July 2022 Mini Event

[jigokumods]

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Tanabata is on the horizon, and the city seems to be recovering well from last month. But there's work to be done, and it's time to get to it...

1. SHUTEN CLAN - THE HOUSE ALWAYS WINS

With construction wrapping up, the new Shuten Clan casino will be opening soon. The casino has a number of new staff positions opening. It is a golden opportunity for anyone looking for a cash rich position. The money promised upon assignment to the underground casino is bound to be life-changing. Given the potentials in clientele, Toraguma is expecting the very best. Shutens are to report to the above ground Celestial Phoenix casino for their training.

They will be taught all the traditional casino fare, both Japanese and abroad. This includes being taught how to cheat at these games as well. For example:

• Blackjack dealers will learn card count, and how to catch others doing the same.
  
• Roulette attendants will learn both how and when to discreetly adjust the wheel.
  
• Craps and Cee-lo dealers will learn how to feel for loaded dice and how to switch in the house's dice without notice.
  
• Cee-lo dealers are also taught a specific way to line the dice tray to cause more lost throws.
• Cho-Han dealers will learn how to distract players as they adjust the dice.

That's not all the Shutens will be learning. The clan needs skilled bouncers as well: people who can handle rowdy customers or haughty celestials. The more tenured Shutens will take up the roles of rude customers and challenge the trainees in how to handle them.

While not everyone will receive employment in the casino, they are all expected to participate in training. Shuten officers are expected to guide and oversee their juniors.

2. TAMAMO CLAN - CHARM SCHOOL

The Tamamo Clan also has preparations to make in anticipation of the underground's opening. The clan is opening their own brothel and cabaret, as well as providing food and drink services to the new Shuten casino.

All Tamamo Clan members must report for training at Mizukume. The lesson of the day is to use one's charisma to secure a huge payout. For example:

• Hosts and hostesses will learn the art of schmoozing away clients' money.
  
• Performers will learn more provocative means of soliciting large tips.
  
• Oiran are taught the erotic arts; the perfect balance to both please a client, and how to leave them begging (and paying) for more. There's no technique Tenkohime finds too shameful. Money is power, and power is freedom.
  
• Food service workers are provided master classes in mixology, plating, and how to serve high-profile clients without breaking a sweat.

Each role comes with its own set of pressures, but also the promise of great reward. Everyone is going to get rich, if everyone plays their part well.

Tenured Tamamo are asked to roleplay as clients for the benefit of those Lost Souls new to the work. While not everyone will be selected to work in the Underground, everyone is expected to train for it.

3. SUTOKU ALLIANCE - BLACK MARKETS AND BACK ALLEYS

After months of meetings, it's finally time for some real action. Sutoku Lieutenant Ryouma Sakamoto has made some pretty big commitments on the Alliance's behalf. His temerity comes from his earnest belief in the other Sutoku Lost Souls! No pressure, though!

To succeed, the Alliance must determine who is behind the current black market operation. Ryouma is relying on the Alliance's extensive information network and the hard work of the Lost Souls to make it happen.

This is the work that Ryouma mentioned when he welcomed the new arrivals recently.

This assignment is all about what you know. The Sutoku need to learn more about the competition, through any means necessary. The Alliance wants to know everything about what goods are moving around the city and who is moving it. Time to follow the money. You might even discover an unfulfilled niche in the market through your investigations.

The current influx of Stardust in the city is a great opportunity to investigate the existing dealers and supply lines. The Alliance is gathering Stardust just like everyone else, but it is becoming increasingly scarce as the factions vie for it. The value of this commodity is shooting up every day. Take some cash or other compelling bartering tools with you to grease the palms of a few shady dealers. Try to convince them to be more honest about their supply lines, beyond just the sparkly stuff. Stick the landing, and you might just be closing in on the heart of those shipping loopholes.

This is no easy undertaking. Creativity and tenacity will determine just how far you can go. Be careful not to be too obvious, the threat of unwanted attention will cause your sources to clam up.

4. DEPARTMENT OF THE ENMA - CRACK DOWNS

The Stardust's street presence has shifted naturally over the past few weeks: from an easy resource to simply scoop up in garbage bags overnight to a hot commodity. The street value of the material has increased considerably, and that means that the unaffiliated street gangs are greedy to get in on the action.

Enma officers are called upon to round up any black market dealers of Stardust and confiscate as much of their supply as they can find. This might just bring them into some direct conflict with the Sutoku Alliance members hoping to connect with market insiders. That's just how things boil out sometimes, though.

It is more important to the Department to get Stardust out of the hands of the black marketeers… and into their own lockers.

Officers are given permission to use any amount of force against individual actors, and members of the Law and Records Department are expected to draft up warrants (no matter how doctored) to obtain access to buildings they otherwise would never be allowed into; even Mizukume and the Arena. The Department's orders are clear: if it's not an approved market, shut it down.

This is in the name of maintaining Order, so get out there. Move at least in pairs, or you're likely to meet some serious resistance, and keep an eye out for the newbies.

5. ALL FACTIONS - LUNAR RABBIT RETURNS

It isn't just the factions, dealers, and petty gangs who are interested in the Stardust now that it's a premium item.

A familiar face has resurfaced: the mysterious gyokuto medicine woman and her army of white rabbits. While her little kin have managed to gather a healthy amount of Stardust for her "research", she still needs more. She is willing to pay a huge premium to those who retrieve more materials for her.

She understands that this will require you to either pilfer from one of the factions, or potentially someone even more dangerous. She will be providing samples of one of her drugs, which can grant temporary invisibility in moonlight. Use it for whatever hijinks you want, but she really would prefer if you brought her the goods in the end.

If invisibility doesn't cut if for you, she can provide another sample that provides 10 times your normal strength. While you can KO anyone who gets in your way, it wears off within 5 to 10 seconds. She is very clear that you should not take more than 3 doses of this, or you will very possibly die. Probably. Maybe? It will be unpleasant. So use it only when you need to.

The reward for getting her some Stardust, depending on the amount, can easily pay all a character's expenses for a month, if not longer. The temptation is great, but do you trust this strange rabbit woman?

Welcome to the mini event!

• If you have any questions about event content, please ask them here!
• Looking for a partner for your prompt? Post here!
• FOR THE PURPOSES OF REWARDS, since all of these prompts tie into the main plot in some way, we will count all qualified threads in this post as 2 point threads!
• If you have questions about the game itself, please check out the premise, FAQ, and rules pages.

Comments

[no_kyouken]

Correct. Management might've heard somethin' above yer head, good or bad for 'em. So don't go over th'edge without bein' told.

[ There's more to this ecosystem than just what will be seen in the casino. Some customers will be protected, some customers will need to be made an example of. ]

[no_kyouken]

[ Oh yeah? Majima smiles to himself. Sure. ]

How's yer card countin' goin'?

[ The driest of jokes. ]

[ryototsukai]

Not just the legitimacy, but the sheer amount. You're office is burying us in these things.

[ Musashi sighed, shaking her head. But before she got any further... ]

Can I offer to buy you a drink? Strictly professionally, I mean.

[ She didn't just want to unload on this guy, she could imagine the Enma was keeping him busy as hell, but still. ]

[ryototsukai]

[ She'd known about it, sure, but she still hadn't expected them to transform right there in front of her... and the form they took was so cute in their own way! Even if they were dressed professionally, there was just something absolutely endearing about the shift in how they carried themselves, the lilt in their voice, just...

Just completely, if likely unintentionally, feeding right into one of Musashi's worst habbits, her cheeks dusted pink and her voice a tad nervous. ]

Y-yeah, um... M-maybe a highball?

[heretic_blade]

It'll do ya good t' get trained up. Dumbass drunks tryin' t' pick a fight won't expect gettin' knocked on their asses by someone yer size.

[ He shrugs. ]

Jus'...no more kickin' people in th' nuts, alright? Can ya manage that?

[heretic_blade]

Yeah... [ Like the jobs Izō typically does; the bloody, dirty work everyone knows happens and no one talks about. ] Prolly for th' best they're gettin' started here.

[ He sits back with a sigh. ]

Got a lotta fuckin' work ahead t' get 'em ready.

[hellborne]

[ truth be told, jack had an inkling about her weakness. nevertheless, they do not expect that noticeable of a reaction; it's that easy? it's almost concerning how easy it would swindle her with a cute smile and a few sweet words, but the heroic spirit figures that this, too, can be used as training.

so, using that and the amusement of seeing their faction's lieutenant blush like a teenager as some bizarre motivation, jack continues without missing a beat. ]

Of course, dear. [ they smile warmly, giving her a short bow. ] Wait patiently for me, okay?

[ and, with a wink, they will actually be turning around to leave to get a glass, which they will soon bring back. their movements are smooth yet reserved, almost like a proper lady that's ready to serve her client.

the glass has water by the way-- no, musashi, you're not getting drunk on the job. ]

One highball for you, as requested. [ sitting down next to musashi, jack offers her the menu. ] If there's anything you'd like to order to eat, please take a look at the menu. Our options are quite delicious, after all, whether you want to eat alone or... with anyone else.

[shrieking_violet]

I like the sound of that.

[ Chris clears her throat, and bows slightly. ]

I-I won't kick anyone else like that. [ Deep breath. ] Sorry about your... nuts.

[psionicmolotov]

[ Kimmuriel deals with Tama's voiced insecurity by just...completely ignoring it. He's not one for reassurance even at the best of times; the human can find out whether he's good for the task himself. ]

There are plenty of peoples who enjoy regular meat as part of their cultural diet, as this 'West' of yours does. In the Underdark, however, hunting is always a risk. Fungi, at least, stays in the same place and does not bite back...and the ones that do wander, you are better off not eating. [ You can but it's easier and more practical to eat the ones that don't. ] The taste is not entirely the same, but it is familiar...though I have not yet come across anything large enough to make a decent mushroom steak.

[ He shrugs a little at that trailing-off uncompleted sentence. ] Eating what is most readily available is an entirely practical idea. I see no reason why it should be subject to any particular scorn. I have certainly found it easier to stomach than trusting meat in a place like this.

[ Mushrooms are mushrooms and vegetables are vegetables. But the meat has to come from somewhere and he hasn't seen any livestock. ]

[aphonik]

[ ironically, it's not even the dress itself that bothers him. if he'd have been bribed properly, he might have even put it on willingly. but here we are, stuck in a hell of their own making.

his face falls as flat as kate's tone at the weird nickname, before a light shiver rolls up his spine. oh, jesus, what the fuck was that. ]

i dont know what the fuck that means
but dont call me that ever again

[ cute, can you imagine. he's a man, thank you. ]

shouldnt you put out a good example for your juniors or some shit

[shittylittle]

Mm, senpai ♡ I don't know anything about Buddhas, but learning about your preferred kind of life seems enlightened to me, in its own way. You're learning about yourself, which is where the universe starts and reality ends! Right?

[It's all about starting slow, of course. To move too fast would just be creepy, unwanted, unpleasant. And this is nice, too; why push for more when just being around someone and being honest about the transactional nature of the situation is its own kind of happiness?

...That's not going to keep Aster from gently running one sharp hand up and down Musashi's side, of course. All within Polite Levels, almost a soothing gesture more than anything, but Still. Handsy.]

And love's always been something that should be shared. My Masters always have lots of people around them, wanting their attention, needing to fuck them. ...Maybe that's why I like you so much already, huuuuh~? You're open, and easy to get along with, just like Master Eiden ♡ And I think he falls in love just a little too easily too, since he has eight clan members all begging for his attention! Huhu~

[peacewithouttyranny]

[On the way, Soundwave couldn't helped but wonder that he's technically taking orders from organics. Ironic considering the strain relationship between most organic species and Cybertronians, but he had worked together with them before. Well, mostly humans. But he had worked together well with them. Unlike his past self from a couple years ago, he doesn't mind this at all. It doesn't take much to drive himself to the designated meeting place, even if he's about the size of a power wheeler.

He might've have realized that he himself had neglected to identify himself, as not every member has met him, but there's a certain amusement he took at all the surprise reactions he's gotten so far. So, he'll keep it secret until they meet. And... ah, that must be him. Soundwave made sure to know of every faces of the clan, especially anyone who contained a star. Because he's just like that.

No matter how hard Kim searches, he won't find a driver inside. But he'll hear a voice, what's unmistakably a mechanical-like quality voice seems to be coming from the vehicle itself, even makes a throat-clearing sound first. Which is funny because he doesn't have a throat.]

You must be Kim Kitsuragi. I suggest you step back a little. Pardon.

[Why? Well, he'll soon see why. First thing to happen... The vehicle's flank shoot outwards, though the segmented part appear to still be attached. Metal plating click apart, slide, and folding itself against one another without colliding or scraping each other, all moving parts working in concert to transform into an entirely new shape. Two legs form first and hit the ground, then the arms, and just a few instances later... the being standing before Kim is a humanoid mech. Soundwave rises up to his ten feet tall height, with glowing red visor focused down at Kim.

As if ignoring the surprise, Soundwave introduces himself, one hand resting on the windshield on his chest where there's also purple symbol on it- a faction he was previously afflicted with, but still considered himself as one, along with the Sutoku Pin he stabbed onto the wiper.]

I am Soundwave.

[himbosupreme]

[Well, he can't say this is a guy who looks like he knows what a break it, but he was indeed completely genuine and serious. And frankly, Cain found that refreshing in a human.]

Well to be honest, I'm still not entirely sure what a lawyer is, but I do. You don't seem like the kind of person to lie and that's pretty rare for humans. And I get that too-I've committed to trying my best to get stronger so the Lord Enma and others can trust me to get everything done. And I hope my actions can prove that to you over time!

[Though for now...that's mostly been the tower excursion, and not much else.]

I'm not that great at paperwork so I've been mostly out in the field breaking up fights with some of our-coworkers? It looks like the easiest way without violence to get the stardust off the common folk is to pay back what amount they turn in. Do you know if there is any sort of budget for that?

[littleshield]

Fantastic.

[ He shoots back, sarcastically. ]

...I'm not really one for card games or any gambling nonsense. But, I've been working on picking up on experience and the skill.

Out of necessity.

[ Felix sounds like clearly he doesn't care for it, though. He's going to prefer his time as kicking out fools more. ]

[rainswords]

[ For Xingqiu it's not as obvious, his first interaction with such devices occurred through his stay here in hell, so go figure. Along with his experience being limited. Really, it's far more cost-effective to take the extra steps to visit an actual shop and make his purchases.

That was the advice he was going to offer before he cut himself off.

He understand that his words aren't needed here but rather his actual assistance, although he isn't certain how he can really help. Despite this he is willing to make an attempt to assist this girl that remains virtually a stranger, he doesn't even know her name. He follows after her, noting they're heading in a different direction than the one she came from. ]

Technology isn't impervious to defects after all.

Anyway, I am not certain how we can retrieve your card but I can certainly make that purchase for you.

[blackabyss]

Good, good. And a healthy dose of confidence, correct?

[Fumikage nods. Izuku's getting it!]

A yakuza demon prince has no need to earn his place, for he already owns it. He would know that he belongs, and it would be shame on others for questioning his rightful place in Hell's dominion. He does not have to fit in, because it is his birthright to exist here. Does that make sense?

truly a magician

[mortelix]

[ there's another word strewn into this conversation that feels different and new to mort. "naivete," was it? well, he can't deny that compared to the individuals of this world, he is moderately ignorant of the way this civilization operated. even now, he finds himself just as a lost as he had been when discovering a new cavern full of ancient relics.

yes, it's exactly that feeling. he supposes part of that is unraveling the mystery that is this man, as well. he supposed he owed this individual mort gratitude than he initially expected. ] I am unsure if being "cute" is fitting for an ancient being like me. [ a steady smile on his lips as he speaks. ]

Some may argue it more fitting for an open-minded individual such as yourself.

[ but, are either of them really cute? probably not. but, it's not a matter mort dwells on. instead, he ... turns to shylock's request.

ah... ]

Is this a new form of harassment?

[ well, if he had to learn eventually. he sees the name of several brands, but doesn't exactly see one that's labeled "tahkeela???" ]

[ryototsukai]

[ She was almost disappointed to get a glass of water back, but it was a helpful reminder that this WAS, in fact, training. Which made her listen to Jack's next words a little less dreamily and more mindfully. ]

Hmm... In truth, you probably shouldn't mention eating alone. You're already sitting with them at this point, so you should sell your company as part of the experience by making sure to keep their attention on you. That pitch wasn't bad, but while they can switch out their hostess, we don't really want the client to do that. Especially for your own sake.

[ See? She recovered well enough! ]

[fullgauntlet]

[..........]

Yes, I think so.

[He entirely thinks that Katsuki would be a perfect yakuza prince. So he might be picturing the blond's face in lieu an actual demon's face. That feral grin, the outstanding confidence, the unapologetic right to exist because he's the best.]

Give me a second to try something...

[He's going to ponder a face to make.]

[ryototsukai]

[ Between those nails of his, and the candid talk about his Master's sex life, her cheeks were burning even more, feeling herself start to just bubble away and twitch a little in her seat. Ah, so many of her weaknesses being laid out in the open, but... It didn't seem like Aster really wanted anything from her other than for her to feel relaxed and appreciated.

God, he really was an expert. Beyond her, at least. His platinum status was basically a given. Maybe even a Diamond... ]

No kidding? I'd like to meet him someday... Hell, I'd love to introduce you to my own Master, though they're way more guarded with their heart.

[ For reasons that made a lot of sense. Eight was a lot! But Chaldea had well more than that for Ritsuka to keep up with. ]

[empression]

So in the end, it's still a very valuable skill to pick up.

[ She nods, carefully. It's not ideal, but... ]

I understand.

[shittylittle]

[Oh, Musashi. Too Good For What Aster's About To Say. Or at least too sappy? Why must he ruin all Nice Things.]

Hey, Miss Musashi...

You know that I can hear your blood rushing about, right?

[Cue horrid bastard giggle, complete with nose crinkle of happiness. Who needs to go being a complete whore about it when this is plenty, right??]

...Anyway, Master? You have one too? But if they're guarded with their heart, even a little...That must be hard on you. I can't imagine not being able to just snuggle in close to Master, or be praised by him for being so clever and powerful ♡ Does that mean I should praise you too, to make up for your Master?

[breweries]

[ there's always something about nero, shylock muses. it's just like that one time at the central kingdom too, while they were fighting those witches -- no matter how much he tries downplaying his feelings, western wizards like him can tell somehow. ]

Did you want them back? I know I do. But... Ones who can't evade death aren't so lucky.

[swordofhisou]

"Well, you are in Shuten, so you'd better know your booze pretty good if you want to hope to keep up with the oni, hah," she said, following behind him to enter the establishment and looking around. For once? She bobbed her head politely, and seemed unnecessarily curious about everything. She might be remembering this place for future reference. She knew someone who liked their drink after all.

"Good afternoon. Thank you," she said, offering the snow maiden an appropriate bow. One look, and yeah... she knew what this was. You did not piss these people off. "Uh... for future reference, miss. You wouldn't happen to have good plum wine would you?" A nod and she smiled, beaming. "Oh good."

[swordofhisou]

"A book club... so, you mean like a club where people get together and read books a lot? Oh, you've got to meet Xingqiu. He'd love that," she said, snickering some. Such a bookworm. "I don't think we have one here, but ... the idea of letting yourself get lost in a novel? It's not the same, but it's not different either. It's that whole feeling of escape."

She whisked away at the tea quietly for a moment, musing to herself. "Well... don't actually do things the way I do them? Heh, but if I'm helping you get comfortable good. That's what I think you need." She considered a moment and then smirked. "So... uh, there's a story about a place I heard about. Long time ago. Before Gensokyo. Before here. When I was still human. It was a red-light district. The samurai used to go there. Fancied up. Swords at their sides. All pomp, all prim, all firm and proper. Entrance to the district, they'd all stop by a booth. Little old man would offer to polish their swords for a zeni. They would bow, thank him, give him their swords and he'd take very good care of them. Some would put a little simple mask on. Nothing fancy. You could see right through it, but as soon as they walked past? Not so prim, not so proper. They'd relax. Because they weren't 'them' anymore. They could let all those things they kept up for appearances aside. You weren't supposed to remember what happened there. It was an escape."

(OOC: Totally swiped that one from a roleplaying game. Heh.)