penancemods: (Default)
Penance Mods ([personal profile] penancemods) wrote in [community profile] penancememes2021-05-25 01:59 am
Entry tags:

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.


Navigation | Premise | Arrival | FAQ
Rules | Taken | Reserves | Applications
Network | Logs | OOC | Memes
neutronblast: (♚ a sort of)

[personal profile] neutronblast 2021-06-14 05:14 pm (UTC)(link)
[kisara hesitates and understandably so. but she also senses that her master wants this to happen, for whatever reason, so she gives in and tentatively trots onto that arm. she freezes again, but after kaiba nods in silent reassurance, she keeps going. and eventually, she decides to perch on that hand, turning to face him and chirping with uncertainty.

kaiba is watching carefully. if squalo attacks or in any way retaliates, he can grab her fast enough. but so far, so good.]


Is this who you always wanted to be?

[he's an orphan. he knows what it's like to live as a street urchin. but was that really the whole story...?]

Is this the life you want, Squalo?

[answer carefully, mafioso. he will remember this.]
sharktrash: (mock gasp // don't tell me...)

[personal profile] sharktrash 2021-06-16 04:29 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He keeps his arm still, as if holding a falcon, then slowly moves it a bit to the side, so the pathetic baby animal does not have to be stuck in the crossfire of their glaring and bad vibes. ]

What, Hell? [ Haha did Kaiba really think he would give a straight answer to that, actually admitting to being a mafioso. Hilarious. ] Hardly, though it's better than what I expected.
neutronblast: (♚ waiting)

[personal profile] neutronblast 2021-06-16 04:47 pm (UTC)(link)
[a dragon was a dragon, even if kisara was awfully jumpy. her tail lowers and her big blue eyes are locked on squalo, but she seems pleasantly surprised when he handles her with the delicacy she deserves. she chirps again, this time hopping around until she lands on his shoulder. kaiba looks pleased by this, easing off a little bit of those bad vibes.]

I don't care if you killed people. Or hurt people. Or if you enjoyed it.

[so he'll rephrase, asking again:]

Are you proud of the person that you've become?
sharktrash: (blank // i don't give a fuck)

[personal profile] sharktrash 2021-06-16 07:41 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Squalo makes a slight face, but lets the dragonling climb over him, lowering his arm once she's no longer perched on it. He gives Kaiba a somewhat deadpan look. It really sounds like the man somehow thinks Squalo can't control his urge to kill, which the whole dragon test seems to have been for, as well. He doesn't fear it; it's an excellent skill of his, no more, no less. ]

You know, in many cases, not killing somebody is harder than the opposite.

[ In a fight. In the torture chamber. And yeah, he's good at that. Good at cutting pieces off a person without actually having them die, even if it's not what he's the best at. ]

[ He tilts his head slightly, raising an eyebrow with a flat expression. He thinks he could have become so much more if he hadn't died so young, but all in all, he's not the embodiment of pride for second-guessing himself. ]


Yes.

[ Laconic and somewhat dry, because he doesn't understand why it's even a question. ]
neutronblast: (♚ fondness)

[personal profile] neutronblast 2021-06-16 08:29 pm (UTC)(link)
[one word seems to flip the magic switch. kaiba nods, accepting that answer. and then any animosity goes up in smoke.]

Kisara, be careful. He's not a scratching post.

[kisara trills in defiance. a dragon was a dragon, haughty and noble and proud.

the little dragon nudges at squalo's cheek, bidding for his attention. she does her best to be serious, the sort of animal a mafioso might like. but she may not do the best job of it, because there's no hiding those tiny horns or big blue eyes or the pretty gleam off her scales. definitely not a fire-breathing monstrosity, that was for damn sure.

kaiba nonetheless looks amused by the attempt. and no longer concerned that squalo would swallow her whole.]
sharktrash: (mock gasp // don't tell me...)

[personal profile] sharktrash 2021-06-17 04:25 pm (UTC)(link)
[ but why? why is that particular answer that placates kaiba when all it implies is that squalo's pleased about his being very good at murder. he's absolutely confused by the sudden change in air, even if he shoves it down the best he can. ]

[ more importantly: the tiny lizard disobeying her master. that's funny. he rolls his eyes, giving kaiba an insufferable smug smirk, and raises a hand to half-scratch, half-tickle kisara's neck. ]


Look at that, she's barely just touched me and she's already giving you dragon attitude. Maybe you just suck at this.

[ this being predator-rearing, apparently. ]
neutronblast: (♚ resignation)

[personal profile] neutronblast 2021-06-17 04:34 pm (UTC)(link)
[kisara immediately starts to the purr at the attention, curling her tiny tail around squalo's finger. kaiba shrugs his shoulders as if to say oh well and just lets it happen.]

Yeah. Guess so. I'm used to handling much bigger ones.

[his words are even, civil, composed. whatever aggression there had been was now gone; he no longer looked ready to pounce.

he does, however, recognize that squalo might have other places to be and other people to pester. he moves as if to pass but at the last minute touches his hand to squalo's prosthetic. he's purposely gentle about it, just so he doesn't shatter that tentative ceasefire.]


Is it holding up alright? I don't mind making adjustments.

[and it's almost... nice. was seto kaiba really being nice?]
sharktrash: (blank // lolwut)

[personal profile] sharktrash 2021-06-17 05:29 pm (UTC)(link)
[ what the. he was supposed to get mad, or at least defensive. this whole "rolling with it" thing is baffling. squalo considers if maybe that's exactly the reason for it. ]

Size isn't everything.

[ ...in handling dragons. obviously. ]

[ squalo has no feeling in the prosthetic, so he totally doesn't notice the gentle touch. he turns his head toward the other, puzzled about what the heck he's talking about, and then sees their hands basically touching. ]

[ oh, gross. he pulls it back and squints at the other man with visible suspicion. who are you and what have you done with kaiba ]


It's fine. I could think of a few upgrades though.

[ don't. don't go down that rabbit hole. he's going to end up with friggin megatron on his stump at this rate. ]

neutronblast: (♚ surrender)

[personal profile] neutronblast 2021-06-17 06:00 pm (UTC)(link)
[it only occurs to him after the fact that might have seemed a little weird. or even a little flirtatious. but neither of those things bother him and he just laughs under his breath at the sudden reaction. he doesn't push it, just stands there in squalo's space. serene as could be.]

Text me a few ideas. I'll look at them later.

[he reaches to pick kisara back up...]

Kisara, say goodbye. We have to—

[...but she rolled away! it looks like someone doesn't want to go bye-bye yet.]
sharktrash: (diplomatic // no srsly keep your trash)

[personal profile] sharktrash 2021-06-17 08:00 pm (UTC)(link)
[ it's creeping him the fuck out. not even the closeness, but the serenity in particular. ]

Sure. I'll leave a message.

[ texting is for chumps. also for people who have both hands. ]

[ and wow, look at the dragonling still clinging to him. does that mean that kisara has another favorite uncle now? ]

[ he turns his attention to her. ]


Tried breathing fire yet?

[ he reaches into his jacket and pulls out what looks like an elegant small cigar holder. ]


[ opens it. ]





[ it's full of dried fish strips. ]


[ why. why is he carrying this around. why is he waving a piece of hellfish like it's some kind of a gourmet snack that everyone should be going mad over. ]


Let's make a deal, if you can cook it I'll let you have it.

[ like that's a prize in any universe?!! ]

[ then again, the hellcats are going pretty crazy over those, so who knows... ]
neutronblast: (♚ taken aback)

[personal profile] neutronblast 2021-06-17 08:17 pm (UTC)(link)
[kisara absolutely has another favorite uncle now. he was a little shaggy and a little scary but still an excellent perch for a young whelp. clever as could be, she perks right up as squalo speaks and... oh goodness. that was some tasty fish. she's shy, not stupid. she knows she'll get food in exchange for a trick. her master looks interested too.]

Well, you heard the man. Give it your best shot, girl.

[she squints at the strips. fire was dangerous, of course. and she didn't want to hurt her new friend... but she also doesn't want to disappoint him! since he was so skeptical of her abilities, she was all the more inclined to show off. maybe he'd even pet her in just the right place if she did it. so kisara pauses. hones in on the target, and...]

...!

[...she sneezed!

but she sneezed fire, all over that snack. success!]
sharktrash: (grin // come at me bro)

[personal profile] sharktrash 2021-06-17 09:47 pm (UTC)(link)
[ squalo's no fool either, he's holding the fish in his artificial hand. the fire is barely enough to singe the leather of his glove, but for a first shot? he'll accept it, and offer the roasted fish bite to the tiny dragon. ]

Good job. [ she gets her reward. there could be more, though. ] Try to make it bigger next time.

[ aaaand he's giving kaiba a Look. a Look which is basically "yeah i've just accomplished more in ten minutes than you have in a week, where the fuck did you get your dragon tamer license". ]
neutronblast: (♚ flustered)

[personal profile] neutronblast 2021-06-18 02:07 am (UTC)(link)
[he does not appreciate that look, sir. he does not appreciate it one bit. he's taking his adorable dragon back, stashing her on his own shoulder as if to do this bastard one better. but moving forward, kisara would make it her personal mission to make bigger flames for best uncle squalo. she even waves her paw at him, chirping a fond farewell.]

I can make it as big as I want!

[he, uh, might have assumed the wrong thing there. slightly.]

Thanks for nothing! Bye!

[and away the two went, kaiba storming off into the distance... what a weird exchange indeed.]
sharktrash: (mock gasp // don't tell me...)

[personal profile] sharktrash 2021-06-20 06:19 pm (UTC)(link)
[ oh no, that's kind of cute. not that Squalo will allow it to distract him from looking fucking smug because he's finally gotten a rise out of Kaiba. he could point out how he absolutely didn't seem to be having any luck before he showed up, but he's certain the man knows. that's probably a big part of his irritation. ]

Yeah? That's gotta be making you a hit with the ladies.

[ THEY'RE STILL TALKING ABOUT FIRE. RIGHT??? ]

[ he'll just watch on in amusement as dragon boy stomps off in a tantrum. he even raises a hand to wave at the baby dragon back to maintain the friendly tone. that's right, continue to adore uncle Squalo, don't let daddy teach you any better. ]