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

[ Megumi's been wallflowering at the beach so far, occasionally lounging under an umbrella with a book, and at other times simply sipping his coffee as he watches the people playing in the sea. He isn't even dressed for the occasion, coming to the beach in an oversized white shirt and slacks. As he takes a sip of his black coffee, he spots some splashing a small distance away in the ocean, and it doesn't look very relaxed or natural - not at all like someone simply playing in the water. When he realises what's going on, Megumi tosses his coffee cup to the side, diving into action immediately and running into the cascading waves. There's a quick glance at the side to try and locate his dogs, but they're off playing with Yuuji a bit too far away. He'll have to rescue this person himself.

A decent swimmer, he makes his way toward Barton in fairly good time, grabbing hold on him once he can reach him and pulling the man's arm over his own shoulder. ]

Relax. You're fine.

[ this thoroughly sucks. ]

[ though, barton is grateful for the man that comes to his rescue; he just doesn't... yet seem to show it. he was about to sink under for certain. he kicks his legs to try to emulate swimming - hates the water's resistance and that his feet don't touch solid ground. gosh, it feels like his heart is beating fast... ]

Crap...!!

[ right. relax. deep breaths of air. ]

I didn't think I'd get thrown off so quick...! [ .. probably a blessing in disguise, given the candies still worked. ]

[ The fact that he's able to talk, and his breathing does not seem too disturbed, indicates to Megumi that he's likely had a candy. That puts him at some ease then, taking some of the urgency out of the situation. He's not entirely sure how long the candies last, but this man's life is not in any immediate danger. He will need to get back to shore, however. ]

I'm surprised there are adults who haven't learned to swim .... [ He isn't trying to be mean, but sometimes it comes off that way. ]

You won't sink if you're holding on to me. Just focus on calming down for now. [ so he stops struggling and Megumi can direct him properly. ]

[ "calming down"? what ever could that mean? whatever it does, barton physically does quit in any thrashing... as much as he can help. it's like someone trying to remain still when they're massively anxious; he's squirmy. ]

Ah, h-hey. What's that mean??

[ but barton can at least hold on, perhaps too enthusiastically hearing megumi's suggestion as "hold tighter" - which he does. his heart feels like it's going to beat out of his chest. he might be more cooperative, and less noisy, if he hadn't so mauch liquid courage earlier. ]

I hadn't even seen an ocean 'til I was grown... I thought it was just some big puddle on the ground, okay...!

Sounds like your upbringing was interesting ... [ While Megumi comes off sarcastic with his deadpan tone, he (once again) isn't trying to be mean. He's honestly curious now, why this person was clueless about the ocean. Now isn't the time to ask, however.

With Barton holding on to him, he hooks his arm around Barton and starts to kick his legs out behind him, pushing at the water with his arms and legs. ]

Just copy what I'm doing. We'll get some extra help soon. [ A few meters away, a large black wolf appears to be swimming in their direction. ]

[ barton can.. try to copy. but it's like his joints are stiff against any current, so he can at least do his best in not being a complete hindrance. he's immediately distracted by the animal their way, his expression lighting up from dismayed to excitement. ]

Woah...! A wolf...?!

[ omfg.... a cute canine...... ]

[ he hopes that's the help and not just. some wild animal unexpectedly wanting a fight ]

[ The wolf is, in fact, here to help! Megumi regards it casually once its close enough, giving it a pat on the head. ]

Nice work getting here. [ A+ Impressive cute lil doggy paddle.

The wolf positions itself beside Barton, waiting for him to latch on. ]

Grab onto him. [ It's hard for Megumi to swim while dragging someone who's a bit bulkier than himself, and he's also tired (lmao). The dog is good for this. If Barton accepts the help, it will paddle him back to shore with Megumi swimming alongside them. ]

[ he sure does accept the help, swinging his arms over to latch onto the canine. considering he's still distressed over his situation, barton can't properly coo over him (nor is it the time for that, really). he does feel more relief as he they begin steadily heading back to shore. ]

Ah...! Great job!

[ can still praise him, at least. ]

[ The good boy knows that he is being good, but he also would not mind a treat for his efforts.

There's no reason to keep talking as they swim. Megumi would prefer the older man focus on getting back to shore. Finally, they get close enough for the water to become shallow, the bottom of the seabed now felt under both their feet. Megumi walks back to shore now, clicking his tongue at his wet and ruined clothes and wringing some of that water out of his white shirt.

They're alright for now, he thinks. ] Did you swallow any water?

[ Just a quick check to make sure none of that got into the older man's lungs, even with the temporary effects of the candy.

The dog saunters out of the waves also, shaking violently the moment its on the shore. Water droplets are now getting everywhere. ]

[ good lord, sweet, sweet solid land. barton... more or less crawls back onto shore, having released the animal when he'd felt safer at the shallow depth. bringing himself to his knees, he then spits some ocean water onto the beach. gross. ]

Huh? Not really...

[ ah, then he's hit with a spray of more water. he doesn't really seem to mind that as much, though, even if he does have to wipe his face with the back of his arm. which doesn't help in the least, considering that's also soaked. ]

[ -- but he does end up laughing. ]

Ahah, I probably would've been a goner, though! Thanks for that.

[ to.. both of them?! if he were a soberer, he'd probably ask about petting the wolf beforehand, alas. instead, he outstretches a hand towards it... beckoning... ]

It's fine. [ He brushes past the gratitude quickly, not really asking to be thanked. He only does what he thinks is the right thing.

Now, to satisfy his curiousity ... ]

Is there a reason you didn't know about the ocean? [ It sounds like a very isolated upbringing. ]

[ barton sits back on his ass in the sand as he further collects his bearings. he tries to blow some of his hair out of his face, ends up failing because it's heavy with water. megumi doesn't actually sound like he's making fun of him here, so after a moment of trying to pet the wolf, ]

'S cuz we basically live in the damn desert... Brink of it, anyway. Hundreds of feet underground.

[ he shakes his head to himself as he reflects on this, then pushes some of hair back properly. ]

Don't think most of us know of it. I only got to read 'bout it! The naval conquests of other nations were really somethin' else.

[ Barton will sense no judgement from Megumi, only a genuine curiousity in the man's home world. The dog will also allow all pets, nuzzling into his palm. ]

An underground desert sounds like a rough place to live in. [ He can't imagine agriculture thriving very much down there. ] Were you not able to move somewhere else?

[ wow, barton feels quite blessed; dog gets all manner of scritches. he can't even mind the question, being this exuberant, even if he would normally be inclined to twist that into one that otherwise might cause offense at the mere suggestion. ]

Ahahaha!! And desert the Federation?!

[ cue a broad grin. ]

It's the most technologically advanced on the continent... Not like everyone lives like a buncha ants. [ but for as for why they don't move...: ] We abandon our post, and the rest of those shitty nations fall. You get me?

[ That's not the image he was having before. If it's very technologically advanced, then they've probably found a way around the lack of natural resources or favourite weather conditions then. In the curiousity he always has, he keeps questioning, eager to learn about lands he has never been to. ]

They fall? Are you maintaining the order? Or -- protecting them from something else?

Ohh, yeah. Monsters. [..] Eclipsites.

[ not that he would suspect that means much to megumi - but hey, who knows. barton doesn't particularly have a surefire indicator of who may be from astra or not, beyond being recognized for who he is. loudly proclaimed, ]

Almost miss the bastards...! [ almost. not quite. doge nuzzles into his hands, and barton is immediately distracted again. ] Ah, what's this one's name?!

Edited 2022-07-04 20:04 (UTC)

[ That name doesn't ring any bells, nope. But he's very familiar with monstrous beings. It seems the world he had come from isn't the only dangerous one around.

Seems like Barton really likes dogs, though. He does find that people who like dogs tend to be good people (or maybe that is just his bias). ]

He doesn't ... have one? He isn't a pet. [ The wolf's owner just happens to be the most boring person in Jigoku. ]

I suppose you can call him 'Divine Dog'.

Oh... Huh!

[ dog deserves a name! but barton nods at "divine dog." megumi is speaking with a man that named his white wolves after "white" and "wolf," respectively, so to him this is perfectly acceptable. ]

[ with a final pat, barton stands up (finally - a little unsteady in doing so, but he's intact nonetheless). ]

Well, you got a name, kid?

[ And so Megumi introduces himself (by his full name), they exchange names and chat a bit more. Once he's certain that Barton is doing fine, he takes this as his cue to go on his merry way, running off to find some ... new clothes to replace his drenched ones. ]

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June 2022 Event

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