentle tone that mixes so beautifully with the gentle motions of the ocean. She thinks of a young girl caring for her grandparents, in a coastal city in a pretty little cottage...

Well, that girl could never be her, she muses. Following the other woman's lead, Aerith, too, begins making mounds of sand. ]

You can ask about me. [ It's just not very interesting, she thinks. ] Who took care of me... is my mom. It was me and her in this big house by a waterfall. We had a garden, and every morning I tended to it. There were butterflies, and sunlight... it was a real oasis.

[Los Angeles had its shine and grime like any other city and the truth of it is, that Monts lived in what she would call an "okay" neighborhood, still a ways from the ocean, but not that far of a drive. They were surrounded by a tight-knit community of similar individuals and as long as that made her grandparents content, so was she.

Aerith paints something more fantastical for her mind's eye and Monts glances at the other girl with some mild curiosity.]

It sounds like a picturesque paradise from the way you talk about it. Any neighbors or was it a private residence of sorts?

[ She had asked Elmyra about that ages ago, and the answer was always complicated. The slums weren't really set up in neighborhoods, so to speak. Unless people made a point to build them as such, houses on their own were a commodity. They were lucky. Elmyra's late husband owned a company that was employed by Shinra. ]

I guess more private than anything. We didn't have too many neighbors, but Sector 5 was lovely. We were one of the only parts of the slums that got any natural sunlight. My mom had her own house there. She owned the property!

[Sector 5... Monts never delved too deeply into the world structures that the cafe customers originated from. Oren had warned her that many would come from places that would be similar to the structure she was familiar with, and others would be rather alienating due to different values. But she always felt that there were more similarities than none.

Aerith mentioning that the location was in the slums, makes her look up and tilt her head.]

If I sound rude, let me know, but I guess when you said slums, I wasn't thinking a waterfall would be there. I think it just makes me more curious now.

Hm. Is there magic or people with powers where you're from?

[Because some parts sound magical, other parts, don't sound too promising. And when looking at Aerith, Monts wonders if she's looking at her the way other people look at herself; airy, without a care in the world, somehow looking untouched by anything sad.]

[ The curiosity that Monts wears, nearly pixie-like to Aerith's eyes, draws a wider smile from her. She's never had someone pick that out, but in truth, she also hasn't talked about Elmyra's home.

She digs a hole into the sand, illustrating for her. ]

Parts of the plate. Rotted off, I guess? So... some parts of Sector 5 get natural sunlight. [ Inherently different from the plate being fell, mind you. A solemn pause passes. Aerith fills in the hole. ] It's the only part of the slums that does.

So, yeah. It's both, in any case. [ Magic and people with magic. It's no big deal to her. ] What made you realize?

Just a solid guess. That and the way you described your home sounded magical.

[Using one finger, Monts starts to idly create patterns in her dune-shaped sand castle(s).]

Also, there are people with magic that I'm acquainted with. I don't know that many though, on account of just finding out they existed in my side of the universe.

And as for natural sunlight... Well, it sounds like your world has a lot going on in it. Where I'm from, our place is known for really strong sunshine. And seasonal dry windy weather.

[ That's pretty, Aerith thinks, so she follows Monts' lead, tilting her head to observe and get a beter look. The design must be simple to Monts, but to Aerith, it seems like an integral artistic decision. ]

I wonder what it's like above plate. [ Humming softly, she pretends it must be the same as Monts' homeworld. ]

What kind of magic? Can I ask?

What kind? Well...

[Considering her limited point of reference which was just Oren (he's a golem, not really a warlock in a traditional sense) and Iona (her boss's spellcasting is... well...), Monts isn't very well-versed in her knowledge of magic and she'll admit as such.]

I'm not the best person to ask, but based on my experience, I can say that it's a case of you're either born to do it or you're not. And it's been described to me as the ability to create and manipulate phenomena. It's a pretty broad definition, but that's basically what I got out of it.

[ It's probably no surprise when Aerith laughs. It's a bubbly sound, sweet and well-meaning. She looks apologetic, but not as much as she probably should be. ]

Yeah, that is broad. [ Sorry. ]

Magic is pretty broad, anyway! I don't always understand it... myself. [ She pauses, thinking. Her admission calls to mind Shinra: their plans and what they've done to the Planet. Pausing, Aerith immediately starts to work to push the thought aside. ] Well, we know that means you can do some magic now, don't we? Or did, I suppose. What was it like?

[Monts shakes her head adamantly.]

Oh, no. What I do... Or what I am able to do? [She purses her lips thinking and then shakes her head again.]

It's not magic. My bosses said as much.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

June 2022 Event

beach party, i

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