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!
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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.

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[ that was his role, wasn't it?

the thought of mentoring someone outside of the confines of combat is peculiar to him an so he discovers himself easily slipping out of such a role. though, with the more than gentle reminder, he readily re-gears himself to the task at hand. ] Yes. It wouldn't do any good to spoil the pupil.

But, it was a fair inquiry. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. [ people were fond of such age-old phrases, weren't they? but, it's true that aster is quite skilled. it made sense when factoring in that his skill set was partially out of necessity. or so he considers, but then... ]

I suppose I wasn't a being many wanted to trifle with. [ though, with that said, he circles back to prior point. ] But, are you sure you should be making such dangerous offers? [ dangerous for who though?

well, that was obvious. still, mort isn't sure how well-accepted feeding would be in such a place. ]

Ah, so you were spoiling me...No, we can't have that ♡ Not without me really earning it, anyway.

[God, it's been forever since he's actually felt like an equal to someone, or anything close to; Morvay gets automatically discounted by virtue of being raised by Aster into his dream companion, of course. It's only natural, Aster thinks, that he should find this conversation intriguing even in the current circumstances.

He can't help it. Scoots closer still, before fully angling himself towards Mort and reaching out to tap one boot against his ankle. No rubbing or anything Full Gay like that yet, but it's just a tester anyway. Host work is all about how far the line can be pushed for public decency, so he's learned, and this is one of the more milquetoast techniques he's been favouring.] Is it trifling when you're helping me refine my craft, Mister Dragon~? Or, perhaps it's more akin to...Reminding me that the world can still be a dangerous place, when I'm out of my element. Either way, I'm going to charge at it all headfirst; I don't know anything else ♡

[ mort doesn't consider it detrimental to receive another's goodwill. especially, if that person wasn't you average run of the mill human. instead, they were a being of myth, perhaps, not so different from himself. ... and maybe with that thread of thought, just as capable of causing the same level of destruction. the idea was an exhilarating one, but even outside of that, he can't deny that post-death (or what he considers to have been precisely that) has left him contemplative. but, not as contemplative as the slight raise in brow at the sudden sensation against his ankle.

to be honest, he isn't all too accustomed being outside of armor that he nearly forgets the possibility of skinship. it's not everyday someone tries to seduce a dragon, after all — training or not. it takes him a second to register this is likely one of his techniques.

interesting. when he remembers that this is likely no different than a fisherman casting out their net, it almost makes him laugh. at least, if he were the sort to laugh at such a thing. ] I don't think these are the actions of one who is "out of their element." But, that aside, you seem to be a natural.

It almost makes me want to pretend to be far more difficult. [ "pretend." ]

[you just nearly got a gagtag about the use of skinship and what i think of automatically, but i feel like this will have to suffice. welcome to my twisted mind or something

ANYWAY.

Mort's lack of upfront rejection is a positive, but the lack of positive reception is a negative, so Aster figures that cutting his losses on that front is a wise thing. His energy is far too precious to go wasting, after all...

Okay, a few gentle rubs, as a parting shot. Then he withdraws his foot once more, eyes creasing with fond amusement.] Mm...You're both wrong and right, I think. While this is my element, this place...Less so. I'm about as dangerous as the average mortal right now, so these sorts of tricks are far easier to fall back on!

You're hard to read, though. I really don't know if you liked that or not, and that's the most vital part! This is super helpful, actually~ ...Or it could be, if I used this opportunity wisely. But that's no fun, to be honest ☆ I'd much rather see how far you'll let me go before you get annoyed.

[He scoots his chair in closer, smile wide but not showing teeth (bar the inevitable tip of one fang, but that's a given). Scoot scoot scoot, right up until they're thigh-to-thigh.] Or-- maybe if I phrase it right...More that I want to see if you're the sort of man who wants to be chased, sometimes. Or not!

[ ngl, that is one of my favorite asmr videos to listen to next to the one where they stroke a sack of beans for an hour. so you're in great company i'd say.

the intimacy in the motion is ... kind of there. mort isn't sure if he'd label it so much as intimate as it strikes him as more carnal or necessary on some primordial level? it seemed more like a natural calling than it would something the other did in affection, and perhaps that's why he almost takes it as a challenge. (granted, it wasn't off-base to state that he viewed most things as exactly that...) of course, mort doesn't simply do the gesture in return, no.

was this whole exercise not about testing boundaries? maybe even getting the individual before him a little irate. at least mort seems to think so. while he vaguely ponders his next move, he speaks. ] I would say the feeling is mutual. I also want to see how far you'd go. [ a smile at that.

but, instead of returning this state of affection, mort places his foot... right on top of aster's. there's no actual pressure, but it's obviously done to see if it gets a rise out of him. still, his expression doesn't exactly give away to what he's thinking. ] I admit, I normally am the one to do the chasing, so this experience is a bit refreshing. [ trying to ask people permission to force them into being your subordinate for life is so hard sometimes...

but, that aside, with aster this close, mort places a hand on his head. if just for a brief second before bringing it back to his side. ]

It pays to be the teacher. [ says mort who has taught aster... nothning. ]

[I haven't seen the bean-stroking hour long asmr video what am I missing out on what the fuck!!! that sounds amazing??

Admittedly, Mort's onto something; normally any sign of someone trying to pin him down or stop him from doing something would instantly raise Aster's hackles, but he's also been taken down a good many pegs just by having to play at being a host. ...That, and given that they're both just toying with each other for amusement and boundary-testing, it's hard for him not to swallow it as a challenge, instead of some thoughtless brute force attempt.

Which means that his smile, although sharper, rings a little more genuine.] Mm? So what you're really saying is...'Aster, Aster, you're so cute and I'm really enjoying your company, but you should fight just a little more before you're given the honour of the ultimate throne ♡'

Am I right? [Like he didn't just butt gently against Mort's hand like a cat, all sugar smoothing over any spice remaining in his expression. Like he

uh

isn't yanking his foot free, just to brace it on the back of Mort's chair

ok????]

[ i got u.

the majority of the challenges mort faces tended to be far more violent in nature. there was typically less talking and less metaphorical sizing up. it isn't that mort isn't capable of psychological warfare, but that he normally engaged in the physical breed. this is different, but at the same time familiar.

... and he doesn't exactly hate it. in that sense, mort feels the vampire beside him may share some of the same qualities as himself. it's clear he functioned in the manner as coming across as harmless and easygoing, but that it belied a more haughty or domineering nature. nevertheless, his expression remains unaffected, even as aster keeps their close proximity; it gives absolutely nothing to what was going on beneath the surface.

similarly, mort seems to be taking aster's words in stride. ]

Hah. Is that your impression of me? [ this time, mort does, however, place a hand on aster's head, if just to give a small pat, before a gentle push. ] It looks like I will have to further educate you.

[ whether he means this about himself or their fake lesson... well, who knew. it's clear that neither party is really learning, but the roleplaying is serving the purpose of them getting to know each other? this is how really really old people play i guess. ]

[oh my god they put a goddamn bow tie on that nut sack and made him fancy for this asmr date i am in love...thank you so much i'm forever in your debt!!!

That gentle little push instantly causes Aster's face to crumple with disappointment (of questionable authenticity), segueing into a pout. It's been 'established' that he likes praise and head-pats, after all, so it really shouldn't seem so strange for him to reach out and try to hold Mort's hand in place atop his hair.

Hopefully. It's perhaps pushing his luck, but no one wins by playing it safe all the time.] Mm...It's no fair that you know what I like, but I don't know what you like; we're not on even ground at all, Mister Dragon!

So maybe educating me is exactly what the doctor ordered ♡ Unless you mean that you're going to include discipline or something? That would be way too scary...

[ only the highest class nut sacks for us!!!

the hand that retains its hold over his was almost... cute. granted, what mort considered adorable was probably questionable at best for the vast majority. what he found "cute" wasn't the gesture itself, but the implications it carried. to think aster was a being capable of challenging him in this manner. he finds the exchange heart warming in the same way he viewed those who were after his own life, even at the expense of their honor.

it's aster skirting that line to get closer to his objectives that mort finds attractive in its own right. or maybe that was merely his own twisted view of the world that he was placing on the vampire's shoulders. ] Really? I feel like you have a better grasp over me than you give yourself credit for.

[ but, at that last bit, he laughs slightly. ] Yet, you don't seem very scared. [ a pause as he continues, his hand rubbing the top of his head in the process. ] Are you the type who does better with rewards or praise?

[It's all a question of what's allowed, what's tolerated, what's brushed off or openly challenged. Mort's humouring him, not visibly displeased, so Aster's considering it a win. Just-- blatantly rubbing and nuzzling against his hand, face lit up with a giddy little smile as if that previous pout had never existed.

There are different kinds of honour, as far as he's concerned. And even though he's still skirting that line between abandoning all dignity and being obviously calculating...Well. Getting results out of such targets as this is its own kind of pride, isn't it?]

The really scary bit is because I don't know what being disciplined is like~ I only ever give it out...Even if I think you'd be way nicer than I am, it's still scary ♡

So please keep praising me when I do well, Teacher. [That beaming smile sharpens a touch, eyes flitting over Mort, before Aster swings his foot back down from its perch and stands.] And...Maybe just scold me a little if I'm bad, 'kay? I'll still learn, since I'm such a good little vampire~ [Time to go for the figurative throat.

Mort's lap? Under attack from foreign invaders. Aster is attempting to claim it as his throne ever so casually, since being bold seems to be a point of intrigue for this particular dragon.]

[ he doesn't exactly see what was so exciting about the prospect of rubbing his head beneath his hand. he deliberates over these actions and can't help but to question how much of this is genuine or a front, if only because ... he couldn't quite picture himself behaving in a similar manner.

he supposed it didn't matter either way, and he decides the time dissecting each one of his movements and decisions was a waste either way as no one would truly know except aster himself. so he keeps his conjectures to himself. ]

I'm not sure if my subordinates would have agreed with you, but to be honest, I suppose the worse they've been through was cleaning all the corpses. [ not to bad, if he had to say so himself. though, they likely lived in constant fear that they could have been next with one wrong move.

but, considering this probably wasn't a very alluring topic— ] Scold you?

[ while aster seems to have every intention to sit on mort, mort casually just picks up a menu and lays it flat on his lap.

aster wouldn't bend a menu would he???? look, it's the only thing that made sense that was right there. ] That would depend on the circumstances, wouldn't it?

[Oh Mort.

Oh, honey.

A menu isn't going to keep Aster from Sitting, no sir. He fits, he sits. He does, however, make a little face once he's settled, nose crinkling for a moment in apparent bewilderment before he resumes chattering away.]

See? That's scary! It's been years since I've been on a mission that required killing. Your subordinates must really love you, if they're willing to do that for you and stick around, don't you think?

[He idly swings his legs, apparently unbothered by the fact that that poor menu is getting assaulted. Punintentional, so on and so forth.] Did they have to really act up to get you to scold them? I don't know...I think I'd much rather see you just be stern and tell me I've been bad. That'd be enough to put me on the straight and narrow~

[ a fine example of trial and error.

conclusion: this is definitely an error on his part. granted, he didn't think any being as bold or as capable of this. he is genuinely equal parts impressed and just mildly vexed. either way, he does well not to show any indication of it on his features. ] Love...

I doubt they would know of such a thing. [ ... and personally, he's not completely certain if this is the first time in a hundred years that he's even said the word "love" outloud if that was any real indication. ]

[ said casually, as if the deceased in those cases weren't even worthy of acknowledgment. ] Stern as in...?

[ he looks down at his crumbled menu that is beneath aster with a bit of curiosity. before, he gives a very controlled sort of smile. ] Scolding you from preventing me from seeing the menu, perhaps?

[ he leans close to aster's ear to say: ] Bad boy. What to do with you? [ a pause as he seems to genuinely ponder on what to do. ]

I know.

[ ... and here is where he literally picks aster up like rafiki to simba...... i'm sorry this is the most unsexy thing. ]

[Despite that very, very impressive scolding, which deserves accolades as far as he's concerned...Aster shrieks, upon being lifted. Despite his best efforts to stay calm, he shrieks instinctively and shoots off clouds of pink smoke in a muted attempt to transform into a bat, and when that fails, immediately puts one foot down to try and keep his balance.

...Unfortunately, there aren't many places to put one's feet (though thankfully he's too tall for any dick kickem, at this angle), so after a second of squirming, he just. Dangles. Aster's just powerfully aware of how unable he is to actually escape manhandling should he not want it, all of a sudden, and that's enough to bring out the animal panic in him.]

--sorry! Sorry-- put me down put me down put me down--

[ if mort was the sort, he might have found the entire situation a bit humorous. but, instead he moves to mildly surprised to moderately smug. could this be considered a win? either way, he doesn't seem to rub it in or further humiliate him any further. without much other prompting, he does at least allow aster's feet back onto the ground. ]

I did not think you capable of that voice. [ an easygoing smile, despite what he may have just put aster through. somehow, he feels like he's gained a bit of insight into the vampire, or perhaps, just opened up a completely new facet to him. he almost feels like he should thank him for the experience, but instead he gives a brief shake of his head. ]

What would you do if it weren't me, but a customer?

[ is he somehow turning this around into a lesson... maybe. ]

...If you were a customer, I'd kick you in the fucking dick for breaking the no touching policy.

[Yes, he's aware of the fact that he'd broken that rule first, but still how very dare!! ...Someone clearly needed that lesson, going by how red he is and how shaken he seems by the reminder of his absolute lack of strength and influence.

Man, sucks to be fuckin' fallible peasantry, especially in the face of Mort's serene smile; Aster grunts and brusquely smooths his hands down his sides to dislodge any lingering hint of the Simba Hold, before slinking back to his seat to lick his wounds.] Since I like you and we're friends, you get a warning. Grab me like that again without permission and I'll bite you right to the gums.

[ the aggression is a surprising contrast to what he normally hears from him. while some may have been offended at the threat, mort simply takes it in at face value. albeit, perhaps with some twinkling gleam of intrigue. then again, who doesn’t appreciate a good threat? mort only wished it more serious. perhaps, aimed at his life?

but, those thoughts were neither here nor there. if aster took it upon himself to simply speak those terms out of some vague hint of goodwill, mort wasn’t one to reject it. nodding along, he gives a huff that could very easily be mistaken as another hint of humor. ] You should be sure not to say those kinds of words easily. You may find some people enjoy that.

But— [ he lets the word hang in there air. ] I will keep your words in mind.

[ it isn’t necessarily out of respect (mort while well-mannered and seemingly easygoing, was barely capable of that on a good day), but out of something else. interest? the concept that he wanted to learn more and press other boundaries? who really knows, but it feels like he got enough answers for today and that pleased him. ]

You say that like I wouldn't also benefit if they enjoyed it.

[He rakes a hand through his hair, tousling out the ends as though they need his attention somehow. It's taking far longer than usual for Aster to regain his composure, but not looking at Mort definitely seems to help.] I wouldn't waste my time threatening shit that I wouldn't get something out of.

But that's neither here nor there, not for the current surroundings ☆ You look pleased with yourself, so I'd say that's a happy customer~ Wouldn't you?

[ what aster proclaims isn't incorrect. at least, not as far as this concept of "customer service" was concerned. in a sense, he deliberates how people choose these behaviors based off on monetary objectives alone, but he supposed that may as well also have been a difference of the times; or perhaps, simply the difference of this new lifestyle they were expected to adapt to. regardless, he's impressed with the vampire's abilities to shift into this role.

ancient beings, as far as he knew them, tended to be inflexible and reluctant for change. ... which is what made them that much more simple to deal with. but, his growing interest in his new friend aside: ] I agree. You get a pass from me.

[ aren't you glad this is all over and maybe now they can actually just enjoy their drinks with no fears of simba carries? ]

[As soon as Mort proclaims he's passed the test, Aster lets out a huge sigh and flops onto the tabletop, arms outstretched and face buried between them. Just give him a moment to slip from the shackles of extra sugary speech.]

Mmmmmm, you're a tough customer, aren't you? I don't know that I'd manage to snag you as a regular even at my best! And that'd just make me try harder, but who wants a desperate host, right?

[Stretching fulfilled, he crosses his arms instead, chin propped up on one forearm and smile a touch more subdued, albeit still very much saccharine. He'll never lose that outside of losing his temper.] You should become a host. People would fall over themselves just to try and win their way into your good graces. ...But that'd probably be boring for you, so I guess there's no point, huh? You've probably already had that happen a million times over.

Some people may find the desperation flattering. [ "some" being the keyword. mort doesn't seem to put any weight into his words, so it remains a mystery if he falls into that category. though, to be quite honest, mort was more of a pursuer than the type to be pursued.

forget the fact that he is pursuing them purely for the desire to find that spark in his life, which incidentally is found only in death or in making someone his rival/subordinate for life and fighting them endlessly. still, he does see that aster was either attempting to butter him up, or... he's actually not sure. ] I think I'll leave it to the experts like yourself. While I can't say that you're completely wrong, I'd expect most of that comes from fear of death than anything else. Can you really say they're the same?

Some. But that's not my style, to chase that sort of person. ...At least not for free.

[That's the entirety of his host work, after all.]

--really, though? Not that I doubt that's definitely a good chunk of it with you being powerful and above humans and all, but...I mean. You just picked me up like a child, I was unable to do anything, and I'd still rather pay you attention just because you're super interesting and handsome.

Maybe that's just because if you were going to kill me, there's not a whole lot I could do about it. It is what it is, right~?

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July 2022 Mini Event

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