penancememes | TEST DRIVE MEME #24

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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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[ Carol's watching the setup a little wistfully, remembering happier times back home. Back before everything had gone so terribly wrong. ]

Community? Something to bring us all together?

[ At least, that's what it had been about back home. She tips her head thoughtfully. ]

It's a little strange to have something like that here, though.

{ He laughs, though it sounds more like a single sharp exhale. }

Just a wee bit. I'd believe it more if it was something we as 'fellow sinners' came up with on our own, but the demonic entities that be? Nah. It always feels like a trap, or just some cruel joke.

{ But he shrugs, seemingly unbothered by it. }

Guess that's what you'd expect from a place they claim to be hell, right?

[ He's right. She sighs, nodding reluctantly. ]

It sure is.

Sounds like we're better off avoiding the whole thing, huh?

[ That would be the safest course of action, anyway. She glances over at him, trying to see what he thinks. ]

{ That would be the smart thing to do, wouldn't it? He considers the suggestion truthfully, whereas in the past he would've probably said something jokey about leaping before looking or something along those lines. }

Yeah. { He meets her gaze. } Though sometimes we find ourselves inextricably drawn to it. Like moths to the flame.

{ Then he ducks his head with a laugh. }

Sorry, that was a bit melodramatic, wasn't it?

[ Maybe it was, but she chuckles, shaking her head with a soft smile. ]

It's a melodramatic sort of place, I think.

[ But he seems to know a little bit more about it than she does, speaking from experience rather than just guessing. ]

Have you...been here a while?

{ He just sort of shrugs and nods at that. The place is ripe for angst and suffering, so, perhaps that was a bit obvious. She seems new, he thinks, but used to this brand of strangeness. At least, just from a glance.

He nods, turning his gaze back to the construction. }

I think it was... a Christmas-like month of sorts. Now it's— { He counts quietly on his fingers, } —May, perhaps? I'd be damned if Hell actually went by Earth's bloody Gregorian calendar system.

[ She's had a little bit of warning, a surface explanation of the kind of place this can be. But mostly, she's just learned to adapt. To whatever strangeness or suffering comes her way. ]

Sounds like a while to me.

[ Nothing compared to eternity, maybe. But long enough, from her perspective. ]

Long enough, I suppose. { He knows at least a couple of people who've been here for about roughly a year or so, which doesn't seem like a long time on paper. But the fact that it's only been a few months and is feeling like an eternity already? He's not looking forward to weathering the tail end of the year. }

I take it you arrived straight into Mammon's domain? Don't believe I've seen you around the hotel.

[ She nods, smile twisting a little wistfully. Being here isn't something to celebrate, she knows, whether it's day one or day two hundred. ]

Brand new.

I understand it's not always this...nice.

Aye, you've arrived at a decent time. { His wry grin gives away to a soft laugh. }

I'm Henry, by the way.

[ Henry. Oh. It's like a punch to the gut, almost a physical pain, as a fleeting expresion of anguish twists her features.

But it's gone almost as soon as it's there, as Carol clamps down her self-control hard and bottles it all up again. ]

...Henry.

[ She smiles at him, and it's only slightly brittle. ]

I'm Carol.

{ Huh, that's... quite the expression. Even if it's quick, unfortunately, reading and catching minute facial expressions tend to fall into his very specific skillset. His own reflects very little, perhaps a little curiosity though as if her little smile at the end worries him. }

A pleasure, Carol. { A faux dramatic sigh. } Alas, if only it were under better circumstances.

Better circumstances are hard to come by these days.

[ They had been, for her, long before she'd arrived here. She's learned to make the best of it, whenever possible. ]

I think maybe it's enough to be glad none of us are facing this all alone.

{ He nods slowly at that, the curiosity more genuine. }

Perhaps. I've noticed even the most stubborn tend to find a group to band with. I take it you're quite used to this. Unfortunate circumstances, that is.

{ Just a hunch. She seems very calm compared to some newcomers he's met. }

[ It probably isn't much of a surprise. What's hell compared to the apocalypse? She's not thrilled to be here, but she'd taken it in stride, just like everything else.

She nods, confirming it for him with a sad smile. ]

My world fell apart about a decade ago.

Nothing's been easy since then.

I'm sorry to hear that.

{ 'Fell apart' could mean so many different things, but something about her expression prevents him from prying like he usually does. The curiosity is brimming though, so he doubts he'll be able to keep a lid on it for long. }

I guess it's just going from one shitehole to the next, eh?

[ She's not about to start dumping the horrors of her world on those lucky enough not to have been there, but she doesn't mind talking about it, either, if he asks. His comment is so accurate, though, that she laughs in sudden surprise. ]

It always is, it seems like.

[ But she tilts her head, giving him a curious look. ]

What about yours?

Another 'shitehole'?

{ Having gotten used to her more subdued expression, the laugh seems to immediately bring a smile to his own face. He ducks his head a little as she mimics his word choice, rubbing the back of his neck. }

Nah... well, perhaps only of the loosest definition. Just your regular run-of-the-mill and one-of-many alternate versions of the Earth.

{ Which... definitely doesn't sound regular at all. }

I'd kill for a regular, run-of-the-mill Earth.

[ Possibly literally, but never mind. She grins back, his smile infectious in turn. ]

So tell me. What sets yours apart from the rest?

{ Whoo boy, Carol asking the real questions! He taps his chin absentmindedly, something he could come up with on the spot without having to go into all the wacky details. }

I haven't had the pleasure of fully experiencing any of these 'alternate realities' for comparison, but I've noticed some people's fascination with our laser technology...

{ And well, he happens to have it on him! A metallic handle that looks like a bizarre flashlight that'd been hidden slightly from view with the way he'd been standing. It's clearly his pride and joy if the way he tries to hide an even wider smile is any indication.

He holds it out for her to see, but doesn't seem keen on letting her get too close at the moment. }

Like so...er, that is, are you sensitive to bright flashing light?

[ She studies it, careful not to get too close. The handle on its own and the way he talks about 'laser technology' makes her think of Rey's glowing sword, and she wonders if maybe this is the same thing.

But she shakes her head firmly at his question. As if she's going to chicken out now. ]

Me? Not at all. Go right ahead.

[ She takes another step back first, out of the way, just in case. ]

{ Oh, the things you've already seen, Carol. He'd almost be disappointed! But still, it won't stop him from enjoying this little moment. While she is smart to step away, he has no intentions of even bringing the blade close enough to be a threat by accident.

He presses his thumb down on a button and a soft crackling sound precedes a sudden rush of electricity. A bright, purple-tinted laser blade juts out of the main end while the other four faces of the cube emit a shorter light, like a guard. He holds it upright for a moment before letting it down gently by his side. }

A staple where I'm from, but like all things, there's top of the line quality.

[ It'll be a long time before she's bored by or disappointed to see another glowing sword. She looks up at the purple blade in wonder, her eyes shining as they reflect the light. ]

A staple.

[ She chuckles softly, shaking her head as she tries to imagine it. ]

So everyone just...has these?

{ It's almost silly and child-like how he revels in these sort of reactions, feeding his ego just a little bit. }

Those who have the skill for it, I suppose. Like wielding any kind of sword, it takes some finesse. I'm sure plenty give them up once they accidentally lose a finger or two.

{ He huffs in amusement before clicking the switch off and the handle is but a harmless handle again. }

But yeah, that's the gist of it. With only conversation to go off of, I imagine lots of the 'worlds' I've heard about from others are similar to the Earth we all know and love. Different points in time and space, altering little things here and there, but ultimately we all still connect and relate in some form or another...

[ There's no harm in feeding people's egos every once in a while. Besides, it really is impressive. Carol beams at him, with a hum acknowledging his obvious skill. And she'd thought knives could be dangerous. ]

I don't know if I'd call that a 'little thing.'

[ She may be jealous. A little. ]

But I guess we're all still human.

just a chat

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