penancememes | TEST DRIVE MEME #1

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TEST DRIVE MEME #1

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

The hotel is undergoing some improvements already! Thanks to the new arrival of sinners, hell has a burst of energy and growth available to it. One demand of the demonic staff was the addition of elevators. It gets tiresome having to take the stairs all the time. They'll eagerly implore you to help them test out this new system, even going so far as shoving you right in the nearest available elevator with whoever else is in the vicinity.

Unfortunately, things aren't quite up to par just yet. Press a button and you'll find your elevator gets jammed between floors with very little chance of escape. Oh, oops. This is entirely the hotel's fault and will be fixed as soon as possible. In the meantime, enjoy your company and try to relax a bit.

It's definitely a high priority repair for staff, promise.

Prompt II

Maybe you were looking for the hotel gym to work off some stress or maybe you just took a wrong left somewhere, but instead of what you were expecting, you stumble across what appears to be a very well stocked torture room. There are tables with straps to hold down victims, chains falling from the walls and ceilings to bind them upright, and absolutely every possible torture device you can think of. There's even an iron maiden proudly displayed in the corner. Besides that, there's the normal supply of whips, knives, and any other equipment someone could want to inflict the most delicious pain available.

You're free to check it out or give it a go. You're also free to back out of the room very slowly, but with the knowledge this space will probably come into play at some point.

Oh, and a tip: the gym is to the right of this room.

REACH UP HIGH

Prompt I
Warnings: cutting, blood, torture.

After settling in, it really is only a matter of time until your demonic hosts expect some participation. You can try and shirk the responsibility, of course. But eventually, you may find yourself trapped in a room just off the kitchen that's curiously full of knives. 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 becomes apparently what you're supposed to do soon enough when someone else is eventually shoved in with you. Both of your lists of in will appear in the room on a nearby table 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 one of your sins into the other's flesh. Help them in their journey to be candid with everyone they 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

Well, that last punishment was a bit heavy, wasn't it? Or maybe you somehow skipped out on it all together. Fortunately for you, there's a less horrible one to get potentially wrapped up in along the way. You'll hear that all too familiar voice ringing in your ears as you explore the halls of the hotel or poke your head outside.

"Do one genuinely kind deed for someone and we'll consider it a step in the right direction for you."

This can be helping one of your fellow sinners out with a task or helping them find something. It can be a shoulder or a listening ear towards someone who needs it. You can even offer to help the staff clean up a bit around the hotel, or help a poor hell beast pup out of the hellfire around Penance. Careful though, even they have pretty sharp teeth and an aggressive attitude. It doesn't matter what you do as long as it helps someone else out.

Oh, and one more thing! The longer you resist, the more aches you'll notice. It'll start with a mild headache and escalate from there. You can wait it out, of course, and pills may help you cope with the pain if you really can't be bothered to do one nice deed. Although Satan is still very disappointed in you.

FOLLOW ME DOWN

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

With all the new sinners arriving, this feels like a call for celebration! The bar will be lit up with activity. 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.

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 you've presumably done your atonement for the day, yes? So cut back a bit.

Ask the staff demons very nicely and you may even get less scrupulous drugs. Things that will convince your fellow damned souls to tell the truth or perhaps even things that will make someone so enamored with you, they won't take their eyes off you. How dare they give you the cold shoulder earlier, right?

There are also tables set up for all sorts of gambling and various bar games to entertain yourself with.

Relax and enjoy your first night in hell. 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 kinks.

Much like the hotel improvements inside, all these new sinners seem to have given hell the ability to open a new building just outside the hotel. It happens to be quite a happening sex club from the looks of it. Everything is bathed in obnoxious neon lights when you first enter the establishment. There's plenty of space for dancing, and poles for those so inclined. Mood music fills the air, along with something a little too sweet.

As tacky as it is, something may pull you to stay.

Whether experienced lover or total virgin, once pulled in, you may not want to leave for a while.

There are back rooms people can go for a bit of private fun, full of every type of toy and restraint that you could possibly desire to play with. There's also a rather large room with a massive bed that seems to be fit for any orgies you may want to try to arrange. Hell's not judging and may be encouraging a bit.

There are aphrodisiac laced food and drinks available around the club as well, but these will most likely be marked. If one slips through, ah well. Why else are you here if not for a bit of fun? The drugs will only help that out.

Of course outside, this club is clearly marked for what it is and anyone who would rather avoid it are free to do so.

MISC.

Thank you for checking out

penancerp's first TDM! Please note that all prompts are opt-out and players are more than welcome to come up with their own ideas while exploring the hotel and hell outside.

All that we ask is that you remember to put clear warnings on any potentially triggering content! Warn for sex, including underage or incest, violence, abuse, non-con, etc. Please put these warning in a visible place, either by the prompt itself or in the subject line. This isn't just a suggestion but a requirement to participate in the game.

Now that all that's out of the way, we hope you have fun! Feel free to ask questions under the appropriate comment before or on the FAQ page. Since this is the game's first TDM, we are also very interested in hearing any suggestions you have or ways to improve the game experience.

Since this is a big event, Lucifer himself will be taking a few questions via his device for anyone so inclined down below.

As a final note, don't forget that reserves are open now until May 1st as well!

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[Steve blinked and sat back, tapping a finger on the table absently. He wasn't pitying James, he was empathetic, but that didn't mean the man saw it that way, or wanted it. That was fine. It was actually in character for what he'd seen so far; the type of man James seemed to be wouldn't allow anyone to see him as weak. He sighed and looked down at his glass, frowning.

What did you say? Apologizing again wouldn't help.]

Can I buy you another drink James?

[ This was complicated. Whoever this guy was, whatever he meant to this other version of him, clearly he could become very dangerous to him. He allowed himself liberties that James would've never given anyone, and having someone here who might at any point think it was alright to try and peer past the barrier he kept up around himself was a dangerous thing.

It could make him weak. James couldn't tolerate weakness, much less so in himself.

Maybe that was all the better reason to keep him near. He could keep an eye on him this way, so he'd know if this Steve guy ever tried to betray him in any way. That was the reason he told himself, anyway. ]

Sure. [ He pushed his glass forward, gesturing to one of the waiters. ] Are you drinking with me, this time?

[He downed his own glass and gestured for another as well, offering James a slight smile. It was the least he could do. Whatever had damaged the man, it went, far deeper than just an outside scar or two. He'd never learn anything if he just gave up. Besides, giving up just wasn't in his nature. Steve would be there for James whether he wanted it or not.

Well, at least for the foreseeable future anyway.]

Yeah. So tell me James, you think this place is really Hell?

[ His lips twitched, pleased when Steve emptied the whole glass in one go. He had a feeling Steve could handle his drink better than it might seem, but either way he was just glad to not be drinking alone. ]

I wouldn't know. It might be. Or it could be an elaborate prison somewhere. An alternate reality, for instance.

[ He looked around. ] People seem to be surprised that Hell looks like this. What would you expect Hell to look like?

[Steve huffed out a humorless laugh. What would Hell look like? He wasn't sure what it would be, just that it would hurt a hell of a lot more than it currently did. At the moment, he wasn't suffering more than his normal amount of guilt and regret, though some new reasons were in the mix.]

Dunno that it would have to look different, but I don't doubt we'd all be in a hell of a lot more pain. The real Hell is supposed to be a realm of punishment for your sins, right? So why are we sitting here having a drink instead of screaming somewhere getting our insides torn out? Or having all our worst sins replayed over and over with all the reality of living them again? They could be forcing us to commit atrocities and make us think it was real. No, this place isn't Hell, not the one you find in the bible. I think you're right about the alternate reality, and the prison. I doubt they're gonna let us go without a fight.

[ Now, this time it was James's turn to laugh. He took his drink once the waiter brought them over, turning to look at Steve. ]

Maybe that would be fun for some people here, you do realize. As for what the bible says... wouldn't know the first thing about it. [ Religion was dead and buried, where he came from. If any copy of sacred books existed on Earth, or anywhere in the Terran Empire, it would've been burned by now. ]

I've found some... interesting rooms. So I wouldn't rule out the pain and torture, just yet. It might still happen.

[His cheeks flushed slightly, probably not something James could see in the shadowed corner, he hoped. The island had definitely encouraged depravity at least as much as their new home seemed to, but fessing up to fantasies he'd had about people back there wasn't something Steve was eager to do. He also didn't think less of people who wanted to indulge in the more out-there forms of sex, as long as everyone was there by choice and not forced.

But he really hadn't been trying to talk sex!]

True, sadly. But a real Hell would find what it was that destroyed you and make that your punishment. That's the point. They tailor it to the individual so they can be sure you're suffering enough. You really never have read the bible, have you? Did they do away with it in the future? Or did another religion take over?

[ Oh, he was eventually going to find out how easy it was to make Steve flush, and he was absolutely going to use it to his own advantage and amusement. And he would dig out those darker kinks of his, too. At least he didn't have to worry about James judging him, since he was into some pretty hardcore stuff. ]

No, there aren't any sacred books back on Earth. All religions are gone. [ He was careful not to mention the Terran Empire. He had a feeling Steve had met Starfleet's Kirk so he didn't want to be bombarded with some unpleasant questions. ]

Edited 2019-05-05 18:42 (UTC)

[Steve blinked and looked thoughtful. It wasn't like he was all that big on going to church, mostly because it was difficult to find the time. But to have no religions at all . . .]

Do people get along better now? And if you don't have religions, do you still have holidays? What do people believe about an afterlife, and where do they get their values?

[He felt like a two year old just going "why" but he couldn't help it. How did people get along without any sort of religion? It was central to pretty much every civilization he'd ever heard of to have some kind of worship. The idea of having nothing . . .]

[ James pursed his lips, not quite frowning but close. He had answers for all that, but to share them he'd have to tell Steve about the Empire, and he really wasn't sure yet how he might take it. He kinda liked the prospect of getting Steve on his side. ]

You ask a lot of questions, Steve. Anyone ever tell you that?

[He chuckled and shrugged, sipping his new drink. Steve gave the man a smile that had charmed thousands more than once, though that wasn't really his intent. He made his offer with the hope James would take him up on it. It would mean the guy actually cared enough to be curious about him, and that might lead to real friendship. Steve had hopes that maybe a big part of James' attitude was just a lack of decent friends, people who'd be a good influence and offer him support and stability. That could work wonders on people sometimes.]

Yeah, I get that. You can just tell me to mind my own business if it's prying. Just because I wanna know doesn't mean you hafta tell me. No reason you can't ask your own questions either for that matter, though I may not answer. Kinda unusual to find a bad subject though. I'm pretty open as a rule.

[ Yeah, he could see how a smile like that might charm thousands. It nearly got him, and it would if he were a weaker man. As it was he simply took it as an invitation to scoot closer to him, knee pressing against the side of Steve's leg, elbow propped on the back of the seat. ]

Is that so? And are you open to answering questions, or... [ He trailed off, biting on his lower lip as his fingertips brushed lightly over Steve's temple. ] Open to other things, too?

[Ah hell. Steve's cheeks went bright red at the touch and he ducked his head a little, something he'd thought he'd gotten a handle on back on the island. But it wasn't from a lack of desire. If there was one sure way to get him interested, it was to touch him. Didn't matter much how either. He liked just about any contact there was, especially little, gentle caresses.

He didn't move away when James slid closer and prodded his leg, and he met the man's eyes as he reached up to catch that teasing hand, holding it loosely before it made him blush more.]

Yeah. I don't mind questions much. And yes to the other one too, although I used to have a harder time with it than I usually do now. I bet you don't get "no" very often, do you James?

[ This time James noticed the fluster. Hard not to when he was sitting this close, and his smile stretched wider, pleased to get that reaction out of him so easily.

But then Steve took hold of his hand, and he looked a little put off, his fingers still stretching out and trying to touch Steve's hair. ]

No, I don't. And I don't like the word either. [ He tilted his head in, close enough for his breath to ghost Steve's cheek, then he leaned away again. ] Think I'm starting to like you, Steve. You and I... we could have some real fun together.

[Oh god. He could feel the flex of James' fingers and he hesitated for a moment before letting the man's hand go. It wasn't going to take much effort on James' part to seduce him, not at the rate the man was learning his reactions.

Steve leaned in towards the man, close enough to kiss before James sat back. He blinked and flushed again, embarrassed at his own susceptibility. Honestly, he was acting like . . . like he had on the island. But it wasn't the island, and he wasn't sitting with Jim, no matter how familiar the voice or the face, or even the seduction. He ought to take it slow, not let himself be led around by the dick.]

Um. Yeah, we probably could. I mean, yes? What . . . what did you have in mind?

[ He couldn't possibly look more pleased with the response he got. He felt a genuine thrill when Steve leaned in to meet him halfway for a kiss that didn't actually happen, lips parting with a soft exhale as he felt his insides twist pleasantly.

And now his hand was free, which he took as permission to touch Steve as much as he liked. He pushed his fingers into his hair, all the way to the back of his neck, fingertips pressing against warm skin and coaxing him closer again. ]

Anything you want, Steve. You know... they set up some backrooms, for the party. You checked them out yet? I have. They have some very interesting things in there.

Oh? Like what?

[His tone was distracted as Steve leaned in, easily led by James' hand. His eyes were already closing, expecting at least a little kiss with that kind of urging. Being touched . . . it did him in every time. He really needed to get a handle on that . . .]

Like ropes, and... toys... other things...

[ His voice grew quieter as Steve leaned in closer again, trailing off entirely once he was close enough for James to brush his lips against Steve's. He let out a low purr, tongue darting out to lick Steve's lips, urging him to part his mouth a little more before he pressed against it for a proper kiss. ]

[Steve gave the man whatever he wanted, shivering at the idea of ropes and toys. He hadn't done much at all with either, but there was a certain appeal to the possibility. Though he wasn't sure he'd come out in one piece with James if he was the one tied up. He could take a lot of punishment, that was true, but that didn't mean he actually enjoyed enduing it.

He leaned in closer, lips parting to invite James to deepen the kiss, his own tongue hesitantly moving to touch James' lips. The last thing he wanted was to scare the man off, not when they were making progress.]

Never played much . . . with either. Have you?

[ The way Steve pressed back against the kiss so willingly was incredibly promising. He hummed softly against Steve's lips, parting his own and canting his head to slot their mouths together, tongue pushing into Steve's.

Both his hands cupped Steve's head too, keeping him right where he was as he deepened the contact. He didn't let him pull away even when their kiss broke. ]

I have. [ He said airily, nipping at Steve's lips, shifting closer on the seat and resting a knee just over Steve's lap. ] Could give it a try tonight, if you want... I'll show you the ropes. That sound like something you'd like to do?

[He swallowed hard, trying to lean in for another kiss when James' pulled away, but his head was firmly held in place by the man's hands. Steve could have shook himself free with little effort, but he didn't want to do that. His breathing was already a little ragged, his hands curled unhappily on the table, despite how James was practically moving into his lap. If he stopped holding himself back, he'd give away a lot more than he wanted to. Picking up men like they weighed nothing made people suspicious.

Steve made a hungry sound and dared to let his fingers brush James' arm, just a little.]

Not sure I'd survive it. I get the feeling you play for keeps James. A little pain can be fun, but I like my parts where they are. Gonna promise me I'll come out in one piece?

[ He could tell Steve was holding something back from him. That was exciting and promising both. He was so looking forward to prodding and poking and finding out what was it that was so important for Steve to hide from him.

He tried to suppress a shiver at the touch, his shirt suddenly feeling very warm and itchy. ]

Oh, I wouldn't break you, don't worry. Wouldn't want to miss out on the opportunity to do this again... and again... [ Plus, he'd be stupid to break his new favorite toy on the first use. ] You'll come out in one piece. And I'll only hurt you when you ask me to.

Break me? Who said pain would be enough to break me? I'm just not sure whether I could grow back a limb if I lost it. Not sure if regeneration is the same as healing.

[Wait, he didn't mean to say that. Dammit! He tried to lean in again, to erase that little slip with some more kisses, but James was still holding his head. Steve made a frustrated sound and curled his fingers around the man's arm, giving it a gentle squeeze.]

Bite me. I mean I like biting. Especially on my . . . my neck. Try to leave a mark, and use your teeth. Anywhere . . . And I can bite too. Like that a lot . . . James . . .

I'm not gonna cut your arm off, Steve. Don't worry, you won't have to... grow back a limb or anything.

[ But now he had the distinct feeling there was something special about Steve thanks to those words alone. He gasped when Steve grabbed his arm, letting out a huffed chuckle, leaning in to bite his lips again. ]

I like that too. You can bite me... but I want you to fight me for it. You can hurt me, but you're gonna have to earn it. How's that sound to you, Steve? Wanna go find a room now so we can bang this out? [ Pun absolutely intended. ]

I . . . yeah. I mean yes. I can tussle. That's . . . that's fun too. I've done that . . .

[The instant James was nibbling on his lips, Steve's brain stopped functioning properly. All he wanted was more. So much more. He wanted to forget how much it hurt being away from the island, the worry over what was happening there, whether his loved ones had made the transition as well and he just hadn't found them yet. It was driving him mad, not knowing. Losing himself in sex was a weak escape, but he wanted it. He wanted to touch and be touched, to pretend.]

I promise I'll be careful James, but you should probably tie me up anyway, if you wanna be in charge.

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