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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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dyaddyissues: (and yours is in red underlined)

[personal profile] dyaddyissues 2022-05-06 06:19 am (UTC)(link)
I'm afraid I don't know what a Leave it to Beaver is. [ Kylo shrugs. Truth be told, he's not sure how much they're looking for on specifics, but it doesn't seem to have worked with what he'd admitted to just yet, he's guessing their host wants more, as much as they'll give him.

It also means that he's going to have to spill his own secrets and sins, the list in front of him being on the long side and full of acts that would have your average earth war criminal blushing. Accessory to massive scale planetary genocide, patricide, ordering a massacre on an entire village...

He listens as Jesse explains his plight, weaving a tale of deception to what sounds like a pretty innocent bystander in a drug scheme. His expression remains curious, neutral, even. ]


Or nothing of any importance would've changed, that line of thinking usually winds up getting you nowhere. Wallowing in the past is useless, you learn from it and move on.

[ Lips pursed, Kylo crosses his arms and leans back in his chair. He blows a strand of hair out of his face and casts a glare at the door. ]

Doors not open yet.
yeahmagnets: (fed up)

[personal profile] yeahmagnets 2022-05-06 08:31 pm (UTC)(link)
It's...some TV show from my world...anyway, it's not important.

[ Jesse waves it off with a gesture because they're not in this room so he can explain the plotline of some '50s sitcom to Kylo. So he gets down to it and shares a little piece of his past with the stranger sitting across from him. Instinctively, he lowers his gaze, waits for some kind of scrutiny or scolding. He's used to being judged, but the judgment doesn't come, and when his blue eyes lift to look across the table, he finds more of a neutral expression on the other's face than the disgust he was expecting. ]

Well, isn't that what they want us to do here? Talk about the past? Atone for it, or whatever?

[ Jesse lifts a hand up off the table, gesturing while he talks. Maybe it's easy for you to move on, Kylo, but Jesse still has nightmares about turning two guys into raspberry slushie and flushing 'em down his toilet. Ain't no moving on from that imagery. He huffs, starting to feel a prickle of annoyance and he stretches a little, then sighs, trying to relax so his voice doesn't carry over too much of that irritation. He's not trying to make enemies, but: ]

Maybe the door's not open yet 'cause they're waiting for you to say something.

[ Read: enough stalling, bro. You're up. ]
dyaddyissues: (59)

[personal profile] dyaddyissues 2022-05-06 09:35 pm (UTC)(link)
Hmm.

[ Let the past die, kill it if you have to. If only it was ever that easy, if only the past would stay where it was meant to, rather than haunting your every step -- wind up shoved in your face by Hell and it's minions. If only he was as good at taking his own advice. But it always catches up, and as he drums his fingers on the chair, Kylo swears he can see his father's gaze, both sorrowful and forgiving before he died. That's not on the table for this discussion.

Does he read Jesse's irritation? Maybe a little bit. But he doesn't acknowledge it as his anger rises. ]


It's what they want. But I have been here for two years now and have yet to see what point that talking about it has done. How any of this is atonement.

[ Kylo pulls up his sleeve of his left arm, words are carved into his skin. Murder, it says. You want sins? Fine. ]

I've killed people. Sometimes on orders, other times not. It's war, none of us are entirely innocent. There was a man, I was apprenticed to... someone I once believed held my best interests when nobody else did. But he soon grew tired of me, never able to live up to his expectations no matter what I did -- and he underestimated what I could do and my loyalty, so I killed him.
yeahmagnets: (not taking the bait)

[personal profile] yeahmagnets 2022-05-07 12:30 am (UTC)(link)
Considering we're here on their terms, maybe givin' em what they want ain't such a bad thing. Look. I've only been here for days and it feels like forever, so I can only imagine two years. But...compared to an eternity? Which is, according to the Bible or whatever, how long we're supposed to be here? It's like a grain of sand out of a whole damn beach. Maybe it takes longer. Way. Longer.

[ Jesse's frustration is becoming more and more evident in the tone of his voice--in the way he starts spitting out his words, over-anunciating, gesturing more. But, then Kylo rolls up his sleeve and Jesse can see the scars--can see the letters carved into his skin, and it shuts him right up. At least momentarily, while he's letting the sight sink in and silently wondering if that'll happen to him, too.

He can relate, Kylo. Maybe he didn't pull the trigger, but he sure as Hell was an accessory. He sure as Hell put things into motion to get two guys killed, one of which he'd known since the third grade. He has blood on his hands, either way. But he lets the other guy talk. Get it all out, and he listens. And then something rubs him the wrong way. ]


So. Hold up. The guy, like, taught you stuff, helped you out? And--what, just 'cause he didn't give you the pat on the head you wanted, you offed him?

[ Easy, Jesse. You don't know the whole story, and maybe this situation isn't so far off from what you've been through. Jesse had a makeshift mentor of his own, back in Albuquerque, as fucked up as it all was. His old chemistry teacher, Mr. White? Recruited him to start cooking meth with him. It seemed to be for a good cause, at first. The guy was dying of cancer--wanted to make money quick enough to leave something behind for his family before he checked out. It made Jesse feel like his drug habits became some noble cause--like he was the Robin Hood of Meth, or something. But, kill Mr. White? Sure, he hated the guy sometimes, but he couldn't imagine actually getting rid of him for good. His voice is softer the next time he speaks; more understanding in his tone. ]

I dunno, man. I mean, I knew a guy kinda like that...Mr. White. My partner. He always acted like he had a stick up his ass. Nothing I ever did was good enough, as hard as I tried to follow directions...but I never considered killing him.
dyaddyissues: (pic#)

[personal profile] dyaddyissues 2022-05-09 04:33 am (UTC)(link)
A few days. Given that us sinners come and go without any sort of warning, some in a matter of a few months, others longer - we won't know until that time comes. Might be that it's not atonement at all, but eternal punishment that awaits.

[ Kylo raises a shoulder, half a shrug. His familiarity with the texts was that the book was too large even for someone who'd once read through the entirety of the ancient Jedi texts at the academy. So his knowledge of Earth religions relied on what he could glean from the library, hearsay - but he doesn't trust Lucifer, or any of them, that they have their interests at heart. But given the amount of blundering it's difficult to believe that any God or deity could retain control on a single domain for as long as he supposedly has been around.

At Jesse's comment, he huffs a quiet breath that could almost pass for a laugh. But his gaze is sharp, as memories threaten to take hold. He clenches a fist in his lap, though he remains otherwise outwardly, calm. ]


It's more complicated than that. [ a pause ] Have you ever been struck by a concentrated bolt of lightning, directed into your body? It's as if someone has set your very nerves on fire. It's difficult to think, to breathe. You can't even scream.

[ What does that have to do with anything you might wonder? Nothing, probably nothing at all. Except that's just kind of the darkside learner life - Snoke had been needlessly cruel, beyond training. ]

Mr. White was the man who's wife you lied to... is he here as well?
Edited 2022-05-09 04:34 (UTC)