Penance Mods (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
penancemods) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
penancememes2023-04-24 05:44 am
penancemods) wrote in penancememes2023-04-24 05:44 am
TEST DRIVE MEME #45
Arrival
"Judgement has come upon you. God has deemed you worthy of Hell. But don't worry, it can still be undone," comes a soothing voice that echoes all around you. The voice promises comfort, hope even.
It may seem like a nightmare at first, despite all of that. Full of hellfire nipping at your skin and a sensation of being pulled down no matter how much you struggle or cry for help. Wretched, unseen hands pull at you, grip tight at your body, tighten on your throat, skeletal fingers grab at your face, slide in your mouth and jab at your eyes as they struggle for purchase. It feels like for a moment, they may snap your neck as they tug and pull. The more you resist, the more phantom hands are added to your struggling body.
It feels like they could tear you apart if you let them. The only thing to do is to let go and stop fighting.
And so you do.
Darkness and nothingness consumes you for a second, And it seems to linger for a long time. There is nothing at all. It must be lonely. But it won’t be forever.
Initially, everyone opens their eyes to a long, dark corridor made of stone. They find themselves in what appears to be a long queue with other sinners, palm bloody.
Characters find their bodies feel heavy and stiff, bruised with odd hand prints here and there that they received during their journey down below. A massive headache throbs behind their temples. They are urged forward to take a numbered ticket and wait their turn in the long line. As they're ushered forward through the corridor, their first stop will be to see Lilith, standing outside her office.
The woman in a smart suit and a friendly smile steps forward to greet sinners one by one. "I'm sorry for your rough landing. We've never gotten it quite as smooth as it was in the past. Please, let me see your hand--"
Once she has the sinner's hand, there's the warm, almost electric touch of magic that soothes away the aches and pains, heals the wound left behind on each sinner's palm. Lilith looks satisfied with her work and gives a nod. "There, all better. Please take your care package and continue on until you reach the stairs."
On their way out, sinners receive their 'package', a contract detailing all sins committed. If they look at the list closely enough they'll notice it's written with their blood. That explains the palm wound then. It's an old piece of parchment despite the freshly written letters upon it. They will also receive a slightly more modern smart phone. Think early generation Android and a pamphlet made by other sinners during their stay here with useful tips.
After that, sinners will be ushered on to a set of stairs where a guard waits. "Welcome to Penance," the demon says gruffly before motioning them on without an ounce of courtesy. "Don't hold up the line."
They seem to go on and wind forever, but eventually, they come upon what appears to be a lobby of a hotel. Once there, they will notice several shops and other areas around the front desk.
The demon at the front desk looks rather bored, but when sinners approach? He seems to snap to attention to offer whatever help they might need of him. He will at least direct to food or rooms to rest their wary bodies, or recommend sights to see around the hotel.
Stand Your Ground
It may seem like a nightmare at first, despite all of that. Full of hellfire nipping at your skin and a sensation of being pulled down no matter how much you struggle or cry for help. Wretched, unseen hands pull at you, grip tight at your body, tighten on your throat, skeletal fingers grab at your face, slide in your mouth and jab at your eyes as they struggle for purchase. It feels like for a moment, they may snap your neck as they tug and pull. The more you resist, the more phantom hands are added to your struggling body.
It feels like they could tear you apart if you let them. The only thing to do is to let go and stop fighting.
And so you do.
Darkness and nothingness consumes you for a second, And it seems to linger for a long time. There is nothing at all. It must be lonely. But it won’t be forever.
Initially, everyone opens their eyes to a long, dark corridor made of stone. They find themselves in what appears to be a long queue with other sinners, palm bloody.
Characters find their bodies feel heavy and stiff, bruised with odd hand prints here and there that they received during their journey down below. A massive headache throbs behind their temples. They are urged forward to take a numbered ticket and wait their turn in the long line. As they're ushered forward through the corridor, their first stop will be to see Lilith, standing outside her office.
The woman in a smart suit and a friendly smile steps forward to greet sinners one by one. "I'm sorry for your rough landing. We've never gotten it quite as smooth as it was in the past. Please, let me see your hand--"
Once she has the sinner's hand, there's the warm, almost electric touch of magic that soothes away the aches and pains, heals the wound left behind on each sinner's palm. Lilith looks satisfied with her work and gives a nod. "There, all better. Please take your care package and continue on until you reach the stairs."
On their way out, sinners receive their 'package', a contract detailing all sins committed. If they look at the list closely enough they'll notice it's written with their blood. That explains the palm wound then. It's an old piece of parchment despite the freshly written letters upon it. They will also receive a slightly more modern smart phone. Think early generation Android and a pamphlet made by other sinners during their stay here with useful tips.
After that, sinners will be ushered on to a set of stairs where a guard waits. "Welcome to Penance," the demon says gruffly before motioning them on without an ounce of courtesy. "Don't hold up the line."
They seem to go on and wind forever, but eventually, they come upon what appears to be a lobby of a hotel. Once there, they will notice several shops and other areas around the front desk.
The demon at the front desk looks rather bored, but when sinners approach? He seems to snap to attention to offer whatever help they might need of him. He will at least direct to food or rooms to rest their wary bodies, or recommend sights to see around the hotel.
Stand Your Ground
Since Emmanuel managed to get a message through to sinners, the earthquakes have not stopped. While the weather itself seems stable and pleasant, and the structures of Penance are holding steady, the ground repeatedly rumbles. Sinners may wake in the night to the hotel shaking violently, or be in the middle of showers or other errands around the hotel when one of these ill-timed earthquakes strikes. The staff assures sinners that Penance is strong enough to withstand whatever is happening out there, but everyone is visbly tense and worried.
Murmurs among the demons indicate they think this is God's wrath.
In an attempt to keep others focused while Lucifer works hard to locate his younger brother, the demons are requesting that sinners help clean up any messes made by the violent earthquakes, as well as working on the network that is still down. Occasionally, there are flashes from what looks like Lucifer Island or ancient posts from long ago. Some may even notice some of the local demons in their much younger years popping up in old video posts before promptly fading again.
When not working on the network or cleaning up, sinners will be treated to free coffee from Helluvacup with experimental properties. It has a strong, unusual taste to it, but the coffee seems to inspire relaxation and eases anxiety. This may be to the point of sloth-like behavior.
Reach Up High
As usual, sinners find themselves dragged forcibly to a small room.
"I simply don't care," comes Lucifer's voice, ringing through sinners' ears as it usually does during punishments. "What father may want. He has crossed many lines and I have tried to abide by his rules, but-- something is terribly wrong. So don't worry, darling. We're not playing His usual games. I'm not teaching His lessons or assuring you of any sort of forgiveness if you do the song and dance I dictate."
His voice is stern, lacking the usual humor or charisma, but at least sinners may rest assured that there will be no carving or nail pulling or acid baths to dunk any unfortunate appendages in. Small mercies, isn't it?
"What I will ask you to do, for one sin removed from your list? Share with your partner a desire for when you are free to leave here... because we are leaving here, my dear guests, that I do promise you. So I ask for you to have hope for the future, that it will be bright, regardless of what darkness may lay ahead of us. I make no promises of it being easy or painless, but I promised that I would see you to freedom and I will do it. I simply ask that you lend whatever faith you have left to me by doing this one simple task."
Follow Me Down
Prompt I: Gluttony At Its FinestWARNINGS: 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: It's the End of the World As We Know ItWARNINGS: Drug use, potential non-con/dub-con
Club Penance, as per usual, is trying to carry on despite everything. The club theme for this month is quite... apocalyptic themed. Appropriately, leather attire is the preferred look, and plenty of straps and buckles. Upon entering, demons will be all too eager to help sinners pick out an outfit that suits them! The theme is enforced, so good luck getting around it! Other than that, there's heavy music playing in the air, and thick aphrodisiacs in the air as usual. End of the world is being taken quite seriously! Drugs are flowing free as liquor and everyone is overindulging.
If you OD, so what? God is already punishing everybody anyway, and you'll just come back.
There's something in the air that will make sinners distinctly want to let go and not care about a tomorrow that may or may not come. Debauchery abounds with public displays of lust and pleasure. Whips and chains and humanoid pets crawl by their masters. Some seem inclined to fall into the overlord role a little too well, that's all...
For those who are faint of heart, there is also the option of going into a room where paint is available. It's perfectly body safe and edible, but this room does require everyone to strip down to nothing and have a little fun. The paints are laced with thick aphrodisiacs and each color seems to inspire a different sort of emotion. Red inspires passion, orange will cause a hunger and need to take things that belong to another, green jealousy, blue tenderness, yellow adventure, purple will cause someone to want a little impact play, or knife play in their lives, black roughness, white serenity.
And for those wishing to add a little paint to their apocalyptic outfits, they can find these paints in face paint form. The effects might mix with the energy and influence of the club.
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 April 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.
If you have questions, comments, suggestions, etc., go here.
Navigation | Premise | Arrival | FAQ
Rules | Taken | Reserves | Applications
Network | Logs | OOC | Memes
Murmurs among the demons indicate they think this is God's wrath.
In an attempt to keep others focused while Lucifer works hard to locate his younger brother, the demons are requesting that sinners help clean up any messes made by the violent earthquakes, as well as working on the network that is still down. Occasionally, there are flashes from what looks like Lucifer Island or ancient posts from long ago. Some may even notice some of the local demons in their much younger years popping up in old video posts before promptly fading again.
When not working on the network or cleaning up, sinners will be treated to free coffee from Helluvacup with experimental properties. It has a strong, unusual taste to it, but the coffee seems to inspire relaxation and eases anxiety. This may be to the point of sloth-like behavior.
Reach Up High
As usual, sinners find themselves dragged forcibly to a small room.
"I simply don't care," comes Lucifer's voice, ringing through sinners' ears as it usually does during punishments. "What father may want. He has crossed many lines and I have tried to abide by his rules, but-- something is terribly wrong. So don't worry, darling. We're not playing His usual games. I'm not teaching His lessons or assuring you of any sort of forgiveness if you do the song and dance I dictate."
His voice is stern, lacking the usual humor or charisma, but at least sinners may rest assured that there will be no carving or nail pulling or acid baths to dunk any unfortunate appendages in. Small mercies, isn't it?
"What I will ask you to do, for one sin removed from your list? Share with your partner a desire for when you are free to leave here... because we are leaving here, my dear guests, that I do promise you. So I ask for you to have hope for the future, that it will be bright, regardless of what darkness may lay ahead of us. I make no promises of it being easy or painless, but I promised that I would see you to freedom and I will do it. I simply ask that you lend whatever faith you have left to me by doing this one simple task."
Follow Me Down
Prompt I: Gluttony At Its FinestWARNINGS: 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: It's the End of the World As We Know ItWARNINGS: Drug use, potential non-con/dub-con
Club Penance, as per usual, is trying to carry on despite everything. The club theme for this month is quite... apocalyptic themed. Appropriately, leather attire is the preferred look, and plenty of straps and buckles. Upon entering, demons will be all too eager to help sinners pick out an outfit that suits them! The theme is enforced, so good luck getting around it! Other than that, there's heavy music playing in the air, and thick aphrodisiacs in the air as usual. End of the world is being taken quite seriously! Drugs are flowing free as liquor and everyone is overindulging.
If you OD, so what? God is already punishing everybody anyway, and you'll just come back.
There's something in the air that will make sinners distinctly want to let go and not care about a tomorrow that may or may not come. Debauchery abounds with public displays of lust and pleasure. Whips and chains and humanoid pets crawl by their masters. Some seem inclined to fall into the overlord role a little too well, that's all...
For those who are faint of heart, there is also the option of going into a room where paint is available. It's perfectly body safe and edible, but this room does require everyone to strip down to nothing and have a little fun. The paints are laced with thick aphrodisiacs and each color seems to inspire a different sort of emotion. Red inspires passion, orange will cause a hunger and need to take things that belong to another, green jealousy, blue tenderness, yellow adventure, purple will cause someone to want a little impact play, or knife play in their lives, black roughness, white serenity.
And for those wishing to add a little paint to their apocalyptic outfits, they can find these paints in face paint form. The effects might mix with the energy and influence of the club.
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 April 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.
If you have questions, comments, suggestions, etc., go here.
Rules | Taken | Reserves | Applications
Network | Logs | OOC | Memes
Erwin Smith | Attack on Titan | OTA
Be it in the lobby, the hotel or just around the more easily accessible and 'popular' places, Erwin always tries to welcome in any newcomers at least once a month. This is partly because he wishes to be a beacon of hope to those who may believe that arriving here means all hope is lost. That and well, a little selfish part of himself both wants to see a familiar face just as much as he doesn't (if that makes sense.)
"Ah, welcome, welcome, please there's no need to fear. My name is Erwin Smith and I'd like to help you acclimatize to being down here. Come, let us get you something to eat and drink, you're probably in need of debriefing."
Reach Up High
The thought of going home was troubling for the Commander. He knew the circumstances of how he ended up down here, knew there was nothing left for him back on the surface- Well, he should say nothing exactly but the point is that his time was well and truly up. There was nothing he would have changed (or could have changed) if he were to be returned tomorrow.
With that said, Erwin still had dreams, still had hopes and there were things and people he wanted to do and see.
So that's what he could be found doing now. Sitting out on a bench under a tree, leaning down slightly with elbows pressed into his thighs, fingers linked together making a little bridge with his hands for his chin to rest on. Pondering about his hopes and dreams as altruistic as they were.
"I see you there. It's alright. You're not disturbing me. You may approach."
Follow Me Down: Gluttony At Its Finest;
Never let it be said that Commander Erwin Smith doesn't know how to let his hair down. Actually, no, scrap that, he still looks prim and proper as he sits there holding a terrible hand and yet the face of something on a winning streak. Listen, being able to bluff is a true quality of a leader where Erwin is from, he just hopes he can keep it up a little longer... Long enough so that he can win and excuse himself from the table before having to remove any clothing.
Later, the Commander could be seen propping up a rather quiet corner of the bar. A glass of some strong spirit in hand as he watches those brave enough to take to the stage for a song. Smiling into his glass, absorbing the atmosphere.
With a kind smile and a nod, Ewrin raised his glass in your direction before telling the demon behind the bar that the rest of your drinks for the night are on him. He doesn't mind doing more than his fair share of chores if it means others get to have a good time.
"All these drinks are going to cost me. Perhaps I'll have to recruit someone to lend me a hand while I work them off later..."
Follow Me Down: It's the End of the World As We Know It;
Originally, Erwin had come to the club simply to make sure everything was above board (or well, as above board as things could be in Hell.) He knew what this place was like and simply wanted to be there to help those who might be in over their heads out. Funny how that's exactly the situation he's gone and gotten himself into after a few over-helpful Demons get to work on stripping the Commander down and ushering him into the club proper.
Seeing as he put up a tremendous fuss, the demons seemed satisfied with letting Erwin remain in most of his uniform. Swapping out the undershirt and tight white trousers for a cropped, skin-tight vest and the shorts that left nothing to the imagination. You best believe he was tugging the wraps and straps of his usual buckles and belts around his groin, trying to make sure he was at least semi-decent.
"This is ridiculous. There was nothing at all wrong with what I was donned in prior to entry. Honestly."
Wildcard/Misc:
[ ooc: Feel free to hit Erwin up with your own starters! Current cr or new cr are both very welcomed for this! Also, if you want to plot something just drop me a pm! ]
reach up high, sort of, mentions of injuries
At least, apparently, it did something right because he can move it again, even if it hurts and he still needs a crutch to actually walk, and the demonic doctor merrily tells him to come back about his hand and eye at a later time, to which he gives them his remaining middle finger and leaves.
It takes a while to process the surroundings. He's still not convinced it's not an elaborate hallucination of some sort, but then, he might have been dying. He thinks he might have died. People didn't just randomly see their dead friends out of thin air, did they? But still... On one hand, he's not surprised, on another, he can't say that he outright expected to land in Hell, either. It made sense, though. Thirty years in the dark outweighed a few years as hero of humanity, especially when that too wasn't exactly... clean, so to speak.
He makes his way outside -- reddish sky, dried up, nightmarish landscape further out, not particularly dissimilar from the hell he's been through mere hours ago. Maybe he's still there. Maybe his mind is --
He sees the person on the bench further ahead and something turns over in him.
Erwin.
He's dead.
It can't be. Can it?
Maybe they're both dead. Maybe they somehow, against all odds, ended up in the same place afterwards. Maybe he's just making all of this shit up, because of course he'd be there in that case. Levi had been talking to him a lot during that final battle, hasn't he? Maybe that's how--
Two arms, not one. That's wrong, isn't it? Maybe it's the effect of this place. Maybe everything got messed up with the Paths and he's in some odd timeline where things didn't end up the way they did. He seems deep in thought, he must've not recognized Levi out of the corner of his eye yet, not that Levi's sure he'd recognize himself at the moment, all bandaged up and looking half-dead for all intents and purposes.
Doesn't matter. Doesn't even matter if it's real or not. What matters is that Erwin is there, right there within reach, and maybe Levi can talk to him one more time.
He hesitates for a moment, then limps closer, gradually faster, the tip of the crutch clicking against the stony pavement. He's spent almost four years thinking of how to apologize to the man in front of him if they ever did meet like this, but now... now he doesn't have to anymore. He did it. He finally did it, he --
"I killed him," he announces, stopping right in front of the other man. He'd take a knee again, but his legs don't work like that, not at the moment, so he's just hunched there awkwardly on his crutch, fighting the urge to reach out, rest a hand against his arm, anything. He doesn't, but there's just a hint of urgency in his normally mellow tone, as if it's something he's been holding on for years. (He has. It almost killed him -- maybe it did).
He doesn't even know if Erwin has any idea what he's talking about, if he remembers Shiganshina, his final order, if he understands how important it is for Levi to be able to say these words, especially say these words to him, but he has to, he has to get this burning thing out of him. Please. Please say that he did his duty. Something. Please confirm that this weight is finally gone for real, before something breaks.
"Just as I promised. I killed the Beast."