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

[ that's not at all an incorrect assessment, although there's not much of a threat at all behind any of it. he's just like this. ]

I have trainin' in swords an' long-handled weapons too. I'm self-taught when it comes t' guns, but that's the beauty of things like that, huh? So much easier for anybody t' master!

[ eula's not sure what idols really are, to be honest. barbara is an example, but she doubts that a "shining idol" would want to talk to a disgraced heir like her anyway. she will at least admit that these guys have style, and she appreciates that.

still, the mentioning of wanting to learn from her has made her a little frosty for a second here. ]

Is that so? Well, you don't seem to need any more beginner dancing lessons at the very least, but my own lessons won't be easy. Think you can handle it?

[ years of broken ankles and strict tutelage had gotten her to this point. she won't usually mind teaching dance lessons to those who wanted a basic gist of it, but... there is a reason why she's in enma. she holds nothing back. ]

[ So he would probably pick the smaller wicker basket...the sparrow approves. The real question is whether he'd make it to the mayoiga in the first place. ]

It's the same for me, cheep. I don't have much to wish for...I'm already blessed to have met such nice people even though I'm an oni.

[ It feels a bit greedy to her to ask for more. There's that whole contract thing with the factions that puts this in somewhat of a different light, but to her, it's similar to a business transaction in the end anyway. She gets employed here, customers flock to the Enma-tei. ]

They are interesting.

[She tends to think guns are a pale alternative to firebending, but she'll acknowledge she may be biased- and she admittedly hasn't actually seen them in action yet.]

Those are the skills of a soldier, yet you certainly don't act like one.

Is that uncommon for oni? Sorry, I don't really have anything like them back home.

[Maybe he does, but he hasn't met any of them. She seems like a pleasant sort to him. Seems odd... or maybe it's like the way wizards were treated back home, outcast for being something different. Too powerful, too unknown, too dangerous.]

I see, so you're saying that he won't be sticking around for long...

[ She sighs, her expression downcast, obviously conflicted. That's one more similarity between them, she supposes. Mostly business, little pleasure. He's a very busy judge, after all. ]

...Thank you for telling me, and understanding, chirp.

[ Instead of shooing her away or something, like a common yard bird. ]

Shylock, your chest is on fire.

[She chastises him, but it's out of agitation and frustration at herself for not being equipped to help him fully. Perhaps she'd be just as blithe, if not more so if her body was aflame; the flinch and twist of his expression pushes her to act. Monts glances back and forth and back again to the wizard, moving in closer to him, her hands moving to his shoulders.]

Is this a curse? Can I bring you back to one of the shops? Your bar? Where should I take you?

Well, I just decided to go for it because I jokingly asked Tenkohime if I could wish for something like that and I made her laugh? I took it as a good sign to try.

[Monts shrugs but has a small smile.]

Unfortunately, I'm someone who has a hard time understanding my own wishes.

[ Beni senses the flailing, the near topple, and she was about to apologize even more profusely before she gets a better look at (and hears) who she's bumped into that she recognizes Tama and...a friend on his head? A froggy friend? Something about the frog reminds her of her sparrow friends at home. It's probably the roundness, all things considered. Nevertheless, her own eyes widen in surprise, a bit of fluster painting her face slightly pink. ]

Oh, Tama...! Th-That's right...I was curious.

[ An understatement, to be sure. She glances up at the (ogama?) frog anxiously clinging on to Tama's head for dear life. ]

Are you okay...?

[ if shealtiel's words had come from anyone else— especially, an average human, mort would have doubted the validity of those words. as shealtiel himself was unique, mort supposed it wouldn't really be wise to presume anything. mostly.

mort seems to take his words in stride. ] Yes, I would say so. [ the blackjack table seemed easy enough. a concept mort can grasp even from afar. but, lol. either way, his eye seems to gravitate on that, and... ]

Don't you think you should drink first? I believe that's the custom here.

[ reading the stars... mort feels like he's encountered various ancient artifacts with claims that they were able to do the same, but all ended up being nothing more than mere shams (except, without mort's knowledge, perhaps one did. come true, but he digresses). regardless, while skepticism is natural, he doesn't necessarily write off the entire concept. it was true that more peculiar things have happened within these lands, and so...

who was to state that she wasn't capable of what she said. besides, he considered himself fairly adept at assessing ones character and words, and he gets no inkling of deception. temporarily convinced, he nods along. ]

You could say I often think about getting what I want. [ simply put...

but— ] By reading the stars, are you able to read even your own fate?

[ not all enmas are utter killjoys, though bishop can't be blamed for having such impressions on eula at first glance. as far as she's concerned, she's used to it.

she keeps up with his pace, and when they arrive at the bar in question, eula takes in the vintage atmosphere. it does look like it's frequented by yokai who has seen better years (or even centuries), but are no less lost to time itself. she does holds her gaze on the bartender oni for a second longer than necessary as she's being sized up before bishop grabs her attention again, and she grabs a seat beside him. ]

Club Soda and lime, please.

[ not gonna lie, it does suck not being able to drink alcohol after being tempted to hang out with certain people underground, but she'll be responsible as always. ]

Where did you find this place...?

i delight in being a bit adventurous- it keeps things interesting. ah, that said, he may be influencing me a bit....

[ she still prefers the stronger taste of alcohol, though. there's a sip to test the water, and a smile returns to her lips, although it slips into a pout soon after. ]

oh, both i and him have certainly tried. i've nearly ripped his face to shreds, even. they're enchanted, or some form of magic that i've yet to be powerful enough to remove. it's hardly a punishment if it can be undone so easily, i suppose...him nearly ripping the fingers off that pitiful oni's host is the closest i've gotten to a proper taste of flesh in ages!

[ woe is her. utter woe. she's doing her best impression of a victorian maiden, draped across the couch in a fit of hysteria. ]

Of course. I'll be watching.

[ she sees him off with a nod, and goes off to find a front-row seat that's reserved for the performers. from his general aesthetic alone, eula has a feeling that he'll be performing something inazuma-like, but this'll be a first watch for her.

either way, show her what you got 👍 ]

Nothing too much. I'd only heard from periphery, but I hadn't stayed in Liyue for too long to actually investigate for myself.

[ so... yes. breathe easy, hu tao. ]

Either way, a funeral parlor service is a rather outlier profession for someone of your personality. Dealing with death and aftermath can get to you after a while.

Everything? Oh, but don't get me wrong. The festival so far has been divine in both metaphorical and literal sense of the word. But everything that got to me at this point? All will pay for what they've done to me over these past few months.

[ she really said all this with a straight face, huh. ]

If they could lesson the proverbial burdens on my shoulders, I'd be able to walk easy. [ she looks at nero again, almost innocently. ] What do you think, Nero?

Edited 2022-08-14 09:48 (UTC)

[ he is Looking directly at those fading utensils, squinting as they go and even when they're gone. he's seen a lot of weird stuff, but that? he likes that. maybe.

he gives a vague gesture to his face before he opts to put the mask back on- not like he could go yelling it to the hills and back even if he wanted to, anyway. he tucks the glass under his arm absentmindedly as he starts typing again, out of morbid curiosity. ]

so like
is that magic or smthn

What?

[He does stare at her for that. Genuine surprise is on his face as he forgets he should be moving for a few moments. It's hard to tell in the lighting if his face is darker or if he's just standing in shadows.]

I-i don't- It's not really something we ever got to talk about.

[It was nice, though. Feeling wanted after so long. Feeling broken for one reason or another most of his life, unlovable for most of his adult life, and here comes Martin who loves him, wholly and without question, even getting jealous when there isn't anything of the such to be jealous of. Maybe he did like it. Maybe it was nice to feel wanted enough for someone to be jealous over him.]

It's not like it matters, he isn't here.

(AND HE STICKS IT DEEP INTO THE BRANCHES OF THE BAMBOO. Even if the wish is perfectly anonymous and no one will ever know it's him, the fact that he knows and there's a witness makes him self-conscious, )

Whatever. Like I said, it's just a waste.

(He's gotta play it cool.)

[ stop... but, it's true. now it lives in mort's head rent-free.

still, he commits her actual name to memory all the same. everything about this battle reminds him of the knights he fought in the past, and the idea that she may actually stave off his boredom is exhilarating. entirely absorbed in the prospect, he's already readying his stance. to be honest, in battles like these he was more than likely to discard having a weapon completely. it was a habit from before as he hated the idea of making a battle too easy.

but, considering that she is holding one of her own (which, she also produces from nowhere), he supposes it was only proper to utilize some sort of borrowed weapon. using a makeshift polearm, he readies his stance. ] I respect your impatience, Eula.

[ from there is launches a straight frontal attack. all his present strength behind the weapon; he's careful if just to apply the right amount of pressure that doesn't break it. it feels nice not to withhold what he's currently capable, he thinks. while it's a shame it's not with his full strength, he supposed it wad the same for everyone here. ]

(He gives the front of Yuuji's yukata a slight tug to try and balance out the overall look for now. He'll deal with fixing it properly later. For now, it's fine and he'll just keep an eye out for an opening when he can pull Yuuji aside and really fix it.)

Depends on what ya mean by family.

(He leaves Yuuji alone now and shrugs,)

The Tadahiro school made a shit ton of swords. Guess you could call 'em all my brothers or whatever but we just share the same name. (All of the swords are called Hizen Tadahiro.) I'm just the famous one.

(And there's really not an ounce of pride in his voice. He admits to his own fame as if it's something ordinary like admitting his favorite food. Or as insignificant as the current weather.)

[ while he had become moderately more accustomed to the idea that the individuals here were more receptive to his kind, it doesn't make it feel any less strange to be called over by a stranger. though, considering the festivities, he supposed it wasn't completely out of left field.

he seems to study the man briefly, before giving a small nod. ]

Are you always this generous? [ it's not at all suspicious despite seeming so. if anything, he merely looks curious. ]

Somewhere. But first, stay still.

[ right, she's in a yukata. eula knew how hard it is to move around in that, even more so when she suggested they go leaping over rooftops, and she knows just the solution.

it's stupid, but she did utilize clips when she had to fight at the arena earlier. so don't mind if she kneels in front of kate just to tuck aside the front part of the skirt so that the younger girl can move and jump more freely. there we go. ]

Okay. [ she gets up on her feet, and points at a random tall building up ahead. ] Can you climb that one?

[ --record scratch, freeze frame. ]

E-Excuse me? I was always at Angel's Share. Provided that they haven't kicked me out yet, of course.

[ then again, the more she thinks about it, this guy is starting to look a tad more familiar... ]

You weren't taking too long, but thank you.

[ she'll pay her back later, don't worry. the water is greatly appreciated and very much needed; it's a pity that she'll have to stay sober for work, but having company like this never gets old for her. it's something she rarely gets to do back home, after all. ]

Have you ever thought of performing up there? Not right now, of course.

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August 2022 Event

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flaming elmo.gif, also shhh you are not late

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i. crawls in belatedly!!

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