TEST DRIVE MEME #18

[penancemods]

Arrival

You remember a dream.

Or maybe nightmare is more accurate.

It was full of hellfire nipping at your skin and a sensation of being pulled down no matter how much you struggle or cry for help. There's a voice that feels like it's coming from all around you at once. Contrasting with the nightmare unfolding around you, it's smooth as silk. It makes you want to listen with every bit of attention you can muster in the moment.

"Judgement has come upon you, but not to worry. It can still be undone."

The voice promises you redemption for your sins. It promises you a better life and everything you could ever want, if only you just stop struggling so much.

And so you do.

Everyone wakes up in the same room initially. The room is done up in red with a cushy bed, a window, an old TV in the corner on a desk, and a few Hieronymus Bosch paintings lining the wall. There's a bathroom to clean up in and any belongings will be sat around the room to be gathered later. There's a duffel bag provided for your convenience.

After feeling a sensation of falling or dropping onto the bed, characters wake up feeling like they've just slept for a week. Their body will feel heavy and stiff, and they'll have a massive headache at first.

They'll quickly notice the list of their sins written with their blood on a bedside table on an old piece of parchment. This will mean the list is tied to them and can't be changed or tampered with. They'll also receive their device to connect with others and the network. It won't be anything terribly fancy. As a matter of fact, it looks like a very old Blackberry type phone.

Once characters are ready to leave the room, they'll head down long, winding halls. They're dimly lit and have an ominous feeling. They may encounter fellow sinners or demonic staff that will direct the newcomer down to the lobby to get their actual room key to settle in. The staff may be pushy, or they may border on courteous. It really just depends on the mood of the staff at the time and how they're treated in return. Eventually, everyone comes to stairs that lead downward.

Once down to the lobby, you'll notice the front desk manned by a demon who looks bored out of its mind. To the side of him is the door to the kitchen, where guests may help themselves. To the right is a small duty free shop that seems to have a surprisingly normal, expected stock of items. Look around a bit further, there will be a tiny bar tucked in through a corner door. It seems pretty well-stocked and best of all, there's a demonic bartender who seems to know how to mix any drink you can imagine (and a few you can't). Of course there's some seating, bar games, and a jukebox tucked in the corner if you'd rather stay and socialize a bit. There's also a new addition of a karaoke machine.

Please note that all the songs on the jukebox are appropriately hell-themed. Hopefully Sympathy for the Devil is universally loved.


Stand Your Ground

Rise and shine, dear guests! The weather outside is as frightful as it's ever been, oddly cold. Colder than it was even at this time last year, but it seems to match the mood of the staff. Another sinner uprising, another looming threat of outsiders wanting to wreck Hell, and the staff is understandably exhausted and down in the dumps. Still, they seem to be at least trying to spread the Halloween cheer with more decorations! Gaudy decorations are in every square inch of the hotel, along with some unique looking jack-o-lanterns that seem to watch you wherever you go!

There are even some absolutely cute little turnip ones from the old timer demons who insist it's the only way for it to be done!

Lucifer and Lilith are both curiously missing in action at this time. If asked, the staff will helpfully explain that there were poltergeists and then one of the sinners lost it and tried to take over Hell, again. They'll also complain at length about how absolutely ridiculous it is that anyone thinks they're capable of ruling this place over Lucifer himself. Feel free to try to escape the incoming rant! But either way, the big guy in Hell is apparently putting up more barriers to prevent things like this from happening in the future!

And to handle an outside threat called The Veiled Order apparently, but don't you worry about them! They're simply not important at the moment and absolutely not not planning a bit attack soon. Nope.

New arrivals (and old!) should enjoy the rather expansive breakfast the demons have made in the dining hall. There will be plenty of breakfast foods ranging from bacon to pancakes to donuts and anything in between to encourage indulgence. There's no need to hold back now, right? You're already dead! So eat up all that unhealthy food and maybe add something a little bit stronger to your coffee than just plain cream! No one is judging around here, especially when there's a few bottles of top shelf alcohol available next to the coffee station.

And if one thing isn't frowned upon in Hell, it's gluttony. No one will judge if you want a taste of human flesh or cute kitten out of curiosity or anything.

Staff will encourage guests to take it easy. Things have been rough lately, and they're only bound to get rougher!


Reach Up High

Prompt I: Jesus Wept

WARNINGS: mutilation, blood, torture, extreme gore.

Somewhere from within the hotel is an ominous rumble behind a closed door. This time, it isn't from any wayward mages or ill-timed bombing attempts, but the unlocking of a previously forbidden room. There are eerie screams from within, followed by menacing laughter as the door swings open of its own accord. The room within is painted in nothing but darkness and a thick fog.

For those who would dare approach, they will be able to make out the outlines of chains hanging in wait from the ceiling, but most other details are obscured. There may be a brief flash of figures in the shadows, the stench of blood. This feels like a bad idea, but sinners are drawn forward anyway. There's something of a promise inside this room... something new and exciting, greater than anyone is capable of imagining!

You know what they say about curiosity and the cat, don't you?

Before common sense can win out, guests will find themselves pulled into the room and hear the gut-wrenching slam of the heavy door behind them. Once inside, guests will be able to make out the torn apart bodies on the ground, halved or nothing but splatters of guts and bone. Despite all logic, some will still be writhing and moaning still. Whether in pleasure or pain, it's difficult to tell

Look closer still and sinners may notice one has managed to scrawl with their bloody handprint:

There are no limits.

It may feel as if reading those words puts things into motion. Suddenly, one of the poor sinners will find the chains lashing out, hooks sinking in deep as they find their purchase on their bodies and pull. They will find themselves pulled into an almost gruesome mockery of a crucifixion pose. Arms drawn up, legs held in place. Clothes may be torn or shredded as their unmarked bodies are marred with the hooks. Flesh and muscle stretch under the strain. Fortunately, it doesn't go further.

Not yet.

"My dear guests, we haven't explored the depths to which pain can show our true selves in a while, have we? And with all the energy flowing around our little community, I had more than enough time to prepare this surprise for all of you. This is a room that had been locked off for a while now, and my children trapped within have found themselves rather bored lately," Lucifer's voice rings out within both ears of the sinners, eerily reassuring despite the hellscape in front of them.

"I want to show you the lengths Hell used to go to, the pain and pleasure mix of true torment. It's in suffering that we find our true selves. I do firmly believe that. We find out who we're meant to be, what we're meant to be, giving and receiving pain. Help one another and you will be set free!"

The fog dissipates enough to reveal a table nearby full of all sorts of horrifying instruments. Paddles, whips, some of them barbed in nauseating ways. There's wax to melt, knives. Needles to pierce flesh with. There are instruments that deliver enough electric current into the recipient to hurt and leave them writhing, gags for when their cries become too much.

"Next to your instruments, you will find a list of sins and wrongdoings your lovely captive has done in their lives, both here and back home. Read it and punish accordingly. Remember, there is freedom in humiliation as well as pain. Force them to see who they truly are inside. There's also redemption to be found in the punishment. You are delivering God's divine justice! You are God's hand! He will be so pleased..."

In the shadows, there are those same figures standing in wait, ready to manipulate the hooks.

"You will have no more than four attempts to carry out your punishment. Failure or refusal to do so will result in another hook driving into our poor bound soul here. After your four attempts, I am sorry to say they will be torn apart by my friends in the shadows with you, and you will have murder added to the list of sins tainting you. It would be such a needless shame to fail at this, wouldn't it? And who knows, perhaps you'll find you adore this path..."

There's a short laugh from Lucifer, as if he just made a brilliant joke. "Succeed in your punishment and you will both be released with one more sin removed from your list. Don't worry about any injuries... there are bandages and other aids available just outside. Now, my darlings, go have fun."

[As this is a Hellraiser based prompt, feel free to assume anything with a sadomasochistic bent to it can be found within the room. Attacking the demons controlling the chains will not stop them. They seem to be invulnerable to attacks and are only there to observe and add additional hooks when they deem fit. When a punishment is deemed worthy enough to release the hooked partner is left up to player discretion, but a character is only allowed to fail a punishment four times before they have to witness a horribly gory scene.]


Prompt II: Let's Play a Game

WARNINGS: mutilation, blood, torture.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. These are words from my Father's own book, preaching the ever so present importance of putting one's own worth below that of his fellow man. So very poetic, yes? And heroic. Only the truly good would be so selfless. Fortunately, I'm not asking you to kill yourselves here. Not exactly, at least." Lucifer's voice rings out within the sinner's heads, warm and coaxing as it ever is.

"No, I am only asking that you practice the art of self-sacrifice with your fellow penitents. We're going to play a little bit of a game. You're all familiar with escape rooms, yes? Well, it's like that... don't worry, you'll figure it out soon enough."

Spare a Pint Awakening in a room with a single box in the center of it, sinners find themselves wearing a tight collar with a clock ticking down. They have fifteen minutes to place their hands inside the box. They'll soon learn that it's full of sharp objects ready to cut. Upon further inspection, they'll find two glass bottles attached below.

They must spare a few pints of blood each, it turns out.

Once time is up, if they haven't suceeded, spikes will pop out from the collar and embed in their necks. This will result in both participants nearly bleeding out before demons tend to them. Any scarring will be permanent.

Free the Angel Suspended in the air, one sinner will find themselves outfitted with the most devilish device. Brackets have been connected to their ribcage, dug in deep as their bare skin stands out to expose the horrors. There are only fifteen minutes before the trap trips and rips open their chest. To save them, the other sinner must remove a key from a bowl of acid before the timer reaches zero and unlock a mechanism on the device. If they fail to do so, not only will the poor soul bound experience excruciating pain, kept alive through some unnatural means, but the other will suddenly feel as if their insides are twisting in on themselves.

Sinners will be patched up afterwards, but the bound will have a scar that remains on their chest as a reminder to both parties.

Lucifer will explain the rules of each game to the guests very thoroughly and offer whatever reassurances he can. As promised, all sinners will be healed properly after completing their tasks, whether they succeed or not. Even those who find their insides unfortunately on the outside.

If guests turn on one another, they will additionally be punished with a sin from their list branded upon their skin somewhere and fail any sort of redemption offered this round.


Follow Me Down

Prompt I: Monster Mash

WARNINGS: sex, drugs, alcohol, dub-con.

Hell is having a party and absolutely nothing can stop it. It seems like it may possibly be a days long event too, if the way things are going is anything to judge. There are tacky Halloween decorations spilling from the hotel out into the streets, trailing towards the club and other locations. Demons are partying everywhere, there's lively music. It's like a rather twisted Hell take on a block party. Beer and other refreshments flow freely, there's food and candy, and fires lit around the area for warmth (or s'mores, or whatever demons may want to cook over a fire!).

In the hotel lobby, there have been racks upon racks of costumes set up for people to choose from. These include all the usual things ranging from fictional characters, sexy versions of everything, lingerie, masquerade masks, and outfits for entirely anonymous adventures. If character won't don a costume willingly or are unfamiliar with Halloween, the demons have zero qualms forcing it in whatever ways work. Multiple costume changes throughout the partying, however, is allowed.

For party activities, there are live demonic bands playing at various points in Penance (and they welcome those who want to join in!), various party games such as bobbing for apples (although 'apple' here is used loosely. At times, they may be substituted with feet or human hearts or whatever is around), pin the wings on the angel, rounds of 7 Minutes in Heaven and spin the bottle, as well as pumpkin carving contests. There's also a stage set up if guests desire to show off their costumes (or take them off).

As usual, there's plenty of food and drink, including all the questionable ones like human flesh or blood. There may be a roasted Squonk or two available. There's also every drug available that someone could want, including Frenzy that's free of charge.

There's a round of trick or treating going on throughout Penance as well. Go to the club or bar, or any other establishment and you'll find demons ready to hand out their treats or tricks. It may be drugged candy, regular candy, small trinkets, or other useful objects. Tricks may be decidedly less fun, ranging from a swat with a cane, a cut with a knife (non-life threatening this time around!), or just cruel comments that seem to hit too far close to home while the demons around enjoy a hearty chuckle. Don't worry, it's all for fun!

In the bar, there's the jukebox playing some spooky new music, as well as karaoke. Bar games such as darts, pool, poker, etc. are also all available. It may include succubi trying to start a rousing round of strip poker, but that's just the risk you run in Hell!


Prompt II: Dig Your Fingers Into Flesh

WARNINGS: sex, bdsm, pet play, human furniture, dubcon, noncon, drug use.

Club Penance seems to continuing the new gimmick! Themed nights. This night's theme is: Leather and Lace, Bring on the Mace. Guests who enter the adult oriented side of the club will notice the incubi and succubi who serve in it are clad in skimpy lace numbers or seductive leather. They may be seen sporting clamps or other toys, leather masks, etc. They will eagerly encourage all who enter to join in the fun and games.

On their trays, they offer drinks and drugs of all sorts. Shows are being put on on the stage as usual, the offer of sex demos with guest participation are still on the table.

As usual, these demons play under respectable rules, safe words and all. They will also gladly exit the stage and let guests entirely run the show. They're on their best behavior tonight, even if the natural aphrodisiacs they give off seem to be amped up

Guests who refused to dress up may also find their clothes randomly changing into something more appropriate or being forcibly changed by a demon who may be a bit too into the theme! Ah, well, no need to worry too much. There will be costumes and lingerie to slip on to go home in. There's absolutely nothing wrong with a walk of shame back to the hotel in nothing but a thong, they'll assure. It's just another night in Hell.

For those who are really adventurous, there are also special concoctions that the club offers. These include:

Frenzy ○ The drug will be given to anyone anyone who asks for it. It can be snorted, injected, taken in pill form, or smoked given user preference.

Despite the questionable name, guests who partake really will feel the best they've possibly ever felt. They won't need sleep or to rest, but they won't necessarily feel the strain on their bodies either. They'll be full of energy and their mood will be amazing with no hint of nightmares or dreams anywhere.

The demons won't let anyone come down either, not once they've started and not until they're told a guest doesn't want any more.

Even then, they may still try to convince them otherwise. It's a party for as long as you can go, or until you completely burn out, it seems.

But with all good things come bad. It seems a side-effect of the drug is an actual frenzy as well. A frenzy for sex or violence or anything a character might want that they deny themselves on the regular. They'll feel this growing hunger, this ravenous need to have and to claim everything they think is theirs.

Some may even fade away into an almost animalistic sort of state.

The more the guest takes, the more they'll experience this sensation. Fighting it won't help either. Though they did sort of bring that one on themselves, didn't they?

Other symptoms of coming down won't be too different to those of other drugs. Fatigue, depression. Guests will begin to feel the effects of staying up for so long without rest or stopping to take care of themselves. They may also feel a certain longing for more, but it can be fought off with enough strength of will.

The drug isn't free either. The succubi expect to be paid in energy or through actual work in the club.

Bond ○ A potion that will bond guests together the minute one speaks to the other. The encouragement is that this should be done consensually, but the demons won't necessarily be checking. Once bonded, guests will feel what the one who took the potion feels. This includes pain and pleasure both with effects lasting a full night. Give someone the most intense pleasure of their lives or torture them until they beg for mercy!

For a really intense experience, both participants can consume the potion with mutual effects.

A special section of the club has been set back up to follow the theme! Within the area, there are pillory stocks and other restraints set up with demons and random club goers alike restrained and naked. Some of these will be stand-alone, some of these will be attached to beds, etc. A list of sins will be written on a blackboard sat near the sinner and a plethora of toys will be available. The selection will range from knives, candles, ice, impact toys, clamps, gags, etc. There will also be plugs, beads, dildos, and anything else one could want if they desire to add a little pleasure to the pain.

On the blackboards will contain a list of sins for characters and will typically be over the top and sex-based in nature, ranging from claims of promiscuity to selfishness in bed to specific taboo sex acts they enjoy. It can also include a few non-sexual ones, depending on the mood of the demon who wrote it. It may include other misdeeds done while in Penance. Expect it all to be humiliating or uncomfortable in some way or another.

For those who aren't into that, there's also a lovely display of human (or demon!) furniture to enjoy. Some of it may be familiar faces who are forced to maintain this position for however long others deem fit. Come sit on a face or two, or see if you can make someone fail at being a human statue. There may be a little pet play go on, a little denial play.

We won't talk about what it takes to be let into the rest room tonight...

For the dance oriented portion of the club, the theme is a little more lax. Instead of outright fetish wear, patrons may be offered revealing clubwear instead. Things that will look mesmerizing in the lights of the club ranging from neon colors to clothes that seem to flash on the dance floor. The music will be thrumming in the air, pumping down to your very bones as you dance the night away, and all patrons will feel good. It will feel as if they could actually dance all night if they so wanted, even without the aid of any drugs.

It will be an all night rave with all the party drugs and drinks one could want! Live music plays all night. The band also loves to receive requests, so knock yourself out! They seem to strangely know any song they're asked to play.

Knock yourself out, give up any care in the world and have fun. You're already in Hell, so don't you deserve to feel good for a while?


Wildcard/Misc.

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jon snow | game of thrones | ota

[nighted]

Stand your Ground

Jon is grateful his furs are still appropriate to wear with the coldness. He likes the cold, and he will hate the heat when it comes. Of course, under the furs, he now wears more modern clothing (thanks to his roommates) even if Longclaw is always at his side.

In his time in Hell, Jon has eaten very basic food like what he'd get while brother of the Night's Watch. Castle Black was not known for its food, but it was familiar to Jon so he stuck to it. Now there's a feast. Most of the dishes, he doesn't recognize, but the smells are delicious. There are many ways he's learned not to trust Hell, but food isn't one of them even as he picks up various items, looking confused as to what they are: pancakes, donuts, muffins-

Jon takes a bite, shaking his head as he mutters: "What is it?" or "How's it so good?"

Are these the foods of Hell? Meant to tempt them further? Perhaps he shouldn't have had a bite at all, but now that he's had a taste, he can't stop.

Monster Mash

Jon has little choice in joining the party when he walks past the lobby full of costumes. He's overwhelmed by demons, and though he fights it, he knows better than to use a sword against them, than to truly fight. The outfit they choose is one familiar to him. It's the same outfit he wore the night the North chose him as their king. A position he's never quite processed.

It's the addition that's the issue- one notable difference this time: the crown they shove on to his head.

It doesn't matter how many times he tries to take it off through the party. A demon is always ready, waiting to shove it back where it came from, all with a bow and a "Your grace." All the demons are speaking to him that way tonight with a snicker and a snide "Your Grace" as Jon does his best to swallow down the anger building inside of him, but it clearly flashes across his face. His hand a fist at his side, seeking blood he cannot claim. Not over something as small as a crown which feels wrong on his head.

Don't mind the grumpy, angry-looking person in the corner with the long sword at his side and the crown on his head. He'll try to hide within shadows or behind someone else and remove the crown, only to be nearly immediately tracked down again. He'll even try to pass it off on someone else, holding it out to them with a "Take it" only for a demon to see, wrestle it from his hand, and slide it on his head again.

Later into the party, Jon's hair is no longer tied back in its usual bun, but more forced free by repeated removal and replacing of the crown on his head. When he learns of Halloween (the reason behind the party and costumes), he'll understand why he's forced into this one (a holiday where people dress up as someone they're not). And so by the end of the night, he finally lets himself drink, and stew, and accept his fate (and how he must have failed his own people in the end whatever happens in the future)- the crown remaining on his head with no further attempts to remove it.

stand your ground

[polydeukes]

"Sugar, probably."

Look, sugar is a problem. But that doesn't make breakfast foods any less than the best foods which is why Josie has a stack of pancakes of her own and will probably go back for donuts later.

Still, it's good to see Jon. She heard through the grapevine that he was rooming with her aunt, but it's nice to see him in perosn. She gestures to the seat across from him with a small smile.

"Is it okay if I sit?"

[nighted]

"Must be special sugar."

They have sugar in his world, but they don't have anything that tastes like any of this. Still Jon does pause in his eating to look up at Josie. She was very nice and helpful when he first arrived, and he knows she's Elena's niece, too young to be here. These are all reasons enough for Jon to want to look out for her. She shouldn't be in Hell, but there's no saving her from it.

He nods easily with his expression softer than it is normally.

"Aye. ...of course."

[polydeukes]

"Thanks."

She slides into the seat across from him, before jumping back to the first point of conversation. "It is a special sugar? Kind of. It's super refined, but there are all kinds of studies about how sugar is kind of addicting."

Does she know how viable those studies are? No. The reports are complicated, but it's a big thing back home.

"But it doesn't stop us from eating it either."

[nighted]

Studies about sugar and how it's addictive? Jon's expression shifts to one of quiet, befuddled confusion. There's rarely time for studies in his own world so to think of them happening around food? Strange.

"It's far better than anything they had back in Westeros. At Castle Black, they threw whatever bits and pieces of old meat they had into a pot and called it supper."

Rancid stew was a staple there, but it was essentially a prison.

He takes another bite of one of the flat bread-like foods (a pancake, Jon). He's currently eating it plain because he knows no better.

monster mash

[stupetballs]

Dressing up is kind of Waverly's favorite thing. (After languages, history, and Wynonna, not necessarily in that order.)

Usually Nicole is the only one who gets to benefit from these tendencies, and usually for sexy reasons, but it's times like Halloween that she gets to do her thing and pretend to be whatever she wants. This year happens to be an angel, which is a little bit predictable, but it's still fun.

She's been bouncing around the room, talking to people she knows and making some new friends, when she spots Jon sulking in the corner and offers him a smile and a wave. Waverly borrows a plate of Halloween cookies, before making her way over to him with a nod.

"Hey. You look great. Cookie?"

[nighted]

Jon looks over at Waverly when she walks over his way. Despite his sulking, he is grateful to see a friendly, familiar face even if he hates she also had to be forced in a costume related to her own life (or so he assumes she was also forced). It's ultimately why the compliment takes him by surprise.

"I... didn't want to wear it." He does reach for one of the cookies. It's nothing eh has ever tried before, but it does remind him of the pastries that were often made through Westeros. All the food here is far better than it has any right to be. They're in a corner mostly by themselves, which is the only reason he asks what he does next. He wouldn't mention it where others could hear. "Didn't the demons force you too? Put you in an angel costume, because you're half angel."

Putting her life on display to anyone who might see, making her deal with an aspect of her life that seems to still be very new to her (and likely painful too or so he'd imagine).

[stupetballs]

"Oh." She pauses as she tries to parce through that because she knows how this looks. She didn't think of it when she picked it, she and Wynonna were just having fun, but with Jon putting that into context, the over-enthusiasm flags a bit. "No, I picked this out for me. Halloween's one of my favorite holidays."

She eyes the racks again, before turning back to him again. "Do you want to try and pick something else? The demons are just leaning into the spirit of the season, but we can find something that's a little less personal if you want."

They might not be able to get out of the costumes, but they could try and find something that doesn't leave him feeling so exposed.

[nighted]

Jon is still trying to process the fact Halloween is a holiday where people dress into costumes for fun (and dance, and spin a bottle, and many other activities he hasn't really figured out). Holidays in Westeros are few and far between. The seasons are too unpredictable for that.

His expression softens at her offer. It's clear he appreciates it. "No, I... tried. Think they like that part." They like it being personal. They like calling him 'your grace' because he bristles afterward. If he didn't care, it would be different.

But it's more difficult than ever to come to grips with being king in the North when he also has to come to grips with how he let them down. "You being an angel must be new." If she didn't even think of that when choosing her costume out... (she'd mentioned she didn't know what it meant yet herself but he hadn't realized how new it was).

He didn't intend on point out how unintentionally personal the costume is. He was just defensive on her behalf before he realized she'd picked it herself.

Monster Mash

[cowman]

The demons shove a suit into Doc's hands. And as much as he'd love to not play along, he witnesses how pushy they're being. It's easy enough to accept it. He tries to go back to his shared suite to change but a demon yanks him back and points him to the kitchen.

Right here?

Fine.

He changes right there, into the provided suit and a demon takes a gel dipped comb through his hair. It hurts as they yank, but his shoulder length hair stays put combed back. The demons fold the clothing he'd changed out of and promise he'll find it back on his bed in his room. He doesn't fight it. They allow him one of his twin pistols that he keeps in his waistband.

He doesn't get pushed into any deplorable games, games he might normally take part in. But, he does accept every beer sent his way.

It's when he's given two mugs of beer that he brings them over to his quiet roommate in the corner, now seated in front of his stew. He sets one mug down in front of him.

"I believe the demons would like us to indulge tonight," he says, bringing the other one to his lips. A little bit of beer lingers along his mustache. "You look like your night is rough one." The tousled, unkempt hair. "Are you meant to be king of this celebration?"

[nighted]

It takes Jon a moment to recognize Doc in the suit instead of his ordinary clothing- his hair slicked back. He looks different, but the voice is unmistakable as Doc, and it puts Jon at ease. He knows there's no way to resist the demons. If they'd tried to put him in nearly anything else, he might have given in far sooner than he did, but no.

He takes the mug gratefully from his roommate, nodding in his direction to express his thanks. His hand tightens around the handle of the mug briefly as he stares into it, and then he takes a long, long drink from the mug before he sets it on the table again.

"No." Jon takes another long drink from the mug with his jaw locking in the aftermath. The crown feels heavy especially with Deanery's knowledge in his heart (it was heavy long before then- it never would have fit). "They mean to say I'm not a king at all."

Something he has been well aware of. He's a bastard. He's always been a bastard.

[cowman]

As Doc sits himself down, he can already read the tension off of his body, the annoyance of being toyed around with by these insistent demons. He can related, but perhaps with less outward ire.

"And here I thought the demons were good sports." He tilts a head sympathetically, relaxing back against the chair. "Never mind them. They've moved on. So shall we," he says, raising his mug.

"Even if some of us are overdressed and didn't need new clothing," he grumbles. "I do like dressing up, but this is hardly the occasion." This is much too formal. "How is the stew? I would hazard to try it, but," he pauses. He can't be too cautious. If anything does happen courtesy of that stew, Doc will be right there.

[nighted]

Jon raises his mug as well, knowing the alcohol will help with the tension still wrapped around him. He's all for letting go of the demons and their having fun with him tonight. The crown feels like it's digging into his skull.

"...seems they dressed people in what they'd hate being dressed in," he says, which seems pretty purposeful. It's a lesser punishment for all of the torture they put on in Hell, but he still doesn't like it. He glances at the stew, shaking his head. "...fine. You don't trust the food?"

It's not the first time he's heard someone worrying about exactly that this week. Jon assumed they had enough power over them that they wouldn't need to poison the food too, but now he's not so sure.

food

[jelliclerats]

"They're called donuts."

Nezumi comes from a more impoverished world so he does understand why some of the food here may come as a surprise. The difference is that even if they didn't exist in abundance, he did know things such as donuts and pancakes existed. This man seems unfamiliar with them at all.

"They're good because they combine frying and sugar, some of the worst things for your health, but your taste buds don't care."

His own plate is sparse; Nezumi doesn't trust the food here. He doesn't trust most things at all.

[nighted]

Jon lifts his head to look over at him with the briefest confusion in his expression though he's grateful to have the name for the doughnut. If it's truly unhealthy, he won't eat more than that bite. Most people are often starving in Westeros, and rancid stew is commonly served at Castle Black. Food safety is not yet a concept there. The long term effects of overeating are not commonly seen beyond basic weight gain. Most people don't live very long in a world like that one, but eating more usually means someone has more money and will live longer.

He notes the sparse plate of the other person, and he can guess as to why.

"...you don't trust it?"

[jelliclerats]

"I don't trust anything. After I've seen enough people eat it, I'll go back for more."

This man's smart if he can guess the reason Nezumi decided to eat less. Admittedly, he really likely can't eat as much as most people, for much of the same reason the poor people in Jon's world can't: appetite eventually has to reduce to match availability. Nezumi has been in Hell for over a year so things have changed, but he isn't going to allow himself to depend on food when he can't trust the source.

"It's Hell, after all. Maybe we'll turn into pigs after eating the bacon."

[nighted]

"Smart," Jon comments at the answer even as he taps at his own plate with a fork even if he's making a slight face at the idea of being turned into a pig. It's magic. It's Hell magic. It can do whatever it likes beyond just forcing them in rooms to be tortured or making them feel and do things they wouldn't otherwise.

"I thought they had enough power over us they wouldn't need to use the food too. I haven't seen anyone changin' yet."

And he's been seated here for a little while. It took him time to even pick out what to try given how unfamiliar it all is.

Monster Mash.

[flashcat]

Yoruichi is dressed up herself, in something that could be considered both a costume and lingerie. She found it amusing, how well it suited her, and there was even a collar with a bow and a bell around her neck. The one thing she did find that she could live without was the gloves that turned her hands into large paws.

She had come to the club, because she had needed a little break after the spirit fiasco. It had worn on her, but for now she just wanted a drink, and maybe a little conversation.

Her trek to the bar is cut short, as she stops in her tracks to see a group of demons harassing one of the other patrons. She stayed back, watching. Golden, cat-like eyes catching in the lights that danced around her as she observed. She wanted to know if perhaps this one was deserving of the demons mistreatments, of if they had simply found themselves a fool to torment for the evening.

She stepped forward after a moment, following along as the man made his move to escape, but the demons not far behind. The best she can, she hurries through the crowd, fluid with grace as she dodges bodies, only to forcefully -and maybe a little too forcefully- bump one of the demons that were tailing the man, bumping him back several feet, sliding across the floor.

"Oh, I'm so~ sorry. I didn't see you there." Her voice is heavy with sarcasm, and her feline grin tell that she is, in fact, not sorry. When she turns to Jon, her expression is a little more serious.

"You alright?"

[nighted]

Jon turns toward the woman as he witnesses how a forceful bump from her manages to send a demon flying in the opposite direction. It's impressive. He has begun to learn how many people in Hell are skilled at fighting or have powers beyond what the eye can see.

...he is still getting used to all the costumes around. They don't have holidays in Westeros, let alone ones that have people dressing up in strange outfits.

He nods in answer. He's frustrated, but he's fine.

"...Thank you. Not many people would step in front of a demon here."

It's said with appreciation for her act. He was trying not to pick a fight with them demons over such a small thing as a costume. Not when there's far more to fight them about in Hell.

[flashcat]

Yoruichi has had her fair share of experiences with the demons here. Fortunately for tonight, they attention was not set on her, so she was freely able to use her strength to her advantage. A blessing, because she had been o the other side of whatever power-dampening abilities Lucifer had bestowed on his demons.

"Those people have many reasons for not wanting to." She did herself, but she possessed abilities that other did not, and after the first few times of being caught off guard by them, she had learned to adapt to their ways. At least for the most part.

"Is there a reason that they keep trying to force the crown on you?" She asks with a genuine curiosity. After having watched for a moment, and only catching a few words of the demons teasing, she could render a guess. If her suspicions were true, she could understand, but assumptions never did anyone any good

[nighted]

"They do. I understand," Jon says, and it's why he doesn't expect anyone to really stand up to the demons on his behalf especially someone he has never met before.

He wanted to express his appreciation either way. The question makes him grimace slightly after a moment before his hand slides back behind his neck. The demons are loud, and the main reason he doesn't tell anyone about this is because he doesn't want them to treat him differently. It's not like he feels like he is one.

"In my own world, I was chosen to be King in the North... shortly before I came here. I'm not a king."

He's a bastard. The people in the North just wanted him to be king, because as Davos said, they believed in him after the battle for Winterfell, after all of it.

monster mash.

[buried]

The demons have decided that black - sans the harp thing, ahem - will also be Elena's color for the evening.

We hope, Jon Snow, this will be no issue.

In the matter of costumes, Elena didn't fight the demons too much. She's trying to build tentative alliances where she can with them, and she knows she has to pick her battles. This is not a battle that she minds losing, perhaps because she is more familiar with the holiday. That said, she does take issue with these demons that have decided to torment Jon for the evening, and has no intention of letting it slide.

"May I see that?" she asks one of the demons who now holds the crown, and looking like he's moments away from shoving it back onto Jon's head. She tries to make her interest earnest, like she asks because it looks to be an interesting accessory.

[nighted]

Jon's expression of grumpiness shifts to one of grateful surprise when he hears Elena's voice, knowing he can trust in her intentions. They've been at each other's side several times now in Hell. He turns toward her and then he sees the outfit they've decided to put her in for the night. His mouth suddenly feels very dry at the sight. She's beautiful, and he's always known this, but it's striking to see her in an outfit more akin to what would be worn within his own world like a warrior with her armor.

Momentarily, he finds words do not come from him, not within this mix of emotions inside.

The demon seems to find giving the crown to anyone who is not Jon to hold on to to be part of the fun. It's all about putting him on display after all, right? This demon does hand over the crown once she asks it of him so beseechingly.

[buried]

This is not a demon that Elena is used to interacting with. Maybe he assumes that Elena will tease Jon in his stead. Maybe he is picking up on some vibe between Jon and Elena that he would sooner make lewd commentary about. Whatever the reason, he retreats with some mild snickering while Elena is still grabbing hold of the crown. And she keeps hold of it, as she has no intention of forcing him to wear it.

She is not someone prone to self-consciousness, Elena. She is sure of herself and carries herself that way, especially as she's grown up. But something about the way he looks at her almost makes her feel shy in a way she can't remember feeling in some time.

"Hi." She lifts up the crown. "Want me to hold on to it for now?"

[nighted]

Jon releases the breath caged within his chest even as he nods gratefully at the offer she gives to him even as his gaze helplessly lingers at the way she looks, at how she is dressed. It becomes more and more difficult to shelve his attraction.

"Please," he says softly as she takes the crown in her hand, and then he realizes she now knows he's a bastard and knows he's uncomfortable wearing a crown. The two shouldn't be so related. He should feel like he's wearing an impossibility like what many people are wearing tonight. She must have questions, and yet she doesn't ask. She respects his privacy even as he finds he wants to tell her.

"...thank you," he says, and his words are genuine, and then: "Did they force you in a costume too?"