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

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."

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."

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.

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."

Edited 2022-07-02 00:10 (UTC)

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."

"Depowered as we are, it is all the harder for us to fight this. But A-Sang is right, education is key."

He finally stopped fussing over the others and sat to eat himself, dumping a bit of homemade laogamnma on top of his bowl for a spicy kick to help with the chill. The spice warmed him and he was taken back to rainy monsoon days in Yunping, curled up next to his mother. The nostalgia settled into his expression. Sometimes homemade food just was enough to warm and comfort him.

At her words, he looked up.

"Mnnm? We can certainly talk more. What do you wish to talk about?"

Now it's his turn to peer at her, head tilting to the side.

"Is there something else on your mind, Lady Julieta?"

Nie Huaisang isn't quite prepared to give his favorite client a full session right away but she needs his services, he can adapt quickly enough, he thinks. For now though, he just focuses on dinner and listening to whatever's on her mind.

Nothing quite calmed her like food. She wasn't nearly so disturbed about what was happening when she was sharing a meal with trusted friends. He ensured she would be safe here and that means a lot to her even if she tried to reject it earlier. That was a mistake. He was right. She paused after finishing a bite to take a slow breath.

"I've started seeing someone. His name is Majima Goro. That's not what this is about, it just got me thinking about you two and how I've noticed you seem... close with each other. I was under the impression you weren't on good terms."

“Oh! Congratulations. I’ve met Majima-San a few times in Hakagemachi but haven’t had the chance to really get to know him. He’s Shuten yes? I’m sure A-Ji- I mean Gojyo knows him well.”

He wasn’t sure how to address the rest… He looks to Huaisang instead.

“We’ve known each other for a long time. Huaisang is my eldest sworn brothers younger brother.“ was he deflecting?

“We have a bit of a complicated history.”

"A very complicated history," Nie Huaisang interjects, clearly flustered, his cheeks turning pink.

They've barely had time to start sorting things out themselves much less figure out how to explain the weird, convoluted mess that is their relationship to others. For the most part, he'd settled on the stance that it wasn't anyone's business but his and Jin Guangyao's since they've managed to develop a peaceful partnership and co-existence. If it was anyone else, he'd say as much but this is Julieta, someone who's special to him and deserves more respect and honesty than that. She's not just his favorite client; she's also his friend and that's important.

"I suppose it must be very confusing to witness from the outside," he begins slowly with the same patience and care in which he explains kinks, sex acts, or answers any other question she might have during their sessions. "But it's as A-Yao said, we've known each other a very long time. Almost twenty years now, maybe? Something like that."

He pauses a moment before continuing.

"He worked for my older brother back before I took over the position. We didn't get to know each other well until after the war in our world ended. But we were friends for a time, a bit awkwardly so given that A-Yao and my brother had a bit of a falling out..."

He trails off a little with a nervous chuckle.

"It's a very long story... but I suppose we have plenty of time to talk and get to know each other better until the storm passes."

"I was concerned because you both mean a lot to me and I didn't want to have to choose between you."

If they were together then it wasn't so much a problem then. Having some context helped. There seemed to be a lot of history there. That was nearly as long as she had been alive. She couldn't relate but she could recognize that it was significant. And to her they're more than just someone she hires for sex. It was only fair to them to be open about it.

"Oh Julieta, I think even if we were at odds. You do mean a lot to us. I know A-Sang thinks highly of you and I hadn't known I would feel so soft towards you myself. You do not have to choose anything. We'll be friends regardless." He reached out to brush some hair from her face.

He then looked toward Huaisang and squeezed his hand in his own.

"It is true what we have is almost understandable to most. We got caught in a cycle of fear, death, and revenge. We loved one another and hurt one another so deeply.

We decided to break the cycle after arriving here. And on doing so found another who knew this dance as well, if that makes sense. We only solidified oot at the bonfire. But He is my partner."

June 2022 Event

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