TEST DRIVE MEME #25

[penancemods]

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

With the carnival leaving, vanishing seemingly overnight, and sinners finding their animal features fading into bad dreams, Lucifer is preparing two ships for the voyage home in a couple of weeks. He seems rather anxious to get back to Penance after the carnival's grotesque entertainment at the expense of his sinners, although he seems to strain to maintain good relations with Mammon. The local demons remain accommodating and friendly for the moment as well, seemingly not finding anything at all wrong with their previous behavior.

The tavern is still bustling, the brothels are still enticing, and everything seems largely back to normal. There are back alleys for the additional mischief of drugs, pain, and pleasure as usual. There are busy shops and salons. Things one may not always find back under Lucifer's care, so sinners would be wise to spoil themselves one last time!

Additionally, there's the feeling of magic in the air that wasn't there before. It's not ominous, it's not terrifying. It's a tingle against the skin or a feeling of exhilaration when one is out and exposed to it. Curiously, things begin to happen. Those artistically inclined will find their sketches coming to life over night and causing mischief. Sinners who have no interest in art will still find sketches drawn on windows and the sides of buildings all throughout the tiny village. They may even witness these things coming to life if they're out late enough!

Animals may also develop an ability to speak over the next few days, whether it's demanding to be fed or revealing some embarrassing thing they've seen their master (or their master's friends) do in private. Though their population has been depleted thanks to sinner antics, these particular hybrids eagerly scurry up to guests to deliver acorns. If opened, the acorn will share a message. They seem intent to make a little bit of mischief for their trouble and may reveal feelings others have for you, something bad from home, or an ominous message to be wary, it will vary. It may also carry a much more important message such as The Veiled Order awaits your return or Barbas isn't done yet, Mammon's greed will be the end of him is also a rather popular one. Shouldn't have trusted the apples, but that's just silly, isn't it? They were perfectly fine apples!

The fun seems almost at an end as days go on though. There are whispers in the air that Lucifer is planning a bit of a detour for some sinners to explore cult activity. But those are just rumors for now! Nothing more than whispers in the wind.

A few days into the last two weeks of the trip, the weather seems to take a bit of a turn. There's an almost unseasonable chill in the air, with a steady rain that follows. It's a mix of water and blood, which makes it a bit of a chore to adventure too much in it. Raincoats and umbrellas are available for all guests in the castle. The local demons seem to not mind much at all, dancing in the puddles of rain or playing freely in the streets. They seem to be rather satisfied with weather they don't see much of.

While the carnival is out of town, there are still some goods that remain in the form of plush toys of Lucifer, Lilith, Mammon, and even a couple of Barbas. Strangely enough, there may also be one or two available of sinners, seemingly at random. There are also hell fish one can buy for pets if the dragons don't tickle your fancy!


A Curse Befalls the Wicked

What would such a fantastical setting be without a visiting old witch? One evening, in steps an old crone to the village. Where did she come from? No one knows. How did she get in? Uncertain. The local demons seem to be rather standoffish with the way she goes from shop to shop, asking for food or drink or item that they refuse to give. She's an outsider that was not invited by their ruler, she's not deserving of their hospitality. She unsettles the animals in the pet shops and those loose in the village, she spreads unrest wherever her path leads. Looking at her too long sends a disturbing shiver down one's spine.

Still, despite the lukewarm welcome, she eventually approaches sinners to plea for help or to chat or even simply to ask the time of day. While her presence is unnerving, it's recommended to take caution. Sinners, be wary! Slight this witch in any way and you will receive her wrath -- and her curses! She spits her magic in a vile and ancient tongue, turning from old lady to something downright disturbingly demonic.

What the curse does will depend heavily on how the sinner managed to anger the witch:

For rudeness or dismissiveness shown towards the witch, some may find themselves drawn into a tale as old as time. Cursed with the supposed wickedness of their soul on display for all to see and a tiny rose. As if that wasn't bad enough, they will have to convinced another that they are not as terrible as their appearance indicates. Desperation may lead to the desire to kidnap another or threaten, for as the petals drop from the rose, the witch threatens that their physical attributes will remain. How their beastly appearance manifests is left up to player discretion.

If another sinner can find love or understanding for their captor, then the spell will be broken.

For aggression or violence, sinners will find themselves reduced to a frog or other unsavory tiny animal, with little other choice but to try to find someone who is willing to give them a little kiss to restore them back to their mortal form. Failing to do so will mean they will be stuck in this form until the witch decides to have mercy, or Lucifer finds a way to undo the spell.

However, for kindness or sympathy, sinners will be rewarded. They will receive a golden medallion with a ruby stone in the center. The witch will promise that all who receive one will be protected against zealots or those who would do them harm since the stone will light up whenever the Veiled Order is near.

Eventually, by the end of the second week, there will begin a hunt for this naughty witch who has been keeping herself hidden. And similar to a tale we are all familiar with, she will be put to death by means of being cooked alive in a fire pit in the center of the village. Grotesque and violent perhaps, but the demons seem to rather rejoice at the display, glad that this will also break all the curses plaguing the village.


Reach Up High

WARNINGS: foot torture, severing of limbs, loss of control.

There is always an opportunity to learn and better one's self in every venture you undertake and now is no different, sinners! While treatment of the old witch may factor in for one's journey on redemption, there will be a chance to remove one sin from one's contract!

"Unfortunately, all good things must end, darling," Lucifer's voice rings out in the ears of all present sinners, familiar to some and new to others. He's nowhere to be found, but the tone of his voice is reassuring.

"And I am to aid you on your path to redemption still. The dreadful old witch has seen fit to curse some of you, I realize. the shoes upon your feet will soon fill you with the insatiable need to dance... and certainly, this seems almost deceptively silly, but the urge will not leave until you have confessed a sin you are most ashamed of. Loud and proud for all to hear. If you resist, darling, you will dance to your death. It will be an ugly, dreadful affair, I assure you."

It starts like an itch at first, to move your feet, to move your arms. It's easy to ignore in the beginning, the restlessness itching just beneath one's skin. It threatens to grow and consume though the longer it goes on though.

"Of course, should those around you feel like taking pity upon you, then they may aid you. Should they find a way to cut the shoes from your feet as they begin to meld with your flesh, or severe them entirely, the urge will leave you. Don't worry, my dear friend Mammon has healers on staff to help your injuries. And I do remind you, pain can be a centering force. It can also show you who you truly are inside. Please embrace it and do not fear it."

The longer sinners resist, the more they'll feel this urge to just move, dance. Even when their feet begin to bleed and their bodies begin to wear out, they will not be able to stop.

"And do not worry about being the one to inflict pain, my dear guests. It is for a good purpose... sometimes we have to hurt those we love to help them in the end."

If the shoes are removed, either by cutting them from the flesh or removing feet entirely, both sinners will earn a sin removed. If the sinner afflicted announced one of their worst sins, they will find it removed from their list. If they dance until they die, well... they died for stubbornness and will find the sin remains.


You Mustn't Be Late for the Ball

And what would Hell be without a farewell celebration? While Lucifer seems to be very uncomfortable after his last experience at a party, where guests attempted to drink his blood, he is polite enough to make an appearance in the grand ballroom in Mammon's castle. Dressed to absolute perfection for the event, Lucifer will urge his sinners to come to the celebration as well. Mustn't be rude to their savior after all. He may shy away from center stage or try to slip out, but sinners shouldn't let that discourage them from enjoying the grand affair! Happening towards the end of this little journey to foreign lands, the ballroom will be lit up brightly and music that encourages dancing and a good mood will fill the air. Food galore is available, as well as free flowing drinks, drugs, and anything else one could want!

There is one little tiny catch though! All who attend must put on the formal wear left for them in their hotels. The style of the clothes made available will veer towards old fashioned. Lovely suits for men, extravagant ball gowns for women. Should anyone show up not dressed in everything given, even including corsets and other uncomfortable items, they will find themselves unfortunately naked. Will they endure the shame or will they cave and put on proper attire? Mammon has tried to be accommodating, but truly, he only asks this one thing...

Should anyone try to remove articles or not follow any sort of etiquette proper of their setting during the ball, they will find their corsets tightening, their shoes undeniably uncomfortable, their waistcoast growing more restrictive... Eventually, it will become very apparent that it would be wise to respect the lord of this land's wishes!

Other than that one minor detail though, tonight is a night of celebration. There seems to be something in the air that fuels a good mood and merrymaking during the ball, despite any nagging discomfort. The ball will extend on through the early morning hours, and include an unusual party game. It seems that Mammon is a romantic at heart. There will be names drawn from a hat at some point during the event and surprise, it's for a marriage ceremony! What's a bit of arranged marriage between friends? It's merely a fun part of the evening... although still a binding contract like those made during the casino. While not every name will be called during the ball, it seems as if Mammon has tried to play matchmaker with enough sinners to start some rather lovely marriages. There will be an officiant available to carry out the ceremony and refusal isn't accepted... and possibly even punished. If not punished, sinners will find themselves dosed with something that will make them eager for their upcoming vows.

None of this could possibly because adultery or not honoring vows is a sin. It's just for amusement, that's all. Don't worry so much, sinners! Guests are free to return to their rooms at any point. Ah, well, just go to sleep and wish for better in the morning? Hopefully no ribs or toes were broken by tightening, unforgiving corsets or shoes intended to punish either.

[Note: While these marriages are arranged ICly, players are encouraged to talk and decide their partners for themselves and may marry multiple people through the course of the evening. Polyamorous relationships are hardly an issue in Hell!]


Follow Me Down

WARNINGS: sexual themes, somnophilia, dub/non-con potentials, potential vore, animal-like traits, mating.

Those inflicted with the Sleeping Beauty curse will unfortunately find themselves in a deep slumber throughout Mammon's lands, dropping wherever they were. Ever eager to do their part to help sinners along, the succubi of these lands take their sleeping forms and dress them in extravagant fashions and lingerie. They also lay them in beds full of flowers in inviting, provocative poses. If sinners near these sleeping forms, they will be taken with a sweet scent given by the flowers that will incite a need. The aphrodisiacs will be potent, all consuming.

After all, what will awaken these sleeping beauties isn't simply true love's kiss, but the most satisfying orgasm. This may mean people will have to take multiple turns to rouse the sleeping person. Of course, there will be toys, aids, and various kinds of lube available to aid in whatever sinners need to accomplish their task.

For those who aren't quite interested in rousing the beauties, there are other antics to be had! People may find themselves cursed with wolf-like tendencies that may make them want to devour the innocent or defenseless in every sense of the word. It may also make certain anatomical changes ranging from fur to tails to the ability to knot while mating. Sharper teeth, better to eat one with, may also be included in the curse.


Wildcard/Misc.

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Noah Czerny | The Raven Cycle

[enoderedrum]

Stand Your Ground

TALKING DICK….RICHARD…..DRAGON -

Owning and being responsible for a dragon was one thing. Waking up one morning to said dragon speaking to you, was something altogether different.

At first it was cute. Richard, the slowly growing pale grey dragon with amber eyes, has proven to have a timid speaking voice to match his usual behavior. He wasn't an outgoing dragon by any means and he didn't actually get into much trouble (thankfully).

But he was kind of a passive aggressive brat that liked to hold onto gossip the way Noah did.

Now equipped with a harness and a light weight chain for safekeeping, the pair had wandered around for a long walk to burn off some energy. All the while, Richard would start pointing out various people along the way and spouting their secrets or just making vague comments (to which Noah either snickered about or gave his pet side eyes) such as:

"She's still in love with her ex…"

"I think he smells like feet."

"You know who smells good? That small girl that lives with us. She smells good all the time."

"Someone needs to put a fork in his eye and zip tie his tongue to his bottom lip!"

"Kavinsky snores...have you told him that? You should tell him that."

"Ohhhhhhhhhhhh….they've got pretty eyes."

"Adam needs to sleep...maybe I could go cuddle with him like I do you. Warmth helps you sleep!"

"I want something bloody on my salad tonight."

"What happened to the cute boy from before?"

Whether you overhear the little dragon speaking about you or you just want to know why Noah is probably on the verge of tears, feel free to invade their space.

IT'S RAINING BLOOD -

The weather begins to shift. It's colder, not that Noah really notices that sort of thing anymore. But it's definitely colder, and things feel off when it comes to the energy field - something Noah notices right off.

The rain, the chance to enjoy rain again, however, is what causes him to head outside. For a few seconds, that's all it seems to be. Rain. Pure, beautiful, wet, rain.

Then that shifts as well.

Water, with the addition of blood. He stands there in it, full of a strange sort of wonder. Curiosity as it watches the pink, and red mixture pool in his palms and soak through his clothes. It probably looks like something straight out of a horror movie but he doesn't seem to care in this moment.

The tip of his tongue peeks out and it tastes like copper but other than that it doesn't bother him in the least.

"This feels like a fucked up bad omen but…." he shrugs to himself and pushes his hair back out of his face abscently kicks a puddle of the gross mixture.

Equal parts horrific and refreshing.

You Mustn't Be Late For The Ball

Noah was definitely not going to miss this marriage ceremony thing this time. He had missed the first one and now he was mostly curious about how it worked. Apparently names would be drawn from something but he sure as heck didn't throw his in anything so--

--well, this would be interesting enough that he actually sipped his drink with Richard still chained to his wrist, sitting between his feet for safety reasons.

"Everyone else I know is married now anyway, what's the worst that could happen?" he asked someone to his left. Richard looked over and huffed smoke out of his small nostrils.

Talking Dragon

[swordofzero]

This holiday had been... interesting. Probably the most confusing time he had experienced since coming to hell. Between weeks intoxicated by cider, rescuing people kidnapped by dragons, the arrival of strange carnivals, finding himself a child again and having people he knew turned into animal hybrids it has been just as weird and hard to deal with as the time under Barbas' rule. Just in a different way.

So his roommates dragon talking... Wasn't as surprising as it might have been a month or two before. Still he paused, frowned.

"He speaks now?"

[enoderedrum]

"For now," Noah shrugs lightly.

He knew how this place worked. This was just a game it was playing, whether it was Penance or Mammons Island. It was all the same when it came to its mindfuckery and games.

It would have been cool if the little guy could talk but, "Everything I've read said that they don't do this naturally so...it's just a game."

[swordofzero]

"Ah." He nodded, looking down at the dragon again. "You're probably right. Not even the adult ones spoke so it must be something temporary."

As so many things here were. Things happened and then faded, this was a place where they could be shrank down to children, a place where they could be tortured to the point of death and then made whole once more.

"I wonder why."

[enoderedrum]

"Don't know," Noah gives a shrug but then steps in a little closer as he studies the others face.

A frown tugs at his mouth and he sighs, "You doing okay? I know its been a lot around here." Which it is everyday, but still.

[swordofzero]

"It has." He nodded. "It's been an interesting few weeks." But it is hell, he shouldn't expect anything else.

He shook his head. "Have you been alright?" For all they were sharing a room they hadn't seen each other more.

[enoderedrum]

“And this was basically a vacation. I’m not looking forward to the shitshow we’re going to be going back to when we return to Penance…” Noah frowned.

He tipped his head, “Yeah, I’ve been great actually. Here things have been easy for the most part. And I somehow ended up with a dragon…”

[swordofzero]

"Me neither." The months leading to this vacation had been difficult and if this was a holiday...

He's glad to hear things have been better for Noah at least. "That's good to hear." He looked at the dragon.

"Are you allowed to take him back to Penance?"

You Mustn't Be Late For The Ball

[deaddrop]

"I suppose it depends who you might end up married to," Natasha comments, more than a little cynical about the whole occasion.

She turned up in the required attire, and Noah might notice peeking out from her neckline an arrow tattoo under her collarbone. A tribute to someone they both might miss.

The marriage calls earn sour looks from her.

As though marriages made in Hell have gone so smoothly so far.

[enoderedrum]

Noah doesn't even have to look to know who she is. He just smirks softly as a few names are called, none of which are his so he does eventually turn to look at her. At first he just admires her outfit. Nat would look good in a paper bag but this was beautiful.

He peers a little closer and his grin is only softened by sentiment, "...me too." He comments quietly. He missed him, too. However brief their relationships had been...connection was connection and if Noah missed him, then he was sure as shit that Nat hated him not being around.

"You think he's okay?" he asks, "Back home."

[deaddrop]

"Yeah," Natasha acknowledges, glancing down in the direction of her shoulder. It had been... not a whim, exactly, but once the impulse had come up she hadn't been able to shake it.

She hadn't tried very hard.

"He better be or I'll come back to life to kick his ass."

[enoderedrum]

“He’d probably like that, actually,” Noah chuckled, trailing off as he reached up to lightly trace one of the arrows before dropping his hand again.

He gave her outfit another look and smiled, “You look pretty all dolled up…”

[deaddrop]

"Probably, at least until I start hitting him." If he still likes it then, she'll just have to hit him harder. It's not a rational reaction, really.

She just wants Clint to be happy.

"It wasn't my idea," she says to his next comment, running a finger across the dress's elaborate neckline. "Seems like they have a very particular image in mind. But I do look like the fanciest widow at the wedding."

[enoderedrum]

Noah just smirks fondly and lets the subject of his Brief Father Figure slip on by again. Sometimes he wonders if Clint would ever come back and if so, would he be a version that still remembered him or a different one. If Nat ever left and then returned it would probably kill a part of him if she didn’t remember him.

“You’re gorgeous,” he replies easily, “and I’m feeling very lucky that they didn’t decide to shove me in a dress this time. I’ve got some nasty bruises thanks to you.” Not that he minded. He enjoyed the time he spent with her doing stuff that didn’t involve sex or corruption.

[deaddrop]

"I think you might be required to think that. Everyone tells their mothers they look good, don't they?" Maybe not in a corset, but no need to dwell on that, even if this one doesn't quite give her room for all of her organs. "You clean up fairly well yourself. The bruises add character."

She takes a sip of her wine before adding, "Remember that when I end up giving you a black eye."

[enoderedrum]

"Nah," Noah shook his head and chuckled softly, "It's all genuine."

Nat was a step above actual 'Mom' status, but still below 'would bang'. Not that she was absolutely gorgeous but Noah just didn't see her like that. She was too close, too important, not to mention it fucking hurt when she hit you.

"Ha. Ha. Just make sure you make it match the side that's permanently discolored," thanks to his cause of death back home, he was left with a faded bruised mark around his left eye, and along his cheek bone where the bone had been crushed.

More names were called and Noah sighed as he turned to completely ignore the stage and other people. This marriage crap didn't matter.

"When we get back everything is supposed to be all fixed up, right?" he says, then adds, "Then you can actually set up a schedule for us. I can meet you at the gym or wherever anytime you want."

The training was important, but also just liked spending time with her. Having solid connections in this place were important.

[deaddrop]

Natasha reachs out at the comment, touching his cheek gently—hand cupping his face and thumb brushing the discolored skin under his eye lightly, her lips pursing slightly. Maybe she's lucky not to have marks from her death. That would make her a lot less attractive.

"I'd hate to make it unbalanced," she comments dryly.

She lets her hand fall back to her lap.

"We can set up a schedule," she says then, sitting straighter. "I used to workout every morning. A lot of the people I used to train have left, though. You might have me all to yourself."

Mustn't be Late

[mitsubishievo]

Kavinsky looked like an idiot in the formal wear this time, but Noah looked good. Noah always looked good. He snagged him around the waist while he was talking to himself, avoiding the dragon. He still wasn't sure how he felt about the little beast.

"You know, I bet if you ask real pretty, Blue would marry you."

Kavinsky wasn't sure he liked the idea of names being pulled out of a hat, or whatever the fuck the plan was here. And especially not where Noah was concerned.

[enoderedrum]

Kavinsky didn’t look like an idiot. But he did look like someone going to a Gansey party. They all did for the most part. The moment he could take this stuff off he would.

Richard huffed again but then got distracted by the dangly bits on a woman’s dress. Noah on the other hand leaned a little into K and arched a brow, “She probably would,” he agreed and leaned in to softly nip the others jaw, “don’t know where your wife is though.”

[mitsubishievo]

"We should track 'em down," Kavinsky said, idle but not dismissive. Blue and Adam were the obvious plurality he was talking about, no other Henrietta folk around for him to deem worth his time.

He considered the lottery draw that was happening. "Think we can rig it? Or you just want to peace out and see about the arrangements?"

[enoderedrum]

Turning to face Kavinsky a little more, he arched a brow, “Why would you rig it? Don’t want me to marry someone else?”

He glanced around the room curiously and wondered if there was even anyone here he would even consider as a joke.

“They’re probably staying away from this.” Adam and Blue.

[mitsubishievo]

"I mean yeah, that too. But also so they pull one of us each time, if they're pulling you, duh."

Everything with Barbas had thrown shit for a loop. Kavinsky would have roped Noah in as soon as he'd shown up, if he could have. The clumsy, unspoken marriage out in Adam's house was better left unspoken, but Noah deserved to be as much a part of that as anyone.

More than he deserved to be locked into it, but Blue and Adam were stuck with him now, and Noah had been stuck with him much longer, even without some messy professions.

"But I guess I could just drag you off to whatever shitty hell-chapel they've got and deal with them later. Blue'd be chill. Adam probably wouldn't notice for like a week."

[enoderedrum]

Marriage hadn’t even been on his radar until he’d shown back up and had that bomb dropped into his lap. Most of the time it didn’t bother him. It was just this place doing what it did. And he didn’t have a problem with the Ravens all being tied together. They should be. A Hell marriage didn’t change their dynamic, anyway. But he’d be lying if he said it didn’t sometimes pop up in his head and make him feel like he’s always felt — like he was stuck on another brand on limbo.

Belonging. Not belonging. Important. Not important enough. Existing. Barely there.

Still, he looked a little more amused the longer Kavinsky talked.

“I’m in awe of that proposal Joseph Kavinsky. I’m absolutely swooning here.” He chuckled and turned completely to face him finally, “come on. Try again.”

[mitsubishievo]

"Fuck off," Kavinsky said, rolling his eyes. He loosened his hold on Noah so that he could turn, and his smile was maybe a little sheepish. Which was dumb. The whole thing was dumb.

"I'm not getting on one knee, you know," he said. Nobody had for him--Billy, or any of the Henrietta knot--and he didn't have a ring, anyway, though that was pretty easy to correct at a moment's notice. He did lift a hand and run his knuckles gently along Noah's jaw, leaning their foreheads together.

"You wanna get hitched, baby?"

[enoderedrum]

It really was dumb. But it was also kind of sweet. Noah had been mostly joking but his insides got that annoying butterfly feeling the moment he realized that this was actually a thing. A dumb sweet thing.

Richard huffed somewhere below them but Noah was fully focused in on (1) Joseph Kavinsky.

“As if I’d say no to you,” he tipped his face and nosed against him lightly, “Even without the silly knee or a ring, it’s a yes.”

Or a duh. Or a heck yes. But ultimately it was a yes.