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

We should compare notes, then!

[ As soon as the beast leaps, Cloud's rolling under it and out of the way of the swipe, waiting until the last minute before the claws come down in the spot he'd been only moments prior. ]

We're nearly through, just one more push-

[ Gripping the parasol with both hands, he sees his moment - jumping into the air, letting the weight of the parasol swing down as he somersaults through the air to bring it down on the beast in a punishing overhead strike. Landing leaves him open to the next attack, but there's a space there - ready and waiting for Felix to follow through. ]

We should.

[ And that is something that Felix means with every single word. When Cloud points out the fact that the battle appears to be nearing its end, the swordsman gives a rough nod, eyes full on the monster still, keeping watch on both Cloud, and their enemy. For the purposes of being ready for any other sort of maneuvers...including falling into step with the blond, particularly when he lands after the creature lets out another road.

This time, Felix puts his all into his swing, yelling out— ]

An opening!

[ ...Which is exactly what it is, and when his katana cuts into the creature, that's enough to fell it, dissipating into the air and leaving nothing behind. ]

[ The creature falls, dissipating, as Cloud moves from his crouching position to standing up straight. He twirls the parasol a few times in one hand, before he lets it rest on his shoulderblades. ]

Hopefully that's the worst of them, for now.

Good work. [ It's an understatement, but he means it - not many can keep pace with a SOLDIER in the thick of things, even if he's still not at full strength. ]

[ Felix smoothly sheathes his blade in the very same moment, giving the blond an approving look—acknowledging that the person beside him holds quite a decent amount of skill. ]

Hmph. For now—if there are others who try to get in the way, though, they'll meet the same fate.

[ But, he accepts the comment with a nod. ]

You didn't do bad yourself. Name?

Cloud Strife. I arrived here last month.

[ He nods, folding his arms. ]

This is about what I expected for a welcome - guess it gave me a month to let my guard down.

You?

Felix Hugo Fraldarius. I've been here for almost a little over a couple of months.

Things have been tense for awhile, so I've expected some other nonsense would happen eventually...just not quite like this.

[ Felix is unfamiliar with this kind of trouble—supernatural things tend to be out of the realm of his general expertise or something he's experienced on the regular even before all of his. ]

But, I imagine that was the point—for this to be done when everyone's guard has been lowered.

[ Not that he can say his ever was, seeing as he even brought a weapon during party time. ]

If I had my sword, I would've brought it. Luckily, a friend loaned me something to make do.

[ That poor parasol is going to be broken by the end of the night, at this rate. ]

Good thing enough of us don't put our guard down fully, that no one is getting too caught up in this.

You said you picked up your fighting from your family, right? Must've been good training to be ready for something this bad.

You made good work of what you had. Not many would have been able to manage.

[ Felix can't see a parasol as a traditional weapon and yet...Cloud made it work. It's honestly really impressive, especially considering the enemy they were up against. ]

Naturally. Everyone in Faerghus needs to be able to fight in any circumstance, however. It can be cold and inhospitable even at its best points, though it's not the only reason I've trained well.

Better to be skilled, than lucky. [ He says it about himself, really. ] If you learn to make due with what you've got, you're all the better when you're properly equipped. Miss having a real weapon, though.

[ He's brushing himself off, before he remembers the curse makes that - well, actively a problem. His shoulders sag a bit, realizing that. ]

Warrior's pride, is it? I get that. Those monsters something you're expected to handle back home, too?

[ He will nod his head in agreement. Skill triumphs relying on luck at any time. ]

As soon as things calm down, it'd be good for you to get a proper one. Or even before that if you can manage it.

[ He is also thinking of maybe to start carrying two blades... ]

Not usually. But back in the place I've been in before all of this, there's these beasts roaming out in the wild that look like what we just dealt with.

I've got someone who can lend me a blade. Just a matter of talking to them when I get the chance. I'd prefer not to owe them, but... [ It is what it is. ]

...You've been to a place before? That wasn't your home? Like how you arrived here? [ He'd heard about Musashi wandering between worlds, but this seemed... similar, but different? ]

Edited 2022-08-03 03:57 (UTC)

[ Well, sounds reasonable to him, but first, he will clear something up first. ]

No.

...Garreg Mach wasn't exactly my home, but it was a place in my "world". When I encountered the monsters, I was mostly staying there, or close-by the area.

[ The first time being over at the Red Canyon when the Professor went and got ahead of himself for a little time. ]

Ah. A military base.

[ Now Cloud is starting to understand, at least a bit. ]

Then that monster was one you fought out there. Guess they would need someone with skills like yours to handle it.

Not sure what to think, if they're taking the shape of things we already know.

Part of it is one basically, yeah. But, I'm not surprised you should be able to figure as much, since it sounds like you've got experience as a soldier.

[ Garreg Mach Monastery has the Knight of Seiros, and the academy teaches those who attend combat capabilities, among other things. ]

If they're trying to intimidate us in all of this, they're fools. Not to mention cowards. They should just stop pissing around and truly fight us directly instead of constantly hiding in the shadows.

[ ...but it does worry him. If something like replication of creatures can be conjured from their worlds, what does that mean? He doesn't truly know where to start. ]

Private military corps, yeah. Big monsters. Special ops. That sort of thing.

[ He folds his arms, looking out in the dark. ]

They won't. At least, I don't think they will. It's a move to intentionally keep us off-balance. Keep us from thinking about the real objective.

[ That tower in the distance, that cuts through even the high buildings of Jigoku like a knife. Especially now. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

June 2022 Event

sorry it took me so long to get back to this!!

All good, it absolutely happens \o/

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