jigokulogs | August 2022 Event

August 2022 Event

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Toraguma and Tenkohime were not exaggerating when they said that Sai no Kawara was bound to attract extraordinarily deep pockets. The Celestials are already familiar to the Lost Souls, but among the crowds of customers are humans and yokai of wealth that can only be calculated in the billions, and even trillions. Powerful executives have come out to play, the sort of power brokers that almost exist beyond faction politics, the tier who makes the most money out of the city's dealings.

The event has an air of class that is far beyond what the average Lost Soul will have ever imagined…

1. GAMBLING PROBLEM (1 POINT)

The main event comes in the form of the games. This is where the Shuten Clan shines, as they offer up a plethora of gambling opportunities for the rich and powerful to partake in. There might be a Lost Soul or two at the tables, if they're feeling particularly lucky. Buy-in to a game isn't cheap, but if you're low on cash, you can substitute a handful of stellar Stardust to the pot.

Western games like Poker, Blackjack, and Roulette share space with Eastern standards like Cee-lo and Cho-han. Shuten Clan dealers have been training hard for this moment. They have learned to cheat on behalf of the House to scrape as much from these high rollers as they can. Those Shuten attendants who win big for the House will be duly compensated for their fine efforts.

If you're very clever, or very lucky, you might just be able to secure quite a payout for yourself as a player too. Just don't get caught pulling any funny business. The Shuten Clan bouncers have also been training quite thoroughly for this event. If you're not one of the fabulously wealthy tycoons, the bouncers have little incentive to play nice with you.

Should fighting break out, there is an arena onsite. Bets are flying there, too. Are you willing to wager your own pretty face?

2. PLEASURE PALACE (1 POINT)

Tenkohime wasn't exaggerating when she called her turf in the newly renovated underground a palace. The attendants at the Palace of Sai greet their wealthy clientele warmly, and they have a host of wondrous and rare delights to offer. As a rare treat, the Lost Souls are encouraged to indulge in this decadence. If the prices make you choke, remember that a little bit of Stardust will go a long way this season.

Food and drinks are of the highest quality. Delicacies from across Japan and the world abroad have been prepared, including many dishes not even of the Earth as you might know it. Particular favorites from the drinks menu are:
Side Cars that have been made with cognac from a 300,000 yen bottle.
Platinum Passions that have been made with L’esprit de Courvoisier; 800,000 yen per bottle.
Eightfold Blessing is a captivating and aromatic mix considered to be Tenkohime's very own specialty. It grants the vigor to fulfill any desire; 1,000,000 yen a glass.
The pricey and fabulous drinks are just an encouragement. The Tamamo's best trained consorts are ready to offer their private services, usually in pairs. They have some Tanabata wishes of their own, and want to make them come true through their talents and skills. Not every encounter is sexual, some consorts simply wish to spend time with their clients and make them feel like the most important person in the world today. With the big price tags on their hours, the customer might very well be.

In addition to expensive meals, sex, and company, the Tamamo Clan also offers theater and performances. They have contracted with the highest caliber performers in the city, even those on loan from other factions. Dancers, musicians, and entertainers of all varieties are waiting in the wings to put on a show.

3. GOSSIP (1 POINT)

One of the performances gracing the stage in the Palace of Sai may seem familiar! The band Moonday played at the food truck festival last month. As it turns out, the lead singer -- a wolf girl named Ringo-chan -- is the daughter of one of the wealthiest executives within the Alliance's network of finance kings; Kaberou. She's run away from her restrictive life to rough it with her band. Big money is riding on convincing her to come home. There's another rumor floating around that the pirates attacking the supply lines have been putting pressure on Kaberou. Is he securing buyers for these pirated goods?

Rumors are flying: the kind of rumors that can bring riches or ruin. The Daitengu has commanded their people to keep their ears open. Do they happen upon a juicy lead? Do they find a way to reconnect Kaberou with his estranged daughter? Do they discover more about the pirates? Do tell, do tell!

Even the staff of the Enma Department will find lips much looser than usual around them. When you're this rich, you think you're above the standards of the law. There's plenty of conversation that might be of interest to the Department. In particular, one name does keep coming up...

It comes up when discussing Kaberou's dealings with these pirates, and how much of a wrench his daughter's negligence to the life has been for his business. It's spoken of in hushed tones, even by the Celestials. It is an ominous name: "Iron Bear"

4. TANABATA (2 POINTS)

The grand opening of the underground is the centerpiece of an otherwise familiar Tanabata celebration. Using the accumulated Stardust, the Tamamo Clan's onmyouji have collaborated with Kappa engineers and the Shuten Clan's resident blacksmith to create a truly wonderful spectacle for the festival.

Despite Sai no Kawara existing underground, the overhead sky is full of brilliant stars on display. It is a one-to-one recreation of the cosmic tapestry of the Milky Way streaking through the sky like the astral river from the Tanabata legend.

The stars Vega and Altair, also known as Orihime and Hikoboshi, are highlighted in the tapestry. They take form and dance together above everyone, they encourage the feelings of love to fill the air. Romantic love, platonic love, familial love: it doesn't matter. This is the product of peace, hard work, and cooperation. This is the dream of the Daitengu and their lieutenants. Dance to the music. Drink your fill. This is a celebration of love, and there's so much love here, for everyone.

Attendees are encouraged to write their wishes on the colorful talismans distributed. Bamboo trees decorate the central square, waiting to be draped with wishes. Even if you are not familiar with Tanabata, it will be easy to pick up on the ritual. The magic in the air tonight is incredibly strong, these wishes might even come true.

5. "WE KNOW WHO YOU ARE" (2 POINTS)

Late into the evening, the Daitengu takes to the stage. They welcome everyone and hope that they have had a good night. Toraguma and Tenkohime flank them, and each says a few words to the crowd. Then, Sutoku lieutenant Sakamoto is called up to the stage for the moment of truth.

Toraguma, regretfully, announces that Sakamoto has made good on his promises. The holes in their supply lines have been uncovered found, the black market is becoming less of a bleed on their finances, and the road to finding out who -- or what -- is causing the disruption is becoming clearer. The great oni will always honor a promise kept, and reaches out his hand to shake Sakamoto's in a gesture of gratitude.

The timing, as usual, is a little dramatic.

A group of shadowy figures wearing rough-spun gear storm the stage. Several of them snatch Ringo-chan from where she is waiting to perform and drag her away. Another lunges at Sakamoto with a make-shift sword of crude metal. Just before the blade can cut Sakamoto, the would-be assassin is stopped by Toraguma. With their wrist snatched and broken, the assassin screams out:

"We come on behalf of the Iron Bear, and we know who you are!"

In his rage and fury, Toraguma breaks the assassin's neck, slamming him down to the stage. He dies within moments, while the rest of the attackers flee. They've kidnapped Ringo-chan.

Sai no Kawara is quickly flooded with armed and armored officers of the Enma Department. They instruct everyone to remain calm. No one panic. The Enma himself has arrived, and he is going to start questioning everyone about what just happened. Who is the Iron Bear? What in hell do they want? It's time for some answers.

Well… As far as parties in Jigoku-cho go… this one could have been worse, yeah?

Welcome to the August event!

Art in the final prompt by Yang Tuo
If you have any questions about event content, please ask them here!
Each prompt is labeled for it's value in terms of qualifying threads for Rewards.
If your character is in the Shuten Clan and cheating on behalf of the house, find out how well they pulled it off by posting here! Those that do well will get a special bonus from Toraguma.
If your character is trying any of the games of chance, find out how they paid out here!
If your character put on a performance at the Palace of Sai's stage, find out how the crowd reacted here! Regardless of clan affiliation, those that do well will be rewarded by Tenkohime!
For results on the gossip floating around the festival, post here!
For Department members, if your character is going to interrogate NPC festival goers, let us know here and we can post some more specific results!
TANABATA WISHES! POST THEM HERE!
If you have questions about the game itself, please check out the premise, FAQ, and rules pages.

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

.... yes, actually.

[they puff some smoke out of their nose, looking up at the sky. Foolish, to take too much stock on such silly things as wishes.]

I suppose something so simple is an achievable goal, but not much of a wish.

Absolutely do not question their taste. It's fickle enough to change under the slightest scrutiny. Best to just flatter whatever it is they are admiring. [that's good for the ego, too! Especially if one's rankings are middling. There's still someone out there voting up in that case.]

You don't seem to have any active haters, unlike certain low ranked individuals present.

Oh, the alcohol component is more what troubles other people, as it can be explosive. The issue to me is the liquid element. I don't particularly like to feel... dampened down.

[. . .]

You are aware I'm a candle, right?

[what a statement]

Kissa is a cat.

[Cat youkai. But close enough.]

And I could do that. I probably will. But it was the best wish either of us could come up with.

[Finding Kim rubbing elbows to gather information is no surprise. It's what Ydris is also here to do and having their valued associate to help out is why they've sought him out. They approach and, seeing they're lighting someone's cigarette, cheekily offer the end of their pipe after. As if they couldn't will it alight themself... it's just funny to them to open with.]

Thank you, Kim. How is your evening serving? Fruitful-?

[ Hu Tao that's rude?! He sometimes remembers to carry money on him! He's been a bit better here given the circumstances so at least he's trying, alright?!

Zhongli's brow is deeply furrowed as he frowns as he loses yet another round...this isn't going too well. But Hu Tao's interruption allows him to take a break for a few minutes at least. ] Ah. No. Not yet and not much if I do. These games are quite interesting and I've been learning a great deal about how they work. This type of entertainment is not something I frequent.

[It's fine they will just throw back taiyaki until they fall into a food coma.

Lalli has no idea what Aster is planning. All he hears is Aster talking about different fillings, and he assumes that maybe the guy likes to cook. Maybe he wants to learn a new recipe to make at home? That must be it. Lalli has no business sense whatsoever, so he's assuming something far more positive here.

But he will take his taiyaki, thanks. And he's going to take a bite out of one of them before responding.]

We're not strangers now. And I'll eat food you buy if it's not disgusting.

[Lalli is still a chronically picky eater, but some foods are Acceptable and he will eat them.]

Yes. Celebrations should be with people, regardless of whether you know them or not, experiencing them alone...well one might say the festivities dull a little.

[ Eula might not recognize Zhongli but he definitely remembers her. ]

That one time at Angel's Share in Mondstadt, you were there correct?

I'm awful at all games.

[The killjoy doesn't know how to have fun.]

It was fine anyway, I got my money back.

Doesn't help if it's not my job to kill things.

[ Where does she sign up for the 'killing things' job? ]

But I'll... get the hang of whatever I have to, to keep surviving here.

[Two guys, holding hands, chowing the fuck down on taiyaki like demons because idk it's Tanabata and that's just what you do.

Maybe it's the promise of impending subtle sweetness, or the novelty of someone who doesn't instantly move to shut him down, but Aster's already feeling rather fond of Lalli, truth be told. Man, he's way too used to getting yelled at for blowing his own money...]

True ♡ We're friendly acquaintances. Dessert buddies, perhaps! But now I have to know what you find disgusting, so I can avoid it. You don't like super sweet stuff, I take it? Things that are fresh and simple...So maybe no candy apples tonight, for you. Huhu~

I think Orihime-san and Hikoboshi-san would rather be together.

[ Since it's a story about star-crossed celestial lovers. He doesn't know if he can relate, but he tries not to think too deeply about romantic love. ]

Was it you who wrote this wish?

He manages well! Luck's on his side, and he walks away with a good amount of cash.

[Azula's not really much better on the 'killjoy' front, of course. She smirks slightly at the last comment.]

You're welcome, by the way. And it wasn't a terrible plan, you certainly got them chatting.

[The latter, uh... 'compliment?' Let's call it a compliment. The latter compliment is delivered in a fairly dismissive tone.]

Your heart and your mouth aren't as far separated as you think, Artemy.

[They smile at the bump to their shoulder.]

Wait, that's a weird thing to say to a surgeon. Know I don't mean literally. [A roll of their neck at what more he has to say, Ydris looping their arm around the crook of Artemy's. They hang themself in close with him, as they do others when they take their arms, but only with Artemy do they slip their fingers between his to hold.]

I think finding our exit is wise, before blame can begin shifting about. Maybe that's why there is such lacking security to stop these occurrences, nobody wants the responsibility to fall on their neck. [A squeeze of their hand to the man's, nudging him to follow where they've decided to float away from all this. They won't leave without him, of course, best to not stick around gawking...]

As for disruption... I don't know. Maybe that's something to look into history about, to see if Lost Souls have always brought strife or if strife is the constant here. I would guess the latter, we're only new in observing it.

[ He didn't even mean to?? But she's his Traveler so of course he's going to gravitate towards her table!! Zhongli doesn't presume anything is wrong so he merely nods and smiles slightly. ]

It's a bit strange, this technology, but I have otherwise been settling in fine. And what of you, Lumine? You seem to have taken upon the role within your clan quite easily.

dimitri will interrogate concert-goers, security, and other business owners close to the area. he will start friendly and turn rough and mean later on; physical force will likely be involved if necessary. he might turn on some of the sutoku until he has to be reminded to reel it in. assassinations bring back bad memories, and he'll be in a dour mood throughout the ordeal.

he'll dutifully keep records of his interrogations, and after being told off for his temper, will remain on the straight and narrow the rest of the time.

You'd be surprised how few people you actually have to kill if you use the threat of violence effectively enough.

[She shrugs.]

But I'm sure you'll be just fine. Perceptive people tend to be.

he doesn't trust it to grant anything, so dimitri would just wish for a good night's sleep!

[ It's okay van Zieks, Zhongli is also rather stoic and silent at times too. He doesn't mind what otherwise would call awkward silence that hangs about for a second or two. ] Mm very well.

[ He'll murmur as he turns towards the area with the stage. ]

It's always a pleasure showing and teaching others about the arts. Such things that require not only physical skill but acting as well are always a sight to behold. Though I'm rather new to these more...contemporary forms of it, they all have bases in the more traditional and original types of entertainment. Have you ever sat in on a play or traditional dance performance before?

A wise thing to tell me, if you think it would lose power to be honest.

[Junpei that just sounds like you're lying!!! Ydris looks at their paper and considers more carefully]

A secret wish... but then you put it on a tree where anybody could read it. Counter intuitive if you ask me.

[ it's a corny title! she'll also get back at the developer of the app for besmirching her name... or something. now it's something the other man won't let her live down.

he is right, though. the title that she was given as spindrift knight may not make sense at first glance -- after all, she is of the cryo element. but she is from the city of freedom all the same, and being associated with spindrifts and seafoam just go to show that she is capable of being carefree as the wind if she wishes it.

at the moment, though, she absolutely can't let down her guard. he's one of those guys who were eagerly lining up to challenge her for some reason, whether if it's a typical show of machismo or simply to piss her off, which is a pretty easy task to accomplish. moreover, she has a feeling that he's stronger than he appears...? ]

Likewise, you may call me Eula.

[ well, we'll see about that. the arena rules are pretty simple: duke it out within a set time limit, and the first one to fall and not get up wins. if neither gives in, it's a draw. but of course, it's easier said than done.

mort, huh. she'll do her best to remember that, if he can actually bring something new to the table. once you see one fight-happy guy, you've seen them all. knowing this, she brings out her claymore from seemingly nowhere, wielding it with both hands as she faces him. ]

Well? Don't keep me waiting. [ ]

[ Ah, yes. Remembering that humans have to eat is something Zhongli has to remind himself of. At least he's a foodie and a snobbish one at that, but he's been fine with looking for deals and such in terms of food items here. The quality is not really to his standards but that's a whole other issue. ]

Liyue? Ah no. Liyue is the name of a bountiful city-state. Its harbor is the largest within Teyvat and the goods that flow to and from it are like its lifeblood. Incomparable in terms of exports and imports there are many goods to be had from its various stores. One could that it is my 'hometown' as you have put it. I've walked its streets and boardwalk for many years.

You like to stay under the radar, yes, that seems pretty clear. [what with his normal age and all. A thing so suspicious it can only mean his age is not at all normal. Normal itself being a completely useless descriptor in this world and many others.]

Buuut... you're not supposed to be ignorable, tonight! This is a time to be extraordinary.

[ she blinks. the sheer audacity of aerith's words is enough to make her laugh, thoroughly amused by the other girl's reaction. ]

Is that so? Well... Here I am.

[ good thing it's a bit dim out. eula's cheeks are a bright pink, and this time it isn't from any form of alcohol. she has to stay sober mostly due to her job, and for more genuine emotions like the way she's feeling right now. ]

What else do you want to do?

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August 2022 Event

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