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

Yep.

[ He lifts up the flap of his raincoat to reveal a sword strapped to his belt. ]

We stick together and get out if it gets ugly. We can always regroup and return, but we won't be saving anyone if we turn into the ones who need saving.

[ ...Just so they're clear on the plan before they head for the lower level, where the air turns chilling the deeper they tread. The parking lot door groans as Yuri tugs it open. Darkness blankets most of the inside. The few lights that still work flicker dimly and illuminate smashed car windows and broken glass. Something doesn't feel right. ]

[Oh nice. Another sword user, then. And what Yuri said made sense, though he felt like he was being scolded even if they didn't know each other. So he just nodded and followed slightly behind, keeping an eye on their backs.

The flashes of light were intermittent and did nothing to alleviate the oppressive atmosphere. Cain wanted to call out, see if anyone was down there, but somehow he didn't want to break the silence.

They continue forward in silence, though Cain nearly stubs his toe on a piece of trash laying on the ground. Except-]

Wait. I think I saw something move over there.

[And if Cain saw it move, it wasn't alive.]

[ Yuri exchanges a look with Cain and begins to step cautiously in the direction of the movement. All is still, but the farther they go, the more the cars show unusual signs of damage. If the basement has become a haunted pit, it can't bode well for the residents upstairs. ]

We should ward the exits and get—

[ Before he can finish, a dozen ghostly hands shoot out from the dark, trying to grab hold of them and drag them into the shadows.

Yuri whips out his sword to slash at the ghosts, but the metal cleaves right through their immaterial forms. The hands only turn solid when they've latched onto something, and he finds his sword arm being seized, preventing him from swinging. ]

[Cain was alert for an attack, especially with how Yuri was reacting, but the hands shot out before he could do anything else. He saw the other man's sword arm get grabbed-he faired a little better in that his weapon was free, but the hands were still latching onto his hair and torso.

With a shout, he lashed out with his sword arm, slicing a few of the hands that had grabbed Yuri's sword, hoping it was enough to set the man free. Thankfully he had enough strength to resist the pull of these things, but it was getting risky.]

[ His hand freed, Yuri reaches for the wards in his pocket and scatters the slips of paper onto the ghosts that are quick to come after him again. The enchanted paper burns when it comes into contact with the hands, holy fire lightning up the dark lot and causing the creatures nearby to recoil as if blinded. ]

Use the wards!

[ He calls out to Cain, slicing a ghost with his blade while its distracted. ]

[Oh right-the seals! He'd forgotten about them, not usually having to use those types of magic. He'd have to thank Yuri later, because right now he was busy with whipping one of them out and tossing it at the hands now fighting for his feet. They recoiled in an almost frightened fashion, and Cain took this chance to lunge forward and grab his companion.]

We're in danger if we stay here any longer. Let's get out and regroup!

[He wanted to keep searching for the missing persons, but he...had a sinking feeling about their chances. And right now they had no way through without risking the only line of rescue.]

I've attached one of these things to my sword, I think we can keep them away until the entrance.

[He's tugging, trying to cover as much of their blind spots as they could.]

[ The hands writhe and shrink back as the magic burns away at them, and at the end of the tug-of-war, Yuri finds himself pulled along not by the ghosts but by Cain. He isn't opposed to the idea of retreat, but the tugging is quite unnecessary, and he'll try to shake his arm free if he isn't let go.

They battle their way towards the exit, Yuri covering the opposite side. He follows suit to throw a charm onto his own sword, and it hisses through the air as it cleaves a pursuing ghost. ]

They're damn persistent. If anyone stumbled down here...

[ Well. It'd be no surprise they'd go missing. To complicate their retreat, the last of the basement lights putter out, trapping them in darkness. Perhaps he let go too soon... ]

[Cain stopped tugging as soon as Yuri was headed with him. It was mostly instinct, used to taking care of people with less good reflexes than his but he was immensely grateful now for the extra strength.

The light went out and he swore, reaching again for Yuri just to figure out where the hell the guy was.]

You okay? I don't want to give up on them down here but-

[Thankfully his practice in not being able to see people comes in handy as he hears a ghostly figure drawing near and cuts it to shreds with his sword.]

We need to regroup!

[However, instead of heading in the direction he remembered the door being, he's listening for any small sound that Yuri's making because getting him out of there was the first priority.]

Yeah, yeah. I'm right behind you. Keep going.

[ The problem with the lights shutting off is that he can't tell if he's being grabbed by the hands or Cain. Yuri instinctively smacks away whatever seizes onto him. Only when his hand brushes against somebody warm does he realize it's most likely not the undead. ]

The residents have a real mess cooking down here. You got backup in your department you can call?

[ As much as he hates to involve the Enma, purging a curse at this level of infestation isn't a two-person job. ]

Edited 2022-07-22 04:30 (UTC)

[He's glad when he can feel Yuri's touch in return. The man was still there, and still fine by the sound of it.]

I'll ask around once we get out of here-honestly, I don't know how many of us are not already searching out in the city, but I'll try. I ugh! I'll do what I can!

[He's just hoping that the people down here are still okay and that the two of them can make it out. Cain suddenly stumbling into what certainly felt like a wall, which meant they now had a landmark.]

Ugh-found the wall. We just need to keep following it, I think the doors were to our right!

June 2022 Event

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