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Penance Mods ([personal profile] penancemods) wrote in [community profile] penancememes2021-06-26 02:37 am
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TEST DRIVE MEME #25

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.
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 July 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.

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bossyboiler: ((coral) 7)

[personal profile] bossyboiler 2021-06-27 01:31 pm (UTC)(link)
"I couldn't agree more." Kate has no idea who you are Waverly but she likes the cut of your jib. She appreciates Waverly's righteous indignation that the suggestion the two baked good are the same. "I take it you bake?"

stupetballs: (Default)

[personal profile] stupetballs 2021-06-27 11:06 pm (UTC)(link)
"Oh, not really." Waverly does sometimes, when absolutely necessary, but it's not one of her Skills. She just really enjoys delicious baked goods. "I just am a fan of the end result." She then smiles and holds out her hand. "I'm Waverly."
bossyboiler: ((coral) 40)

[personal profile] bossyboiler 2021-06-28 04:14 pm (UTC)(link)
"Oh, a connoisseur then." Kate jokes a little and smiles. She accepts Waverly's offered hand. "I'm Kate. Are you new here too?" It doesn't hurt to help because in this case misery would very much love company.
stupetballs: (Default)

[personal profile] stupetballs 2021-06-29 01:16 am (UTC)(link)
She shakes her head. She doesn't envy her for being new, though. The first time you arrive in Hell is usually a doozy. "Oh, no. I've been here about year now. But I can answer some questions if you need help."
bossyboiler: ((blue) 12)

[personal profile] bossyboiler 2021-06-29 01:55 am (UTC)(link)
"A year? You must know all kinds of things by now." Kate does have several questions but she doesn't want to annoy someone to death with them. There is a very brief pause before Kate asks, "Is this really Hell?"
stupetballs: (Default)

[personal profile] stupetballs 2021-06-30 01:01 am (UTC)(link)
"That's what they tell us. But I've run into people who have been to similar places to here, and that's left it kind of dubious." At least in Waverly's opinion, so not one hundred percent for sure. "I think that Lucifer definitely believes he's Lucifer - or at least a version of him."
bossyboiler: ((coral) 41)

[personal profile] bossyboiler 2021-06-30 01:46 am (UTC)(link)
"So we could be in an alternate dimension that's like Hell." So, really, still Hell for them but not the Hell. Of course, they real keyword was could. Kate couldn't tell. There had been a list of sins written in her own blood. If it was the Hell, someone had gone to an awful lot of work to make them think that it is. Her question is not answered but that is not Waverly's fault. It's Hell's fault.

"How have you survived so long?"
stupetballs: (Default)

[personal profile] stupetballs 2021-07-01 01:19 am (UTC)(link)
"Depends on what you mean by 'survive.'" Which is an interesting way of hedging the question, but she does her best to get back on track. "If you mean literally, death can be a bit flexible? Lucifer brings people back a lot. But if you mean psychologically ... I deal with demons a lot back home."
bossyboiler: ((yellow) 3)

[personal profile] bossyboiler 2021-07-01 01:33 am (UTC)(link)
She had meant psychologically but now that she knows that she can go through death twice here, well, it causes her eyes to grow a bit wide for a moment. "I mean, you seem relatively sane."

Kate reaches over and pushes the pile of acorns off of the bench. One opens after hitting the ground, 'We're trying to reach you about your car's warranty.' It opens the spot for Waverly to sit down if she wants to.

"Demons are real where you come from?"
stupetballs: (Default)

[personal profile] stupetballs 2021-07-03 12:31 am (UTC)(link)
She nods as she goes to take a seat, because it is one of the unique features of Purgatory. That and the Garden of Eden but that might be too much for a starter course. "Yeah, we had a whole curse problem, and then other monster problems. Purgatory is a problem town."

But she loves it. It's her home.
bossyboiler: ((black) 5)

[personal profile] bossyboiler 2021-07-03 12:41 am (UTC)(link)
"Purgatory?" Kate turns away from Waverly and looks towards the distance. She turns back and smiles at Waverly. "I'm sorry. This is just..." She gestures at everything around them. "A lot to take in. I never believed in Hell existing and your town has demons, monsters and curses. What? No angels?"
stupetballs: (Default)

[personal profile] stupetballs 2021-07-03 12:42 am (UTC)(link)
"Oh, we have those too." You're talking to them, actually, but Waverly tries to save that bomb for a little while later. "They're just a little more rare. And no, you're fine. This is kind of designed to be a lot."
bossyboiler: ((black) 5)

[personal profile] bossyboiler 2021-07-03 12:52 am (UTC)(link)
"Oh. You do. That's... something." Does this mean that Heaven exists? Religion is real? What kind of town was Purgatory anyway? She has so many questions but she doesn't want to overburden Waverly who is already being so very kind and patient. "I would have thought Hell to have more punishments instead of giving me an existential crisis."
stupetballs: (Default)

[personal profile] stupetballs 2021-07-03 12:55 am (UTC)(link)
"Oh, there are punishments too. We've been on a bit of a vacation, but I have a feeling they'll get back to the torture soon enough."

Lucifer's been recovering from the mass death that the sinners had caused on his behalf. But things are bound to get back to normal sooner or later. Waverly's just hoping it will be later.
bossyboiler: ((blue) 17)

[personal profile] bossyboiler 2021-07-04 01:08 pm (UTC)(link)
"Punishments." Kate dwells on that for a moment. "So this is just a respite? It's not just a Hell of inconveniences and aggravation..." She has to prepare herself. She has to know. "What are the punishments like? Can they be avoided?"
stupetballs: (Default)

[personal profile] stupetballs 2021-07-04 08:45 pm (UTC)(link)
"Sometimes yes, sometimes no?" Waverly tries to figure out how to phrase this. "Sometimes you'll walk into a room thinking you're going somewhere else but surprise! It's torture time. Other times you can ... mitigate the results? And some are more brutual than others. There's some that involve doing physical harm to other people, but there's some that's more like ... therapy under duress."

A beat.

"Does that make any sense?"
bossyboiler: ((blue) 15)

[personal profile] bossyboiler 2021-07-04 09:01 pm (UTC)(link)
"Thank you. It makes perfect sense," Kate says after a moment. Her tone sounds like she's a little far away. Again, this is a lot for her to take in although she supposes that does deserve it.

For the life or death of her, she can't imagine how a person like Waverly ended up in Hell.

"And you've been here a year? Is there no hope of getting out?"
stupetballs: (Default)

[personal profile] stupetballs 2021-07-04 09:23 pm (UTC)(link)
"I wouldn't say there's no hope." There are people who have been working on it, and she knows that there are some mechanics for redemption that could get you sent home. And some people even disappear occasionally, never to be seen again. "But ... I can't give you a concrete time table that it'll happen by."
bossyboiler: ((soft) 8)

[personal profile] bossyboiler 2021-07-04 11:32 pm (UTC)(link)
"That's okay. You've given me quite a lot of information." With information, she can maybe plan and think ahead. She can hope for that. "Thank you."
stupetballs: (Default)

[personal profile] stupetballs 2021-07-06 12:45 am (UTC)(link)
"Of course. I am big on information sharing." Waverly's been the one spreading whatever information she can about the various aspects of Hell that she knows about, even to the newbies. She offers her a smile. "Have you found your room yet? Or do you need something to eat?"
bossyboiler: ((black) 4)

[personal profile] bossyboiler 2021-07-06 12:55 am (UTC)(link)
Kate nods her head. "I found my room. Thank you but I don't feel like eating right now." Her horribly small room with an uncomfortable mattress but came equip with mementos from back home. "Is it even safe to eat the food here?"
stupetballs: (Default)

[personal profile] stupetballs 2021-07-06 12:58 am (UTC)(link)
"Oh, that's actually a good question." Because ... sometimes yes, other times no. "This may be my personal preference as a vegan talking but the meat can be kind of questionable?"

Waverly, they will serve you baby meat. It's a little more than questionable, and it's not your bias.

"If you do eat meat, just be careful which ones you pick up."
bossyboiler: ((pink) 2)

[personal profile] bossyboiler 2021-07-08 01:02 am (UTC)(link)
Kate does not need Waverly to answer her own internal question. What's wrong with the meat? Her own imagination does a decent job in answering it. It could be nothing and everything. She grimaces. "Maybe I'll stick to the vegetarian options."
stupetballs: (Default)

[personal profile] stupetballs 2021-07-08 02:32 am (UTC)(link)
"I've found it to be the better choice," Waverly nods, before giving a small shrug. "But again, biased."

Vegan and all. But at least she's not one of the preachy vegans trying to convert everyone. Hell is busy dong that for her.

"I can give you some recommended recipes if you want!"
bossyboiler: ((blue) 17)

[personal profile] bossyboiler 2021-07-11 05:12 pm (UTC)(link)
When she thinks of all what could pass for meat, it causes her to grimace again. "I can't fault you for that." Vegan baking is something but Waverly is ridiculously kind and Kate is not going to say anything negative on the subject. Kate likes real butter and doesn't have enough experience with the fake stuff to be as perfect as Kate wants her cupcakes to be.

"Sure, I'd like to know what's safe to eat. That would be great, Waverly.

(no subject)

[personal profile] stupetballs - 2021-07-11 23:31 (UTC) - Expand

Wrap?

[personal profile] bossyboiler - 2021-07-14 17:08 (UTC) - Expand