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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Right… Trust me, I don’t want to use them any more than I have to. But it does make me feel better to have, just in case. [He grins weakly.] As soon as we get through this mess, I promise I’ll visit.

[Digging around in his bag, he pulls out a small bottle.]

Can’t have you bringing me a gift without giving you something in return, right? Here— a small token from the Tamamo Clan. Things are pretty rough right now. It’s got an unpleasant taste but it should help with the tension and fatigue.

I'll show you a few basics tonight or tomorrow, if you have time. The survival part.

[He knew he could trust his judgement on Nazuna at least. But then he looks absolutely surprised at being given anything in return.]

...You're too kind. You really don't need to worry about someone like me.

[But he takes a bottle and looks the substance over.]

A medicine?

Thanks— I really appreciate it. Either one is fine with me.

[Nazuna nods, before giving him a wry, exasperated smile.]

You went out of your way to worry about me, didn’t you? And even if you didn’t I would still worry, you know. I want to make sure all the people I care about make it out in one piece. Whatever I can do to help, I want to do it.

[Sannan has swords and is kind of undead-ish. He considers himself tougher in current event-like situations than a musician...

Hearing someone point-blank say they care about him just makes his whole body freeze for a moment, and his cheeks and neck feel warm. There might be the most delicate of shakes to his voice when he speaks.]

Then would you mind if I stayed here for a while, until my next meeting?

Mmnn. [Nazuna shakes his head.] As a matter of fact, I insist~

[His apartment isn’t terribly large but it’s clean and these days it’s not just a lack of use. There’s more life to it since his roommate joined him. His desk has a few plush dolls on them and a vase of flowers, along with a few books and papers.]

Make yourself at home.

I might try that medicine, at this rate.

[He's remarkably tense.

Sannan's idea of making himself at home entails him walking over to the desk to look at the dolls, actually.]

These are cute. May I?

[He goes to pick one up, but won't unless it's okayed.]

You should~ if it helps, there's always more where that came from.

[He lets Sannan do his own exploring and smiles when he stops by the dolls. They're a bit rough around the edges... his skills are still nowhere close to where they should be. But it's clear he put a great deal of effort into them anyway, trying to do them as best he can.]

Those--? Yeah. I made them myself. Go ahead.

[It's a bit embarrassing, but it's clear he's still very fond of them. Proud, even.]

Then I'll help myself. I'm quite easy to convince right now. I feel like I've been tense for a month.

[Sannan pauses, then inspects the dolls one by one.]

They're lovely. Heartfelt. I'm impresssed.

[He only knows how to destroy things, really. He can do some medical things, but... Making a doll is so far beyond him that he earnestly admires the skill.]

Probably not without good reason. I think we've all been working pretty hard to do what we can. It's important to make sure we take what breaks we can-- and a little too easy to forget to do that sometimes.

[There are five in total-- three in one type of outfit and two in another. There's also an unfinished project he has notes and patterns set aside for.]

Yeah... they're... the loved ones that I'm working hard to get back to. Having them here and being able to look at them is a good reminder.

[A pause, then he speaks quietly.]

I'm accustomed to the pressure, and to loss, and to war. This is just... too much inaction and it feels like I'm watching the same petty squabbles that put me where I am happening in the place meant to save me.

[He sighs, and pushes his hair back, then smiles faintly.]

It was different at home. I had the luxury of something like focus.

[Sannan looks at each doll in turn, committing their appearances to memory.]

They're very lucky to have you. I don't... miss anyone, I think. It's difficult to say. They'd be happy to know you're thinking of them.

[Although he doesn't seem lie the type who would have any reason to react to words like that; there's certainly something there. Recognition. Understanding, in it's own, albeit different way.]

Yeah... It feels like we're always left waiting for something to happen-- then when it does, we're left scrambling, trying to make the best of it. Don't get me wrong, I'd rather see things peaceful... but it's hard not to expect the worst.

[But that was why Robin and him decided they wanted to create their idol unit. To give people something they could genuinely smile about, even when things were rough. He wasn't running away from the bad anymore.]

...you think? [He gives Sannan a soft, worried look.] Mm... well, I don't know how much some of them miss me. But it would be nice if when this was all over they'd all be happy to see me again...

Exactly. It's too much for many of the people here, and I'm not... my whole self at the moment, so I feel somehow like I'm uselessly waiting for the worst to happen very few weeks. And I can't do everything I normally would to protect people, or to fight back.

[This might be skirting too close to letting on that he's not a great person, but he doesn't care. He's sick of this cycle.]

They will be, certainly. What is it they say about absence and affection?

...it's good to look out for others, but you shouldn't overextend yourself either. You need to look after yourself too.

[It feels worth saying, because it's important and he has to wonder if he'd give it much thought on his own. Maybe it's none of his business, but--]

I don't want to lose anyone else I care about.

["Distance makes the heart grow fonder", huh? Well... that's something he's familiar with.]

I can't argue with that.

I won't. I can't stop until I have rank, however. It's... important. To me, and I think to the survival of the Department. Some of the leaders are incompetent.

[A bit of a laugh.]

Though this whole structure of squabbling factions is incompetency at its worst. You'd think someone would've made inroads to a win by now, but... no. This is a stale sort of war. It's going to hurt people I... care about.

[He sets the doll he was holding down and goes to take a seat. Where is that medicine, anyway...? Ah, there. He left it by his case.]

Tell me something. Do you care for others easily?

Edited 2022-09-23 05:34 (UTC)

Rushing ahead isn't any better but... you're right. If nothing changes, people are going to keep getting hurt. People who don't deserve it.

[Nazuna leans back against the edge of the wall, letting his eyes drift up to the ceiling for a moment, before slowly coming back down.]

...if you can believe it, I used to be the kind of person who didn't want anything to do with anyone. But... thanks to those guys, the person I am now cares about a lot of people. Not without reason though. I just... stopped pushing them away.

I want to stop that. I'm not the type... I'm not a leader in that sense, I mean. But if I can stop it, perhaps... less people will be hurt.

[And he won't have to arm idols.]

If I say I believe it, it's only because I've been in that place myself. I went from someone full of ideals and dreams, to disillusioned and isolated by choice... and back again. Somewhat. [She's not here, and he increasingly doubts this place can actually give him what he wants if he returns home.] For what it's worth, I'm glad you're who you are.

[Opening the bottle he was given, he tips the bitter mixture back and swallows it, tasting it as little as possible.]

If you weren't who you are, people like me wouldn't have many reasons to smile. It's a heavy burden you bear, I know, but I for one appreciate what you do.

No-- but you're not alone either. Maybe there aren't so many of us who are good with these kinds of situation, but even if we won't ever be talented fighters... we can still support those of you that can.

[Not that he isn't prepared to do what he needs to do... even if that ends up being fighting.]

Good. Because that's why I chose to continue being an idol. The place I belonged was destroyed and the people I love were hurt badly. I couldn't destroy the person responsible, even if I wanted to. All I could do was sing... and hope my song might reach them. And that maybe it would help them smile again.

[He beams--]

You, too... you're much more handsome when you smile~

[That makes his heart ache, and he can't help a sad smile back at Nazuna. If only he was whole and himself, he could protect people like Nazuna, who deserve safety in their carved-out niches.

He's rarely thought of being supported like that, though. It seemed impossible for so long, and he only touched it briefly before it became impossible again.

Still. That smile is infectious. And the potion is making him relax slightly.]

You will tell me if the person who hurt you arrives here, won't you? It's unlikely, I know, but I've chosen my side suddenly. I think I'll need to make sure they have a harder time than most when they need the Department.

Yeah, I'll definitely let you know. Even if he was put in the same position as us, I wouldn't trust him. He's not completely evil, probably but he's still the kind of person who wouldn't hesitate to use anything or anyone to achieve his goals... regardless of the damage it might do to others.

[And in a position where they all had something to want to gain, he couldn't be trusted not to sacrifice others' dreams for the sake of his own. As much as Tenshouin deserved hell... Nazuna can't say he really wanted to have to see him here. Although it would be nice to get one good chance to punch his face without having to worry about the repercussions.]

["Not completely evil". But at least in part. Sannan will absolutely go out of his way to scare the daylights out of that person if they ever arrive... Well, that's a passing thought that makes him smile to himself. It's nice to have a purpose, a cause that he chose.

Still, he could easily have been like that. He's chosen his own path at the expense of many things for years now.]

I wonder how he'd handle a taste of the same. [His smile grows.] I hope you'll rest assured that I'll have your back in any situation. You know, I try not to get attached, but... I'm the type of person who cares too much and gets into trouble for it.

[Far be it from Nazuna to stop anyone from giving Eichi a hard time. He's more than earned it, he won't feel bad.]

I wouldn't mind seeing it... But knowing that I have someone on my side makes me even happier.

[Nazuna flushes a bit. Cares too much and gets in trouble for it, huh...? Funny type he seems to attract. Even funnier how it makes his heart flutter. Especially coming from someone who can admit he tries not to get attached.]

I'm glad that you did. A little bit of trouble isn't going to bother me~

[It's really the kindness and understanding that gets Sannan's heart. He hasn't had a place or a purpose here, and before "here" it wasn't like his ambitions at home weren't unrealistically insane. Protecting people, he can do. Teaching people, he can do.

Looking at that little tiny touch of pink on Nazuna's cheeks, he can't do, and he looks down casually, folding his hands on his lap.]

You're... very kind to say something like that. I almost feel bad arming you. You might actually hurt someone, and then what will I do? [He smiles, eyes closing.] Well, other than praise you, of course. You've got the guts for combat, even if you don't have the necessity.

[Nazuna hums-- he's not sure he'd consider what little he's done especially kind or anything but he knows he doesn't have any regrets. Not about taking the weapons... and certainly not about wanting to do well. If wanting to protect everyone wasn't enough reason, then being teased with the idea of praise would certainly do it.]

I wouldn't mind being praised by you~ I don't know how much I'll be able to do but... I won't abandon the people I care about this time.

[Sannan's heart just... melts. He does manage a little laugh at the acceptance of praise, though, before he sighs wistfully.]

I may not belong anywhere, but at least there are people here I would kill for. For someone like me, that might be the purest expression of caring.

[He relaxes a bit more, running a hand through his hair and sinking down into the seat. The potion seems to be taking effect nicely. He actually looks relaxed and unguarded.]

You've become acquainted with a troublesome person, you know.

[Maybe most people would at least hesitate, being given such a warning. But Nazuna's eyes slide closed and he laughs gently.]

...yeah? Maybe that's why...

[Leaving the wall, he comes over to sit down next to him. It's nice to see him relaxed like this. It reminds him a little of the look on his face the day they'd danced together.]

...I felt like I couldn't really leave you alone.

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how dare you use that icon

owo

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