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.

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

shuten weapon purchasing;

( Shuten weapons are quite a bit different from the things in Tamamo's armoury. Not that Kate would admit it aloud, but the oni bastards get some good toys, and as far as she's concerned... Well. It's only strategically sound for her to try and see what's there, right?

Besides, who wouldn't want to get their hands on a pistol with an accuracy boosting enchantment? A girl's gotta protect herself when she barely cracks five foot, right? )

How much?

tamamo relaxation; (cw: aphro prompt in one part)

( Get your potions here! Chill out a bit!

Honestly, anyone who's seen Kate in the last few weeks will probably have noticed the tension in her shoulders. The amount of time she spends bouncing from training to Mizukume to one of three jobs, trying to hold her social life in order and make time to do all the unfortunate tasks of a human who needs to eat and call maintenance when the water stops working right would leave anyone looking that way, after all.

So, when the clan offers some potions, she's more than happy to say sure, why the fuck not and knock one back. Can't be worse than bottom shelf vodka, can it?

Here's where you choose your own adventure:
1. Nothing happens! It's just a placebo, and Kate is particularly agitated that they sold her sewer water. Or at least, what tastes like sewer water.

2. Relaxation time. Jackpot! The stress melts from Kate's body before she even finishes knocking back the potion vial. What's remaining is held out to the person in front of her — it's some good shit. Why don't you join her?

3. Stress time! Ah shit now you've gone and done it. Does the air here feel denser and heavier or is it just the way Kate is stalking past, shoving whoever's there out of her way with her shoulder. Move, she's late.

4. Horny option (age appropriate only). Uh. She knows this feeling and it's not normally the first reaction her body has to stress. Maybe not even to whoever's in front of her. But whatever. Any port in a storm, right? )

tamamo training;

( Now this? This is stress relief. At least, as long as she keeps her power sensing switched off in the main training area. Between the people and the weapons, everything radiates colour and power, overwhelming even before Kinsei shows up.

Best she avoids it, even if she knows it would be useful.

And speaking of useful... There's a talisman which catches her attention — a magical cage Kinsei introduces as a latest and greatest type of object. She turns to whoever's nearest, the first glint in her eyes for a while, and asks; )

Wanna see what it does?

bombs;

( It wasn't supposed to happen this way.

Kate has time to get above the city, to fling herself across rooftops and out of the blast radius. She knows she does. She's been planning this route since the mission was dropped in her lap. By the time the bomb engages, she should be well past Eye of the Tiger.

She doesn't even make it to the street the damn gym is on. The explosion shakes the foundations of Shuten territory as she approaches the edge of a building, fire spewing forth like cannonballs onto streets she's barely managed to get away from. Her balance slips as the store rooftop shudders beneath her feet, and it's only the grace of panic which allows her to grab the ledge and stop from falling. Eyes blown wide, hands scraping painfully against cement as she tries and fails to pull herself back up while the district shakes.

—Shit. Maybe it's a good thing she left her Tamamo badge behind, but she doubts it. She's not exactly an unknown face in these parts. Her fingers give out as the dust begins to settle, gravity yanking her back to ground with a painful shatter-snap of the arm she lands on, but even with vision searing white, she tries to pull herself along. If not up, then behind. Away from sight, bleeding and desperately trying to find something to assure her safety.

An injured fox in the oni den is little more than a target, after all. )

wildcard;

( Hit me with something else! You can bother me at exits / exits#8071 if you need to talk anything out. Just two notes:
1. Regarding the aphro prompt; I'd prefer to move anything actually smutty to ic inboxes or another post.

2. For plotting's sake, I'd rather her involvement in the bomb wasn't picked out by people responding to the previous prompt during the thread. Suspecting is totally fine but nothing more right now. )

[He glances over at her, while he's sorting through the seals and talismans. It's much different than the type of magic he's used to, a spell inside of a paper, burning up quick. It's not the sustained magic of a wizard using their own magic.

Useful for now, while his magic is still narrow in it's abilities.]

What'cha got?

( With her back turned to most of the hall, Kate feels a little more secure in finally letting her power switch back on.

(So that's what Nero's blue looks like when it isn't just a faint haze). )

That one Kinsei were talkin' about. ( That's placed down carefully, and she stares at the next. Red as blood, huh? ) Guessin' this stabs a bitch somehow.

( So maybe not in training, if she's right about why it's coloured so deep. Next is... ) Lightning? ( Kate's nose wrinkles. Her power has its uses, true, but damn she wishes there was a manual for the colour coding or some shit.

Even if it might not even be useful in another world. )

[Please just believe he's just Some Guy™️.]

The cage?

[Might be useful at some point, if there's something they want to capture and just just kill.

He knows he has a few elemental attacks on him.]

Looks like there's plenty of talismans. Try 'em out on a target and see if the combos are useful.

i. Sutoku - Running with Wolves

[It might not have been too surprising to those who witnessed Heizou’s quick exit from the previous faction ‘get-together’ if he had not showed up to this one as well, but either he’s found something of interest here or the White Wolves got to him with their deadly puppy-dog stares, because here he is.

Exercise drills are no big deal to him and though he’s certainly breaking a sweat with how hard everyone is being put through their paces it doesn’t look as if he’s finding the exertion to be particularly difficult throughout the day. He can get some impressive height when he jumps for such a short guy, even with the inch-high soles on the sandals he’s wearing.

Ask him where the heck he’s getting all his energy from? Or maybe you want to challenge him to a competition? Or, maybe--]

Hey! Are you all right?

[Maybe a sprightly young man with his red-purple hair tied back in a high ponytail and his bangs sticking slightly to his forehead idles to an almost-stop next to you while you’re gasping for breath and/or trying not to die next to the track.] Need some water, or something? Hehe, you’re not looking so good.

ii. OTA - We Know Who You Are (note: the bomb will ultimately be defused by Barnaby Brooks, but feel free to tag in here!)

[It’s more notes to add to his case file (getting more complicated by the day, and it’s barely been a couple of weeks) when Iron Bear’s message plays on the evening news and Shuten’s territory is rocked by a violent explosion. It takes some time before the fire dies down enough for the detective to get into the area and take a look around and by then, there’s very little to be found (if there was ever anything at all), and he finds himself itching with irritated disappointment as he makes his way back to the Sutoku Alliance’s stomping grounds.

His mind is a web of theories and possible conclusions. If Iron Bear didn’t plant that bomb, then who, and why? Who would benefit from it? His lack of understanding of the more subtle politics of this place are playing against him here, leaving him far more frustrated than he’s used to being.

He’s down one of the many warren-like alleyways when he spies something strange through a half-open door. Heizou pokes his head inside, eyes narrowing as he steps into the room and over to the… device set up on a table against the wall furthest from the door. Though he isn’t certain to begin with just what it could be, the very sight of it makes the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end and it only takes a few moments of careful observation for him to realise what he has sitting in front of him.

And that he is completely, utterly unprepared to deal with it.]

… Shit. [He whispers. He backs up, out of the door he came in by, until his back hits the opposite wall of the alley and he almost jumps out of his skin.] Shit.

[A few moments later, Heizou comes walking out of the alley and onto the next street with an air of eerie calm about him. He glances up and down, chews his lip briefly, then takes a deep breath and shouts--]

I need someone down here who can defuse a bomb! If you can’t, you should start walking away quickly, in that direction. Immediately!

iii. Wildcard

[Wildcard! I'm open to any OTA prompts (just give me a heads up and I'll write up something!), as well as any post-bombing evacuation threads or someone finding this poor lad after the bomb he found is dealt with. Drop me a DM, hit me up on hardtostarboard or via Discord (hardtostarboard#7737)!]

Edited 2022-09-22 18:40 (UTC)

( A nod, and a small noise of confirmation, as Kate blinks several times. She still hasn't gotten the hang of turning this off and on smoothly, and even when it disappears, the spots of light remain.

Ugh. Seriously, who decided this power was a good idea?

As for a target... Well, Nero's right here but she actually likes her boss' company, and his paycheques, so better safe than sorry.

But there's a nameless little recruit looking a bit out of their depth here. Is it mean...? )

Think they'll mind if I...

( Toss a strip of paper at their feet and detonate it, filling the air with thick, but harmless, smoke? )

[Okay, when he said find a target, he was suggesting a literal, actual target, and not throwing it directly at some other person.

But he doesn't scold her, just glancing over at the effect of this particular talisman. Good thing it wasn't actually harmful. Probably. Unless that smoke does something more than just being smoke.]

Pretty useful if you need some cover.

i. training day - shuten

[Alphen has felt a bit like a fish out of water for much of the time he's been here, but it's certainly not the first time he's felt like he doesn't quite fit. In that way, the mask might be a little symbolic: it's hard to fit in anywhere with an inexplicable hunk of iron covering half your face. But this kind of thing? Fighting, training? Sign him up, because this is what he lives for.

At first glance, his setup is fairly simple: wooden practice swords all ready to either run drills as a group, or face off one-on-one. But you'll notice nearby a pile of stones, all roughly flat and fist-sized, as well as a ball of twine.]

We're doing some weight training today. You can choose whether to tie them to your arms or your sword -- it's wooden, so you won't need to worry about damaging it. Let me know when you're ready, alright?

[Does he really expect you to strap rocks to your arms? Is this the reason for the practice swords? Doesn't he realize what an incredibly dumb idea this is? The answers are yes, yes, and unfortunately no, respectively.]

ii. tools of the trade - open

[He's no merchant, but this sort of weapon-handling (I know, i know) is also fairly up his alley. Alphen is happy to transport and protect weapons as well, of course --hey, a subquest is a subquest, and he's happy to help whatever NPC happens to need it-- but he's also fairly animated when it comes to sales pitches...for the swords at least, of which he has a decent selection at the moment.]

When it comes to swords, it really depends on your fighting style, I guess. A shortsword is good for speed, but if you're looking for something with a longer reach, you might want to try a longsword.

[He greets anyone looking at the weapons with a genial smile -- clearly, he's nerding out and happy to answer questions.]

iii. we know who you are - open

[A rumble, a minor tremor of the ground, and before Alphen can even think about how not right it all seems, a ball of flame is erupting into the sky. He springs into action immediately, as the explosion sends fire and debris raining down around anyone unfortunate enough to be in the area. He's uniquely equipped for this, and puts himself bodily between an unfortunate onlooker and the fire falling from the sky.]

Are you alright?

[For his part, if Alphen managed to get hit, he doesn't seem to notice.

He starts helping with recovery efforts as soon as they begin. Finding additional bombs isn't exactly in his wheelhouse, but he's here to assist -- when someone doesn't have him on muscle duty, he's getting people to safety and helping put out fires, among other tasks.]

iv. wildcard

[y'all know the drill, i'm open to any prompt and all wildcards. pm/discord (kribbit#6023)/posolutely if you wanna plot something else or want a different starter!]

Edited 2022-09-22 18:21 (UTC)

quick amendment: the final prompt will be open on a first come first serve basis just for sake of ease/consistency.

( It's fine. She thinks. It was a smoky, indistinct grey when she looked at it, and they're probably not going to poison people in the middle of training. That would be stupid, right?

(She hopes.) )

Only if you can see where you're going.

( She can, once she switches her power back on. The people, the talismans, all glow, lights in the fog.

The fog which, in an instant, disappears to nothing. )

Let's try summat else. What've you got?

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.]

I. Chilling out (potentially flirting+, ask if you want it!)

[The problem with knowing Tamamo members is that occasionally you end up helping them with some... really odd requests. So here he is, ten minutes after having taken an odd potion, relaxing at a lounge in Tamamo territory with a book of poetry and a faint smile on his face. It's an exception, a nice change from the pointless pressure of Enma work, and he's enjoying reclining on some cushions with this nice book and absolutely no one to bother him. At the very least, this potion has him relaxed and sociable.

He smiles at whoever comes by, and he'll strike up conversation if someone takes a seat in his area.]

You don't happen to like poetry, do you?

II. Armed and armed

[Back to the Enma grind he goes, working harder than some. Usually he focuses on things that make him feel useful, but this feels like the worst kind of busy work... at first. It becomes almost a game after a while, Sannan trying to figure out what some of the more exotic weapons are for and how they're used, setting aside some quite discreetly for... well, the next prompt. But if you're coming by the Enma storehouse and you're of a mind to shop, here's your temporary (as long as his shift lasts) shopkeeper.]

Ah, not that one. It's too dangerous, I think. Let me tag it...

III. Friendly fire - closed to current CR

[So that squirreling away of weapons Sannan was doing? That's for his acquaintances and friends. If any of them are combatants without weapons, people who've never fought a day in their life, or just people he's really keen on, they're going to get a visit from him... He carries a long case that looks like it might be for some kind of athletic equipment when he shows up at their door, and he seems harried but at least content enough to see them that he does smile.]

We aren't beyond the point of tokens, are we? I brought you something.

IV. Bombs away

[When the first bomb goes off, he's nowhere near it. But when he hears of the subsequent bomb threats, he moves to assist as quickly as possible. It's technology that's beyond him, likely, and he knows it. While with a little time he could figure them out and help defuse them, he chooses to help evacuate the frightened residents with as cool and calm a temperament as he's ever had.

Little old lady youkai cling to him as he helps them cross the street. Children cry, and he hands them gently to someone who can soothe them. It's an odd display of genuine caring during work hours from him, and he's eager to continue to help for as long as he can.

But if you don't see him at his best, you might see him at his worst. His hair turns white, his eyes turn red, and he slips around a corner, away from the masses, hoping the bomb can spare just a few more minutes to let him collect himself.]

V. Wildcard

[Anything else? Hit me up on plurk at

hotpants or discord (Orion#8270)!]

[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...

[Things really are a whole mess right now. With several places within the city in great danger, Nazuna’s beyond worried about his friends and co-workers. He’s no fighter, he knows that. Even so, he’s full of anxious energy. He wants to do something…

So getting a visit takes at least one worry from his mind. Relief quickly turns to curiosity as he looks at the case.]

Oh yeah? What is it?

[Barnaby hears a familiar voice calling for help, as well as panicked people rushing away from the scene, and he soon spots Heizou, jogging over to him. He's remarkably composed, under the circumstances; he's used to dealing with these situations, and keeping a cool head in order to reassure civilians has always been an important trait as a hero.]

Shikanoin-san, point me towards the bomb and I'll deal with it. Then you should evacuate the area, as well.

[Evacuate to where is a pressing question, when multiple bombs are cropping up around the city, but right now anywhere has to be better than here.]

weapons training (tamamo)

[ Oh, this is convenient. Ryoko doesn't have a drop of her own magic in her but that doesn't mean she can't get to grips with the magic provided by Tenkohime.

Her first instinct is to track down something like her own phaser. She's aware that she hasn't shut up about it since getting here, but it's not until she's pawing through the stores that she realizes just how unprotected she feels without it. She'd known this place was dangerous but as time goes by, she realizes just how out of her depth she really is here. So having a weapon is... sort of reassuring.

Or it would be, if she knew what literally any of these are. If you're around when she's rooting through the weapon stores, she might speak up with a – ]

[ ... like she's asking for cheese suggestions at the deli counter or something...

Once she's all kitted out though, she throws herself into the drills. It's immediately obvious that she doesn't really know what she's doing if she's left to her own devices and that her stamina is pretty poor, but she's nothing if not enthusiastic.

The big difference is when she gets her hands on one of the magic refractors – it's close enough to her gun that she immediately feels comfortable with it. Indeed, it's the only of the weapons so far that she seems familiar with. Honestly, almost too familiar? Like, should any teenage girl be that at ease with handling a gun and that good at firing it?? Her accuracy is top notch but really girl, who raised you.

She fires a few rounds before checking the remaining energy and giving a small tch of annoyance. ]

bomb tracking (open to all)

[ When she hears about the explosions, Ryoko's immediate response is a deep, primal sense of alarm and resignation. The sort of oh, it's happening again. finally. when you've been on tenterhooks waiting for something to go wrong and the eventual chaos comes almost as a relief. Her first instinct, before her common sense gets a say in the matter, is to try and summon her Sentinel. Of course it doesn't work and of course she knows it wouldn't have helped even if it did but–

But she can't do nothing.

It takes a while to put a plan together, but before too long Ryoko's out on her bike with the basket loaded with tools and seals from the Tamamo armory. It's like a sick little game of hot and cold, following the magic detection as best she can to try and find more of these bombs before they go off. It's dangerous, but it's far safer than just leaving them to explode.

She has more success than she expects. A lot more success, in fact. Enough so that each time she swerves off her bike to track down the next bomb, she also ends up sending out messages as publicly as she can with times, photos, locations. ]

Found another one. It's here.

[ She gives coordinates and posts a photo, just in case. ]

Someone get here and deal with it. I'm moving along to find the next one. If you want to make yourself useful, come find me and we'll track them together.

[ And then she's off again. She starts her search in Tamamo territory before slowly widening her search net as deep into other territories as she dares to go. If trespassing was ever forgivable, she thinks today might just be that day. She spends as much time as she physically can speeding around, but occasionally she can be caught having to park herself on the side of the road so she can gasp some air into her lungs. She's got the ugly red flush of someone over-exerting themselves, she's slick with sweat and her hair is wild, but within a minute of getting off the thing she's back on her bike – or uh, she's trying to get back on it, anyway. Looks like someone's a little lightheaded with exhaustion and stumbling like a fool as she tries to get on her way. ]

[Nero is, as usual, at his restaurant, and when he hears the knock he'll go out and see who it is.]

You didn't have to?

[Though a part of him is certainly curious about what Sannan brought to his restaurant. What's he got in there?]

You should have an escape plan if you're usin' something like that.

[A smokebomb is only useful if you have an exit strategy planned out beforehand.

He'll pick up one of his own talismans and push a little power into it, just enough to activate it.

There's a rush of vines that errupt from the earth, at an empty spot, curling around like they're trying to find something to grasp onto. Since there's nothing in particular, the vines are wriggle around looking before dissolving away like they were never there in the first place.]

Huh. Wonder if it lasts longer with a target to hold.

Whoa—

( Nope. She jumps back from that without thinking. It's too close, too fucking familiar. Too much like the countless nightmares that weave through her mind. Eyes wide, her throat tight.

It didn't touch her. It couldn't reach that far.

Still, the crawling feeling of something over her skin makes her twitch. )

[ Full sized swords aren't really his thing, especially not the type that would require two hands to properly swing them. But he does have an eye for quality craftsmanship, looking for daggers. ]

What about knives and daggers? How's that supply?

[He wasn't expecting that reaction from her. He looks at Kate, checking in on her and seeing if she's alright.

As far as he could tell, it wasn't nearly close enough to grasp anyone. That doesn't mean much if something like this is already a fear of hers.]

Are you okay?

( She shudders, despite her best efforts not to. Things which might not have affected her before Jigokucho, beyond the unsettled ugh, creepy feeling of watching something that isn't meant to move move, now come with flashbacks to the copper-tang of rain as it shifted into shape and pinned her down. )

I... ( Fuck. She hates this. Hates the tightness in her lungs and the nonsensical rambling of her brain, the flashing danger, danger sign. )

Surprised me, 's all.

( It's a bad lie. )

[A]NCIENT ARTS (TAMAMO)

[Found a weapon you like in the treasury? Zelgadis is here at the training area, a sheathed sword at his side. His face is shrouded in white, with just the one eye visible, as usual. That eye seems to be on you, or perhaps on a weapon you're carrying.]

Feel like trying it out?

[He places a hand on his sword hilt.]

Don't worry about holding back. I doubt you can hurt me.

[B]OMB RESPONSE - WE KNOW WHO YOU ARE (OTA)

[The explosion happens while Zelgadis is working his rickshaw driver job, pulling a passenger from Tamamo territory to a destination in Shuten territory. He's dressed in a black uniform with a fox embroidered on the back, his face obscured by a bamboo hat and a scarf pulled over his nose and mouth. Shortly after the blast happens, he's abandoning that rickshaw to run over and see what's happened. (And the passenger? They take off running in the opposite direction, away from the explosion.)

Nearby, the fire and flying debris causes the storefront of a ramen shop to collapse, blocking the doorway. Zelgadis grabs a large piece of debris and lifts it up, using his sturdy stone body to support it while a few trapped patrons flee under the opening he's created. But he doesn't drop the debris just yet. Instead, if he sees someone nearby, he shouts to them.]

Hey!

Someone's still inside here. They're injured.

[He's got his hands full keeping the doorway from collapsing again. Someone else is going to have to run in and pull that last civilian to safety.]

WILD[C]ARD

[Give me a different starter, or hit me up on

pzue, Journal PMs, or Discord DMs to plan something!]

[While his expression is fully unconvinced, he also doesn't like pressing people into saying things they aren't ready to. Nero has so many secrets of his own that it seems better to leave this one alone.

If it's something she hates, then all she needs to do is avoid it.

He'll show her the tag that created it, an interesting pattern that looks almost like the vines it summons.]

This is what it looks like.

[If she wants to avoid using it or being close when somebody else uses it.]

( She'll blame the stress for this later. The tension which has built up in her body for a while now looking for any excuse to come loose and finding panic good enough.

It isn't true, but she'll blame it anyway.

This is embarrassing. )

... A-ah. ( It isn't true, so she files the appearance away with a blink, two blinks, enough to register the soft green of the magic inside it. ) Think one of these creates a bottle of water?

( Let her have her lame comments, please. )

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September 2022 Mini Event

kate galloway 👟 original (tamamo) 👟 ota

Tamamo Training

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Shikanoin Heizou ◈ Genshin Impact ◈ Sutoku ◈ OTA

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alphen | tales of arise | shuten | ota

ooc note!

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Mayoi Ayase | Ensemble Stars | Sutoku | ota

Sannan Keisuke | Hakuouki | Enma

ATTACKING - we know who you are

III.

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Ryoko Shinonome (Tamamo) | OTA

III

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aha...hahaha...

ii

oops

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zelgadis | slayers | tamamo

[A]NCIENT ARTS (TAMAMO)

[B]OMB RESPONSE - WE KNOW WHO YOU ARE (OTA)

WILD[C]ARD

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