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

[ While he comprehends wanting to recompense someone for any assistance provided he isn't sure if any faction leader deserves such consideration. However, he won't voice these sentiments. It would do little good, besides, he is also participating and he has even less reason to.

At least they seem to be in agreement about becoming inebriated although in that regard she has also made a choice. There is pacing when alcoholic drinks are involved but that is not her goal at all. He understands well, he had witnessed a previous foray, but she managed. Still, he can't help some concern. ]

I won't take a guess. I hardly know much when drinks are involved.

[ His own experience is limited. Very much so but that is normal for someone his age. ]

Edited 2022-06-18 19:26 (UTC)

[She settled back after the drink to relax and let it start hitting her. She didn't actually need to be blitzed to do this, she figured. She just needed to be a little tipsy really. Settling there and looking over at him quietly for a minute.]

So, uh... what do you usually do? Over in the Sutoku that is. I mean, other than serving drinks and the like. You don't exactly seem like the whole [vague gesture at all this] type, but I guess a bunch of us aren't. Who'd ever heard of a delinquent thug from heaven working as a bouncer?

[Look, Tenshi, half Gensokyo already calls you a delinquent to your face, so...]

[ The vague gesture has Xingqiu take in the sights around them as a whole, then finally letting his gaze settle on what would be the stage for the contest. He does suppose that he may have left some impression upon her since their last meeting, perhaps it was all due to his behavior or his manner of speech, because as far as anyone else could see his clothes fit every scene.

At the karaoke place he was dressed appropriate to act as her host, and here he went through the trouble of acquiring swimwear. Parlance can change, yet his way of communicating is a deliberate choice. ]

I've changed occupations several times, as for what I do specifically for the alliance, I'm not so important to be taken note of.

Actually serving drinks isn't too bad, it's simple enough even if it becomes as monotonous as any chore. But I guess I am here because... I can be here. See, I signed up, and nothing happened. But really I just wanted to get my friend a shirt.

[ He smiles, almost laughs. ] And well, I just heard of a deliquent thug from heaven working as a bouncer just now.

Hah, you know. True enough. I guess... [She took one small sip and considered for a moment.] You know whaat? I think I'm going to like it around here one way or another. This is exactly what I need. Because, like you said. We can sign up for random things and who ever heard of something like this actually happening? Mafias in hell? Hah.

So, this'll definitely not be boring!

[ That is the beauty of a city dubbing itself hell because here they can rebrand themselves as anything. Here he is just a boy by the name of Xingqiu and nothing more. He has no one's reputation to consider but his own, hardly something he concerns himself with. No one knows him, aside from Chongyun and Hu Tao, and his two friends understand him well enough to see past that studious and polite layer.

He doesn't have to be the boy that parents in Liyue Harbor speak fondly of as they hope their own children take after him. ]

Well that you are right about. Mostly, anyway. Some jobs here aren't all that exciting.

But that's also what is nice about being in this place. You don't have to be one thing or be tied down to a single occupation. Tomorrow you can work somewhere else if you want.

[She nodded pretty vigorously. Admittedly? her reputation had quickly proceeded to follow her into this world, but that had a lot to do with her attitude being what it was. She was as prone to causing low-scale irritation and trouble here as she was in Gensokyo, so "Delinquent" followed almost instantly. Ah well. She was used to it.]

I probably could, you're right. I don't mind bouncing though. just exciting enough, and I don't really get hired out to entertain unless someone specifically wants my attention. It's... yeah, I think I like it better that way.

[You know, ignoring that she was here for a wet t-shirt contest that might attract attention down the road.]

Although...

[ His head inclines ever slightly as he brings his hand to his chin, there is something he has considered given his track record of moving from job to job as he grows bored. However, it is only now that he notes that it has had little effect when he goes on the job hunt which is confusing when reputation should have some impact. ]

I suppose that leaving one occupation for another far too quickly does leave a poor impression of work ethic. Although it hasn't kept me from getting hired... hmm I wonder why. [ That's probably something that's gone over his head, but he is a well-spoken pretty boy with pretty eyes and polished manners. Of course, he is going to get hired somewhere! ]

Are you ready?

For the work? Yeah, I know how to behave myself [She just usually refused to] and I can keep the peace without resorting too too much harm, so I'm kind of perfect.

Well, unless I start an earthquake. That'd be bad. Or did you mean something else?

Regarding any occupation, typically there are several factors when taking into account an employee's performance. Behavior is one of them, presentation, and their capability correct? Well, there is also reliability. A person that is absent or otherwise abandons their position much too soon may build the reputation of being irresponsible. That is what I mean.

Although, without a doubt no matter how stellar attendance or performance is causing an earthquake may be grounds for being dismissed.

[ He finishes his very refreshing water and the glass now sits empty. He motions towards the direction of the stage with a sweep of his arm and a slight bow. Ladies first and all that. ]

[She set her drink down, making sure the shirt was in place and breathing in once before winking over at him. It was time wasn't it?]

Well, I won't be shaking the earth this time, but you're right. It's about time to put on a show. Be sure to tell me how I did!

[She started to prance her way over. Her performance was at best ... energetic. Hey, at least she had energy right?]

Hey! you coming with me?

Edited 2022-07-10 20:57 (UTC)

[ Is that what people call a captivating expression? Perhaps he should try it. Coming out of his reverie, he quickly dons the wet t-shirt contest shirt and then only offers a nod in agreement. Thoughts still linger on the wink of just a few seconds ago. Of course, he won't be doing that onstage. ]

I'll be sure to do so.

[ Already catching up, he takes a breath. Well, it's all harmless fun. He's ready. ]

[Tenshi went to grab his hand when he made to join her, grinning impishly and making her way up onto the stage. On the plus side? The whole ordeal really wasn't going to be that bad, or demeaning. Most folks were here to just have fun after all, and she was hoping the extra energy she was exuding would help him enjoy himself a little.

And besides, free t-shirt!

When it was all said and done, though, she was soaked and laughing on the side. At least she wasn't staring, to add to any self consciousness.]

Haha, thanks for doing that with me. Lot less self conscious when they've roped us both in! Next round of drinks are on me. Even if it's just water.

[ Free t-shirt is right!

It would be something to give to his friend who can't truly enjoy the many fun summer time activities lest he overheat. Tugged along onto the stage, at this point even if he wanted to there is no going back. And once the competition concludes, the results don't surprise him. He wasn't really here to compete.

That is only a partial explanation as to why he remains completely dry. Even now. It's as if he never set foot upon that stage. ]

Well, I mean... under these conditions water is probably best.

I should go find my friend. He may have melted somewhere from the heat.

Sure thing. You go find them. [She laughed softly.] I'm going to get changed into something more decent. Funny how a swimsuit feels that way but here we are. See ya around!

[she waved as she made her way back towards the changing booths. At least she'd only made a little fool of herself.]

[ There is no laughter from him but he carries on with a smile. He won't explain the degree of severity his friend suffers under extreme heat. It's best that his friend pushes his limits. There won't always be a chance to do so under a controlled environment. ]

These garments tend to be revealing but... Okay, you take care.

[ He waves back and watches her go before he is off in search of his friend. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

June 2022 Event

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