TEST DRIVE MEME #4

[penancemods]

ARRIVAL

You remember a dream.

Or maybe nightmare is more accurate.

It was full of hellfire nipping at your skin and a sensation of being pulled down no matter how much you struggle or cry for help. There's a voice that feels like it's coming from all around you at once. Contrasting with the nightmare unfolding around you, it's smooth as silk. It makes you want to listen with every bit of attention you can muster in the moment.

"Judgement has come upon you, but not to worry. It can still be undone."

The voice promises you redemption for your sins. It promises you a better life and everything you could ever want, if only you just stop struggling so much.

And so you do.


Everyone wakes up in the same room initially. The room is done up in red with a cushy bed, a window, an old TV in the corner on a desk, and a few Hieronymus Bosch paintings lining the wall. There's a bathroom to clean up in and any belongings will be sat around the room to be gathered later. There's a duffel bag provided for your convenience.

After feeling a sensation of falling or dropping onto the bed, characters wake up feeling like they've just slept for a week. Their body will feel heavy and stiff, they'll have a massive headache at first.

They'll quickly notice the list of their sins written with their blood on a bedside table on an old piece of parchment. This will mean the list is tied to them and can't be changed or tampered with. They'll also receive their device to connect with others and the network. It won't be anything terribly fancy. As a matter of fact, it looks like a very old Blackberry type phone.

Once characters are ready to leave the room, they'll head down long, winding halls. They're dimly lit and ominous feeling. They may encounter fellow sinners or demonic staff that will direct the newcomer down to the lobby to get their actual room key to settle in. They may be pushy, they may border on courteous. It really just depends on the mood of the staff at the time and how they're treated in return. Eventually, everyone comes to stairs that lead downward.



Once down to the lobby, you'll notice the front desk manned by a demon who looks bored out of its mind. To the side of him is the door to the kitchen where guests may help themselves. To the right is a small duty free shop that seems to have a surprisingly normal, expected stock of items. Look around a bit further, there will be a tiny bar tucked in through a corner door. It seems pretty well-stocked and best of all, self-serve if you want to get away from your demonic hosts for a bit. Of course there's some seating, bar games, and a jukebox tucked in the corner if you'd rather stay and socialize a bit.

Please note that all the songs on the jukebox are appropriately hell-themed. Hopefully Sympathy for the Devil is universally loved.

STAND YOUR GROUND

Prompt I

It seems like not long after everyone has either returned from the maze or arrived fresh to hell that the storms started yet again. A bit more sporadically and not the constant downpour of the previous month, but it's still blood and fire raining from the skies, along with claps of thunder and lightning strikes that seem far too close for comfort. Fortunately, there's not as much flooding this time. Unfortunately, a particularly loud clap of thunder and lightning that strikes close to the hotel seems to leave it and surrounding establishments in the dark. Quickly, the hotel becomes a cold place, urging all guests to to move to the lobby for some warmth.

A roaring fire will be going and there will be hot drinks and snacks kindly provided by the staff while they try to work on correcting the problem.

Eventually, some rather panicked goblin-like demons come rushing up from the basement. They're half-singed and dirty looking from their adventure, so it doesn't seem to bode well for the power returning any time soon. Guests who listen closely will hear the demons apologizing profusely for 'letting them escape' and much more worrisome than that, about how it looks like there might have been some tampering going on down there. The staff is quick to tell the demons to hush and go, not to worry the guests or let word get back to Lucifer.

Once that whole scene is squared away, the staff will be urging guests to volunteer and pushing them into a drafty, creepy basement with nothing but candles and flashlights to lead the way.

It's okay, they reassure, it's not that bad down there! The lights provided all seem to flicker dangerously though, almost completely going out at times, as you descend creaky stairs to a lower level. Apparently the demons are tired of risking their hide to get the power back on, but they're quite happy to risk all the guests'.

The basement is slightly flooded in some areas, bloody rain making its way through cracks in the foundation. It reeks of dampness and mold. There are things that skitter in the corner of your eye as you venture in further. Rats, bugs, and a few smaller beasts.

No one will be given more to go on than they're looking for a breaker box to reset, and hopefully, that'll get everything back up and running again. Unfortunately, there are so many twists and turns that it gets confusing after a while... How come the basement looks much bigger than it has any right to be anyway?

The basement is also jam packed with boxes just begging to be gone through. Most of them just seem to house an odd amount of clothing and what may be personal items left from previous guests, others hold decidedly more satanic and occult items. But if there's anything you're looking for in particular, from jewelry to a coat to a rad new walkman, you'll probably find it down here.

Keep going and you'll come across a room with a heavy steel door. If anyone should venture inside, they'll see a dungeon inside. There are demons chained to the walls in various ways, strung from the ceiling, or caged up that seem to be wasting away and forgotten. If they notice you, they'll try to plead with you to let them out, bribing you with information on Lucifer that no one else knows, but it's probably for the best you don't. There seem to be a few free spaces waiting for new additions after all... and besides, they've got to be locked down there for a reason, right?

Let them go against all better judgement and they'll most likely just rattle something off while they take off running as quick as they can.

Listen closely enough and you might hear tortured screams as they're presumably killed upon reaching the main floor of the lobby. It was probably inevitably, so don't blame yourself.

Anyway, moving on you keep going past the dungeon, and you'll finally find the room with the furnace and breakers to reset. It shouldn't take long to flip them back, but they'll continue to trip on and off for a while and may require multiple groups to make a return trek down to reset them until the demons finally correct the issues with the wiring that is causing these outages.

Speaking of issues with the wiring and what may have caused them... Hang around the bar or lobby enough, or around any area of the community, and you may hear muttering of something called The Veiled Order from beyond the gates. Some of the demons seem excited, others seem nervous. If asked, the demons may brush guests off. If drunk enough or given proper incentive, they may tell a story about a group of rebellious demons that Lucifer tried to cast out. They were damned to live in the burnt forests outside the gates, but sometimes, they still cause trouble.

Apparently, they thought they could be better rulers than Lucifer and were quite discontent with how he maintains Hell.

Some may say they're worried the Order is causing mischief by messing with the hotel, having had ample opportunity to sneak back within the gates. Others will laugh heartily and insist that it's a dumb tale to scare young demons, nothing more. Certainly nothing to worry about.

Another thing guests may overhear or bribe out of demons around the bar or club is talk about the call of infernal nightmares. If pressed for more info, the demons won't give much beyond the fact that it's a miserable thing, entirely miserable.

Prompt II

Apparently what the goblin-like demons accidentally set free are strange demons that possess fungi, dust, and dirt. They don't seem to quite be from this world, but they're called Coal Tars apparently. They're harmless creatures for the most part, but they do have a love of following around people with dark or sinister natures.

The staff will be offering a reward of a gourmet dinner of the guest's choice if anyone around the hotel will help to capture these little pests and bring them to the front desk. Afterwards, they'll be returned to the basement and locked away again.

Otherwise, people are free to ignore them or laugh at the people who can't seem to shake the little creatures following them around.

Careful though, breathing them in can make your lungs rot. Nasty way to go probably.

REACH UP HIGH

Prompt I
Warnings: cutting, blood, torture.

Whether you've been here for months or you're freshly arrived, your demonic overlord expects some participation. 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 soon enough 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.

"Know that honesty is a good place to start on your road to redemption. Sure, it can be terrifying at first, but that's why you've been given a partner in this journey. Pick up your knives and carve at least one sin into each other's flesh. Help in the journey to be candid with everyone you should meet here!"

The voice echoes all around you again, just like in the nightmare, and once again there's the pull to give in. This voice really does seem like it has your best interests at heart.

"If you need a bit of encouragement, we'll be giving it shortly."

It isn't a lie or 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

"A generous nature is an important part of being a righteous person. Greed is a sin my Father frowns on quite a bit. What I ask you to do today is to go out and find a gift for that special someone or friend of yours and give them something to smile over."

With the items available in the basement and the shop in the hotel carrying a few new items, Lucifer would like to spread the good will of gift giving. It doesn't matter if you're not well acquainted with each other yet. You don't need to be! Anyone can spread cheer by giving a gift.

And if you don't, expect to be in excruciating pain for a few hours, and struggling for a breath. If you can't share a gift, then you don't deserve to share all that oxygen, do you?


FOLLOW ME DOWN

Prompt I
Warnings: Alcohol and drug abuse, potential non-con/dub-con.

With all the sinners, new and old, the bar will be lit up with activity and absolutely bustling with guests and demons alike. Food and drinks will be readily available and provided by hotel staff (although they might not always know what humans eat. What do you mean, you don't like fried kitten?), music will be blaring, 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 will be a certain pull to stay and have a bit of fun.

You may not get much of a chance to have that in hell after all. So one drink won't hurt, right? Nor will one more after that.

There will also be every sort of party drug available that might tickle your fancy. There's no harm in experimenting, is there? You're already in hell and the staff is handing it out and so helpfully showing you how to use it, or recommending a type that would suit what you want.

You've presumably done your atonement for the day, yes? So cut back a bit, let loose. Hell might be pain and torment, but it's also a nonstop party in the bar.

There's even a brand new stage and a karaoke machine for those feeling brave!

Ask the staff demons very nicely and you may even get less scrupulous drugs as well. Things that will convince your fellow damned souls to tell only the truth for a fun prank, or perhaps even potions that will make someone so enamored with you, they won't take their eyes, or hands, off you. How dare they give you the cold shoulder earlier, right? You've got them now.

There are also 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, if you're in a gambling mood. 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, right?

Prompt II
Warnings: sex, aphrodisiacs, potential dubcon/noncon, potential kinks.

The club within Penance has always offered many options for debauchery, but now it seems they're stepping things up a bit. There are themed rooms for sex machines (the same that were present at the carnival) that can be controlled by a demon or a partner. If asked, they'll gladly set you up on stage to put on a performance for the entire club.

They won't side eye you for any other kink you ask for either, however depraved it is.

But the succubi are handing out potions again, that can be taken willingly or not. The purpose of them is to strip away all of your inhibitions... or in certain cases, your mind as well as your will. It will leave those who take the potion as a perfect little pet or slave for someone.

It doesn't matter if you're generally strong-willed or not interested in submitting. You'll find yourself wanting to please someone until it's the most important thing on your mind. Maybe until it's the only thing on your mind. It doesn't even matter if you generally hate or adore the person you've attached yourself to, you'll find yourself sinking down on your knees anyway.

This is the perfect time to play out all those daddy kinks, domination and submission scenes, or perhaps a bit of pet play. It doesn't matter what theme of the game you choose, you're suddenly all for it no matter what.

Because you just want to make someone happy, even if what makes them happy is hurting you as much as pampering.

MISC.
Thanks for joining us for our fourth test drive meme, sinners! Reserves are now open for the upcoming app round on August 1st

If you want to speak with Lucifer, you're free to text or pray to him right here

If you let a demon loose in the dungeon, reply here to see what tidbit of info they revealed!

If you have a comment, suggestion, etc. please go here!

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Comments

[mitsubishievo]

Kavinsky laughed and grinned at the reaction. His smile was still in place, teasing, even as Cain said things that he didn't necessarily understand. A place that wasn't his own. There was lots of that here. But if he was honest, he could construe what New Volga meant: colonies somewhere, and a place that was defined by Eastern Europeans who would gravitate to each other.

"Virginia," he corrected. "But just my mother and I."

He didn't delve further. Instead, he stepped into a room full of racks and benches, and a wall full of floggers and shockers and pin wheels and all sorts of things that turned pain pleasurable. Kavinsky considered it thoughtfully, then turned back toward the door.

"No, maybe not."

[noassgardian]

"Mm, oh, I would... in a lot of ways actually." If Kavinsky wants to tell bad jokes, Billy will go along with it.

He lets Kavinsky move in however he wants, tipping his head in as he considers that. "What does that entail? Does that mean dancing and grinding on you?"

[noassgardian]

Do you really want to make buddies with the devil? Any devil...

[He huffs out a laugh.]

I mean, I wouldn't say no to backstabbing a guy who gets off on torturing us, but... you know, he lies. A lot.

[noassgardian]

"Great--?" His eyebrows go up. "I mean-- that's good, I guess? Not the dying part, I guess. What's a Navigator exactly?"

Or is it a self-explanatory thing?

He squirms back a little bit on Cain's lap so he can move his hands further down. He snorts. "Maybe."

Somehow he doesn't think his death will ever be that easy or not painful. "But you know, I'm trying to give you a massage and relax you. Is talking about death really going to do that trick?"

[jelliclerats]

[ Nezumi really isn't sure what's happened to Shion to make him think an attack had already happened, but it's the last few words, words that he can't even finish, that let Nezumi know there's truth in the story.

He frowns. Why...would he not be able to remember? Everything he does remember is in his head with crystal clarity. Is that how he died? Nezumi knew it was a suicide mission, but something about Shion made him think maybe, just maybe, they'd pull it off.

He should have gone with his first instincts. ]

Don't stop there. Tell me what happened.

[mitsubishievo]

"Oh, it definitely means grinding up on me," Kavinsky said with a laugh. He turned and gave Billy a kiss, sweet and quick, before he focused back on his beer practically preening. It was just nice, to have all this attention just on him. He'd always been a sucker for that, even when he knew it couldn't end well.

[nonsuperhero]

The things he should ask (first) about: nutcase? running this place? grabbing people? another reality?

But what he asked, dumbly, was, "Nat's here?"

[noassgardian]

"Not the one from our world. A different one. I haven't talked to her much, but... yeah, she's here." He just doesn't want Clint to get his hopes up, that's all.

[theonewiththewand]

[He watches the path her fingertips take with some interest, though it's far less to do with caring about the subject matter and a lot more to do with their general location. Even in a basement dripping in blood, his body appears to have priorities of its own. He's honestly a bit exasperated with himself.]

I'm quite sure... [Draco's pleased he's managed to sound even, and less distracted than he actually is. He clears his throat a bit as she turns away, drawing in a steadying breath. Right. The boxes.]

I'm not looking for anything in particular just now... I'm only curious what exactly they're keeping down here. Aren't you curious?

[onebatch_twobatch]

"I can think of a lot of things," Frank said. It was more of a growl, very near Billy's mouth. The touch excited heat through him, chasing after the touch, a circuit like electricity that went straight to his cock.

He nudged their noses gently, nuzzled down his throat. A hungry noise rose in him as he pressed his mouth against Billy's throat.

"What can I get away with?"

[noassgardian]

He tugs at Frank's shirt, pulling it up as he tries to get his hands on actual skin. That growl against his lips has a shiver working up his spin and he gives a careful nip to his lower lip.

"Anything." So far, Frank's been respectful. He's seemed to care too, so-- he's not overly worried about getting into something unsafe. It might be a reckless offer, but Billy is also reasonably sure he can handle himself.

"What do you have the guts to try to get away with against a wall in a club, huh?"

[compelledtoprotect]

Steve gave the kid a pout and stood up, "Well, I'm happy to walk with you, but I doubt I'm gonna be able to pretend very well it's mine. Look, it won't even float remotely close to me! How did you get such a smart, stubborn one? They're usually easy to catch and dumb as dirt!"

He may still have been pouting. More than a little. It wasn't so much the Coal Tar itself as the fact other people seemed to get them and he didn't. He sort of had an idea why, but it didn't make him any happier. He wanted a pet dammit!

"I think you've been telling tales to your imp about me. I think you've told it I'd try to steal it."

[compelledtoprotect]

Steve stood stoically, a faint smile fixed on his face as the man worked. Groaning or wincing would hardly make it easier on Cain, and thank god he was able to control himself well enough not to jerk. The Russian surprised him and he shoot a look directly at Cain's face. he knew that word, but he hadn't expected to hear it out of someone like Cain. When he spoke, his voice was soft and meant to help soothe any nerves the man was feeling. No sense having someone with shaky hands cutting into his flesh.

"I'm good. Where did you learn Russian?"

[compelledtoprotect]

He met her eyes with a faint smile, leaning in to touch her cheek and press their foreheads together, "Hush Nat. You know I'd never tell you something like that. I know what you're thinking and it's not important. If I ask someone to let me take the damage, you can't blame them for saving themselves. Someone had to carve and someone had to take it. I'd rather make someone hurt as little as possible."

"It's ok Natasha. It really is ok."

[compelledtoprotect]

Steve snorted and refilled the kid's water before going back to food, tapping the glass with a meaningful look. He might have given Stesuna alcohol, but he wasn't getting a child drunk. he moved to the stove, chewing his lip.

"I don't have soup, but I can do grilled cheese. Is that ok?" He glanced over his shoulder. Steve's cooking skills were . . . limited. He really ought to find someone willing to teach him, but since he mostly cooked for a bunch of lazy men, they didn't seem to mind eating the same five meals every week. Well, it was more that he made himself most of the food he ate and just packed up extra for his roommates. They didn't actually ask for the food, but they also made it disappear quickly enough too.

"I think I have some dessert around if you finish the sandwich. Um, are you gonna want more than one? I don't mind making you enough to be full. Once upon a time I was a teenager too." Although back then he hadn't been able to get enough to eat most days despite how hard his mother worked. After the serum though? He ate at least as much as even the hungriest teen, if not more.

[compelledtoprotect]

[His eyes slid away from Loki's and he ducked his head a little, rubbing his nape. That was . . . complicated. Yes, Steve got along with most people, and yes, he did have certain friends in the city, but he didn't often . . . talk to people. He wasn't used to looking vulnerable, or letting others in on his thoughts. It wasn't done, not when you were Captain America. You were the one who had to hold it all together, and god help you if there were cracks.

Steve knew his friends wouldn't treat him that way, that they'd give him support if he asked for help, but old habits died hard. Especially when they were so deeply ingrained. He sighed softly and leaned against Loki a little more.]


I don't really talk with anyone Loki. I sleep with them, and I care about them, and I listen when they want to talk, but I'm much better at support. I'm not good at talking about myself. I thought maybe a pet . . .


[He shrugged and held the man a little closer, nuzzling Loki's temple. Steve attempted to lighten the mood with a little humor, instead of being even more honest.]


You know, you could always make yourself into a cute little fox for me to cuddle. I like cuddling you as a man, but petting you could sometimes get a little awkward. I mean, you are pretty likely to get hard if I have my hands all over you all the time, hmm?

[compelledtoprotect]

There was no indication on his face that the blade caused him pain, but there was a subtle tightening of his muscles as it moved, cutting into his skin. He kept a faint smile on his lips, wanting to make it easier on the man.

"I'm Steve by the way. I assume you have a name too, other than nurse?" He was quiet a moment as the man cut again, "I'm not sure. I suppose it seems interminable no matter how long we actually stand in here. Fortunately I have a lot more skin than just my arms to offer. I doubt we'll run out of body before they open the doors."

[compelledtoprotect]

He couldn't help but overheard the comment and he looked up, a slight smile on his face. Sounded like a new resident, which meant he probably had questions. A lot of them. He made his way over, offering a hand.

"Hey. I'm Steve. I take it you're new here?"

Reach Up High

[compelledtoprotect]

Steve stared at the blade the man held out, and the bare chest of the stranger as well. He shook his head, offering a faint smile, and started to strip himself. If they were going to go that far, he might as well offer more than just his arm. There was a lot of real estate above the belt after all.

"No, I really can't. It'll be better if you use it on me. More room. And I heal pretty fast. You probably won't have to cut much before they let us out."

[compelledtoprotect]

Something you found? In those boxes?


[He'd rather assumed most people had looked in those boxes, though he hadn't. Rooting through other people's possessions just hadn't appealed to him, but he was curious as hell about what James had found. He'd also never been to the man's room, so that was an added bonus. He grinned more broadly at the man's wink and let James slip away, following eagerly until he caught up and could walk at the man's side. Steve couldn't help catching James' hand, interlacing their fingers briefly before he pushed James' hand into his back pocket. Flush against his ass. He knew the man wouldn't allow them to hold hands in public, but that was almost as good as he did the same to James, stroking the man's ass before his hand found a home inside fabric.]


I can't wait to see your place James. You've never invited me there before. You certainly don't skimp on making a man feel special, do you?

[noassgardian]

Knowing his luck, this is all coming back to bite him in the ass, but-- he doesn't voice that. No need to be a downer.

Especially when he's supposed to be explaining timelines anyway. "Sure... I could try at least. I can explain multiple realities as they work in my universe, anyway. And how I've come to understand them at least. We might want to get comfortable first though."

[noassgardian]

The e is what gets him to hiss out finally, and it's a struggle to not yank his arm back. "Fuck-- that stings."

But for now, he just draws his arm closer, keeping it cradled there as he takes the knife in his other hand.

"Okay, you've got a point. It's not hard to top that experience."

"So. Murder, right?" He hates doing this, but backing out now will just get them cut up even more.

[dothelokimotion]

[ loki flicks steve's nose. ]

Please. I have some self-control.

[ still. what a strange thing to hear from the man. he eyes him thoughtfully. ]

Why a fox?

[theonewiththewand]

"Maybe this one is just very lucky." He watched it bounce about at his feet. It seemed oddly pleased that he'd stopped moving long enough for it to linger around.

Draco coughed quietly. "We might as well walk, then. It puts off more mess when I stay in one place too long."

As he picked up his steps and the coal tar trailed after him, he considered Steve's comment. "Until just now I didn't know you wanted one at all, so I couldn't have told it that. Are you certain you want one? It seems quite useless."

[inbello]

Ronan snorts half a laugh at the idea of Frank doing some sort of strip tease. Honestly, the thought of either of them doing it is pretty laughable. Ronan would rather die (again?), and Frank is...so not the type. Ronan actually isn't yet sure what type he is, but definitely not that one. Besides, there are plenty of other people who seem willing to do that.

Frank didn't seem very inclined to tell Ronan to get lost, or to leave a club that he'd obviously be too young for if they were back home and things were normal. But this wasn't home, and nothing was normal, so who the fuck cared? Ronan barely cared about things at the best of times.

He downs half his drink, half on purpose because it's some weird macho dance that even he doesn't understand, despite being the one doing it, and half on accident because he doesn't realise how hard he's actually going. The effect is quick, though he doesn't yet catch on to what it's doing to him.

He finds himself staring at Frank again, head slightly tilted, the same way his dream raven would do if she were here (he'd never bring her into the club, of course). He finds himself thinking a string of things he can only barely keep up with, wondering all sorts of entirely inappropriate things about Frank's preferences.

Uncharacteristically, he reaches out and adjusts Frank's sleeve, rolling the edge down where the seam had flipped up. It feels like an intimate thing to do, somewhere in his head, especially with a man he barely knows. He wouldn't have even done it to Gansey, but here he is. His gaze flicks up to meet Frank's, almost as if seeking approval for the gesture, as if Ronan Lynch ever needed approval for anything.