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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Bingo. She got it in one. Aerith pulls it out of a little clutch bag that somehow kept her seat for her. It's not entirely unlikely someone looked inside just to see it was full of business cards, honestly, and put it back in disgust. Still, she opens it up, pulls out one card, and slide it across the bar to Haru with a smile. ]

It's two stories, so it's going to be hard for me to take care of it all by myself! You in?

[ Haru picks up the card, studying it. A business? She's actually opening a shop?

That's very impressive, honestly, and at the implication (or flat-out declaration) that Aerith would like her to be a part of it, there's an unexpected lump forming in her throat. ]

... Really? [ Quieter now. ] Even if I'm from another faction, you'd want to hire me?

[ It's likely not going to be much different from her assistance with the patch, just in a store capacity, but. It feels different. ]

[ Though she smiles, Aerith still spares a glance over her shoulder. No one bothers to notice the two of them talking business in the corner; if they had, she'd have told them to eat dirt. ]

Yeah, why not? If someone has issue with it, they can go find another florist. It might suck to travel there, but it's got two stories, Haru. Stairs!

[ Think of the possibilities! ]

Stairs...

[ SHE'S THINKING OF THE POSSIBILITIES. ]

You could do vines leading up along the railings, like wisteria or clematis... maybe even sell fruit or vegetable plants in one portion, herbs...

I knew asking you was the right thing to do.

[ That does raise one thing, though... ]

I'm trying to learn how to grow those things, but in the meantime, we can stock all of them. I'm sure if I ask around, someone will sell them to me for resale, at least.

[ Magic, unfortunately, has it's limits.

She's sure this only encourages Haru, though, and that's the only reason she mentions it. ]

[ She nods, completely on-board with this plan. ]

I have some experience growing vegetables myself, so if someone's willing to sell them, I can definitely keep them in good condition. And to work in a shop like this...

Aerith-san, I would be honored if you hired me! In any capacity!

[ With that reaction? She has no choice but to make it happen, for Haru. It might take some time, but they could make it work. The flower patch still has a purpose to serve, it seems. ]

Just Aerith is okay. [ Already a terrible boss, but— with her hands balled on either side of her, Aerith meets that excitement. ] Haru, you already were hired.

[ She had no choice in this.

This was just a notice. :] ]

I-- are you sure? I don't want to be disrespectful at all.

[ That would be the worst. Even if Aerith seems to be a very... capricious spirit? Still!! ]

But-- thank you! Please just let me know how often you'd like me to work and what area you'd prefer I focus on and I'll be prepared! After today, of course.

Of course I'm sure! Really.

[ With that settled... ]

Oh, about that... I've never run something like this before. So, maybe the best thing to do is let you do what you're best at. How's that?

What I'm best with...

[ Hm. She delicately taps her chin with a finger, pondering this. ]

It's probably plant care, but I was taking business classes before I came here, so I might be of use with anything financial too. I'm also very familiar with flower language, so I could also assist with customers looking for something specific...

[ Once again, no one better to hire. Seriously. ]

Wow. Jack of all trades, huh? In that case, you won't mind handling all of that, will you?

[ She flushes a little, clearly flustered. No one's ever said this to her before, Aerith please. ]

At least in regards to plants... but no, of course I'd be happy to help with everything!

[ Listen, this sounds like the best thing to have happened to her in Hell right now. ]

[ Not used to compliments? You'll get used to it on Aerith's watch, Haru. Or else. ]

That reminds me. I don't have a name for it yet. Got any ideas? Something easy to remember... but snappy!

[ Why is that bracket so threatening, Aerith. ]

Mm... easy to remember, but snappy...

Les Fleurs, for elegance? Or Tsubomi, it means "flowerbud", which could symbolize its potential, or... Dandelion? To symbolize we're capable of granting the customer's wishes.

[ She did not expect any of this to happen to her today. ]

Edited 2022-08-09 20:49 (UTC)

[ :) ]

You got a favorite for those? I was thinking that we'd call employees "Busy Bees"... cute, right?

Oh, that's very cute!

[ What the heck. ]

Les Fleurs might be more fitting for bees, but... I kind of like Dandelion. Back home, it also symbolizes courage, because dandelions can grow anywhere, in any condition. No matter what, they find a way to thrive.

[ Dandelion... Hm. Maybe that is it, she thinks with a simple sort of smile. She likes it, and with the amount of thought Haru puts into it, she thinks that it's sweet. ]

You know, before you signed your contract here... it rained. For almost a month, constantly... a downpour of blood, and all the anger that came with it. The curse was strong, but... we pulled through. [ Aerith doesn't mention the hand she had in banishing the curse, how she, Emily and Shylock had collaborated on a form of incense to purify the surrounding area. It took a few weeks, longer than they wanted, but it had happened. She has no idea if this had been explained to Haru, though the remnants of that curse had haunted them around the time she took up residency in Hell. ]

Every one of us Lost Souls fought to be here tonight. So... I guess we're all dandelions, then, don't you think? [ It's great, Haru. She's fond of it. ]

I'd heard about it-- the rain, and the curse it brought with it, and when I first came here, it really seemed to be lingering in everything I saw and interacted with. I can't imagine what it would have been like, at least... not for that long.

[ She'd only seen the sky rain blood once and that had... not been a very good time for her or the others. Some nights she still wakes up and checks the front and back of both hands to make sure they're not translucent. ]

I think people have the capacity to be incredibly strong, just like flowers-- for all that many people would believe they're fragile and easily crushed. I'm glad that everyone was able to be here tonight... so I'd have to agree with you.

[ And Aerith seems to like her idea, which is actually an incredible relief. ]

[ It had felt longer, she thinks, had felt like ages and ages of nightmares and anxiety and fears, the constant threat of death and darkness looming over them. There was a constant issue, and getting around to check on one another grew increasingly difficult. There are reminders everywhere of the storm, of the barrage of blood that rained down upon them, but— ]

Gotta look forward, to the future. When the storm ended, I decided...

[ With a nod, she smiles. ]

I'm going to fill this place up with flowers. Everyone was so happy when they saw the patch... maybe they'll protect us in the future, from whatever comes to pass...

[ Well. Anyway. ]

Sorry, am I bumming you out? Let's work hard together to make the city happier, Haru. I think you'll be a wonderful part of the journey.

Oh-- no, not at all.

[ She's both surprised and sincere, blinking rapidly at Aerith before shaking her head for double emphasis. That isn't the case. Maybe if Aerith had talked more about how disheartening this curse had been, or how it still lingered even now... but instead, she speaks of hope and resolve and determination and it's such a lovely mental image she paints that Haru can't do anything else but smile at it. ]

I'd love to see this place with many more flowers, and I'd also love to be a part of making this city a happier place. Whatever that takes, please know you can count on me, Aerith-s--

Aerith!

[ She's trying. ]

[ Trying is all she needs to see, in truth. It means more than simply pretending. ]

What if I said that it was a lot of pressure?

[ With the quirk of her brow, the way her smile twists just a little wider— it must be obvious she's just teasing. Still, it isn't wrong, she's sure of it. There's a great deal hiding under the surface of Hell. ]

[ Something glints in her eyes, understanding. Amusement. She lifts a hand, resting it over her heart. ]

You could say I'm used to a lot of pressure. I don't think I could lead a peaceful or boring life anymore, even if I wanted to.

[ Every time she tries, something else inevitably ends up happening! ]

Oh? In that case, I'll make sure to work you to the bone.

[ Ah, her favorite thing. Banter. ]

Please do. I feel as though I've been slacking lately.

[ She's better at saying alarming things with a gentle smile but she'll get there with banter if she hangs out enough with Aerith. ]

In that case, make my life a little bit easier.

[ ... A stack of business cards is placed on the bar, retrieved from Aerith's bag. ]

Here. Pass these out to anyone you think might like them. Celestials, Lost Souls... everyone.

August 2022 Event

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