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

[Fumikage follows along as well as he can, keeping an eye on both Aerith and his surroundings. He hasn't been very far in Tamamo territory yet, so he's doing his best to commit streets and landmarks to memory. He casts a glance to the shuffling people, a frown on his face. At least they will be safe soon...]

A hyakume? [Fumukage looks up, blinking in surprise.] Not in person, no. But I am familiar with folk tales about them. Is that who has gone missing?

Yeah, you've got it. [ One curt nod later, she continues politely. She thinks she hasn't seen him around before, so Aerith looks out into the sea of bodies moving in one way. It's surprisingly polite, at least, if awfully chaotic. Most of these people don't know the city from her perspective... that would include him. ]

I don't know a lot about those tales. Can you think of something that might help narrow it down?

Hmm, I see. [A youkai as striking as a hyakume would definitely stand out, even among a crowd of panicked civilians. He looks out at the others as he considers.]

The folklore I have heard of the hyakume states that they prefer quiet, isolated places. Abandoned temples, empty houses, or isolated caves seldom frequented by humans. Do you think your missing yokai has perhaps fled to such a place?

[ She has to think for a moment, and it drags on longer than she would like it to. They're losing time like this. Someone from Mizukume cries out once again, giving orders to get inside quickly. ]

...There's a run down complex a few miles from here. [ But it's run down, surely no one would actually go there?

Worth a shot. Better than standing here. ] Okay. I'll go. [ Without another word, she takes off; toward the south, where the city seems to be nearly empty. Neutral territory always seems more desolate; no one wants to be unclaimed in a war. ]

A run-down complex? It is a possibility.

[The folk tales he's read didn't exactly specify whether the hyakume preferred luxurious places or not; just abandoned. And given the state of things right now, it would most certainly be abandoned. He blinks in surprise when she takes off.]

Ah..! Right!

[He's going to follow after her! Behind him, Dark Shadow lets out a little yelp.]

Wait for us!

[ Thankfully, there's no way she can move much faster than him. Aerith skids to a halt, and watches him for a moment. She wants to ask about that shadow, but for now— ]

Are you sure? The energy out there...

[ Glance backing, she frowns. ] This is just the beginning. It'll get nasty, and I don't want you to get hurt.

[Fumikage skids to a halt next to her, a determined look on his face.]

I appreciate your concern, but I want to help. I may look young, but I am a hero-in-training, and I have experience dealing with crisis situations. In any case, I know how to take care of myself, so please, allow me to assist.

[Besides, he would feel bad if he just left Aerith on her own when he could help out.]

[ Truth be told, he reminds her terrible of Red. She hadn't realized how much she missed the guy until now. Although, the mention of him looking young is... not what she would have said he looked like.

A question for another time!! ]

Okay. [ With a nod, she picks up again, leading the way. ] So... training? What kind of credentials, then? [ He'll see it now, suddenly; a metal staff in her hands with a sharp tip. Her inventory is pretty sparse now, but she's got the Reinforced Staff, at least. ]

[Fumikage is definitely an odd one! And he knows it, especially since arriving here. He would not be surprised if she had questions for him. But maybe when they're not under danger.]

I was accepted into the academy that offers the best heroics education in Japan, and have ranked highly in several events at that school. I also have my provisional hero license which allows me to perform heroic duties in public, and I've worked as an intern under my country's second-best pro hero, Hawks. Not to mention I've fought against many villains in my home realm before arriving in the Devil's domain.

[Fumikage isn't sure whether his credentials hold any water here in Hell, but back home, they weren't anything to sneeze at. Just being a student at U.A. High School was enough to get recognition in some places.]

[ To her ears... this sounds a lot like SOLDIER talk. Well, she'll file him, wordlessly, under bodyguard. There's something going on here, and she's not sure what just yet, but it isn't good. ]

Right. [ He even talks like Red, now that she thinks about it. ] This Hero talk... I'll trust you! Your buddy must be some kind of power, right?

[ She's not picking up on anything necessarily... lifestream-y, she thinks, about Dark Shadow. ]

[It might sound like SOLDIER talk to Aerith, but that's what happens when you're from a world where everyone has superpowers. You get kids who wanna grow up to be superheroes.]

I am glad. I may not be a pro yet, but I have experience in hero work.

[Though his face and tone remain stoic, he subtly preens a bit at that. He's working hard to be a hero, after all! But right now, they have more serious things to worry about than hero talk.]

Yes, he is. Dark Shadow is my Quirk; a superhuman ability I was born with. Consider him an extension of myself. [He could go into the details of Quirks and how his society is built, but really, this isn't the time to do so. Dark Shadow, since he's being addressed, looks at Aerith and offers a quick wave.]

Nice to meetcha!

[ Strange as it is, she thinks Dark Shadow is a bit cute. After waving back, she turns her head forward, to focus on the road. It's true this is a long run, and it's even truer that this is abandoned. The further from the crowd they go, the quieter it gets. Eventually, it's just the sound of them running along stone paths, dying summer grass, and twigs snapping underfoot. Even the rain quiets for their destination.

It is a run-down, half renovated building. Lights flicker inside, from a window up top and within a lobby. The door has been ripped off; by an intruder or the natural elements of Hell, she wonders? Staring up at the desolate looking brick building, Aerith pants in heavy, deep breaths. She's not used to this.

Still, it almost looks haunted, and with all the blood dripping along the sides... is it? She feels haunted just looking at it. ] This is it.

[ She found it while trying to map out the whole place. The roads weren't as traveled, but not forgotten. Still... ]

Let's go. You ready?

[With all the chaos around, it’s eerie how quiet it gets the further away they get from the fleeing populace. It truly is unsettling to go through broken streets that were once bustling with activity, but Fumikage does his best to hold his resolve and remain alongside her. The fact she is so determined to help leaves a positive impression of her in his mind.]

[When they stop in front of the desolate building, Fumikage frowns.]

This certainly looks like a place one could find a hyakume.

[Among other things… but still. He nods to her.]

I am ready.

[Behind him, Dark Shadow gives a thumbs up.]

[ With confirmation, Aerith leads the charge inside, wordlessly. The path there is overgrown, and there isn't even a whisper of the wildlife around. It's strange, and she notes it, but someone lost like this isn't something she can abide by. When you want to help, you have to. If she let this go now, she'd never forgive herself.

Inside the building is... darkness. Part of the ceiling has caved in. The remnants of a large chandelier rest on the floor in pieces. It had been glass, and Aerith steps over it with great care, pointing it out to Fumikage. It dawns on her, briefly, she has no idea what his name is. Opening her mouth to ask, she's interrupted immediately:

A cough, coming from down the hallway. Or perhaps it's a wheeze. It's a strange noise, nearly inhuman in nature, but then... The nature of Hell is simply that it is inhuman. She looks to him before nodding. ]

Hello? ...Helloooooooooo?

[ No answer comes. She persists, walking toward the hallway. The Reinforced Staff is pressed to her chest, and her grip is so tight, her knuckles go white. Something feels different in here. Since the moment they walked through the doorway, it's been a strange, stagnant feeling settling in. ]

Anyone here?

[ Still, nothing. Aerith looks to him. ]

Could be a wild animal... Let's check it out.

[ She's going, with or without him, still. Something is a busy bee. ]

[It's quiet. Almost too quiet, and it makes Fumikage's nerves stand on end. But despite his discomfort with the setting, he does his best to steel himself and follow after Aerith. She's not the only one who wouldn't forgive themselves if they had left someone behind in a dire situation who they could have helped.]

[The darkness is pressing, and Fumikage can feel Dark Shadow swell with power. His Quirk grows stronger in the darkness, even if that power has been sharply stunted since coming here. Fumikage doesn't think that Dark Shadow is in danger of growing so unruly to the point of him losing control, but he has to keep that thought in mind as they press forward. The last thing he needs is his Quirk going wild and attacking an ally, even if Dark Shadow is in a weaker state.]

[But those thoughts come to a halt when he hears that cough. He turns to Aerith, a serious expression on his face as he follows her further in.]

Right... we should confirm and make sure we don't miss anything. Still, be on guard; this is a haven for those who revel in the darkness.

[ Aerith does not speak in response, but she does nod in acknowledgement of what he says. There is pressure here like nothing she's felt before. It's strength is not of concern to her, but how strange it feels weighs on her mind heavily. To say she is nervous is to put it lightly, and there is fear growing in her mind. The sensation of nails along her spine, leaving ghostly scratches.

There's a room to the left with heavy, heavy breathing.

Aerith turns her head slowly, worry igniting in her features quickly, a forest fire that swallows up the fear for a moment. But the room itself is painfully dark, like trying to see through a blindfold. The imprint isn't even there, and her eyes don't adjust. With her brows knitted, she walks in, and flicks the light on.

The moon's light floods the area. It isn't a room at all— it's a courtyard. A swing set far in the distance creaks loudly, the wind pushing the seat gently. Dead leaves tumble and dance in the howling wind, and Aerith looks behind her to make sure she's not alone in this strange, new place where the blood rain somehow hasn't fallen. ]

[Fumikage can feel the atmosphere around them as much as Aerith can; it's enough to make the hairs on his neck stand on end. That room is so pitch-black... black enough to make him wonder if it's a good idea for him to enter. Dark Shadow thrives in darkness... and he isn't sure how good his control is right now. He's as nervous as she is, and he moves to speak to her... but then she's stepping into the room, turning the light on.]

[Well... only one way to go, and that's forward.]

[Fumikage follows her into the courtyard, looking up and around the room. He frowns, looking to Aerith.]

This courtyard is exposed to the elements... So why hasn't the rain fallen in this area?

[ It's a good question, and one she can't answer. Aerith's sixth sense has dulled extensively, more or less a useless skill now depending on the situation. Inhaling the scent of petrichor. There's a storm brewing, but it feels more like being in the eye of it.

She shakes her head at him. ] I don't know.

[ Back in the courtyard, she thinks to move closer to the swing set. It's a playground for children, and it seems to be rusting over. It's been unused for years, maybe, forgotten and rotting. ]

Hm?

[ There's a note on the seat. She rushes forward to take the paper, turning it over. ]

It's a map... There's an "alchemy laboratory" circled.

[Fumikage walks closer to her when Aerith finds the paper, and he looks over it too. He frowns in confusion.]

Alchemy laboratory...

[Alchemy may have been a thing of fiction in his own world, but it's close enough to the occult that he's come across it enough times in his own readings. He looks around with a growing feeling of unease.]

If there is a children's playground next to an alchemy laboratory... it fills even me with dread as to the implications.

[ With a huff, she moves to look out into the school itself. The windows are all open; how strange, she muses. ]

Yeah... [ Then— it happens— the sight of a lone Hyakume, rushing through the halls. The sight shocks her for a moment, but she's on the move quickly. ]

Is there an entrance? Let's go, before we lose them!

Ah..!

[He sees it too! And yep, that is definitely a Hyakume like the kind he's seen in folk tale illustrations. He turns to Aerith and nods.]

Right!

[As they hurry, Dark Shadow lets out a huff.]

Where's it going, anyway??

[ The entrance sits closed, but unlocked. Aerith yanks the door open, and inside is dim lighting, as if the whole place is powered by a dying energy source. Maybe it is, she reasons silently. ]

I don't know. Somewhere safe, I'd bet.

[ Or what it thinks is safe. ] Can your shadow fellow see better in the dark?

Hmph. Let us hope it doesn't travel somewhere that we cannot reach.

[He glances up at Dark Shadow, who gives a thumbs up.]

He does have sharp senses in the dark. Right, Dark Shadow?

You betcha!

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June 2022 Event

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