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Penance Mods ([personal profile] penancemods) wrote in [community profile] penancememes2022-09-24 12:23 am
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TEST DRIVE MEME #39

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
As memories return to those who lost them, the frigid temperatures only seem to grow worse. The cold bites into the skin of those who dare step outside, right down to the bone for those who dare to stay exposed long enough. The staff attempt to combat some of this by setting up a fire pit or two outside for sinners to gather around… there’s even stuff for s’mores! A bit out of season, true, but the local demons don’t seem to understand the difference. They just know humans love their fires and their melted marshmallows and their scary stories – which the library goblins have gathered outside to read to gathering crowds. Anyone who can tolerate the cold may settle around and listen to the animated little demons recount all the classic horror tales and some bedtime demonic tales (that may actually leave you unable to sleep for a bit, but ah well… what is a bit of Eldritch horror before bed?)

The TVs are once again safe for viewing and play a selection of local Hell TV and old shows from earth. Try not to be scammed by the local infomercials! Contrary to what they claim, they don’t really know how to keep blood from dripping down the walls from a pesky poltergeist or actually have that all-in-one torture device that will bring everyone to their knees!

After the unfortunate burning of all the pumpkin spice, the inventive cooks in the kitchen have opted to use real pumpkins and other gourds to spice up the local food and drinks. Have fun with that! Who doesn’t like a few raw pumpkin seeds in their coffee or sprinkled over their morning bagel? Additionally, the owner of Helluvacup has jumped into the season with brand new foam art that may… actually not be that great. But don’t let Bean the Hell rat hear! He will bite anyone who makes his master feel bad. It’s not all terrible art anyway… There are also little marshmallow rats and bats added liberally to menu items!

Be sure and appreciate the fact Bean will be in a new costume every day! Ranging from tiny vampire, to ghost, to witch, to perhaps local sinners who have caught his eye!

Not all is fun and games and cold though. The hotel seems disturbingly… not quite right. It flashes longer to a burnt out husk of a building, the incubi and succubi show as the hags they are, and Lucifer’s scars seem even more prominently displayed than usual. Not only that, but things move of their own accord, reflections in the mirror seem to do… strange things. There are also strange noises, whispers in ears that range from threats to pleading for help. It seems the hotel may be suffering from some poltergeist activity… ah, well. At least it’s not more rats or insects, right?

Additionally, even as the temperatures drop, there seem to be, slowly, a collection of skeleton birds growing. It starts with a couple that stick together, then a few outside in a group. They start to huddle their bony bodies together, collecting in the main hotel doorways, in front of windows, blocking these areas. When they see sinners, they follow after them (even into the hotel) giving light “caw” sounds on a most pitiful note.

The demons warn the sinners not to feed them, but bread is easily found in the kitchen, or made from the ingredients found there. It couldn’t hurt to give them a little? Where is the bread even going to go? They’re just bones.

Those that do feed the birds might hear a whispered, vague, “Thank you,” or “I appreciate you,” but certainly it was imagined.


Reach Up High

Prompt I:
WARNINGS: torture, amputations, blood, mutilation, acid.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. These are words from my Father's own book, preaching the ever so present importance of putting one's own worth below that of his fellow man. So very poetic, yes? And heroic. Only the truly good would be so selfless. Fortunately, I'm not asking you to kill yourselves here. Not exactly, at least," Lucifer's voice rings out within the sinner's heads, warm and coaxing as it ever is.

"No, I'm only asking that you practice the art of self-sacrifice for your fellow penitents. You'll find yourself in an unfavorable situation with only so many ways to escape or help each other."

'Unfavorable' or downright horrific. Those are one and the same, aren't they?

Sinners will notice that they have awakened to find themselves in a room, in any of the following positions:

Spare a Pint - Awakening in a room with a box in the center of it, sinners find themselves wearing collars with a clock ticking down. They have fifteen minutes to place their hands inside the box that they'll learn is full of sharp objects ready to cut. They must spill a few pints of blood each, as it turns out. Once the time is up, if they haven't succeeded, spikes will pop out of the collar and embed in their necks. This will result in both participants nearly bleeding out. Any scarring will be permanent.
Spare a Limb - Sinners awaken to find themselves chained in a room, with an axe placed on a table just within reach. They have fifteen minutes to decide who loses a limb before their collars strangle them. The only way this won't happen is through genuine want to not see the other suffer. If one sinner removes the other's limb out of malice or need to save only themselves, they will find their collar tightening regardless. Any limbs will be returned after punishment.
Like An Angel - Suspended in the air, one sinner will find themselves outfitted with the most devilish device. Brackets have been connected to their ribcage and there are only fifteen minutes before the trap trips and rips open their chest. To save them, the other sinner must remove the key from a bowl of acid before the timer reaches zero. If they fail to do so, not only will the poor person bound experience excruciating pain, but the other will suddenly feel like their insides are twisting in on themselves. Sinners will be patched up afterwards, but the bound one will have a scar that remains on their chest as a reminder to both parties.


Lucifer will explain the rules of each game to the guests and offer whatever reassurance that he can. As promised, all sinners will be healed after completing their tasks, whether they succeed or not. Even those who find their insides unfortunately exposed.

If guests turn on each other, they will additionally be punished with a sin from their list branded upon their skin and fail any sort of redemption offered this round.


Prompt II
It isn’t all torment and torture! The hotel needs to be decorated for the upcoming season after all, and the demons are eagerly approaching guests to help! There will be pumpkin carving, decorating, etc. The staff will be eager to spread some holiday cheer that isn’t all gloom and doom for the old and new guests alike.

What do you do with all the waste? Well, the demons are additionally encouraging sinners to use them to make pies or roast the seeds.

Of course, those pesky poltergeists seem to be causing some of the more… unique Jack O’Lanterns to come alive and do some nipping at unsuspecting fingers and ankles. Staff will encourage sinners to destroy these nuisances or figure out a way to expel the spirit within it.


Follow Me Down

Prompt I
WARNINGS: dub/non-con, aphrodisiacs, anonymous sex

Club Penance is getting into the upcoming spooky season with their take on a masquerade. In the general portion of the club, everyone is required to don a mask upon entering for their night of debauchery and drinking. Dances are to be done to various kinds of eerie music (and maybe a little Monster Mash if you wait around long enough). Staff will also be handing out various kinds of candy, It won’t even be drugged! (In the dance portion of the club, that is)

In the sex demon side? Not only are guests required to wear a typical mask, but also lingerie. There are hefty doses of aphrodisiacs waiting to greet those who enter the club that inspire adventurous activities and lower inhibitions. People will easily ignore that little voice in their heads that warns against the staff leading them to private rooms or the stages to put on shows with anonymous partners.

The catch? Sinners are not allowed to remove their masks until after both partners have reached climax. You may try, but the mask is enchanted to not be removed. That could prove to be quite a predicament for those just wanting to go back home.

Candy will also be offered, but will be heavily drugged. Some may contain the club special, Frenzy, and others may just contain potent aphrodisiacs. Others may contain other drugs ranging from mild to intense. Be careful what you eat!


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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flirtyfox: (smile 32; explanation)

[personal profile] flirtyfox 2022-09-26 03:39 pm (UTC)(link)
[ There's no reason to look down on the attractive. Considering his distractions, Sui doesn't mean it as a serious flirt, but some habits die hard. Still, he can't imagine someone saying the same thing in a negative context. ]

The ghosts then? I've heard they meet unhappy ends, and that's their reason for standing around. It's the other creatures that seem to have more fun.

I personally don't envy the werewolves.

[ Sui's movements are graceful and elegant in a way that doesn't seem to easily fit in with most modern worlds, but he manages to prepare the marshmallow to roast. ]

It's Chinese, and not so unusual there. Not quite like Elle Two. Do the letters stand for something?
lvb: (Default)

[personal profile] lvb 2022-09-27 11:49 am (UTC)(link)
It stands for a commitment I’ve made.

[ He says that politely, but with a tone that suggests he won’t be getting any deeper into the subject with a stranger.. The Geass mark on his throat, symbol of his immortal binding, is hidden under his layers of clothing ]

May I ask? In the world you came from before you left, was there a country to your east across the ocean either named Britannia or the United States of America? I’m curious to see who won a certain war within your reality.
flirtyfox: (thinking 2;)

[personal profile] flirtyfox 2022-09-28 03:50 am (UTC)(link)
It seems like it was the United States. It's a country to the west.

[ Sui assumes if Britannia had won the war he's asking about, the United States would look differently.

If he pushes the marshmallow flat enough, it shouldn't be too messy.]


I'm still new to the idea of other worlds existing. I wonder what combinations there are.
lvb: (hff)

[personal profile] lvb 2022-09-28 09:44 am (UTC)(link)
[ For a second he looks incredibly sulky at the answer. Another reality Britannia never existed? Is his world really such an outlier?

But he regains some control for the stranger and simply sighs his annoyance out deeply before turning to the comment in hand
]

It is a deeply strange concept, isn’t it? I had no idea either. One lives in a permanent stare of culture shock, having no shared frame of reference.

[ But that makes him sound pathetic, so he quickly segues into gossiping ]

But it could be worse: I’ve seen two men, both called Peter Parker, who are each other’s doppelgänger from another reality. As someone with far too many siblings I don’t think I could stand that - there’d be no way to escape the inevitable comparisons. I would be in a permanent state of competition with myself.
flirtyfox: (default; pose)

[personal profile] flirtyfox 2022-09-29 05:28 am (UTC)(link)
Two of myself.

[ Sui allows a little silence to give it some thought. ]

Wouldn't it be fun instead? I'd enjoy my own company. Instead of being in competition, we'd work together. Even if one Sui is a better artist, I'm still impressively skilled.

[ So, competition wouldn't be a problem. ]

Let's hope I meet him if he exists.
lvb: (Shrug gif)

[personal profile] lvb 2022-09-29 09:03 am (UTC)(link)
[ What a flexible attitude ]

You might be suited for existence in this place.

[ And curiously, after a nibble at his rapidly-cooling smore ]

What was your life like back in your world? Do you have family?

[ He won’t be so gauche as to ask about his list of sins - but he’s interested to see if he can pick up clues from what Sui is willing to tell him ]
flirtyfox: (Default)

[personal profile] flirtyfox 2022-09-30 12:35 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Some would say he's suited for this place, but some are very judgemental.

Finishing the S'more, Sui shakes his head. ]


No, I don't have any family. I do have a manager who takes good care of me, almost like a mother.

[ The poor guy gets teased even when out of earshot. ]

I'm an up and coming Chinese actor. Even if I exist in your world, you've likely never heard of me
lvb: (Shrug gif)

[personal profile] lvb 2022-09-30 01:31 pm (UTC)(link)
I admit, I haven’t been near China in over a decade… but as well as different realities we all come from different points in time. Perhaps you haven’t been born in my time or perhaps you’ve already died; I was born in 1999, and for me it’s currently 2030.

[ He doesn’t look anywhere near 30 years old ]

One of my suitemates comes from the year 1715. I’ve very much disappointed him by not knowing the names of a number of infamous pirates from his era. Even the two Peters have a ten year age difference.
flirtyfox: (sad 5; soft)

[personal profile] flirtyfox 2022-10-02 04:50 am (UTC)(link)
It must be a challenge to adapt.

[ On Sui understands, but he's found the new technology wonderful. It's amazing what time can bring. ]

Especially in Hell. It's been quiet after we were pulled down, but I know it won't always be marshmallows and decorations.
lvb: (Neutral)

[personal profile] lvb 2022-10-02 10:01 pm (UTC)(link)
No, these are only brief distractions.

[ He always feels responsible for updating new people he meets on the true state of Hell. Unpleasant as the topic is they deserve to be forewarned about what they'll face ]

At some point you'll be taken to the torture chambers to be punished. I advise you not to fight the guards with anything that your sin list has deemed a crime: they'll happily add more sins to the list and take those as an excuse to torture you. You'll be hurt, or forced to hurt your fellow sinners, or forced to hurt yourself to save them from harm. If you perform as they please they'll cross a sin from your list.
flirtyfox: (angry; upset)

[personal profile] flirtyfox 2022-10-03 04:22 am (UTC)(link)
[ He's silent for several moments. None of the information is new, but that makes it no easier to digest. While adaptability is easy for someone like him, it isn't because he takes horrific circumstances lightly. They'd all likely faced some sort of difficulties in life even before coming here but at this level? ]

And then find an excuse to add another.

[ Sui lowers his snack; it's not really the topic that ignites hunger. ]

I'm not someone who enjoys pain so I know I'll likely give in, but I won't pretend to believe in a fair system.
lvb: (Neutral)

[personal profile] lvb 2022-10-03 10:44 am (UTC)(link)
[ That's a deeply phlegmatic response to the threat of torture, one he'd expect from an older man, someone who's seen more of the world and had their youthful fire tempered. He regards Sui, eyes running over his beautiful young face ]

You're not just an actor, are you?
flirtyfox: (smile 11; to the border)

[personal profile] flirtyfox 2022-10-03 12:08 pm (UTC)(link)
Hm. You could say I'm also a muscian.

[ He smiles. Sui isn't sure if being honest about his past will void his mission back on Earth should he return, but it's better to be safe. ]

But I'm afraid you'll need to wait if you want to hear a song. It's a bad snack to have before singing.
lvb: (Kind)

[personal profile] lvb 2022-10-03 12:46 pm (UTC)(link)
[ That’s something to make him smile ]

You are? If you ever need your clothes repaired I’d take payment in a song. I miss attending live performances - and I don’t count the drunken wailing at the karaoke machine to be anything but torture

[ He’ll trust for now this man can actually perform - he’s certainty got an air about him. If he turns out to sound like a dying cat? That’ll be a lesson for L.L. ]
flirtyfox: (smile 14; warm)

[personal profile] flirtyfox 2022-10-03 01:01 pm (UTC)(link)
That sounds like a useful skill in a place that won't have pity on our clothes.

[ Sui's style is an easy mix of simple but elegant. Too many patterns only make a garment look tacky. ]

Do you make them, too?
lvb: (smug)

[personal profile] lvb 2022-10-03 01:10 pm (UTC)(link)
As a matter of fact I do, though I charge more than a song for the labour involved. Everything I’m wearing I made… though that isn’t such an effective advertisement when I’m wearing this blanket.

[ He’s wearing as fashionably as one can wear a blanket draped around their shoulders - then again, he’s one of those clothes horses who could pull off a burlap sack. Sticking out from under are the ends of a long black coat and black trousers, both well made and decorated in gold trimming ]

I’ve recently gotten hold of some fur to help us stand the cold, but you’ll have to supply most other cloth yourself. The demons frequently leave clothes in boxes in the basement. I can fit those to you as well.
flirtyfox: (thinking 2;)

[personal profile] flirtyfox 2022-10-03 01:20 pm (UTC)(link)
I like fur wraps.

[ Though he's honestly not had to weather the cold that often. Still, Sui enjoys being able to move fluidly so a throw or wrap would be preferable to an entire heavy coat. ]

I'll have to take a look. It's no good to let them go to waste.
lvb: (Shrug gif)

[personal profile] lvb 2022-10-03 01:56 pm (UTC)(link)
If you want to come and take a look now, I’m growing cold even with the fire.

[The unfortunate fact is he’s just too skinny for the cold weather, and the ‘smores are too sweet for him to want another. He stands from his seat and stretches, resettling his blanket to a new elegant drape for the journey indoors. ]

If not, it’s been a pleasure to meet you.
flirtyfox: (studying; finished;)

[personal profile] flirtyfox 2022-10-03 03:30 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Sui looks at the fire. He finds it a nice atmosphere, and he enjoys the way the flames flicker on passerbys. Fires have always reminded him of a dance. ]

I'm going to stay here for a little longer, but we'll definitely be meeting again.
lvb: (Friendly)

[personal profile] lvb 2022-10-03 06:26 pm (UTC)(link)
[ L.L sketches him a polite bow in farewell before turning on his toes ]

Feel free to call me if you ever need me!

[ And with that he leaves the circle of firelight to make his way back to the hotel. ]