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

[ He is an unfamiliar sight to her. They are tried and true strangers, so it only seems natural that he would ask. But Aerith plucks the meaning of his words out, can feel the paranoia seeping through them. ]

Don't worry. [ Her voice is gentle, as if speaking to a terrified child. ] I'm going to take you to Mizukome. Do you have to go somewhere else? Enma? Sutoku? Shuten?

[ Her voice is firm. She will take him wherever he needs to go, she decides. ]

...

[ tried and true strangers they are, but it takes little time for jack to come to their senses. though the paranoia still calls for them to continue on their own, the heroic spirit has just enough wit left to know that it's not a good idea. especially when there's someone stretching out a hand for them, metaphorically.

when jack speaks up, it's shaky, but still with some determination left in him. ]

That's...no, you're correct. Apologies for the indiscretion-- we are from the same clan. [ a pause. ] I'm Jack.

[ She lets him have a moment of silence. To recollect, to breathe, but she can't wait too long. There's a boom in the background of orders, reminding them to get going. Aerith, looking heavenward even against the onslaught of thick, bloody raindrops, listens. ]

C'mon. [ Reaching outward, she offers him one of her hands. In the other is a staff made of metal, looking like something she's plucked out of a machine. ] Don't apologize, just get it together so I can get you somewhere safe. Okay?

[ After that, he can swim in his paranoia all he needs or wants. As firm as her tone is and cold as her words are, she tries to wear a smile for him. ] I'm Aerith. I've been here for a few months, so I know the ins and outs of the city already. Sound a little better?

[ the metaphorical hand has now a real one, and jack can't help but stare. it's not a suspicious stare, but one of genuine surprise, as if wondering why they would be deserving of this help. but in a situation where every second is important, they do not hesitate to take it in their "own".

they give her a small smile of their own, as forced as it may be. ]

Your introduction was already good, it was simply my fault for doubting you. [ from the knife holsters on each side of jack's hips, it's obvious that they are not unarmed and could try to defend themselves if necessary, but they push that to the farthest corner of their mind. ]

Let's go, then. I'm in your debt.

[ Her expression twists, lightly teasing, and Aerith pushes her long brown bangs out of the way. ]

That doesn't make sense! [ Of course you'd doubt a stranger. She thinks little of it. Taking them into an alleyway, she dodges a good amount of the foot traffic this way. Most people don't bother going this way these days. ]

How deep is your debt to me, then? [ She's still teasing. It helps to keep talking, she thinks. ]

How deep is my debt...

[ while they're aware that she is teasing him, jack can't help but take the question with a hint of seriousness. despite the way that their heart palpitates within their chest, they don't feel afraid. ]

I've little to my name in terms of money. At the very least, I can lend you a hand, should you ever find it necessary. And if you ever need extra protection, I do tend to work as a bouncer in bars.

[ You know... she was joking, trying to lighten the mood. But this guy really leans into it. ]

A bouncer, huh? I could recommend you to a friend's bar. Same one that featured today, actually. I think he's going to get pretty popular!

[ ... ]

You know, after all this.

[ they're a spirit from 19th century britain. they're born for the drama, whether they like it or not. ]

Shylock's?

[ of course, jack has encountered the bartender. passed out and had a horrible haniwa-induced nightmare there, too. as one does. ]

Yes...I've been meaning to ask him, but he must already have one. He seems rather popular, after all.

[ and they're a little shy. ]

[ They seem much calmer now, she notes, and decides to keep talking. ]

Not a fan of co-workers?

I've never had that experience in the first place.

[ sure. the concept of jack the ripper being a group of people is a popular idea, popular for it to be one of their noble phantasms. however that is just like everything else that makes them what they are-- a possibility. a rumor. and as possible (or impossible) as it may be, that just means that he has no real memory of that.

but now that he thinks about it... ]

Though I had a partner. Once.

[ The thoughtful tone isn't lost on her. There might be nostalgia sprinkled in, too, but Aerith can be sure. She listens to them over the rain, and turns her head to toss a smile their way, over her shoulder. ]

What was that like for you?

[ keeping up with her is not a problem at this point. they've had enough training this past month and a half with this body to finally have some endurance.

still, her question is, unfortunately, another complicated one. jack smiles bitterly despite themselves, and it takes a good amount of effort to force themselves to answer. ]

It was...interesting. Though perhaps I was not suited for it.

[ She wonders, idly, if this is helping them. Talking about the past, keeping them involved in a conversation about nothing too grievous. She hopes, at least. Turning to look back at Jack, she cants her hand in a curious little way. ]

Yeah? Why's that?

[ there's a heavy silence when she asks that, their mind whirring with both memories and considerations on how to answer her. it's difficult to simply admit that their weakness caused the death of their partner--their master--and all they can do is stay silent for a minute.

from the corner of their eye, jack feels like they see a reflection of themselves--but one with a bright, yet lonely smile. ]

It's difficult to have someone else depending on you. Even worse when you're depending on them.

[ To tell the truth, something about this sticks with her. She looks at them as they and Aerith slink through an alley way under and overcast sky, buildings barely giving any cover to the barrage of rain overhead. Their reflection grins back, and Aerith pouts. ]

Just like how you know you can't depend on me all night, right?

Correct.

[ jack nods slowly, forcing themselves to continue, despite the sights and sounds. there's not much that they can do about it. no one that they can complain to or curse for their luck. so all they can do is keep on going. ]

Before coming to this place, I was critically injured. And yet instead of letting me die, the person I was with foolishly continued carrying me along in hopes of healing me. [ they laugh, self-deprecatingly ] Silly, isn't it?

[ That was meant to be a lead into a joke about not being able to afford her time, Jack, but she almost feels guilty for saying it now. ]

Why silly? They wanted to see you again, no matter what it cost them. Have you found them, yet?

Ah... I haven't, actually! I'm not sure if Hell would be a place I'd like to see him...

[ jack rubs their neck, looking a bit conflicted. on one hand, it'd be nice to see flat again, but... ]

But I would not mind. If I saw him again here, then I would be able to remember him, versus if he summoned me again. [ even though that is impossible, too. . . ] I think I would like that quite a bit.

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June 2022 Event

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