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penancememes2022-08-24 10:35 pm
penancemods) wrote in penancememes2022-08-24 10:35 pm
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TEST DRIVE MEME #38
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 Curiously, every television within Hell seems to be covered with a sheet and wrapped in chains. If one listens closely at night, they'll hear murmuring coming from them. If any curious newcomer should try to remove the coverings, they will find them magically enchanted in some way that makes this impossible, however. If asked, the staff will explain that they're undergoing a cleansing to remove a curse placed upon them by evildoers. If pressed further, they'll hear talks of The Veiled Order.
But not to worry! There's plenty to do. Helluvacup needs to be rebuilt so the coffee demon and his prized hell rat on a harness and leash quit wandering the halls... the staff is rather tired of being bitten! Additionally, it feels like reality is shifting more often to showing what the pristine hotel may actually look like. It hasn't been that long since the buildings were flooded by lava and utterly destroyed. The beautiful interiors were too good to be true, and the veneer is cracking more severely now. At times, the illusion drops to the burnt out husk of a building, to rotting wood and torn, old furniture. Sometimes it's jarring enough to leave one dizzy before it simply flashes back to normal. Unfortunately, whenever these glitches occur, it is entirely possible to find one's self in an entirely different room than they meant. Wanted to grab a midnight snack? Have fun in that blood room. Wanted to take an innocent pee, minding your own business? You may accidentally walk into someone's room.
In which case, it is probably very advisable to not relieve yourself and find a more suitable area. What could possibly go wrong?
At least there does seem to be a break in the heat? Hell is an almost comfortable temperature, but there are already talks of the dreaded Fall coming soon. In Hell, Fall tends to feel more like the dead of winter, bt hopefully, there will be a skip to the usual snow and frigid temperatures.
.
Reach Up High
Prompt I: WARNINGS: drills, torture, blood, lobotomy
Part of redemption is suffering, Darlings. That’s why sinners are drawn here. They will hurt, but they will also learn to become better people. One way or another.
The demons who bring sinners here have tied them quite firmly into a contraption that forces them to recline back with their heads trapped in a vice. If they look up, they’ll be able to see the whirring flash of metal from an active drill poised just overhead. They can squirm if they’d like, but it might be unsettling for the person bound behind them. Before they can vocalize any questions, they’ll hear the sound of Lucifer’s warm, soothing voice.
You have three minutes to figure it out.
Prompt II For those fortunate enough to escape the unplanned lobotomy, well, there's an easy task for you! As previously mentioned, Helluvacup and the hotel's own pool both need to be tidied up, or rebuilt in some cases. Any sinners who volunteer will be treated to free drinks and snacks, and receive appreciation from demonic staff. Plus, chipping in and helping your fellow sinners (and demons) is something God often encourages! It will be good for one sin removal overall. There will be building supplies, cleaning supplies, and anything else sinners need to push forward!
The staff also won't be put out if sinners would rather do a little bit of cleaning instead...
Besides, it's a rare opportunity to help import supplies to Hell. There are large crates of unnamed items, new furniture items, torture items, clothes, and more. There's also several boxes of nothing but pumpkin spice that veteran sinners, who know what every fall entails, may cringe at the sight of.
Follow Me Down
Prompt I WARNINGS: fire, disobedience
Speaking of pumpkin spice and torture devices... Well, sinners may find the prime opportunity for a bit of a bonfire if they're so inclined. It seems some demons are not looking forward to the months of pumpkin spice flavored foods or, well, working, really. These are young, reckless demons, but they've decided to help some of these new shipments get 'lost' by starting a large bonfire in a secluded place in Penance proper. They'll be asking sinners to help out. They'll supply the booze as they watch everything burn later!
If questioned about it, the demons will insist that it's just another part of the importing project. Everyone's trying to tell you to grab the crates and haul them somewhere, right? Into the fire is somewhere. Of course it's fine! You get points for being good little boys and girls every time you shut up and do what you're told. Why would anyone lie about that?
Perhaps it will come as a surprise, then, that anyone who participates will receive one sin added to their contract in the form of arson.
Prompt II WARNINGS: sex, aphrodisiacs, non-con, etc.
Club Penance has new shots for all to try! Eager incubi and succubi stand around with trays of them, eager to pass them off under the strobe lights and pounding music. The air is sweeter than even usual, the demons amping up the aphrodisiacs to ensure everybody has a good time, and there's plenty encouragement to get lost in the atmosphere. These shots all have a unique influence, although that part may have been left out... Oops.
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 the TDM for the upcoming September app period! 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.
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 Curiously, every television within Hell seems to be covered with a sheet and wrapped in chains. If one listens closely at night, they'll hear murmuring coming from them. If any curious newcomer should try to remove the coverings, they will find them magically enchanted in some way that makes this impossible, however. If asked, the staff will explain that they're undergoing a cleansing to remove a curse placed upon them by evildoers. If pressed further, they'll hear talks of The Veiled Order.
But not to worry! There's plenty to do. Helluvacup needs to be rebuilt so the coffee demon and his prized hell rat on a harness and leash quit wandering the halls... the staff is rather tired of being bitten! Additionally, it feels like reality is shifting more often to showing what the pristine hotel may actually look like. It hasn't been that long since the buildings were flooded by lava and utterly destroyed. The beautiful interiors were too good to be true, and the veneer is cracking more severely now. At times, the illusion drops to the burnt out husk of a building, to rotting wood and torn, old furniture. Sometimes it's jarring enough to leave one dizzy before it simply flashes back to normal. Unfortunately, whenever these glitches occur, it is entirely possible to find one's self in an entirely different room than they meant. Wanted to grab a midnight snack? Have fun in that blood room. Wanted to take an innocent pee, minding your own business? You may accidentally walk into someone's room.
In which case, it is probably very advisable to not relieve yourself and find a more suitable area. What could possibly go wrong?
At least there does seem to be a break in the heat? Hell is an almost comfortable temperature, but there are already talks of the dreaded Fall coming soon. In Hell, Fall tends to feel more like the dead of winter, bt hopefully, there will be a skip to the usual snow and frigid temperatures.
.
Reach Up High
Prompt I: WARNINGS: drills, torture, blood, lobotomy
Part of redemption is suffering, Darlings. That’s why sinners are drawn here. They will hurt, but they will also learn to become better people. One way or another.
The demons who bring sinners here have tied them quite firmly into a contraption that forces them to recline back with their heads trapped in a vice. If they look up, they’ll be able to see the whirring flash of metal from an active drill poised just overhead. They can squirm if they’d like, but it might be unsettling for the person bound behind them. Before they can vocalize any questions, they’ll hear the sound of Lucifer’s warm, soothing voice.
"My dear guests, I’ve done a lot of thinking about what I can do to bring you closer together. Father often says that humans should love their fellow man. Maybe you just need some help building trust. I assure you that you’re both perfectly safe. If you stay still and chat, the drills will cause a little scratch, but nothing you can’t live through. Talk about your sins. Talk about your day. It’ll just take a few minutes before you can leave. Be nice, and whatever you do, don’t move a muscle."It’s at this point that sinners might notice that although they are rendered immobile from the waist up, their legs are free. They can push back their chairs and avoid the drills which are suddenly moving forward. But since they’re bound to someone else, pushing back will send their partner forward into their drill and surely condemn them to a messy death. If neither sinner moves, they can both survive. The drills will move close enough to tear the skin at their foreheads and perhaps scratch the skull underneath, creating a mild concussion at worst. But if the sinners were unable to make peace and stop themselves from moving, the drill is quite capable of pushing past bone and into the soft flesh of the frontal lobe. You can technically live with the kind of brain damage caused by an injury there, but do you really want to do that to your new close friend?
You have three minutes to figure it out.
Prompt II For those fortunate enough to escape the unplanned lobotomy, well, there's an easy task for you! As previously mentioned, Helluvacup and the hotel's own pool both need to be tidied up, or rebuilt in some cases. Any sinners who volunteer will be treated to free drinks and snacks, and receive appreciation from demonic staff. Plus, chipping in and helping your fellow sinners (and demons) is something God often encourages! It will be good for one sin removal overall. There will be building supplies, cleaning supplies, and anything else sinners need to push forward!
The staff also won't be put out if sinners would rather do a little bit of cleaning instead...
Besides, it's a rare opportunity to help import supplies to Hell. There are large crates of unnamed items, new furniture items, torture items, clothes, and more. There's also several boxes of nothing but pumpkin spice that veteran sinners, who know what every fall entails, may cringe at the sight of.
Follow Me Down
Prompt I WARNINGS: fire, disobedience
Speaking of pumpkin spice and torture devices... Well, sinners may find the prime opportunity for a bit of a bonfire if they're so inclined. It seems some demons are not looking forward to the months of pumpkin spice flavored foods or, well, working, really. These are young, reckless demons, but they've decided to help some of these new shipments get 'lost' by starting a large bonfire in a secluded place in Penance proper. They'll be asking sinners to help out. They'll supply the booze as they watch everything burn later!
If questioned about it, the demons will insist that it's just another part of the importing project. Everyone's trying to tell you to grab the crates and haul them somewhere, right? Into the fire is somewhere. Of course it's fine! You get points for being good little boys and girls every time you shut up and do what you're told. Why would anyone lie about that?
Perhaps it will come as a surprise, then, that anyone who participates will receive one sin added to their contract in the form of arson.
Prompt II WARNINGS: sex, aphrodisiacs, non-con, etc.
Club Penance has new shots for all to try! Eager incubi and succubi stand around with trays of them, eager to pass them off under the strobe lights and pounding music. The air is sweeter than even usual, the demons amping up the aphrodisiacs to ensure everybody has a good time, and there's plenty encouragement to get lost in the atmosphere. These shots all have a unique influence, although that part may have been left out... Oops.
Apple: Causes one to fall lust with the first person they see. They will absolutely be overwhelmed with the desire to have them and do whatever they must to receive their affections.
Cinnamon: Causes one to fall into love with the first person they see. Their heart will skip beats, they'll feel the urge to recite poetry, anything! Your love must be known.
Pumpkin: Causes one to fall out of balance. Just the perfect meet-cute, isn't it? Hopefully you won't fall into anyone in a bad mood.
Sour Apple: Causes one to fall into a rage. Ah, oops. Maybe they didn't think that one out. This one causes aggression and the need to make certain others know you're the top dog around here.
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 the TDM for the upcoming September app period! 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.
If you have questions, comments, suggestions, etc., go here.
Rules | Taken | Reserves | Applications
Network | Logs | OOC | Memes
no subject
He's hooked.He raises an eyebrow, but refuses to react too obviously.]
What could you know that'd be of use to me?
no subject
[but naturally, any bet meant a potential benefit for both sides, and so...]
I'll cough up some intel if you win. But if I win, you're going back to your room, shutting the door, and staying put. For the rest of the day.
[yes, bakura, you heard him right: if you lose, he's putting you on a leash and treating you like a tantruming toddler. because in his view, that's exactly what you are.]
no subject
[His lips pull back to show his fangs. He didn't miss the childish 'punishment' the other has in mind for him.
Joke's on him, though, because Bakura doesn't even have a room yet. (He thinks.)]Thanks, but I'm still not interested. If you know that much about me already, then you should know that I'm pretty particular about who I play my games with. Well, the ones that matter anyway~
no subject
You don't think I'm good enough? Or are you that confident you're gonna lose?
[he can and will bait you into this, bakura. never underestimate a child's capability to be childish.]
1/2
[He'll put up the Ryou act just to get under his skin.]
2/2
[He scoffs as he gathers his dice and puts them into one of his coat's pockets.]
I have no reason to want to play a Dark Game against you, and no means for an ordinary one. Satisfied?
no subject
Did I hear that correctly? Are you actually behaving yourself and refraining from a perfect opportunity for wanton murder?
no subject
Who the hell are you calling a wanton murderer?!
[Huffpuff. He knows Kaiba is a prejudiced ass, but get your villainous bastards right at least, will you!?]
I'm a thief, not some goddamn psychopath! Don't go confusing me with the Pharaoh or Ishtar's wacko other self!!
no subject
So you're a bad guy with standards, is that what you're saying? Who occasionally dabbles in chaos and mayhem, just to pass the time?
no subject
Yes, I do have standards! Believe it or not, but I don't do things without a good reason to! And my motivations are a damn lot better than yours, Mr. I'll-Use-Killers-To-Get-What-I-Want Rich Brat!
But maybe I'm assuming too much of you to think you'd understand something like that, considering that one needs power to be able have something like a code of honor!
[He's a murderer. He won't deny that. He has killed, snatched bodies, stolen and sealed souls, defiled graves and done a whole lot more in his life and after. But he does not just do it for shit and giggles! IT's all for a purpose and Bakura is loyal to that!
Besides, there is no challenge in random victims! Somebody who picks on weak, unprepared foes is just showing how weak they themselves are!]
no subject
[not really buying that over here. and he'd argue the point a bit more, but bakura reminds him -- if unintentionally -- that they were drawn from different worlds at different times with different experiences. he's much more patient these days, so he doesn't react badly, not necessarily; just with open confusion, even if he already knows why.]
I'm done some pretty messed up things, definitely. But openly employing killers isn't my schtick, so that's definitely a different Kaiba.
[and he'll go ahead and tell him, because eventually he'll find out anyway:]
The pharaoh is here. But he's also not the pharaoh that I know, so he may not be the pharaoh that you know either.
no subject
[If he were a dog, this would be the point where he'd start wagging his tail and drooling.]
no subject
Mm. Juicy info, isn't? Almost like that's worth a round or two of you embarrassing yourself for the chance to earn it.
no subject
....true. Okay, I'll take your point, but that doesn't change that I don't have anything to play with on me.
[A half-messed up deck and a couple of dice won't cut it for a Dark Game. If those are even possible in this place.]
no subject
Atem keeps badgering me into senet, I've got the pieces floating around. Seems like that might be up your dusty old alley.
no subject
[He pauses and inclines his head, as if musing to himself.]
I don't even remember if I ever played that. So the little bastard remembered his name, huh? That's bad.
no subject
Indeed. And I've been given every impression that he's gotten the better of you, and that eyesore Zorc, in the world which he came from.
no subject
[There's a spark of cold rage in his eyes, but that's all the rise Bakura will allow himself at that barb. Oh, it hit. It hit, and it's smarting a damn lot, especially since he put his all into that damn One Cursed Game that was supposed to be the last, but no... !
Bakura makes sure to keep his seething to himself until he is sure that he is alone, before he lets it finally show. By the time Kaiba returns, the thief is waiting for him with a small table and two seats that he dragged out of one of the many rooms in the hotel. If anything was smashed in there now, then nobody needs to know.]
The best out of five? It wouldn't be very fair if you only had to win once while I virtually have to play a game of twenty questions with you even after I've won. To even it out I'll answer a question of yours the first two times you win.
[He raises two fingers, making a V-sign with a smirk.]
no subject
playing any kind of game with someone like bakura was a dicey proposition -- maybe a little less so, barring actual dice -- but it was the best possible means to probe him for details. more specifically his intentions, if he wasn't hellbent on slaughter. bakura did raise a fair point: he was snide, and he was conniving, but at least he wasn't an ishtar.
setting the beaten box in his arms down on the table, he takes a seat and harumphs through those obnoxious terms.]
You've already predicted that you'll lose to me twice? Kind of setting a low bar for yourself, aren't you?
no subject
[But he sounds amused, rather than insulted. Those terms had been a huge invitation to take a jab and him and if anything Bakura will give Kaiba kudos for having the guts to do so. Not many who know fully about him dare to do that.]
Expecing to just win a game you've clearly got routine in while I can barely remember the rules would be just foolish. Besides, won't a deathmatch when we're both tied with two wins make it all the more exciting? [He chuckles as he sits back with a shrug.] It's no dark game, of course. Just two old 'acquaintances' killing time.
no subject
[kaiba sounds skeptical, of course, but he's had more than enough time to mellow out. so once again, he simply shrugs bakura's bad attitude off rather than leaving the man to his own devices. he's not too worried about atem, or anyone else, for that matter; bakura would find out soon enough that hell had a way of evening the score and curbing ego.
the game itself was simple, a rudimentary blend of checkers and chess, so the rules are easy enough to explain. he did have a distinct advantage, but...]
I'll let you have the first three moves. That should be a fair enough handicap for a [ahem] bumbling novice such as yourself.
no subject
Current games exempt, since the brunette just made it his turn. Bakura frowns at the board and the pieces and racks his brain to remember how it was played. After a long moment he makes his moves, although they are somewhat and clumsy. When he is done he shoots the other a look to gouge how well he did.]
Man, I really don't remember it anymore [he hums under his breath, suddenly looking amused] but that's half the fun, isn't it? A game that has its outcome already decided is just boring.
no subject
What do you remember? As in before you got here.
[he thinks bakura is just reasonable enough to tell him that, if nothing else. maybe he could be bargained with after all.]
no subject
Besides from being dead? That's nothing new for me though, if you get what I mean. Before I met those grabby hands I finished playing a game.
[He remembers the final grand real RPG over the Pharaoh's name and Zorc Nerophades' revival. He's aware that he should have been destroyed for good. But somehow he's still existing. Bakura doesn't feel like questioning it too much right now.]
How about you?