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Penance Mods ([personal profile] penancemods) wrote in [community profile] penancememes2021-05-25 01:59 am
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TEST DRIVE MEME #24

Arrival
"Judgement has come upon you. God has deemed you worthy of Hell. But don't worry, it can still be undone," comes a soothing voice that echoes all around you. The voice promises comfort, hope even.

It may seem like a nightmare at first, despite all of that. Full of hellfire nipping at your skin and a sensation of being pulled down no matter how much you struggle or cry for help. Wretched, unseen hands pull at you, grip tight at your body, tighten on your throat, skeletal fingers grab at your face, slide in your mouth and jab at your eyes as they struggle for purchase. It feels like for a moment, they may snap your neck as they tug and pull. The more you resist, the more phantom hands are added to your struggling body.

It feels like they could tear you apart if you let them. The only thing to do is to let go and stop fighting.

And so you do.

Darkness consumes you for a second.

Initially, everyone opens their eyes to a long, dark corridor made of stone. They find themselves in what appears to be a long queue with other sinners, palm bloody with a contract clutched in their uninjured hand that they don't remember signing.

Characters find their bodies feel heavy and stiff, bruised with odd hand prints here and there that they received during their journey down below. A massive headache throbs behind their temples.

If they look at the list in their hand, they'll notice it's written on with their blood. That explains the wound then. It's an old piece of parchment that details every sin they've committed.

As they move along the queue, they'll find a demon waiting to pass them a communication device that looks almost like a very old Blackberry type phone.

"Welcome to Penance," the demon says gruffly before motioning them on without an ounce of courtesy. "Don't hold up the line. This trip is gonna take longer, but at least you get a vacation..."

Once characters have their device and their contracts, they're ushered further down the hall until they come to a set of stairs. They seem to go on and wind forever, but eventually, they come upon what appears to be a door that's alight with white energy. Stepping through, they find themselves on an island.

There's a demon with striking animal features waiting at the start of a long path where an old castle can be seen looming over a quaint, old village. There's music on the air, celebrations clearly taking place. It's explained that while Lucifer rests and recovers, Mammon will be taking his place. Hell is, for the moment, a pleasurable experience they will heartily insist.

Unfortunately, there is a bit of a trek ahead still. The demon urges them on.


Stand Your Ground
The weather is crisp and pleasant in Mammon's domain. It seems to always be a beautiful day and a beautiful night, no matter what. Sinners should rejoice since this isn't very often the case when it comes to the actual Penance community.

While the energy in the air is as pleasant as ever, it's becoming quite obvious that there are unusual creatures roaming the area. Large dragons circle the woods surrounding the village and lately and often attempt to add to their hoard, other oddities have been slithering out. Chimeras of multiple animals wander free in any horrifying combination one can think of. Deer mixed with creatures far more predatory, bears mixed with wolves, other animals are sewn together in grotesque ways. It seems that with Mammon's attention directed towards the battle, he lost a bit of control over his... projects.

Some are aggressive, others are not. They are all, however, a very alarming show of Mammon's greed and lust for more.

Not to worry! Mammon and his servants will assure everyone that the situation is perfectly under control and that the animals are suffering very little to not at all. He just needs a piece to the puzzle to make certain that these new beasts have a productive, happy life. He will also be offering rewards to those who catch these critters unharmed and return them to the castle for safe keeping.

Rewards may take the form of extra food at the taverns, special rooms at the brothels, or a makeover at the salon and fine clothing to match.

Aside from the projects running around, guests may be delighted to see miniature dragons gallivanting around, no larger than the standard chihuahua but most the size of a palm. Some puff little bits of flame, others carry a slightly poisonous bite, but they're all absolutely adorable... and absolutely escaped the pet shop. To prevent larger animals from eating these little guys up, the shop is encouraging everyone to catch one or two or three. They may either choose to keep the little guys or hand them back to the store for safekeeping and a reward of golden Lucifer tokens for the upcoming Dark Carnival.

That's right! It's almost that time of the year again, folks! It seems like the annual affair will be held at Mammon's domain rather than Penance proper. There are promises of no clowns or human zoos this time around, so... that's a positive, right? A section of the village has been roped off and citizens are busy at work setting up decorations, booths, and a few other attractions such as rides and what appears to be a haunted house in a decrepit old building in the village. Careful! Whatever objects are being moved into the establishment do seem to carry actual spirits attached to them.

Should guests be inclined, they may offer a helping hand, but they will not be forced to do so this time.




Everybody Needs a Holiday
While it may be a little disorienting to not only go to Hell, but to be on a sudden vacation, Mammon’s domain is actually very inviting!

Upon entry, there is lively music in the streets and, worth noting, the demons in this area of Hell seem far more hedonistic than those found in Penance proper. They wear fine clothing, silks and furs, and expensive jewelry. A lot of them have adopted animal characteristics or sport various types of body modifications. They're strangely beautiful creatures overall. Although with all of Mammon's 'projects' on the loose, it does make one wonder if they've adopted these characteristics naturally or if there's something more sinister going on...

Best to not wonder about that so much.

The village itself is quaint and old-fashioned, but everyone seems to be rather pleasant. There may be darker aspects to explore for those inclined, but they are nowhere near apparent on the surface. It's sure to be uncovered later, however...

The incubi and succubi in this area seem to be particularly breathtaking and enticing, but sinners will be urged back on track, should anyone seem to be drifting. There will be time to explore later!

For now, everyone will be encouraged to go to the castle and be shown to their rooms. While they will follow the usual housing assignments to avoid further upset to the sinners' routine, the floor plans will be a bit different. Bathing will be done in communal areas with walls separating the showers and large baths that always seem to run the perfect temperature. None of the rooms will have private bathrooms or kitchens attached. All rooms will have a common area attached to lounge in, however. It will have plenty of available seating for entertaining.

No one will have private kitchens, but room service is available at all hours with anything the sinners could desire available. Maybe even things they never thought they would...

TVs, computers, and other familiar electronics will be unavailable and non-existent in Mammon's realm, but there is a library contained within the castle with fiction and non-fiction from Earth (and beyond) all available for perusing. Devices will continue to function as normal.

Mammon's garden will be available for viewing. In every establishment and all around the castle, there's a cider available freely that seems to encourage a good mood and lower inhibitions. The effects aren't overwhelming, but the more one drinks, the stronger they may become as it builds up. Each night, there will also be an option to attend dinner in a rather grand hall, which Mammon frequently attends. There's always a large spread of food and spiced wines and ales available, as well as decadent desserts and other tempting treats. There's frequently live music or succubi dancing for entertainment.

Overall, the atmosphere in Mammon's realm seems to be focused on luxury, indulgence, greed, and sloth.

[It's recommended that everyone read thoroughly through the new location information as it contains helpful hints on what there is to do while on this vacation! It has a list of shops, animals, vendors, etc. Plus a little bit of information regarding Mammon's land itself.]


Reach Up High
For those who still desire to work on their contracts and remove sins from their list despite the fact this is a vacation, there will be opportunities available! They won't even require suffering... much. Rounding up creatures, saving dragons, or helping the carnival set up are all considered good enough deeds to remove one sin from a contract. This is one sin over all, not per deed.

At least it doesn't require any painful torture... though there may be opportunity abound for that as well, if someone wants to go that route...


Under the Surface
Of course this is still Hell. There has to be something going on once in a while, right? Walk down just the right street and sinners may see delectable tortures being carried out in seedy back alley establishments. Loving cuts with knives, harsh blows with whips while your sins are repeated for all to hear. Even the torture seems to have a hedonistic approach and debauchery about it.

Are the victims truly suffering or are they being redeemed in the best of ways? Those who decide to participate may soon realize that the cider everyone has been consuming seems to add a layer of euphoria to pain and punishments. While this isn't necessarily sexual in nature, it encourages a sense of good well-being after and sinners may become addicted to pain.

The crash may not be too fun though, watch out for that.

There are also other vendors in this area that are offering drugs of all varieties, as well as questionable photos of other sinners engaging in true acts of misdeed, unlike the comic shop that seems to be more embarrassing than not. Perfect chance to get that blackmail of your enemy killing that guy...

There seems to be a new vendor in town too. The figure's table seems to be set up like a fortune teller's booth, complete with a crystal ball and the pungent smell of cheap incense. He beckons those who dare look near, urges them to take a seat in front of the booth. The figure remains in dark robes, hood drawn to obscure their face. The only visible part of them seem to be their hands. Unlike the animal-like demons of Mammon's domain, this one seems to have human hands with sharp, yellowed nails. They offer knowledge in exchange for something you will not miss in return, they assure. What is it? Well, they refuse to say. Nothing important, nothing important.

Ask anything! It can be about a specific occurrence back home, the answer to life, the universe, and everything, or something as simple as what does Lucifer truly want. Keep in mind that a price will be taken down the line and it may not be something the sinner actually wanted to lose. Ah, well...

[For knowledge based transactions, please respond here. If a character asks a question of their homeworld or something in their future, players may assume they are told a bit of information on the topic without waiting for mod approval. If a character asks something related to Hell, please wait for a response. Regardless of answer type, please respond to the thread linked here so that you can later receive a decision on what your character has given up for this knowledge. It may be a memory, a temporary loss of a sense, a year or so off their lives (when they return home), lack of resilience to sin, etc. Please be aware that signing up does mean consequences at a later date... and these may not come from Mammon or Lucifer.]


Follow Me Down
WARNINGS: sexual themes, animal-like behavior, dub/non-con potentials, implied bathroom play, mating.

It seems there's a trickster somewhere, somehow who spiked the cider. Naughty little devil! Those who are unfortunate enough to drink the tainted cider may find themselves developing animal-like traits, such as enhanced senses, animalistic urges, and a general need to be territorial or possessive. They may find the urge to keep to their pack or to branch out and find a new one. This may also result in features, such as fangs or claw-like nails that may or may not retract. Sinners will find themselves reverting back to a primal nature that they may not be able to resist.

How utterly embarrassing!

Don't worry, these effects only last a couple days at most before they will fade completely! Unfortunately, 'animal-like traits' may also extend to mating rituals. Sinners may find themselves going into heat. While knotting or other traits will not be apparent, sinners will find themselves desperate for intimate contact. This may mean a poor sinner in heat will be mated by several lovers in a row as their scent inevitably draws them in, there may also be possessive behavior displayed that results in biting and marking, and others wanting to mark their territory in ways that would make even the most seasoned succubus blush.

It may also mean those inflicted with the heat-like state, will present themselves to those they find attractive as mates or find other ways to entice them to get what they want.


Wildcard/Misc.
Don't see something you love but still want to get a feel for the game? Check out our extensive list of LOCATIONS and write up your very own prompt however you'd like to! You can also add a "NETWORK" post option to your TL for quick, easy, and fun interactions.



And without further ado: Welcome to our new TDM for the June 1st app round! As always, potential appers and characters already in game are welcomed to jump right in! This TDM counts as an additional game event as well as game canon for those coming into the game. If you app and are accepted, TDM tags become game canon and can be used for AC! Please have fun and don't hesitate to ask any questions you might have down below.

If you have questions, comments, suggestions, etc., go here.


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holeinwall: (Every night you stay)

everybody needs a holiday! spoilers are okay if they come up! <3

[personal profile] holeinwall 2021-05-28 05:09 pm (UTC)(link)
[ There's just a long stare. What is with everyone and the weird dragons lately!!! ]

N-Nice to meet you!

[ Eventually, Monika gives a wave, smiling uncertainly. Don't mind if she very much keeps her distance. She'd gone all this time without getting her school uniform messed up, and she plans to keep it that way! Burn marks don't come out, okay? ]

Ehehe, um. Do you really think that's the best idea?

[ Her eyes dart to the dragon and then back to Ann's face. BECAUSE SERIOUSLY. ]
menaretrash: (pic#14132431)

perfect! <3

[personal profile] menaretrash 2021-05-28 05:39 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Dragons are cute! Look at their pretty scales, big eyes, and the way they trip over their own stupid feet-- ]

It's nice to meet you, too! Aha, just wish it were.. you know, not here!

[ Hell! Hell kind of sucks. Either way, Ann waves back and flashes her a more confident smile. The dragon on her shoulder trills and shakes, excitedly. newpersonnewpersonnewfriendnewperson-- ]

Mm? Oh, Sprinkles you mean? Yeah, why not? She's pretty cute, right?

[ Sprinkles delights in that. She is cute, thank you! ]
holeinwall: (I'd sail ships for you)

[personal profile] holeinwall 2021-05-28 10:22 pm (UTC)(link)
[ She breathes out a laugh. ] Yeah, it's so not the best meeting place, right? But what can you do~

[ The conversation had felt vaguely normal there for a moment, but...she has to keep staring at the bouncing ball of scaly excitement. Her mouth hangs open for a bit before she speaks again. ]

There is a certain amount of charm! But I can't help but be kinda concerned about the possibility of third-degree burns. Ahaha!

[ Oh, right. Normal stuff! ] And I'm Monika, by the way!
menaretrash: (pic#14132376)

[personal profile] menaretrash 2021-05-28 10:44 pm (UTC)(link)
Yeah, gotta make the best out of every situation!

[ At least this shithole isn't full of people who are just plain mean. So far, the few she's had the privilege of meeting have been really nice, and this girl is no different. ]

Hm... hadn't actually thought about that. Fire doesn't scare me much, though. [ It's funny because of Carmen, haha. At least, it's funny to her. Mostly 'cause she's the only person here who knows about that. Sprinkles tips her head to the side, before she skitters down Ann's arm and onto the ground, approaching the other girl with a chirp. And another really cute head tilt. ]

It's nice to meet you, Monika-chan! My name is Ann Takamaki.
holeinwall: (I'll)

[personal profile] holeinwall 2021-05-29 12:42 am (UTC)(link)
Yeah! Go with the flow! It's what I always say!

[ Because she's a great person with great advice! Nothing weird here! Like, clearly Ann's the weird one, liking fire and stuff. ]

Isn't that sort of dangerous? Not that I'm judging! But I guess it's kind of fitting for where we are...

[ The honorific, as always, is jarring. Even if it should pair with her name rather well, it still feels like willing oil and water to mix. Not that she has time to think about it for once. Having a little fire breather so close tends to be distracting. ]

Jeez! [ Where's a chair to jump up onto when she needs it? Sprinkles sure doesn't seem to appreciate her apprehension. ] Sorry! J-Just been having a rough month. It's making me a little jumpy, ahaha...

[ She's going to stay still. Maybe its vision is based on movement and it won't try to set her on fire if it can't see her? ]

Pretty name, though!
menaretrash: (pic#14743706)

[personal profile] menaretrash 2021-05-29 01:00 am (UTC)(link)
I think it's kinda the only way to go, at least, right now. Uh, unless further down counts.

[ Clearly the best person with the best advice, yes! ]

I don't think so -- besides, this guy is pretty little. I dunno how much damage she can actually do, you know?

[ Sprinkles is stalking her prey right now, absolutely feeding into this fear. Rest in pieces, Monika-- ]

Nothing to apologize for, silly-- hey, Sprinkles, come back!

[ Sprinkles is not, in fact, going to come back. Instead, as poor Monika freezes up, she slinks closer, deciding that she will now take a seat... upon her shoes. This is her new throne, Monika. This is your life now. ]

Thanks! Yours is too. I think Sprinkles really likes you, by the way!
holeinwall: (Kiss you so hard)

[personal profile] holeinwall 2021-05-30 04:33 pm (UTC)(link)
[ She grimaces. This has to be a newbie. Because knowing this place, this little bundle of hellfire could probably kill them both, given enough time...

Then there's a whimper. SHE HAS BEEN SLAIN.

Okay, that's dramatic, but she's still not happy about having a dragon on her shoes. She had no real strong feelings about her school slippers, mostly worn out of habit than anything else, but...she kind of wanted to keep even those intact!

Slowly, Monika looks back up, trying to remember what talking is. She's getting there. ]


I just grew this skin back. I need to keep it.

[ A pause. ]

But I'm glad you like my name!

[ She must always appreciate a compliment! ]
menaretrash: (pic#14317402)

[personal profile] menaretrash 2021-06-04 02:52 am (UTC)(link)
[ Sprinkles blinks her dark, wide eyes up at Monika, before glancing back at Ann. Did... did she just shrug her tiny shoulders? She sure did, because just as quickly she's looking back up at Monika and scampering up her leg, right up onto her shoulder, yawning and stretching out because clearly this is where she belongs, perched on someone's shoulder and making them extremely uncomfortable.

Hey, guess what, Monika? Sprinkles is even going to lick your cheek like the little cretin she is. Enjoy! ]


That... sounds really painful. Is losing your skin something that happens a lot here?

[ That sounds a lot more like the shitty fairy tales about Hell that she's heard, moreso than what appears to be a giant fucking party right now. And dragons. ]

Your name is really pretty, which is fitting because you're beautiful. How long have you been here?
holeinwall: (I'd sail ships for you)

[personal profile] holeinwall 2021-06-05 11:34 pm (UTC)(link)
Um. Ahaha. Guess it depends on a lot of factors. Sometimes you get thrown into a torture room randomly, sometimes someone you hate finds you in the wrong place at the worst time...

[ It's a miracle she's still managing a conversation. She could almost handle being made into a dragon's equivalent of a cat tree if not for the lick. Low blow, Sprinkles! Low blow!

Her eyes dart to her shoulder over and over as she tries not to imagine her hair up in flames. ]


Oh. [ WAIT. More compliments! And a doozy of one! ] Oh, gosh! Thanks! That means a lot, coming from you.

[ Because look at Ann! Practically a model or something! Perhaps Sprinkles is serving a purpose. They're keeping her upright. Otherwise she may have swooned.

Yeah. Suddenly, she's feeling pretty okay with this situation! ]


I've been here since December. Great Christmas present, huh?
menaretrash: (pic#14317433)

[personal profile] menaretrash 2021-06-10 06:13 pm (UTC)(link)
That's... that's actually happened to you here? I'm so sorry...

[ Okay, maybe she should be taking this whole 'Hell' thing a little more seriously after all. Parties and adorable dragon pets aside, this really isn't a good place for any of them to be, even if she's still not entirely convinced this isn't some bullshit set up by the Demiurge they'd been fighting so hard against just hours ago. Or has it only been minutes since she arrived? It's hard to tell, really.

Sprinkles could give a shit about any of the worries that either of the ladies has at the moment, really. She's too busy enjoying the moment -- speaking of hair, Monika, it is going to make an excellent toy, because the little dragon is going to bat at it as if she were some sort of cat instead of an adorable draconic monstrosity. Go figure. ]


You're welcome, but it's the truth! [ She thinks it is, at least. She smiles again at poor Monika, because boy, that's a really nice compliment she just got in return! ] Thanks! That's super sweet of you.

[ Sprinkles certainly thinks she's serving a purpose. Look at how helpful she is right now, rolling around and batting at Monika's hair like the little cretin she is. ]

December... that's way too long to be stuck here. I hope you got a receipt with that gift so you can take it back and return to sender!

[ Shove that 'Christmas gift' right up Lucifer's ass, as far as she's concerned, something she can't wait to do. Or at least to make the attempt, but, she's going to have to bide her time and do a little research first. Maybe. ]
holeinwall: (Want to see some dissipation in my face)

[personal profile] holeinwall 2021-06-11 01:10 am (UTC)(link)
I mean...you get used to it. Which is weird to say, but you have to keep your spirits up or you'll get depressed! Take it from--from me--

[ Darn it, Sprinkles! This is an important conversation! She gives the dragon a look as she toys at some of the hair that hangs free of her ponytail. With some effort, she disentangles Sprinkles from her hair and sticks her right on top of her head. There's less to mess with up there! ]

Anyway, where was I? Oh, right. You're welcome, too! And, ahaha, I dunno, Hell hasn't been all bad. It's better than where I was before, which is crazy, right?

[ She waves the topic off to keep their conversation light as Sprinkles starts tugging on her ribbon. ] Are you settling in okay, by the way? Need any help with anything? That way when we eventually head back to the hotel, you'll be a total expert!