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jigokufever2022-08-25 05:44 pm
jigokumods) wrote in jigokufever2022-08-25 05:44 pm
Entry tags:
AUGUST 2022 TEST DRIVE
MAIN NAVIGATION
1. SHUTEN TERRITORY - Muscling In
art by tohdraws
In the aftermath of the curse crisis, the Shuten Clan forgave a bunch of protection payments in the region, and helped cover the costs for rebuilding. Unfortunately, some of the street gangs in the area are much less civically minded. They have used the Shuten's relaxed policies as an opportunity to turn their own screws on the local business owners. These unaffiliated youth gangs have been much rougher with the locals, and have been asking for even larger collection fees. This has pissed off the folks who are just trying to get their lives and businesses back on track!
Unfortunately, the opening of Sai no Kawara in the underground drew so much of the clan's focus and manpower, that the issues up top just slipped through the cracks. Until now! Toraguma is in a bad mood and is looking for people to take it out on: the youth gangs will do just fine.
Volunteers are being solicited to join the regular Shuten enforcers in driving these interlopers out of Shuten territory. The gangs are wise to the usual Shuten tactics, though, and they're prepared for a fight. They are also appealing to the influx of Lost Souls: they act as though they're the victims of the factions' power struggles! They propose that taking up arms against the Shuten Clan will win them favor with the other groups in the city. (It will look less good with the Shuten Clan, should you be assigned to them.)
Fight with the Shutens, or with the gangs. Either way, a fight is coming.
2. TAMAMO TERRITORY - Throat Goat (NSFW)
at by akai riotThis prompt is overtly sexual in nature. Please use the proper NSFW labelling in your top levels and threads.
While the Palace of Sai in the underground is doing well, that doesn't mean the other businesses in the Tamamo Clan's collection have been slacking. One of the least "classy" soaplands has decided they're going to hold a contest to drive up business for themselves! They are partnering with some of the other sex clubs in the area for the sleaziest of events.
The Hyottoko Cup is looking for volunteer participants! The competition is pretty straightforward: a ruler is drawn on the throat of each participant and an array of members is presented to swallow. Whichever contestant can take the guests deepest and longest will take home the "coveted" Hyottoko Cup! Ok, there's a little judge favoritism involved too, so put on a show.
The guests have likewise been pulled in as volunteers, with instructions that they don't have to make this easy on the participants. Guests are provided with special seals that they can use for the length of the competition to enhance their natural assets. For those lacking the equipment entirely, there's a seal for that too.
Have fun and play nice.
3. TAMAMO TERRITORY - Strike a Poise (GEN)
Other businesses looking to jump start this month's earnings are also getting in on the spirit of competition! Businesses less oriented towards sexual service have come together as a means to draw in the high dollar clients, and one local club has proposed something old school.
Sign up for the Poise Contest, where contestants are placed into more and more ridiculous geta while tasked with serving drinks to the guest. Spills are expected, and the guests are cheerfully kitted out with cheap club-branded ponchos to protect their clothes. (Marketing, am I right?) While spills are expected, the contestant will lose points for each of the spilled drinks. Try to keep your balance as you attend to increasingly absurd drink orders. The intensity of the traditional footwear will only make your job that much harder.
Do you have what it takes to pour a champagne fountain while wearing teetering tengu geta? Prove your balance and dexterity is the best and the take home prize is some sweet cash. For Lost Souls freshly in the city, the chance to win some extra money can't really be passed up, huh…
4. SUTOKU TERRITORY - Jigokucho's Got Talent
Ever since Moonday's beloved singer – Ringo-chan – was kidnapped at the Tanabata festival, the band has had to cancel all of their scheduled gigs. Unfortunately, they were a hugely popular act, booked solid in most of the Sutoku Alliance's various nightclubs. This has left a ton of empty spots that need to be filled quickly, before the crowds get upset and demand… refunds.
That's where you come in, Lost Souls! Desperate promoters and talent bookers are literally grabbing Lost Souls off the street and begging, pleading, with them to perform a set for the night. They just need to have something to fill the space Moonday would have otherwise occupied. At least give the crowd something to see!
Acts do not need to be of the musical variety. Any performing talent is accepted, no matter how esoteric or bizarre! If it can fill out a 15-30 minute set, the club owners will be happy and the customers will at least see something interesting; even if it's a bad kind of interesting. So get on stage and show this city what you've got!
( Help us fill our time slots, please! We're desperate! 😩)
5. DEPARTMENT OF THE ENMA - Sticky Paws II: Outta the Bag
The Enma Department is busy: they have a kidnapping to investigate, a primordial god to pin down, and the crisis of their ever-shifting public image to manage. However, crime never sleeps and is always there to add to the troubled Department's workload. Worse still, we thought this little crime spree was over six months ago! But here it is again, much to the Enma's chagrin.
Cat cafés are a popular tourist attraction all across Jigokucho. About six months ago, a gang of bakeneko infiltrated several of the cafés to rob customers occupied with kitty bliss. Wallets, jewelry, and anything else those sticky paws could snatch away were being picked in droves. The cat capers are afoot once more!
Are you a hapless victim of these furry thieves, or are you helping the Department of the Enma track down these cat burglars? Unfortunately, the bakeneko are exceptionally clever and are using a seal to disguise their secondary tails. This makes them look just about like any normal cat. Better make sure your lead is good, or you'll be chasing down an ordinary Felis Catus. Soft to pet, but not going to return your pilfered cash.
Of course, the café staff might be in on this caper too… It's never easy to tell who's getting a cut of the profits. Be careful who you trust out there.
6. ALL OVER - The 100 Billion Yen Man (PLOT RELEVANT)
The local TV news has been announcing that Kaberou Kannazaki – the legendary finance wolf and the father of kidnapping victim, Ringo-chan – will be making an announcement this week. People have flocked to television sets throughout the city; at the squares, around TVs in bars, electronic stores, each other's phones, and any other venue with a connection. The kidnapping has been a highly public ordeal and the talk of the town. Many of the locals were present at the festival and witnessed the crime. They want to hear what the word is!
The public doesn't have to wait long. Wolf-eared Kaberou sits at a press desk, surrounded by microphones, and dazzled with flashbulbs. He clears his throat and, as he begins to speak, he is direct and to the point; not unlike a wolf lunging for the throat."As of today, I am issuing a bounty on the man known as the Iron Bear, who has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping of my daughter, Ringo Kannazaki. The payout to the party responsible for bringing me Iron Bear, dead or alive, is 100 Billion Yen. Individuals or groups, I don't care. Just bring my daughter back to me, and the money is yours."
Well! The Department of the Enma's hopes of an orderly investigation have been dashed, but this is certainly an opportunity for anyone brave enough – or, more accurately, stupid enough – to traverse the Wasteland. Maybe one of you out there will find the legendary Iron Bear and bring him to some form of justice.
Local businesses are quick to leap at this opportunity, too. They begin to aggressively push sponsorships at would-be bounty hunters. Weapons? Armor? Survival gear? All at discount prices! Each faction has their interest in collecting the massive bounty as well. They will all be putting a lot of pressure on recruits to get ready to head out to the Wastes.
If you just got here? Well, it would definitely be in your interest to start finding gear, and finding people willing to collect that bounty with you. It could mean a big step forward toward your eventual contract, after all.
Welcome to the test drive meme!
- First of all, big thanks to our discord chat for the "Throat Goat" prompt idea. Stay golden, gang.
- IF YOU'RE TOP-LEVELING A NEW CHARACTER, post it here!
- Characters already in the game can top level as well.
- Threads here can be considered game canon.
- Characters can be recruited to do work for any faction until they're given their official assignment.
- If you have any questions about the TDM content, please ask them here! You can find information on the story so far here!
- If you have questions about the game itself, please check out the premise, FAQ, and rules pages.
- Reserves are open until September 5th.
no subject
N-No, your words are kind but- I don't deseeerve them! I-I'm here, in this hellish place because I'm rotting filth, and this stage is my condemnaaation! I never wanted to ever perform alone and now...
[That is ...some nonsensical rambling. Sounds like someone has a guilt complex. Anyway, Mayoi finally looks at Nazuna properly and is ...struck? Suddenly? Ah ...this person is very familiar, somehow.]
O-Oh...
no subject
...well, yeah but that's the situation for all of us, right? So--
[Looking at him properly now, Nazuna also has that same feeling. Where has he...? Hmm...]
--oh! I remember now! [It takes him another moment to put a name to the memory.] Ayase-san... right?
no subject
[This person knows his name! That is even stranger then the reverse! He is just a terrible phantom who hides in the shadows and watches others, so he thought, perhaps he recognized this person from his usual stalking around...]
[Yes. Yes, he thinks this is someone he has observed singing late at night at school...How surprising, to run into someone from school here?? Is that it?]
Y-Yes ...that's. That's my name. A-Ah...Oh! Nito-san ...from Ra*bts?
no subject
Ahaha-- that's right! We weren't able to meet properly when Ra*bits and ALKALOID worked together to hand out those fliers. But I was pretty curious when I heard about your situation from the others.
[It's hard to leave them alone when it sounds like Eichi's playing with them for some reason or another. He'd like to look out for them if he can--]
...these guys must have a pretty decent eye for talent if they grabbed you up already.
no subject
[His hands cover his mouth. Give him a second.]
That's right. That's right! I... I was too ill to help with that job, so Tatsumi-san took me back to our dorm, but I heard from the others that ...that they worked with Ra*bits. You really helped us out...
[Oh. But. Wait-]
A-Ah no, that isn't the case ...I'm nothing really- but! What is someone like Nito-san doing here!?
no subject
["Here" could be referring to either hell itself or this nightclub. For Nazuna, who doesn't think it's all that odd he's earned himself a place in the prior, his first thought is the latter.]
Me? Well-- The stage can be a pretty scary place. So since I have experience with a few different things... I decided I'd do what I can to help the performers out so they can put on shows they're proud of.
no subject
[Ah, but, he does know Nito-san has some history prior to Ra*bits...]
[...He shouldn't be dwelling on this. It's inappropriate. Ugh, stupid. He's stupid.]
I-I see. [Right. The stage...] That's very kind of you. I'm still not sure what I can do. I'm- worthless without the others, but even if I wasn't ...ALKALOID's songs are composed to make use of harmonies. They are not meant to be performed solo.
no subject
Hmm... that's true. Even with the two of us, I'm not sure we'd be able to make ALKALOID's songs fit as a duet.
[It wouldn't sound right-- and he's not particularly confident that he could perform them at the level he should, considering that he'd be performing with one of their members. Which leaves...]
Mmmmm... but there's no reason you have to sing your own songs right now. You know some of the other unit's songs, right? So if there's one you you know well enough that's either one or two parts-- I don't mind going out on stage with you if you'd feel more comfortable that way.
1/3
Another unit's songs...
2/3
[No. No absolutely not absoluteLY NOT HE CAN'T IF HE DID SUCH A THING HE WOULD VAPORIZE ON THE SPOT. GOD WOULD COME AND REND HELL HIMSELF TO STRIKE HIM DOWN.]
[no no no he is too unclean, too disgusting, he cannot. he won't. he will DIE before he--]
3/3
[Hahahaha okay, its fine, everything is fine, the thoughts are gone.]
I'm familiar with a lot of other idol's works ...um. So, if you have a-anything in mind, I can simply adapt...
no subject
It's probably fine.]
Nonsense~ that's what I'm here for! Besides, we idols should help each other out when we can.
[Thinking................ hm. Well--]
Actually... I did recently do a bit of adjusting to one of Ra*bits' songs for the Tanabata performance I did with a friend. Even on short notice, I think I could teach you...
[But that's a pretty big leap in style and he knows it's definitely not for everyone. So-- better to offer something a bit more realistic too.]
Buuuut you might like Valkyrie's style more. And it wouldn't really have to be changed at all.
no subject
I'm. I'm not sure I am suited to something as ...bright and pure as one of your Ra*bits' songs...
[Valkyrie is more his speed but. Isn't there a good reason to perhaps turn that down as well? Nito-san left Valkarie, so would that be awkward for him? Ah, he is worried about accepting either one, but turning down both would be such a horrid thing to do when Nito-san is offering to help him.]
[He issss such a horrible worthless creature.]
Valkyrie ...I-I think I could manage to do it just a bit more justice.
no subject
Speaking of some people—]
That’s fine with me. Since you’re still pretty new to performing live, you should do what feels most natural.
[He can’t say he’s not a bit anxious about it though. Mayoi might feel like he can do it more justice but for Nazuna this feels like an incredibly high bar for him to try and meet. They’ve had their issues but for better or for worse, these are people he still loves and respects deeply. So he’ll really have to give it his all.]
Buuuuut… let’s keep this a secret. Just between the two of us, okay? […] I think I’d die if Itsuki ever found out I tried to imitate him on stage. How embarrassing…
no subject
[Anyway.]
[Mayoi is watching Nazuna's reaction to opting for Valkyrie and it seems like ...he is fine with it, even if his stipulation gives him pause for worry. Perhaps he will just ...try to find a way to make this up to him later. There is surely something even he can do...]
O-Of course.
[But. Now that they have made a decision, he is starting to think about the show and suddenly he looks very thoughtful. Calculating.]
That puts me into Kagehira-san's role, yes? And so ...yes. I think I will be able to match your movements in much the same way, since it seems to rely on music cues entirely while not having eyes on your partner. Adjusting for our difference in heights should not be difficult either if I keep my steps measured shorter...
no subject
Nazuna seems perfectly fine, listening to Mayoi's assessment with some interest. He was admittedly a bit curious how someone who watched idols so closely would perceive Valkyrie. He was no longer a member, but it was still hard for him to view it without some form of bias.
It's kind of like having a child who's grown up and moved out in a way.
...But he just had to bring up the height difference, huh? Well. He supposes it is important. But he doesn't have to like it.]
You're not wrong. Valkyrie's choreography is designed with a lot of precision; connecting it to the music. Of course there are still parts that are designed for the two of them to be in sync. But because Oshi-san-- Itsuki-- is so strict with his standards, he would often put himself in a position to correct and adjust in the event that there were timing issues.
[Just like Valkyrie itself, it can sound intimidating. But Nazuna just smiles brightly.]
Which is why just for today I'll become the puppet master~ If you get lost or miss something, I'll help reel you back in. The audience won't know the difference.
no subject
[Also yes, sorry, he tried to phrase it as nicely as possible, but there is like ...no getting around their 14cm height difference.]
[Mayoi nods to Nazuna's explanation, filling in a bunch of the blanks he had from just watching on his own. There is ...also, something comforting about Nazuna taking the lead here. He already felt so out of his depth earlier, he didn't know what to do. While he is knowledgeable and responsible, he's more suited as a support role.]
I understand.
[Mayoi shifts a little, but then sweeps his arms out in a broad but elegant gesture, wrists bent just so, as if he were being pulled by strings, and then kneels down before Nazuna. It's not a perfect copy of Mika's movements, since there is something a little more ...eh, unhinged about it, but he very easily gets into character.]
Theeen, allow me to be your imperfect doll for tonight, and I shall happily dance on your strings~ ♪
no subject
...he's really getting into it too. Well. He'd better give it his all too, then. It's just for a little while, so he should be able to stand tall play the part of the Puppet Sovereign. The commanding air should give his partner one extra added reassurance that everything was going to go just fine.]
Hmph. Very well. Then let us show them a glimpse of true art.