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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
Network | Logs | OOC | Memes
arrival a
[Steve saw the pitiful figure couched in the hall and he couldn't just walk by. Even if he'd wanted to, he could heart how the boy's heart raced and how ragged his breathing was. The kid needed help.
He crouched down and laid a warm, gentle hand on the guy's back, speaking softly.]
Hey. Are you ok? Does something hurt?
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[ Even though the touch is gentle, Bum's first reflex is to flinch away from it, hands rising in an attempt to protect himself from whatever monstrosity had found him. Nothing else happens, though. There's just a calm voice speaking, and he slowly lowers his arms, peering from underneath them, though he's still tense as a tuned spring. ]
[ He shakes his head. Which question does this answer? Both, honestly. He feels bad that he's made a stranger concerned for him, but it's all just too much and he doesn't know how to even try to feign normalcy at this point. He hugs his knees closer to himself and buries his face in them. ]
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[The boy's reaction was immediate and conditioned and it broke Steve's heart. He took his hand away but didn't move otherwise, keeping his voice low and soft. All he wanted to do was pull the kid into his arms and hug him, but that would be the worst choice of action. As much as he wanted to help, touching wasn't the way to go. Steve shifted until he was sitting next to the boy, careful not to get too close.]
Ok. It's ok. You're not in trouble, and no one's going to hurt you. I'll make sure of it. No one's going to touch you if you don't want them to either. It's ok. I'm Steve. Steve Rogers. I've been here for a long time. I'm from America originally. Where did you come from, do you know? Can you tell me your name?
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[ Not right now, not with everything already breathing danger and judgement around them. But the sad truth is that Bum loves touching. Craves it, even. It's just that he's so used to it being kicks, or punches, or anything intended to cause him pain, that it's the first thing he expects when not warned otherwise. ]
[ He tries to ground himself, digging his fingertips into his arms until it hurts. He's not sure if he wants to laugh or cry. This conversation feels so familiar... ]
[ Save me? But she's already dead. ]
How? [ It's barely audible, and he may as well be addressing the floor rather than Steve, but there's a level of desperation in it suggesting it's a lot more intense for him than that. For now, it seems more important to him than an introduction, though he'll certainly stress about being rude in a few more moments. ] How can you possibly make sure? We're all trapped in this awful place, aren't we?
[ He's not being confrontational; he just doesn't see any way that could possibly work. It was too late. Especially for him. And still, a part of him wants to hold onto that hope, that maybe it is possible, that maybe this man really is kind and could actually help him, rather than become one more face he's unable to remember in anything but nightmares. ]
[ He realizes he is, essentially, talking back, and shrinks in on himself again, hands going to grip on the sides of his head. ]
S-sorry... [ I'll do better. Please don't get angry. Please don't stop being nice to me. ] It's Yoon Bum. I-I'm from Korea... [ He mutters the name of a city, too, but it's practically impossible to make out. Not Seul, probably. ]
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We are all trapped, you're right about that. And it's not impossible someone could get past me even if I was trying to protect you, but it would be extremely difficult. I'm very strong, and I have a lot of experience with what the hotel tends to throw at us. When you're with me, I promise I'll do everything in my power to keep you from harm, even if it means my life. I'm not a god, but I'm not that far from it in most situations.
[Was he talking himself up? Maybe a little, but it was meant in a good way. Steve would do anything to protect people, whether he'd known them for five minutes or for forever. The boy next to him on the floor was worth his best efforts, hands down.
Steve started to reach for the kid again and once more checked himself, but it killed him to see that reaction and hear the fear in his voice. God, he just wanted to fix it!]
No no, it's ok. I like questions, really. And it's nice to meet you Yoon Bum. I've been to Korea. What little I saw was lovely. Would you mind indulging me in an American custom? Would you shake my hand?
[He was smiling and slowly extended his hand, offering it. Steve had actually been to Korea years ago, very briefly. About an hour and half on land, but the few sights he'd seen really were pretty. Mostly he just wanted to help ease some of that crippling terror.]
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[ It's evident enough in his expression, as he gradually uncurls from himself, raising his head little by little as Steve speaks until he's practically facing him without any limbs inbetween. He even looks at him proper a few times, quick little glances, though his gaze remains focused somewhere on the floor for the most part. ]
[ There's no way this could possibly be real, right? ]
T-thank you, but I wouldn't want to be a bother...
[ There's that forced smile again, him trying to convince the kind stranger that everything was fine (it wasn't) and that he didn't have to expend his efforts on him. At the same time, he's more and more painfully aware that there's no possible way for him to make it in this place. Not without somebody big and strong protecting him all the time, and why would they possibly want to do that? ]
[ He's snapped out of the overwhelming dread by the other man's voice, still right next to him. He looks at him with a small frown. They did do handshakes back home, too, even if bowing was more common, but it seems rude to point that out so he swallows and exhales a breath he didn't realize he was holding, his shoulders relaxing slightly. ]
Um. Sure...
[ A bit hesitantly, he lifts one hand to extend it toward Steve's, his eyes darting between it and their shoes a couple times, like he's making an effort to look but still scared of appearing too bold. ]
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[Steve had had too many people look at him like he had twelve heads when he offered his hand not to qualify the gesture. It was habit now, but he didn't mean to insult anyone with it. The hesitancy and distrust hurt as Yoon slowly, so slowly reached for his hand.
He took it in the most gentle grip he could manage, afraid of scaring the guy if he held on too tight. Steve shook it a few times before loosening his hold, though he didn't technically let go. The kid could pull his hand out easily, but Steve hoped he didn't. Contact always made him feel better, so maybe that would work the same for Yoon.]
It's nice to meet you Yoon. I really hope we can be friends.
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[ It is definitely comforting, though. So much so, that there's even the beginnings of a small, shy smile creeping onto his face as he looks down again. He doesn't pull his hand away, but doesn't tighten the hold either, just sort of leaving it there while stealing little nervous glances at Steve's face, apparently expecting some sort of a follow-up for that gesture. ]
[ Would this be the moment he reveals it's all some big joke in his expense? He really hopes not... ]
It's - [ It's my family name, he wants to say, but this is fine. Perhaps Mr. Rogers just wants to be polite. He should respond in kind, but finds himself tongue-tied again for a moment before stumbling over his words again. ] -ah, it's nice to meet you too! I mean, I would like that...
[ But wouldn't that be a little too good to be true? His gaze drops down again, anxious, and a bit hesitantly he pulls his hand back a little, just by an inch or so, not fully committing to retreat. ]
I-I don't really have anything to offer, though...
[ Weren't people usually supposed to bring something to the table in friendships? That was the theory, at least. And he was- useless, wasn't he? So many people in his life have told him that. Well, there were sexual favors, he supposes, but he was really hoping it wouldn't come to that. He was... sort of committed now, right? He wanted to honor that. Wait, was it even a thing? If Sangwoo never really- ]
[ His expression's shifting back to a ghostly hollow one, without him even realizing it. ]
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And then those nerves kicked in again and Steve's smile dimmed a little. Yoon started to pull away then stopped, and it took all his self control not to snatch at those fingers, but that would be a mistake. He still had a light connection and Steve wanted to keep it. The look on Yoon's face tore at his heart. Who had hurt the kid so deeply? And why? Why would you want to destroy someone so utterly? What was the point?
He leaned in a little, not enough to encroach on Yoon's space, but enough to be that much closer. Steve decided to just make it official. That way there was no question of whether Yoon was welcome or not.]
Then it's settled. We're friends now. I'll warn you though, it'll be practically impossible to get rid of me if you change your mind later. Once we're friends, it's for life. And I all ask of a friend is to spend time with me. I promise it's not that hard.
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[ Bum glanced up as he realized the other was getting closer, eyes slightly widened in distress but it seemed to snap him back to the present almost immediately, most of the worry replaced by hopefulness again. ]
[ Why? he wants to ask, and to repeat, Are you sure? But for whatever reason Steven was insisting on it, he seemed to have made up his mind, at least for now. So instead of doubting, which maybe he should have, after all he could have been walking into another trap, Bum decided to embrace it. Even if it would just last a minute, it would be worth it to him, just to be able to believe that someone actually wanted to befriend him. ]
Really?.. You would spend time with me? [ There was that something-of-a-smile tugging its way into his expression again, even though he still seemed... panicked, somehow. And he was back to holding onto Steve, just the tips of his fingers, which he could reach without moving too much, but he was clutching him tightly like a lifeline now. Please don't say it was all a joke. Please come talk to me every day, please don't leave me behind- ] I-I would like that...
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Yeah. In fact, I demand it. I absolutely require you to spend time with me. And I'd like to invite you to a weekly meal too. You can pick the day, but I want to have at least one meal with you every week. All my friends come over at least that much, if not more. That way we can always catch up, and I can make sure you're eating alright.
[Feeding people was a thing with Steve. Yoon would learn.]
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[ Whether or not this is actually happening, which he still has his doubts about, it's overwhelming. This - absolutely cool fellow was going out of his way to, what, cheer him up? People didn't do that. Nobody did that. And yet here he was, still curled up pathetically on the floor, invited to hang out like - like - like a person. ]
[ He makes a little sound, something between a choked laughter and a hiccup, and starts crying. ]
[ It's quiet, but in a moment he sniffs and lifts his free hand to attempt to wipe the tears away. His other hand is still clutching Steve's fingers, though, almost as if he's afraid the other will fade into thin air the moment he lets go. ]
S-sorry. [ He's mumbling apologies again, rubbing his sleeve against his eyes until his cheeks turn red, clearly trying very hard to stem the tide of emotion that had just washed over him. Idiot. You're making him uncomfortable. He chews on his lip a little. Focus. Breathe. He forces his expression back into a smile the best he can. ] It's just- I'm fine now, see?
[ It's probably a little alarming that he feels the need to do that, but it is what it is. ]
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[The desperate need to give the guy a hug won out. Steve gave those slender fingers another light squeeze and leaned in a little closer, his other hand twitching as he stopped himself from trying to wipe away those tears too.]
Can I hug you? Please? Will you let me Yoon? I can't stand it when people cry and I can't help . . .
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[ He swallows, then after a few more moments gives a little, slow nod. ]
Um, sure...
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He stroked Yoon's hair, wishing he could just fix everything even without knowing exactly what all the problems were. The ones he was sure of broke his heart.]
I'm so sorry Yoon. I'm so sorry . . .
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[ He closes his eyes and imagines it's someone who loves him. ]
[ Slowly, he clutches Steve's shirt under his fingers, as if trying to anchor him in place. Stay. Hold him. Let him dream this isn't some sort of an elaboare hallucination where he desperately tries to make himself happy. ]
[ If Steve cares to try and look at his comfortably smushed face from a certain angle, he might even see a little smile, looking unusually calm on him. ]
It's okay...
[ He mumbles. It's partially muffed. It's not, not really, but now he just feels guilty that he apparently made someone feel this much compassion for him. He doesn't deserve it, right? He shouldn't be apologizing like this. In fact, so far, he's already been kinder to Bum than most people he's ever met until this point. ]
[ Unfortunately, the comfort of a warm embrace can't last forever. As much as he'd like not to think about anything else right now, the reality of his situation keeps seeping in, poisoning the well. ]
What... what am I supposed to do now?
[ There's just no way he can make it in Hell? He's barely managed to hold down a job in a normal world. How can he possibly survive here? ]
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Steve sighed and continued to stroke Yoon's hair, glad the kid had managed to calm a little at least.]
We find your room first. And if you don't wanna stay there alone, you can come home with me. I have a spare room and Bucky won't mind. We'll find your roommates too. We'll make sure they're nice. Baby steps. We do things one at a time.
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My... my room? [ What? Was he supposed to live here now?.. Ah, whoever ended up here stayed here, right? Of course he'd need some place to stay in that case, but that all sounds so... normal. Was this hell or a boarding school? Wait, was he supposed to rent it? ] I-I don't have that kind of money!
[ Or any sort of money, honestly. He'd ran out of that hospital as he stood, and he only seemed to have the same things here. ]
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[It was child's play to keep that weak body in place, not that Yoon was trying very hard to struggle. The kid was just scared. Again. He petted Yoon's hair, waiting for some of that tension to ease again.]
It's ok. No one has to pay to live here or to eat, I promise. You can get a job if you want, but it's not required. No one's asking you for money Yoon. You're ok.
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[ Wait. It really does. Just like this beautiful person exclaiming he wants to be friends, actually. There's no way this was for real, right? Was this the part where somebody was going to come out laughing at him? ]
[ He doesn't push away, but his grip does sort of relax, as if he's given up on attempting to hug back. There has to be a catch here, he just knows it. ]
What are they asking for?
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Penance. Participation. Loyalty. There's no money changing hands, but there's usually a catch someplace. Things happen around here. Usually they're not great. Lucifer asks us to help out, however we're able. Some of us fight, when there's an enemy that could be defeated that way, some of us stay and look after weaker residents. That's the most important job I think. A lot of people here are really weak and need someone brave to stay and remind them they're not worthless. It's those people we're out there fighting for, you know? They're the ones who help us remember there's good that needs protecting.
[It was a lot, and it was fairly blunt, but Steve didn't think Yoon would appreciate being treated like a child. He also didn't want the kid thinking he'd be forced to pick up a sword and run toward danger. The people at home were why Steve fought.]
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[ Unfortunately, it's not the reassuring part that he zones in on. Instead, all he can think of is how he'll still be bogging people down even here, unless they decide to leave him behind to fend for himself. He doesn't want that, he wants someone to protect him, but at the same time, he hates himself for needing it, and he hates being a burden as well. ]
But I am. [ His shoulders shake a little as he loses the fight and tears start rolling down his cheeks again, quietly this time, though there's a little hitch in his breath as he speaks. Mutters, more like, as if part of him hopes the other man won't hear it, while another is desperately trying to be heard and reassured. ] I'm not brave. I'm not-- anything... I really am worthless...
[ He's braver than he knows, but of course he doesn't see it himself, even after everything. ]
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[All he could do was hold the boy and try to offer comfort, murmuring soft words of encouragement and care. Steve ran his fingers through Yoon's hair and gently wiped away the tears as they fell. It made his chest hurt to see so much pain and lack of self worth. God, how was it allowed for people to abuse an innocent child so deeply? They'd completely destroyed Yoon! Why didn't anyone notice? Why didn't anyone help him sooner?]
Shhh, shh! It's ok. It's ok Yoon! You have worth! You have so much worth! And you can do amazing things, I'm sure of it! You just need the chance. You're special Yoon, you're a very special person!
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[ He knows, on some level, that Steve is trying to comfort him, but his words just seem to sting even more. Are you really only worth something if you're special? He's sick of being special, in all the worst ways possible in his case. What's so wrong with being ordinary? What's wrong with being a loser who at least doesn't harm others? ]
I'm really not. [ He whispers, somewhere into Steve's shirt. ] I can't hold down a job. I can't defend myself, I can't buy a cake without messing it up too. I can't even make it to see someone before they die-- [ That just hurts too much and he cuts himself off with a sob, squeezing his eyes shut as the tears just won't stop. Great going, he thinks. You're about to freak out the one person who's bothered to try helping you, and you just don't appreciate it at all. He tries to force himself to come down, but his voice is still breaking up. ] I'm-- sorry for wasting your time...
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The confessions cut him up. There was so much of his other self in Yoon he could barely stand it. Before the serum he'd felt all those things, suffered in similar ways, but he'd had a core of support that Yoon clearly lacked. It was what let him be as extroverted as he'd managed despite all his problems. But Yoon had had people tearing him down, over and over, for years. It was so painfully obvious what had happened and Steve just wanted to hurt the ones who'd abused him. When he spoke again, he just hoped it would help.]
You're not wasting my time Yoon, not even a little. And I could teach you some stuff, about self defense. I can teach you cooking although I'm still pretty bad at baking. I can show you how to take care of the animals in the basement. I can't help with anything back home while we're here, but I can be there for you now.
cw: suicidal ideation
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it works something like that XD
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pls ignore that access request or whatever i was trying to hit reply ;-;
/hugs
not that he wouldn't grant Steve all sorts of access that is,
he would actually take it . . .
good... or is it,
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think we can start wrapping up, not sure what they'd do next though :')
yep yep!
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done!