jigokulogs | March 2022 Mini Event

March 2022 Mini Event

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The Night Parade is fast-approaching and each faction will be busy with their own preparations.

1. SHUTEN CLAN

The Celestial Phoenix Casino, a fairly popular casino in the Shuten territory, is overdue on its protection money. This money is sorely needed for parade preparations. Unfortunately, the casino has decided it doesn't need to pay up because they've hired some new unaffiliated muscle. Neither the manager nor their new muscle are the type to listen to reason, so be prepared to exert some intimidation and force to convince these new bodyguards to take their business elsewhere.

The brute squad working for the Celestial Phoenix seems to be made up of several different youkai. Some of them are more human looking than others, but you'll notice no Oni. Even independent Oni wouldn't dare turn against the Shuten Clan. Even lacking in Oni, these thugs are armed to the teeth, swinging several deadly weapons and even a few firearms. This could get rough, so be prepared for the worst. Take the gangsters protecting the Celestial Phoenix out or convince them it’s not worth it.

Once inside, you'll discover that the owner, in a panic, has locked himself inside the casino's value with the protection money owed. This might take some doing to get open...

2. SUTOKU ALLIANCE

The Kappa want to be left alone and the Daitengu has asked Sutoku Alliance members to assure their wishes are respected. Members are tasked with convincing people to stay away from the Kappa's riverside facilities by whatever means necessary. Of course, you may want to take a look for yourself to see what they’re being so secretive about. That’s not recommended, if you don’t want to get into trouble.

It’s not just strangers who are nosy, though. Retinues from both the Shuten and Tamamo clans are making an appearance and asking why the inspections are taking so long. Why are the Kappa dragging their feet? The Alliance prefers to avoid direct violence, so it's up to you to talk to these clan captains in a way that convinces them to leave the Kappa alone.

If you're curious enough to dive deeper into the Kappa's business, however, even your Alliance membership isn't going to keep you safe. The Kappa themselves seem to disappear from sight the further into the sewers you go, as if invisible. Preventing yourself from being spotted by a security camera or a patrolling Kappa is almost impossible. Cover your faces, stick to the shadows, and you might just notice that... they’re building something down there.

Something for the Parade? Who knows? But it’s definitely not decorations or a float...

3. DEPARTMENT OF THE ENMA

The parade route for the Night Parade needs to be "cleaned up". The Department is tasked with getting the low level street gangs and squatters to clear out. The homeless population will resist and may not be so easily persuaded to give up their spots. Your best bet is to offer them food, booze, or shelter for the night. The street gangs will assuredly fight back. Use your strength or your wits to get the job done.

The gangs will not typically be that tough, most don’t want to step up to the Department's goon squad too heavily lest they wind up in a cell for the rest of their lives. Still, some might be hopped up on encouraging substances and try to escalate. Don’t worry, though. You have the authority of the Enma on your side! Don’t think they will get away with waving a weapon in your face.

The homeless, though, lack strength or weapons. They are more fueled by desperation to keep their spots. Winter hasn't been kind to them, after all, and they don’t have much respect for the Enma's authority. Their belligerent behavior is loud, and often violent despite their absence of means to properly defend themselves. At worst, they’ll probably try to use biological warfare. Don’t ask what's in those bottles...

4. TAMAMO CLAN

Parade costumes need to be designed, crafted, modeled, and then likely mended knowing the rough and tumble yokai. The textile shops and tailors of the area need Tamamo Clan members to help them out. Costumes vary from extremely ornate to extremely sexy. These costumes need to merge form and function, for the Tamamo clan parade marchers that means they need to be able to sell their specific wares while wearing them. (wink wonk)

None of the costumes are floor ready and the shop bosses urge you that these cannot be seen by the public until they are ready. This won’t stop some peeping toms and tammies from trying to scope out the goods. Most of the voyeurs are spying for perverted reasons, but some are from shops outside of Tamamo’s influence trying to copy the designs for themselves. Either way, Tamamo Clan members aren't expected to be just pretty faces. So rough’em up.

5. TASTE TEST (ALL FACTIONS)

For those less interested in their faction's work, the restaurants in the Tamamo territory also need help finalizing their menu offerings for the Night Parade. Taste testers and creative cooks wanted! These aren’t just any dishes though and may have some interesting effects. One may be so spicy that everything burns, your face turns red, and you need to cool yourself off. Or maybe your dish is so good that you need to take a nap – it doesn't matter where you are, you'll just fall asleep right on the spot. Another possibility is a dish that gives you unstoppable energy – literally. It will make you want to get up and go and never stop moving. If you stop moving, it may cause a bigger problem.

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[ How fortunate for him that in this task he was partnered with such a capable man, one that could effortlessly dissuade those looking to investigate into the Kappa's doings. He need not lift a finger, or avert his gaze once from the text he was reading. It was great. Of course, if it ever became necessary then he would provide his aid, but for now, Xingqiu is content to spend the whole of his time reading his book. If he ever speaks it's only in admiration of the novel he is reading. Nothing more.

And he continues in this manner, in fact, even as the man voices his curiosity he doesn't look away from the open pages, on he reads. But he did hear him. It would be difficult to miss that question when presently they are the only two individuals on guard duty at this location. ]

It hardly matters to ponder such things when you know where to find your answer. Well, what do you plan on doing?

[ Well damn, now he's thinking he should've brought a book himself. Standing around is getting boring real fast, and the temptation to investigate is growing like an itch. Yuri casts a glance towards the tunnel's depths, but doesn't move from his spot just yet. ]

Sure, I could take a peek, but somebody's gotta to keep watch. Can I trust you to close your riveting little book long enough to guard the entrance while I'm on break?

[ Because some help would be nice. It's been feeling like a one-man show. Not that it's hard work shooing people away, but if he's doing all the heavy lifting, he'd like to see a raise in his paycheck. ]

[ Discovering the unknown, solving this mystery, it's enticing. More than anything, one has to wonder just why they would feel the need to keep their operations a secret. Could they be up to some devious plot? Who is to say, but at least, for now, Xingqiu's focus is no longer on the book. He doesn't follow his partner's gaze, but rather observes that stifled interest. ]

I see you're not familiar with multitasking. But if it will put your mind at ease, then I'll put a momentary pause to reading. Please enjoy your break.

[ A short bow accompanied by a motion of his arm indicates that Yuri is free to go, go wherever he pleases. Either way, he'll find the means to sate his own curiosity. ]

Much appreciated. I know it's not the most thrilling job.

[ Yuri's simply not very trusting of strangers to watch his back. The things he relied on himself to do, he can be sure it'll get done. Seeing his partner set down the book puts him, not at ease entirely, but enough to push off the wall he's leaning against. ]

See you in a bit. If I find something good, I'll bring you a souvenir.

[ Then he's off into the tunnel's depths. He takes care to be quiet, walking where his boots won't slosh the drain water. A few minutes in, he stumbles on a group of Kappa pushing something covered by a tarp, but he's not able to tail them long before they vanish without a trace.

The tunnels grow more winding further in. Yuri doesn't know the underground like he does back home, and he has a feeling getting lost or caught would spell more trouble than it's worth. So he makes the decision to fold, returning to the entrance of the tunnel empty-handed. ]

[ It was to be expected. Keeping trespassers from delving into the Kappa's business sounded rather mundane, as most jobs such as this tended to be. Seldom did guards ever find themselves needing to use force, rarely would anyone be so bold as to fight their way through. People with devious minds or strength were far between. Besides, this isn't the only entrance, there were others, so there is also that to stack towards probability.

Which is why he had a book with him. He expected a quiet evening. ]

Well, then, may your venture be more fortuitous than mine.

[ There is definitely an implication to be found in his choice of words.

Now, finding himself alone that pause in delving into his book also comes to an end. He is so close to finishing, he simply cannot stop where he has left off. He would devour the whole thing this night, and it's only moments before his coworker's return that his eyes have left the last page. The book held close, a wistful expression on his face. ]

That was quite an adventure.

Glad to see one of us had a fruitful journey.

[ He remarks flatly. Yuri's not all too surprised to find his coworker finished with his book upon return. He'd caught on to the implication of his parting words. As far as he's concerned, he hadn't encountered any trespassers on the way back who might have slipped past a distracted eye, so he's not going to make a fuss about the multitasking. He has other topics at the top of his mind. ]

Would you happen to know much about the Kappa? I was on their tail, but they vanished before my eyes. Almost as if they could turn invisible.

[ A good-natured laugh, an amiable yet apologetic smile, the image of piety as he lowers his gaze. It really could not be helped when the job lacked the excitement that he needed but a good book could provide. And most people could easily be persuaded to abandon their endeavors into the underground in search of the Kappa and their work.

So, even if he did pursue to make strides in this position, he at least completely a good novel. That's what truly matters. ]

Hmm. Nope. Not at all. I've never heard of them before. So this is truly my first time encountering the term Kappa, although perhaps I'm not qualified on details pertaining to yokai.

Let me think. Okay, though I've gone through a maze of tunnels, surveyed the area near the river, I haven't seen any sign of them. As for turning invisible or not, well nothing I've read suggests that to be an ability of theirs. The text I read states they are about the size of children, oh was that what you observed? Anyway, they're supposed to be aquatic so it wouldn't be surprising if they can make a quick getaway through the waterways as they're known to be excellent swimmers.

But I get the feeling what I've read doesn't apply here, see according to what I found the Kappa are described as clumsy when on land. Well, I also read they like to eat children, so... Really I am not sure if any information I have is valuable.

They were small, yeah. It didn't seem like they were slipping into the waterways, or at least, I didn't hear the splashing of water. ...You know, this is the most I've heard you talk all day.

[ What a long and thoughtful answer. Seems his partner can be talkative after all... just when the subject interests him. Yuri has to chuckle at the change in demeanor. ]

I did see them pushing a cart along, but what was inside was covered up. Let's hope they're not bodies. I doubt the Alliance would permit that kind of business.

[ Listening, he takes the information in, at least that single descriptor from the text seems to match but he doesn't get the idea that the man before him got a clear picture of the Kappa. That would have been, semi-useful however, it wouldn't lead to discovering the Kappa's intention. As for not being able to hear any splashing, wasn't anything possible but then so would the ability to disappear a viable skill in the Kappa's repertoire.

Really, it's very little to go on, he'll have to make his own trips down there. And he will. Now as for the comment on how much he speaks, well, something had his attention. ]

You doubt... why? Just for curiosity's sake what makes you sure they wouldn't permit it?

I've known my share of hardened criminals and even they draw the line at killing children.

[ Using children or endangering them, yes, but eating their flesh? Let's hope that stays lore in a book. ]

The Alliance takes weaker tribes under their wing, don't they? I can't imagine they'd turn around and exclude children from their protection.

I do see your point, but wouldn't the draw of the alliance bring just about anyone within its folds?

[ He shakes his head, he isn't certain about anything. Within every organization, there are bound to be dissenting voices, that's all he knows. And whatever was hidden within the cart, it was hidden for a reason, it wasn't meant to be seen by anyone. Not that he expected some explanation, low ranked as he is, but why wouldn't they be willing to provide some satisfactory answer to the other factions, especially to members of higher rank. ]

Not that I am asserting they were carting corpses about. Drat, this is minimal information, but likely all they had were materials for whatever they are constructing.

[ A sigh. ] I don't think it'd be favorable if I keep going down there myself. But...

It's possible. I can't say I've dealt with youkai in the past.

[ Who knows where these creatures draw the line when it comes to what is and isn't too morally reprehensible. Still, he's skeptical a few dissenters can pull off such a macabre scheme when the Daitengu has eyes and ears everywhere, and especially not when the operation attracted as much unwanted attention as the Kappa have.

But Yuri doesn't have much more than speculation to offer at this point. ]

If you can't resist another trip, I'll cover for you. Why not try a different approach this time, like sneaking into one of the carts and having the Kappa waltz you right in. [ He chuckles. ] Then you'll know if you're right about the bodies.

Admittedly neither have.

[ On the other hand, he does have experience with other creature types. However, he won't bother to make a mention of hilichurls as it seems unlikely it's something the present company may have heard of. Xingqiu is aware that he is in the minority, most people have never heard of Teyvat before, and the lands they hail from are completely different, and unknown. Thank goodness anyone can peruse the network, what a vast pool of information, from the useless to the invaluable.

Knowing well, that he too can only speculate at this point, he doesn't offer any more explanations. Instead, he listens to the offer made but soon shakes his head. ]

What I mean is that despite my curiosity, I see it prudent that for the time being I avoid further investigation into the Kappa's business as I'm considering the possibility of grievous consequences in continuing to pester them with my presence.

Three adventures in search of the folds of their lair. That's enough.

Three times already? You're nosier than you look.

[ Yuri had thought him an apathetic bookworm when he didn't even lift a finger earlier, but seems like he can be quite proactive after all.

He settles back against the wall. While he's curious about what's down there, he can't say he's curious to that extent. Not when there's no end to interesting things for him to stick his nose into in a foreign city. ]

Not much else to do but continue on our boring shift, then. We'll know at the parade. Let's hope they make the surprise worth the wait.

[ Sensing that they are just about to settle back into their watch for the night, the long tedious and dull task of standing guard is not over yet. As for him lacking some way to fend off boredom, already he has fetched from his coat a second novel to peruse through their watch. He came prepared. It's held open in his hands, eyes gliding across the page... ]

I'll politely disagree with your assessment, I would hardly call myself noisy, rather I find it necessary to know every detail in any task I am involved in.

[ This only partially explains his lack of work ethic, mostly he is kind of flaky when there is no interest. But now he falls silent and begins making great strides in getting through another book. ]

Hmm, sure, if you want to put it that way. It's not a bad trait to have.

[ He watches a second book get pulled out. Looks like he can't count on small talk to pass the time. Before the other can get too engrossed in his new novel, Yuri tacks on a question. ]

Want to lend me a book?

[ That or he can browse his phone and become a youth of the modern times, but there's a familiar comfort to be found in printed texts. ]

[ Not at all, Xingqiu must continue his adventures delving through many unknown and unheard literary works found through this hell. With no thought to make his stay a permanent one, any moment is used to devour as many books as he can. Presently, he doesn't even glance up as he is spoken to. Completely engrossed in reading. He turns a page, a sound of appreciation made.

After a second, the previous novel read is offered out. Despite how much adoration he seemed to have given the book, it is in pristine condition, while he may enjoy reading he also loves collecting books. Which is why he is slowly building a collection here despite no intention to stay, his home is Liyue after all. ]

[ There he goes, lost in his books again. Yuri isn't even sure if his question has been heard or not until the novel is held out. He accepts the book and holds his tongue since he assumes silence would be preferred over any word of thanks.

If Yuri ever read voraciously, it was in the well-stocked library of Garreg Mach trying to fill the many holes in his education so he could better play pretend a nobleman's son. He doesn't read for pleasure much; the Abyss' collection was meager and there always seemed to be something else higher priority, but here with nothing in his way, he finds it isn't a bad way to pass the rest of the shift. ]

[ A swashbuckling tale of pirates, buried treasure, a wicked captain that all arise upon the discovery of a map that once belonged to a man who departed after being marked for death. That is the tale contained within the book relinquished to Yuri. Of course, Xingqiu doesn't expect it back immediately if interest is taken, while it may not be particularly lengthy their watch will come to an end soon more than likely.

Funny how things worked, in some manner, Xingqiu himself may parallel his coworker. Thick volumes dealing with philosophy and commerce provided by his father were consumed to further his own education, they all have a role to play, however, he found himself fancying a certain genre. Tales of adventure, heroics easily caught his interest as a youth something that may have been lost with age.

Ambition, perhaps as some may view it, a favor and the attention of the gods. From then on he sought to emulate those valiant figures he learned from in text. ]

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March 2022 Mini Event

sutoku alliance

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I think this is a good place to end?