jigokulogs | July 2022 Mini Event

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July 2022 Mini Event

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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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

What if I am?

[ so dangerous, whether he's in jest or otherwise. shylock is unironically a man of culture, you know? he does have eyes and he knows how to use them. mort is easy on the eyes for a specimen that shylock has yet to see for himself before, and this western wizard is very intrigued indeed.

but they're not here for that (maybe). shylock watches the other man look through the various tools he has in store, laughing quietly at his quizzical expressions. honestly, he doesn't have much use for most tools in his arsenal, given that he uses magic to mix drinks, but since not everyone is a wizard... ]

Are there truly no bars where you're from? Or is this your first time being in one?

[ jokes on you mort there is no such thing as straight alcohol when shylock's in control ]

[ it's easy to hear those words and somehow find some vague hint of a challenge in them. perhaps, that's just the way mort's brain was fine-tuned, but he finds himself drawn into shylock's line of inquiry. his brows raise slightly, as something of pure, unadulterated amusement crosses his features.

everything about shylock seems to raise more and more questions for mort, and being a dragon, a being known for their infinite curiosity, it'd be a lie to state that mort didn't want to completely dissect him (metaphorically, of course)!

but, focusing to the task at hand— ] There are, but it's certainly no place for a dragon. I'm sure they'd shut their doors in fear if I were to walk through. [ ... and maybe in annoyance to that, he'd have no choice but to kill them. but, he digresses. ]

So as you said, it truly will be a night of firsts.

[ is it truly a challenge? shylock would've just smiled regardless. what a northern way of thinking, but that's all right -- he has quite a penchant for the guys up there. and if someone were to metaphorically take him apart just to see what makes him tick, all they will see is a burning heart laying dormant in wait. ]

You're hardly frightening at all. I'd say that your naivete in these mundane matters can be considered cute in some circles, in fact.

[ he's not lying. something something about gap moe. ]

Now, then. First, let's start you with something simple such as a margerita. Could you get me one of the tequila bottles in that cabinet behind you? [ there's a lot of liquor bottles... ]

[ 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???" ]

[ harassment? excuse him, he hasn't blurted out a laugh like that in quite a while. ]

Not at all, my good sir. I don't condone any form of harassment in my premises.

[ he's very serious about that ok!! except when murr is involved. he's usually the one doing the harassing...... but at least he's off harassing other people somewhere, thank god. ]

And it's not everyday I get called "cute" as well. There is a certain appeal to people like us, I suppose. Ones that may have an adorable aspect hidden away... If you take advantage of that, you might be able to excel in our makeshift charm school with flying colors.

[ mortelix's gap moe.... that is what the masses of jigokucho would want. time to capitalize on that!

but for now, drinkies. shylock turns around to watch him mull over liquor names with a smile on his face, before leaning in to whisper to his ear. ]

It's the one on your furthest right.

[ while he doesn't necessarily view it as a vulnerability, it is clear that his lack of knowledge was ... palpable. especially, as he hears the sounds of what appears to be laughter. yet another sound and facet of their interaction that strikes him as being as being fresh and (admittedly) unusual as everything else.

but, unusual didn't mean unwelcome.

mort takes the laughter in stride. mort instead find himself impressed at the patience and poise the other man possessed. it was the type of grace one couldn't simply possess without experience and knowledge. even the way he navigates the conversation is done in a way that's so velvety smooth that even mort finds himself oddly enthralled. not in the same way that adrenaline hits him in battle, but it was enough to keep him there, wasn't it? ]

I'll keep that in mind. However, I have a pressing feeling that if anyone else were to utilize such words... [ well... he leaves it at that. an almost eerie pause aside, he also finds himself focused on the voice that whispers right beside him. there weren't many who dared venture so close, and yet mort forgives the proximity if just out of intrigue.

despite the way the whisper tickles his ear, he remains oddly still, as if entirely unaffected, before a small huff that could be heard as a sound of mild humor.

he thinks he should pay back this gesture (and the mild surprise that came with), but he pockets the idea for now. instead, opting to re-route himself to the original task. bringing the bottle down, he places it on the counter. ] I suppose it would just be safe to say that you are one of a kind.

[ call it hundreds of years of impeccable customer service. shylock may have not lived in other countries, but he has served the rich and the poor, the kind and the mean, human and wizard in almost a huge majority of his entire life. mort may be a being he has yet to meet before, but to shylock, he is just a potential patron all the same. his inexperience in worldly desires may have helped in putting shylock in his favor, even.

there's a bit of tension in the air as shylock smoothly pushes the boundaries between them, only broken by the sound of the bottle landing on the counter. he pulls away with another chuckle and motions for him to face the workplace in front of them. ]

Truly, I'm flattered. But that goes without saying, Mr. Mort. There will never be another one like me. [ and he locks eyes with the other man for a moment. ] And there won't be another you in a long time, either.

[ individualism, baby! now, back to the matter at hand. ]

Now, before we go off track -- margaritas are extremely easy to make. First, take the cocktail shaker on your right, and put in enough tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice along with ice. Once you're done, you close it and shake it until it is well-chilled.

[ his strong arms can do that much, hopefully. ]

[ mr. mort...

titles and names aside, it's a peculiar sentiment to have his estimations echoed in tune. it isn't that mort doubts his own worth (because... quite frankly, it was difficult to when he considered himself far superior to those he's fought in the past), but from the idea that no one normally got within bounds of speaking with him so candidly. he supposed that's why these types of establishments were frequented by humans...

there's a small nod of consideration as he seems to ponder over his words. thankfully, it's shylock's well-timed instruction that keeps him to task.

it's clear he does his best to memorize. while any sort of combat kind of fell into place with him. the act of making a drink, while not difficult per say, was different enough that it causes him some pause. he's careful in his movements.

first, he takes the shaker as instructed. stares at it. second too long, before he adds in the rest of the ingredients. there's def. a lot of tequila that went into there, but listen... he the shakes it as instructed, before pouring it into the glass. he waits in what might be anticipation? ]

Is this "enough"? [ he probably should have asked before he put this monstrosity together, but listen. ]

[ shylock may be amused by mort's inexperience, but he doesn't dare laugh. the other man has tried his best, after all, and shylock is more of a sink-or-swim teacher, as far as chloe and the other western wizards are concerned during their lessons back at the manor. ]

I wonder. [ his eyes gleam with mischief. ] Why don't you give it a taste and see if it is to your liking?

[ fuck around and find out, babe ]

[ well, he's not one to presume it is or isn't good from appearances alone. hence, he does take shylock's suggestion seriously. pressing the glass to his lips, he takes a sip. it is a lot of alcohol, but... it would take more than that to poison a dragon.

....

the fact he compares it to poison, though.

taste wise, he feels like it didn't quite add up to the other ingredients. ] I don't mind it, but I presume the average man may consider it too much.

[ how educational... ] What should it taste like?

[ some poisons do taste good, after all. those are the most dangerous ones to look out for.

not going to lie, shylock was waiting for mort's expression to change when he took the sip of his own concoction. a shame that he didn't do so much as blink his pretty eyes... ]

There are almost as many types of margaritas as there are days in a single year, but a regular margarita must taste balanced.

[ as he talks, the ingredients and utensils start floating on their own once more, demonstrating the proper way and the correct amount of liquor to put in the shaker. ]

It must be bright, and the taste of citrus must be present. You merely added too much tequila in your cocktail, resulting in a more lopsided flavor. And of course, you cannot forget the salt rim.

[ the cocktail's all done after his lecture, complete with a thin layer of salt around the glass rim. he places the drink near mort once more, inviting him to take a sip from this one. ]

[ magic isn't something he's unaccustomed to, no, but the idea of using it for something like this is a bit of a marvel to him. his natural inquisitiveness is piqued as he watches with both interest (and as an educational endeavor). he supposed... it made sense. balancing the ingredients that is. he wasn't as voracious in physical appetite as most other dragons were, but it isn't to state he didn't comprehend the merit of good taste.

every movement shylock makes seems methodical and full of purpose. if anything, it gives hint to mort to how he might be if he were to use his abilities for destruction instead of creation. a truly exciting idea indeed. sorry for the eternal thirst...

but, salt, is it?

he seems to stare at the way it decorates the rim, then without further pause he does as instructed. ] Ah. [ it really did have a more in-depth flavor. it was a far cry from the creation he's personally made. ]

I've never failed at anything before... [ a pause as he seems to mull this over, before giving a curt nod. ] I will make another.

[ maybe shylock awakened his more challenging-seeking nature!?!</small. ]

[ the fire in this man's eyes tells it all. well, not everything, but just enough to let shylock have a peek. and honestly? it's pretty cute. mort does cut the image of an intimidating being who's been displaced in the faction that specializes in pleasure, but that only makes this curious cat of the wizard all the more curious. he's never doubted of the lost souls tenkohime has taken in for herself, but he does wonder every now and then of the other prospects -- and mort is certainly one of them.

and slowly and surely, he is beginning to see why. inherent sex appeal aside, but he'll save his thoughts for another time as he observes this man some more. ]

It's not a failure. [ a single shake of his head. ] You're only starting out. But I cannot wait for you to improve -- we have all the time in the world, after all.

[ long-lived as he is... though he isn't sure if mort has been around for that long. has he? fufu, he'll find out some other time. ]

[ his self-proclaimed "failure" doesn't necessarily spark the same feelings of losing a battle for the first (and only) time, but it's a rather dissatisfying feeling all the same. a feeling he decides not to immediately let go, either. which, is why he's already beginning to make that second, perfected drink. or so his hands move methodically, attempting to mimic the motions of magic he had seen just minutes before; his hands only pausing at shylock's words.

"all the time in the world."

yes, perhaps that was the case. to be honest, for the longest time, the mere idea that he could continue to live an existence without knowing that excitement of loss or death was probably the only one thing that he had truly ever feared.

but, while that was a terrifying prospect, it's in shylock's words that he also discovers a renewed faith in his life here is sort of ... restored? perpetuated once more? he's not quite sure what the label for this would be, but he finds himself just a tiny bit grateful. small enough where he doesn't even realize it is gratitude.

with that said, he finishes up his finished product, and this time is actually does look quite similar to shylocks, including the salt rim. as he pushes it in shylock's direction, he does add a nearly inaudible word of thanks. moving on from that— ] Yes, we will just have to see where this path takes us.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

July 2022 Mini Event

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nothing has happened but why do i feel dirty

shylock has that effect on people... u_u

truly a magician

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