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

[ he blinks, unsure of what he had done to earn the upcoming smack to the head because – what other reason hizen has to beckon him to move closer? he complies, regardless, giving him a ‘what did I dooo?’ whine but willing to accept his fate at the same time. understandably so— yuuji was a bit taken back at the small, yet very kind gesture of fixing up his attire. his own expression softens; eyes a bit wide. it’s just – at times a simple act of care can go a long way in soothing the very repressed need for reassurance, one that is rooted so deep within.

in its simplicity ... it warmed up yuuji's heart.

he stays quiet, watching the way he readjusts the fabric— once he’s done, yuuji asked. ]

Well, I know you’re a sword spirit, and you’ve been alive for so long, but I don’t understand how that works. I don't know if you have a family or someone important in your past life?

(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.)

[ in yuuji's simple mind, he doesn't see anything wrong with his yukata but also decided that hizen giving him attention is not something to complain about. ever. the sorcerer takes what he can get; unable to stop smiling and muttering a soft 'thanks' under his breath once he's done.

— somewhat disappointed it's over already. but, again, there are no grievances. he's more interested in the way hizen shared his story, reminding yuuji once again how different they are. however, before he could ask him about being 'famous', yuuji realized something he should have figured out from the moment hizen told him he was a sword spirit. ]

I know you have emotions. I've seen you get annoyed, angry, relaxed, and maybe ... sad a bit? [ the day hizen refused to answer his texts- ] ... but is it normal for swords to have human emotions, though?

...

(What was it like being a sword?
How did you become a person?
Are there others like you?
Do you belong to someone?
Which form is real?
How old are you?
Have you ever killed anyone?

Of all the questions Yuuji could have asked, this is one Hizen didn't expect. If he'd known Yuuji was going to ask something this astute, he probably wouldn't have opened up as much as he had already. There's a sharp quietness in the air as Hizen lets the question sit. He wonders if he should answer this. If he can answer it at all. )

That's...

(A good question. Maybe. His brow furrows and he really does try to think about the answer. If not for Yuuji then for himself.)

I dunno.

(He really doesn't. If he thinks about the other touken danshi, then he can think about how some of them seem so much better at this being a person deal than others. There are swords who understand their master better, can empathize with the people they encounter on their missions. They always seem to have a better grasp of their emotions and know exactly what to say when others struggle. Because, gods, he knows so many of them struggle with these burdensome things called emotions.)

I had a spirit but... I dunno if I really had a heart... 'least... didn't have to worry about it 'til I ended up like this.

(Physical. A person. Something that could be felt and in turn, feel.)

[ ah, this gives an impression that hizen wasn't 'human' for a long time. again, it's insane how yuuji failed to notice this earlier. hizen might be, in a way, struggling to cope with something so foreign to him, and if that's the case— yuuji couldn't help but feel a bit of guilt. what he thought of him being compassionate might've overwhelmed his friend instead. perhaps this entire time he was giving him a hard time navigating what he should feel, how to react, and pressuring him to accommodate to what is expected from a certain situation.

god, he hopes not. ]

... Is it too much?

[ not his questions, not his past actions- ... but the heavy burden of dealing with a body that brings along 'emotions' hizen isn't used to. but, yuuji adjusts his question- ]

Do you hate it?

[ was it a curse or a blessing in this sword's case? ]

(Good job, Yuuji, you've figured out exactly why Hizen struggles with people and expressing himself. Not that he holds this against anyone. He doesn't like to share his weaknesses with others and its not their fault for not knowing.

He frowns. Is what too much? Feeling things? Imagine not existing at all one moment and suddenly manifesting into the world as a person. The first sights, first sounds, first feelings, all of the weight of being human and how miserable it is to be alive like this--)

Nah.

(Because even if it's difficult, admitting it's too much is setting himself up for a greater failure.)

Just gotta deal with it. (Which definitely makes it sound like it isn't easy. You don't "deal" with easy things.) ... 'S a real pain in the ass sometimes, though.

(He'll admit that much out loud. Yuuji's already seen him at some of his lower points.)

[ even humans who are born with it struggle to figure out why they're feeling the way they are— he can't imagine how hard it must be on hizen. it makes a lot of sense now, and yuuji is a bit cautious not to expose the mild concern behind his gaze; silently contemplating past experiences.

perhaps he shouldn't — pressure that man too much. yuuji makes that promise to himself.

just when one might assume this conversation is heading to a deeper, more emotional approach— the sorcerer breaks his own promise at a record speed when he casually asked: ]

......... Is that why you turned me down when I asked you out?

(Truly just when this conversation looks like it's going in a more serious direction--)

(LOOKING VISIBLY CONFUSED AND STRESSED AS HE RUNS THROUGH HIS MEMORIES RIGHT NOW. HE'S GOING THROUGH EACH AND EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM.)

Edited 2022-08-18 16:39 (UTC)

What're ya...

(He can't think of anything???????)

If you're fucking with me, I"ll kill ya--!

(THIS IS A JOKE. THIS HAS TO BE A JOKE.)

[ okay— maybe that was a bad idea. a bit startled, yuuji raised his hands up, trying to calm down the situation. ]

I'm not fucking with you. I did ask you out ... like a long time ago.

[ he takes a moment to consider, shifting his gaze to the side, then back at hizen. he then relaxed a bit, the corner of his lips curved into a playful smile- ]

During the funeral. I wanted to take you to my favorite soba spot.

(

wait what... he remembers that day. He remembers thinking what a weirdo Yuuji was for asking him out in all of the chaos. Wait, that was it? He wasn't just asking him to get food... he was actually asking him out at--)

It was a funeral.

(The Daitengu came back to life and everyone was in a state of chaos.)

.... but no one was dead?

[ the daitengu came out, alive and well; it was all a funny joke. does it count as a real funeral? yuuji honestly didn't think it was such an odd occasion to express his interest in someone. if anything, they were all dressed nice, and it would be a total waste not to do something about it.

more importantly, there is an easygoing vibe about the way yuuji is holding the conversation; no judgment or bitterness about it. ]

Anyway, in the future, when someone invites you to dinner ... they are probably asking you out on a romantic date. Unless that person is already a close friend. At the time, we didn't know each other.

[ a lesson for the future, nothing more. ]

Edited 2022-08-18 17:32 (UTC)

People were fighting...

(He's swimming in thoughts and emotions right now and he finds himself looking away in silence. If Yuuji looks, he'll see Hizen is beginning to turn a bright shade of red. He's mumbling to himself,)

What the fuck. What kinda guy...

(He's honestly confused,)

Why...?

[ it's unlike yuuji not to tease him right now, but he didn't. there must be something in the air because all he felt like doing is smile fondly at the other. he allowed him to mumble and try to sort out his emotions, now understanding it is a struggle for hizen.

however, anyone would be confused. even yuuji would be if someone randomly points out he was oblivious of their advances. ]

Come on, it wasn't that weird! I didn't know if we'd ever see each other again. Plus, no one likes to eat alone ...

You're a fucking weirdo.

(RUDE... but lacking in bite. He thought it when they first met and Yuuji has not proved him wrong since then. This is just how Yuuji is. He accepted it some time ago.

What does this even mean now. Is every meeting after the funeral supposed to mean something now? Yuuji had mentioned he wasn't cute before IS THAT WHAT HE MEANT wait he feels warm and dizzy. He really doesn't get it... he has enough self-awareness to know that he isn't not attractive but he knows this place is full of people who are also attractive (and have better personalities, too!). But Yuuji doesn't seem to mind...? Ugh.

UGH UGH UGH UGH.

If he had his hoodie, he would be pulling it over his head. Or ducking behind a scarf. But it's summer and he has nothing to hide behind.)

Quit lookin' at me! (He feels self-conscious now. Embarrassed? Flustered? He wants to yell.) You...

I'm getting dango.

(...

Yeah. He's going to distract himself with food. He's going to turn on his heel and stomp off ahead of Yuuji!!! Ignore the one, single, random cherry blossom floating in the air. It's nothing. It's probably from some Tamamo spell or something yeah definitely.)

[ again, there is something in the air and yuuji seemed to be more than happy to dismiss the other's frustration. instead, his own cheeks warm up in the thought of that day— how smitten he was when his eyes caught hizen between the crowd, dressed sharp and looking so handsome. if it wasn't yuuji, someone else could've asked him out for sure.

when hizen started walking away, that's when he snapped out of the romantic spell that was poisoning everyone's minds; eyes fluttering wide open before he started walking. he noticed the single blossom in the air, only to assume it was part of the gorgeous scenery around them.

he followed, allowing hizen some time to calm down — and when they reached the stall to order some of those treats; yuuji stepped behind him, glancing over the other's shoulder. ]

... Are you mad at me?

[ he can't tell if it's serious or just a mini tantrum. ]

Edited 2022-08-19 15:49 (UTC)

(Gods, it would be easier if he could just be angry. Just snap at Yuuji, maybe throw a dango skewer at him and tell him to stop being stupid but

there's just something about today. He can't snap at him tonight. Not like that. Because when he thinks about it, he just gets distracted by that stupid face. The unassuming face of an earnest dumbass and it's just

endearing

in a familiar way.)

Weren't you the one that said eating alone sucks!?

(He's quick to throw his money at the rabbit selling dango. Three dango skewers, each one a different flavor: A plain tricolor, sweet, burnt soysauce, and a toasted dango with red bean paste.

He holds out the tray to Yuuji. He can't look at him. He's entirely too flustered right now and the red color on his cheeks hasn't died down one bit. With his free hand, he tugs at the bandages around his neck, loosening them juuuuust slightly. He feels warm (embarrassed).)

... I ain't mad. Just... dunno. Guess I feel stupid or something.

(He never knew.)

[ if it wasn't for the offering, yuuji would've honestly assumed their night was ruined for reasons he didn't quite understand, but it can't be that bad if hizen isn't really — pushing him away. yuuji isn't the type to be perceptive, often would rather pursue someone into expressing themselves in a way that would make sense to him. it is a selfish approach to navigate a conversation, overwhelming one into spitting it out, but otherwise ... yuuji wouldn't be able to be there for them. it's a weird mentality.

so there's a soft sigh of relief when hizen, finally, used the words 'i'm not mad'. sometimes you have to be straightforward with this guy. he nods his head with a subtle 'thank you' — taking one of the skewers. ]

Don't feel that way. Now that I think about it ... a lot was going on that day. It wasn't the best time.

[ even if hizen is avoiding yuuji's gaze, the sorcerer didn't waver. with a lighthearted chuckle, he attempts to lighten the mood. ]

But I didn't give up and look at us now! We're basically on a date!

Edited 2022-08-20 16:54 (UTC)

(The air around them is already warm given that it's a summer evening but it seems to shift suddenly. It's difficult to really explain but it's a sort of... magical in a different way. It feels warm, bright, refreshing, and what's more

There's a shower of cherry blossom petals falling now. Not all around them! It seems... concentrated right around Hizen who is glowing absolutely red and looks distressed at the petals in the air. He swats at them then snaps at Yuuji, )

Oi, knock it off. Quit sayin' shit like that. This ain't...

(A date. Is it? He doesn't know. His head feels like it's swimming.)

I'm not a good guy, y'know? I'm a killer. You gotta be stupid t'like someone like me.

(But this warm feeling that he feels in his chest that has now made itself known with the flowers in the air... he's... this means he feels nice, right? He feels good? That's what it usually means but he's never triggered it like this before. Could he

be

happy?)

[ at first, he assumed it was just another show to add more allure to the scenery around them, until he realized they seemed to be enclosing around hizen in particular— or coming out of him? he can't tell, but from the way the other reacted to them, trying to wave them away gave him a clue of what it might be. a clue that didn't make sense, but he had never seen hizen like this.

the fluster and warmth of his cheeks added a lovely hue to those pale cheeks, complimenting his gorgeous features and yuuji found himself in utter awe. the visuals, the atmosphere, and the heavy influence of the stardust just gave him a sense of bravery he never thought he could have; especially with hizen. ]

How could I not? Just look at you ...

[ he then used his free hand to, gently, brush away some of those petals off hizen's hair— only to end up tracing his fingers along those soft locks. ]

It's really pretty.

[ with a smile, he gestures at those little pink delights. what a cute ability to have. ]

(The cherry blossoms sure are just manifesting from thin air around him. It's like you blink and they appear like catching something falling in the light suddenly.

He tenses when Yuuji touches him and he's torn between fight or flight right now. Kick Yuuji's ass or peace out and recover in solitude.)

(AND HE SHOVES A DANGO RIGHT IN YUUJI'S MOUTH. If anyone thought the stardust and the confession and the charming talk was enough to get Hizen to collapse into a puddle of overwhelmed feelings... well, they wouldn't be wrong but right now, he just wants Yuuji to stop talking so he can recover from this emotionally.)

Shut up. Jus' stop talkin' for a minute!

(Or forever. God. Just shut up and chew.

His head is swimming and his vision feels like it's tunneling. They're in the middle of a festival. There are crowds of people. He feels like he's being watched and he needs some peace and quiet.

He snatches Yuuji's wrist and begins to drag him away from the crowd and the noise. Past the food stalls and the games and in a quiet, closed-off street where some of the vendors have stored their set-up boxes and trucks. A place where they can meet their helpers who come with fresh supplies. It's not the most charming place but it's quiet and there aren't many people around and Hizen lets Yuuji go, sits on a crate, sets his dango tray beside him, and holds his face in his hands.

Away from the festival, it's even more obvious that the cherry blossoms are definitely coming from him. Mumbling,)

... Shoulda got a drink too.

(Sobriety is a burden right now.)

[ the sorcerer didn't retaliate to the outburst, oddly quiet the entire time he was dragged towards a more private area. as hizen settled down and mutters something about wanting a drink, yuuji took this chance to -finally- press his index and middle finger against his lower lip; patting gently, then pulling them away to stare them down, and-

ah, blood.

he's bleeding as the sharp skewer managed to cut his inner cheek, adding a spunky taste to those treats. not that it stopped yuuji from joining the other and taking a seat, chewing his bite while idly wiping the blood off the corner of his mouth. ]

We can change the topic ...

[ because this is a hard one on hizen, he can tell by now. stressing him out is not ideal, considering yuuji wants to make sure the other is having a good time. it felt like he was bullying him at this point— throwing one hard confession after the other. he glanced up at the sky, humming. ]

I think there is something in the air? I can usually keep it to myself most of the time ...

August 2022 Event

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