penancememes | TEST DRIVE MEME #6 (Reply)

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 weather has taken a bitter turn outside. While there isn't a bloodied rain drop or fireball in sight, the air is now absolutely frigid upon stepping out. The hotel is also carrying a bit of a chill that never seems to go away. Heat is on the fritz according to staff, but they are trying their best to fix it! Guests just may have to suffer through bouts of extreme cold or blistering heat while they work at it.

In any case, it seems seasons have officially changed over in Hell somehow, or perhaps it's simply fallout left over from The Veiled Order's attempt to take over Hell. No one really seems to say either way, but there will be jackets available via the staff or the shop in the lobby for anyone who needs one. The particularly adventurous can check the basement boxes for supplies as well.

Outside, if guests take a nice stroll out by the movie theatre, they'll see demons hard at work clearing out what looks like a small shopping center. If asked what's going on, they'll explain that they're small, empty buildings that will be suitable for any of the guests who wish to sell their skills.

Apparently this is being done per Lucifer's orders as a reward to guests for their aid. There are a few other buildings that aren't in terrible shape either, if guests need more space for any future business ventures. Please note that no one should stick around too long prodding or the demons may start getting annoyed, or enlisting help clearing the structures.

Additionally, for those checking out the theatre, it seems they've updated their movies to: The Wicker Man (Remake), A River Runs Through It, Dark Dungeons, and Zombie Strippers.

For those looking for things to do to keep busy and warm outside (plus get some well-earned rewards), some of the demons around the Penance community may have work to offer. Available tasks includes:

↪ Harvesting various types of strange looking flowers and oddly colored berries growing on the dead looking trees around Penance and giving them to the hotel staff. If asked what the reasoning is, staff will say it's ingredients for something up and coming. This task doesn't necessarily include any sort of reward, but it does earn Lucifer's favor a bit.

All guests offering to help will be given a basket to fill up and drop off at the front desk.

↪ The succubi and incubi are also advertising for help around the club. This includes stripping/pole dancing, servers, DJs, etc. It may also include performing sex acts or what's essentially prostitution for those with loose morals and an inclination. Those doing their part will earn free drugs like Frenzy without being forced to pay up later. They'll also be able to rent out private rooms for a night for their trouble.

↪ Some tiny goblin is posting flyers for his missing pet. Unfortunately, the creature, called a Squonk, is notoriously upset over its appearance and hides from human eyes. It's very shy, but it can be coaxed by those determined enough. It especially likes the berries growing around Penance.

Keep in mind that these creatures cry a lot and tend to be covered in warts, so carrying them isn't a particularly pleasant experience. However, they aren't aggressive and no larger than a medium sized dog. This particular one has a bell tied around its neck for easy identification.

Most of the demons can't stand Squonks, so they tend to stay hidden off. Good luck with that hunt!

Prompt II

A few of the demons who have taken a sudden liking to the guests around the hotel after the aid they provided in saving Lucifer have now helpfully taken it upon themselves to pass the word on that mortals love something called pumpkin spice during the Fall months. Lucifer has obliged their request for the supplies, but unfortunately... the demons may have taken it a bit far. Oh, certainly, there's coffee of all sorts that will be left in the kitchen for passers-by to take, and sweets flavored with pumpkin spice, but there will also be meats and vegetables too. It will also be found in alcohol, soda and juice, and everything else absolutely no one would ever want to see flavored for the season.

But there will be eager little goblins asking if the guests are enjoying it. They look so oddly adorable and proud of themselves... does anyone truly have the heart to tell them just how vile a concoction it really is? Be warned, if insulted, demons tend to be vengeful and will not hesitate to get even. If that means they scratch, bite, or just steal something from the guest to even the score, they will do it without hesitation.

It may just be safer for everyone to take supplies from the kitchen to prepare their own food. Just try to sneak it when they aren't watching if you want to avoid conflict...

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 lot of you seem to have issues with anger, both directed outward and inward. That isn't particularly Godly, is it? And perhaps more than that, it isn't healthy. It festers darkness and escapism. It prevents us from becoming who we were meant to be."

Lucifer's voice rings out just as guests are ushered to sit in front of each other by the usual large demons that simply won't take no for an answer. After they're sat with a table between them in an empty room, the demons will lock the doors on their way out. If guests try to leave, they'll find the doors sealed with a heavy magic that won't budge.

They may be able to bargain their way out with the demonic guards waiting outside, but they'll find their limbs contorting in painful ways the more they try to resist their punishment.

"What I want you to do is easy... release that anger. Name one thing someone has done to you in front of your company, something that has deeply hurt you, and forgive them. Simple as that."

If only. These things are rarely so simple. Soon Lucifer continues on. His voice is as assuring in the way it generally is, but the next demand may not be: "And then I want you to name something you've done that you're angry at yourself over, and then name one of your positive traits that balances it out. Do this and you will be making another step in the direction of redemption!"

If guests refuse to answer, their partner across from them will feel increasing pain and their limbs will twist until potentially broken. If this is a consequence they can live with, the demons keeping them in place will eventually release them. If guests give in, they will both be released unharmed.

Both guests must participate to clear this punishment.

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: Potential violence and abuse, potential dub-con/non-con.

The demons responsible for the club seem to have made the decision to make a fun spin on that punishment schtick at the hotel. Within the location, there are pillory stocks set up with demons and random club goers alike held within, restrained and naked. A list of sins will be written on a blackboard attached to the device and nearby, a plethora of toys will be available. The selection will range from knives, candles, ice, impact toys like whips, floggers, etc., clamps, gags, etc. There will also be plugs, beads, dildos, and anything else one could want.

The succubi will remind everyone that the goal of this, however, is to punish people for their list of sins, not necessarily solely for pleasure! Pleasure and pain can be mixed in whatever ways patrons decide though. Orgasm torture can be quite a delicious punishment after all.

The list of sins written for characters will typically be over the top and sex-based in nature, ranging from claims of promiscuity to selfishness in bed to specific sex acts they enjoy. It can also include a few non-sexual ones, depending on the mood of the demon who locked guests in. Expect it to all be humiliating in some way or another.

If anyone tries to free someone from their restraints without punishment, incubi and succubi will lead them off. Forcefully, if necessary.

The adventurous may also volunteer to be locked up, if they're into that sort of thing.

Keep in mind that patrons won't be released very easily. It's only when they have been properly punished, and the one handing out the punishment is satisfied, that the pillory stocks will open back up.

Note that while anyone seen getting someone off and not punishing them will find the stocks won't open, so don't try to find a loophole!

Those aren't the only forms of restraints though. There are racks set up, cages (and those being led around on leashes into them like good pets), as well as those chained to the floor on their knees for free use. The only constant is the list of sins attached to the person somewhere.

Don't worry though. After a scene has been ended, the succubi won't make a fuss if anyone wants to participate in some aftercare. There are even calm, more comfortable areas set aside to go through with plush seating, water, and some random treats. Drugs are also available for anyone who wants them to take any edge off that way.

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

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

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

TEST DRIVE MEME #6

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