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

[There's a bit of a lull in people actively seeking out host services at the moment, so Aster's...Technically on break.

Technically.

He's still full of energy enough to deal with clients, however, so he's more just prowling the Pleasure Palace for anyone currently unclaimed; stealing clients is gauche when he doesn't have the clout yet to back it up, after all. But anyone drifting between attractions is fair game, he figures. And at the very least, it'll serve as future promotion outside of Tanabata--

aaaaand then he spies Zhongli. Indeed drifting, not quite snared by anyone else at the current moment; it's easy to catch him in a crowd, given how Aster's eyes have become accustomed to picking out that black-to-orange tone in hair recently. So over he drifts in turn, ever-so-casual as though his stomach isn't starting to roar at the thought, and casually hooks their arms together.]

I hope you weren't too lonely whilst enjoying the festivities ♡ It'd be tragic to be lonely on tonight of all nights, right?

[ Zhongli hasn't been lonely exactly but he is more or less just people watching at the moment. Aster can probably guess that he's definitely not like a normal human, given his blood, and just the general aura he tends to give off. He might blink when the vampire hooks their arms together and Zhongli will nod as he smiles slightly. ]

Hm, yes. I suppose you're right. A night like this should be enjoyed with others. And how have you found yourself this evening? Are you enjoying the festivities as well?

Especially here. It was a perfect storm of someone finding you, and I'm lucky that it was me who found you first ♡

[He rubs his cheek against the arm currently trapped in his grip, smile radiant and one foot popped up behind him, before giving the rest of the Pleasure Palace a cursory glance. Almost as if it's interrupting somehow, upon Zhongli reminding him of his work earlier.]

Mm...I was working, but it's a little quiet at the moment on the host front. It's been great for business, though! I'm hoping that a few of the clients I saw tonight will come back to my club tomorrow night...But I haven't had much of a chance to really enjoy the festivities proper, no.

[A beat. Aster's attention returns to Zhongli at full power, lashes lowered and mouth quirked up enough to reveal both fangs.] It's been hard to enjoy much of anything, when I've been busy thinking about what you taste like. Over and over and over, and nothing fills the void...I can't even really enjoy sweets like I used to. You've gone and hooked me...

So, are you going to take responsibility? Huhu ♡

You're...lucky to find me first? [ What a strange thing to say and Zhongli will watch the other with a rather bemused look in his eyes. Given their prior time together he's honestly gotten used to Aster's over-the-top style. ]

I wish and hope for your success then. [ Though he does pause at Aster's continued comment. Hm perhaps because he was an archon was the reason behind such a thing? ]

Responsibility...very well. But might we enjoy the place a little beforehand?

Oooooh, Zhongli's going to keep me waiting~ So coy, so coy ♡ I'll write a wish for your success too, even if you're going to keep me hanging on...

[Just like that, his smile returns to full wattage, and he rocks forward on his geta with a soft clack.] Well? What did you want to see first? I think they still have a few performers left, so we could likely catch a song or three, or perhaps even some dancers! We could dance together, or just watch...Or...Drink! The drink menu is so extravagant here, my head's spinning just to think about it.

They're a little out of my budget, between you and me. But next year, I'll be able to buy every bottle myself! Mark my words.

[ Zhongli merely smiles at Aster's words and response. The other's physical nature is something Zhongli was getting used to, but after their first time exchanging blood, well, it's not really too awkward anymore. He's still stoic as ever but he brings a hand to his chin in a thoughtful manner. ]

Perhaps simply taking in a show would be for the best, as the price of most things here is far too much for either of us. [ Once a broke god always a broke god. ]

Unless there is something specific that you would like to do together?

Fair! I wouldn't want to empty your wallet anyway, if I'm not going to directly benefit...Kidding, kidding!

And...Hm. [Even as he tugs Zhongli towards one of the stages, warmly lit with only a handful of performers winding down towards an intermission of their own, Aster feigns very serious thought.]

I mean, what I want to do with you is obvious. I like music, though. So music will have to do for now, right? And-- maybe, if I'm super good, you'll let me sit in your lap while we listen ♡

[ That gets a visible frown from him?! ] I, unfortunately, don't have much to empty if that's the case.

[ Aster will come to realize that Zhongli is poor most of the time, so him emptying his wallet is just a standard thing that's gonna happen prior to hanging out with the other. ]

I don't mind listening to and enjoying the music in your company. Let's find a place to sit then.

Really? Zhongli...You're a worry, huh? I won't even be able to ask you to come visit me at work with a clear conscience...

[He's starting to come with a pretty price tag on the clock, though that usually comes with the silent expectation of the occasional extracurricular activity. Buuuut this is purely pleasure for him, anyway. No big deal to offer a freebie for his own benefit!

Anyway! They're at the stage now, and although the seats aren't packed, it still requires a little careful picking through to find a pair that's empty--
and really, that's too much fucking work for Aster, who wants to sit and enjoy the show now. He's said what he wants, Zhongli hasn't said no to it, so. He nudges the taller man down into a single empty seat and promptly takes pride of place on his lap, as though he's always belonged there.]

...Hope you don't mind ♡ Seating's rough, huh? [No shame or guilt at all, just Aster snuggling in and kicking his legs contentedly.]

Hm. [ When promptly seated like that he can't help with cant his head slightly at Aster, who seems well off and enjoying himself. He's not sure if he would consider his lap comfortable but, well, he's starting to get it that this man is rather physical in general. It's not that Zhongli dislikes it, not at all, but it is something he's learning to get used to. ]

I'm...not opposed, as long as you find comfortable? I'm not used to such acts so I apologize in advance if I come off as a bit...uncertain.

[Aster just smiles sweetly back, both arms winding around Zhongli's waist and head bopping along in time to the music.]

Mmhmm ♡ Tell me if my ass starts hurting your legs, though. Or if you want me to stop at all! Just because this is part of the service, that doesn't mean that I want to bully you ever~

And you can put your hands wherever you like, since my reputation's already kind of stained. [Not quite the 'hardass ice princess businessman' that he had to be back home, that's for sure. A little 'weakness' is allowed here, so he's taking full advantage of that. ...Though he actually doesn't mean anything below the belt. Only affectionate, not dirty.]

[ The venue is new for him but Zhongli is finding himself tapping his foot to the beat of the music. The last time he had listened to music...well things had gotten a bit heated, to say the least. He's hoping that this won't turn out the same way?? But the way things turn out here is always strange. Zhongli will tilt his head a little as he looks back at Aster, his hands will remain by his side until he's given the okay to place his hands wherever he wants. He'll just opt for mimicking Aster and place them on the other's waist. ]

Does that bother you, your reputation?

Hm? Ah...Not so much here.

[Instead of bopping merrily along, he buries his face in Zhongli's shoulder for a moment. Purely to be cute, but it doesn't hurt if it looks like a genuine emotional reaction, does it?]

Back home, I was super powerful. Nobles from all over the kingdom, and even from other kingdoms, all tried to court my favour and run their businesses with my patronage. I was rich, and had even the king of Kleinster eating out of my palm! And if I was soft on anyone back home, apart from my Master, everyone would think that they could win me over and use me.

Here, no one cares who I am. It's hard, but it's also freedom, of a kind. I can feed as much as I like, and I can do whatever work is best for me without having to please nobles, and I can sit on your lap in front of everyone without people trying to toady up to you to see how to get to me. You know what it's like, don't you?

[It must be even worse, for a god. To be a nobody in almost entirety, after all of that...]

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August 2022 Event

starter for @brokebitchmountain

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