[ LOCKED TO SUTOKU ALLIANCE ] video; un: rider

[kaientai]

[ it takes ryouma a little bit to get around to this, but eventually(!!) he appears, filming a video from what appears to be... outside a fancy-looking starbucks? well, they're everywhere, after all! even in hell! maybe they're also paying him for the product placement? in any case, it's a nice day, and he's outside with his iced coffee and with sunglasses on you can't tell how tired he might be! coffee and a cigarette is the meal of champions when you have a lot of stress in your life. ]

Hello, everyone! I thought it'd be a good time to welcome in all our newest Alliance Lost Souls!

[ yes, he's waving! ]

I'm Sakamoto Ryouma — but just Ryouma is fine! — and a lot of people around here know I'm a Lieutenant and a main point of contact for any business with the Alliance. If you need anything, you can always come to me, and I'll at least try and help you find what you're looking for.

That being said, you've got plenty of good people around here you can look to also! The rest of you aren't off the hook~!

My newest co-Lieutenant is Matoba Seiji. [ so feel free to bother him now too, haha! ] Emily Dyer will be acting as my second, and if you don't already know where the clinic is, you should familiarise yourself and help out a little!

You can also find your other seniors — Kim Kitsuragi, Yuri Leclerc, Xingqiu, Artemy Burakh, Cloud Strife, and Ydris — if you need anything!

[ enjoy the new responsibility?? this is also live video and not text, so there is a strong possibility that ryouma has butchered several of these names in his accent. the good news is that he also holds up a list of the names written out because he knows himself.

now that that's out of the way, he can move along to some useful information before he wraps this thing up. his coffee's melting, and he's sitting when he probably has three other places he could be... ]

You represent the Sutoku Alliance now, so keep that in mind! We don't really have much of a dress code or anything, but you should still get one of these pins, so people know what crew you're with.

[ he taps the pin on his jacket with the kanji for sutoku. aren't you relieved that the naval uniform isn't standard-issue attire? now everyone knows why he's rated four stars for COOLER HAT on EMBER. ]

We have 'em at Konoha and at plenty of other places, too, so just ask!

We're gonna have a get-together officially soon enough, but this is a good opportunity to get to know each other ahead of time! My advice to all of you is to learn as much as possible about this place and the people who live here, your fellow Lost Souls in the other factions included! Find something that interests you and dig right in! Always be paying attention because it's all in what you know.

[ so go be nosy and get the good gossip!! ]

I'm excited to say there will be a lotta interesting things going on around here soon enough, so I'll be counting on you all to do your best! You have a week to settle in and get comfortable before we'll be putting you to work, so don't hesitate to reach out if you need something in the meantime, got it?

I think that should do it for now. Have fun!

[ ooc: this is an open post for sutoku so FEEL FREE TO THREADJACK TO YOUR HEART'S CONTENT! ]

Comments

[text] UN: tamamori

[fuckdogramagra]

Welcome to Sutoku everyone!!!!

I'm not important or a fancy rank or anything [ one can almost hear the simmering grumbles about EMBER in the silence between his typed words,,, ] but I'm around a lot on this network, and wanted to make sure to say hello to everyone as well! (´ ▽ `*) And thank Sakamoto-san for the hard work as always!!

The best advice I can give- there's a little button next to your typing keyboard that lets you access other 🇸​🇾🇲🇧​🇴🇱​🇸!! If you hit it again then you can pick from or make the little faces called "kaomoji". (°◇°)‼️

This might seem like a silly thing to bring up, but Daitengu- our faction leader!! -happens to use "kaomoji" quite a bit, so literacy of this sort is very important! Get a head start on learning everything you can...! That's the spirit of Sutoku!

un: fushiguro

[mahoraga]

Using kaomoji to get on his good side, you mean?

[ are you sucking up, tama!!! ]

text;

[kaientai]

This is a very important point, actually! Thank you for mentioning it since doing a message through video didn't really give me an opportunity to explain the kaomojis!

Kaomojis are very, very important! (ﾒ￣▽￣)︻┳═一

I even found one with a gun!!

[ he doesn't mean for it to be threatening, he just thinks it's neat?? ]

It's good to see that you understand the spirit of Sutoku!

[ he agrees that's just what it is now. ]

text; un: ursamajor

[beariot]

[ Well she at least knows this, thanks to Akko. ]


（　＾▽-）∠※☆

video > text; un: y.mikotoba

[softshoes]

[oh my god. he's going to try it. wait, there's SO MANY BUTTONS, HE'S OVERWHELMED? Tama gets a couple seconds of a mildly taken-aback Mikotoba--]

Er...

[--but he should switch to text first to try this new function out, though, so. He's doing that.]

🌸ʕ •ᴥ•ʔ

Is this correct?

un: braver; video

[identitycrisiscore]

[ Unlike Ryouma, Cloud is decidedly indoors - he hasn't moved out of the Sutoku apartment complex, and he's taken the liberty of pinning the Sutoku pin on a floral shirt he's wearing. Huh. That doesn't seem his style. Where did he get it? ]

[ He's clearly casting from his bed, resting. He's on a nice futon that has replaced the standard apartment bed. On the windowsill are a handful of (obviously fake) houseplants. The rest of the room is neat and spartan - huh. Weird. ]

Don't be afraid to ask questions. A lot of us have a lot of information to go around. And it's likely you might have gaps as to what you learned when you first arrived we can fill in. And if someone else has a question you have the answer to - feel free to speak up.

The best way we help each other is sharing information and covering for each other's weaknesses. Unlike the other clans, we all have some niche skills we can bring to the table.

[ He scratches at his head a bit. It's a bit weird to be talking in a position of authority, but, well, he's earned it. ]

I'm sure the other seniors will chime in with their own thoughts, but if there's anything I can answer, feel free to ask.

un: mona, text

[exiguous]

[ Mona is still unsure of how to get the video function to work, what is this technology – but she hopes that he is able to get her message this way, in any case. ]

The offer is appreciated. I will go ahead and take you up on it, actually. Consider this my way of starting to gather information.

The only happenings prior to my arrival that I am currently aware of are the city having been "under siege by the curse". I also know that a number of rather grotesque things have occurred because of it, some that I witnessed upon arrival.

[ (Thank you for filling her in, Ursula.) ]

I'm afraid that I don't know much else. If there are any other key events that us newcomers should know of – or even a place where we can reference such information – I would like to hear about them, if possible.

video; un: y.mikotoba

[softshoes]

[Thank goodness he's gotten enough practice with the phone now to know how the video works, but viewers do get a little bit of an unfortunate Dad Using Facetime forehead angle until Mikotoba props his phone up.]

The welcome is very much appreciated. [He's wondering about that name, but that's... for later. Instead, he offers the camera a bow of his head.]

Yujin Mikotoba, at your service. This is the first time I'm hearing of a clinic, and I'd be more than happy to lend my assistance-- in my own Japan, I was a professor of forensic pathology at Imperial Yumei. Please excuse my unfamiliarity with this world, it is my intent to catch up as quickly as possible.

un: emilydyer

[medicative]

[after calling Ryouma and panicking about this being made public...]

Any assistance you could offer would be deeply appreciated, professor. I am Emily Dyer, and I would be the one to speak to about that.

video; un: ursamajor

[beariot]

[ A mousey woman on the other end, in a rather small apartment, trying to not look as anxious as she was... ]

Ah, well, Mr. Sakamoto, I do have a question...

[ She let's out an anxious laugh, adjusting her glasses. ]

W-well, first, introductions; I'm Ursula Callistis, Professor of Astrology at Luna Nova Academy [ She wasn't going to lose the habit of announcing that anytime soon. ]

And, well, I guess it's a question to anyone willing to answer, but...

[ GET ON WITH IT ]

What... are we supposed to be doing, exactly?

un: yharaskrik

[psionicmolotov]

Gathering intelligence is our primary goal

The secondary is representing our faction well as much as the Daitengu cares for that

text; un: daenthelm

[adversus]

[All that texting with her kids... Has finally paid off!!]

٩(⊙‿⊙)۶

If anyone needs any fighting lessons... I'll be here for it. I trained students back home, and can help with any training if we don't have anyone already~

text; un: ursamajor

[beariot]

You won't be fighting children again, right?

un: moonlight

[powerofthemoon]

[ She's sitting in a cafe somewhere drinking a bubble tea, she is answering but also seems more distracted scrolling other things on her phone. ]

Doctor Heng Yue, I am chief of the med ops team for the Esper Union in Grandis. I'm a pharmacologist and a healer.

[ Why are there kaomoji lessons going on. Are you all children. What is happening. She drinks from her bubble tea with a small frown as she scrolls. ]

[medicative]

[two doctors. she could cry.]

Dr. Heng, it's a pleasure to meet you. I am Emily Dyer, and I'm in charge of the medical clinic that Mr. Sakamoto mentioned earlier. It would be a great boon to us if you would consider joining the staff, even on a part-time basis. While I currently can compound certain specialized medicines, an expert's eye would exceed what I can do on my own.

video; un: totokochan

[socute]

[ Look who's all dolled up, bright ol' smile when she finds out this can do video calls! Okay! ]

Hi everyone~! I'm Totoko-chan, I'm an idol back home and am planning on debuting here very soon! When that time comes, please make sure to cheer me on! I'm looking forward to working with all of you.

But, just making sure... it's mostly just collecting info, right? Not much busywork? That's not really something I wanna do, but if it's finding things out about other people, I'm a pro at that!

text; un: matoba

[worldbent]

There may be times of need when things may get a little more physical, but such requirements are minimal.

And besides, if you are one of us, then I'm sure you are clever enough to find ways to solve that problem. [read: get some other sucker to do it for you]

If information is what you excel at, then that is what you should focus on. Welcome to the clan, Totoko-chan.

text; un: matoba

[worldbent]

Greetings to fellow Sutoku Alliance Lost Souls. I am Matoba Seiji.

To echo Sakamoto-san, I would like to formally welcome you to our clan. It is a clan which recognizes the strength of collective effort, wherein every individual piece of a group is instrumental in maintaining power from the lowest ranks to the top.

Having good business relationships is all about who you know and what they can do for you. My advice to you is to always be aware of those facts about every person you meet.

For example, my services as an exorcist are always available, should you have worries of any bothersome youkai or curses in this city. You may hear that we had a little trouble with malicious forces recently, so I would like to ensure that everyone is aware that there are ways to protect oneself from such threats. I am available regularly at the Tengu Temple for such concerns.

Please do not hesitate to seek me.

Concentrate on settling into your new environment, and learning all there is about this city. I am sure I will see you all out there.

im so sorry

[fuckdogramagra]

In additions to my services of helping with the new styles of communication here, especially those the Daitengu uses, I also can translate for Matoba-san!

TL;DR he says he's glad to see you and welcome, and also to send him pictures of cats in exchange for his assistance with yokai-or-the-like problems.
ต(^ⓛᴥⓛ^)ต

text; username: levirage

[fibrillate]

Thank you for the introduction, Ryouma! I'm happy to meet all of you, and gathering everyone in one place like this seems a little more reasonable than what I was doing.

So, um, hello! My name is Leviathan Astrape (Levi, if you'd like), and I'm a new Lost Soul from the year 2150. I have a lot of experience helping out people who don't have a lot of power in the world, and I'm looking forward to bringing that experience to help out the Sutoku Alliance!

I do have to admit, though... I'm not entirely sure what we're expected to do yet. I'm usually the one being a mentor to people, so it's a little strange thinking I might need a mentor, but I won't turn one down.

Oh, if anyone likes playing competitive games (FPSes, MOBAs, you know) and has found something down here that feels comfy to play, please let me know about it. I'd love to get the chance to get really good at it and dominate a little. >:)

un: mona

[exiguous]

[ She's not interested in playing games per se, but she is curious: ]

A pleasure to meet you, Levi. You may call me Mona. Now...what do "FPSes" and "MOBAs" stand for? I, for one, do not know what you're referencing.

voice; un: suzaku

[windfalling]

[ That is a lot of information to take in. Appreciated and useful information, but a lot. He has questions (at least one is about Ryouma's name, because of course), but they can wait. ]

Oh, there is a clinic? Good, I might need someone to check me out, just to be sure.

Anyway, I'm Shun Akiyama. I have some skills that might come in handy at some point...I just need to build my resources back up.

[kaientai]

Well, what sort of resources might you be looking for? There's plenty going on, so there's some flexibility.

[ might as well let people do what they're good at. ]

text | un: yharaskrik

[psionicmolotov]

[ He's happy to just hang out in the background here and say NOTHING AT ALL about how he got promoted. It means less people bothering him for menial tasks, after all.

What is there to say that hasn't been said already, really...He sure as hell isn't going to say "welcome everybody!", that's not something he did even when he was a co-captain. ]

I think those whove been here as long as I have covered most factors that would affect those newly arrived

All I can add is that since it is easy to find information out on these networks you should be careful not to give away too much in public.

[kaientai]

That's very good advice! Even if something is a "private" message or otherwise locked, that doesn't mean it's completely secure.

Doing sensitive business in person whenever possible is a good practice, isn't it?

text | un: kitsuragi

[aceslow]

Welcome to Jigoku-cho, and with it, the Sutoku Alliance, newcomers. Your first weeks here will likely be quite overwhelming, and I advise you all to lay low and learn as much about your surroundings and the people who live in this city as you can. If you're in need of assistance, your clanmembers will be happy to assist you. Otherwise, stay smart out there. Your mind is your greatest asset.

My name is Kim Kitsuragi. It's nice to meet you all.

[kaientai]

I suppose this would be a good place as any to give you the heads up. I'll be calling a proper meeting soon enough; wouldn't throw everybody in the deep end without bringing you all up to speed.

text; un: laoshu

[worsening]

( he listens carefully. at first, he's hesitant to join the fray, but yang supposes he ought to be useful in this type of situation. )

Call me Yang. I’m a ranking member of the triads back home. ( for the sake of teamwork, yang cuts to the chase. not that he feels he needs to hide it for the sake of his reputation, but... he does understand the importance of information. ) As for my talents… I’ll leave that to your imagination.

( he’ll go into detail if anyone’s curious, either about what a triad is or his talents. )

I’ll carry out any task assigned to me. What interests me the most are efforts to expand our group’s influence. I don’t want to overstay my welcome.

text; un: matoba

[worldbent]

[Matoba is aware of what the triads are. That sort of skillset took time and trust to be put to use, but there was always a starting point...]

There will be uses for your talents, I assure you.

As for the Alliance's areas of interest, our clan's main areas of focus are trade and retail, communications, and property. You will find that those are rather large umbrellas and there are a number of smaller types of businesses which we have a bit of involvement in.

For starters, if you are interested in learning the details of what we control and how, perhaps consider working your way in one of those businesses. Many Alliance clans are still struggling to clean things up after last month; I am sure they will appreciate the hard work of an eager new face.

text, un: mona

[exiguous]

[ ...Interesting. Ryouma really is this high up in the rankings, is he? Well, she should make herself known, at the very least. ]

I am Mona Megistus, a renowned astrologist from the world of Teyvat. Information gathering is something that I enjoy doing, even if it may not be through traditional means here, so I suppose I was placed into the right faction after all. All I need to know is what sort of knowledge I should be seeking, especially if it's related to a specific assignment.

[ After a moment: ]

\(★ω★)/

[kaientai]

Wow! Did you know there's another astrologist around here too? That makes me wonder if you guys look at the same stars if you get the same answers...

In any case, I've never been one for "traditional", so I'm glad to have you on the team!

text, un; sanctuary

[peacewithouttyranny]

Greetings, I am Soundwave, a Cybertronian- living mechanical race -and leader of the Decepticon faction back in my own galaxy.

['Decepticon'... That should give some sort of idea what he can do, right? But he knows the value of information, so he can give out a little more.]

My specialty happens to be information gathering and espionage. I will carry out any assigned tasks and expanding Sutoku's influence.

From what I've gathered about our faction's philosophies, it appears that Sutoku share similarities with my own faction back home. I look forward to working with all of you.

[All in all, he feels he's in the right faction. And since he's read the kaomoji bit...]

ヽ(ー_ー )ノ

[kaientai]

Nice to meet you, Soundwave! (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧

That all sounds so interesting! I'd love to hear all about where you come from sometime! You really come from a whole different galaxy and everything??

I'll admit, I've been to a lot of different times and places in my own world, but it's hard for me to even wrap my head around all that. I'm sure we'll be grateful for your expertise! Technology is a pretty weak area for me, but I bet that's no problem from someone who's probably been to space, huh?

[ and you know, the whole being a living mechanical race and all, but that seems rude to assume somehow?? ]

un: emilydyer

[medicative]

I would like to extend a sincere welcome to those recently brought into the Sutoku Alliance. I am Emily Dyer, and as Mr. Sakamoto already mentioned, I will be acting as his second for the time being. What that means for you is that should you wish to get in contact with him and he's inaccessible, you can reach out to me, and I'll make sure he gets the message. I also happen to be in charge of the clinic he mentioned, so rest assured that you have access to reliable healthcare, though I pray I may meet you socially before I meet you professionally. May you all stay well.

Beyond that, my colleagues have covered the basics of what we would like to tell you, but I'd like to reiterate that we are accessible to assist you in getting situated here. I'm sure there are many questions you have, both about your situation and in terms of the Alliance, and I would like to offer what information and experience I have to answer what I can. Hopefully, we can offer you some peace of mind.

[text] UN: tamamori

[fuckdogramagra]

Ah, Miss Dyer, I do have one question, though I understand the need to keep...general in manner when discussing it.

But owing to its status as an unaffiliated place of healing, the clinic has staff among other faction as well, correct? No need to name names of course, I know there is substantial risk in such things, but...I know of someone in another faction who would surely want to assist. I wasn't sure how best to facilitate this connection, so if there's a better way, by all means I'll switch to that.

text, un: autumn

[rainswords]

[ There is no surprise that his name has been utterly destroyed but on the bright side it was spelled correctly which tends to be a rarity. Points to you, Ryouma — although maybe he would have preferred not being mentioned? He doesn't mind living in obscurity, only appearing to provide assistance when absolutely needed. ]

Allow me to extend a welcome to all initiates to the Sutoku Alliance along with a greeting to senior members. Some of you may already know me, I am Xingqiu, and as stated I am willing to provide aid or answer any inquiries to the best of my capabilities. Though talent eludes me, I will contribute what I can to the alliance.

Understandably all this may be shocking to some people, there may be difficulties in adjusting to being suddenly flung so far from home. Take time to acclimate to the environment of this city, I especially recommend this to those completely unfamiliar with the culture of this land or those who hail from very different worlds. If assistance is required in gathering information on cultural norms or the inhabitants of Jigoku-cho, then I am willing to direct those interested to some reading material. For those not keen on reading, there is a book with short descriptions and illustrations of youkai that may help. It's actually called The Book of Yokai. Though, I can't verify or guarantee its accuracy.

In any case, please do not feel pressured to acquire one of those pins. It's unnecessary nor do you need to appease the Daitengu by imitating their method of communication.

Contribute in any way you can, I've found that among lost souls we tend to be of varied backgrounds and talents. All we can do is help each other through our time within this city. As for me, aside from recommending literature, I can attempt to dabble in editing though I don't have the experience. But I do know a bit about textiles, specifically silks — however, I am not sure how that would be of any use. On a side note, for those unwilling to seek medical aid at appropriate facilities for whatever reason I can provide some level of first aid.

Anyway, I am not difficult to contact but if you're having trouble reaching me then just speak to my assistant: Miss Hu Tao. Best of luck to you all.

un: emilydyer

[medicative]

With all due respect, while I agree with you that one need not alter their communication style, the pins should not be dismissed as unnecessary. At least in matters of formality, they signify unity, and their value goes beyond a mere pin. They are worth having for those times where we need to be not just ourselves, but representatives of the Alliance.

Text / un; Enterprise

[lucky_e]

Hello, and welcome to all new faces. My name is Enterprise, hull number CV-6, of the Eagle Union. Though, I think a number of you might also recognize it as the United States.

I'm sure things are probably still confusing for some of ou. While I'm not high in the ranks, or as well known as those already mentioned, if anyone needs help with anything feel free to reach out.

[kaientai]

Always glad to have you on the team! And under much better circumstances these days!

I wasn't kidding about having plenty to do, so I hope you won't mind me putting you to work soon enough! (*￣▽￣)b

text; un: ARTEMYBURAKH

[pathofsacrifice]

Hello, I am Artemy Burakh.

Most of what needs to be said has been, but I will say one more thing. Those that are not human can only be considered miracles. I do not believe any one of them can be thought of as a curse, even if their actions may be malicious and cruel in nature.

We cannot judge them as humans judge them, and I hope we can learn to live with those that will have us and make peace with those that will not. This is all the knowledge that I can impart on those that are here.

I will say that all those that are part of the Sutoku are family. You are as much my blood as anyone else, and that, too, is why I tell you to be kind but not too foolish with the miracles we live with.

[kaientai]

Hello, Artemy!

Just out of curiosity... did someone say that non-humans were a curse?

[ he feels like he's missed something. ]

text; un: shita-kiri suzume

[tonguecutter]

[ Good on Ryouma for climbing his way up so high in the ranks, is one of the thoughts that flit through her mind. She never thought there would come a day that a human would out-rank her in Hell, but that is just yet another example, out of numerous examples, of how this isn't the same Hell she knows.

She takes a bit to waffle between text and another format, but seeing as the usage of "kaomoji" (if only a certain hermit princess were here to help her translate...) is apparently important, ultimately, text it is. At the very least, she's not a stranger to the format thanks to participating in a little chatroom. ]

Though I'm not as senior as many of the others here, I'd like to extend a welcome to the newcomers. I am Beni-Enma, the Tongue-Cut Sparrow.

[ Yes, like that Enma. Anyway. ]

There isn't much for me to say that hasn't already been said. But in addition to taking care of and looking out for each other as clan members, remember to take care of yourselves as well. This Hell seems to be more influenced by the human world than you'd think, and that goes for your body and well-being too.

[ Particularly after the hellscape that was recent events. That especially goes for the more reckless or self-sacrificing types out there who would do their thing regardless. Normally there wouldn't really be a need to take care of one's self in Hell, if they're just going to be tortured or burned or frozen and whatnot for eternity afterwards, but of course, things are different around here. ]

un: totokochan

[socute]

heyyy about that
if this is hell

then arent we all you know

dead?

Video; un: Tsukuyomi

[blackabyss]

[This is actually a good idea to get the newer members of the alliance in the know. He isn't familiar with Ryouma himself, but some of the names he listed - Kim Kitsuragi, Xingqiu, Cloud Strife - are familiar to him. So he decides to add to the conversation.]

Greetings to all the new members of the Sutoku Alliance. My name is Tokoyami Fumikage, and I have been here for a couple months myself now. It may not be easy adapting to the Devil's domain, but should anyone need any assistance with anything, do not hesitate to reach out to me. I may not know as much as those who have been here as long as some of the others, but should anyone have any questions, I will do my best to answer them. I believe that should we Lost Souls work together, we can make our time in the darkness bearable.

video, un: "azem"

[conceptreview]

[BIRD MAN? BIRD MAN. BIRD MAN!!! Hythlodaeus loves not-quite-human (looking) people.]

Tokoyami Fumikage...your name truly fits in with this city. Pray tell, did you choose it upon coming here? Should I pick out a new moniker? I have been told that 'Hythlodaeus' is rather unusual-sounding.