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

Oh, Beni-Enma-san!

[ She's clearly not expecting the tug to her yukata sleeve, but once she realizes who it is, Haru doesn't look any kind of put-out or troubled by the request. Instead, she smiles and reaches out to accept the talisman from her. ]

Of course, I'd be happy to.

[ She's not terribly tall herself, but she definitely has more height than her companion and if she goes up on her toes a bit, she can reach the branch with no problems. ]

Here, you said?

[ She nods, handing over the talisman. Her handwriting is poor, but legible enough for any eyes to catch a glimpse of her wish should they seek to.

"High-quality ingredients from the spiritual realm that can nourish the mind, body, and spirit." ]

That's right. Thank you, chirp.

[ She doesn't actually mean to view it-- but she blinks at it, catching that glimpse, spotting "ingredients"... and politely moves her gaze onwards to focus on tying it to the acceptable branch. ]

How have you been?

[ It's going to be strung up for all to see anyway, should they glance at it, but she appreciates the sentiment. ]

I've been well, if feeling a little...out of place, chirp. Being in a place like this couldn't be any more different from being in the mountains. What about you?

[ Haru seems to be more of a city gal than Beni herself, at least. ]

This... does remind me a lot of home, in some ways, and is completely different in other ways. But I've never lived in the mountains before-- I imagine that must make this feel a little overwhelming at times, with how much noise and smog there can be in cities. And a distinct lack of greenery, too.

[ She smiles sympathetically. ]

... But I do also feel myself feeling out of place here, as well. I still hardly know anybody, and it was... er, mostly just humans I lived with before here.

[ Less greenery, more smog, more concrete, more noise, more people, all hallmarks of city living that she's never quite had the taste of or the taste for. She doesn't inherently disapprove of living in such a place, but it's all too easy to get overwhelmed by such things, coming at her all at once. It's one thing to deal with the occasional rowdy drunken guests, and another to deal with an entire hall of them, drinks everywhere.

She smiles sympathetically at Haru right back at her. ]

I understand. Even though there are so many people around, you can't help but feel lonely because you don't know them.

[ Mostly humans, though, she says...interesting. ]

Who did you live with before?

Er, well... in terms of those around me, not those I specifically lived with...

[ She pauses, taps her chin twice. ]

As I said, it was a very lively city, full of people bustling all over the place, all the time... so most of my friends were like that. And a cat.

[ Yes. A cat. ]

So I would have plans to see them often, and even now, after I've graduated and gone on to college, I can still see them in the summer... or, well. I could.

[ She always has to remind herself she doesn't know how long she'll be here. ]

[ A cat... Friends with a cat doesn't sound very outlandish at all, considering that her own employees are talking sparrows, and then there are the yokai who stop by every once in a while, and she's technically a talking sparrow herself... ]

Chirp, it's a shame that those plans and your education have been put on hold for the time being. It sounds like you were enjoying the time you had.

[ Such is life...or well, the afterlife, in this case. ]

... I was.

But all the same, I don't think they would want me to feel too depressed about it. That would make it seem as though I've given up.

And I'm not like that... anymore.

[ She needs to find the bright spots here, too. But also she has to keep trying to find other options. A way out. At least a way to let the others know she's okay. ]

[ Anymore. What a weighty word, one that speaks volumes. This might (or might not) be the afterlife, but that doesn't mean that there aren't bright spots here, too, and there are multiple cases she knows where the afterlife connects to the human realm, so a way to reach who she wants to reach isn't out of the question.

She nods in response. ]

What happened to help you change?

[ Positive things, she hopes. ]

[ Haru's smile is a little wry, but she answers honestly. There's really no reason not to. Beni-Enma doesn't strike her as someone she needs to be entirely guarded around. ]

A few things. I realized that resigning myself to my fate wasn't what I wanted, and that it wouldn't be for the best, in the end. I had to fight, even if it meant betraying... someone's expectations for me.

And I met people who barely knew me, who still reached out to me.

[ Betraying someone's expectations for her...must have been a difficult choice. ]

Not only are you a diligent learner, you're such a strong young lady as well. Beni is so proud of you.

[ She doesn't know her that well, but hearing that there are humans like her, full of lively spirit, and humans out there who are still willing to reach out to others they barely know, does her heart good.

Her smile turns a touch wistful, her brows furrowing mildly. ]

I don't know if I could do the same myself, chirp. Turning my back on what others expect of me, that is.

[ Even if it was for her own sake. Fortunately for her, her loyalties have yet to be tested in that manner...key word being "yet". ]

If what they expect of you is what you personally want to do, I don't think you have to worry about it. In my case, the expectations and what it would do to my well-being were in direct contrast with each other.

... So truly, Beni-san, I hope that you never have to face something like that. But if you do... I hope I can help support you when that time comes.

[ Because she couldn't have done it without help. ]

[ She closes her eyes for a few moments, smile faded, pensive and clearly mulling over not-so-pleasant thoughts in her head that she's envisioned, time and time again as she walks these streets. ]

...I hope so, too.

[ For the support, and for that time to hopefully never come where she'll have to draw her blade against those she has already sworn her loyalty to. Jigokucho being what it is, however, it might come for her sooner than she thinks.

The sparrow oni opens her eyes with a start, a sheepish smile. ]

Ah! It must be strange to see an oni so contemplative like this. I'd hate to spoil the mood of the festival. I apologize if my questions brought back any unpleasant memories for you.

No, it's all right. I think it's important to acknowledge the painful memories just as much as the happy ones. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to move forward at all. And I truly don't wish for that.

[ Haru flashes her a reassuring smile. ]

But please, you don't have to call it strange. I can't say I've ever had the pleasure of befriending an oni before, so I don't know if it's that strange to see one contemplative. But I also think humans aren't the only ones who have the right to have a variety of emotions.

[ And the only oni she ran into back home were. Well. Enemies. ]

[ She wouldn't have faulted Haru for being scared of her, or shying away upon hearing that she was a sparrow oni; assuming that that Japanese name is indicative of her background, there are no shortage of stories of oni in the human realm running wild, killing and pillaging and devouring what they desired.

The weirder part is probably having the Shuten-douji here as well. ]

That's kind of you. You must have heard your fair share of stories about oni in the human world, where you're from.

[ That's assuming the Japan she comes from is of a similar make, at the very least. ]

I have, yes.

[ And fought some, but let's not talk about that. ]

But I've learned that it's best not to make assumptions about others until I've had the opportunity to meet them and get to know them better myself. When I met you, Beni-san, you weren't acting very violent or running rampant, you were just more than willing to give me food recommendations.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

August 2022 Event

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