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Penance Mods ([personal profile] penancemods) wrote in [community profile] penancememes2022-04-26 01:52 am
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TEST DRIVE MEME #34

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
"Rise and shine, darling!" Lucifer's voice booms within everyone's minds one fine morning, and sinners will almost feel how infectious his good mood is. And what does he not have to feel good about? They've rescued sinners from Mammon's latest antics and now they can hopefully move on with their lives, without any further interference. "Those who have been here for a while will know that the annual Carnival is well on its way. This time, I would like to assure all of you that I have taken every utmost precaution to ensure it's a good event for everyone from beginning to end!"

"Regardless of what my father would like to see, I would like to reward all of you for standing at my side. All of you havedisplayed astounding bravery and care for your fellow sinners and demons alike. This deserves a reward in my book. So no torture, no pain, no zoos to be forced into... just a bit of fun and games. This time, the clowns have been told to mind their manners!"!

Some of the sinners who have been here since the beginning may feel their stomachs clench in fear at the mere thought of a carnival, but the atmosphere is... happy. Demons are being far kinder than they have been in the past, approaching with kinder requests to help. Some may get a little rough around the edges, may shove or criticize or look like they want to hit, but be patient! Hell is all they really know and those old habits die hard at times! They got the spirit at least...

To show their thanks, they're bringing out cans of Speed Energy again (can you guess the secret ingredient?) that will have sinners absolutely buzzing to help. Decorations need to be placed, rides need to be set, tables for vendors and games. It seems like the beginning of some sort of tunnel of love is being put together by Lilith and the sex demons...

Lucifer is even walking around personally supervising and checking in on sinners with enthusiam and warmth. There may be an air of nervousness about him -- he is technically disobeying God and they still haven't found Emmanuel, but he's putting on a brave face at least!

For those who'd rather opt out of manual labor, some of the succubi have set up lemonade stands. They're offering cups for kisses - and don't worry! They're inviting sinners to join in the fun and take over some of the stands!

There's also some late Spring Cleaning going on around the hotel and guests will find boxes of items left outside to rummage through that may include newer clothes, games, and other sources of entertainment. There may even be the odd weapon or two! Staff will not say no if anyone wants to give them a bit of a and with the cleaning and dusting either... it seems the large spiders have come back in to try to spin their webs and stay. Don't worry! Even though they may rival a chihuahua, these guys tend to be docile and friendly. Be careful you don't accidentally adopt a pet!




Reach Up High
WARNINGS: blood, torture

"My dear guests!" Lucifer greets as sinners are led to a room with two seats and a table in between. They then will be made to sit by two burly demon escorts.

"What I am asking of you is rather simple... pick a sin from your contract, any sin, and explain how you got to that point. Simple enough, yes? Perhaps gaining a better understanding of what made you sin in the first place will clear a path into avoiding situations like this in the future, as well as form that all too important human connection that I'm told some of you are desperately needing. Please don't try to get out of it... I really would rather not punish you.".

And true to his word, so long as sinners comply and share what made them perform a sin on their list, they'll be let go. If, after five minutes, nothing has been shared, a headache will begin. The pain will gradually increase until it floods the body. Nosebleeds may begin to happen, so will bleeding out the ears or eyes. Eventually, a sinner may even lose a sense for a 24 hour period.

Is it really worth potentially going blind just to get out of a little bit of talking? Come now...

(Effects should begin 5 comments in and gradually worsen until sinners either give in or start to lose one of their senses. After this, they'll be released from the room regardless whether they complied or not)


Follow Me Down

Prompt I
WARNINGS: Potentials for sex, aphrodisiacs, non/dub-con, etc.

Club Penance has decided to don a new theme for the night! The theme is lingerie. The staff now wear more modest lingerie reminiscent of the '50s. Elegant, pretty, tantalizing. Or maybe it's just the aphrodisiacs in the air and food that make one feel that way.

They are also insisting everyone else put on lingerie as well. Don't worry! It's not old fashioned and anything that suites your fancy will be available. Try to skip out? Guests will find it magically appear on them... and possibly not in the theme they'd choose for themselves. If magic fails, the staff or local demons may take it upon themselves to slip it on the poor sinner themselves.

Swinging is an event happening tonight. Put your key from Hotel Penance or Hellburbia into a hat, another sinner draws it out... whoever gets your key will be your lucky partner for the night for any kind of fun! Sinners may find their keys disappearing and appearing in the hat entirely without their knowledge... but staff will be very persistent about follow-through! There will be rooms available for fun in the Club, for those who'd rather not go back to their personal rooms.

Other than that, oddly enough tables have been set up for romantic dinners, private rooms are available for sexual activities (not all of these are vanilla. There are toys and machines and anything else one could want, including costumes or things to suit any fetish). There's also live entertainment in the form of dancing or sexual performances on stages around the club. Volunteers are more than welcome!

For those not partnered up, there's speed dating where demons will lead a prospective partner to your table for a little bit of a chat and a drink. They may not always get your tastes spot on, but hopefully it's entertaining for all involved! if sinners find their drinks seem to have a little extra aphrodisiac added to them, oh well. It was probably an honest mistake.

Those who are attached, either via Casino Styx or through other means may find themselves growing oddly loving or possessive of one another. Jealousy and the urge to claim their partner (even in public) will grow substantially throughout the night. While it may not always result in violence and instead be enthusiastically embraced by both parties, it may also result in the urge to leave marks or claim in darker ways. Collaring their partners, leaving their names, etc. They're yours and don't you want everyone to know that?

Alcohol does flow freely around the club and usual demonic drugs or party drugs are available on demand.


Prompt II
WARNINGS: Alcohol and drug abuse, potential non-con/dub-con

With all the sinners, new and old, the hotel bar will be lit up with activity. Drinks will be readily available, there's food in the kitchens if anyone wants to bother serving it, music will be blaring whenever there's electricity, and overall, there will be an energy to the atmosphere that's absolutely contagious. Even if you aren't typically inclined to linger at these sorts of events there may be be a certain pull to stay and have a bit of fun.

You might not get much of a chance to have that in Hell, after all. One drink won't hurt, right? Nor will one more after that, and after that. Ah, sweet gluttony. Why not have a pastry next? There's some delectable sweets available just a few steps away. More of a meat person? Like things salty? Fear not, it looks like someone graciously brought all sorts of snacks and foodstuffs from the kitchens to the bar as the night progresses. Indulge! You deserve it.

Similar to Club Penance, the bar also has every sort of drug available that might tickle your fancy and some you've never heard of. There's no harm in experimenting, is there? You're already in Hell. The staff will offer to show anyone how to use the drugs or give advice for what to try if you tell them what you want to experience. Shockingly, they won't lie! Their advice is good word its just you might not have been exactly prepared for it.

There's a stage and a karaoke machine for those feeling brave or just wanting to torture people with some sweet, sweet renditions of The Devil Went Down to Georgia.

There are tables set up for all sorts of gambling and various bar games to entertain yourself with. Since currency as most are familiar with it doesn't quite exist down here, most of the demons seem to be accepting bits of your soul or offers to do chores around the hotel. You may also get pulled into a fun game of strip poker against one of your fellow guests for a few succubi that are having a night out.

Relax and enjoy your night. Coming here and facing your sins is the hard part, so surely you deserve to have a little fun.


Wildcard/Misc.
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birdpapi: (→01)

[personal profile] birdpapi 2022-04-28 01:41 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, good. As soon as that familiar rumble sounds behind him, he relaxes a little. As far as controlling or containing a siren's power, Ferroc probably can't, because that's not something you just do that easily. When it comes to being a nice, calming presence, though, Ferroc is undoubtedly the better option.

Mordecai doesn't even take offense to what is basically an accusation because, well, he's absolutely at fault here. He won't deny that. When Ferroc squeezes himself between them, he'll even take a step back and make room.

"Help her, Ferroc? We need a big, open space. Preferably outside the gates, if we can make it."
of_iron: (explaining // curious)

[personal profile] of_iron 2022-04-28 09:47 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh. Well that's just not good. She looks like she needs a hug, or at least a grooming, but with the way she flinches from touch and Ferroc's own inexperience when it comes to most sorts of physical comforting it just might be impossible. Help? He doesn't even begin to imagine how to handle human breakdowns.

He's still going to try, of course. And maybe he'd be more suspicious of the whole thing, but in his mind, Mordecai is a decent guy. Surely he's not just talking for her out of some nefarious reason like maybe causing this situation to begin with.

"You don't need to apologize for that," he reassures the girl, trying to connect her words with the situation at hand as his whiskers shift contemplatively. She must have discovered she's dead and wasn't happy about it... no surprise. It was only natural for every sentient being to desire meaning. And it could be such a rare privilege. Most of his friends never got that. Not even their name in the status report, just little slivers of statistics. Iron Legion marksman. Three Pact soldiers. The bodies were burned.

He shakes his head, stepping a little back to give Angel some space, but also holding his arm out slightly, as if encouraging her to take it. It's small, but it's a gesture she has control over, and this may be something she needs.

"Some fresh air is always a good idea. Would it be okay if I keep you company?"
egregoroi: (2377748 (23))

[personal profile] egregoroi 2022-04-29 05:30 am (UTC)(link)
The phone next to her on the desk begins to shake, the screen flicking in a hundred images a moment, trying to process it all.

It doesn't work, that panic clawing up her throat.

"I can't walk. I'm still so weak."
of_iron: (surprised // all fours)

oh boy.

[personal profile] of_iron 2022-04-29 03:16 pm (UTC)(link)
"That's okay," he says, his ears flattening to his head as he catches sight of the little screen going yearlights in a second. He had wanted to ask if she'd be fine with him carrying her, but at this point it's really looking like one of those situations where speed is imperative and there's no space left for pleasantries. "Um, I'll help. Here --"

Speed. Right. He's gonna want his hands free for this.

He loafs crouches down next to her chair and carefully reaches around Angel to pretty much roll her onto his shoulders, muttering apologies all the while. "Sorry, excuse me, just hang on, alright?"

And a quick glance to Mordecai, because he's not getting out of what is probably a problem of his creation; "Can you make sure she doesn't fall."

In other words: hop on behind her and better hold on for dear life because he's about to leave the bar in one goddamn leap as soon as he feels a sufficient grip.

He'll even forgive using his horns as handles right now, because all of his instincts are screaming emergency so loud that all his hair is standing on end probably puffing him up another foot or so even if there's no comprehensible reason to think it's really that bad. But there's just something off about this magic in a way he can't explain.
birdpapi: (→04)

[personal profile] birdpapi 2022-04-29 05:32 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, they're-- They're riding the giant cat. All right, then. No time to think too much about it, because Angel is now on Ferroc's back and she's still ... He can tell she's trying to keep hold of herself, and he's a little surprised at how well it's going, but who knows how long that will last.

Even with Ferroc crouching down, clambering on isn't all that easy, especially when he's trying not to accidentally touch Angel. Only if there's a risk she'll fall.
egregoroi: (2377748 (2))

[personal profile] egregoroi 2022-04-30 09:30 am (UTC)(link)
She slumps, crawling her way forward onto his broad, fluffy cat. Even in her haze, she could appreciate the softness of him, as she did her best to hang on. Burying her fingers in and slumping her body over him broad and flat, there was only so much she could do.

Still, she tried. This room was too overwhelming, now. Too exhausting. The crushing reality of the world that was a joy, now, a nightmare she had forgotten.
of_iron: (roar // in your face)

[personal profile] of_iron 2022-05-01 12:01 am (UTC)(link)
It'll have to do, then. He does try to start off gently, at least, one step, then another, but after that he's pretty much pouncing toward the exit probably flashing his kitty junk to the remaining guests in the process. The demons are clambering to get out of his way like fish fry scurrying away from someone clambering into the river.

He does try to keep his back somewhat level as he breaks into a gallop of sorts, quickly navigating the club's front and lobby until he finally makes it outside. He doesn't stop there, though, instead just picking up the pace as he runs in the direction of the wastes, powerful limbs quickly adding to the distance between them and the club, clouds of hellish dust rolling behind them.
birdpapi: (→09)

[personal profile] birdpapi 2022-05-01 02:47 pm (UTC)(link)
As soon as Ferroc pounces, Mordecai decides that trying not to touch Angel is a pretty useless idea. He doesn't like it, but it's worse if she falls off. This also makes him very happy that he's learned to ride a horse.

While he grips Ferroc's fur with one hand, he puts the other between Angel's shoulder blades, and squeezes his thighs as he tries to follow along with the motions.

Now hopefully she doesn't do something like ... explode. Because, if so, he's jumping off and he'll take the scrapes.
egregoroi: (2377748 (23))

[personal profile] egregoroi 2022-05-03 12:20 am (UTC)(link)
Roland's dead, Roland's dead, Roland's dead. It's a sickening mantra that won't leave her head, that she hides her face into the soft fur for as long as she can to try and smother it out. At least to that, making Mordecai's job of keeping her from falling off, where she stays low and hidden.

It's only when she feels them stop that she lifts herself up. She can't hold it in anymore. It's graceless, sliding from the side of the creature, man, she doesn't know, to the ground with a thud. Can't walk. Legs won't listen, not properly anyway, and she has to crawl away from them. Pulling herself on weak arms. "Stay here. Stay away from me."

Because this pain, this misery, always had to go somewhere. This life that was so pointless, as Mordecai had said. All of it had come to nothing. Had to become something, because she was a person. Not a voice, not a machine, just a girl, with tremendous, terrifying power that as she gets as far as she can manage on her hands and knees, crumples in. Not with rage, nothing so majestic.

Just the pitiful sound of a screamed cry. Rocking her body in small, as one broken sob becomes another. Becomes another, building on themselves until the light in her finally spills over. The burning white marks that ebb and flow, rip out of her back to huge white wings of purple-tinged light. The arcs of lightning that ball and rip apart the air around her, the distortion that comes with it. The empty space that briefly becomes the walls of the control core, white and metal, unforgivingly cold, becomes the plains of Pandora, empty desert for miles and miles -

Becomes a little girl's bedroom. Pastel colors, stuffed toys, a bed with flowers on the quilt and drawings on the walls made in thick crayons with clumsy lines. Nothing so strange to a hundred other rooms like it. But one drawing, out of all the others, depicts the crudely formed figures - four of them. That with little arrows pick out each one: Brick, Lilith, Mordecai, Roland and labels them simply: new friends.

Because it wasn't about Roland - what was Roland to her? What was she to any of them? Nothing. Less than nothing. Worse than nothing. Nothing didn't hurt them. Nothing didn't kill them. But she had gotten them hurt. She had betrayed them. Lied to them. When they were all she had ever had. That the pain, the misery, the utter agony of dying not quickly, but over years and years at Jack's hand, she had tried to find some meaning to at least, her death, that she could finally be something in their life that wasn't all those things.

But in the end? She couldn't even manage that.
of_iron: (bristle // this is fine)

[personal profile] of_iron 2022-05-07 01:24 pm (UTC)(link)
He slows down once he thinks they've gone far enough, skidding to a halt when he feels the grip on his fur grow weaker and once again crouching down to make it easier for the girl to climb off.

If his centurion could see him now, he'd be executed on the spot, he thinks.

"Are you sure?" he mutters, watching the small human struggle to move, but he figures he should respect that request. So he just sort of sits down right there in the sand, because if her current ability to walk was of any indication, she would need help getting back to everyone, and he wasn't going to just leave her there.

He manages to glance at Mordecai with a bit of a questioning look, but before he can voice any sort of do you have any idea what's going on, there's that heart-wrenching cry and the reality itself seems to shift and flash around them.

Well. Good thing he was already sitting down. He bristles a little, tail swishing sideways quickly as he tenses, as if ready to leap back from the perceived danger, but there's not exactly anywhere to go to. And then it slows to a pause, but honestly it's just more confusing than anything. What was it with female humans and the color of freshly rended flesh? What a terrifying species.

But the small one in front of them is still crying, and he's got to do something, but trying to approach her right now might be suicide as much as stepping into an active Faraday's cage. Ferroc shifts his weight from foot to foot, uncomfortable, and turns to Mordecai in his strange ensemble made of straps, because at least they seemed to know each other so maybe he's got more insight on the situation. Maybe quite a lot, if he indeed had something to do with it.

"What... are we supposed to do? Can we help her? Does she like guns?"

Because upset cubs could usually be cheered up easily enough by distracting them with a shiny new weapon, but he's running on pure guesses here.
birdpapi: (→12)

[personal profile] birdpapi 2022-05-07 09:49 pm (UTC)(link)
For all that he wouldn't claim to be fond of Angel after everything she's done, seeing her like this, so broken and weak, is difficult. He fully understands that he did bring it on himself, but that really only makes it harder to swallow.

He may know what a siren is and the kind of power they possess, but this is the first time he gets to see Angel's with his own eyes, up and close, like this. It's disorientating, to say the least, even more so when they find themselves in what is obviously a childhood bedroom. Of course, he knew Angel was a child once, logically. But to him, she's only ever been that voice in his head, that pretty face that would appear to his mind's eye that, for a while, he thought only appeared to him.

"Sure, she probably does. Most people on Pandora do."

But he gives Ferroc something of a grimace, and shrugs. He doesn't actually know her at all.