penancemods: (Default)
Penance Mods ([personal profile] penancemods) wrote in [community profile] penancememes2023-02-23 11:43 pm
Entry tags:

TEST DRIVE MEME #43


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



Post a comment in response:

This account has disabled anonymous posting.
If you don't have an account you can create one now.
HTML doesn't work in the subject.
More info about formatting