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

[The way she says that ...

He moves in closer after the hooded beings are dispersed. When did he stab Barret? He doesn't ask, but the question is there. While he stood against all of Cloud's friends, only a few ever had the unfortunate instance of being directly targeted.

But she also knows about these things. He stares at her a moment. The use of geostigma is gone so there is no threat in telling her, but why doesn't she know? With what Cloud told him before and this now everything is lining up less and less.

He makes a sound similar to a hum.]

I will tell you all about it. The touch of my mother that washed over the people of the planet. Tell me what they are and I will tell you more.

[ This is the cat shimmying up along the wall, peeking out with it's eyes wide as saucers. He's got his claws ready to strike and poison her mind. She's too tired, too annoyed, and too sick of not knowing.

So she speaks, when it's the two of them alone in the blood soaked streets that can't seem to get clean. ]

Listen to them. They're howling...

[ Their wind-like moans are disappearing into the ether still, fading yet. It is haunting, but somehow, she thinks that he knows already. This isn't the same Sephiroth. Maybe he hears it, and feels it. ]

What they are... is the will of the Planet. To correct us when we stray from the beaten path of our fate. Whispers from the past, or arbiter of fate.

[ She's approaching, slowly, holding onto her staff with white knuckles. ]

[Will of the planet ...

If what she says is true, then something must be altering 'fate' because why else would they appear? He never encountered anything like this but --

...

He thinks back to his conversation with Cloud. A conversation that never happened. The one on road of midgar. Her mention of Barret.]

It's changing for you, isn't it? That's why they're here.

[Still he did make an agreement and he wants to know more about this.]

Geostigma was my gift to the planet after my death. Those afflicted suffer and die. To the planet they are tainted and corrupted. Even if cured, the planet still knows. Though I cannot say what will happen when they rejoin the planet. Perhaps nothing or they too may join the darkness.

[ She wants to quip something in response, because it feels like he's condescending to her, but the fact remains he tells her several very valuable things in this conversation.

There is one thing that sticks out in the moment. Others, she may chew on for a long time. They may haunt her for years to come, as she grapples with her powers. ]

Wait a minute. You died?

[ Because of them? Or... Ah, that must be way, she deduces. He can't be here, or anywhere. He belongs to them, to the Planet. ]

[That's something she should know too. He tilts his head just slightly. Observing her closely. He'll give her a little more. A few crumbs.

It already happened for him anyway.

And if this place is true with their contracts, he'll gain what he wants anyway.]

The first time at the reactor. The second after my rebirth. The third right before arriving in this place.

[ Right. There was one already. Naturally, she remembers that. ]

They did say you died on the news. [ Simply, she says that, as if he probably already knows himself. Perhaps he does. ]

Your "rebirth"... when we saw you under the plate. Right?

[He's sure they've said a lot about him on the news. But that's not the important part. No, it's her question. That's important.

He steps forward, moving in ever closer.

She doesn't know.]

Under the threat of Meteor's light.

[Closer again.]

When I became a god.

[ Here it is. The cat biting, now that it's find the most tender spot to sink it's playful fangs into. Aerith nearly takes a step back, nearly starts to leave, but: ]

... [ She breathes, and listens. A god? Meteor?

She's getting the picture. ]

Mm-mm. [ She shakes her head, gaze tight and narrow but clear. ] You think that, but it's much more simple than you think. It's only how you dress it. [ Besides, who are they now but normal people? How is he even adjusting to being knocked down from godhood, if that's what he believes? ]

Meteor. You only called it a threat. [ Do they stop him? Not quite, it seems. ]

[He's not actually. He despises everything about this place. Being in servitude to others again. Being so human, so below his regular strength. This isn't how it should be.

But Cloud is here. Even if much about him is off, it is enough.

For now at least.

He still looks to her, watching closely. Like a predator watching prey. She really doesn't know.]

Your summon didn't work, it's light not as strong as my power. But the planet heeded your call. To save humanity. And yet in the process spread geostigma to the world. So many tainted by the planet itself.

[This is not the full story.]

[ It may not be the full story, but it is a story. It is the only story she has, and the fact that he knows all this...

A lie? Maybe. To what end, however? He only has things to gain from an exchange of the truth. They both gain from honesty. ]

I stopped it. [ She knows she did. She would have. ] I wouldn't let you have it. The future can't belong to one person.

[ He'll tell her if it's so. Perhaps he'll lie— but she thinks he'd rather omit before he lies. ]

[The corner of his lip twists upward at her response. She's on the right path, she knows it. But it's becoming more clear just how much is missing.]

How sure of that are you? The howls from that being of fate remind me of the dead. The ones twisted and corrupted. Even if you did stop it, how many do you think you let die first? How much of the lifestream do you think is blackened and choked with despair?

[He'll approach again, making that space between them even tighter.]

Tell me, Aerith. Do you follow your own fate or only save others when the planet wants you to interfere?

[ In his approach, he'll probably feel it. She does not walk back, but her gaze falls, green eyes roving away from him to the ground in thought. It's an agonizing thought, one that she can't escape. Moments before, the things that were robbing her of her own sense of identity, her own self, well closing in. Undeniably, they were dispatched of. Still— he isn't wrong to question this. It is remarkably difficult to answer.

Perhaps that's what they whisper to her. This, and bits of his words. There is cruelty in his words, domination for the sake of it. He's crawling his way above her.

... As it strikes her, she realizes: It doesn't quite matter, does it? He's doing the same as her. Trying to crawl through, to the place she wants to go. Against all odds, they aren't that different. ]

What about you? Is this what you want, or what you think is best? We're both here for a reason, Sephiroth. This is my fate. I'm writing it now.

[ Her staff his the concrete with a clattering noise, and she squares her shoulders. ]

You're going to say that same... aren't you?

Are we? What if there is no reason to this at all?

[It's just some sort of twisted event without reason. This place. This hell. It could be something not ordained by any fate, and even if it were, Sephiroth is going to fight against it.

He might play by some of the rules as needed, but only as much as he's forced. If he grasp destiny itself, he'd find a way to mold it into something new. He believes this. Even more so after this talk with her.

It's opened the door to new possibilities. He doesn't fully know the extent of it all, but the seeds are planted.]

But your fate was already written in the blood cast by my hands. But you know this, don't you? That's why you're so determined here. This is your escape. Your chance at freedom.

[ A moment of silence falls over her, the hum of rain filling the space like white noise. A trickle of blood-rain runs down Aerith's face in a thick, sticky rivulet, and her lips purse together as she feels it roll down, all the way to her chin. She's mulling over his words, listening to them and picking out the meaning behind it all before it dawns on her what he means: ]

Blood... cast by your hands?

[ He's wrong. That had not been her determination before— ]

You're wrong.

[ But will it be now? Does she believe him? He's right that this is her chance at freedom; Sephiroth reads her like a book. He could rip the pages out of her if he wanted, but she has to hold strong and tight. ] Everything you just said... you're misunderstood me. I just want to help. The planet, my friends, everyone— at any cost. Anything I can do, I'm going to do.

[ Simple, easy. That's all. (But this will stay in her mind, of course. Rotting away like fruit going bad until it's too much to bear.) ]

Then why not try to leave? You seem content here to deal with the whims of those who control the city. But that's actually what you want right?

[Sephiroth is mostly talk in these cases, he speaks what he thinks about others as though he has all the answers in the world. But she's never been as easy to read as he lets on. She's always been a bit of an enigma.

But that won't stop him from speaking like otherwise.]

Live out your life here, reclaim what you lost -- or will lose. You can live your dreams within this city while the planet back home crumbles under the suffering of those who seek to destroy it.

[he steps forward again, to close the distance even more.]

How can you protect anything if you're here?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

June 2022 Event

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