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jigokufever2022-06-24 11:00 am
jigokumods) wrote in jigokufever2022-06-24 11:00 am
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June 2022 Test Drive
MAIN NAVIGATION
1. CLEAN UP
The curse has broken, finally banishing the oppressive air around the city and the many sightless eyes of the accursed haniwa. Life will have to return to normal now but first there is lingering clean-up that must be attended to:SHUTEN CLAN
The Shuten Clan is out in force to rebuild damaged storefronts. Eager oni appear in their festival happi, singing oni working tunes. You can pick up the words easily enough, join in and help out. The mood starts bright, but after a number of unlucky accidents there is less singing and more grumbling. The cursed energy left behind has made all of you much more prone to workplace accidents but the storefronts need to be scrubbed, broken glass needs sweeping, new furniture needs construction. There are any number of thumbs smashed by hammers, hands cut on saws, heads hit with falling debris or that board of wood you didn’t see someone carrying towards you. It’s a cursed day to be out on the job.
Rewards will come in the form of free drinks for a week from specific bars and a generous amount of chips for the casinos. If you aren’t of age to drink or gamble? Well… they’ll look the other way this time. Have fun.
It should be noted that the uniform -- a happi, a hachimaki, and fundoshi -- is required. The Shuten Clan is very traditional, after all.TAMAMO CLAN
The bathhouses in Tamamo clan territory remain full of bloodied water. They need to be drained and scrubbed to make them new again. However, reaching the drains is a tricky business. You can’t simply reach in to pull out the plug, you will have to wade into the water to twist it free. Easy enough, right?
Unfortunately, residual curse energy has made this a very dangerous task. Phantasmal hands will reach out and try to drag you under as you get too close to the drain. The phantasms can be distracted, so you’ll need some teamwork to succeed. Your reward is a significant amount of free bath coupons. Some of the advertised baths even have “special” properties. Take the chance to relax, you probably need it.
Those that are rejuvenated in the newly purified baths will find themselves with seemingly limitless vigor. That vigor may sometimes manifest in the form of desperately needing to fuck the first thing willing to do so. Which might turn out somewhat embarrassing...SUTOKU CLAN
The residual cursed energy in the Sutoku Alliance territory has congregated in their many arcades. The prizes in the UFO catcher machines seem off and they keep shifting around. If you happen to win a prize, the prize slot snaps shut on your hand with amazing force: the machine out for blood. To clear the curse, the prizes need to be removed from the machines and purified with the help of a local shrine maiden. Unfortunately, the key ring to open the machines has been stolen by some of the unruly prizes. You will need to use your UFO catcher skills to fish it back out.
Try not to lose any fingers.
Other machines are shooting tokens out of their coin slots at astonishingly painful speeds. A strange phenomenon, as even the machines that take swipe cards are doing it. Where are those tokens even coming from? You will have to get the machines open and give them a deep cleaning to get all the residual blood off the coins and mechanisms. You need the same keys that are stuck inside the UFO catcher…. Better hope you can fish out the one you need.
For your troubles, you will be given unlimited free plays for a month. Perfect for winning a totally-not-cursed prize for your sweetie.ENMA DEPARTMENT
It’s the Department of the Enma’s turn to go begging for good will. They are considered to be mostly responsible for the way the cursed haniwa were handled in the first place. Enma souls should get out on the streets and see what the people need: Food, clean water, housing repairs and maintenance, as well as exorcisms. They’re all high on people’s priority lists and most people want it done pronto. Try not to get snappy with the angry people, the department’s reputation is on the line.
The Enma is slated to give a press conference at some point. It's up to the rest of the Department to assure that there will be reception to his words. They are likely to be of grave importance to the rest of the city.
A hard day’s work is its own reward, but you’ll also get a day pass to a theme park on the edge of the city – in the name of community outreach, of course.
2. GHOST SHARKS
The very streets themselves are treacherous with residual curses. The isonades may have been intimidated out of town for the moment but the anger of their ancestors lingers in the bloody puddles that still glisten in the streets. Come too close to these puddles and spectral sharks will lunge from beneath the surface: Blood for blood! Lives for lives!
While spectral in nature, the teeth on these sharks can still do real harm to anyone they lash out at. They don’t seem to take damage in kind, but will pop and disperse for a moment when struck. The ghostly sharks are being populated by a magic totem that has been partially buried in the dirt of a local park. Destroy it and the sharks will disappear.
Unfortunately, a pack of snotty local children have taken a shine to this magic totem. They are not keen to let you take it from them, nor break it. It’s theirs. It’s special. If you’re feeling brutish or cruel, you can fight the children or deceive them, but your boss would probably suggest you try to bargain with them for appearance’s sake. They’re entirely unreasonable though, as children can be, and it will be quite a chore to get them to agree to your terms.
3. CURSED CORNERS
There are certain corners and alleyways which are simply predisposed to gather cursed energy. These areas are still haunted enough to affect the reality around you. You may experience hallucinations or visions of lost loved ones, past regrets, personal failings. These visions are played out in the area for all to see. You will remain frozen in place until your moment is done, or someone brave comes to pull you out.
Now that the worst of it is over, some of the more morbid and voyeuristic members of the public may be lurking around these haunted areas, waiting to see what horrors will be unveiled. They have out their phones and their cameras to record the show.
The cruelest of the spectators provide commentary to their social media followings as they observe. Anything for that monetization!
The biggest of the streams is a kerakera onna who goes by her channel name: Lipsticki. She leans in over the rooftops to cackle loudly at people’s misfortunes and give petty, scathing commentary about their misdeeds and failings.
4. THE ENMA SPEAKS (PLOT RELEVANT)
Outside the hospital where the Enma was being treated, there is a huge press gathering. The judge arbiter has been deemed fit enough to release. Hungry for word, journalists from every publication swarm the area. Most press-outlets in the city are controlled by the Sutoku Alliance, who have a vested interested in interrogating the Enma.
A number of other onlookers have tacked on as well, including Lost Souls both old and new. Lost Souls may even find themselves ordered to attend the statement by their faction.
It is assumed that the Enma must have something of grave importance to say, after all.
The Enma approaches the podium. He is dressed in his usual suit, his crown, and his stern expression; it puts a hush over the crowd through its tremendous pressure alone. No questions have been asked, yet, but a statement has been prepared. He clears his throat:
"The cause of the curse, the enemy of Jigokucho, is... Haniyasu. The Department's focus will be shifting to determining our next action in regards to this entity. That is all."
Just like, the Enma's secretary and a retinue of armored shinigami move to flank the Enma and guide them to a waiting limo down the steps. The press yells their questions over one another, but are pushed back. The Enma doesn't even seem to perceive them, simply focusing on getting into the car.
Unfortunately, if you're a representative for one of the factions -- especially the Department of the Enma -- that makes you fair game to hound for questioning too. Do you stand your ground or try to run away?
[[banner art by s-tokimura]]
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- NEWBIE TOP LEVELS
no subject
Good. Should this ever happen again you may come and find me. Something like this is not hard to offer or provide.
no subject
My apologies for my ill manners, even given the situation. I'm Sannan Keisuke. I'm in your debt.
[And hopefully not. Like. Wearing his blood.]
The wound should heal fairly quickly. I was... as careful as I could be. [Sort of.]
no subject
[ Zhongli will look back at the wound with that stoic expression ever-present. ] It will heal, yes. As long as you're not feeling ill then it matters little. How often would you require such sustenance?
[ Humans need at least three meals a day so he has to wonder... ]
no subject
[He commits it to memory.
This isn't the same as a demon who will heal nearly immediately, whose wound he had to fight, but who could offer the deepest satisfaction. He wonders if he'll get used to this having to be more frequent, when he doesn't dare actually ask for enough to help more than temporarily.]
I... can't truly say. At home, it was regular but not frequent, as I... [This sounds pathetic and stupid, he feels.] ...both had a willing companion in the act who could offer a large amount of blood, and practiced a great deal of self-denial. It isn't primary sustenance as such, even if I'm sorry to note that there is an insatiable, agonizing hunger that accompanies such episodes.
[He pauses.] It's happened several times in the past few days, I assume because I haven't been able to take in enough to curb the urges.
no subject
Well if they are not here to help you, then you may find a willing companion in me if it is to ease the pain and obvious suffering that you've been going through. Have you had enough then? [ He asks as he looks down at his arm which is still bleeding slightly, and then his attention returns to Sannan. ]
If you require more then...please don't hesitate to take more. In a strange and unfamiliar world like this, we must help each other out as much as possible.
no subject
It's also difficult to believe that someone just wants to help him out in a place like this. It seems like it's the sort of place where every man is so busy watching his own back that he can't reach out a hand to others in need of it. And he doesn't want to need... But it's the path he chose, and he must take the indignities with the benefits.]
Though it puts me at risk of sounding like I'm trying to take advantage of you, I'm afraid I'll only accept if you're willing to go somewhere more private. People... are getting rather curious.
no subject
So Zhongli will nod and make a motion for Sannan to lead. ] There's always the residence we've been given upon arrival if that is easier.
no subject
That will do, I'm sure.
[So he leads the way back there, still somewhat tenuous condition-wise, but upright and less pale.]
Thank you for your help.
no subject
[ Even though he's retired Zhongli is still trying to find his place in this world as well as his own. But if he can help out people here as he once did back home then that is more than enough for him. And so they walk keeping clear to really traverse any well-lit or populated paths, given the state of Zhongli's arm. But they'll eventually arrive at the provided housing of the Enma Department. ]
Shall we proceed to your apartment or mine?
no subject
[It seems fairer to go to Zhongli's, so he's on his own turf and comfortable. Besides, he might end up lightheaded. Sannan would rather be as accommodating as possible.]
They may not be luxurious apartments, but I'm not in a position to be particular.
no subject
Sometimes the simple things are all one needs to acclimate. There will be time for much more luxurious and fancy apartments in the future, I'm sure. I appreciate the location and the dining options personally speaking. But here we are, please come in.
[ He'll open the door and step foot into the typical Jigoku-styled startup apartment. Zhongli's kept it rather neat and bare (for now) and he'll take off his shoes and loosen that tie of his a bit more as he proceeds further inside. ]
Is there anything I might get you before we start?
no subject
Nothing that I can think of, unless you're offering sake. [He's joking, as evidenced by a little laugh while he removes his shoes.] No, you're offering quite enough by giving me what I need to survive. I'll owe you dearly for this, but I'm prepared for that much. Anything you want within my means is yours.
no subject
[ He'll proceed to head into the open kitchen facing the living room area. ] Feel free to take a seat. There's not much in terms of things to do here, but I hope to change that with work and money.
[ Ah, money, his worst foe. Even more so than sea creatures. ] Your offer is generous but it's not necessary. There's no contractual obligation between us and therefore there is no need to owe each other anything.
no subject
He does take a seat, folding himself almost in half after a moment. He's a little lightheaded and he wants to center himself. His tone is softer now that he's not trying to bluster.]
I'm not the type to need great amounts of entertainment. I'm simple, really, though I do hope there's something worth reading in this place.
[But he does look up.]
As for owing or not owing... I'm unfortunately the sort to repay kindnesses.
no subject
I've been told that Enma has the most useful of books but Sutoku's selection of reading materials is fine as well. I'll be going there sometime soon to see what I can find if you ever wish to join me the offer is there.
[ That water will start to whistle now and Zhongli will go prepare both their teas. It's a more earthy flavored tea, akin to green tea, but with some citrusy undertones as well. He'll bring both their cups over before settling on the couch. ]
Hm. I see. If your mind is made up then I will accept your offer.
no subject
[He smiles, and hopes for once that it's at least a little charming. It could look malevolent otherwise, and he'd hate that. He just met this generous person, and he... well. He tastes good? His blood? No, he can't think about that.]
I wouldn't mind joining you for something other than this. It might help stave off loneliness and keep me from causing trouble. I do seem to attract it sometimes...
no subject
I would enjoy the company as well. Loneliness is something I battle with daily, so having company would bring me an immense amount of joy. I'm glad that we've met and I look forward to learning about you and your world, Sannan. I can't see how a man of your nature would attract such things, but I am willing to fend off whatever it might be.