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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.

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


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meekandthebold: (pic#14978998)

it isss

[personal profile] meekandthebold 2021-07-17 02:33 am (UTC)(link)
[ She'd been prepared for a potentially long and awkward process, and there are a few false starts, but Diogo picks it up surprisingly quickly. It's not long before Carol glances up at him in surprise, legitimately impressed. ]

You sure you've never done this before?
freeforming: (004)

[personal profile] freeforming 2021-07-17 12:19 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Diogo smiles at her. It's nice, he thinks. Fun. ]

No, ma'am. But I run drills a lot and it's not that different.
meekandthebold: (pic#14895917)

[personal profile] meekandthebold 2021-07-17 08:10 pm (UTC)(link)
Really? Drills?

[ She can kind of see the similarities - precise timing, moving in tune with someone else. But she shakes her head. ]

I never would've thought to compare military drills with ballroom dancing.
freeforming: (004)

[personal profile] freeforming 2021-07-24 02:20 am (UTC)(link)
With the other warriors.

[ He's getting it, he thinks. The steps, the mirroring. It's not as hard as he thought. ]

It's all about moving with your partner, right?
meekandthebold: (pic#14856615)

[personal profile] meekandthebold 2021-07-24 02:39 am (UTC)(link)
That's right.

Did you have a partner? When you were training to be a warrior?
freeforming: (014)

[personal profile] freeforming 2021-07-24 02:57 am (UTC)(link)
Not really. We rotated for drills.

[ He knew all the warriors. Felt them in his mind. But that’s not the same. Kol didn’t pair them up that often. That wasn’t their purpose. ]

Well, Kol sometimes. But he trained everyone, not just me. I don’t think he knows how to dance, though.
meekandthebold: (pic#14895918)

[personal profile] meekandthebold 2021-07-24 03:10 am (UTC)(link)
[ Even having no idea who Kol is, she has to laugh. ]

No ballgowns on the battlefield, huh?

Was he your commander?
freeforming: (Default)

[personal profile] freeforming 2021-07-24 03:25 am (UTC)(link)
[ Diogo laughs a little, smiling at her. ]

Yeah. He was the first warrior. He trained all of us. Shayla Sun made him to protect us. And then he picked all of the new warriors.
meekandthebold: (pic#14926171)

[personal profile] meekandthebold 2021-07-24 03:34 am (UTC)(link)
'Made' him?

[ He can't mean that literally, right? ]

You mean she trained him, and then he trained the rest of you?
freeforming: (005)

[personal profile] freeforming 2021-07-24 12:38 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Diogo shakes his head. ]

No. She made him. Gave him her blessing.

[ It's hard to explain. He hasn't always gotten it right when he tries. Though -

Diogo brightens. ]


Do you want to see?
meekandthebold: (pic#14856616)

[personal profile] meekandthebold 2021-07-25 12:57 am (UTC)(link)
I - I don't know.

[ What exactly is this going to be?? But whatever it is, she knows she has to see it for herself.

She nods, and braces herself, trying to be ready for anything. ]


Go ahead.
freeforming: (014)

[personal profile] freeforming 2021-07-25 03:27 am (UTC)(link)
I shouldn't do it out here. People might get upset.

[ He glances around the room, then nods toward one of the balconies. They look quieter, a little out of the way. ]

We could go over there?
meekandthebold: (pic#14978971)

[personal profile] meekandthebold 2021-07-25 04:17 am (UTC)(link)
[ People might get upset should be a red flag, and it is, but also just makes Carol even more determined to see what this is all about.

She smiles in private amusement when he indicates the balcony - she's spending more time outside this ball than at it, it seems like. But she nods in agreement. ]


Sounds good.

[ But she glances at him cautiously as they break away from the other dancers and start heading across the room. ]

It's not - dangerous, is it?
freeforming: (005)

[personal profile] freeforming 2021-07-27 02:07 am (UTC)(link)
Not dangerous, no.

[ Not to her, anyway. And no matter what else Hell has tested them with, the Dread Mother's blessing only ever impacts Diogo. He can't share it with others, not like Kol could.

He smiles a little, moving toward the balcony. ]


It just makes people upset, sometimes.
meekandthebold: (pic#14856616)

[personal profile] meekandthebold 2021-07-27 02:37 am (UTC)(link)
Okay.

[ She still has no idea how to interpret that, or what to expect. So she just follows him out to the balcony, pausing once they pass through the doors. ]

So I don't need to stand back or anything?
freeforming: (014)

[personal profile] freeforming 2021-07-27 03:12 am (UTC)(link)
No, ma'am.

[ He considers the problem for a moment. He doesn't have his sword, that wasn't allowed. But he's got a knife on him, just in case. It'd be very silly not to have anything at all if something bad happened tonight - and these parties all tend to have something happen at them. Punishment or a test. And so he draws it, rolling up his sleeve away from his hand.

It's only a little pain, in the end. And it's just easier to show people than to try and explain. He doesn't seem to know the right words, anyway.

He shows Carol his hand, the skin unbroken, and then - quite simply - he draws the blade sharp and quick down the back of his hand.

Blood wells up. And then something else does as well, massing beetle-black and clicking as it knits him back together.

After a moment, there's no wound at all. Only a faint smear of blood.

Diogo beams, lowering the blade. ]


You see?
meekandthebold: (pic#14922478)

[personal profile] meekandthebold 2021-07-27 10:31 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Seeing that he has a knife on him doesn't startle her. She's more impressed than anything, though if he really had been a soldier of some kind, it makes sense that he'd be prepared.

But the bottom drops out of her stomach a little bit all the same, and despite his assurances that it's safe, she tenses, ready to run or fight if she has to. Diogo doesn't go for her, though. Only rolls up his own sleeve, and before she can move to stop him or really comprehend what's happening, he's slashed the blade across his skin, right through the veins on the back of his hand.

Carol cries out, hand flying to her mouth, but even as she does so she can see the wound starting to heal, something shiny and black and horrible rising up through his skin and clicking together, binding him up. Before she can say a word, the wound is gone, his skin smooth and unbroken as if it had never been.

She makes a strangled noise, stepping forward to grab his hand and examine it more closely. Nothing. No scar, no sign of the...thing that had stitched him up. ]


What - what was that?
freeforming: (014)

[personal profile] freeforming 2021-07-28 02:39 am (UTC)(link)
[ Oh. Did he scare her? Diogo's face falls and he holds very still as she grabs his hand. ]

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you.

[ He wasn't trying to. He really wasn't. ]

It's our blessing.
meekandthebold: (pic#14979014)

[personal profile] meekandthebold 2021-07-29 03:56 am (UTC)(link)
[ His face falls as if he's feeling guilty again, but for once Carol can't be bothered to stop and worry about his feelings. She stares at his hand a moment longer, looking for any evidence of what she'd just seen, and then drops it, looking back at his face. ]

Your blessing?

[ Snapping at him won't help either, though. She pauses, forcing herself to take a breath. ]

What do you mean? What was that?
freeforming: (006)

[personal profile] freeforming 2021-07-29 01:59 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He takes a step back, in case that's better. In case she'd rather have that distance between them. He cleans the knife off on his sleeve, making sure there's no blood stuck on the blade, and then tucks it back away. You have to take care of your tools. ]

The Dread Mother's blessing. Shayla Sun made us all like her.

[ He tips his head to the side. ]

It's nanites. Little machines? We give it other names, but they're machines.
meekandthebold: (pic#14978971)

[personal profile] meekandthebold 2021-07-31 02:20 am (UTC)(link)
Dread Mother.

[ That's a new one. She doesn't much like the sound of it.

She doesn't like the sound of tiny machines living in people's bodies, either. But she keeps the doubt out of her voice as much as possible, nodding at Diogo's hand. ]


They're just -

Are they in your blood?
freeforming: (004)

[personal profile] freeforming 2021-07-31 12:49 pm (UTC)(link)
Her enemies called her that. She made it her own.

[ It’s only a name, something people say. A way to ensure she’s remembered as more then just a woman. Like Hama says.

Diogo smiles hopefully. Maybe it’s going okay. ]


Yes, ma’am. It’s in all of me.
meekandthebold: (pic#14854041)

[personal profile] meekandthebold 2021-07-31 06:51 pm (UTC)(link)
[ She can respect that, actually. Reclaiming the insult, turning it to her own advantage. But she can't help but wonder exactly what atrocities this Shayla Sun might have committed to earn the name. Killed all the warlords, Diogo had said. And how many others besides?

She represses a shudder at the thought of the nanites crawling inside Diogo, everywhere, ready to erupt at any injury. He doesn't seem bothered by it, at least. ]


How did she - how did she do that?

They heal all of your injuries? What else do they do?

[ Because she's curious, too, despite herself. ]
freeforming: (014)

[personal profile] freeforming 2021-08-01 05:43 pm (UTC)(link)
[ This time he pauses, suddenly uncertain. ]

I don't remember all of it. But I was hurt. I'd been shot. I remember -

[ He clears his throat. Smiles. It's fine. It was a long time ago and he's been shot a whole lot since. It hurts, but he always heals. ]

I was dying. And then my friend Hama, Shayla's daughter, she brought me back. Fixed me. We heal from everything now.

[ They never die. Or at least they didn't before they got dragged here. ]
meekandthebold: (Default)

[personal profile] meekandthebold 2021-08-01 09:24 pm (UTC)(link)
[ There's something deeply wrong with the way he stops himself and smiles after saying he'd been shot. Carol's had her fair share of potentially life-threatening injuries herself, and come back from them all, but no one should smile after describing something like that. Before saying I was dying.

But he hadn't. He hadn't died. ]


Heal from everything.

[ She considers that, and considers Diogo, his smooth, unscarred hands. His young-looking face. How far does this healing go? ]

Diogo, how old are you?

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