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

[ If he looks, honestly... she's not mad. It's an easy tease, though. When she closes the distance to come over, she doesn't mirror his bow, but instead inclines her head like she's seen much of the rich and famous do tonight. She's learning, see?

She then follows it up by trying to shake his hand, eagerly. Spoke too soon... ]

I was hoping to see you tonight. I'm glad you found me!

[ The handshake will be granted but only after he slips out of his glove as is polite! It just takes a second, sorry for the wait. ]

So am I. I had assumed to find you in the Palace, but the crowds make seeking anybody out quite impossible.

[ Jigoku-cho needs to get less fond of parties, he hates them. ]

Do you have this wish-making tradition in your world?

I was there earlier. It got really busy. Feels like more people than usual...

[ Something's on her mind, already. Once their handshake ends, she laces her fingers together and considers her next statement, but... thank goodness, he saves her the awkwardness. ]

I don't think so. Where I'm from, though, we didn't really have the sky to look toward most of the time. The plate covered it. [ He might remember it from the dream— the church itself was blessed with a hole in the steel sky, allowing for sunlight to filter in. Still, he knows there was a sky, too... mixed messages. ]

So that was an accurate representation then.

[ The nightmares had so often been allegorical, warped by the perceived importance of things that are feared... but no such luck. The church had held a special atmosphere, tranquil and calm, but the area had been truly desolate. He does not enjoy picturing Aerith confined to such a place. ]

I was not familiar with this tradition either. My country does not practice it, though we do have a different superstition for wishing upon the stars.

[ Not that he cares much for shooting stars either. ]

Did you live in that church?

Yeah, I heard about that, too. Never had a chance to, though. [ Wish on a star, that is.

When he poses that question, her expression falls. She tilts her head, curious, and wonders how he knew that. ] You remember. [ She hasn't spoken to Emily about the dream, you see. Hibiki, though... Pushing aside her thought, she has to correct him. Rather, it surprises her that he figures out something else about her past. ]

Mm-mm. My mom wanted to live there, after we got to the slums. We never did, though. You don't seem like someone who would live in a church, but... did you?

[ He nods affirmatively. He remembers, not just the dream with her but also those he experienced with others - even if he may wish not do. ]

No. My family was quite affluent, so I never had reason to seek shelter like that. I am somewhat religious though - the absence of proper church buildings in this town has long dismayed me.

[ How is he supposed to be a good upstanding member of society if he can't sit ominously at Sunday mass?! ]

It seems somewhat miraculous that your church was preserved so well in the middle of all that waste. Fortunate.

[ He's completely right, is the thing. Churches aren't entirely common under the plate, and one in such a state is really hitting the jackpot. ]

It was abandoned. [ Preserved, like a fossil. No one went there to worship, anymore. She wasn't even sure what she did in there but take care of the flowers. Sometimes she dusted, sometimes she kept up with it. Moved things around. Played, remembered her mother. ] Did you know already?

[ Probably. ] On Gaia, religion isn't as common as you might think. Feels like people don't pray as much as they used to... and here, I'm not familiar with any of the whole pantheon, I guess. Lots of reading to do, in the end. But for us, it was about The Planet as a whole... and you?

[ 'Know' might be a strong word, but it certainly hadn't been hard to figure. Not many churches in use have flower fields in the middle of their floor boards. ]

The one and only God who created the world we live in. This country worships a multitude of deities, but for us in the British Empire there is only the Almighty and his son, who is himself an incarnation of the Almighty. He is said to have come to Earth many centuries ago and sacrificed himself for the sake of mankind.

[ He is biting back very hard on commentary about how the whole idea of a religion with so many minor deities is primitive. He's learning to be respectful. Probably. ]

[ He's doing a good job, in her humble opinion. As a gaggle of particularly rich looking Celestials wander past them, Aerith steps closer before deciding to offer him her arm like he was a particularly anticipated debutant about to make their debut. ]

I know about Heaven and Hell. [ More or less. She's heard the big parts. ] I think that's what the church was worshipping back when it was running. It's a lovely flower patch now. I hope those children are doing well...

[ Children... as in the flowers themselves. ] Sometimes you get uninvited guests there, though. Must be the same even in running churches...

[ ... he is absolutely thinking of literal children who drop by, a misunderstanding not likely to be cleared up for quite some time... ]

I am sure it is - but active churches have the benefit of a parish looking out for them. Though my own affiliated church was too prominent to face major trouble - it was at the heart of the capital.

[ The differences in their living situations are uncomfortably stark. Barok meets his fair share of poor people in court, but that is from the other end of the bench. His private contacts to the less affluent parts of town are next to none. ]

Did you face danger from those 'visitors'?

[ With the the dearth of things they have in common, it's perhaps shocking to see the Tamamo sub-lietenant walking hand in hand with the Enma's, arguably, premier lawyer. The difference in their jobs, too, should feel like an ocean between them, but Aerith merely places her hand upon his arm with familiarity. Carefully, they navigate the congested make-shift auditorium, passing by gently swaying bamboo trees and the stripes of colorful paper that decorate them. They, too, look like the stars to Aerith's eyes: Beautiful blots of color, each of them carrying the weight of a wish.

The heart of the capital, he says. A church? It sounds beautiful to her, a center for peace and tranquility. Far better than the center of the city they have now, but she keeps the thought quiet. ]

If you can, take me there some day. I would love to see it. [ She believes in heart of hearts that it is possible. They are here, after all. Why not?

His question, however, leaves her with confident smile. All her life, Shinra has been nipping at her heels, dogs barking and snarling for the pound of flesh. The Turks, in comparison, had been something else entirely. They were never any kind of true thread to her: a nuisance, but Tseng and the rest... ]

Yeah. It sucked, but I dealt with it. Nothing I couldn't handle; they were all bark and no bite. The biting mostly happens here.

[ When being with Aerith, it is hard to not get swept up in her flow. Barok has decided that this is just fine. It is faintly reminiscent of how his friendship with Albert also worked, many many years in the past. A bright-eyed person dragging him along, lighting up the world just a little bit with a measure of passion and energy that even a younger and more hopeful Barok would not have been able to match.

So the people can think what they want as the pair of them make their way across the festival. It would be nice if he could take Aerith to London at some point - it does not strike him as likely though. ]

Young ladies from the less prosperous parts of town tend to be quite resourceful, I've been making that observation more and more.

[ Just that Gina was a whole lot more difficult to talk to than Aerith for a large variety of reasons. ]

Jigoku-cho could stand to have a fair amount less bite, however. I am hard pressed to identify which districts could be regarded as safe for just anybody to walk.

[ A laugh bubbles over from her lips, and she tilts her head to look up at him with a playful gaze. He's not wrong, not in the least, of course. In fact, he's terribly right, and that alone is nothing worth laughing at. But he misses her favorite part of it all. ]

A lot of people say they hate it here, but I don't. [ Thoughtfully, she continues. ] The way we're split up, the danger, the whole Hell thing... But it's more than that. Even though everyone's split up, we still find each other. We still survive. More and more, people are finding one another, connecting, growing, protecting each other and making this place even more precious. How could I ever hate it here? Dangerous, maybe... but it's worth it.

[ With a soft sigh, she breathes out one more statement. ] I'm here with you. That's enough to make it worth it.

[ It's more than Barok, of course, but she's sure he understands the sentiment. ]

[ What a painfully optimistic take on it. It is very like Aerith - she finds positives in things that other people would rather like to forget entirely, somehow. She is the exact opposite of others Barok met, who grew up in rough circumstances. In court, he's seen a lot of negativity and difficulties trusting. Aerith has wrapped it around another way, and it seems like it makes life a lot more worth living.

He has no idea how anyone could cultivate such an attitude, but he's glad for her.

Despite the fact that this evening has been a whirlwind, he finds the corners of his mouth raising just a little. ]

I do not like this town. It is immoral, terribly organized and deeply dangerous.

[ No way around that. BUT. ]

However, I cannot claim I was happier at home. Further, I cannot even claim that I would like to return right now. There is more to be done right here, for better or for worse. ...with you and people like you.

[ He's got more friends here than he ever had at home, even if that merely means he has two. ]

[ It's more than enough to Aerith. That smile is enchanting, rarer to her than a precious jewel and even more enticing, and it gets to squeeze his arm, tightening the hook she has upon it with a smile that slides along her lips quickly and easily. Aerith smiles as brightly as the sun shines, warm and open, before giggling, thinking to herself that she's glad to see this sight. ]

This place is so different from home. But everywhere I go, there's something new to see, or someone new to meet. Great company, too.

[ Out of the corner of her gaze, she spots the dancefloor. The music has silenced, fading out, and something softer is striking up now, as the crowd filters out of the way. Many are laughing joyously, out of breath, and Aerith thinks to herself they seem to have had a great deal of fun. ]

Ooh. Looks like fun. C'mon, dance with me!

[ Dance is, in theory, a lot classier a pastime than most everything else that is being offered in Jigoku-cho festivities. In practice, modern music is a blight on the world and Barok can not understand how it could ever have gotten popular with its high pitched voices and fast beats.

What is currently playing isn't good, but at least it's not the worst of it. Barok frowns down at her expectant smile. ]

I am inebriated and I have not danced in a decade. The risk is yours to take.

[ When he was in his early 20s, accompanying Klint to one party or another, back then he'd danced. He'd learned all the basic dances as part of his education as a noble and it was part of good manners to put those skills to use. He remembers receiving a fair amount of praise on his skills back then - and he also remembers that he'd never been comfortable with it even then.

But this isn't a party among the gentry, there are no ladies looking to him for an option in marriage now. He is not being evaluated as 'the younger van Zieks' either. There is nothing to live up to. Maybe he can get some of those rusty steps back out without reviving that feeling of alienation. ]

[ Inebriated? She nearly parrots it back, looking at him with one eyebrow quirked as if to say, oh, you scoundrel, and she wonders what it is that's actually gotten him there. She doesn't ask, though, instead only gesturing with her chin to the dance floor. ]

You've got more experience than me.

[ Sort of; she's sure Barok has some kind of training, at the very least, being so high society. He's older, to boot, had more time to get around the block and familiarize himself with it all. ]

Show me what you know? I'll keep up, I promise.

[ He's right: This isn't a party of gentry. It's just a friend looking for a bit of fun, even as the things she knows about the night swim in her mind. She knows she'll have to mention it to him, sooner than later, but at least the dance floor has enough noise around them, and people too concerned with themselves to pay attention. ]

[ There is one further moment of hesitation here, but it dissipates quickly. He'd rather see Aerith enjoy herself than continue spending the night brooding on his various mistakes - he'll have enough time to do that later on.

So Barok bows a little, an almost playful imitation of the formality that was once drilled into him for such occasions. ]

Very well, miss. [ He offers her a hand to lead her to the dance floor before assuming position. ] Follow my lead - first you take a step back...

[ And here goes an explanation of a basic waltz because it's the easiest social dance to teach. ]

[ He'll notice she's a quick learner, if a bit clumsy. Aerith takes only a few tries to eventually get the idea of the steps, but the rhythm comes easy to her. Hardly a surprise; the elegance with which she moves during combat is not for show. Once she gets the hang of it, she moves easily, though not without a delicately measured playfulness. A wink here, a joyful tilt of her head there. ]

Keep your eyes open.

[ ...comes her whisper, eventually, barely audible over the thrum of the music. ]

There's a third party tonight.

[ Barok is glad for her natural aptitude - he's not sure he'd be a great teacher if she'd needed more assistance. Rather, he imagines he'd get frustrated with his own inability to convey the steps to her properly. With that crisis averted though, the dance turns out rather pleasant. Muscle memory carries him into an easy flow, as though he'd never stopped attending parties at all.

And then comes her warning and he almost misses a beat but catches himself right away. ]

Yet again?

[ He is also whispering, but with audible frustration. ]

Are you aware of something specific?

[ That almost is caught by her, but she only shows concern. ] Watch out. [ Tossing a glance around them, Aerith surveys the festival as well as she can while in the mix of things. Ultimately, it's not like anyone has acted suspiciously. ]

I thought about it a bit and... it could be... the Kappa. There's some working lately, in the underground. They wouldn't be here for the festival, but for the waterways, right?

[ Simple enough. They complete the next step, even embroiled in conversation— though Aerith has to look down at her feet to ensure she doesn't stop on his, so no victories should be counted early. ] But... I don't know. I heard that Sutoku took the lead on the Black Market.

[ In other words, a great night for trying to kill someone, really. ]

[ In theory, this is good news. The Sutoku are an officially recognized faction in Jigoku-Cho which means that they are in a delicate balance with the others. The Sutoku are susceptible to Enma intervention, where the prior leads of the Black Market were slippery beings without affiliation and without any responsibility.

Rooting out the Black Market and replacing it with something easier to control was definitely the end goal of last month's activities.

And still... ]

You fear retaliation.

[ It's a reasonable source of apprehension, he decides. ]

... Lord Enma has encouraged his officers to take part in the festivities alongside the regular duties. This may prove problematic if your premonition winds up correct.

[ Retaliation might not have been the word she would use, but that's definitely what it is. Aerith looks aside, then to the floor, gaze refusing to meet hims for a moment as she works out the details in her mind. A lot has fallen into her lap as of late, and it can't be sai that she hasn't tried to do what she can to lead people somewhere useful. It's becoming increasingly obvious to people what her abilities are, and it's only because something like it isn't unheard of in this sort of space.

So eventually, she nods, uncomfortably. ]

It'll be fine. You're here.

[ She knows that much, and trusts him. ] It could be nothing. Just keep your eyes open, okay?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

August 2022 Event

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this is my first smile icon since the game opened...

😭💗💗

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