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

[kaientai]

Ah...

[ well, anyone would blush over such high praise. ]

Hehe, I'm tryin' not t' get ahead of myself. It's excitin' stuff! I can't take all the credit though, I work with good people.

[ it's his usual way to shift credit to others when things go well, but it's hard not to be proud of your own accomplishments when you're also directly a part of them. in the past, he'd always acted as an external third party mediator. dealing on behalf of the alliance when he's a part of it means his own interests creep in whether he's aware of it or not. or he's just not willing to face that yet.

he's visibly impressed at the sight of the gun, excitable enough that he takes it and starts to examine it without hesitation. ryouma handles it with the confidence of a practised hand, but with a degree of care because he still finds it hard to believe it's a gift. ]

Aw, whoever's missin' this must be real sorry right about now...

[ he's heard about weapons finding their way back onto the streets. clearly he has no moral hang ups about any of this either. ]

Bet y' coulda gotten a good bit for this from the Shuten if you'd shopped around a little. [ so, again, the fact that sannan chose to bring it here isn't lost on him. ] If you're sure 'bout partin' with it, ya gotta come by the range some time and see what it can do.

[ this arrangement happens to be one of the more pleasant things he has to look forward to. what an interesting way things are going here in hell~ ]

If ya wanted t' butter me up before askin' whatever ya wanna ask, I'd say it's workin'!

[ it's a joke, of course, seeing as ryouma has plenty of reasons to want to grant a favour that don't rely on being given anything. ]

[threateningly]

[And Ryouma should know by now that Sannan is sparing with heartfelt praise that goes beyond gratitude. It's easy to offer up when he likes someone well enough, but he usually leaves it at the door. This might be one of those rare times when he's a little annoyed by someone's deflection, in a sense, and he insists on hammering home to Ryouma that a linchpin is as important as the thing it holds together.

He's kind about it, though. And if Ryouma thinks this is a gesture, he might be terribly surprised by what's going to follow in good time.]

Whoever's missing it may have bigger problems, so let's not worry about it too much. It's in fair hands, and I would like to see you use it. Admittedly, as the man I am, I'm accustomed to swords. However, you'll find me more open-minded of late when it comes to weapons and warfare.

[God what a cheeky guy, as a weapon himself. Sannan still smiles, though, as he's genuinely delighted that Ryouma likes the gun.]

I may have had a little help in selecting the right gun for a man like you, but if I've done well, I'm going to let the accomplishment make me irritatingly smug for a while. I'll be doubly insufferable if you accept my request, I'm sorry to say.

[kaientai]

That so? Don't have t' stick to watchin', y' know, if ya feel like takin' the plunge.

[ ryouma is more than willing to teach him how to handle a gun, if sannan ever wanted to pursue it. ]

Bein' the man y' are, I think it'd suit ya, bein' unexpected. People expect a swordsman t' only use his swords; they don't expect he's got insurance . [ he's very funny, his cute little gun joke. ] Shit happens.

[ blades break, hallways are narrow, someone else can draw their weapon faster — just a few reasons ryouma can think of where having a gun can change the whole situation. he's just offering good advice the same as it was offered to him a long time ago. ]

Was seein' me use it your request? 'Cause if so, I think ya know the answer! And if you're that insufferable, guess I'll be gettin' a taste of my own medicine.

[ as someone often described as insufferable himself. they really are an awful combination to literally anyone external to this, probably, but ryouma is clearly having a good time. ]

But if not, ya really got me in suspense.

[threateningly]

[Sannan looks mildly amused.]

No, you've found me out. I was going to ask you to teach me how to use them. I've seen a fair few now from the weapons inventory, and I...

[There's a pause as he considers just how to say this part. It feels like an odd little tightrope to walk on, the line between mere respect and something more personal. Because as he's idly figured out, he respects Ryouma more than he thought possible, and he's still mulling over what to do with that respect. And he frankly likes the man, as he is. But admitting to a very specific aspect of that is precarious.]

...I'd prefer you as an instructor for various reasons, not the least of which is that I've come to trust your judgement. I suppose you're now forced to accept me as a student, since you brought it up.

[kaientai]

Eheh, did I~?

[ what was that about insufferable? and being smug? it's terrible. this is what you wanted. ]

Glad t' hear it, I'd be delighted!

[ truly, he's excited about the idea. more than that, he's just excited for other people to try new things. the thrill of new discoveries is one of his favourite feelings that he absolutely wishes on other people. ]

Guess I didn't need t' try so hard sellin' ya on the idea, but everything I said was the truth.

[threateningly]

You did make an admirable effort. It was like my own personal gun advertisement.

[One good cheeky deserves another.]

Should I pretend like it was entirely your idea and not why I came to see you? Other than giving you the gun, of course.

[kaientai]

My idea? Nah, I never take all the credit! But I'm usually the one with the ridiculous ideas, so lemme get in on the "great minds" category for once, huh?

[ look at him, he's so dumb and proud of himself. ]

[threateningly]

[What would the boys say to see him being in a "great minds" category with this guy? He's finding... he doesn't actually care what they'd say.]

Are you calling my idea ridiculous?

[He's practically laughing at this point, at least as much as he laughs at all.]

[kaientai]

In my book, the best ones usually are.

[ ryouma has a good idea what his boys will say about this and he doesn't care either, he's having fun~ ]

When it comes t' selection, the best ranges are in Shuten territory, as ya might expect. I'll start ya simple, but afterwards, the fun's in tryin' out the real monster guns.

[threateningly]

[The imaginary vein at his temple at the whole "monster guns" thing... Ryouma, please.]

I can't imagine them being "fun", but I'll take your word for it.

[kaientai]

Well, it's sorta hard t' understand if ya never tried it before, that's true.

[ he thinks. ]

They got some big ones that fire these giant rounds 'cause they're for takin' out big vehicles or airplanes.

[ don't worry about how something like that is down here in oni possession it's fine probably. ]

So somebody tells ya if ya fire that at this target way over there, it's gonna blow up! I hate explosions... unless I'm causin' 'em.

[ if he's firing the gun, it's fine. ]