jigokulogs | 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

[ if the other felt awkward or uncomfortable at some point of their greeting, it is completely one-sided and yuuji isn’t indirect about it either. the big, cheerful smile on his face didn’t stammer; laughing a bit when his friend bumped his forehead into the plastic weapon, pulling it away and behind his back to avoid any further harm. whether he was flustered by it or not, it didn’t change the fact it was a charming sight. there is no sense of taunting behind his words— he’s merely happy to see that boy. ]

Are we takings turns now with being flustered?

[ for the sake of being under the influence of those dubious drinks he had earlier, the sorcerer found himself reaching for another touch, this time to brush the tip of his thumb over the aching skin. with a closer look, it's nothing too drastic, not strong enough to prompt a bruise— but surely the throbbing pain must be annoying. it could’ve been a cute moment between them if he didn’t choose to blurt out- ]

If you bruise over this, then maybe it’s a good thing we didn’t fight. You would wake up the next day covered in them.

[ as for the scandalous competition, maybe it’s a good thing xingqiu missed out on it, otherwise yuuji would feel bad for not being there supporting him. when the drinks came into the conversation, yuuji perked up, pressing his hands together. ]

Forget the vouchers! The Enma’s get free drinks and food. I'll sneak some! [ as he speaks, he beckons xingqiu to move along, linking their arms together. ] You gotta try this drink I’ve been having. I’ve never tasted anything this good in my entire life. Oh, and don't worry. It's not alcoholic.

[ but undeniably spiked. ]

[ The lingering warmth of embarrassment remains; he doesn't quite nod but that would seem to be the case. Although he hasn't defined his own sentiments towards the feeling, most of the time it's uncomfortable but on rare occasions, he finds an underlined pleasantry in it. Yet, he hopes not to blunder once more and end up red-faced.

As for the pain, Xingqiu is distracted by Yuuji's touch. From his perspective, it's familiar in a way that he doesn't expect despite the closeness the other boy is willing to engage in with ease. Perhaps it truly is just him, or it's a cultural thing? Liyue is traditional and reserved, to the point he hardly holds his closest friend's hand. Rather, it's become more of a common occurrence here much like it was natural during their childhood. ]

Either you're implying I'm delicate or that you're a beast. Which is preferable?

[ There is no chance to push Yuuji's gentle touch away, the subject is changed and he finds their arms linked. Again it's rare closeness but they're far from his homeland, away from customs he knows. All he can do is get acclimated to this environment and learn different habits. Well, the teen leading him on is a challenge but the difference Xingqiu finds refreshing. ]

Well, I have given up drinking.

[ Not really, that's more of a joke. Xingqiu has barely initiated his exploration into the world of alcoholic beverages although plenty of wine was served at his past two birthday celebrations. Here in hell drinks flow with ease and are served to anyone. ] Okay, I'll give it a try. By the way, what kind of food are they serving around here? I've seen a few ice cream stands, actually, I know where all of them are but I think I want something a bit more filling.

[ it might be a cultural issue, or yuuji’s common casualness and lack of perception of others, it might also have to do with the drink giving his confidence a major boost to be this invasive— that might be it, or a mix of everything, but it all comes down to one thing: because he wants to! he is comfortable with xingqiu. this boy happened to be someone yuuji deeply cares about and what he failed to express with words was easier to portray with simple gestures. he also trusts xingqiu is confident enough to express when he’s no longer, well, welcoming of such advances.

surely they trust each other to be vocal, right? ]

I won’t call you delicate. I haven’t seen what you can do yet. I guess you can say it takes a lot more to get my skin to bruise ...

[ then again, not everyone is built like a tank. fun fact: yuuji isn’t aware those drinks are alcoholic, otherwise he wouldn’t be chugging them the way he did. another fun fact: he’s sober(?). considering that he could stomach swallowing a rotten finger and live another day, that might not be so shocking. ]

Given up on drinking ... juice? [ oh, the misunderstanding. ] Ice cream is not filling, though. That’s a treat you have after a meal! What you need is a burger!

[ there are food carts nearby, serving all kinds of sweet and savory goodness to accommodate everyone's preference; xingqiu may still go for his ice cream delights, but yuuji is more intent on truly filling himself up now, and hey— it’s free for the enmas! he kept, gently, tugging on the others’ arm- ]

Let’s grab a taste of everything, and then we can find a spot to chill.

[ Discomfort doesn't entirely translate to displeasure; inexperience is the source of unease, and therefore the sentiment would not be put into words. Harmless antics and friendly gestures are things he is willingly accepting of. If ever he was truly cross, then without a doubt he would verbally lash out, but even that is rare for him. Those of wicked heart and mind would know honest sentiment, however, he tends to keep some form of polite mannerisms. Perhaps he plays pretend more often than he believes.

Although now, he finds himself reflecting not on physical closeness but rather on how short the distance was made between them on a personal level. There is no doubt that they've established a friendly bond, but skipped altogether was typical polite aloofness. It's this atmosphere, the environment, and being so far from home. However, Yuuji's smile and welcoming nature may also be a factor. ]

So you're a beast?

[ Amusement settles on his face, then lingers after in a smile. Of course, not juice but he won't correct Yuuji. As for ice cream, well, he only mapped out every stand not really for himself but to keep a friend cool. Again not his go-to for a snack but it seems he is going to lead into having an actual meal. For once, he is content to follow such a dietary plan. ]

Sometimes a treat before a meal isn't too bad. But if you think I need a burger or a bite of everything.

[ He doesn't resist the pull, he walks along with Yuuji although already knowing that it would be impossible for him to have everything unless he is really is literally meant to only have a taste. ]

But I really do mean a bite. I can't possibly eat a meal from every cart.

June 2022 Event

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