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Penance Mods ([personal profile] penancemods) wrote in [community profile] penancememes2022-10-23 04:27 pm
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TEST DRIVE MEME #40

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 cruise ship.

The demon stationed outsid the entrance 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 ways to spend their time while they reach new lands. Sorry about the confusion, Hell is just undergoing some rather unhappy changes.


Stand Your Ground
The Penance Community is gone. Lilith made the tough call to abandon the community and urged sinners to save both Lucifer and Barbas along the way. Everyone who arrives will appear on the ship itself after stepping through the door, regardless of where it is in the waters. There may be a bit of disorientation at first, having to travel what may be a fair distance and the residual magic of Lilith’s touch, but it will fade quickly. Don’t worry, sinners!

They are safe on the waters. The icy, icy waters that appear as if they shouldn't be navigable at all. That's possibly a bit concerning, isn't it? There's also snow falling from the skies and frozen spirits that desperately scratch at the sides of the ship to climb aboard. They're used to the boiling waters of blood, not ice. Listen carefully, you can hear their whispers of confusion and desperation. "Why is it so cold?" they ask. "We hurt!" they howl. The staff busying themselves around the ship insist it's best to not concern oneself with it too much. It's like a vacation for them, really. Best worry about yourself.

Blankets are available on request, as well as warm clothes. Not all of these items will be... modern, maybe, but they will at least keep you warm. Hot chocolate, teas, and coffees are also being handed out freely by staff in an attempt to combat the freezing temperatures.

Lucifer may be spotted around the ship, looking rather wary but up and about again at least. He's quick to reassure everyone that Mammon will be giving them aid again and that they're heading to some absolutely beautiful lands. Perhaps sinners who are familiar with them will give them a recount of what it was truly like from the last visit.


The Voyage
The large luxury ship is painted a rather ominous black, giving it an intimidating feel on the outside. Once boarded, sinners will see that this initial feeling is likely unfounded. There are plenty of luxuries anyone could want, including a pool, a hot tub, and plenty of tropical drinks with tiny umbrellas provided free of charge. And that's just the deck! Bedrooms range from four person units, three person units, to couples' beds for those who wish to continue their matrimony (or who would rather avoid the hassle of potentially being paired with someone entirely new for the time being).

Not only that, but there's plenty of festive decorations saved from the hotel! Ranging from Jack O'Lanterns to spooky fake skeletons to inflatable witches, and anything in between. Just because tragedy has struck doesn't mean that the holiday spirit has disappeared! People need something to keep them distracted now, more than ever. The staff is happy to (try to) provide this.

There's also a grand bar that provides plenty of cider, mead, and ale, whiskeys from Mammon's own personal stock. These drinks range in strength and may land even the most resilient on the ground after a few sips if one isn't careful! Additionally, the drinks seem to inspire a feel good mood and chase away the dourness that seems to have settled over those in the Penance community. There's constant music playing that may inspire those around to dance, as well as rather hungry incubi and succubi wandering around. They seem eager to please in any and all ways and, like in Penance, give off a natural aphrodisiac that smells sweet to the senses.

There's also a theatre for those who may prefer to watch some festive movies (Enjoy this! There won't be any such things once sinners arrive in Mammon's domain!), an arcade for the younger crowd, and a lovely spa with saunas, massages, and any other way to treat oneself. Happy endings may be included.

The kitchens are always open and offer an array of decadent desserts, meats, vegetables, and anything else one could want. No request is too much! And don't worry, nothing is drugged or of questionable quality or origin (that one would recognize).


Reach Up High
There are two methods for earning a sin removal this time around, and none of them are painful! Very painful, at the very least.

The first option is to find a way to warm the spirits who enter the ship, whether this means cuddling the spirits and sacrificing your own warmth, or finding alternative means by wrapping them in blankets or offering them warm drinks while they have the energy to make themselves solid enough to hold items. Showing kindness to those damned to eternal suffering will certainly earn some points with God.

The second option involves volunteering to watch Barbas from his cage in the lower decks of the Hell ship. Bonus points for maintaining patience and kindness even with one of Hell’s least favorite Lords.


Follow Me Down

Prompt I
Lucifer is asking all sinners and demons alike to give something valuable (whether it's valuable in an actual monetary sense or just to the owner) to present to Mammon as a gift. They need to sway his favor back towards them, Lucifer insists, and gifts are the way to go. Mammon functions on greed and a love of all things unique. Items can be listed here. Those who are generous may receive special favor once they reach Mammon's lands, either in the form of special dinners, pampering, or more comfortable rooms, etc.

The second request is to kidnap the spirits climbing aboard and seeking warmth. While these guys just want to cuddle a bit or curl up next to the fires to try to chase the cold that somehow penetrates even their undead, incorporeal forms, they’re also a precious source of energy that Mammon will appreciate. While sinners are allowed to show kindness towards the spirits (much to the dismay of the staff), they will also be given bottles to capture them, also as gifts to bestow upon Mammon.

Please note that doing either of these will result in the sin of bribery and potentially betrayal being added to your list of sins.


Prompt II
WARNINGS: dubcon, aphrodisiacs, body transformations, drug use, alcohol

That isn't the end of the festivities either! Not at all. The demonic staff has orchestrated a bit of fun to distract from the cold and sense of impending doom hanging in the air by way of trick or treating. Sinners will be grabbed up by eager demons and led cabin to cabin to trick or treat. Those answering the door may choose either option! Treats may be in the form of candy, booze, or other trinkets or whatever one may consider a 'treat', and if a trick is chosen? Well, if you've just set yourself up for a little bit of a prank, haven't you? Good luck trying to figure out ways to appease the eager demons wanting a show! They just want to know they're appreciated, you know. Things have been rough.

For those who aren't terribly interested in any such thing, the staff has also decided on the perfect way to deal with any residual ghost trauma... which is telling ghost stories, of course. On the deck, there's been a special place set up with a fire pit (don't worry, it's being carefully watched! Last thing they need is a fire on the ship...) and blankets. There's also an array of food and drink while the goblins formerly of the library urge sinners to gather around for some story time. Sinners may listen to the goblins or share their own encounters with the spirits.

While they hardly managed to save much in the way of costumes, there's even an impromptu costume competition going on for those who may wish to try to piece together something from what odds and ends did make it to the ship. Voting will be done via sinners and rewards will be in the form of candies. Actual candy, don't worry! The barista from Helluvacup will also be out and about with Bean to spread cheer in the form of Halloween themed pastries and coffees with little spiders drawn in the foam (that may or may not look like spiders. Don't criticize him! Bean will protect his master with lovely disease-ridden bites.)

Of course, for all the well-intentioned shenanigans of the staff, the succubi and incubi are adding their own twist to things. Some have decided to taint the chocolates to add additional energy in the air. Once again, the sex demons feel as if they're famished with the lack of energy and they're doing their best to makeup for it... whether the sinners are aware of it or not. These chocolates the devilish incubi and succubi pass out will have a multitude of effects:

Milk Chocolate - inspires lust so strong, one cannot control it. It may lead to begging or public displays of self-pleasure.
Dark Chocolate - inspires the urge to dominate and aggression. It's time to take control and take what you want.
Chocolate covered cherries - inspire the urge to be submissive and the urge to please those around, in multiples if possible.
Chocolates filled with liqueurs - Inspires loose lips. Suddenly, the most appalling filth will be falling from your lips, every filthy desire there that you've kept hidden is now out in the open. How will others react?
Mint chocolate - May inspire transformations. Whether this is of the animalistic variety or sex, it is entirely up in the air. All of these effects can absolutely be mixed. Take as many chocolates as you like!
At least the succubi and incubi are being cordial enough to lead sinners off to a private area of the ship they've filled with plush cushions and bedding for the fun... mostly.

In addition, the sex demons will urge sinners in keeping each other warm in any sense of the word. What better ways than sharing some body heat? Or maybe adding a bit of candleplay to the mix...

If none of that tickles your fancy, there are also a wealth of drugs available to partake in, as well as a fight night happening below deck on one of the lower levels. Fights are carried out among sinners and demons alike, with plenty of help standing by to patch those injured up. Those partaking in either watching or actively participating may swap sins as bets, or anything else they may be willing to risk losing.


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.



And without further ado: Welcome to our new TDM for the November 1st app round! 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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mijo: <user name="shithouse"> (nacho47)

[personal profile] mijo 2022-11-01 03:05 am (UTC)(link)
Originally? I'm the only reason Tuco Salamanca didn't torture and kill him and two total morons, a couple years back. And in return he got me arrested for allegedly kidnapping some rich pieces of shit. Good thing for everybody he's actually great at his job.

[ They don't have time for this, but he's gotta give her something. Quid pro quo. Maybe the story will ring some bells. ]

I need to know the truth about if you guys were involved in Lalo winding up here... and what you think 'Saul's telling him right now, because if your stories don't match and he realizes I'm playing on your side? All three of us are gonna have a serious sociopath problem. You get me?
isaveme: (darkness)

[personal profile] isaveme 2022-11-01 03:23 am (UTC)(link)
[Her eyes widen at the mention of the "rich pieces of shit."]

You're the one they arrested outside the Kettleman's house.

[So he's known Jimmy for a while. And has enough of a decent opinion of him to trust his ability to talk his way out of things. And Jimmy trusts him enough to...well. Enough to let him take her into the bathroom. He says he's on their side...and she believes him.

She's been holding herself together this whole time, afraid but not allowing herself to fully freak out and lose control. Knowing that she's safe...that this man is on their side...

A sob escapes her throat and she bends over, burying her face in her hands. It's only a moment before she sits up again, but her demeanor has changed, more open instead of guarded, more trusting, more vulnerable.]


I get you. What do you need to know?
mijo: <user name="ewoks"> (FVkYcbR)

[personal profile] mijo 2022-11-01 03:53 am (UTC)(link)
[ Kim's realization gets her a nod, but Nacho figures if she knows that case he doesn't need to explain he was never going to hurt them. Especially with the previous fact of how he and Jimmy first met. And sure enough, her facade breaks... she believes him.

His grip on the sink behind him loosens, posture relaxing slightly when Kim looks back up at him and there's trust in her eyes now. ]


Start at when Lalo remembers. We found the shot up car north of the drop, but he bought whatever bullshit you sold about car trouble that night... so what happened next for you guys?
isaveme: (eyes)

[personal profile] isaveme 2022-11-01 04:02 am (UTC)(link)
Which version?

[She doesn't know what Varga himself remembers, or what time he's from.]

If that was the last time we saw Lalo...then we went about our lives. He was gone. That's the purpose of the bail that Jimmy literally dragged across the desert. To get him out of jail and out of town.

[She takes a breath.]

Do you want to know what really happened? Or would that interfere with the story?
mijo: <user name="shithouse"> (nacho06)

[personal profile] mijo 2022-11-01 04:14 am (UTC)(link)
Hopefully the story's gonna be the truth, or as close as we can get to it. Easier to stick to and cover our asses if more associates wind up down here. You guys didn't rat or kill him, right?

[ It's obvious Nacho doesn't think Saul would do either of those things, and both by extension and from this more genuine demeanor he doubts Kim would either. He gestures for her to go on. ]

Tell me what really happened.
isaveme: (darkness)

[personal profile] isaveme 2022-11-01 04:27 am (UTC)(link)
We didn't rat him out or kill him. It's not something either of us would do.

[She can tell that Varga believes that, which is a relief.

She takes a breath to steady herself. This is where it gets ugly.]


Some time later...we were told that Lalo was dead. I don't know the details. It was a relief, as you can imagine. But not that long after, I was told by Mike Ehrmentraut that Lalo was alive, and might come for us. Mike had a couple security guys watching us, said he'd keep us safe. Then...he thought we were safe, and pulled our security. And Lalo showed up. He...

[Her voice gets caught in her throat, and she closes her eyes, shakes her head.]
salamanca: (i have a limo)

/THREADJACKS kim-->lalo-->nacho??

[personal profile] salamanca 2022-11-01 04:31 am (UTC)(link)
[ Aaand they're interrupted! By Lalo. Banging on the door. ]
Edited (html fail) 2022-11-01 04:32 (UTC)
mijo: <user name="ewoks"> (D78IGaY)

[personal profile] mijo 2022-11-01 04:49 am (UTC)(link)
[ Oh, fuck. Nacho knows the details... his expression darkens worriedly as Kim goes on, and when she chokes his heart sinks. He's drawing breath to ask if the psycho in the next room hurt her when there's a bang on the door, Lalo's unnervingly cheerful tone saying their time's up.

Nacho startles slightly, mouthing 'fuck' and leaning in to quickly whisper in Kim's ear as he turns off the faucet behind himself. ]


No. You heard nothing, never saw him again.

[ Before Kim can say anything in response he's straightening up to open the door, his neutral expression and composed posture back in place in a blink. And his voice is back to normal as he tilts his head towards the bedroom and gives her an order. ]

Go on.

[ He'll just take another moment to turn the shower off too, before following her out. Hopefully he's making the right call and Saul also knows that he's burned if Lalo finds out about his greatly exaggerated assassination before Nacho can spin it.

Saul's smart. And he wouldn't do that to him... right? Not at the risk of making him an enemy, at least. So this isn't just a leap of faith, it's logic. Right..? He takes his place on Lalo's right, waiting to be prompted. ]
isaveme: (darkness)

[personal profile] isaveme 2022-11-01 05:00 am (UTC)(link)
[Kim startles at the banging on the door, her nerves still high even though she feels safe with Varga. When he leans in and whispers in her ear she nods, agreeing to the story. It's true, as far as it goes. Lalo doesn't remember anything happening after leaving their place the first time, so everything that did happen...didn't happen.

Kim follows him out, and she doesn't have to fake the return of her fear in the presence of Lalo. She goes to sit next to Jimmy, and reaches over to take his hand.]
salamanca: (i have a limo)

[personal profile] salamanca 2022-11-01 05:05 am (UTC)(link)
[ Lalo turns to Nacho positioned at his side. For once, he's finally redirecting his attention from Saul and Kim. ]

Well? What's her story?
Edited 2022-11-01 05:38 (UTC)
mijo: <user name="ewoks"> (hgcc5BG)

[personal profile] mijo 2022-11-07 11:41 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Even when prompted, Nacho takes his time. He stares Kim down for what probably feels like a very long few seconds more, then turns his head to look up at Lalo and meet his eyes instead. All three people are still in his field of vision since he hasn't turned away, though. Like he's playing guard dog for his boss. ]

She's consistent with everything I've heard from her husband since he got here -- last time they saw you was that night at their apartment. So far as they know, you got outta town fine and went back to Mexico. All according to plan.

[ Nacho shakes his head slightly, expression mild. And what he says next is absolutely 100% true. Not even a bluff by omission. ]

I don't think they had anything to do with either of our deaths. They're scared but smart, and Saul's not a rat.
isaveme: (darkness)

[personal profile] isaveme 2022-11-08 03:34 am (UTC)(link)
[Kim stares back, afraid but resolute, determined, honest. Her expression says she has nothing to hide...and ironically her "honest" face is an incredibly effective mask.

When Nacho answers Lalo, her eyes turn to the other man, her resolute and defiantly "honest" expression now directed at him.]
salamanca: (Default)

[personal profile] salamanca 2022-11-08 03:43 am (UTC)(link)
[ Lalo considers all three of them for a moment, looking from Kim to Saul to Nacho. So it appears, at least for the time being, that he was indeed misguided. He likes to think he's a pretty good judge of character, and Nacho's version of Kim's story matches with he's heard from Saul. And while it's always impossible to be totally sure, they all look honest and sincere.

Or at least Kim and Nacho look honest and sincere. Saul always kind of looks like he's lying even when Lalo knows for a fact that he's telling the truth, but for what it's worth, he decides he does think Saul is telling the truth now.

Does he apologize for holding them hostage based on a mistaken notion? Nope! Better safe than sorry, after all.

Lalo just nods to Nacho, then turns to Kim and Saul. And grins. ]


Well, then. Mr. and Mrs. Goodman, thank you for your time. And for inviting both Mr. Varga and myself into your lovely home. [ He directs his attention to Saul specifically now. ] You know what? I've taken up a lot of your time already, Mr. Goodman. I'll have Varga give me the grand tour instead. But hey--- [ The grin widens if possible, and he half-playfully, half-threateningly points a finger-gun at Saul. ] You still owe me that drink later.

[ He nods to Nacho, indicating it's time for them to leave, and turns. He stops in the doorway, though, looking back one last time at Saul and Kim. The grin tapers into a smaller smile but doesn't disappear. ]

Oh. One more thing. I believe you. I do! But just so you know, if it turns out that you're lying, know I'll always be able to find you. I have my ways.

[ Not just on the boat. Even when they get to wherever the hell they're going, Lalo has always been able to find anyone he wants as long as he has enough time. And now he has infinite time.

And with that, he turns out the door and, with a brief flick of his hand gesturing for Nacho to follow him, Lalo is gone. ]
Edited 2022-11-08 03:54 (UTC)
mijo: <user name="shithouse"> (nacho11)

[personal profile] mijo 2022-11-08 04:00 am (UTC)(link)
[ Oh, now he's... going with Lalo to give the ship tour? Okay. Sure. It's not like Nacho can say no to that, so he simply nods back and falls into step behind his ex-boss. Then nearly walks into the taller man's back when he stops abruptly in the doorway to drop that last threat.

At least Lalo sauntering out immediately after lets him glance back at Saul and Kim himself, mask slipping away for a moment as he meets the lawyers' eyes. They got lucky there and he hopes they both realize that -- if his instincts hadn't lined up with Saul's to stick with the same abbreviated truth, they could've all been completely fucked.

When he can next get away for a minute without Lalo knowing where he's headed, they need to debrief. Lay it all out, because while Nacho does believe Kim that they didn't betray anybody, she didn't get to finish the story either. There's shit he doesn't know and that's not gonna work out. Same side, same page.

For now, though? He slips out the door after Lalo Salamanca, closing it behind him. ]
isaveme: (darkness)

[personal profile] isaveme 2022-11-08 04:06 am (UTC)(link)
[When Nacho looks back, Kim mouths thank you to him. She hopes he comes back so they can talk and let him know what happened the real last time they saw Lalo. But for now, its all she can do to express her gratitude.

When the door closes, Kim slumps forward and hides her face in her hands, taking shuddering breaths.]
justmakemoney: (and went in to get some soft serve)

[personal profile] justmakemoney 2022-11-08 04:12 am (UTC)(link)
[Saul doesn't quite trust himself to speak or even breathe while Nacho is reporting back to Lalo, not wanting to end up jinxing it and ruining what seems to be heading in a good direction for all of them. He's going to regret offering to get a drink with Lalo later, he already knows it, but that's a problem for future Saul to deal with.

He gives Lalo an awkward, slightly strangled looking smile at his oh so friendly invitation to get drinks later, the smile immediately falling to some mix of relief and gratitude as Lalo leaves and he catches Nacho's eye. He already knows--hopes, really--that Nacho will be back sooner rather than later. There's too many problems for all of them with Lalo around for him not to come back.

He waits for a few moments after the door clicks shut, just in case Lalo changes his mind and comes back, and shakily exhales the breath he had been holding, his attention shifting fully to Kim now.]