jigokulogs | September 2022 Mini Event

September 2022 Mini Event

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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.

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[ The knock upon his apartment door is nothing surprising, as Zhongli is often visited by people nowadays. He's gotten his footing here and has made some acquaintance thus far. But his eyes do widen once he sees who it is at his door. His expression turns soft as he smiles, looking curiously behind the other man with some amusement. ]

Had I known we were to exchange gifts I would have brought you something. Please come in, I've just made a fresh pot of tea if you'd like some.

[He can't identify the odd feeling he gets when he sees Zhongli's expression soften and turn to amusement. It's... nice? Something like that.]

I would love some.

[He slips inside politely and puts the case aside on the floor nearby the door. with most people he's being very swift with these deliveries, or at least he's trying to be. However, the invitation for tea means he might be here for a bit, so there's no rush.]

And you needn't get me anything in return. I owed you something, as I've said from the beginning, and this is my repayment.

[ Zhongli feels much the same when he's in the presence of the other man. But he does still look curiously back at that case. ]

If you insist. Your unexpected arrival is more than enough as repayment, but please, sit. I'll get our tea ready it's always nice to enjoy it in the company of another.

[ He is wondering though what Sannan has brought over. ] Some manner of decor is it?

[Maybe Zhongli is just a calming influence on him. That... makes total sense considering their past interactions, right? ...Right????]

You're too kind, as always. [He takes a seat in whatever chair or seat is nearest to his case.] Maybe I'll invite you over for tea, too. We'll keep this back and forth going, like a game.

[Looking to the case, he looks slightly grim, but he's still smiling.]

No, I'm afraid it's nothing that lovely. [Well, it's actually kind of lovely, but.] The case is full of weapons. I've brought plenty so you can pick what suits you, but I'll admit one of them made me think of you immediately.

I would like that. I enjoy your company so that offer will always be accepted. [ He can't help but smile a bit as he speaks those words. He'll get their tea setup and brewing watching the case and Sannan as well. ]

Weapons? I have been without mine since I arrived...which were you thinking suited me? I'm quite intrigued to hear your answer.

Now you're just tempting me to make it a regular thing.

[Sannan feels his neck threaten to go warm at that statement. Someone saying they like spending time with him is... exceedingly rare. He's missed feeling like he has someone he can simply coexist with and have his company be considered a good thing. He hasn't really had that since Okita.

And Zhongli having particular weapons tracks, to Sannan, so he's glad he called that much about him. Sannan's own swords have history and names, after all. With a careful smile, he gets back up and goes to the case.]

Considering your height and temperament when challenged, which reminded me of another member of the Shinsengumi...

[He opens the case and pulls out the longest thing in the case. It's long, like it barely fit in there. And as he unwraps it, it's revealed to be a polearm. There are ornate designs in the handle in various places in stone and mother of pearl, and there's a ruddy-colored tassel on the end.]

We call these yari, but I think you'd call it a polearm.

Are such temptations a bad thing? We both enjoy each other's company, that much is certain. Why not have some tea and sweets while doing so, hm? I have been meaning to try out a few new shops I've located nearby, if you'd like to join me the offer is there.

[ But Zhongli will wait while Sannan retrieves whatever he's brought over. He had an inkling as to what was in said bag but the reality of it is even more beautiful than he had thought. His eyes will widen with surprise he'll come over then, offering his hand out to take it, and once given he'll twirl it a few times in hand with effortless ease. There's an appreciative hum from him as he smiles. ]

It's perfect. Thank you for the gift. Though how did you come to acquire such a magnificently crafted weapon?

...Consider it done, then.

[The fact that that is almost a date doesn't escape him entirely, but he calmly writes it off and swallows the touch of pure joy he feels at being accepted.

And, good gods, does he look magnificent with that weapon! Sannan steps back politely so Zhongli can do as he will.]

Absolutely acceptable means, by which I mean... You know the weapons we've been sorting through at the Department? This was in there. The moment I saw it, I thought of you, so I put it away safely where no one could take it or... catalog it, or redistribute it. I wanted you to have it.

[He looks down to the case.]

I did bring some others, but this one seemed very... you.

The fact that you knew...is quite telling how observant you really are. It's very captivating to watch. And now perhaps we might be able to spar again. Now that I have a weapon at my disposal there's no need to share. [ Zhongli can't help but sound amused as he places the spear against the wall, motioning for Sannan to follow him back into the kitchen and living room area. He'll finally finish with the tea, offering the other man a cup. ]

While I have mastered most weaponry the spear has always been my preferred. Any weapon you would have brought would have sufficed, but this one is expertly made and its appearance is not dissimilar from Liyue's brand of weapons. So I must thank you for the thoughtful gift, I will cherish it for as long as I remain here.

[He can't handle Zhongli's honest praise for the moment, so he falls silent for a beat.]

It was a guess. There's a lovely sword in there, too. But you have quite the height and reach, so it would be a shame to waste that on a shorter weapon. I'd absolutely delight in sparring with you with it.

[Maybe it won't... or will? End up the same way it did last... time...

Following, he takes a seat on some communal seating and accepts the tea with a faint smile.]

It's the least I can do. I feel rather passionately about making sure the people I... enjoy spending time with are taken care of and protected. Even if I can't be there, the spirit of the sentiment remains. [A small laugh.] I don't mean to sound so sentimental.

Then we should set a time and date, whenever we're both free, perhaps after work if you'd like? [ Zhongli's got plenty of free time and can definitely make some for the other man. ]

No there's nothing to laugh at. Such sentiments are something that I find rather endearing and charming, to say the least. To protect those you care about is nothing to be embarrassed over. [ In fact it's this kind of thing that's made Zhongli like the other man so much. Humans and their kindness are unparalleled it seems and that's also why he's found himself enjoying their company so much here. To want to protect something that much, to have that resolve to do so, things like that are what Zhongli loves the most about humans and humanity in general. ]

I know that I do not have to repay your kindness but- [ hm. Zhongli will set his hot cup of tea down before he moves towards the other, reaching out to cup Sannan's cheek with a gloved hand before he presses a light and fleeting kiss to the other man's lips. He looks bemused as he pulls away. ] -perhaps that will suffice.

After work, then. I ought to think about relaxing more, right? That's what I've been warned of.

[He is trying so hard to be cool and chill and calm in the face of everything he's being given. And here he came this way to give him a gift!

When he gets a kiss in return, his eyes close and his cheeks go a bit pink. Why, why, why, why does Zhongli bring out the absolutely idiotic side of him? And why doesn't he mind...]

Why would something like a kiss be a suitable return? [He opens his eyes.] I expect at least two.

Taking the day one step at a time is something I always have lived by and mention it to others who are hard at work. [ Zhongli will mutter as he moves back in for another kiss. This time it's a bit deeper and his hand is on the other's chin to tilt it up slightly. ]

And relaxing will mean spending more time with those you cherish, correct? Things like this could become commonplace if you so desired, so why not embrace them?

[ He'll straighten once more with a smile before he turns to grab his cup, taking a sip as he watches Sannan with those eyes of his. ] I appreciate all the hard work you're doing, so you should be entitled to some time off to relax. How have you been feeling? It's been some time since you've last...ask for my blood. Are you in need of any?

You're as wise as you are many, many other things.

[Did his feigned tsundere just get absolutely obliterated by sincerity? And why is this his weakness in life?

Actually, no. He's not mad. He's smiling and he can't stop smiling. Raising his own teacup, he all but hides behind it, letting eye contact linger.]

I've been trying to rest when I can, but admittedly I'm trying to find my place. That necessitates extra work. It's bound to be worthwhile, isn't it? Or am I trying too hard? Who can say...

[His eyes drift to Zhongli's neck, then back up.]

I can feel myself on edge. I can feel things slipping. I'll need it soon, but as always I push myself to the absolute limit.

[ That gets a frown from him as he turns to fully look at Sannan again. ] Why push yourself so much when there are those here that are willing to help you? You shouldn't let it get to a point where you are at your limit. If you require my blood then...you are free to have it while you're here.

[ It's not as if Zhongli was planning on doing much today anyway. It was a bit draining, true, but it's a good cause so he can't exactly say he minds and it would be better to stop the progression before it got any worse. ]

[Ah. The question. He doesn't exactly want to answer it, but he's going to, and he's going to be honest. It's so uncomfortable to admit to this, honestly... but maybe Zhongli will somehow understand.]

It isn't a matter of convenience. I appreciate more than you know that you're willing to help me. And as... honestly pleasurable as it ultimately is to feel the relief that comes with partaking, it's a matter of pride. Or perhaps me clinging to some shreds of my humanity.

[He looks down into the tea for a moment.]

There's a point at which indulging the need creates more need, and I refuse to reach that point. If I lose who I am or lose my self control, it makes me no better than a monster.

I see. Though I am not human, losing one's control over themselves is something that I have thought about and have dealt with in my past. It's one of the many reasons why I stepped down from my own position back home, as the thought and threat of...losing myself as an outcome was clear to me. But let it be known that I would not think you a monster, regardless of what happens.

[ He knows this is something that Sannan fights with every day of his life, and not a choice that he likes to indulge in. ] If there is anything I might be able to do then to help you through it, well, you are always free to contact me and even stay here if you so wish to.

[Somehow, learning that Zhongli wasn't human had made him all the more fond. He's reminded of it now, and it warms his heart in the strangest way. There's still this odd, ethereal feeling of Zhongli being just out of his reach in certain ways. He can't put his finger on it, other than noting that he's never known anyone like him. It's comforting, too, to not be alone, and to feel like someone he holds in high regard would look at him as no less of a man for being what he is. It wasn't so simple back home. He was feared. He was a liability, to some.

All he has to do is make this simple explanation, and Zhongli accepts it. If Sannan thought he couldn't like him any more than he already did, he was wrong.]

I appreciate your generosity. [A soft smile.] It really is a comfort, being understood. Even among the other Furies, no one understood how I felt. No one wanted what I wanted in the way I wanted it. No one was willing to go to the lengths I went to, in research, in self-denial, in bending myself to the breaking point. Yet...

[It's so simple.] ...Here you are, showing me that I can cling to my reason and my weakness at the same time. So easily. [...] May I ask something personal?

And that is what precisely makes you a fascinating and charming man. There are many that go to enormous lengths to achieve their goals and many fail as do succeed. But to do it with such vigor and tenacity is...something that I can appreciate and fully understand. Weakness does not make you any less of a person, Sannan. Through our weaknesses, we can only grow and become stronger.

[ After all was he not the same during the archon war? Even afterward, he had ensured his people had safe harbor and passage. Had a means to food, growth, education, and trade. It took over 6000 years but he could finally rest easy knowing that his people could handle themselves in any scenario. ]

You may. What is it you would like to know?

[Fascinating? Charming? He's not even sure that's correct. But if Zhongli thinks so, he's secretly grateful.]

I've lived by that. I took every weakness they said we possessed and I stared it down until I found as many solutions as I could. And for the impossible... I'm here. Even if the last secret being a Fury holds for me is how to undo it all, I still think I've done what I can.

[Yet Hijikata held him back. Yet others doubted him. Others thought he might well be a villain. He's done everything for his men, including everything he does here to ensure he obtains the answer to restoring their humanity.

He will not fail them. And he needs and wants to surround himself with people who understand that everything he does is thoughtful and deliberate. Every choice he makes, even if they seem ill-advised, has been weighed against the consequences. Here... he doesn't even want to get involved with this world too deeply, but he sees the opportunities creeping up on him. He'll have to decide how to move on that soon, too. If it makes him stronger, if it propels him toward his goal, it's worth it.

Zhongli has been... every kind of understanding that he could possibly wish for, and with none of the tense baggage he has with certain others who hail from his history. Zhongli feels safe and dependable, understands everything he says as though he's been there himself. He knows Zhongli isn't human, but...]

Forgive me for asking quite this way, but who or what are you? I can't hold back my curiosity when you always sound like you understand exactly what I've gone through. I truly don't mind if you want to be vague, or even if you don't want to answer. I'll respect whatever answer you give. Yet somehow I want you to know that I'm deeply invested in... this. Whatever this connection is. What am I dealing with?

[ Ah, well, he should've expected the other to ask about this at some point. Given everything that they've been through thus far, it's really not so strange for him to get curious and Zhongli has been putting it off. He takes another few sips of his tea before setting his cup down again and crossing his arms over his chest. ]

I am...was what was known as an archon in my world. A god of sorts handed a specific power after the great Archon War, which was to weed out the weak against the strong. As you can imagine back then I had my fair share of fights and struggles, adapting to life after such a tumultuous time was...difficult for me considering that I was a war god in a sense. [ He pauses here though, his tone sadden as his amber eyes look elsewhere for a brief moment. ]

I learned through the help of others how to acclimate and slowly understand humans, their wants, desires, and things of that nature. I founded Liyue 3,700 years ago and was its protector and god for much of it. I went by the name of Morax back then, but since retiring I am now the man you see before you, known only as Zhongli. I apologize for not telling you as I...did not want whatever we have together to be disrupted by this knowledge. But it's not fair to keep such a thing from you who has only been open and eager to share their past with me.

[ He's not sure how the other may react but he wouldn't be surprised if things ended up going south now that he's divulged his true nature. ]

[He listens carefully, taking it in. It's ridiculous to Sannan that he's managed to fall for a former god, but none of the rest of it fazes him. He knew he was up against someone who'd lived a long life, who had experiences that made him able to understand even the most abstract concerns.]

There's no need to apologize. I'm sure there's someone out there who would try to use you, or hold the information against you... Or perhaps worse, put you on an unnecessary pedestal.

[Zhongli clearly doesn't mind not being put on that pedestal. He's treated Sannan as nothing but an equal, and Sannan is so much less than in certain ways that it's almost laughable.]

I'm not even entirely surprised. This also doesn't change how I see you, or how I feel. I might be terribly curious to hear thousands of years of stories, but other than that... You're just you, to me. You accepted me as I am, and I've never had any intention of doing anything but the same for you.

[Now it's Sannan's turn to divert his eyes.]

My curiosity always takes its toll on others. I'm sorry for asking you to speak of something difficult.

[ Though it's hard to tell that Zhongli's expression does brighten considerably at Sannan's response. There's a smile touching his lips and eyes as he hums a little, moving closer to the other only to take a seat near him. ] I never have considered you the type of man to do any of those things. Perhaps that's why I was more than comfortable telling you such a secret. But I thank you regardless because it's only made my choice all the clearer.

[ He says with an amused tone as he takes another sip of his tea. ] And there's no need to apologize since it was my choice, in the end, to divulge it to you. I should perhaps be grateful to you. For allowing me to get it off my chest and perhaps I won't be so...secretive of what I am in the future.

[He looks back to Zhongli as the man takes a seat beside him.]

Even if you are, I wouldn't blame you for it. I'm probably too free with telling others of my condition, even though it's not widely discussed. I show the symptoms, so I felt it was necessary to explain.

[He wouldn't force Zhongli to divulge anything to anyone, and he would gladly maim anyone who tried to. Thinking about that actually makes him bristle a bit internally, so he pushes the protectiveness from his mind as soon as it enters. A god doesn't need him.]

Somehow I knew something was odd, though I might blame that on the... well, your blood. It's different. At least, it feels different. The supernaturally aligned... You've all been quite different from mere humans. So sometimes I feel I know you're special.

[A beat. And he makes an idiotic decision. He slides a hand over, and settles the tips of his curved fingers on Zhongli's arm.]

I happen to think you're unique for more than just that, of course.

The circumstances of your condition are a bit different as they affect your livelihood. I'm glad you've discussed them with me, given the severity of your symptoms upon our first meeting.

[ Zhongli does hum at that. So he can through his blood as well, huh? ]

You are not the first to tell me that. [ Zhongli blinks before giving Sannan a smile as he lightly grabs the other man's hand and brings it to his lips in a feathery light kiss. ]

I am much the same with regard to you, Sannan. You are more than what you seem and that is what I enjoy about your company.

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September 2022 Mini Event

Friendly fire

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