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

[ The truth is, she isn't normally one to engage with strangers. It's usually more trouble than it's worth, where she's concerned. People always want to make small talk. Ask you questions about yourself. Neither of which she's typically inclined to humor. But the offer of a cold beer is a compelling one, and the centuries-old alcoholic in her swayed half against her will.

Alright. Fine.

Andy wanders over, reaching out to accept the beer can. Her cigarette bobs at the corner of her mouth as she asks wryly: ]

What's the catch?

[ a shake of his head. ]

None at all. In fact, I might have some difficulty finishing these off on my own.

[ his cooler is just full of the stuff, and he's been handing some of them off to whoever needs it. it's really no big deal in the end. ]

Although, I do wish for a slight change of pace. Would you happen to have more of that, for instance?

[ he taps at his own lip, indicating andy's cigarette. it's high time his pipe takes a break anyway. ]

[ To be fair, that is a lot of alcohol, even by Andy's alcoholic standards. So, she seems to accept this explanation, settling down in the sand with her legs loosely crossed. That beer can gets put in the little nest made by her legs for a moment's safe keeping as she digs into her borrowed board shorts for a crumpled pack of cigarettes. Already half gone, but there's still enough left to share. Tapping one stick out, she offers it to her companion.

A reasonable enough trade. ]

So, you showed up with a shit ton of beer just for fun? [ Wryly: ] Awfully charitable of you.

[ he'll take that with a grateful smile, thank you. ]

I'd have brought my entire bar with me if I could. But kicking back with a cold beer and a smoke every once in a while feels appropriate to do at the end of a long day like this, don't you think so?

[ it's not a lot of beer, isn't it...? shylock doesn't think so, and anyone is free to take from it with permission. it's no pressure at all.

he huddles his feet closer to his chest, admiring the growing bonfire before them. ]

It's days like these where most people would wish it'd never end.

[ A bar owner, huh? That makes more sense. Probably just a lucky thing that this man's bar isn't one of the several establishments in the city where Andy may or may not have been kicked out for starting fights. Those early days in hell, she'd been pissed off and directionless, with nothing better to do than brawl in bars. She still likes a good fight, but time and circumstances seem to have tempered her. The woman could almost pass for good company. ]

I'm a creature of habitual vices. So I'm not complaining.

[ Obligingly, she pulls out her lighter and flicks the little flame to life, holding up her free hand to shield it as she holds it out for her companion. ]

What's the place called then? You get a lot of Lost Souls coming through?

[ why, thank you. he draws the cig towards the light, putting it up to his lips and taking a long drag from it with a relaxed sigh. ahh, that's more like it. he hasn't quite quit on using tobacco, but it has been a while since he'd indulged himself like this. the nicotine just... hits different, as the youths would say. ]

Hemlock. It's tucked away somewhere in Tamamo territory, though it's currently under renovations at the moment.

[ no thanks to the turf war trashing up the place... ]

And I don't just cater to fellow Lost Souls, although it has been quite a while since I'd admitted all sorts of people into my establishment. I used to run a more exclusive place where I'm from, you see.

[ Hemlock. Famously poisonous. Somehow a fitting name. ]

That's a shame. Can always use another bar to haunt, even if it is a little out of the way.

[ She takes another drag off her cigarette while her other hand reaches down to pop her beer can open. Lifting it to her lips, she takes a sip — pauses, makes a considering hum of a noise, then takes a longer sip. Not bad. Not bad at all. ]

What was the old place like?

Now, no one's stopping you from visiting once the renovations are done. That is, if you'd like to try out fancier fare than just beer.

[ he'd love more lost souls to drop by his place, really! it's just that he's more accustomed to serving youkai lately, for reasons that will be explained shortly after he takes another sip of beer. ]

It's also quite small and private, though a tad dated compared to the more modern venues you'd see in this realm. I used to serve all sorts of people until I had to exclude humans in the past few centuries or so. [ a soft chuckle. ] But I found that most human Lost Souls here are more welcome to nonhuman folk like me, which I find very refreshing.

[ The past few centuries. And nonhuman too, apparently. That earns a look of mild curiosity. Not completely surprising, especially after having been in the city for several weeks now — but still a little reminder that she's far from the most interesting creature living in hell, and the world that she came from was probably a bit more mundane than some of the places the other Lost Souls called home. ]

Wouldn't have been able to tell the difference. [ Though she's sure that nobody would have been able to tell the difference with her before either. Not unless they saw her regrow a limb. ] You look human enough to me.

[ a laugh. ] I suppose that's true. The only difference between me and humankind is my magical prowess, after all.

[ which makes all the prejudice he'd had to deal in their hands all too painful and annoying. he takes another deep drag, letting the nicotine absorb all the stress that's been building up these past few weeks. ]

But opening up my bar to humans once more has proven to be seamless thus far, and I do hope you'll drop by sometime. Whether you're human or otherwise.

[ Magical prowess. She has only a vague sense of what that might even mean. Sure, back home they had stories about magic — wizards and witches of lore — but none of it was ever tangibly real. Just stories. And anyone who claims that kind of thing in the modern age is usually smoke and mirrors, at best. Las Vegas strip shit. ]

I'm human. As far as I know. [ She answers mildly, after a half-beat. Then, with a twinge of wryness: ] But I can drink with the best of them. And I keep entirely too much company that drinks more than they should.

[ They're a rowdy bunch — and mostly Shuten, which probably surprises no one. ]

So if you aren't human, then what are you?

As far as you know? [ he chuckles. his supernatural sensing is a little wonky anyway so it can be hard to tell right now, anyway. ] Then I suppose it's no coincidence that we met through a simple can of cold beer. It is a rather small world, after all.

[ a much small world compared to the singular continent he'd lived in in all his life. can't really blame him for being delighted for meeting all sorts of people that he has never dreamed of encountering before.

give him a moment to take another sip of his drink before introducing himself. ]

I am a wizard from the West. My name is Shylock Bennett. And you are?

People call me Andy. [ Just Andy, apparently. Then, a bit dryly: ] And if I'm not actually human, nobody's bothered to tell me.

[ Sure, she's coincidentally been alive for six or seven thousand years, but she was born like all humans are, and she'll die like all humans do. She just hasn't managed to just yet. Not unless being here in hell counts. ]

I thought wizards were supposed to brew potions, not beer.

[ another chuckle. ] Human or otherwise, you make a decent drinking partner. Feel free to take as much as you like whenever you leave.

[ and another drag of his cigarette. is that really what "humans" like andy think of them? it's cute. ]

Wizards also need to make a living, no? Potions are hardly my specialty, anyway. In a way, concocting cocktails is essentially the same thing, is it not?

[ concocting cocktails. try saying that ten times. ]

[ Andy hums out a little noise of acknowledgment as she lifts her beer back to her lips. She supposes he's not wrong. After all, she had a profession of her own, back home. Immortal warriors need to make a living too — even if the money was a bit beside the point. ]

Fair enough. [ A drag off her own cigarette then, chasing one vice with the other. ] What is your specialty then?

[ Not that she's usually one to ask so many questions — but there's not too much that's novel anymore at her age, and surely it's not just the beer. ]

Aside from mixing drinks? Because that has been my specialty for over seven hundred years now.

[ he follows her in suit and takes another drag, watching their respective smoke curl into one another in the brisk, fake ocean air. ]

The thing about being so long-lived is that... one can't help but be stuck in the same routine over and over due to how much comfort it brings them. As the world changes around me, it's nice to have something that hasn't yet been lost to time.

[ just some musings that he's entertained over the years as he sips his drink. ]

But to answer your question, I excel in transformation and intoxicating the senses. Well, more than what these vices can offer, anyway. Would you like to try it sometime?

[ Seven hundred years is a long time. She probably shouldn't be surprised — there are one or two others she's met who have been relatively long-lived, at least past a century or so — but this is the closest anyone's been to her own age. Not that anyone would be able to tell, looking at either of them. But there's something relatable in what Shylock says that rings true to her, and she doesn't doubt he's lived as long as he says.

Andy watches him for a moment, considering him with a slight tilt of her head as she takes another pull from her cigarette. Wryly, at length: ]

Always interested in a novel way to get fucked up.

[ She glances away to exhale smoke, her mild tone unreadable when she goes on: ]

I like routine as much as the next person, but after a couple millennia, you start to get a little bored.

[ excellent. wait till she hears about his bar's specialty with the memory-wiping cocktails. ]

A couple millennia, you say.

[ she might be talking figuratively, but if not, she might be a tad older than shylock. what a breath of fresh air. ]

You have a point. I don't like monotonous activity as well, especially when there's all this time in the world to do whatever we want. [ does time even matter in jigoku-cho? he's never been concerned about it, but one can't help but wonder. ] What would you usually do if you have this much free time, if you don't mind me asking?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

June 2022 Event

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