TEST DRIVE MEME #43

[penancemods]

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 an old fashioned kingdom.

The demon stationed outside 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 weary bodies, or recommend ways to spend their time while they're in these new lands. Sorry about the confusion, Hell is just undergoing some rather unhappy changes.


Stand Your Ground

There are sinners missing, the lake is cursed, and there are Veiled Order members afoot. Things are tense in Mammon's land, but it's almost time to say farewell and return home to Penance. The weather is nice and crisp, almost Spring-like for once. The demons are rather pleased with their Valentine's Day matchmaking, but there's a sense in the air that everyone is rather eager to call this holiday over with.

But not to worry if you'll miss Mammon's more historic, green lands because they will be open indefinitely with the portal that Lilith is in the middle of finishing for departure soon. This will allow instantaneous travel between the lands and acts as a sign that both kingdoms have united under Hell's terms. It's almost beautiful, isn't it? Too bad that no one is feeling quite in the mood to celebrate what a beautiful act this is.

As a matter of fact, Lucifer is becoming increasingly aware that there are some precious few sinners of his missing and he seems rather worried about it. He and Lilith can be seen speaking in hushed tones about it, even as they welcome the newcomers through the usual process. Never has Lucifer lost his sinners and had no idea where they've gone or who may have been able to kidnap them.

Still, there's some sort of normalcy maintained as everyone is ushered around to pack their belongings and gather their animals up for the return. Feasts are had, some tearful local demons come to say goodbye… even to sinners that had no idea they were exactly close. It seems that the demons of Mammon's lands are sentimental and take a shine to their visitors surprisingly quickly…

But going home feels bittersweet…

Either way, when the big day arrives, Mammon takes the platform that hosts the magical portal. It glitters with energy, almost electric in nature as it takes the form of a simple door. He grins warmly at the crowd. "I would like to thank you, you know. These past months have been… interesting to say the least. Beautiful in some ways, tiresome in others. But know that you all are welcome in my lands at any time, all of you."

He seems to restrain himself from saying more, likely about whoever stole his precious statue, when Lucifer gives him a pointed look. Ah well. After that brief sentiment, there is an even shorter ribbon cutting done by Lilith.

"I think, my dear sinners," Lucifer starts. "It is time to go home! Let's see what's become of Penance, shall we?"

He gives an easy smile despite the tensions in the air and one or two at a time, sinners are ushered back through to Penance Proper. The hotel has been rebuilt in rich golds and reds, and looks almost a bit more modern. The sprawling hotel seems to have stable lighting and no intense smell of sulfur lingers, no reality blinking in and out of itself.

It really does feel just like home again, doesn't it?

The rooms are put back in proper place – with softer beds, even!

Outside the hotel, Penance has also been rebuilt… mostly. There are homes in Hellburbia still in need of attention (But Barbas is being moved back to his mansion by guards, of course), the library is in dire need of work, as well as other establishments around town.

There's also a lanky, gaunt demon who's passing out flyers for Dante's Diner – seeking employment and mentioning that they've recently acquired beef for actual burgers. They're having their grand opening very soon, so come and see it! It's an old fashioned '50s burger joint in Hellburbia, but rest assured it's got a little bit of everything for the right price!

Isn't the temptation of actual earth food worth a visit?

Other than that, the local barista of Helluvacup is offering hoity toity coffee for all! He's got Bean the coffee rat on a leash with little angel wings, and he's passing out shots of coffee that are decorated with leftover Valentine's candy hearts. The messages on the candies might be a little… unconventional, but hey, it's Hell! U Kill Me is perfectly endearing.

Not everything is fun and games though! Lucifer is still rather concerned with the number of sinners through the portal seems… diminished. But not to worry! They'll figure things out.





Reach Up High

Prompt I: The First Cut is the Hardest

WARNINGS: cutting, blood, torture

Whether you've been here for months or you're freshly arrived, your demonic overlord unfortunately expects some participation despite the current state of things. You can try and shirk the responsibility, of course. You can bargain your way out of it for a while. But eventually, you may find yourself trapped in a room just off the gym that's been fondly dubbed The Torture Room. It has all manner of equipment in there, along with an iron maiden even.

But don't worry about any of that right now. It probably won't be used.

You can try the door, but even with super human strength or every lock picking skill in the book, you won't be able to open it.<

It soon becomes apparent what you're supposed to do when someone else is eventually shoved in with you. Both of your lists of sins will appear on a table that's been placed in the center of the room with two handy knives. You can choose to guard these or not care at all that they're on display.

"Unfortunately, due to Father coming back into the picture, I know that He will demand proper punishment be delivered despite our circumstances going forward. I have chosen a rather easy one, focused on honesty and acceptance of your sins. Please pick up a knife and choose a sin from each of your lists to carve upon your skin. Aid each other in your journey, carve the words to help your fellow penitent be candid with everyone around them!"

The voice rings out within the sinners' heads as it always does, although Lucifer seems agitated at the moment, hesitant in some way that he usually isn't.

"I do apologize for this. If it was up to me, you would be free of this nonsense. However, there will be additional incentive for anyone who should try to resist the task I've appointed them."

It isn't a lie nor an idle threat either. The longer you wait to do what's been requested of you, the more shallow cuts that will appear on both of your bodies. Are you really prepared to endure this pain when giving in would be so much easier?

And more than that, are you willing to let another suffer along with you?

Eventually, the cuts will stop if you suffer them long enough, but you'll have failed this challenge and sustained more damage than if you'd just gone along with it. Satan will also be very disappointed in you.

Prompt II: The Cleansing

With travel between the lands possible now, Lucifer and Lilith ask that all sinners who wish to remove one sin off their list return through the portal to help clean the lake. Lilith will be accompanying them with work on a spell that will remove the curse along the way.

Lilith will ask sinners to go to Mammon's gardens to gather some supplies – berries and flowers, mostly – for a cleansing ritual. Any help will definitely be noted and rewarded!

Follow Me Down

Prompt I: Gluttony At Its Finest

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.


Prompt II: Dream a Little Dream...

WARNINGS: Drug use, potential non-con/dub-con

Travel between lands is being encouraged. There's a portal within the hotel that leads people to Mammon's lands. It's marked as such, so no one will blame you if your curiosity gets the better of you and new and old sinners alike decide to continue exploring a new land.

But be warned, it isn't always obvious what place is what in Mammon's land. They lack a deliberately listed Club Penance sign on the doorways, so even for those individuals just looking for a bar might find themselves in a place that caters to a far different kind of thirst.

Maybe a sinner wandered in out of curiosity, or maybe they were looking for entertainment, or experimental plants, whatever it is, they now find themselves in a questionable position. Demons ask them to try this new set up they have. They promise it is completely safe. You get hooked up to a harmless plant, and the plant will show you and another a dream world you could live in together (they fail to mention the possibility of nightmares sneaking in. It’s okay, it probably won’t happen this time, right?) They might get pushy about it, even grab a partner for the sinner they don’t know, but once they think they have consent, they will push the sinners along through the room they first came into.

The demons will lead the sinners to a backroom with plush pillows, a comfortable couch to lie down on, with low lighting, a comforting scent is in the air, and soothing music plays in the background.

There is a huge plant curled around the entire couch, with a large blood red bloom and vines laden with suckers on them snake around the floor. Again, the demons insist this is safe, and it will even feel good as they coax the sinners into position on the couch, preferably together.

The plant even waits to see if the sinners say what they prefer for where it puts its vines. If the sinner has no preference, the plant wraps the vines around their heads. The demons suggest counting to five. So one, two - most people probably don’t make it to three before they find themselves somewhere else. Vaguely, their mind will try to keep them aware this world they’re currently looking at isn’t real, but for some of them, they might find themselves getting lost in it, almost hooked.

It doesn’t help the vines touching their skin give off a sedative that keeps the sinners compliant and content. It might, on occasion, have an aphrodisiac-like quality to it.The demons also didn’t inform the sinners that the plant is slowly draining energy from them, and it likes all types. Human, demonic, angelic - doesn’t matter. Energy is tasty. The plant just tries to give in return, creating a co-dependent relationship between it and the person(s) it takes energy from.

The dream world can be anything the sinners imagine. A sexy nurse situation, a domestic home life, going to school, flying through space - the only limitation is the mind of the sinners.

Sinners may be a little tired after, but will mostly feel fine. There are rare occasions they might be dizzy or need time to recover after. The worst part, for some, might be the need to jump right back in the make-believe world and get more. Others might also feel a need to cuddle (or more) and feel a connection to the other person they didn’t have before.


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 our March TDM! 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.

This is the first app round of the year. Reserves are currently open, and Apps will open March 1st.

If you have questions, comments, suggestions, etc., go here.





Navigation | Premise | Arrival | FAQ
Rules | Taken | Reserves | Applications
Network | Logs | OOC | Memes

Comments

Questions, comments, suggestions

[penancemods]

NPCs -

[penancemods]

Dreq

[dreq]

[Dreq is in dragon form - large, black with red eyes, and very upset. He's being kept in a cave-like jailcell in Mammon's Land, a metal collar around his neck. He tries to pace the cell, but it's too small, so he's usually curled up in a grouchy circle. If anyone wanted to find out why he's there? He might be huffy about it, but he might talk.]

[He will gladly talk about the why, if anyone wants to ask him why he thought freeing imprisoned animals was a good idea.]

[Or if someone just wants to talk to a talking dragon, well, he's available but uppity and uncomfortable about humans. Demons/demon turning humans or non-humans, however, he will be far more civil with.]

yoon bum // killing stalking

[madeofscars]

--1. reach up high: the first cut is the hardest

[ He hasn't missed this at all. In fact, he thinks, he would much prefer to have stayed in the creepy, fairytale-like lands they've spent the last few months in than end up back in this room. If they had, he wouldn't be here. If they had, he wouldn't have to scramble trying to roll up the list displaying his sins before whoever is in the room with him can read it. ]

[ If they had, maybe Monika would still be here. ]

[ The pain is still fresh. He hasn't slept properly since she disappeared two weeks ago, although it might take someone who actually knows him to tell that the ever-present dark circles under his eyes are more prominent than usual. ]

[ Maybe this is good, he thinks. Maybe a little physical maiming is exactly what he needs to distract himself. ]

[ But while he may be resigned, maybe even a little eager underneath it all to get hurt himself, the visibly shaky grip he has on his own knife definitely suggests that he's not too keen to harm another. He sighs and returns it to the table, though he's still clutching the parchment close to his chest, before finally glancing at whoever is trapped with him. Or at their shoes, more like. ]

Um... do-- do you want to start?..

[ It's less a show of trust, and more that right now he's not too concerned what happens to him. ]


--2. follow me down: dream a little dream

[ He'd been trying to look for the plants that Lilith requested for the cleansing ritual, but once he could not find one particular flower in the gardens, he thought it might be worth a try to check with some herbalist shops around town. ]

[ A mistake, as it turns out, as he ends up ushered into... well, it looks like some kind of a den, with some people and/or demons laid out comfortably on cushions looking high. He tries to leave at first, but the demon trying to peddle him some weird creeping jenny is very insistent, and his own will to stay sober is not particularly strong. What if what they say is true? Maybe he can finally feel some happiness again, even if for an hour or two?.. ]

[ The vines have wrapped around his wrist before he's even had the chance to sit down properly, and by the time the demons find another victim to join him, he's already curled up among the pillows, head drooping low, and looking... barely alive, to be honest. ]


--3. wildcard.

(( Make your own adventure! List of canon-specific content warnings here. ))

Wei Wuxian | The Untamed | OTA

[chenqing_player]

Dreamworld
Dream A: Back to the City
Wei Wuxian normally isn't the kind of person to want someone messing with his dreams. He has enough issues with those since realizing a former life likes to make itself known through them. But he can't help but be curious. Perhaps these dreams will be less terrifying.

He doesn't feel particularly confident in that when he sees what he is going to be sitting next to. The large plant is intimidating and he doesn't necesarily trust what is about to happen. But his curiosity is stronger then his fear so he settles onto the couch. Within seconds he finds himself back home. He looks up at the big city around him. He feels a tightness in his chest as he realizes it is not real but can't help but feel overwhelmed by the sight of it.

"New York City...I have missed you. Have you missed me?"

Dream B: Long time ago
After his first use of the dream plant, he found he couldn't get enough. He had to try it again. Just being home for that brief period of time made his heart feel full. But this time he was not as lucky. This time he found himself in the past he has often found himself dreaming about before.

He lets out a shaky breath, not sure he really wants to continue with this dream. Only bad things ever seem to happen when he is in this place. But perhaps this is a chance he wouldn't normally get. Now he gets to actually feel what it is like beyond just a dream. He feels like he is actually here and maybe this is how he will get some closure.

"As long as zombies don't start chasing me then everything will be fine..."

Wildcard
[Wei Wuxian will be heading back to Penance to check on things so feel free to make your own starter with him at his club or Hellburbia or anything! I'll follow your lead]

Elsa Bloodstone | MCU

[disgracedmemory]

I. Arrival

[The whole ‘worthy of Hell’ speech feels like some kind of repressed memory from one of her crazy family members somewhere along the line of her fucked up family tree. Elsa snorts; rolls her eyes. Yeah, she knows. If the Afterlife exists, she’s definitely not getting into Heaven. Why would she want to, anyway? She’s made her peace with wherever she might end up when she dies. But she doesn’t expect to die just yet.

Although, in fairness, her luck was always going to run out sooner or later, especially after that last gathering for the Bloodstone. She imagines she’s made several fun new enemies out of that particular encounter.

When she opens her eyes, she finds herself in a long, stone corridor, not entirely unlike her family’s tomb. Glancing down when she realizes her hand feels wet, she sees that her hand is bloody.]

The fuck?

[The words come out louder than she means them, but it’s a what the fuck kind of day. It’s after she utters the expression that she realizes her whole body aches, particularly, her head, which seems to weigh as heavy as an anchor with the headache radiating from it. Perfect. Just what she needs.

Moving through the line and eventually receiving her ‘care package,’ Elsa ends up with more questions than answers. Before she can help herself, she starts speaking out loud, uncaring as to who she’s actually speaking with.]

And people are just…fine with all of this? Bullshit.


II. Gluttony At Its Finest

[After they return to Penance, Elsa makes her way straight to the nearest bar, which seems to be in the hotel. She orders a shot of whiskey to start off, figuring she could use a drink or several to take her mind off of…well. Everything, really. She downs the shot easily, the liquid burning smooth down her throat. She relaxes just a bit, her shoulders loosening and her posture sagging into a more comfortable position.

She orders another drink, a rum and coke, this time. Her eye catches on a basket of sweets someone has appeared to leave out; she reaches over and grabs a pastry, eating it quickly enough without. She grabs another a moment later.]

I’ll give Hell this; they have some damn fine drinks and food.

[She says, turning to the person nearest to her over her rum and coke.]


III. Network; un: notthatelsa

Just curious. Does ‘Bloodstone’ mean anything to anyone here?

IV. Wildcard

[If you’d like a different prompt with Elsa, let me know here or PM this journal. I can also be found on plurk at afaeryschild.]

II

[justkeepalive]

[That voice actually, maybe, makes his heart skip a beat. It's one he knows well, if he didn't recognize the scent of her. He can't deny there's excitement, and he can't deny there's not a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach.

And neither stop him from spinning around to look at her properly.]

Elsa!

[He should control himself, but it doesn't quite stop him from rushing towards her, reaching out to touch her arm as if he needs the confirmation she really is here.]

Did you just arrive?

I. Arrival

[meltygiant]

[Look, Ted's totally not fine with any of this, but, well, what is he going to say about it? He's also tried to take on the demons, but it never ends well, and they're actually not very mean. They offer him water, and fish, and are informative.]

[He wasn't expecting that from the demons! It's shocking. He was expecting more hunting, abuse, maybe being locked in a cell somewhere. Not this.]

[Ted isn't able to give her audible words. Even in Hell, he still speaks in grunts. Whatever is that translates languages doesn't help with that. Still, his grunted reply is friendly agreement and a welcome to Hell.]

text; @widow

[deaddrop]

Is that some kind of vampire movie or something?

III

[shit_happens]

Nah, I work with other kinds of crystals...

I mean meth. Not new age stuff. If bloodstone is a thing though I can figure out how to make it and try to hook you up.

[greenpower]

Stand Your Ground

The vibe is that Lucifer and his sinners are getting ready to leave, but Ivy just got here and she's not ready to go anywhere until she's explored Mammon's garden. Under normal circumstances, she'd be very fucking put out about getting sucked into this whole situation, however there was one sure way to divert her from a little well deserved mayhem.

The plants here are amazing.

Really amazing. Like obviously they've been cultivated because fruit and flowers like this didn't come out of nowhere, and the garden isn't in its natural state, but at the same time it feels deeply primeval, absolutely thrumming with a dark green vitality that takes her breath away. She wants to know everything there is to know about it.

She can be found wandering amid the trees and flowers, caressing an apple here and using her abilities to coax open an enormous flower there, her fingers running lovingly over the lush petals.

"Oh, I'm sure you have so much to tell me..." she murmurs, most decidedly not to any sinners, her gaze fixed on the vegetation at hand.


Prompt II: Dream a Little Dream...

Ivy doesn't need to be tricked into visiting the experimental planet. Equal parts intrigued and protective of the vine in question, she walks at a clip when she hears at it, forcing the demon who'd been trying to convince her to follow him to struggle to keep up.

When she sees the dream plant, she rushes to its side the way another person might hurry to a friend in the hospital and touches one of its many tendrils. Lifting the frond, she coos over it in concern.

"Oh, you're so hungry," she says as she takes in the situation. The plant's needs are interesting, but she can't fully focus on that until they're being met. "Don't worry, sweetie, we'll get you sorted out."


Network - @ anacardiaceae

Okay, but seriously, we've all had fun with the whole hell themed whatever-this-is, but I really need to ge back to my girlfriend before she forgets to water, like, all of my plants. If someone could kindly point me to whatever man is behind whatever curtain, I'll just be pulling that back and we can all be out of here in time to get in three episodes of Life After People before calling it a night.

((ooc: At least for now, this is just voice testing to have a little fun. Nothing serious.))

Network; un: notthatelsa

[disgracedmemory]

I've been looking for the Man Behind the Curtain myself, and no luck so far, sadly. Your girlfriend's that bad around plants huh?

Stand Your Ground

[meltygiant]

Covered in mushrooms as he is, Ted tries to blend in Mammon's garden and just be while he's there. It's nice, not being chased by people for a change, but part of him is concerned that will change if he strays from here too often.

He would probably feel more at home by a marsh, but the garden offers solace and works well enough. Somewhere in the backdrop of greens and vibrant flowers and fruits, Ted notices a woman talking to a flower and he's very intrigued. She's green. Friend? Kindred?

There's a soft grunt - so far, the foliage hasn't spoken to him. Never mind he doesn't speak foliage.

II

[divaricate]

“It might not be water or fertilizer the plants want, just, head's up.” Knowing this place, that's for sure not what the plant wants, but Wanda doesn't quite say that outright yet.

“Welcome to hell, I guess?”

Network - @toddball

[shit_happens]

Why, are you part plant? You look kinda green.

Unless that's a filter or my screen's all messed up.

Henry Sturges | Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

[whichisit]

Gen:
1. Henry is somewhat relieved the bar is back, and things are creeping back to what is normal for this place. The bandages are still wrapped around his eyes after their return, but his other senses are more than fine as he sips from his glass listening to the heartbeats and conversations around him. Though they are healing more every day and should be as good as new soon. He sips from his glass and listens to the new arrivals as they enter the bar, some hearts racing in fear and others accepting their fate just as he had.
[in a few days the bandages will be gone, but sunglasses will be firmly in their place, he won't be taking them off for sometime.]

2. Henry sighs with his eyes finally healed; he sees the state that the library is in, and with a shake of his head, he sets to work putting the place back together, organizing the books back on the shelves, polishing the tables and righting the armchairs, and a little metalwork to reinforce the bookshelves.

Follow Me Down:
[Bandaged eyes]
Henry moves into the club, he's lost his sight, and maybe he wants to lose a little of himself tonight. Have a bit of fun; perhaps one of his friends or lovers will lead him away from the more troublesome activities, or they'll want to join him.

He feels the plant's tendrils wrapping around his wrist and up his arm, and a demon leads him away to a comfortable room. He sinks into the pillows, and his mind drifts away; he's back in his blacksmith's shop, nicer and cleaner than it had been in 1500s London, almost like something out of a romance novel or film. He moves over to the anvil. He looks at the hot coals and works on the hot metal before him.

[Unbandaged Eyes]
Henry sits in one of the plush sofas watching the crowd, letting the hookah smoke drift from his mouth, eyes dark as he tracks the crowd, looking for something to have a bit of fun with, someone he could play with or would play with him. He takes a glass of deep red liquid the demon waiter offers him and takes a sip before taking another long drag off the pipe of the hookah.

bandages

[compelledtoprotect]

He hadn't kept up as well as he should with Henry, but that was more for Henry's sake than his own. Steve knew he wasn't actually a good influence on the man. Still, when he ran across Henry in the bar, he did come over to speak. And hissed when he saw the bandages. Steve knew that the guy would be able to sense him as he approached so Steve didn't hesitate, just sat down and touched Henry's shoulder.

"What happened?"

Abraham Lincoln | Abe Lincoln Vampire Hunter

[live_abe_live]

Arrival

The tall man moved through the space silently his feet barely appearing to touch the floor as he moved. To those who take a good look at him, he may seem familiar, but he is determined to make sure no one gets a good look at him before they can clock where they might know him from.

He also doesn't give any of the demons watching the time of day. He's faced down things much more frightening than them and lived...so to speak to tell the tale. He seems to be on a mission as he moves through his new home, but if anyone were to call out to him he might answer depending on the person.


Dream a Little Dream

Abe was simply wandering when he was pulled into the room with the vines. He doesn't resist ever curious as to what Hell has in store for him now. He sinks into the dream world and takes a deep breath in. He can smell the wonderful scent of fresh cut hay and feel the warmth of the sun on his skin. He sighs softly and then realizes his head is in someone's lap and he smiles speaking in a low soft drawl.

"This is perfect isn't it?"

Wildcard

[Come at Abe with someone else if you don't feel inspired by the prompts above. Abe is mix of movie and book canon so just about anything is fair game here.]

HOW DARE I SAW NO LINK

[whichisit]

Henry wonders what trick Hell is about to play as he lies in the sun, the weight of someone's head in his lap. His fingers brushed through the soft hair. Finally, he opens his eyes, the sun doing none of the harm it should.

He lets out a breath, and it almost feels real; he looks at the head in his lap and gives a slow blink, "Abraham," He says, voice barely above a whisper. They had never done this in life or death, but it would be a lie if Henry said he'd never thought about it; he loved the man, as he had loved Virgina and as he had loved Edeva.

Essek Thelyss | Critical Role

[gravity_fissure]

Stand Your Ground

Essek was accustomed to the busy sounds of life, so there was an eager desire to reclaim the suite in the hotel. The frozen outpost had been the most deserted housing he had ever maintain, and even that was speckled with people, with sounds, with the active notions of others; the cottage had lacked a distinct amount of such life aside from himself and his partners.

Which was not to say it was unpleasant; there was a reason their little family was keeping both residences. But he could appreciate seeing people as he passed through the lobby, some familiar faces, some not. And the amenities of the hotel – now more inviting than before – were a pleasurable call.

But there was still work to do, as always.

If one happened upon the library, they would find Essek there, helping in what ways he could with sorting the books (and only partially distracted when he found a good one) or helping to fix some of the broken interiors by whatever magic he had at his disposal. If someone was exceptionally careful while watching him, they may find him wandering the aisles and intently looking for something specific, a room or a place.

But if a library wasn’t one’s normal haunt, they might find him in Caleb’s greenhouse, working on fixing long neglected plants. It would take time and care to bring them back, but Essek, dressed in a sunhat and rose-printed gardening gloves, would be happy to attempt just that.


Dream a Little Dream

Essek stood in the corner of the room, watching the people cocooned in vines. He never wandered down here if he could help it, but as with most things, curiosity got the better of him. The promise of a fake world felt…cheap. Wrong. A lie one tells themselves to make the reality more digestible.

But there were many things here that he couldn’t obtain in any other way.

So he watched for an hour, two, making certain that people could get up and leave after, that it was safe, that it wasn’t another trick of this place that would torture them in some bizarre way. If he could, he would catch some of the people who were released and ask them what they saw, what it felt like during and now after.

Perhaps, with a bit of encouragement, he might even take a seat in it himself.

greenhouse

[compelledtoprotect]

Steve hadn't strictly asked if he could go to Caleb's greenhouse whenever he wanted, but visiting occasionally seemed like it wouldn't be terrible? He didn't do anything but pass by, looking for a light or a shadow, and so far he hadn't seen either. Steve didn't expect anything different, but a moving shadow behind the glass had him pausing. He listened for a minute and it definitely wasn't Caleb. So who was in there?

He approached the door and tapped lightly on the glass, looking inside, "Hello?"

lalo salamanca ⊗ better call saul

[salamanca]

network | un:lalo
¡Hola, sinners! Has anyone spoken to Saul Goodman recently? He was here last time I was, and I need his consultation regarding a legal matter.

[Truthfully, Saul isn't the first person Lalo would choose to seek out right now, if he could pick absolutely anyone from home... but he's the one who's here, as Lalo already knows from checking the device's directory.]

For the rest of you, my name is Lalo. I see some newcomers since I was here last, and some familiar faces too. It's my pleasure to welcome anyone who's new, and I'd be happy to show you around as much as I can.

You know what they say — Hell for the company, right?

reach up high i. | the first cut is the hardest
cw: torture mentions

An easy one? Sure. Right.

Maybe for most people, but for Lalo this feels like it was tailor-made to dredge up memories of Ramsay and the worst thing that happened to him last time he was in Hell. And while that feels small and faraway now compared to the things that happened to him on Earth since, he still doesn't appreciate being forced to remember, or the small but definitely noticeable churn of his stomach.

He's a bit hasty to grab his sin list and roll it up before the other person can see it. He feels no personal guilt or shame about anything on it — well, okay, maybe one or two things on it; mostly, though, he was only doing what he had to do — but purely as a pragmatic move, he'd rather the person he's talking to not see anything on it until he can better gauge what their reaction is likely to be.

He grabs for one of the knives, flipping it up in the air and managing to catch it without injuring himself. He gives his companion a derisive snort and a small smile, paired with a shake of his head, directed at the voice they're both currently hearing in their heads.

"Might as well get this over with, eh? Sooner it's done, the sooner we can leave." He offers out his hand, holding the knife for them to take if they're so inclined. "You wanna go first?"

follow me down | gluttony at its finest (literally)
It's early morning, whatever the equivalent in Hell is of about five-thirty, six a.m.

And something coming from the kitchen smells amazing. There's also the sound of what has to be oil frying, and someone singing happily to himself.

Whether you're too hungover to sleep, an early riser or still awake from the night before, follow the sounds and smells and you'll find Lalo, cooking up a storm.

He'll meet you with a big grin as he flips a white dishtowel over his shoulder. "Morning, sunshine!" he says. "I'm making chilaquiles! Want some?"

wildcard
None of those strike your fancy? I can make up a reason for him to be p. much anywhere, so go nuts and BYOP (Bring Your Own Prompt).

((OOC: Not coming back permanently! This is just for funsies.))

text; un: ramsay bolton

[feedsdogs]

[Ramsay's in hell long enough just for--]

Now that's a quick recovery! [Is it a shame?? Maybe. Although, that means he can introduce Lalo's hands to his knife again, but he'll give him some space.]

Try to take better care of them next time. Only got one to spare before you're entirely handless.

Zerxus Ilerez | EXU: Calamity

[firstknight_of_avalir]

.1 Arrival
Zerxus already looks like he has been through the worst of a demonic transformation when he picks up the scroll, marked with blood and the truth of a life lived. His skin, tinged with red, and large, back-sweeping horns like a ram sprouting from his head, his armor tarnished and dark with the infernal influences and the Mace smoldering in his hand--this is a man who has taken a great burden and must live with the consequences of his actions.

Released from the line, Zerxus steps into the village. It's been years since he has been on the ground--but that's not what this is, is it? It is after the sunrise, and no matter how this might look, he knows he has been taken to the Hells as an unwilling but cooperative champion.

He does wish that he had something to hide this new transformation, though.

In the coming days, Zerxus travels back and forth between the village in Mammon's domain and the hotel in Lucifer's. None of it is familiar, but all of it has the vague sense that this is where he ought to be. There is much to see, and learn, and do in anticipation of what life will be next.


.2 Gluttony at its Finest
Indulgence has never been one of Zerxus's sins. There is a certain temptation to this indulgence, though. It soothes a suffering in him--to be apart from his friends, to have had a hand in the destruction of Avalir, to know that he might never see Evandrin again, except in dreams.

So, this bar is nothing like what he is used to. There's nothing like it in Avalir--was nothing like it. But there are plenty of people, and now that Zerxus has stripped off his armor and laid the Mace to rest in his room, he almost blends in. As much as anyone looking vaguely infernal can blend in anywhere.

A drink. Strange music. It's a distraction, and Zerxus welcomes it.


.3 network; un:ilerez
It seems strange to not know exactly where these messages are going to
Hello?
Who's out there?


.4 Wildcard
[Find Zerxus most places in either Lucifer or Mammon's domains. He comes from the end of EXU:Calamity, a Critical Role short play at the end of the Age of Arcanum. He is still...TECHNICALLY human, but as the Champion of the Father of Lies, he has undergone a slightly demonic transformation.]

gluttony;

[spillthetealeaf]

Tieflings were a rarity in hell. Demons were plentiful, sure. But there were only two tieflings in hell and Molly couldn't control his curiosity as he spied a new face at the bar in hotel penance. Maybe a tiefling, maybe from exandria? He certainly didn't look much like the demons hell liked producing.

Molly slides up next to Zerxus at the bar and steals the drink the bartender was about to put in front of him. "You don't want to drink this," He says, grinning and shoving it back. "Not unless you want to be trying to get up close and personal with the first willing body you can find. The cider around here is special."

Erwin Smith | Attack on Titan | OTA

[grim_altruism]

Follow Me Down
- Gluttony At Its Finest:

The Commander isn't used to relaxing like this! For one, there are never enough supplies going around to allow for such fun and another thing would be the constant worry of a Titan attack. So, when he's ushered off into the bar and handed a drink, his first response is to try and decline the offer. Only, those demons aren't taking no for an answer are they?

Erwin eventually gives in and with a drink in hand makes his way over to the free seat he can see near the bar. "Excuse me if you will, is this seat taken?" Ever polite, the tall, strong-looking blonde gives a charming smile as he awaits the answer. Something coming over him encourages him to finish his drink before plucking another one from the tray of a passing bar-tending imp, something he wouldn't normally do.

- Dream a Little Dream...:

Had he known what he was getting himself into, Erwin might not have gone so willingly into the room with the plant. Call it curiosity? Call it whatever you will, there was nothing to be done about it now. Erwin was in his dream, oblivious that none of this was actually real.

He was in a large castle, much like the ruined ones dotted around his home world. Only, this one was fully functioning including working staff. As he walked the halls of the pristine grounds, his armor clinked and jingled. He was a knight? More importantly, he seemed to be one of the King's guards, a highly respected position indeed!

Looking a little suspicious, Knight Erwin made his way off alone in a side hall, reserved for cleaning staff and stable hands, and as he walked, he seemed to shed most of his heavy, loud armor. Setting his helm and greaves on a chair outside a poorly hidden locked door. Knocking and quietly leaning against the door he called out; " It's me. Open up. I've not long."

Who was inside? What scandal was afoot? Was the person he was meeting lesser in position than the Knight? Could be seen with them cause him to lose his job or worse his head?

[ ooc: feel free to be anyone from his fantasy! A maid, a stable boy, the Prince/Princes, a prisoner, whatever! Erwin's going with the whole Golden Knight who fights for the King but is clearly shagging someone he shouldn't, kinda dream so, have at! ]

Wildcard:

[ ooc: Bring your own prompt! \o/ feel free to hit me up with other prompts I've not made a starter for or something totally random, I'll jump right in and go with your flow! Also down to plot if you drop me a pm or something? ]

Dream a Little Dream~ hope this is ok since they haven't met before

[convalesces]

It's not often that Conrad gets to dream anymore, as his lifeless sleep is typically void of any dreaming whatsoever. But he does have the occasional dream, or nightmare, where he gets to be mortal again. And being involved in someone's medieval LARP fantasy was fine with him, even if it may leave him feeling more than a little flustered when he wakes. He's fully immersed in this dream world where he's able to play the part of a servant with a juicy secret.

As he's waiting for that knock at the door, he paces, feeling just a tad anxious, as he can't neglect his duties for long. But there's also that spark of excitement mixed with anticipation and maybe a little something extra, and in the end, it's always worth the wait. When he hears the rustling on the other side of the door, before Erwin even finishes speaking, Conrad's working the lock and he carefully eases the door open to usher him inside. "I was getting worried you weren't going to make it," he murmurs in a hushed voice as he secures the door once again. And there's a brief pause before he adds, "I'd hate to miss you."

Mollymauk Tealeaf | Critical Role

[spillthetealeaf]

the cleansing

[ It's a relatively small ask, gathering flowers and berries from Mammon's gardens for whatever spell it is that Lilith wants to cast over the lake. It always pays to have one of the people in charge on your side so Molly doesn't mind the work.

He can be found in Mammon's gardens, picking his way through bushes and flower beds with a basket over his arm. It might be an idyllic image if not for the fact that he's definitely been snitching berries ever since he figured that they're not poisonous.

If he's caught he'll grin at whoever sees him popping a berry in his mouth. ]

Look, if I'm going to scratch my hands up on these bushes I can take a cut.


gluttony at its finest

[ Molly certainly missed certain amenities when they were over in Mammon's domain and the bar was certainly one of them. The taverns in the town were good but they didn't have anything on the selection of the hotel's bar. Molly is perched on a stool at the bar, clearly making the bar tender's life more than a little difficult as he looks at the options available to him. ]

No, no, I don't have a specific drink in mind. I want you to dazzle me. What's something you make when you want to impress someone?


wildcard;

[ If neither of these appeal feel free to hit me up with something else entirely! Feel free to send me a PM if you have ideas you want to talk about. ]

Conrad Achenleck | Hanna Is Not A Boy's Name | OTA 🦇

[convalesces]

Reach Up High — The Hardest Cut~
(( cw: blood, torture, etc. ))

- This isn't the first time Conrad has found himself trapped in the old torture room, but he's never been forced to engage in a sin carving session before. Well, in the grand scheme of things that's not so bad, at least compared to some of the things he's done. It's still insane and awful, but... Yeah.

As quickly as he can, he snatches up his sin list and holds it to his chest in a rather awkward way. The sins he's accused of might give the impression that he's some kind of sick creep... And while a couple of them are kinda accurate, he doesn't want to come off as a monster. Even if he technically is one.

"So we get to pick, great... " he grumbles, primarily talking to himself. He chews at his lower lip out of nervousness as he carefully regards the other occupant in the torture chamber. Conrad pretty much always tends to look stressed out and uptight and he looks doubly so at the moment. This may not be close to the worst thing he's ever had to do in this hell, but still, he knows it certainly won't be easy. No, it'll definitely still be horrible and he can feel his stomach churning already.

Follow Me Down — In Dreamland~

- Being ensnared by weird dream plants isn't exactly the sort of thing Conrad would typically volunteer to do. But before he even really knows what he's being talked into, he finds himself swaddled by a vine and spooned by... someone or something, he can't really care as he drifts off into a blissful slumber.

Suddenly, he's home. Or, well, he thinks it's home. Sort of. He's somewhat aware that it's all a dream, but as he becomes totally immersed in this dream world he'll sort of lose track of reality and forget that it's not really real.

He finds himself standing in the sun as it hangs low in the sky, a paper coffee cup in hand. It's a pleasant evening in the city and the atmosphere is bright and warm. He recognizes his own neighborhood well enough, it's just... He's seeing it from a strange vantage point. He's not on the ground, he's up on a ledge of a building several stories high. Normally he'd be paralyzed with crippling fear, as he can't stand heights, but... He's surprisingly okay with all this.

"It's a nice view, huh?" he asks his dream companion and takes a slow sip of his coffee. "I can see my condo from here."

Wildcard — (( Please feel free to tweak any of the prompts or come up with something else / you can reach me @ TheRusty! ))

Follow Me Down - forward dated to when Setsuna is no longer a swan

[failed_antichrist]

It should be a dream world, where Setsuna can be solely human again if he wishes, but he's still there with his wings on display, along with the other four. All six on display, helping to keep his balance.

He smiles softly. "It is a nice view. You wanna go there? Your condo? I can take you."

Spider-Man/Peter Parker | Marvel 616

[the_amazing]

Stand Your Ground

The past month was a blur. Peter couldn't really tell you anything that happened or what he did, and it worries him that he's been in Hell so long that his memories might be fading. In any case, it's time to go back to the hotel, which he figures might help him with his temporary time displacement.

The diner is a well-received diversion. The neon signs are comfortingly like home, and the vinyl booths squeak just right when you push on them. Peter can be found exploring the soon-to-be opened space, staring just a little too long at the "Now Hiring" sign.

Dream a Little Dream

He's no botanist, but Peter is interested in inspecting the plant all the same. It's not the same as the one that caught him and used him a few months ago, which is a relief, and sitting down next to it doesn't give him a warning buzz or any bad vibes.

He loses himself in the dream world for a while, and it takes him home. He's surrounded by friends, beating up his usual rogues with ease, and settling in to a loving home every night. It's better than Hellburbia, because he's aware it isn't real, and it's not creating a reality for him, but showing him the one he's always known.

Others can be there when he wakes up, disoriented and a little blue, and they can commiserate.

Welcome Back

[I'm off hiatus! If there's anything else outside the prompts that you want to do, let me know!]

Dream a Little Dream - forward dated to after she's no longer a swan

[starlingroad]

The plant showed America her home, her original home, with her mothers. To wake up and find herself back in Hell? She's more angry about it than anything, but doesn't blame the plant. It's not its fault she wondered in here, that she satiated curiosity.

When she sees Peter, she asks, "Not easy, is it?"

Father Johan; Island

[benjullae]

reach up high; the first cut is the hardest

[ Johan steadfastly keeps his eyes off of the paper on the table, fingers curled into fists at his sides as he listens to Lucifer's voice and his orders, making it sound like he's oh so sorry about it; it only makes Johan's jaw clench. If he knew it wasn't completely pointless, he'd try to rip the door from its hinges, ruin his own hands in the process, but.

It's pointless.

Just like he does every time he wakes, Johan throws a look up, the stained ceiling looking back at him as he sends a thought towards God. He never asks why, because the list of sins sitting right in front of him details the reasons enough, but for all the repentance he's done through his life, for all the suffering he's gone through, He still didn't protect Johan from this fate.

Figures.

Shaking himself with an audible breath, Johan steps closer to the table, glancing at his companion's list of sins briefly as he grabs one of the knives, twirling the blade in his fingers. ]

While I really wish we didn't have to do this, I think the only way for us both to get out of this room as quickly as possible is to just comply.

[ He'll obviously spend more time later repenting for yet more sins, willingly bringing harm to someone else. But it's that or watching them suffer, and suffer himself. There is no easy way out, as usual.

He sounds, and looks, quite devastated when he speaks next: ]

Maybe if you pick a short one?

-----

follow me down; dream a little dream

[ Accepting the offer to be shown a better world he could live in is not something Johan expected himself to do, but as the demons talked and talked, he found himself so utterly tired, all the way down to his bones, and suddenly, it didn't feel like such a bad idea. He could experience a life he never had, one in which Chanhee was still alive, even.

The thing is, Johan doesn't want to add to his list of sins, but he was also abandoned by his God, long before he even ended up in Penance, and the more he tries to stay righteous, the less he's being rewarded for it. Maybe he can allow himself a little dream.

Which is how he ends up hooked up to the plant, vines wrapped tightly around his arms, and the room in front of him blinks out before he's done saying the number three. He squints against a bright sunlight, raising an arm to shield his eyes as he tries to take in his surroundings. A beach, breeze going through his hair, bare toes digging in the sand. He's wearing a wetsuit, and there's a surfboard planted in the sand by his side. There's a plain gold band on his ring finger, and it surprisingly doesn't make his heart stop. This is a dream; he can be whoever he wants, in a dream.

Behind him, a small house on stilts. Nothing else, for what seems like miles.

Someone appears at the doorway of the cabin; his dream companion. Johan smiles, unzipping the top of his wetsuit and shaking his hair from seawater as he jogs towards the house. ]

Please tell me there's food and hot water in this house!

-----

wildcard

hmu with anything!

{apologies for any rustiness, I haven't rped in a long, long time!}

reach up high; the first cut is the hardest; lmk if this is too awkward?

[failed_antichrist]

[Having been raised Catholic, even with everything Setsuna went through after finding out he was a reincarnated angel, this still makes him extremely uncomfortable. He stares at Johan, even as he speaks, then nods his head.]

[The feathered wings on his back fluff up.]

Uh. Yeah. You're right. [He rubs the nape of his neck.] If you take too long you'll just start getting cut anyway, and it'll go on for ages before the room lets you go.

Shortest? [Setsuna gives a sheepish, uncomfortable smile.] Deicide.