penancemods: (Default)
Penance Mods ([personal profile] penancemods) wrote in [community profile] penancememes2019-06-23 03:11 pm
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TEST DRIVE MEME #3


ARRIVAL

You remember a dream.

Or maybe nightmare is more accurate.

It was full of hellfire nipping at your skin and a sensation of being pulled down no matter how much you struggle or cry for help. There's a voice that feels like it's coming from all around you at once. Contrasting with the nightmare unfolding around you, it's smooth as silk. It makes you want to listen with every bit of attention you can muster in the moment.

"Judgement has come upon you, but not to worry. It can still be undone."

The voice promises you redemption for your sins. It promises you a better life and everything you could ever want, if only you just stop struggling so much.

And so you do.



Everyone wakes up in the same room initially. The room is done up in red with a cushy bed, a window, an old TV in the corner on a desk, and a few Hieronymus Bosch paintings lining the wall. There's a bathroom to clean up in and any belongings will be sat around the room to be gathered later. There's a duffel bag provided for your convenience.

After feeling a sensation of falling or dropping onto the bed, characters wake up feeling like they've just slept for a week. Their body will feel heavy and stiff, they'll have a massive headache at first.

They'll quickly notice the list of their sins written with their blood on a bedside table on an old piece of parchment. This will mean the list is tied to them and can't be changed or tampered with. They'll also receive their device to connect with others and the network. It won't be anything terribly fancy. As a matter of fact, it looks like a very old Blackberry type phone.



Once characters are ready to leave the room, they'll head down long, winding halls. They're dimly lit and ominous feeling. They may encounter fellow sinners or demonic staff that will direct the newcomer down to the lobby to get their actual room key to settle in. They may be pushy, they may border on courteous. It really just depends on the mood of the staff at the time and how they're treated in return. Eventually, everyone comes to stairs that lead downward.



Once down to the lobby, you'll notice the front desk manned by a demon who looks bored out of its mind. To the side of him is the door to the kitchen where guests may help themselves. To the right is a small duty free shop that seems to have a surprisingly normal, expected stock of items. Look around a bit further, there will be a tiny bar tucked in through a corner door. It seems pretty well-stocked and best of all, self-serve if you want to get away from your demonic hosts for a bit. Of course there's some seating, bar games, and a jukebox tucked in the corner if you'd rather stay and socialize a bit.

Please note that all the songs on the jukebox are appropriately hell-themed. Hopefully Sympathy for the Devil is universally loved.



STAND YOUR GROUND

Prompt I

The general mood now that the carnival has passed seems to be almost dreary. The hotel staff is more snappish than usual and the demons outside are more aggressive towards guests of the hotel now, as if they think they have the right to treat guests even further below them than usual.



And as if to mirror the current mood, there seems to be a steady storm brewing outside that seems to just last and last. There's thunder and lightning happening, but the rain that's falling is a bit...off. It's a mix of hellfire and blood.

The blood begins to pool and flood certain areas as the days drag on, but curiously, the hellfire that burns around the community never seems to falter for even a moment.

The fire falling from the sky burns and stings the flesh if anyone is unfortunate enough to be caught out in it though. Despite that, there's almost a chill in the air.

Guests of the hotel will be reassured that this is perfectly normal, seasonal weather and that the hotel itself is in no danger of flooding. Just be careful going outside for the next couple weeks. There are umbrellas available at the front desk.

Be careful though. It's easy to get stranded outside in heavy, near blinding downpours or to be burnt if you forget that umbrella when you go out. Sinners are free to take shelter in the club, the library, or run back to the hotel as soon as they can. They may also notice the warehouse from the carnival has been left unlocked if they've ventured that far out.

There's still something eerie about it though... Sinners may see glimpses from their past or worst fears popping up from the corner of their eye as a residual from the ride it housed, like creepy phantoms. You may even hear a whisper or two of a familiar voice...

Probably best to not stay there for too long, if you can help it!

Prompt II

Per Lucifer's instruction, a day spa and bathhouse has been opened up in part of the former carnival grounds! It's more for his own benefit than anyone else's. It's not easy running an entire carnival and dealing with the complaints of sinners and demons alike when things don't go exactly their way.



Like all spas, guests of the hotel can go in for some deserved pampering. Facials, massages, steam baths, etc. The bathhouse has an area to shower before you go in for a nice soak in the spacious tubs available. Please note that these are unisex areas, but there are some private tubs for those who are too shy. The demons may side-eye you and your ridiculous modesty standards though.

Unfortunately, due to the rush to put it all together, there are some unfortunate kinks to work out still. Some of the tubs may reach boiling temperatures suddenly or steam rooms may lock and become insufferably hot before guests can get out. The demons may not account for the frailer, squishier bodies of some of the sinners during massages (or that's what they say at least).

Some of the treatments may be strange as well. Baths full of blood of the young that staff claim will restore your youth, pheromone washes that are derived from incubi that are said to make you absolutely irresistible to everyone. You're probably better off not asking what that mud-like substance is they're trying to rub on your face...

REACH UP HIGH

Prompt I
body horror, insects, zombies, etc.

"My absolutely sincerest apologies, my honored guests. It seems a few of the participants in the carnival have brought some germs along with them. But that's just as well. It's time to face your next punishment and this is the perfect opportunity." Lucifer's voice rings out for all guests to hear one fine morning, soon after the rain has started.

"Now I realize some feelings may be a bit hurt after the show, but forgiveness and putting on a brave face to work together are both extremely important traits. Father will be appreciative if you've at least started towards mastering them."

What he means by all of that becomes apparent soon enough. The zombie clowns and the tentacle monsters of the carnival left behind some horrifying infections, it seems.

Guests will notice that eldritch-type abominations are beginning to lurk around the hotel, ready to jump out at them at unexpected turns. They appear to be staff that have been twisted into horrible mutations. Guests can fight or they can try to board up their suites and rooms to protect themselves. Or they can run out of the hotel and hope they make it to one of the other establishments close by unscathed by them or the weather.

Although there do seem to be things that are oddly zombie-like wandering around out there. Slow and shambling, although ready to chase at a moment's notice.

If any of these abominations scratch or bite the sinners, they'll start to feel... odd. Perhaps it starts as a woozy sensation, something just slightly off-balanced inside and progresses there. It's nothing at all to worry about, right? Right, probably. Just ignore the strange symptoms. Maybe the sinner won't even have to tell anyone, right?

And besides, if everyone all worked together to protect one another, then they'll be fine and won't have to worry at all about bites or scratches anyway.

Or, alternatively, they can let the slower ones in their group be the bait, sacrificing a friend along the way, etc. It's also a perfect way to escape from what's promising to be an impending horror show by itself. God may not be happy about it, but God isn't down here suffering this.

There's also an option to just beg the hotel staff for a repellent to keep the nasties away from you... it's maybe not the most glamorous or exciting way to deal with things, but it does seem to work fairly well. Just remember there's a price for not seeing through your punishment. There's always a price.

Guests may just get a bad batch of repellent if they're particularly unfortunate that slowly turns them to stone after all. It's at least not as horrific as becoming an abomination right? It just means watching the horror show from within a stone prison. Ah, well. They can't all be winners, right? It will wear off after a bit.

Now, here's what will happen, depending on the monster that bites you:

If bitten by a zombie or ghoul, characters will slowly begin to change. Their hearts will stop, but they will still be alert somehow. They'll eventually start to rot though, and along with that, comes an insatiable hunger for human flesh that they may or may not be ignored. Eventually, their minds will begin to go as well until it's impossible to think even remotely clearly.

Or, who knows, maybe they'll be lucky and become an almost vampire-like creature with a thirst for blood instead. At least they'll mostly be in control of their own mind?

If touched or scratched by an eldritch abomination, they'll have seen true terror and madness from somewhere beyond the very stars themselves. It will boil through their blood, change them into something inconceivable, something barely within comprehension. It will twist them from within, bones and organs both until they've become the monster they've always had inside of them. They'll start to want to cause others the pain they feel, to kill everything within sight as their mind starts to fade to the abyss and malice. Tentacle beasts or other horrific creatures fall under this umbrella.

Prompt II

If slowly changing into an abomination isn't the sinner's thing, or they're simply an overachiever, no one has to worry! There's another shot of redemption waiting once that whole mess is squared away. Lucifer even kindly chose something that wouldn't harm any freshly healing bodies, just out of consideration for his guests.

Instead, all one will have to do is sincerely apologize. Walk up to someone and apologize for something they've done, against them or another. Past or present. They'll have to specify in detail what they're apologizing for though, so don't try to wiggle out of that!

And if the other person forgives them their sin, that's really all it takes.

"All Father asks for is true remorse for repentance. Please show him you're capable of that much," Lucifer's voice rings out in the sinners' heads, soft and inviting.

"I certainly know that you are, even if you're unaware of the fact. So, go to one of your fellow penitents and ask for forgiveness, it shall be given."

Lucifer seems to leave out the fact that the other person has to genuinely forgive as well... and if they don't? Have fun losing one of your senses painfully. It will pass in a few hours, he's sure.

FOLLOW ME DOWN

Prompt I

"You're tired, aren't you? You poor thing..." Lucifer's voice rings out in the back of your head as it always does, tinged with what feels like genuine sympathy. "Father expects so much of you, and now, I'll have to as well. If you agree to this simple task, at least. I can at least promise you a bit of a break after if you succeed. So come."

The voice beckons and it's impossible to not follow. How the sinner's feet feet know where to lead them is anyone's guest, but they stop outside of a room after winding hallway after winding hallway, various flights of stairs that never have been there before. Sinners will find themselves entering a room with a partner, drawn the same way.

The room inside is lavish and comfortable, with food and drink placed out for sinners to partake in, along with any other items or vices they may want. But before their focus can linger too long on the offers, their attention will be drawn towards a mirror sat on a desk in the room. There are two contracts to the side of it.

"Go on, look in the mirror and then read the contracts."

The voice urges and now the guests are faced with a choice. Do they choose to turn and leave right then and there? Go back to their room and forget the temptation, or do they venture a look to see what happens?

Looking into the mirror, and for a moment, it will feel like both partners have stepped into a perfect getaway, provided by Lucifer himself. Hopefully both partners like each other because they're staying in some luxurious home together, with everything they could dream of. Even friends and family are but a call away, even ones they may have lost or parted on bad terms with. They also seem to have limitless funds and access to anything.

Sinners instinctively know that Lucifer is offering them endless desires if they just agree to a task... is it so simple though?

Of course this little shared hallucination can't last forever. Sinners snap out of it soon and they'll find themselves in the room they started in. If they take a look at the contract, they'll find a simple proposal:

Outside the gates of this community is uncharted territory full of various dangers and far more imposing demons than have been allowed within. But there are several artifacts that Lucifer desires scattered throughout Hell itself. Be brave and find them, and you and your partner will be given a respite from your daily punishment. A week out of Hell, given at Lucifer's discretion, for a job successfully completed.

However, breathe a word of this task to anyone beyond your partner, and you may face harsh consequences.


As always, Lucifer is willing to give sinners time to talk among themselves before making a decision. If you both decide to take on this task, a drop of blood will be more than enough to seal the contract. Remember that pledging yourself to Satan may not be quite the path to redemption though...

While characters discuss their options, they will be allowed to spend one night in the suites. They may also take another gander into the mirror...

Prompt II
Warnings: sex, potential kinks, violence, non-con or dub-con.

With the carnival going on for two weeks, and more people focused on getting their rush in an entirely different way for the most part, the succubi and incubi are starting to feel just a bit starved. This leads to impatience and agitation. They tried so hard to be good during the festivities, putting on their best behavior, but they can't wait any longer.

The constant, horrible weather outside hasn't done much for business at the club, and it's simply not helping matters at all. Deciding to take things into their own hands, it seems the demons have come up with their own plans and solutions since Lucifer hasn't given them any yet.

The demons have decided to take unsuspecting guests at the hotel. Whatever sinners are doing from taking a nice stroll or settling in for a good night's sleep, they'll find their surroundings changing beneath their feet. It will all fade away to an unfamiliar room where the ravenous demons surround them. It seems the succubi and incubi want their own show finally.

The clowns, after all, were decidedly not sexual. The energy hadn't been the same.

They've chosen sinners a partner, whether they're their usual type or not. They don't care. You can simply make it work. They've furnished a bed and any sort of sexual aids you could want from the basics to toys to instruments of pain.

If you're a bit performance shy, you'll find they don't particularly care. For every instance sinners resist, they'll find themselves in a certain amount of pain. Perhaps it's as minor as a headache that will grow steadily worse or tiny, painful cuts that seem to magically appear. Perhaps it's even a little electric zap to get you moving.

Either feed them or be tormented, that's the game.

The demons may have special requests that range anywhere from plain vanilla sex to partners having to endure pain to someone having to permanently mark another as theirs, whether they know each other or not.

If sinners really want to get out, then they have to participate whether they want to or not.

MISC.

Thank you for checking out [community profile] penancerp's third TDM! Please note that all prompts are opt-out and players are more than welcome to come up with their own ideas while exploring the hotel and hell outside. There's a locations page that describes the library and the club a bit more thoroughly, if you're interested in sending your characters exploring these establishments!

Because these prompts count as game canon, current players are more than welcome to do their own top levels for these prompts in the meme itself or logs community.

All that we ask is that you remember to put clear warnings on any potentially triggering content! Warn for sex, including underage or incest, violence, abuse, non-con, etc. Please put these warnings in a visible place, either by the prompt itself or in the subject line. This isn't just a suggestion but a requirement to participate in the game.

Now that all that's out of the way, we hope you have fun! Feel free to ask questions under the appropriate comment or on the FAQ page.

Since there are new faces around, Lucifer himself will be taking a few questions via his device for anyone so inclined down below.

As a final note, don't forget that reserves are open now until July 1st as well!


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code bases by tricklet
odaystar: (But what's puzzling you)

NPC - Lucifer

[personal profile] odaystar 2019-06-23 08:25 pm (UTC)(link)
socialbreakdown: (Duality)

Sergei Razumovsky/The Plague Doctor | Major Grom | OTA

[personal profile] socialbreakdown 2019-06-24 03:56 am (UTC)(link)
[[ ooc note: Sergei is a dissociative mess with two distinct personalities, one disaster nerd (who only uses their given name) and one suave but ruthless anarchist (who calls himself Blackbird or the Plague Doctor) with a penchant for elaborate puzzles and murder. Preferably combined. Blackbird can generally remember everything that happens to Sergei, but not vice-versa. ]]

A. Arrival (Sergei) - cw: drug mention

Sergei doesn't know what's real anymore. His world is fragments, spaces of time strung together with ever-increasing blanks in between. Some of them are his fault--pills had been keeping the madness at bay. If he took enough of them, he just fell asleep. Others aren't, and he doesn't look at the news anymore. He doesn't want to know.

Waking up in a strange bed after strange nightmares--that's not new. But the list? The horrible feeling here? That's new. The list he folds up and hides at the bottom of the bag without reading it. Many of the items, too, he tries not to look at, but can't quite bear to leave behind. He finds a bottle of pills in his coat pocket and hesitates--it's tempting, to head things off… but no, he needs to know where he is, know he's safe if he passes out somewhere.

Finally, he steps out into the hallway, a pale and frazzled man in a designer hoodie and jeans looking significantly younger than the late 20s he actually is. His posture is hunched, his blue eyes nervous and shadowed by dark circles, his long undercut red hair pulled back in a simple braid.

He wanders alone, lugging the duffel bag, until he finally stumbles into someone, and practically throws himself at their feet. "Please," he says in clear but accented English, "can you tell me where I am?"


B. Stand Your Ground I (Sergei)

So walking outside in the rain of blood and fire was stupid, but Sergei just wanted to get out, out of his head, out of that hotel that just felt so suffocating.

And it was fine. The umbrella kept pretty much everything off, even if the landscape outside was… well, Hell, but it was what he deserved, wasn't it?

Until the downpour. Until his umbrella is snatched out of his hands and the only place he can take shelter is some big abandoned warehouse. But… maybe it will just blow over?


C. Stand Your Ground II (Blackbird) - cw: potential sexual content

At the bathhouse, Sergei lounges nude in one of the communal hot pools, hair in a bun on his head and finally looking peaceful. When he hears someone else enter the room, he opens one eye and regards them with a smirk.

"Joining me?"


D. Follow Me Down I (Blackbird)

"This is better," Sergei says, walking around the lavish room, barely even paying attention to the other person who ended up in the room with him. "Much more like what I'm accustomed to."

He walks back to the contract and eyes the other person in the room. "Well, I'm signing. You?"


E. Follow Me Down IIa (Sergei) - cw: drug use, sexual content, dubious consent

Sergei tries to resist, but he's still losing time, hours, and he knows it's the other one, that fucking bird-demon, and the only way he's found to stop any of it is to sedate himself--both of them--into oblivion.

So he tries, curled up on the bed with his belongings, trying to will the world away. Darkness comes over him like a tide. But when he wakes up, he's not still in bed.

At least, not still in that bed. Instead, he's in a strange place, with a stranger next to him, and there are a lot of demons looking on, looking… hungry.


F. Follow Me Down IIb (Blackbird) - cw: sexual content

After it happened to his pathetic other half, he was almost expecting the demons to kidnap them again. But this time, he's ready. And honestly? He hates captivity, but at least this should be interesting.

He regains his bearings quickly, and when he meets his partner's eyes, he gives them a feral grin. "They're not letting us go until we put on a show. So… shall we?"


G. NETWORK - text

Hey so are we really stuck with these shitty phones and no external Internet? Has anyone tried to work on like, a better social network even? I mean, ok, it's Hell, but...

H. Wildcard!

[[ ooc: Feel free to run into them anywhere, and specify if you have a preference for which of these two you get! Hit me up with questions or plotting ideas by PM or on plurk at [plurk.com profile] cubewithlegs! ]]
Edited 2019-06-24 04:20 (UTC)
sharktrash: (blank // calm)

[personal profile] sharktrash 2019-06-24 07:20 pm (UTC)(link)
What would happen if Squalo tries to bargain for going to look for the artifacts without signing the contract (and by extension forfeiting the reward)?
sharktrash: (contemplative // smirk)

going with A but lmk if you prefer C

[personal profile] sharktrash 2019-06-24 08:02 pm (UTC)(link)
[ While it's not really surprising or rare, Squalo doesn't expect to almost walk into a panicking newbie poster boy in that very moment. So he takes a second or two to take it all in -- the dishevelled state he seems to be in, the confusion, the accent. It's not too hard to place. He offers a lopsided, almost lazy grin. ]

Hell, apparently. [ He tilts his head to the side slightly and repeats the same in Russian, his own accent only really noticeable to native ear. He has no trouble continuing in whichever language the young man seems to prefer. ] Were you expecting someplace else?
socialbreakdown: (Aghast)

[personal profile] socialbreakdown 2019-06-24 08:45 pm (UTC)(link)
[ The familiarity of Russian hits Sergei with a wave of relief that almost distracts him from the man’s words, and that’s the language he responds with. ]

Okay, I get that’s some kind of theme, but where are we really? Was there some kind of party...?

[ He didn’t really think he’d blacked out under the influence, but it might be a good enough excuse for why he didn’t remember coming here. The man spoke Russian, though, which wasn’t promising. Where had he been last? Venice? Something like that. Somewhere he was less of a celebrity.. and a fugitive. Though maybe he looked like enough of a mess that he wasn’t recognizable. ]
sharktrash: (blank // this hangover is killing me)

[personal profile] sharktrash 2019-06-24 09:19 pm (UTC)(link)
[ It's too bad he doesn't mention Venice. Squalo may know a fuckton of languages but Italian was actually his, and he gladly spoke it more often than not. As with wifi, Hell translations were supposed to be a thing but sometimes it just didn't work. ]

[ ...if it's any consolation, there's absolutely no hints he recognizes Sergei at all -- which he doesn't, of course, but he doesn't know that yet. ]


Alright, kid, breathe. Not a party. This is gonna sound like bullshit, but I don't think this is Earth. Not the same version you're used to, anyway.
sharktrash: (Default)

[personal profile] sharktrash 2019-06-24 09:26 pm (UTC)(link)
It would depend on what exactly they are. Weapons he may waffle about first, anything else he would give up to Lucifer no problem though he'd certainly verbally accent how nice and helpful he's being even though Lucifer is full of poop, as he implied their last conversation.

Tl;dr he wants the adventure but he's still Mad and doesn't trust the contract/rewards in general (too good to be true) so if possible he wants to avoid doing it by the letter. (If not, he'll eventually agree because he wants to see what's out there, damn it.)
socialbreakdown: (Explained)

[personal profile] socialbreakdown 2019-06-24 10:29 pm (UTC)(link)
First, I'm not a kid. I'm probably older than you are. Second... [ Sergei does take that breath. ] Not Earth?

[ He wants to think this guy is just fucking with him, but this whole situation, everything since he woke up has felt off. ]

Like... actually Hell?

[ There's the echo of a derisive laugh in the back of his mind, a mocking whisper, "Well don't you think we should be punished for our sins?"

On the outside, Sergei blinks hard and tries to ignore it. ]
rubrumprinceps: (01 - regina)

Nero/Saber - Fate/Extra

[personal profile] rubrumprinceps 2019-06-25 01:58 am (UTC)(link)
A. ARRIVAL
[ It is not a shock to Nero that she has arrived in the underworld, what is a shock is the surprising pleasantness of it. The list of the sins, the blood and the pain would be enough to frighten most but Nero has lived a violent life and the lack of violence in the penance of it is a surprise.

Ever the hedonist, she helps herself to the largest bottle of wine she can find at the self serve bar - a white chablis with a domestic label - and positions herself in a lounging posture ill suited for the stiff and small armchair.
]

The Christians were soft. It is fitting that their Avernus be a place of luxuries such as this.
[ She takes a sip from her commically large wine glass and gestures to the bottle. Rather than removing the cork, it seems she opted to smash the bottle neck open. ]

Indulge. Your Emperor would not see you forsake pleasure in the name of a god who cannot provide fitting punishments.

B. STAND YOUR GROUND - II
TW: mild sexuality


[ Open baths are not a new concept for Nero. -and in spite of (or perhaps because of...) the demons she seems incredibly at home. Neck deep in the wide communal baths and surrounded by what appear to be a gaggle of demons of all genders and body variations excitedly chatting in latin as they scrub each other and Nero with pumice stones.

Seeing a still clothed figure at the rim of the tub, Nero raises her hand out of the water and beckons you in with a grand sweeping gesture.
]

Fear not, modest one! The beautiful men and women of this place seek only to partake in conversation and desires of the flesh at this moment. Come and join us! Entrust your safety to me and I shall see you remain unharmed.

C. REACH UP HIGH - I
tw: body horror, violence


[ Nero is small in stature, but her presence in the thick of battle is large. She steps calmly and with ease over the fallen bodies of the undead she has already cut down and readies her blade once more for the abomination that approaches you. ]

Stand at my side! Have you means to defend yourself or have you come to die?

D. REACH UP HIGH - II

[ A hand reaches out to grasp at a stranger.

Had they met Nero before, the woman before you would hardly seem like the same person. Her eyes appear bloodshot and sunken in. Doubled over and one hand clutching the side of her head.

When she speaks blood spills out alongside her words.
]

You...you must forgive this one. You must! I do not desire love anymore. I- I understand now! Why I was wrong to love you the way I did, so please you must-

E. FOLLOW ME DOWN - I

I was married once.

[ She speaks to her partner after all the pomp and circumstance of Lucifer's pact have passed and the two remain in the empty suite. ]

I do not recognise the version of domesticity that Lucifer has presented us. It is an invention of the modern era and I am a relic of the past. A past in which ones wife was his property and the indulgence in passionate love was considered a kind of madness.

[ She extends her hand towards the other, offering a chance to take it. ]

I am a mad Emperor who passionately loved many. This respite, I do not desire, but pray speak of your intentions to me as equals and I shall decide if I will desire on behalf of another tonight.

D. MISC
Feel free to DM me! Nero is coming from the end of the Fate/Extra game. I'm also happy to explain anything for the canon unfamiliar.
innerdaemon: (Cheers)

A!

[personal profile] innerdaemon 2019-06-25 02:24 am (UTC)(link)
[ Ardyn spends most of his free time at the bar, and he's just wandered back in when he sees a new face. And what a face, with what melodrama. He loves it. Instantly.

He saunters over, snagging a dirty wineglass off of a table as he passes by, and drops to his knees at Nero's feet. ]


A sentiment which I cannot help but share, though I know not these 'Christians' you speak of.

[ He holds up the empty glass. ]

You are offering that libation, I presume?
rubrumprinceps: (03 - :))

[personal profile] rubrumprinceps 2019-06-25 02:42 am (UTC)(link)
[ It has been a while since Nero has had anyone posture for her. The man who grovels before her is well-spoken and has the air of someone older than he looks, but his dress is tarnished and he plays the part of submission well.

What an oddity.
]

Then we are of like mind and for this moment, I consider you friend. Pick yourself from the floor.

[ With a practiced hand she pours the white wine generously for him. ]

We drink to no gods in this place. There are none worth following as far as I can see, though I am open to debate if you believe otherwise.
innerdaemon: (Amused)

[personal profile] innerdaemon 2019-06-25 02:56 am (UTC)(link)
[ Ardyn does pick himself up, and nods graciously at the glass. ]

Gods? Oh, no. No gods followed, here. 'Twas a path I tried long ago, but found it was not meant to be.

So tell me, whom do I have the pleasure of sharing a drink with?
rubrumprinceps: (06 - u0u)

[personal profile] rubrumprinceps 2019-06-25 03:26 am (UTC)(link)
Then we are kindred spirits in this as well. I was a poor scion of the Gods and my people responded to this in kind.

[ She raises her glass in a toast, sloppily sloshing some off the side. ]

Had you met me a mere season ago, I would have denied you this information out of shame. In my hubris, I will admit that I am Emperor Nero Claudius August--and so on and so forth...

I am a tyrant, a matricide and once a beloved ruler. Now I am simply a man and a warrior. -and I debase myself with you in this place, friend.
innerdaemon: (Intent)

[personal profile] innerdaemon 2019-06-25 03:47 am (UTC)(link)
[ Ardyn's eyebrows lift slightly at the confessions, but he merely lifts his glass again slightly, returning the toast. ]

Well met, Nero.

[ He gestures at his own chest. ] Ardyn Izunia, though I was born Ardyn Lucis Caelum, firstborn of my nation's king. Though I was neither kinslayer nor tyrant. Nor even beloved ruler. That was my brother's lot. [ Though his tone remains casual as ever for the most part, there's acid in his voice at the mention of his brother. ]
xtwin_gunsx: courtesy of iconxlatte (Default)

Xanxus | KHR! | OTA - CW for Langauge/Sex

[personal profile] xtwin_gunsx 2019-06-25 05:48 am (UTC)(link)
arrival
[ This was a fucking joke, right? And an over the top one at that. Blood, horrible decor, even the permeating stench of something rather foul in the air. Whomever had done this had either gone through a lot of expense and trouble, or it was an illusion (he had been against to many illusion masters in his time to not have that be a possibility, and honestly the more likely one). He would hand it to whomever the crafter was though - it all certainly felt real.

He took his time looking around the room and briefly inspecting the outdated phone before slipping it into his pocket and heading down the halls and stairs. If this was an illusion, it was grand, and whomever had made it had to be at least on Mamon or Mokuro's level, if not higher. Which was a scary thought. At least he had his guns, which was a small comfort, and his rings. Though something felt... off about both. But he wasn't willing to explore that so openly, not yet.

Stepping into the lobby, he took it in before heading for the small self-serve bar, reaching for something top shelf and a glass. ]


Where the fuck am I?

[ Said to whomever is coming up behind him. At least his sense weren't dulled in this place, and no, he did not do them the courtesy of turning around to face whomever it was. They weren't worth the trouble. ]

stand your ground: i - rain/library
[ Hell. Fire. Rain. It was as cliche as it could fucking get, and he had grown up in a ridiculously Catholic country. He had heard the sermons, even gone to church, but honestly he had never actually believed in all this shit. Why would he? Considering his profession, if God or whatever had actually existed, he would be heading straight in the downward direction. One didn't get into assassination with the idea of walking through the pearly gates.

He walked through the rain with an umbrella up, his eyes narrow as he began to sense something out to the corner of his eye, shifts and flashes. None of them made him wince, but none of them made him feel particularly good either. He thought he felt a chill across the back of his neck, his scars beginning to ache, and he grit his teeth, hurrying faster through the down pour.

The crack of ice.

He full on grimaced now, ashamed to be walking so fast, muttering beneath his breath as he did so, ignoring the sting and slap of rain when his umbrella shifted to much, wisps of smoke rising off his coat. When he reached the library doors he jerked them open, tossing the umbrella aside with little regard for whom was standing in the war, and brought his hand to his lips, licking at the stinging burn there.

Now which way were the novels? ]


stand your ground: ii - the spa
[ This was more like it. Fuck if he didn't deserve this after the shit this place was putting him through. If he was going to be kidnapped and forced to play out whatever fucking weird farce this "Lucifer" desired, he was at least going to enjoy some luxury while he could. Potential trap? Maybe, but Xanxus was confident enough in his own abilities not to care. And, at the least, it seemed like this Lucifer had some sort of long game in mind, rather than a more immediate kill. Definitely not an assassin.

He growled at the demons that tried to assist him, doing little else besides taking a towel and a drink and heading to the baths. He set both aside and disrobed, unashamed of his body - covered in scars from head to toe, back and front. Practically no inch of him untouched in some way, and the feathers clearly woven into his hair.

Water sloshed and whispered as he settled in, sliding his arms along the edge and reclining, a king on his throne. Approach at your own risk. ]


follow me down: i - scavenger hunt
[ The promise of riches beyond his dreams. Of luxury. Of a return to a shadow of his former life. It was tempting, to be sure. He glanced at the note, which if he thought about was like getting a job for the Varia. A contract wasn't unheard or even unexpected - the Varia operated with them all the time. It was how they got paid. And while he did have some reservations about signing, he knew he would do it. Mostly because he was damn bored, and it was a chance to go beyond the walls.

He looked to the person who had been led into the room with him, his face giving away little except his own resolve. ]


I'm going.

[ His tone suggested that you had better not disappoint him with your own answer. ]

follow me down: ii - the show (cw: sex)
[ He was getting really tired of waking up on strange beds. Not that he hadn't done so before - he had certainly gotten around enough in his late teens and early twenties. But then, at least, he had understood the means by which he had least ended up in the strange beds. This, not so much, and it was beginning to piss him off.

Even more so the demons currently cajoling and whispering from the shadows. He glowered at them in his usual way, though it seemed to do little more than delight them. Being out numbered as not new either, but it didn't escape him that his main weapons had been stripped from him either - his guns, and his rings. Without those, he was at a much harsher disadvantage, especially against a group.

Fuck. Fine.

He turned to see whom the demons had decided to pair him with. ]


Oi, get up.

[ So romantic, isn't he? ]

wild card!
[ Don't see something that strikes your fancy? Create your own adventure! Xanxus will regularly hang out in the bar/club, or can be found roaming the streets, rain or "shine", and the library. ]
Edited 2019-06-25 05:55 (UTC)
stormbreaking: (pic#13062804)

Thor Odinson | MCU | ota

[personal profile] stormbreaking 2019-06-25 08:11 am (UTC)(link)
stand your ground ii

While he was still wary of trusting anything Lucifer offered, Thor does find himself visiting the spa out of curiosity. The bath is what draws him the most. Something proper and large enough to actually fit him sounds pleasant for a change. He isn't particularly modest enough to care about the bath area being mixed, no actual shame in his own body or seeing others bared.

Although he does have the courtesy to ask before he joins anyone.

He does also steer clear of the blood baths, flatly refusing any demon who offers to show him the way. He's rather sure there won't be much relaxation to be found in there.

Of course, he can also be spotted somehow being convinced into getting some of the more pampering things. A massage, at least. The facials seem a bit suspect.

The sauna also tempts him in. He can be found in one sparsely populated on, sat back in nothing but a towel as he relaxes.

follow me down ii [this option will potentially lead to sex and nsfw scenarios.]

He should be rather used to these demons taking him where they see fit, but it never ceases to be almost insulting. He finds himself in some strange room, with an audience yet again... and for a moment, he's prepared for another sort of punishment. Will he lose another eye? Will they take his hand as they had others? He wouldn't be surprised.

Although realization dawns quickly enough when his eyes land on a partner, and the other items in the room. The hungry eyes of those demons...

He grimaces, arms crossing over his chest stubbornly.

"Let us out."

He doesn't care if they sneer at him, if they taunt him in amusement. He's not in the mood for their games at the moment.

wildcard

[I'm also open to the prompts involving zombies and other abominations but I think I would rather write specific starters for those, so if you'd like to team up with Thor, let me know here! If there's something else you'd like to do with Thor, poke me here or at [plurk.com profile] noassgardian.]
Edited 2019-06-25 08:12 (UTC)
hypoxic: (is that what you want)

D! I'm canonblind, so I hope this works!

[personal profile] hypoxic 2019-06-25 01:28 pm (UTC)(link)
[Ghe man she grasps is indeed a stranger, who had been scrambling from one space to another to avoid the harrowing weather outside. He freezes at the sight of her, and is quick to bend down. Has she been assaulted? Is this another trick intended to test them? Is she even real, rambling on like this?]

Miss, I'm sorry... Might you have me mistaken for someone else? You shouldn't move with injuries like these...
hypoxic: (and I'm not frustrated)

stand ii

[personal profile] hypoxic 2019-06-25 01:46 pm (UTC)(link)
[It's strange how well the demons can make things sound. Even when obeying them would be objectively stupid, sometimes the sound of their voices is as sweet as Lucifer's own. Fitz thought he was exchanging library books when one of them spoke so seetly it made the spa seem palatable. Maybe even enjoyable.

The massage sounded safe from the outset. It was a way to let them have the touch they seemed to crave from him without letting them do anything untoward. But by the time Thor is nearby, he's holding on to the table with a white-knuckled grip, gritting his teeth as he stammers at the demon digging into his back.]


No--really -- I'd rather if you didn't -- please --

[Surely Thor will find it inviting.]
sharktrash: (blank // i don't give a fuck)

[personal profile] sharktrash 2019-06-25 05:26 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Haha look at him totally and completely ignore that age comment. Even though it might be right. ]

[ Rather than immediately answering, Squalo takes a step to the side and slams the nearest window open. Outside, the Blood And Hellfire Rain just happens to be in the middle of another downpour. He gestures at it. ]


Not Earth. I wouldn't hold my breath for actually Hell, but there's certainly someone or something very powerful fucking with us all to that end.
sharktrash: (grin // tattoo it on your eyeballs)

fmd - I

[personal profile] sharktrash 2019-06-25 05:35 pm (UTC)(link)
[ A contract is hardly anything new for them, that is true. Squalo, however, has been here long enough to start distrusting them. That and he's still reeling at the thought of teaming up with Lucifer. He understands he should, he's aware that playing together is the best possible course of action for whatever goals he hopes to accomplish eventually -- but it's so hard. He's never been a manipulator, hell, he would always announce his presence in a battlefield as loudly as obviously as possible. Acting in any way but genuinely feels like slowly climbing up the jagged end of a saw. ]

[ All the same, though, he's so fucking bored he'd probably sell ten souls for a chance like this. Not to mention, well. His sun and stars boss is here. ]

[ About damn time. ]

[ And yet, at the same time: Fuck no. He wasn't supposed to be here. This was like handing the Devil the best way to really hurt him, and he wonders if their recent pissing contest may have had anything to do with Xanxus' showing. ]

[ No. He can't think like that. He just has to make the most of the now. ]


Why the fuck're you looking at me like that? Of course I'm going.

[ His grin gains that predatory twist that implies he's about to be serious, or stubborn. ]

I'm not signing that, though.
sharktrash: (shouting // don't get in my way)

also syg - II because thirst

[personal profile] sharktrash 2019-06-25 05:47 pm (UTC)(link)
[ If Xanxus thought he could enjoy some peace and quiet, well, he's probably forgotten most of his life (that wasn't spent in ice prison). Maybe making up for the time he's had to spent without him nearby, Squalo's been popping up fucking everywhere. Not quite obnoxiously enough to call it 'clinging', but he's certainly making an effort. ]

[ Same now; by the time Xanxus settled in properly and relaxed, Squalo's also perching at the edge of the bath, wearing nothing but his artificial hand and grinning. ]


Hey, Boss. Move your giant ass.

[ There's enough space for him to get in anyway -- which he does -- but of course he has to run his mouth in the most "accidentally" disrespectful manner possible. ]
invicto: (three.)

stand your ground ii

[personal profile] invicto 2019-06-25 07:18 pm (UTC)(link)
One advantage of the baths is that once he's inside the water, he doesn't have to worry about people seeing the various scars all over his body, particularly the more recent ones. Some of the wounds haven't even fully healed yet, though at least nothing hurts much anymore.

He's so relaxed that he even has his eyes closed, head leaning back against the edge of the pool. He hears footsteps even before the voice comes, though he looks up in surprise when he thinks he recognizes it.

"Go ahead," he gestures for the man to join him. A slow sweep up and down his body, and... ah. His lips curl into a wide smile when he remembers him. "Plenty of room for both of us."
Edited 2019-06-25 19:19 (UTC)
socialbreakdown: (Drowning)

[personal profile] socialbreakdown 2019-06-25 08:31 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Sergei cringes back from the window, eyes wide. Until now, he could filter out the impossible things. This, this is too real for even him to deny. ]

Oh. Wow. That's...

[ He collects himself somewhat and goes to the still-open window, watching droplets splatter and hiss on the windowsill. He shivers and shoves his hands into the pockets of his hoodie. ]

That's a lot.

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