June 2022 Event

[jigokumods]

MAIN NAVIGATION

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.

Comments

[taintedpeony]

"You deserve to survive. You deserve to live. No matter what you did." his words were firm. Absolute. He pressed onwards ducking through a narrow path, holding her closer to him. He will carry her if he had to.

They were headed towards Mizukume the Tamamo strong hold, where he could check-in and see what defenses he was able to get to fortify his own apartments.

"Can you hold on to me, my dear?"

[sharpestsword]

She nodded her head. Physically she was alright enough to make it to his apartment. His words occupied her thoughts. It was better than imagining what might be chasing them. She wasn't looking back.

"Are we safe here?"

[taintedpeony]

“We are safe. I will make certain we are. You know back home dealing with things like yin energy was what cultivators did normally. Just stick close and don’t listen to those voices,” they were let into Mizukume, where Jin Guangyao checked in and was handed some talismans and incense to help stem the energy.

“Alright, I want to safeguard our apartment so we have a base of operations. It is also very important to get clean and rest up. My apartment is only a few buildings down from here, Are you ready to brave this just a little longer?”

[sharpestsword]

"I couldn't get to my apartment. It was too close... to the tower...."

She trails off, her attention elsewhere. It doesn't feel right for her to be running away. She just doesn't know. When she stops in front of one of the buildings it doesn't seem to be because she can't physically move. She starts to turn back.

"You took me all this way. Thank you, really. But I have to go get my mobile suit and fight now."

[taintedpeony]

"No. You are going to stay with us. You don't have to run and fight against something you aren't prepared for." His voice was firm and he held on tight. He was the rock-solid cultivator and sect leader who looked after his disciples.

"My dear. Stay with me. We'll need your help in getting this building secure. We cannot win any fights if we don't know what we are fighting, I don't know what a mobile suit is but unless it is magic you cannot fight nor purify Yin Energy with it. I've dealt with this before.

Hold this incense, for me while I set these talismans up. This is a two-person job." He handed her the incense holder, hoping that by giving her something direct she could focus on, she would be able to stay calmer in this.

"This is what made Mizukume safe."

[sharpestsword]

She should have listened but she was already set on going. None of what he was saying made any sense to her. She hadn't seen any of it for herself to know for sure that it worked. The idea of waiting for something to attack them to find that out didn't appeal to her. Maybe she didn't know what she was doing or if she could win but she would fight anyway. She had people that she cared about now. She shook her head and turned to walk away.

"That's what I'm doing. I'll protect you."

[taintedpeony]

Goodness, she was stubborn, just like a young Nie Soldier. He sighed, pressing a hand to his temple.

Fine if that was how she wanted to play it...

"No, you will not."

His motion was quick hitting a pressure point he had used many a time on various cultivators. It was a motion that will effectively knock someone out no magic was needed. He'll be sure to catch her.

[sharpestsword]

She was in no state to fight. Even if she was she was unlikely to avoid his strike. It was too fast for her to realize what was going on before the world disappeared around her and her legs gave out. She felt arms around her as consciousness slipped away.

[taintedpeony]

He carried her into the building after setting up the talismans. He was going to let Huaisang know that she was staying with them and not to be alarmed with the tied-up girl in their home.

By the time Julieta would wake he had already cleaned her and dressed her in one of his kimonos. though her hands were tied behind her, she was tucked in. Jin Guangyao took the time to take a bath and wash his tails in the meantime.

He was currently cooking their dinner instead, to help quell his own anxiety.

[sharpestsword]

When she woke again she found herself in a different place with her wrists bound. Immediately she began struggling. She was looking for a way out. Maybe something with which to cut herself free.

[taintedpeony]

He peeked out from the kitchen when he heard the rustling.

"I wouldn't do that too much. Please do not hurt yourself, Maiden Julieta. If you promise not to run, into the wilderness I'll set you free.

Nie Huaisang should be coming home soon." his voice was soft his face concerned. Dinner was almost ready and the scent of a thick beef stew permeated the air.

"I am assuming you're hungry? We can all eat together. We'd be sad if you went out and something happened to you."

[illicitly]

Nie Huaisang had followed the order to retreat to the Mizukume, ushering along any hot-headed new recruits he could find. Once there, he'd stayed put for quite some time, unwilling to put himself in danger, not when he might be called on to use a spell only he's able to cast. However, as time continued to pass with no sign of Jin Guangyao, he sent him a message to let him know he was on his way back to the apartment.

Armed with incense, years of meditation practice, and an umbrella to help shield him somewhat from the blood rain, he manages to make his way back to their building. Of course, he looks a bit rough by the time he arrives, face pale and eyes a bit haunted by whatever nightmares the rain has brought him. There's a stubborn, determined set to his jaw, however, that's still visible when he enters the apartment, leaving his blood-soaked umbrella in the hallway outside.

"A-Yao? A-Yao? I'm home," he calls out, anxiety creeping into his tone.

[sharpestsword]

No she would not stop. She couldn't even remember how she got here and he wasn't doing a good job of explaining. He couldn't just detain an officer even if it was for her own good. There was a job to do. She looked to the door as it opened for some opportunity. Pushing herself up to her knees she would try him instead of bargaining with Jin Guangyao.

"Huaisang, free me."

[taintedpeony]

"I'm here, oh goodness. I am so happy you're safe," he called in while watching the girl on the floor squirm around.

"I wouldn't. She was trying to run off and fight the yin energy. Can you explain to her that a non-cultivator is likely to be killed out there? Or I'm going have to knock her out again." his voice was smooth and soft, holding a wooden spoon of beef stew, pressing it to his own lips for a taste.

[illicitly]

"I'm fine. Ruined my umbrella, though. It's outside."

What did he just walk into? It's a bit much for him to process right away so Nie Huaisang takes a minute to just wrap his mind around what's happening. It's a lot to put it mildly. For the moment though, he just kneels next to Julieta and rests his hand on her shoulder.

"I know that there's work to do out there but right now, it's very dangerous for you, Lady Julieta. Spirits and dark energy like this aren't to be trifled with. They take proper training and knowledge in order for them to be dealt with. There's a proper way to go about this and running blindly into danger isn't it, young lady."

There's a subtle hint of gentle rebuke in his tone and he gives the woman's shoulder a pat.

[sharpestsword]

Her attention snapped back to Jin Guangyao at the threat of knocking her out again. And the one she thought would help wasn't cooperating at all. It seemed they were both against her. She realized she had no choice but to go along with this. She huffed, glancing past him to the kitchen. Something smelled good in there. She really was hungry.

"Then show me."

[taintedpeony]

Dinner was done. He gave Huaisang an appreciative glance before moving.

He moved quickly setting down the table they had and a large earthen pot on top of that, filled to the brim with a hearty beef stew and fresh noodles. He set down some bowls and began to serve them.

"I have some cold sake as well if either of you wants any or I can make some tea. But I have the feeling that we will all be in better spirits after we have some food in our bellies. Is that alright?"

He was going to wait until she was a bit calmer before he went to untie her.

[illicitly]

"Dinner would be lovely. It's been a long day for all of us. I think we could all use a nice home-cooked meal. Have you had an opportunity to try any of A-Yao's cooking yet, Lady Julieta? It's quite delicious and filling. It does wonders for keeping one's strength up when there's much to do."

And Nie Huaisang can already tell that he's going to have his work cut out for him smoothing this situation over. While he knows by now that Jin Guangyao wouldn't have knocked her out and brought her here without good reason, he's still keenly aware of how easily such actions can be misconstrued and twisted by those with political agendas. It could end up a point of conflict with the Department of Enma should word get out that a Tamamo clan member went rogue and abducted one of their officers.

"I'll untie you but you have to promise me that you won't run out into the storm. I'm willing to teach you what I'm able to so you'll be safe but it's not something one will be able to learn in a single session. It takes extensive training and study to develop these skills and right now, I'm unable to demonstrate much of what I know."

He pauses a moment, leaning in to kiss Julieta's forehead.

"I'm quite helpless against them right now, as is Jin Guangyao. We'd both benefit from your protection if you are willing to grant it to us during this crisis."

[sharpestsword]

"Alright I'm not leaving." She sighed looking between them. It was better if she had something to offer in return. "I can teach you to use a gun."

No magic necessary for that. Even after it was returned to them it could still be useful. She wanted them to be safe just as much. It was easy to get her to go along with what they wanted when they appealed to her the way they did. She was more concerned with getting her food than arguing now.

cw: graphic bloody imagery

[taintedpeony]

"I am sorry for knocking you out. You have to understand, that this is not my first time dealing with this type of blood rain. The place I was in, Hakagemachi we had this as well. The voices, the visions. All of it messes with your mind in an intense way." he looked down at his hands, they were trembling slightly. The sound of his son resonated in his ears still. He gave Huaisang a sad smile.

"They make you think of your worst regrets or the terrible things you experience. Once I was out to pick up my nephew and it looked like the worst battlefields out there. I picked him up and carried him home. He was a child of peace he's never seen anything like that. I think...

I think you triggered that instant in me. I'm sorry. Allow me to untie you." he reached out and undid her ties.

[illicitly]

Nie Huaisang moves out of the way so Jin Guangyao can free her. He rewards Julieta with a soft, pleased smile.

"A-Yao has more field experience than I do. It'd be wise to trust his judgment. He wouldn't have brought you here if it wasn't a matter of survival."

He takes one of her hands in his, squeezing it gently as he gets up to his feet.

"Teaching us how to use guns would be very helpful in helping us defend ourselves here, Lady Julieta. What you taught me about technology has been very useful so far."

A gun would certainly help even the field against the Shuten, he thinks.

"Let's eat for now, though. We can talk more once all of us have eaten."

[sharpestsword]

She wasn't sure what to say. This went beyond her understanding so she would have to trust him. It was easier to be compliant. She just wanted to eat right now. Standing up she rubbed at her wrists glad to be free.

"I wasn't thinking. I just want to be useful."

[taintedpeony]

He knelt down at the low table and filled a bowl with noodles and stew, making sure to drop a heaping helping of beef on top. He set it down before her.

"I know. You are so hardworking and earnest. I do admire that about you. Please eat to your fill, my dear. We must regain our energy." he smiled and then turned to Nie Huaisang. He put together a bowl for him as well.

"You too. I know you have been burning the wick at both ends. Please eat A-Sang." his fingers ghosted over the others for a moment before pouring himself a bowl.

[illicitly]

There's just so much work to be done all the time but Nie Huaisang's used to it. It's a path few understand or know how to walk effectively and until he can begin training replacements, he's just going to have to do everything he can. He relaxes a bit at that contact, returning it with a watery smile before settling down on a cushion to eat.

"It's a lot for anyone to handle, even those of us with knowledge and experience with such things. But sometimes the smartest way to handle a situation is to realize that's it's beyond your limits and understanding. Education is the first step of any journey, Lady Julieta."

[sharpestsword]

She sat there staring at them her head tilted to the side. She was listening but her attention was on what they were doing. Even as she began to eat she contemplated what was going on. How she felt when she was around them. No one but them could get away with dragging her here like this.

"I think we should talk more."