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penancememes2022-02-24 09:33 pm
penancemods) wrote in penancememes2022-02-24 09:33 pm
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TEST DRIVE MEME #32
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 and nothingness consumes you for a second, And it seems to linger for a long time. There is nothing at all. It must be lonely. But it won’t be forever.
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.
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. They are urged forward to take a numbered ticket and wait their turn in the long line. As they're ushered forward through the corridor, their first stop will be to see Lilith, standing outside her office.
The woman in a smart suit and a friendly smile steps forward to greet sinners one by one. "I'm sorry for your rough landing. We've never gotten it quite as smooth as it was in the past. Please, let me see your hand--"
Once she has the sinner's hand, there's the warm, almost electric touch of magic that soothes away the aches and pains, heals the wound left behind on each sinner's palm. Lilith looks satisfied with her work and gives a nod. "There, all better. Please take your care package and continue on until you reach the stairs."
On their way out, sinners receive their 'package', a contract detailing all sins committed. If they look at the list closely enough they'll notice it's written with their blood. That explains the palm wound then. It's an old piece of parchment despite the freshly written letters upon it. They will also receive a slightly more modern smart phone. Think early generation Android and a pamphlet made by other sinners during their stay here with useful tips.
After that, sinners will be ushered on to a set of stairs where a guard waits. "Welcome to Penance," the demon says gruffly before motioning them on without an ounce of courtesy. "Don't hold up the line."
They seem to go on and wind forever, but eventually, they come upon what appears to be a lobby of a hotel. Once there, they will notice several shops and other areas around the front desk.
The demon at the front desk looks rather bored, but when sinners approach? He seems to snap to attention to offer whatever help they might need of him. He will at least direct to food or rooms to rest their wary bodies, or recommend sights to see around the hotel.
Stand Your Ground The morning reveals the first glimpse of Spring that Penance has seen in months. The frigid temperatures seem to be receding and the blood snow is finally melting. Repairs around the hotel are back on track, returning it to its former glory as the kitchens and other supplies slowly begin to fill back up. Everyone seems tentatively hopeful that maybe, just maybe, things are veering back towards normal.
Or as normal as they can be in these very uncertain times, with Mammon seemingly content to stay in Penance for an extended vacation and the gruesome remains of Hellburbia. The local demons seem rather pleased to be getting back to normal, at least. The hotel cafe, Helluvacup is officially opened for business again! This time with an array of spring drinks that included iced strawberry lemonade, a variety of flavored iced coffees, iced teas, and a specially blended coconut drink made with some ground up hell flora that’s said to increase stamina and well-being. Samples of these drinks will be provided by Bean the hell rat, who will be donning a little bee costume to encourage guests to come by and say hi!
Careful, he bites a little bit and may or may not carry a disease or two. If anyone tries to hurt him, they’ll have to contend with the manager. That’s his pride and joy after all. As normal as Hell seems to be, there’s an odd stirring at night. It sounds like something flying outside or claws tapping against the roof. It isn’t the Mares, but it certainly sounds like something. As days go on, guests may start to see dragons from Mammon’s lands out of the corner of their eye or picking through alleyways to hoard up items. They may sneak into the hotel if they’re tiny enough and steal small trinkets. There are also strange sightings of another new face hanging around these dragons. Mammon seems rather… disturbed by him, oftentimes complaining under his breath about that buffoon showing up.
Demonic staff assure sinners it’s nothing at all to worry about though! Just ignore it.
Besides, there are more fun things to focus on. There are free hell horse riding lessons coming up at the stables. Why, one might ask? Well, it’s simple really… Lucifer is planning a hunt that will take volunteers outside of Penance’s walls. He still has his little brother to save after all, and a spear to find. He hasn’t forgotten the thread of the Veiled Order or the fact that Barbas is contained in a mansion in Hellburbia!
Lessons will focus on gaining your horse’s trust. A bit more complicated than what a mortal may be used to, it takes some work to earn your horse’s respect. They may be bribed with flesh, blood, or the occasional brushing and petting. Spending time talking with your horse and sharing a bit of who you are with them doesn’t hurt at all either… they like it when people seem to ignore their sometimes grotesque appearances.
These clever beasts will also be hesitant to be ridden at first, but with enough training, should be able to navigate a training course set up for this special occasion.
It will be encouraged to camp out with your selected horse in the evenings to strengthen your bond, so sinners will be given a bonfire and plenty of simple foods for their camping adventure. Don’t worry, it will seem oddly warm thanks to the fires!
Mornings will be met with scooping up any messes the horses leave and feeding them their daily flesh and water. Do try not to lose any fingers! They get a little over-excited at times…
Reach Up High
Prompt I: The First Pull is the Hardest WARNINGS: mutilation, blood, torture.
Lucifer's voice rings out as it always does, compassion and warmth clear despite his words. It lingers in guests' ears even as they're forced into a dark room by demons and shown an ominous looking device just waiting for them.
Should the guest refuse or fail they will hear the contraption start up. An ominous sound of something shifting rings out before a sharp pain shoots up their finger and ricochets through their body. Each time a person fails their turn they both lose a fingernail. this will keep going until they've lost all ten (or however many the guest may have) or they answer a satisfactory number of sins. It really just depends on which sort of torment the guests are content with suffering through and how much they want redemption.
[Note: How many sins characters have to explain to be released will be left up to player discretion!]
Prompt II: Lend a Hand WARNINGS: blood mention, torture
With the flood waters receding, it’s time to clean up Hellburbia and get it back in working order. To remove a sin from one’s contract, sinners are encouraged to grab mops and buckets, and any tools they can get their hands on to set to work on the ravished neighborhood. Lucifer wants the homes back to their flawless appearances and habitable again. Demons will be selecting sinners at random if they’re lacking volunteers, and be prepared, if they catch sinners slacking that there will be some harsh punishments!
These demonic construction workers and cleaners are not above whipping, denying water, etc. to those who are being particularly unruly to them. Cleaning isn’t always a breeze. It isn’t meant to be simple.
But it will be worth it in the end when those who wish to move back are able to!
Everyone is encouraged to stay far away from the old mansion where Barbas has been sealed away… but there will be some hoodlum demons with some fresh eggs and rocks that are just begging to be tossed at that old place. Sinners may join them if they dare!
Follow Me Down
Prompt I: A Slave For You WARNINGS: fantasy slavery, noncon, dubcon, aphrodisiacs, kidnapping
The usual debauchery at Club Penance is on hold, thanks to the way Mammon has settled in the space and converted it to an effective auction house. While Lilith had hoped that Mammon would be bored of his games by now, he hasn't moved on just yet! Mammon’s greed continues to affect anyone who lingers too long, prompting visitors to transition from well-intentioned visitors to fierce bidding competition. Why bring home one thing when you can bring home all of them? Why not drive the bidding higher and higher when it comes to getting what you deserve? Gold and rare items are a fine currency to start with, but the highest-value items will probably cost a bidder a piece of their soul.
With the time since the rushed setup, Mammon has had the opportunity to divide the space more formally. In addition to earlier wares, bidders can compete with one another for valuables from all sorts of worlds, usually pieces of art or other display items. Special auctions spring up for potions or magic charms that aren’t normally available. The auctioneers promise that the sinners addicted to Frenzy, the local drug of choice, would find their way to even higher highs with some of the best alchemy hell has to offer. They recommend getting your hands on the purple powder for a particularly mind-blowing experience.
And as before, there are still regular rounds of slave auctions. These vary from the domestic to the most debauched and depraved forms of servitude, whether bidders are looking for a french maid or a personal footstool.
The hungry club succubi and incubi have ensured that all the slaves are made pliant and assured eager to please whoever buys them. Who can they resist a desperate slave, eager to please? The acts they are expected to perform, as well as the duration of service, seem to be linked to the cost of the slave. Spirited, unbroken new arrivals go for fairly cheap, but the price goes up based on how exotic or well-trained a slave is.
Also new are a hall of group pens where slaves are left to loiter together between auctions. They're a calming space, with one wall made of glass so they can be watched by potential buyers. In the pens, slaves are encouraged to make themselves appealing, and interact with other slaves. Maybe some of them will even get purchased in pairs if they put on a good enough show for the voyeurs outside.
Post-purchase customization is now available for bidders willing to pay top-dollar. It costs a lot to indulge far out kinks such as tentacle play, animal play, guro, etc. But under the heady spirit of competition and need to have more, who cares about the cost of a soul? You aren't using yours anyway. Might as well put it to good use.
Sinners who've been here for weeks might have noticed that the term of a slave purchase seems to be proportional to a slave's price. The cheap ones seem to snap out of it in a day or so, and even though the expensive ones tend to linger under the influence for a week or longer, there's a lot of turnaround. This has resulted in a rash of kidnappings throughout the community. People are being snatched up even if they have the sense to stay far away from the club! It might be safer to travel in groups.
Prompt II: Casino Styx WARNINGS: dubcon, loss of agency, memory manipulation
For those who thought Casino Styx may never return, they'll find themselves very mistaken. By evening, when the skies have faded from their odd reds and oranges to nearly black, sinners will notice a large, shining construct by the gates of the community once again. The golden exterior draws the eye better than even any Vegas establishment could hope.
Guests will be invited to come check out what's going on. As they near, the lights draw in attention almost as much as the blood 'water' feature dug around the new Casino Styx. The water fountains blast up to five hundred feet in the air on either side of a long bridge that leads across the blood and right to the entrance. Once inside the lavish establishment, guests will see the large statue of Charon that stands in the middle of a pool. To the side is a bowl full of golden coins to tip the ferryman. It's encouraged that all who enter do this simple gesture.
Those who skip it may notice their luck is simply awful all night. The effect may even follow them home.
The water theme only continues on as guests enter the casino proper. The walls look as if they have water cascading down them, but touching it will show it's merely an illusion. Somehow, they still somehow seem to reflect the glittering lights dancing overhead. Guests should appreciate how the atmosphere in the casino seems to inspire relaxation and a good mood.
The casino includes a variety of all the expected games, ranging from slots to poker to blackjack to roulette, and anything else imaginable. What is the point in gambling when there's no currency in Hell, one may ask? Well, that's where the real fun begins!
Sinners can work off items on their contract via gambling. Matching three objects on the slot machine will remove one sin, one time. Any subsequent wins on the slots will give golden coins to give to Charon for extra good luck. Patrons can also put up sins for wager in any competitive game like poker, but do keep in mind that the losers take all the sins on to their list! Be careful playing against demons or 'eating fresh baby' may end up on your contract.
It doesn't stop there, either. In higher stakes games, wagers can be made with bits of soul that get converted to the form of chips, made either with the patron's or, if you're too cowardly to bet your own, harvested from the damned souls in other parts of Hell. Be warned! Lose too many of these chips made from your own soul while gambling and sinners may start to experience a concerning lack of conscience, emotion, or feel a sudden eagerness to indulge in a vice that's natural to them.
So, do they tend to be vain? Suddenly that will be doubled and they may demand to be worshiped. Prone to sloth? Maybe they just won't want to move at all...
Not to worry though. As long as a sinner maintains a a little of their soul, the effect will be temporary as the energy repairs itself and becomes whole again over the next week or two.
Gambling with souls does offer winners the ability to win upgrades to their rooms (Softer beds, better electronics, etc.), earn a night in a lavish suite at the casino that will open soon, or VIP perks at Club Penance. Win big enough and one may also earn a request from home or to be put on a wait list for rooms at the casino to live permanently during their stay.
There are also strip-based games for those feeling frisky. Players will lose articles of clothes for each round they lose and the winner may decide to keep the pieces discarded. These can be played against multiple players or one-on-one.
Finally, there are games where body parts will be the wager... those who are brave enough to part with some flesh will find themselves earning perks around Hell. These will include the ability to escape from future torture for a round or two, or the ability to earn back abilities that may have been previously blocked upon arrival in Penance. They may also win a night with Lucifer or Lilith (Not in that way! Winners will get to ask questions or tour parts of Hell that may have been previously off-limits). Players will just have to ask themselves if it's worth losing an actual arm or leg for...
What's a night of gambling and vice without a quickie wedding or two? Without a place to make some bad decisions? While marriage isn't generally customary in Hell, there's a nice little wedding chapel in the casino for those impulse decisions! The marriages performed won't necessarily be binding in the traditional sense, but will be officiated by either a Grim Reaper or a fairly bad Lucifer impersonator who seems to use darling a bit too much. His roots are starting to show, too...
Oh, and are those LED lights he's got attached to his suit to make himself glow? Oh, well, if you ignore all that, it's not bad.
The ceremony will not be religion-based and will have appropriately Hell-like vows unless the spouses-to-be choose to write their own or request otherwise.
Oh, one more thing... while these marriages will be only as binding as sinners desire them to be, Lucifer will not freely annul them if that's the route sinners want to take. He will expect favors in return, generally in the form of service. Play assistant or housekeeper for a bit, earn your annulment and put that bad move right behind yourself!
Of course gambling and marriages aren't the only thing to focus on! What sort of Hell establishment would this be if there weren't servers clad in old fashion Cigarette Girl outfits carrying around trays of treats to offer guests? Sinners may get parched between enthralling games after all. These treats include food, drinks, cigarettes, drugs, etc. Go ahead and indulge! No one will judge a little gluttony around these parts! Just watch anything chocolate... rumor has it, it makes one inclined to visit that chapel...
[At the moment, we are allowing players to decide among themselves who will win or claim one free sin removal from the slot machines. If you want a sin removed, please note it on the sin removal page and be sure to link a completed thread. If you're cashing in a perk, please link it on the request page with what you're wanting for mod review! Please note that while some abilities may be unlocked, nothing too game breaking will be allowed.]
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 or sample threads.
Thanks for clicking on our February TDM! 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.
This is the first app round of the year. Reserves are currently open, and Apps will open March 1st.
If you have questions, comments, suggestions, etc., go here.
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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 and nothingness consumes you for a second, And it seems to linger for a long time. There is nothing at all. It must be lonely. But it won’t be forever.
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.
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. They are urged forward to take a numbered ticket and wait their turn in the long line. As they're ushered forward through the corridor, their first stop will be to see Lilith, standing outside her office.
The woman in a smart suit and a friendly smile steps forward to greet sinners one by one. "I'm sorry for your rough landing. We've never gotten it quite as smooth as it was in the past. Please, let me see your hand--"
Once she has the sinner's hand, there's the warm, almost electric touch of magic that soothes away the aches and pains, heals the wound left behind on each sinner's palm. Lilith looks satisfied with her work and gives a nod. "There, all better. Please take your care package and continue on until you reach the stairs."
On their way out, sinners receive their 'package', a contract detailing all sins committed. If they look at the list closely enough they'll notice it's written with their blood. That explains the palm wound then. It's an old piece of parchment despite the freshly written letters upon it. They will also receive a slightly more modern smart phone. Think early generation Android and a pamphlet made by other sinners during their stay here with useful tips.
After that, sinners will be ushered on to a set of stairs where a guard waits. "Welcome to Penance," the demon says gruffly before motioning them on without an ounce of courtesy. "Don't hold up the line."
They seem to go on and wind forever, but eventually, they come upon what appears to be a lobby of a hotel. Once there, they will notice several shops and other areas around the front desk.
The demon at the front desk looks rather bored, but when sinners approach? He seems to snap to attention to offer whatever help they might need of him. He will at least direct to food or rooms to rest their wary bodies, or recommend sights to see around the hotel.
Stand Your Ground The morning reveals the first glimpse of Spring that Penance has seen in months. The frigid temperatures seem to be receding and the blood snow is finally melting. Repairs around the hotel are back on track, returning it to its former glory as the kitchens and other supplies slowly begin to fill back up. Everyone seems tentatively hopeful that maybe, just maybe, things are veering back towards normal.
Or as normal as they can be in these very uncertain times, with Mammon seemingly content to stay in Penance for an extended vacation and the gruesome remains of Hellburbia. The local demons seem rather pleased to be getting back to normal, at least. The hotel cafe, Helluvacup is officially opened for business again! This time with an array of spring drinks that included iced strawberry lemonade, a variety of flavored iced coffees, iced teas, and a specially blended coconut drink made with some ground up hell flora that’s said to increase stamina and well-being. Samples of these drinks will be provided by Bean the hell rat, who will be donning a little bee costume to encourage guests to come by and say hi!
Careful, he bites a little bit and may or may not carry a disease or two. If anyone tries to hurt him, they’ll have to contend with the manager. That’s his pride and joy after all. As normal as Hell seems to be, there’s an odd stirring at night. It sounds like something flying outside or claws tapping against the roof. It isn’t the Mares, but it certainly sounds like something. As days go on, guests may start to see dragons from Mammon’s lands out of the corner of their eye or picking through alleyways to hoard up items. They may sneak into the hotel if they’re tiny enough and steal small trinkets. There are also strange sightings of another new face hanging around these dragons. Mammon seems rather… disturbed by him, oftentimes complaining under his breath about that buffoon showing up.
Demonic staff assure sinners it’s nothing at all to worry about though! Just ignore it.
Besides, there are more fun things to focus on. There are free hell horse riding lessons coming up at the stables. Why, one might ask? Well, it’s simple really… Lucifer is planning a hunt that will take volunteers outside of Penance’s walls. He still has his little brother to save after all, and a spear to find. He hasn’t forgotten the thread of the Veiled Order or the fact that Barbas is contained in a mansion in Hellburbia!
Lessons will focus on gaining your horse’s trust. A bit more complicated than what a mortal may be used to, it takes some work to earn your horse’s respect. They may be bribed with flesh, blood, or the occasional brushing and petting. Spending time talking with your horse and sharing a bit of who you are with them doesn’t hurt at all either… they like it when people seem to ignore their sometimes grotesque appearances.
These clever beasts will also be hesitant to be ridden at first, but with enough training, should be able to navigate a training course set up for this special occasion.
It will be encouraged to camp out with your selected horse in the evenings to strengthen your bond, so sinners will be given a bonfire and plenty of simple foods for their camping adventure. Don’t worry, it will seem oddly warm thanks to the fires!
Mornings will be met with scooping up any messes the horses leave and feeding them their daily flesh and water. Do try not to lose any fingers! They get a little over-excited at times…
Reach Up High
Prompt I: The First Pull is the Hardest WARNINGS: mutilation, blood, torture.
Lucifer's voice rings out as it always does, compassion and warmth clear despite his words. It lingers in guests' ears even as they're forced into a dark room by demons and shown an ominous looking device just waiting for them.
"Welcome, my honored guests! Since some of your ilk have displayed an alarming tendency towards secrecy and outright lying, I've come up with a way for you to practice frank discussion instead. What I ask of you won't be an easy task, but it will be a lesson that's valuable to learn. When the device before you turns on, it will display a sin one of you are guilty of. You will be given exactly one minute to begin explaining what happened and how. Do be frank about it, and fair warning: if either of you refuse... you're unlikely to be unhappy about the result."Guests won't have the option of refusing this daunting task. Demons drag sinners in, easily overpowering even the strongest guest if only for long enough to secure them in the seat and shove their hands into the opening of the device. Once secured, sinners are unable to remove their hands as a typing noise begins sounding out. After a moment, a sheet of paper will then pop out of the top of the device with a ding for guests to read. One sin off their list is printed neatly on it. Guests have one minute to begin explaining what it means and how it happened or why it's a sin of theirs.
Should the guest refuse or fail they will hear the contraption start up. An ominous sound of something shifting rings out before a sharp pain shoots up their finger and ricochets through their body. Each time a person fails their turn they both lose a fingernail. this will keep going until they've lost all ten (or however many the guest may have) or they answer a satisfactory number of sins. It really just depends on which sort of torment the guests are content with suffering through and how much they want redemption.
[Note: How many sins characters have to explain to be released will be left up to player discretion!]
Prompt II: Lend a Hand WARNINGS: blood mention, torture
With the flood waters receding, it’s time to clean up Hellburbia and get it back in working order. To remove a sin from one’s contract, sinners are encouraged to grab mops and buckets, and any tools they can get their hands on to set to work on the ravished neighborhood. Lucifer wants the homes back to their flawless appearances and habitable again. Demons will be selecting sinners at random if they’re lacking volunteers, and be prepared, if they catch sinners slacking that there will be some harsh punishments!
These demonic construction workers and cleaners are not above whipping, denying water, etc. to those who are being particularly unruly to them. Cleaning isn’t always a breeze. It isn’t meant to be simple.
But it will be worth it in the end when those who wish to move back are able to!
Everyone is encouraged to stay far away from the old mansion where Barbas has been sealed away… but there will be some hoodlum demons with some fresh eggs and rocks that are just begging to be tossed at that old place. Sinners may join them if they dare!
Follow Me Down
Prompt I: A Slave For You WARNINGS: fantasy slavery, noncon, dubcon, aphrodisiacs, kidnapping
The usual debauchery at Club Penance is on hold, thanks to the way Mammon has settled in the space and converted it to an effective auction house. While Lilith had hoped that Mammon would be bored of his games by now, he hasn't moved on just yet! Mammon’s greed continues to affect anyone who lingers too long, prompting visitors to transition from well-intentioned visitors to fierce bidding competition. Why bring home one thing when you can bring home all of them? Why not drive the bidding higher and higher when it comes to getting what you deserve? Gold and rare items are a fine currency to start with, but the highest-value items will probably cost a bidder a piece of their soul.
With the time since the rushed setup, Mammon has had the opportunity to divide the space more formally. In addition to earlier wares, bidders can compete with one another for valuables from all sorts of worlds, usually pieces of art or other display items. Special auctions spring up for potions or magic charms that aren’t normally available. The auctioneers promise that the sinners addicted to Frenzy, the local drug of choice, would find their way to even higher highs with some of the best alchemy hell has to offer. They recommend getting your hands on the purple powder for a particularly mind-blowing experience.
And as before, there are still regular rounds of slave auctions. These vary from the domestic to the most debauched and depraved forms of servitude, whether bidders are looking for a french maid or a personal footstool.
The hungry club succubi and incubi have ensured that all the slaves are made pliant and assured eager to please whoever buys them. Who can they resist a desperate slave, eager to please? The acts they are expected to perform, as well as the duration of service, seem to be linked to the cost of the slave. Spirited, unbroken new arrivals go for fairly cheap, but the price goes up based on how exotic or well-trained a slave is.
Also new are a hall of group pens where slaves are left to loiter together between auctions. They're a calming space, with one wall made of glass so they can be watched by potential buyers. In the pens, slaves are encouraged to make themselves appealing, and interact with other slaves. Maybe some of them will even get purchased in pairs if they put on a good enough show for the voyeurs outside.
Post-purchase customization is now available for bidders willing to pay top-dollar. It costs a lot to indulge far out kinks such as tentacle play, animal play, guro, etc. But under the heady spirit of competition and need to have more, who cares about the cost of a soul? You aren't using yours anyway. Might as well put it to good use.
Sinners who've been here for weeks might have noticed that the term of a slave purchase seems to be proportional to a slave's price. The cheap ones seem to snap out of it in a day or so, and even though the expensive ones tend to linger under the influence for a week or longer, there's a lot of turnaround. This has resulted in a rash of kidnappings throughout the community. People are being snatched up even if they have the sense to stay far away from the club! It might be safer to travel in groups.
Prompt II: Casino Styx WARNINGS: dubcon, loss of agency, memory manipulation
For those who thought Casino Styx may never return, they'll find themselves very mistaken. By evening, when the skies have faded from their odd reds and oranges to nearly black, sinners will notice a large, shining construct by the gates of the community once again. The golden exterior draws the eye better than even any Vegas establishment could hope.
Guests will be invited to come check out what's going on. As they near, the lights draw in attention almost as much as the blood 'water' feature dug around the new Casino Styx. The water fountains blast up to five hundred feet in the air on either side of a long bridge that leads across the blood and right to the entrance. Once inside the lavish establishment, guests will see the large statue of Charon that stands in the middle of a pool. To the side is a bowl full of golden coins to tip the ferryman. It's encouraged that all who enter do this simple gesture.
Those who skip it may notice their luck is simply awful all night. The effect may even follow them home.
The water theme only continues on as guests enter the casino proper. The walls look as if they have water cascading down them, but touching it will show it's merely an illusion. Somehow, they still somehow seem to reflect the glittering lights dancing overhead. Guests should appreciate how the atmosphere in the casino seems to inspire relaxation and a good mood.
The casino includes a variety of all the expected games, ranging from slots to poker to blackjack to roulette, and anything else imaginable. What is the point in gambling when there's no currency in Hell, one may ask? Well, that's where the real fun begins!
Sinners can work off items on their contract via gambling. Matching three objects on the slot machine will remove one sin, one time. Any subsequent wins on the slots will give golden coins to give to Charon for extra good luck. Patrons can also put up sins for wager in any competitive game like poker, but do keep in mind that the losers take all the sins on to their list! Be careful playing against demons or 'eating fresh baby' may end up on your contract.
It doesn't stop there, either. In higher stakes games, wagers can be made with bits of soul that get converted to the form of chips, made either with the patron's or, if you're too cowardly to bet your own, harvested from the damned souls in other parts of Hell. Be warned! Lose too many of these chips made from your own soul while gambling and sinners may start to experience a concerning lack of conscience, emotion, or feel a sudden eagerness to indulge in a vice that's natural to them.
So, do they tend to be vain? Suddenly that will be doubled and they may demand to be worshiped. Prone to sloth? Maybe they just won't want to move at all...
Not to worry though. As long as a sinner maintains a a little of their soul, the effect will be temporary as the energy repairs itself and becomes whole again over the next week or two.
Gambling with souls does offer winners the ability to win upgrades to their rooms (Softer beds, better electronics, etc.), earn a night in a lavish suite at the casino that will open soon, or VIP perks at Club Penance. Win big enough and one may also earn a request from home or to be put on a wait list for rooms at the casino to live permanently during their stay.
There are also strip-based games for those feeling frisky. Players will lose articles of clothes for each round they lose and the winner may decide to keep the pieces discarded. These can be played against multiple players or one-on-one.
Finally, there are games where body parts will be the wager... those who are brave enough to part with some flesh will find themselves earning perks around Hell. These will include the ability to escape from future torture for a round or two, or the ability to earn back abilities that may have been previously blocked upon arrival in Penance. They may also win a night with Lucifer or Lilith (Not in that way! Winners will get to ask questions or tour parts of Hell that may have been previously off-limits). Players will just have to ask themselves if it's worth losing an actual arm or leg for...
What's a night of gambling and vice without a quickie wedding or two? Without a place to make some bad decisions? While marriage isn't generally customary in Hell, there's a nice little wedding chapel in the casino for those impulse decisions! The marriages performed won't necessarily be binding in the traditional sense, but will be officiated by either a Grim Reaper or a fairly bad Lucifer impersonator who seems to use darling a bit too much. His roots are starting to show, too...
Oh, and are those LED lights he's got attached to his suit to make himself glow? Oh, well, if you ignore all that, it's not bad.
The ceremony will not be religion-based and will have appropriately Hell-like vows unless the spouses-to-be choose to write their own or request otherwise.
Oh, one more thing... while these marriages will be only as binding as sinners desire them to be, Lucifer will not freely annul them if that's the route sinners want to take. He will expect favors in return, generally in the form of service. Play assistant or housekeeper for a bit, earn your annulment and put that bad move right behind yourself!
Of course gambling and marriages aren't the only thing to focus on! What sort of Hell establishment would this be if there weren't servers clad in old fashion Cigarette Girl outfits carrying around trays of treats to offer guests? Sinners may get parched between enthralling games after all. These treats include food, drinks, cigarettes, drugs, etc. Go ahead and indulge! No one will judge a little gluttony around these parts! Just watch anything chocolate... rumor has it, it makes one inclined to visit that chapel...
[At the moment, we are allowing players to decide among themselves who will win or claim one free sin removal from the slot machines. If you want a sin removed, please note it on the sin removal page and be sure to link a completed thread. If you're cashing in a perk, please link it on the request page with what you're wanting for mod review! Please note that while some abilities may be unlocked, nothing too game breaking will be allowed.]
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 or sample threads.
Thanks for clicking on our February TDM! 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.
This is the first app round of the year. Reserves are currently open, and Apps will open March 1st.
If you have questions, comments, suggestions, etc., go here.
Rules | Taken | Reserves | Applications
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Neither, [he says easily, straightening up from being more on Bean's level on his little table full of samples. Jaskier just comes by his energy naturally even in the direst of circumstances. Actually, sometimes because of dire circumstances, he can't seem to stop his mouth from running.] But I think the gentleman deserves to have a bit of conversation to break up his day, don't you agree? Otherwise, a mind like that will start to go to rot and give way to madness eventually. Not a fate our dear Bean deserves in the slightest...
[Jaskier very seriously shakes his head. Perish the thought.]
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Maybe it's just her reading too much into things, but it sounds a lot like when Jaskier speaks of the "gentleman" needing conversation to prevent madness, he's actually referring to himself. And it brings her back to memories of the orphanage, when she was confined to a bed, formerly quadriplegic (you read right), with no one to talk to before her one and only friend Diego showed up. She'd spend every waking hour alone with her thoughts, trying to make light of the situation she was in because if she didn't laugh about it, she'd cry - which as a result, makes it hard for her to take anything seriously. She spoke to herself because she had no one else, which meant she had an overpowering internal monologue that still exists today.
Maybe my brain rotted and I'm crazy, she thinks darkly.
But at least you're a badass with superpowers, her positive side pipes up. ]
We're all mad here, right? [ She quotes the Cheshire Cat, figuring anyone would understand that reference. ]
Does the gentleman have a name? [ And before he thinks she's referring to Bean - ] You, my dude.
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Oh, my good lady, I would not mistake you asking for his name. I would think it is already renowned here whereas I am a complete stranger to this land. I am Jaskier, [he says holding out a hand towards her. If she gives her hand to him, he does not shake it. Instead, Jaskier places a chaste kiss on her knuckles with a small bow. Otherwise, if she leaves him hanging, his hand will merely return uselessly to his side.] And whose good company is it that I have the pleasure of receiving?
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Never in her life has she been addressed as good lady, barely holding back a snort (it's funny because she's so far from ladylike). Still, it'd be rude not to accept his hand when he's being so charming, so she reaches out her fingers towards his, fully expecting a handshake...
Nope. This guy really just kissed her hand and bowed like out of a medieval drama. She decides to play along for fun (and because she's a little goofy like that) by doing a curtsy motion, which would feel a lot more elegant if she was wearing a dress right now, not jeans. ]
Ava. Or Lady Ava, if you're more comfortable addressing me that way. [ Why the hell not? Lady Ava sounds too good of a title to pass up on. ]
Sorry to hear you're new around here... but you seem like you'll have no trouble making friends. [ He has that energy about him - likable and eloquent. ]
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Kind of you to say, [he says before grinning.] Wiser of you to notice.
[It's not as though Jaskier is going to pass on a compliment. Certainly not when it's about his charm even if there's no small part of him that wishes he wouldn't have any need or time to put it to use in this place. Jaskier glosses over and straight past that to ask,]
Have you been here long?
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Wow, so long enough to grow and pop out a baby... [ A weird thought, but then her mind works in weird ways. ] Not that I'd ever want some demon baby here. It'd probably eat its way out of my womb like in that Twilight movie. [ She shudders at the thought. ]
I feel like I've been stuck on a long vacation in a one-star hotel where the only activities to sign up for are torture and brainwashing. [ A pause. ] There is a pool, but then people have drowned in there, so...
[ Spoiler: she drowned someone there one month, as a monster nun. It's a long story. ]
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Oh, drownings? Lovely. Thought this place might turn out to be boring, but now that I know there's death lurking around every corner...
[Which isn't to say he wasn't already aware of the distinct possibility of death in a place like this. After all, one can really only be maimed so much before some vital part or another gives out.]
You ought to consider adding that to the pamphlet though. Would really sell this place and put it on the map.
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Well, they say we're already dead. But I feel pretty alive, don't you?
[ When they feel dead inside is when they should probably start to worry. ]
If you do get bored, you're welcome to get high with me and my boyfriend. [ She gives him a vivacious smile at the invitation. ] He's kind of a dork, but he's the best guy I know. For drugs and just in general. [ And that's as sappy as she'll get for his sake. ]
So, personal question. What's the stupidest sin on your list? [ Consider this an icebreaker in Hell. She figures everyone's sin list is personal to them, but there are some sins on hers she doesn't think she should be there. ]
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Ah, well... [He furrows his brow a little, hand coming to rest on his hip as he thinks on it.] To be honest, I think most of the list is stupid.
[Really there hadn't been much on there that affected him. Not in the way that he supposes it was meant to, anyway. So, Jaskier feels he has quite a few to choose from. In the end, he is able to settle on something though, and doesn't remain with indecision for very long.]
But I suppose the bit about lying is the most absurd. At least when it comes to my songs. I'm a bard for gods' sakes. If the telling were meant to be straight and to the point, I'd have become a historian of some sort and toiled away with dry texts instead. Besides, I captured the spirit of the truth with my songs! It hardly seems fair to deem one's entire profession and trade a lie.
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They put down 'lying' for me too. [ Only Ava doesn't have the excuse of being a performer. She just kept lying to someone she'd grown close to because she was afraid the truth might scare them away - and she was right in the end, the truth did. At least she has no reason to lie in Hell. ]
If every song was based on fact, I think music would be pretty dull. What do you sing about? [ Before he has a chance to answer her question, she's asking another out of excitement. ] Will you sing here? You could have your very own concert! Now I think about it, is Jaskier your real name? Because it almost sounds like a stage name.
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Nothing escapes you, does it? [Not that Jaskier is familiar with the term stage name, but he can reason out its meaning with context.] As for my singing, there's not many songs that I would refuse to sing. But my own catalog is mostly of heroism and epic adventures, with the occasional romantic ballad every now and again.
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So who's the star of these songs? You?
[ He might laugh at that, but why not him? Maybe he's a hero who likes to brag by singing about his accomplishments. ]
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Although there are a few ballads written about past loves of mine. [He gestures by pointing a finger at Ava vaguely.] So, he isn't the total of my catalog.
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[ If only she knew which friend he was talking about. They've actually met. She doesn't know Geralt very well, but as far as first impressions go, he seemed like a cool guy.
She's instantly reminded of someone when he mentions ballads about past loves. ] So you're like Taylor Swift. [ She pauses as she remembers he's a bard, probably not someone of the modern world, like her. ] Sorry, I keep making these references you probably don't understand. She's this female artist who wrote a load of songs about ex-boyfriends and a lot of people judged her for it. But I think everyone who criticized her was mostly jealous of her success.
[ So don't let anyone tell you your romantic ballads are dumb, Jaskier. They're just jealous. ]
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That is the way it goes, isn't it? Most artists go completely unnoticed and unappreciated throughout their lifetimes, but those of us graced by the muses with enough talent and brilliance to not suffer that fate instead must deal with the envy of our peers. [He sighs a little because clearly, the life of an Artist™ is suffering even when one enjoys a mountain of success as Jaskier has (and he assumes Taylor Swift has as well).] Which that is bad enough to contend with, but then when you start to throw in the opinions of dim-witted, tasteless individuals who can barely string together a coherent sentence...
[The hand Jaskier was gesturing with curls into a fist briefly before he waves it off and the hand drops back down at his side.]
But if your Taylor Swift truly is anything like me, nothing the less talented ever say could potentially diminish her music or her mark in the world.
[Is he avoiding the question about Geralt's opinion? Not really. Jaskier is just distracted by this much more important discussion of detractors trying to rob a successful artist of their shine.]
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And maybe he's a Swiftie now???]no subject
She's an icon and very pretty, so you should definitely see it as a compliment to be compared to her. [ She winks at him. Does a lady wink? Well, this one does. ]
I wish there was one thing I could confidently say I'm good at... [ She also wishes she hadn't said that out loud, painfully aware of how insecure she sounds. Sure she has her powers, but she's a long way from mastering them. And her ability to fight alongside them - physical combat - leaves a lot to be desired. She often thinks the Halo would have been better off put inside someone else, someone more adept. ]
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Really? [Jaskier hums thoughtfully.] Interesting. Because, Lady Ava, I pride myself in being able to understand another person quite well in a very limited amount of time. And in the few minutes that I've known you, I can see plenty for you to boast about.
So, if I had to take a guess right now, there is something special about you. You either don't know what it is or can't see it yet. [He grins at her, leaning in a little closer, lowering his voice as though sharing a secret with her.] Or perhaps you're making a remarkable demonstration as a lady of humility and modesty, and you have me completely convinced that you would never dare boast. For what it's worth, I do find that particular virtue to be a bit bullshit.
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Jaskier isn't wrong. There is something special about her - the Halo inside her - but it's hard to boast about something she never earned the way other warrior sisters had and perhaps deserved more. And it's hard not to think of herself as anything more than a vessel for something powerful, and without it, she's just a dead girl again. ]
It is bullshit, but you know why some ladies act that way? Probably because there are men who'd call them a bitch if they act too confident. [ At least in her world. ] Taylor Swift writes songs about that too. [ She winks at him again, a hint for him to listen to her music sometime. ]
Do you believe in destiny, Jaskier? [ What might come across as a random question is connected to the subject of being special. ]
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[Because of how suddenly Ava asks about Destiny, Jaskier isn't entirely sure what inspired the question or where it will lead, but Jaskier's interest is immediately piqued by it.]
Well, Destiny always makes for a more interesting story. What is more dramatic than a fated meeting or an attempt at defying something that should be inevitable? [But to her actual question of whether or not he believes in it, Jaskier offers a bit of a shrug.] Beyond that... I don't know. I haven't ruled it out completely.
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Something... impossible happened to me. [ Though obviously not that impossible if it actually occurred. She tries for a better word. ] Something unbelievable. [ She's not giving Jaskier any more details than that because he might think she's crazy if she tells him her entire story - not that being where they are isn't the craziest thing - but frankly it's a lot for a first meeting. ]
I was told by someone where I'm from that it was my destiny for it to happen, like I was chosen, but I'm not sure I believe that. I think my body just happened to be in the right place at the right time. [ Note how she says "my body" and not "I". Technically she was a dead body when it happened. ]
I don't wanna be defined by this one moment. I wanna be noticed in my own right. [ And maybe that's why she's choosing not to tell him about the Halo yet. ]
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Well, [he says, finally breaking his small silence.] For what it's worth, I don't think a moment defines anyone. Even if that moment is impossible and unbelievable.
[He echoes her words with a bit of a teasing smile. A subtle wink and nudge to her that he knows there's a story there that she's not telling, but he's not going to launch into questions until she concedes and tells him what it is. Despite his fondness for a good story, it's her to tell when and how she pleases.]
Don't get me wrong, a strong beginning is needed if you're going to have a story worth telling. You'll lose your audience before you've even a chance to start otherwise, [he says, waving a finger as he makes his point. His hand lowers back to his side.] But it's only a beginning. The rest of the story is for you to write as you see fit.
So, regardless of whatever happened to you, Lady Ava, I wouldn't worry too much about being forgotten to it. Because you have far more power than it does when it comes to defining who you are. [He tips his head slightly, his teasing grin returning fuller than before.] And worst comes to worst, you've met an extremely talented bard. So, anytime you require my services, I might be convinced to sing a tale or two on your behalf for the right price.
[Jaskier winks at her playfully.]
[But even as he teases, Jaskier is sincere in what he says. Remarkable things can just happen to ordinary people and set them down a particular path in life, and there's very little controlling when or how they happen. But beyond that? It's ridiculous to Jaskier to even consider the possibility that someone is consigned to anything. There's always a choice one way or another, and how someone chooses to walk their path in life is always their choice and their own making. No one and nothing else's.]
[Whatever it is that happened to her, Jaskier is confident that it didn't make Ava. It didn't gift her a sense of humor and wit, her bright smile, or infectious laughter. It didn't cause her to be the sort of person who could offer conversation and kindness towards a stranger. Jaskier personally refuses to give it any credit to it, anyway.]
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He's right - she is writing her own story. It may be a messy one and she may be making mistakes along the way, but whatever she decides to do with the Halo will be the path she's chosen, not anyone else. And that's the most important thing for her - that she has a choice - unlike at the beginning of her story. ]
An extremely talented bard, you say? [ She manages to smile at the way Jaskier bigs himself up. Maybe she ought to be more like him when it comes to speaking about herself. Maybe one day she will, simply by spending time with him. She needs more positive influences in her life. ] Yet to be determined.
[ Though she's not going to ask for a song from him today. It doesn't feel like the right time. Part of her thinks she ought to tell him her story first to earn the right to hear him, to share a little with him and have him share a little with her in return. ]
Since money is kinda useless here, I'd have to think of another way to pay you.
[ For now? She can offer friendship. In the future? Something flirtier. ]
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Well, while you come up with that, I shall have to find another lute. Then you, my generous lady, shall have a performance of a lifetime! [Jaskier shrugs, palms up like this is simply what he does. Zero effort required to accomplish something like that. Which is neither fully true or untrue. There's always an effort there. But it's one that Jaskier never struggles to summon. He is, after all, an entertainer. He folds his arms to resume his playful offense.] And then after, you shall feel very silly for ever having doubted me or expressing any skepticism of my talents. You'll just have to hope that I'm not petty enough to hold it against you and forbid you ever hear me ever sing again.
[And he could actually be that petty. It's just highly unlikely that Ava would actually be on the receiving end of it. She's got the benefit of his fondness already, which means there's that desire to impress.]
Or if I am, enough adulation might invoke some mercy upon you and you won't have to face such dark days.
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The silliest lady of all of Hell. [ She plays along, wishing she had one of those fancy fans to wave in front of her face. This would have been a perfect fan-fluttering moment, but she settles for fluttering her eyelashes at him instead. ]
If you really are that good, I'll lavish you with praise. [ Genuinely, she will. When her friends have talent, nothing makes her happier than being a witness to it and applauding them for it. ]
You know, I came for a caffeine pick-me-up, but I don't think I need it anymore. [ Looks like talking with Jaskier has brightened her dark day. ] A lady has places to be though, so I'll leave you and Bean to it.
[ She'll hold out her hand to him again though, as an excuse for him to kiss it goodbye. If it's the polite thing to do where he's from, she sees no harm in it. ]
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Feel free to call upon me should you mind yourself in such need again. [He presses a kiss to the back of her hand.] Until next we meet, Lady Ava.
[Jaskier lets go of her hand and lets Ava go on about her day, genuinely looking forward to when he might share in her company again.]