September 2022 Mini Event

[jigokumods]

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While an official announcement hasn't been made yet, it is all but guaranteed that each faction will be sending out forces into the Wasteland to confront Iron Bear for that 100 Billion Bounty. Meanwhile, though...

1. SHUTEN CLAN

Training Day

The street gangs in the area continue to be of note. Normally, this would be a cause for some concern among the Shuten Clan. However, they're good news this time around. The glory of the bounty has caused several of the old gangs to disband and swear up with the Shuten Clan, instead of being a thorn in Toraguma's side. With new recruits, that means it's training day again. Get the new guys into shape by showing them the ropes. Team up among yourselves and instruct these unruly street bros what it means to be a member of the Shuten Clan!

Training day is expected to be rough, but hopefully it's a nice change of pace to be the one barking orders. Initiation rituals can range from hardcore drinking contests, to tests of physical strength, all the way to old reliable: fighting it out. You have a long lead on how creative and demanding you want to be. It's your clan too, after all.

Tools of the Trade

The bounty has just boosted the Shuten Clan's numbers, it has also triggered an increase for demand in weapons and arms. The Shuten's are seeing increased profits in their smuggling business. Sellers are being met with both would-be bounty hunters, and average citizens who are feeling anxious about the state of the world. Currently, Shuten arms shipments are a target to both thieves and the police. They need your protection. Thieves are not necessarily unaffiliated, the other factions would like in on this profit margin.

The Shuten Clan is calling on their lost souls to help transport, protect, and sell weapons. They want you to get these arms into the hands of anyone with the cash. To make your sales, you may want to demonstrate the unique benefits of the different options available. Clients come from all factions, so be on your best behavior to impress, and don't get caught up in a stupid sting operation. The Clan is not interested in losing money bailing you out.

OOC note; Any character outside Shuten can post a top-level trying to obtain Shuten weapons, either purchasing or attempting to steal them. Enma characters can also post top-levels related to this prompt.

2. TAMAMO CLAN

Bottom's Up

The fervor surrounding the bounty and the Wasteland is stressful. The Tamamo Clan specializes in stress relief of all kinds, and they are offering up some new potions just for the occasion. Some of these shady products are little more than placebos, while others might have actual effects. No one can really tell which is which, they all taste the same (read: bad). They might make you feel relaxed, or they might make you even more stressed out. That stress might even end up radiating onto the people around you. Who knows what they'll do, really. It's a dicey option, but maybe the distraction is worth it.

As this is the Tamamo Clan we're talking about, some of these potions will be aphrodisiac in nature. Hey, it's a form of stress relief. Still, the quality and intensity of these potions varies greatly, you don't entirely know what kind of ride you're signing up for.

The big gaps in quality of these potions is due to their rushed creation. Like all the other factions, the Tamamo Clan has other priorities right now as they prepare to head out...

OOC note: This is another "anyone can post a top level related to this prompt" one. We do ask if you're leaning towards the aphro option to properly label your top levels with the appropriate warnings!

Ancient Arts

Even the relaxed Tamamo Clan is feeling the tension in the city. Tenkohime has ordered mandatory weapons drills with the magical weapons in the Clan's armory. She's preparing for war and wants everyone to be at their best. You need to know every tool at your disposal. There are seals, explosives, traps, and more; some stranger than others. Test them on each other and maybe the unsuspecting members of other factions... Just try not to actually kill each other.

Weapons drills will be conducted where lost souls are encouraged to experiment with how different seals will interact with different weapons and abilities. Those who opine that the Tamamo Clan is merely the clan of "fox bitches" will be in a for a rude awakening when all the smiling threats become reality. Tenkohime herself, along with the old fox Kinsei, will be supervising training. Hunter Anna, who works alongside Kinsei in the armory, is also available to share a wealth of knowledge and tips.

They are all watching you with high expectations.

3. SUTOKU ALLIANCE

Jigokucho's Got Talent Part 2

While the last-minute help with filling holes in various clubs bookings was appreciated, a more permanent solution for Moonday's unfortunate hiatus is needed, urgently. One can't just replace the most popular band in the city overnight! It's time to look for Jigokucho's next top performance act to begin in earnest. And that means auditions.

All factions are encouraged to stop by Konoha to audition, but all the acts are judged solely by Alliance swear-ins. Your fate will ultimately come down to whether Sutoku can even tolerate you in their clubs, though. Hope your reputation doesn't precede you. Will you become a hit, or will you get the gong? The only way to find out is to try!

OOC note: Again, this prompt is more or less open to everyone. Sutoku characters are the only ones who can play the part of talent judge.

Running with Wolves

The White Wolves have concerns about the physical fitness of the Sutoku Clan. If we're going to the Wasteland, you need to be able to survive out there! The solution? Exercise drills! Mandatory ones! Yes, this means all you chain-smokers out there. You must pass the White Wolves' extremely high standards. Hope you like push-ups. And sit-ups. And pull-ups. There will also be a lot of running, sprinting, leaping, and other field sports.

Every single Sutoku swear-in is expected to participate. Even if you're an officer. Especially if you're an officer. No excuses will be accepted. And, look: even the Daitengu is participating. They seem to be having fun. You can try to weasel out of it, but good luck. The White Wolves are always vigilant, and they have perfected the disappointed puppy dog face. It will rend your heart in two more effectively than any swipe from their giant swords.

If you are looking for an example of White Wolves' standards, look to your resident junior member: Megumi.

4. DEPARTMENT OF THE ENMA

Friendly Reminder!

Despite the Department's best efforts, the unaffiliated bounty hunters continue to be a problem. There are just too many jerks out there looking for a payday, and the Enma's Department just can't handle them all. They may be the arbiters of law and order in the city, but they can only be in so many places at once. The manpower just isn't there for a full crackdown. But, at some point, inspiration strikes:

A memo circulates among department members instructing them to create several Public Service Announcements to dissuade these miscreants. Come up with creative setting ideas, involve the other members of the Department, and maybe some other factions, too. The best PSAs will receive a small token of the Enma's appreciation: a one-of-a-kind commemorative mug. Show these bounty hunters that their behavior will not be tolerated!

Toys for Good Children

The bounty hunters rounded up thus far have provided the Department with something useful: all of their confiscated gear. Melee weapons, guns, survival tools of all shapes, and a large collection of swords. The big item on the menu is weapons and ammunition, a lot of it. So much so that the storage at Kaigo no Bou is starting to burst at the seams.

Their weapons and tools may prove useful to the Enma...Well, once everyone figures out just what this stuff does. Some of it is your standard weaponry, some of it defies explanation. Sort through the gear and find what's useful, and what isn't. Anything that isn't too dangerous can be sent right back out on the streets. Give it to some thugs as a gift, they'll be grateful and maybe cause problems for the more chaotic factions. It's not your problem once it leaves your hands. And if you happen to get something in return for your generous donation? No one saw a thing.

OOC note; Another prompt where mostly anyone can participate, at least in the "letting the weapons filter back into the streets" aspect. Have your character cut a deal with a Department member to get a cool weapon!

5. ALL FACTIONS - WE KNOW WHO YOU ARE

During the evening news, the anchorwoman is visibly sweating and looking increasingly panicked. She goes on in a trembling voice to say that they have been sent a message from... Iron Bear.

They play the tape...

"I'm disappointed in all of you. You've become fat off of the raven's labor, amassing ill-gotten wealth and resources. I will not stand idly by while what is rightfully mine is disgraced by tainted, swollen fingers. None of this is yours and I will be the one to reclaim it.

But know what is coming next will not be done by us.

When this city is in ashes, it is by my redeeming hand you will rise. Only I will be able to rebuild this world, and restore its glory.

They cannot save you.

We are the holy chosen of this realm, and we know who you are!"

When the tape has concluded, there is a sudden and impactful rumble in Shuten territory. One of their weapon storehouses, namely one that contains plenty of volatile materials, explodes violently. It scatters fire into the nearby streets. Shuten forces will need to rush in to help clear anyone out, but anyone nearby is expected to help. Most of the area is non-residential, so casualties should be minimal, if rescue efforts are quick. But that's just the start of it...

The Iron Bear's words ring true. The bomb couldn't have been planted by his followers, not completely unseen. Someone else planted that bomb. Worse, there are more bombs throughout the city that need to be defused. Time is ticking down quickly, and no one knows whom to trust.

The factions have already begun to sabotage each other. The Iron Bear delivered the first blow of this new war without lifting a finger. Things are looking rough...

Welcome to the mini event!

• If you have any questions about event content, please ask them here!
• FOR THE PURPOSES OF REWARDS, since all of these prompts tie into the main plot in some way, we will count all qualified threads in this post as 2 point threads!
• If you have questions about the game itself, please check out the premise, FAQ, and rules pages.

Comments

Mayoi Ayase | Ensemble Stars | Sutoku | ota

[rottencactus]

Jigoku's Got Talent: Part 2

[Well. This is probably a good thing. Apparently his performances from earlier in the month remained on a few people's minds and now that he was officially a member of the Alliance, he was sought out to do some judging? He couldn't very well refuse and he did fancy himself a keen eye when it came to talent, considering. This is a little more involved than just watching people perform late at night and leaving a note, or even training his own unit, but it's still not super crowded and he isn't the only one on the panel. Probably.]

[So you have two options. 1: You perform well. You either have experience that marks you as talented or you are an amateur, rough around the edges, but with unmistakable raw talent. You get a pass from Mayoi, but he does have a little to say afterwards.]

M-My vote is you pass. Congratulations, and ah, if you'd like to wait until we're finished, I have some notes I took that may be valuable to you.

[Or you fail. You're either objectively terrible or maybe you are genuinely trying your best but you don't quite hit his, remarkably high standards.]

I'm sorry! I'm sorry! The gong is so loud, but! Um! I-I think you did your very best, but unfortunately it isn't what we're looking for ...ah, but if you'd like to discuss my criteria, I'll happily give you my notes.

[Of which he will have taken. Lots of. Mayoi is meticulous and thorough and you WILL know why he gave you the NOPE.]

Jigoku's got Talent: Part 2: Part 2

[You have not gone yet, but you are getting a little bit if practice in backstage. No one else seems to be around other than the occasional other contestant or the harried staff member.]

[Until you have the strangest feeling of being watched. It's hard to say where it's coming from, as no one else seems to be around, but then, suddenly, out of the corner of your eye- Mayoi appears.]

[He is holding out a very nicely written note out to you while he stares down and refuses to make eye contact.]

I'm sorry! I-I didn't mean to surprise you! I just noticed you were practicing a-and ...I made some notes. If they will help you ...you are free to use them.

[Accept them or not, they are very well observed notes. A missed step you didn't notice, or perhaps the timing of a verse, or a small suggestion to try something in a different key or range. Whatever it might be, it's good advice.]

We Know Who You Are

[Hahaha, holy shit. This is actually really bad. Mayoi had caught himself thinking things were weirdly peaceful in this place in comparison to what he was used to back home, so of course he's immediately punished for his complacency.]

[He's on the streets when the explosion happens, and it's so sudden and so loud, Mayoi genuinely doesn't react until the screaming and sirens start. It takes nothing for the adrenaline to take over.]

[He's scared out of his mind but he can't turn away from this, so his body moves on it's own. His fear is simply too great that he doesn't feel it at all and he rushes towards the epicenter, looking for people who might be caught under debris or if there is anyone he can assist giving first aid. While the location could have been worse, it's still actually awful to witness once he's there.]

Please! I-I need some help, I can't lift this one my own!

[Whoever you are, Mayoi is going to call out to you while he tries to lift some chunk of metal off this poor bystander that had this misfortune of being too close.]

ATTACKING - we know who you are

[threateningly]

[Sannan appears almost out of nowhere, in the right place at the right time for once in his damnable afterlife. He rushes up at the call for help and--though he wishes he had his Fury strength right now--slips his hands and a leg under the edge of the debris to get a good hold of it, lifting it little by little.]

Pull them out, now. Gently, gently...

!!!!!

[rottencactus]

[Oh, thank goodness he did not have to wait too long. He has stamina, but he had doubts about how long he could actually hold that piece up. He's quick to comply and gets his arms around the person.]

[Luckily the person isn't totally immobile and with the brunt of the weight off them, Mayoi is able to pull them out fairly quickly.]

I'm sorry, I'm sorry, please hold on just a little bit more, I-I've almost got you--

[There. Sannan should be free to drop the rubble.]

[threateningly]

Well done.

[He drops it carefully down, then kneels a slight distance away to take stock of the situation.]

I know some first aid, if you don't.

[rottencactus]

[The relief pours out of him once the bystander seems to be mostly okay.]

I-I ...I know a little bit. Tending to performance injuries b-but nothing more than that.

[Even so, he's already trying to figure out the best way to make them comfortable.]

[threateningly]

[Performance? Interesting.

Sannan hesitates for a moment at the sight of a tiny amount of blood, covering his mouth briefly, then moves to see if there are any broken bones he needs to set. At least the bystander doesn't seem tuned in to them having a conversation.]

Are you a performer yourself?

Part 2 of Part 2

[localweirdo]

[After her first attempt at dance up on stage, she had a rather fun time with the crowd cheering her on. That said, she figured she might as well give it another try. As she started to dance around with her hands, she couldn't deny that that it felt like someone was watching her.

Looking around, that's why she spied an unfamiliar face. Raising an eyebrow at he approached her and gave her some notes, she looked back at him before looking downward.]

Is that timing really that bad?

[rottencactus]

[Once she has the notes, he looks about ready to bolt, honestly. He's trying to be better about sticking around once he gives his advice, but, the desire to just vanish back into the shadows is very palpable.]

[Particularly for reasons like this.]

A-Ah, no! No, it's not that your timing is bad, I just think ...if you shifted the timing back just a bit, it could make your movements more fluid.

[localweirdo]

[Again, looking back at the notes and then back at him, she wondered what to do here. On the one hand, she never met him and wasn't sure if he was new to this world. On the other...?

A small grin appeared on her face.]

Is that so? Then care to show me? I think you can do it much better than I can.

[He seem like an easy target.]

[rottencactus]

[Hm. Is that grin encouraging or ...why does he have a bad feeling about this. Ah ...it's probably nothing. She seems nice enough, right? Maybe?]

Oh... yes. I can do that.

[That's fair to ask, right? After all, if he was going to have the audacity to give her some tips, then he should demonstrate his ability. He did recall the movements just fine, he thinks. He was watching very closely, after all.]

[So give him a few moments and he will do just that! Despite his timid nature, he is very well versed in training others, so he is able to follow through on what she asks. Of course, he is very focused, so if she were to get up to mischief while he did this, she'd be able to.]

[localweirdo]

[At first, she didn't say anything. Instead, her stared at him as he danced what she did before. Although, it didn't take long before she attempted to dance alongside with him. Trying her best to follow along whatever he was doing, she could see what he meant about how her timing was off.

And yet, she kept on giggling.]

I see what you meant. If you're this good, why not dance with me? I'm sure we'll be able to win the prize!

we know who you are

[mechspeed]

[Mayoi calls for help and he's answered by a machine rather than a person; Metal's quite a fair distance away when he hears a cry for help, so rather than bother trying to run he propels himself the whole way with the turbine on his back. It's a leap and an instantaneous burst of ignition - all he can manage in this place, as of yet - that carries him across the gap between himself and his target way faster than he ever could have reached them by trying to run. His landing isn't too gentle either, owing to the fact he's almost 300lbs of pure metal.]

Stay calm.

[It sounds a bit more like an order than encouragement, but still. Metal stands beneath the rubble from where he could hold it...if not for the fact Mayoi is a whole two feet taller than him so it's unlikely they could hold it together, not to mention it wouldn't make sense given one of them has to pull the people to safety, right? But he raises his arms above his head and his limbs extend telescopically, claws digging into the iron debris as they close shut. It's braced against his weight rather than him trying to lift it.]

My body is more suited towards securing the debris than rescuing the individual beneath it. Ensure the civilian is pulled free.

[Also sounds like an order rather than asking...he's just like this.]

[rottencactus]

[No, that's okay. He responds well enough to orders. Well- stay calm is not something Mayoi is really great at even on his best of days, but he is able to hold it together and actually follow through with what needs to be done.]

[He would look back on this and think that he did impressively well, actually, especially when he did not just faint from terror when a whole ass robot dropped out of the sky to come help him. His adrenaline will carry him remarkably far, as it turns out.]

O-Okay! Okay!

[He does not waste any time getting under to pull the person out. He is putting his faith in this ...kind of cute robot, actually, to not have the debris dropped on him in turn.]

[mechspeed]

Stand back.

[Unless they do want to be crushed by debris, because that's the only way that's going to happen. His body is, as he said, perfectly capable of holding it up during their escape; once they're out and he makes it clear they should make some distance between themselves and the rubble, he loosens his grip on the metallic debris before pushing himself back with a little jump. The debris crashes hard, but they've all managed to get out of squashing distance.

He almost leaves it at that but...while he has no compassion for the people in Jigoku, he does have a vested interest in fulfilling his contract. Order and justice, right? So that means...]

Are either of you injured?

[Caring. At least in a purely objective sense.]

[rottencactus]

[Yep, you don't have to tell him twice. He will scurry out with the bystander as far as needed. He jumps a bit when the debris comes crashing down and there is a very uncomfortable feeling in the way his heart drops at the thought of that having almost been this bystander.]

[How close ...]

[Mayoi is at least instructing that person to lay down while he checks for anything more than superficial injuries.]

I-I [Give him a second, he's a very jittery guy and he is running on pure adrenaline right now.] I'm fine.

[The rescued does respond that they may have wrenched their knee or ankle something bad under the debris but other than some scrapes, feel fine. Mayoi nods and will start tearing fabric from some part of his clothes, his coat probably, to at least start working on bandaging them up.]

[He will turn and at Metal and then offer him a grateful bow of his head.]

T-Thank you. I-I wouldn't have been able to save them myself.

[mechspeed]

Your gratitude is unnecessary. I am fulfilling my duty as a member of the Enma.

[The gratitude is also wasted because he's kind of a jerk, but at least he won't insist on it further.

Regardless, Metal gives the surrounding area a quick survey.]

This place is in chaos. It must be quelled.

[He somehow makes "I have to try and calm the situation down" sound like a threat.]

we know who you are.

[potensum]

[ mayoi's voice isn't loud enough to be heard over everyone else's, specially when there's panic all over. but bradley was close enough to catch it, and though normally he doesn't like helping random people, he's weak to kids in trouble, so he steps over, looking at the chunk of metal over the rando with his hands in his pockets. ]

...Step away, kid. I'll do it. Else you'll end up hurtin' yourself, too.

[rottencactus]

[Oh, thank goodness someone came. He's not doing much good trying to hold it up. This person might otherwise seem intimidating, because Mayoi finds everyone intimidating, but this entire situation is pretty scary so he'd be jumpy no matter what someone said to him, probably.]

E-Eek! Yes! Sorry!

[But he will back up and give the guy some space...]

[potensum]

[ don't worry mayoi your fear fuels him, and it makes him want to show off more, lifting off the piece of metal with little effort, though bradley's completely uninterested in checking if the person trapped underneath is healthy or not.

instead, he looks ay mayoi. ]

Are you hurt anywhere?

wildcarding part 2 of part 2 of part 2 recurring

[hyperfix]

[Being a judge is something that Rui just doesn't have the panache for; he'd already turned down his troupe once, at the start, and that had been hard enough even though it had been a clear-cut choice. Something like this, with stakes a lot less clear, is quite beyond him.

So he'd volunteered to be on-hand backstage, instead. Assisting performers with their microphones or costumes, organising props; this is where he thrives, truly. All amongst that nervous adrenaline-laced air, and once every performer slips back offstage, he takes the opportunity to shake their hands and congratulate them on their courage to even audition. A good networking opportunity all told, a nice little teaser to get him hungry for working at the theatres in between street gigs--

and then there's Mayoi, having just finished a little tete-a-tete with one of the hopefuls yet to go onstage. Positively vibrating out of his skin, but when isn't he?]

Ayase~ [Only called once he has a free moment and he's sure that the conference is over, of course. Clearly Mayoi's doing something out of the goodness of his own heart, and to interrupt would be cruelty.] Have you finished judging already, or do you have your eye on some potential? Fufu~

and 2and 2 and2 a nd2 a 2nd and

[rottencactus]

[Yes, that is exactly what Mayoi is doing. He is a little nervous handing the performer his notes, because, usually, he just drops his advice and vanishes into the shadows never to be fully glimpsed. That was how his reputation in Yumenosaki started, after all. "Phantom-kun" the Oddballs all seemed fond of calling him.]

[Not that that matters here, and to avoid becoming that horrid, insignificant "Phantom" once again, he's staying around so the person can ask him questions if he needs to. It goes very well, actually, the person seemed pleased to have a detailed critique of their performance. He sighs in relief once they're gone and then...]

[Oh! Mayoi perks right up when he sees who called out to him.]

Rui-san, Rui-saaaaan, hello!

[He folds his hands behind his back with a pleased little smile.]

I had a few notes to give. There's so much potential here already, I am having a lovely tiiiime ~♪

THAT'S 2 MANY!!!

[hyperfix]

They looked glad to receive your help, so I'm sure you'll get to see them shine all the more for your notes.

[He slips over and gently pats Mayoi's shoulder, smile warm and eyes shining. It's so wonderful to see his friend look like this, to find somewhere almost comfortable in this place.]

You really are observant, aren't you? Is that why your eyes are so striking, I wonder? I'd thought that it was the colour and shape alone, but maybe it's because you see so much more in people than others might, that they stand out so wonderfully.

[Never mind that Rui's gaze is flitting all over Mayoi's face at the moment, lingering for a second on his mouth, then back to the eyes. No Big.] Maybe if tonight continues so well, you should take up tutoring others instead. I think you'd do quite well, since you look like you're having so much fun~

[rottencactus]

It would be my greatest jooooy, to watch someone grow and learn and become better. There is nothing that makes me happier to see, fufu~

[So, yes, despite how nervous he looked before, the truth is, this is something he actually loves to do. It just ...takes a lot of courage to work up to doing it.]

[Of course Rui does his Rui thing and gets in real close to look at him. There is always a bit of worry when it happens, because he naturally reacts poorly to being looked at so close without warning, but because its Rui, he relaxes fairly quickly. He lets out a little sigh, but his mood doesn't seem dampened at all.]

I-It isn't worth praising that much, Rui-san. I am simply ...putting to use my poor tendency to watch and stare at others from the shadows. If I must be such a creeping shadow, then being able to use it well is the least I can do.

[And then, of course, he will fluster a little bit.]

Ah- I'm the trainer for my unit back home. They tell me that I'm good at it, even if they also tell me that I work them until their bodies are weak and their souls are weaaaary~

[hyperfix]

Is it a poor tendency when it's something that you've put to such good use? Social mores are strange at the best of times, as far as I'm concerned; they're not really worth putting so much stock in that you'd crush yourself under heel for them.

[But then again, it's Rui saying that. Whether it means much coming from him is up in the air, of course, and he knows that all too well. So it gets dropped, and he simply tips his head to the side, back and forth, without letting go of Mayoi's shoulder.

His city now. He'll even gradually turn it into slinging his whole arm around both shoulders, certainly not as a conscious effort but just casually inserting himself into as much space as he's allowed.] That makes sense, then. Your exacting standards for yourself carry over to others, at least during training...If I can find Ensemble Square when I return home, I'll come to one of your unit's shows. I want to see the fruits of your labours, and you feeling like you're at your best.

You're not a creeping shadow in my eyes, you know. You're quite the treasure. I'm sure that I'm not the only one to think so.

Wildcarding Part 2-2~

[afflatusexarch]

[ Talent is something that should be nurtured and not necessarily judged on a scale with others. There are an array of different skills and to pit different types together instead of separate categories seems a bit unfair to G'raha. Never the less, this is how it is to be done. He isn't about to shy away from the task just because of that.

His partner is a little sheepish about the way that he conducts the denial of his vote. At least he was gentle enough to attempt more of a critique than an outright "oh this isn't any good." ]

I would also implore you to hone your skills. The most important thing is to continue to enjoy and be passionate about what it is you are doing. Focus upon what you are trying to achieve. Set some specific, reasonable, and measured goals.

[ In other words, strive for that improvement! Then he turns to his partner with a soft smile. ]

'Tis a difficult thing, to find a balance between being fair and not wanting to crush one's spirit.