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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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lawfullygood: (05)

[personal profile] lawfullygood 2022-11-02 11:11 pm (UTC)(link)
"Yes." Just for the swat, Verin uses both hands, grinning and happy to lean into this playful public humiliation of family.

"I'm sorry, have you decided to start living below your means? I knew that human was going to be a bad influence on you some how. First such a little house, now not enough room to put up your illustrious brother?"

A general tut, a knowing smile. Verin doesn't want to be separated--and he doesn't want to be around strangers. He'll sleep on a floor if he must. But it means more that he can be with Essek, wherever that ends up being.
gravity_fissure: (Default)

[personal profile] gravity_fissure 2022-11-03 01:41 am (UTC)(link)
The confirmation banished the worry in his stomach. Good, he knew what Essek had done, just like he knew about the existence of Caleb; that would alleviate many questions and explanations. If he told Verin that he had married Caleb, he probably wouldn’t even be surprised.

“I told you not to listen to Jester’s stories; Caleb is very clean now.”

And it wasn’t the amount of space, but everything else that came in that room. Verin would have to meet Mollymauk at some point, but…perhaps he could ease him into it. Explain in bits and pieces over time. Make it digestible over time, like brussel sprouts.

“They do not accept gold here, and my name doesn’t hold the weight it does at home. You’ll learn. It’s quite terrible, if I’m honest.”
lawfullygood: (Default)

[personal profile] lawfullygood 2022-11-03 02:55 am (UTC)(link)
"My poor brother, suffering," Verin teases, giving him a bit of a smile. It's a little indulgent, but not mocking. They'll figure things out. And Verin's mostly used to limited or non-existent funds, having to barter, the name only meaning so much.

He shifts, winding an arm over Essek's shoulders and starting to make him walk.

After a few steps, Verin says, "Terrible enough that you got married?"
gravity_fissure: (Hot cocoa cure my anxiety)

[personal profile] gravity_fissure 2022-11-03 11:51 am (UTC)(link)
Things fell into a normal banter, an ease that was impossible to explain unless you basked in Verin’s light for more than two minutes. He could pull anyone out from behind whatever walls they had constructed for themselves, and Essek was just as much subjected to that as anyone. After all, Verin had many decades to perfect it.

“At least the library is rather decent.”

Which was a rather significant plus, this ability to feed his knowledge and watch Caleb read his rather adult books.

But then he stopped as he heard that question, looking away before back up at Verin. “How do you know?”
lawfullygood: (09)

[personal profile] lawfullygood 2022-11-05 01:17 am (UTC)(link)
Verin pauses, long enough, to let Essek look at him in sharp surprise. He smiles, this brittle little edge to it, and doesn't say anything at first. What was he supposed too say?

Well, he knows what to say. There's just a lot of other things he wants to say, too.

"I met Mollymauk," he said, arching a brow. "When did you start attracting magpies? No, no, I've seen less flashy magpies than that boy."
gravity_fissure: (Uh guys?)

[personal profile] gravity_fissure 2022-11-05 01:37 am (UTC)(link)
Well, one problem solved itself. Just…not in the way Essek had planned.

“If you have seen him on the ship, then you have hardly seen him at the height of his flash,” he said. He could understand the confusion: Caleb was the exact opposite of that visaget, and Essek preferred someone more subdued, controlled in most avenues. Mollymauk did not fit his customary mold.

“He is kind and trustworthy and unapologetically himself, as complicated as that is.” Things that Verin were at times. “It is a complicated story. Are you sure you wish to hear it?”
lawfullygood: (09)

[personal profile] lawfullygood 2022-11-05 02:34 am (UTC)(link)
Verin hums, a soft edge of judgement. He trusts Essek almost implicitly, over almost everything, but his prior relationships aren't exactly a glowing endorsement of his judgment calls at the best of time. He's not sure how he feels about someone so far outside of those norms, even if he never liked them.

"He flirted with me," he says, casually, making Essek come along with him. "And he implied that you're married to Caleb too. Which is... I mean, that one was obvious."

He scrubs his fingers into the hair at Essek's nape, briefly, and sighs, looking up at the overcast sky above them. "Yes, I want to hear the story. Tell me?"
gravity_fissure: (Lucien - Tail)

[personal profile] gravity_fissure 2022-11-05 09:11 pm (UTC)(link)
His previous relationships had been perfectly acceptable for what they were, Verin. Sure, they didn’t have the expected depth of love and affection that most would require, but they had been educational, informative, and had helped him achieve some of his goals at the time. In the end, wasn’t that a sign of a perfectly reasonable union for a time?

Was “love” really that important back then?

“Yes, he does that.” If Verin was expecting Essek to be put off by that, but was sorely mistaken; Mollymauk flirted with everyone, and Verin was attractive enough to draw that sort of attention. The mention of Caleb drew a softened, honest smile to Essek’s lips, completely fond and utterly smitten. “That wouldn’t have happened if he had listened to me. I’m glad he didn’t.”

There was a little lean into the fingers at his neck, before he sped up, putting the space between them. “You remember what I told you of Lucien, yes?” He didn’t wait for an answer. “He walks among us here, on this ship. He and I…do not coexist well.”