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

[breweries]

[ a nod. he truly is indecisive, is he... ]

I understand. [ fakes more soft sobbing ] It'd be hard to replace my husband, but... In time, I can find someone else.

[shrieking_violet]

[ Well, that wouldn't be too weird to her, although she's used to being under the wing of a bigger fish so she didn't personally get beat up. Much. ]

I'm Chris. Still getting my bearings, so a straightforward job like this would help.

[fullgauntlet]

[Izuku has seen his fair share of strange things in this realm so far. From bloody hellscapes to elephant-shaped children and their birthday parties... And while he feels like he would be prepared to see what Tamamo deals with everyday nothing quite prepares him enough for the sight he sees when he looks over his shoulder to see his best friend. He practically squeaks on the spot.]

T-To-Todoroki-kun?!

[... What is he wearing?!?!?! ........????????????]

You're- you're working here...?? Right now? What- are you... Are you ...

[Izuku, stop staring?]

[heir_conditioned]

[Todoroki is sure that the squeak has to do with getting caught and he takes his hand off the other boy's shoulder to exemplify that he's done nothing that Shoto has to steer him for, really.

The stammering is something that he's used to and it doesn't really indicate much other than the usual stress that Izuku puts out there when he's unsure of his surroundings in some way. Well, it is intimidating to see all these people in a changeroom he didn't know he was walking in to. That must be it.]

No, I'm taking lessons here. As for what I'm doing--

[Which is his assumption. Couldn't have been 'wearing'. Could it?]

I was on break when I saw you. I'm still on break and maybe you could help me?

[ryototsukai]

[ Oh. Oh.

Honestly, she should have seen this coming. She wasn't really reading his movements or his intentions, just content to simply exist in a soft, cuddled little moment with him while they got to know each other, bond over their vices and virtues both.

And yet... here he was, basically propositioning her, and like... yeah? Of course things had the potential to shift there. Still, her face went fully red, and she choked a bit on her words, before... ]

S-should we... go somewhere more private? For this part of the conversation?

[aphonik]

[ well, he also has teeth and he is not afraid to use them. if we gotta go playground slapfight style, we will.

he opts to lean back in his chair, crossing both his legs and his arms, quirking an eyebrow at that before giving a snort. he is not buying that, by the way. ]

you couldnt be bullshitting any harder if you tried

why dont you show me what you learned first, senior suckup

[perfectdistance]

In time, when you're ready to start looking again. But you should take all the time you need.

[hellborne]

Ahaha, I see, I see.

[ letting the facade fall for a moment, jack takes the moment to sit down next to musashi. their legs are crossed, hands folded neatly on her lap as she considers the advice.

really, it is quite a save that musashi did-- they were this close to thinking that it was that easy to mess with.

there's a light, thoughtful hum in their voice, juggling their thoughts before speaking up. ]

Perhaps you have a firmer head on your shoulders than I thought. [ ... ] Thank you for offering to help, by the way--customer service is more difficult than most would think

[swordofhisou]

She was noticing that the girl looked a little morose. However she had no way to tell why, and empathy just wasn't her strong suit. Starting to pour the strong sample of the tea, she held up the cup to breathe in the aroma and then offered it over to her. "Turn it. Breathe it in. Take in the aroma and let it fill you up before you take a sip." She managed a smile over at her, reaching for one of the candies to offer it afterwards.

"And yeah. People do in this place as well. They get to take them off around you, and ... some folks want you to be yourself. I have a feeling people would appreciate it. You seem pretty endearing."

[empression]

Perhaps the arena? It seems to be the most appropriate place for any type of combat or training... that I've been made aware of, anyway.

[ Maybe there are other places. It's a big city. But if there are, Haru has no actual ideas where they might be. ]

[shittylittle]

Miss Musashi...If that's what you're jumping to, then what do you want of li'l ole me, huh?

[Like that is NOT exactly what he'd intended, or at least had on the table! Rude little man. Still...

He did promise to deliver. And more experience with girls is always a good thing, since he'd had so much fun the first time. So, reluctantly, he peels away from her warmth and scoots free; all the better to stand and stretch, back arching as he shudders and coos.] But I do this service too, outside of club hours. So it's still training, technically~ Right?

[getting_better]

Good that she caught on, was the glance he gave her as the yuki-onna sauntered around the small store to get the order they placed.

"Since you're with Bi-chan, I'm guessing you must know your wine so I won't recommend any of the ones in stock now. I'll have him tell you when we have something good in stock."

While she was talking, Bishop had gone over to the nearest shelf and crouched down looking at some bottles of whiskey and scotch.

"And Bi-chan, don't touch those bottles. Those are reserved." She said, causing him to twitch and put the bottles back and stand next to Tenshi to whisper- "Every single time, she knows."

[getting_better]

I'm called Bishop. Come with me, Power. I think I've got the perfect job for you.

[ He says as he makes his way to the back room. ]

And you get to hit people too~

[ Once in the back where all the CCTV footage is monitored by a team that's keeping track of the ongoings. ]

Just incase you didn't know, this is our monitoring station - but we're not here for that. Boys, anyone one who fits the criteria?

[ He says to the oni around the room who nod and start to guide them further back. ]

Perfect. Hey, Power. Continuing are talk, part of the responsibilities of getting customers is making sure the casino is up to snuff. As such, there are certain individuals who we don't let in, but sometimes they can be a little to hard headed and have to be....educated about the establishment. You feel me?

[ryototsukai]

I may be an easy mark, a lot of the time, but it's because I let myself live life a little more freely, yanno?

[ Musashi sipped her water shrugging. ]

Traveling all the time as I did, I stayed at a lot of inns and red light districts. I picked up on the business by just being a constant presence on the client side.

[ryototsukai]

[ It's after a moment, between how Aster responded and Musashi's own sense of reason catching up to her, that she started to realize something, looking sheepish and more than a bit embarrassed. ]

That... wasn't what I thought it was, was it.

[bratherine]

( Why wouldn't you buy that she wants to do something out of the goodness of her heart? It's not like she's looking as annoyed and miserable as Dosei is while they sit here, a Tamamo instructor prowling through the tables, sharp eyes boring into each pair.

Her head turns to them, squirrelled away in a corner, and Kate sighs. She isn't getting out of this, is she? There's a long, considered moment where Kate regards Dosei, head tilted as though he's a maths puzzle she's having to figure out.

What did Shin tell her, again? ...Oh, right. )

The trick's to figure out what someone else needs you to be. ( Honestly, Dosei seems like the kind of person who would probably prefer her to be her usual, abrasive self. So... ) 'Course, you would need summat like that explaining to you, right?

1/2

[fullgauntlet]

[Is it really so much of an OC as it's ...

Izuku takes a deep breath. He tries to center himself and focus on the image of the face he wants to replicate in his mind...

And then he opens his eyes.]

2/2

[fullgauntlet]

[Yakuza demon prince! Izuku puts on the meanest look he can, grin wide and feral as he can, eyebrows angry and his voice growly!]

Who the hell do you think I am?!

[.......... Just like Kacchan.]

[fullgauntlet]

[Absolutely unsure of his surroundings in some way- as he stares at Shoto with wide eyes. He tries to suppress a blush from appearing over his face. It's not working out that well.]

These are the kinds of lessons they have you taking? I- I had no idea.

[It's probably fine? Shoto probably knows what he's doing? If the costume pictures he sent to Izuku before had anything to say for it. Plus disguise and costumes are all part of a hero's repertoire! Yeah... That's entirely it.]

What do you need help with?

[A friend in need...]

[bratherine]

( Ah, the advantages of going through Hell's own version of hell, she guesses? )

Turn up and give complicated orders.

( That's what Kate would do if she could get out of it.

Though... ) Not me. People who annoy you.

[heir_conditioned]

[Shoto shrugs his shoulder lightly, but the blush gets him a little concerned and he steers his friend back into the hallway. Maybe he saw something he didn't want to or mistakenly didn't want to. Or wanted to, who knows.]

They're teaching us different techniques for different situations.

[And he understands why, but it's not his business to use them either. He doesn't have to do that anymore, even less with each passing place. Sometimes just the clan is the clan and that's how it is. You go to these things.]

Ah, yes. I've been looking for most of my break to secure the building. A man earlier said there were traps everywhere. I haven't seen any, but you may see something I don't.

[dehallow]

[ Other people might see this as an attempt to buy his favor, but this is Barok 'drinks in court' van Zieks and while the possibility crosses his mind, he dismisses it with the knowledge that it wouldn't work on him anyway. And he would like a drink. ]

I will not decline that generous offer - but I can tell you up-front that if it were entirely up to my superiors, you would be receiving even more warrants.

[dehallow]

[ >not sure what a lawyer is

... well, that hurt a little bit, but of course not every world can be as advanced as to have a court system in place... Anyway. Matters at hand.

Van Zieks frowns. ]

I consider it highly unlikely. For the Department of the Enma to invest money inblack market trade, even if it is to get the material off the streets, would set a difficult precedent.

[shittylittle]

Mm?

[He looks over his shoulder, lashes lowered, and smiles a little more sharply.]

It's okay, I was just teasing you ♡ It's on the table if you want it, but so is just cuddling, or holding hands, or having me run my fingers through your hair.

Whatever you want that I can give~ What else is a Familiar for?

[bratherine]

( He remains silent about the change in direction, and something loosens in Kate's chest. A momentary relief. He hasn't called her out, so maybe he's just trusting enough that she'll be able to pull this off without a hitch. )

Aye? ( As flat as it gets, though that's so often the case for Kate. She slips her hands into her jean pockets and quickly skims the vending machine as she does. What does this thing sell...

... Hm. ) C6?

( It's a fizzy, sweet drink, but this guy doesn't know her well enough to know that she'd never drink it. Though perhaps that lilt in her tone is worth querying, if he can do so before she continues. )

Y'were on EMBER, aye?