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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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But... they think so, don't they...
[ Whoever had trapped him here clearly thought -- no, knew that he deserved it. He could argue some of his sins as being fundamentally someone else's -- but there's more than enough of his own there, too. ]
How... is that your fault?
[ He catches himself thinking that there should definitely be a bunch of names on his list if he considered himself responsible for -- not helping the police earlier. So... did that mean he just didn't care about all those people that could have lived? Didn't that make him an awful human being? ]
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[Steve's smile was soft and he touched Yoon's cheek lightly.]
Because I was there. Where I was, they sent soldiers. If not for me, they wouldn't have been there to get hurt.
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[ He's lowkey wringing his hands as he speaks, his anxiety peaking again. Except... it doesn't look much like the lament of someone who's actually committed atrocities. It's more as if he's trying to convince himself that this is fine. ]
Maybe I do belong here, maybe--
[ At least that sombering tidbit seems to snap him out of it before he really descends into a manic rant. The look he gives Steve at the touch is almost heartbreaking - surprised, confused, and yet yearning, for any small sliver of affection. ]
I'm... sorry to hear that. [ He does sound genuinely sorry. He's not sure what he could say to help, though. ] They... could have gotten hurt somewhere else, too...
[ It only seems reasonable to think that a guy like Steve actually prevented even more hurt from taking place. ]
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Here. Come here. Please? You don't belong here Yoon. None of us do. Maybe when we all actually die, some of us will deserve some kind of penance, but no one deserves to be trapped here.
pls ignore that access request or whatever i was trying to hit reply ;-;
[ Finally, he does take a slow step closer, just a little clumsily like a newborn calf. ]
Well, that -- doesn't really matter, does it?.. [ he mutters sadly, frowning. ] In the end, we're still here.
/hugs
We are. I can't get you home Yoon, but I can be your friend while you're here. We can protect each other, keep each other company. We can care.
not that he wouldn't grant Steve all sorts of access that is,
I-I don't know that I would want to go home, anyway...
[ The most prominent people responsible for his suffering may have been dead by now, but there were many others... some of which he hasn't even met yet, he's sure. He just had something about him that kept him ending up in those kinds of circumstances... ]
[ So far, Hell was already shaping up to be nicer than his life, not that he was going to make that conclusion so fast. ]
he would actually take it . . .
Hey. It's ok Yoon. I don't plan to go home either, not anytime soon. It's not a crime to need a change. Really.
good... or is it,
O-okay.
[ His voice is a little shaky, but he seems at least somewhat reassured. ]
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Come on. Come home with me. We'll get you some food and you can relax. I promise, no one's going to hurt you with me here.
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[ but that's exactly why he can't just point it out. he can't risk upsetting the other, driving him to violence... on the off chance that he's not quite as nice as he seems. ]
[ still, he doesn't have much of a choice here. he sighs, steeling himself a little, and takes the offered hand ]
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Mind the plants. They bite. Have a seat on the couch and I'll get the pan hot.
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[ he flinches a little at the mention of biting plants and scoots further away from any of them in sight, carefully approaching the couch and sitting on the edge of it, clearly still feeling like he's intruding the other's space despite being explicitly invited. ]
Why do you have plants that bite?..
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They came with the suite and I can't move the pots. I just don't have the heart to let the poor things starve, you know? It's not their fault we live in this place. And they're not dangerous if you don't go wiggling fingers.
[It was just a little teasing as he made up two sandwiches, slathering the outsides with mayo before slapping them into the pan. The sizzle was loud and the scent of cheese suddenly filled the room.]
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[ Does it mean that he can't or he won't? The pots don't look that huge, and Steve definitely seemed to be very strong, but maybe there was some sort of Hell thing in play that he was not aware of. He shakes his head. It's not important. ]
W-what do you feed them?..
[ It seems like the next logical question. Only after asking it he figures that maybe he should be a little concerned about his safety. ]
[ At least there really is food being made. Wow, that's a lot of cheese. ]
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[Steve glanced over his shoulder with a wry smile as he cooked.]
Meat. Like I said, don't get too close.
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[ This is a lot to wrap his head around, but he supposes it's no weirder than the other things he's seen so far. He does make note to make himself smaller on the couch, just in case some of those plants have a longer reach. ]
[ At least the smell of food distracts him sufficiently enough. It's different from his usual meals, but it's definitely not bad, and he suddenly realizes very clearly that he hasn't eaten since he left the hospital back home. He really hopes his stomach doesn't start rumbling loudly. That would be embarrassing. ]
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[Steve started to set the table and got the sandwiches on plates, setting out glasses and going to the fridge.]
Do you have a preference on what to drink? I have water and tea. And I can make coffee or hot tea.
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Um, do you need any help with that?..
[ He doesn't want to look rude or ungrateful, after all. Or to get his ear talked off about how he's useless. That... didn't seem too likely to happen right now, but he can't help but feel wary. He looks a bit like a deer caught in the headlights at the question. How does he answer this correctly? ]
...coffee would be nice... but anything is good, really...
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[Steve started the coffee and got everything else ready while the coffee brewed and gestured at the chair meant for Yoon.]
Have a seat? I'll bring over the coffee in a sec.
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[ Carefully, as if afraid to bump into something and break it, he gets up and slides into the offered seat, glancing between Steve and the floor every now and then. ]
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Dig in!
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[ There's a little pause when the first bite gets into his mouth. It's... greasy, and cheesy, and not exactly spicy, but it's the first warm food he's had in days and honestly -- ]
This is actually pretty good...
[ He says with a cautious smile, then does, indeed, dig in, with a more appropriate looking appetite for a young man who hasn't eaten in a while. The sandwich disappears pretty damn quick, and Bum doesn't look too shy to stuff his face with urgency even if he's still mindful of some table manners and not getting the food to drop, or smear on his face. ]
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Thanks! It's a comfort food, and something that's fast and easy to make too. Most people back home grew up eating grilled cheese when they were kids. You really never had one before?
[He inched the plate full of sandwiches towards Yoon as he took a second, just so it was clear they were for both of them. Steve made a happy sound as he bit into the second sandwich, definitely savoring it a little more.]
Take as many as you want Yoon. I can always make more.
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Not that I remember...
[ He seems hesitant to take another one, but when Steve takes the next sandwich and encourages him again, he'll reach out to take a second one, too. The other man did it so it should be acceptable, right? ]
[ This one he eats a little slower than the last one, already feeling a little better. He hadn't realized how hungry he had gotten, but he often didn't notice that. ]
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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!