TEST DRIVE MEME #8

[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

The cold is still biting, but the heat is (mostly) working within the hotel and other establishments again. It's enough to take the chill off for the most part. Coats and extra blankets are being passed out to those who need them as well.

Unfortunately, the food shortage that begun a few days ago will continue on for a few more yet! All food will be rotting or covered in maggots and mold, so new and old arrivals alike should probably steer clear of it if they can. If asked, the staff will insist it was entirely unplanned. Totally. Honest.

It will let up before the month is over and then fresh food will more than return! In the meantime, guests are able to bargain for a morsel of food someone else might have hidden back that hasn't rotted or try some of the bizarre fruit sprouting up that ranges in looks from a Durian to Jackfruit.

Just be aware that eating them before they're ripe enough may result in severe nausea and other decidedly not fun issues. Get them when they're perfect though? Unlike their earth counterparts, the insides seem to range from the sweetest, most delicious fruit you've ever had to something that may appear to be human blood and guts to something oddly... pork tasting, and everything in between. Food's food though, right? Don't complain, just eat.

There's increased security around the stables where animals are kept around the hotel, just in case anyone decides to eat Lucifer's prized animals. That will be a firm no. For any guests with pets of their own, there will be small rations of non-spoiled food to feed them, but it has very little nutritional value to humans.

The theatre has also changed the movie lineup to now include: Christmas with the Kranks, The Ref, Jack Frost, Holiday in Handcuffs.

Go forth and enjoy the way the holidays even seem to invade Hell.

The hotel bar's jukebox also seems entirely overrun with horrible festive songs now, pushing holiday shenanigans off the playlist. Try to enjoy it while you get drunk! Or hope someone actually gets up to indulge in karaoke to drown it out. The music has seemed to put the demons in a rather sour mood if anyone bothers to listen to the complaints.

Prompt II

[One day, on the network, sinners will be greeted with Lucifer's face. He'll smile brightly from every phone or computer in Hell, before he speaks:]

I thought it may be fun to include an icebreaker of sorts... Get you lot mingling and bonding with each other before the loneliness eats you absolutely alive. I want there to be something to redeem after all... a shriveled husk of a person is hardly that.

[Lucifer seems to find his own joke amusing at least.]

So, here we go:

What pleasant memories help you through the tough times?

Or alternatively, what are some of your favorite hobbies to distract yourself with?

[Lucifer may not respond, but rest assured that he will eagerly be watching others share their answers and talk amongst themselves]

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

"I know after such a food shortage, all of you may be eager to overindulge and sate your hunger... or even hold food back, just in case. But this isn't the act of a good person. It isn't how someone who is truly selfless, as my Father desires all of us to be, would act. So I ask all of you to turn to whoever is nearest and simply share what you have. It doesn't necessarily have to be food, but it must be an item or act that will make their lives easier," Lucifer's voice rings out, sudden albeit encouraging and warm as always.

Sharing is caring, apparently. The request seems simple enough, doesn't it? Just share a bit of food or anything else that might seem useful to someone else and you'll have done your good deed for the day! Of course, should the guest ignore this request, they'll find their insides burning. It will grow steadily worse until it becomes unbearable. Nothing a guest drinks or eats to soothe it will help either. These feelings will persist a full night or until they cave and do as requested.

FOLLOW ME DOWN

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

The club, as it turns out, isn't quite ready to give up its party from the previous month, but they have put a new twist on it. As before, once a sinner enters the establishment, they'll be greeted with almost entirely nude (to fully) incubi and succubi servers. Their trays are full of aphrodisiac-laced treats that show no rot, as well as drinks and drugs of all sorts. There are dancers and other performers enticing their audience to stay, and plenty of free stages for sinners to put on their own show. Sex machines, bondage equipment, or toys are freely available for these performances.

Poles, cages, and everything else one could want are also on offer.

But this particular party? It's a bit different. No one is allowed in unless they are appropriately dressed in lingerie. Don't worry if you came overdressed! The demons will helpfully provide it at the door and even offer a room for sinners to change in! If refused, entrance will be denied (forcefully, if necessary). If guests aren't sure what to put on, the staff will be more than happy to choose for them (again, with force if necessary)!

Tonight is about being daring! Never done drugs off someone else before? Now's your chance!

Never even been drunk? Well, just let the demons help take care of that.

It's also about experimentation with something new. This can be someone who is generally outside your usual preferences, an act you'd never considered in a thousand years, to anything else under the sun.

Guests may also know screens set up around the establishment, but oddly enough, they appear turned off for the moment. If asked, the staff assures they will be back as soon as a few kinks are worked out.

Prompt II


A fall festival seems to roll into town one day overnight, and it seems to be centered around the hell fruit that's springing up on lifeless, dead trees. It's bustling with demons of all sorts and will last one week.

There's a tempting wine that's been made out of the fruit that can vary in taste, but seems to be stronger than most other liquor available anywhere else. It tastes so good though... like the forbidden fruit it most certainly is.

While most will feel just drunk off it, others may find it harder and harder to resist. They may selfishly crave more and even develop a desire to hoard it back.

Much like the apple the serpent tempted Eve with, one may find it offers a certain... clarity into one's situation after they've had enough. Knowledge one may not have wanted, but cannot deny any longer.

Or perhaps it simply just makes others entirely too happy, or too horny, or any number of possible ways. Take a sip and find out where the wine leads you!

Other than that, a few vendors are peddling jams and pies made out of the fruits. There are also a few selling items from earth ranging from electronics to clothes to weapons, and anything in between. Some may be selling actual earth animals as well, mostly small ones kept as pets, but they'll insist they make the perfect meal. They even have areas ready to butcher and cook them right then and there for those who are interested in buying.

If sinners decide to save Fido or Mr. Floppy from their ill fates, they should make absolutely certain that they can care for them though. Pets aren't easy and the demons find them more delicious than endearing

There are a few games to play, as well, reminiscent of the earlier carnival. Darts, tests of strength, and even a dunk tank with a demon who yells embarrassing stuff at the guests that seems oddly knowledgeable. How did they know you wet the bed until five? Probably best to not question it.

Besides that, there's a ferris wheel that provides a nice view of your hellish surroundings (that may occasionally breakdown and trap unsuspecting sinners on it for a while). It could be the perfect place to go to get some alone time with that honey of yours though.

It may all seem like a relaxing thing after starving for so long, but those who linger may begin to feel a need to hoard items. Food, weapons, and anything else they can get their greedy little hands on. Perhaps it's still the starvation talking, but sinners may find themselves feeling almost too irritable if anyone tries to take what's theirs. Potentially, this could even extend to possessiveness over other people as well. Oh, well, hopefully sinners will manage to control all those pesky urges!

When the skies darken to what is probably night in Hell, there will be a special fireworks display taking place. They seem almost magic, taking shapes most people wouldn't think possible. One might see Lucifer's face up in the sky once or twice, drawn in brilliant flames. There are blankets to sit out and watch, plenty of wine or warm drinks to go around, and no end in sight.

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

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


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Comments

[unpocoloco]

His smile slips away, replaced by something thoughtful. Can't win 'em all, no, but...

"Well, I'm always good for talking about stuff. I don't have any magic anythings but I'm alright at listening. And I'm not the sort to mind someone needing help."

[itsnotaonesie]

"Thanks, man. I might end up taking you up on that. Also we live together, so if I feel like whining at you, you can't escape."

That part is most definitely a joke. Probably. His grin suggests that it is, but you never know.

[unpocoloco]

Even if it's not a joke, he finds himself grinning back.

"Oh, what a terrible fate," He teases. But then softer, he adds, "Any time you need, kid."

[lovelylaica]

Laica smiles warmly. "Oh, you're married?" He looks young, he can't have been married long. Her smile holds a touch of sadness. "It must be hard to be separated from her like this. What is she like, your wife?"

Maker knows she could go on for ages about Sebastian if anybody wanted to hear it. But sometimes absence is so keen a pain that talking about it only makes it worse. "If you want to tell me, of course."

[unpocoloco]

He can't pretend he doesn't prefer to talk of his wife than of mercenary work. He can't say he doesn't like talking of his wife more than most things. Even if it twists something sharp in his heart.

"I don't mind," He says. "She's the second most amazing person in my life. Brilliant, beautiful, a will of steel, utterly unstoppable. And yet, so deeply caring towards those she loves. She inspires me-- as a person and with my music. I've written so many songs for her. And on top of that, she sings better than I do." He laughs. "Ay, I miss her so much. I'd give anything to be home with her again."

[uninvincible]

Good enough excuse.

[ Tony's not gonna lie. It would be stupid to. In fact, he's already unbuttoning his suit jacket and shrugging it off, tossing it over a nearby chair with way too much carelessness for someone who is accustomed to wearing Armani. ]

You just gonna sit there or what?

[lovelylaica]

"She sounds like a remarkable woman. I'd like to meet her under more favorable circumstances." She wouldn't want her to be brought here. Nobody should be here. "Who's the most amazing person in your life, then? Does your wife know about them?" She giggles a little, as if she's about to share in some great secret. Hoping that such an attitude might soften the blow if she's really stepped in it.

[unpocoloco]

The more favorable circumstances part of that is key. He'd never want here. He's almost certain that she'll never end up here.

His head ducks with the teasing, hardly even hiding the smile on him. It was an inevitable question after phrasing things like that.

"My daughter. Our daughter." His eyes close, picturing her. "Rest assured, my wife is well aware she's been usurped in that respect. I imagine I've plummeted down the ranks as well." Nevermind that he'll have lost plenty of good favor all on his own.

[lovelylaica]

She gasps softly and reaches to place her hand over his. Tears gather on her lashes, but she won't shed them. It's not her pain. To have him comfort her over such a thing would be unkind. His joy radiates when he speaks of his child. It speaks well of him, and his family. "I don't think anybody loses love in such a situation. It just increases for everybody. Love is like that. It abounds and grows."

A pause and then. "I hope you're able to return to them very soon. I'm sure they miss you." How could they not? He is a kind, gentle, loving man. What else could anybody want in a father?

[conjobs]

[Yeah unless he's running a con John doesn't really go for the cufflinks and pocket square type of bloke. But he can't say he minds this particular fella. He reaches over to his bedside drawer and yanks it open. It catches on something but eventually rolls out fine, and John pulls out a small little paper envelope of- well. It could be anything. But it's probably what Tony is jonesing for.

Tony's not exactly a cheap date, apparently, but the dishevelled blond doesn't particularly seem to mind indulging him.

Getting up with a sigh, John slips the Frenzy into Tony's palm and runs his hands down the front of Tony's shirt.] Need servants to undo yer buttons? [Sort of teasing, sort of mocking, but look, John's helping with the unbuttoning anyway.]

[compelledtoprotect]

Steve grinned down at her and tucked Laica against his side, a lot more comfortable and touchy with her than he would be with a real stranger. He couldn't help it! He'd known a Laica and he just felt so comfortable with her. It was one of those weird things he just couldn't seem to get past. Thankfully so far it hadn't bitten him in the ass.

"Good. Laica's such a pretty name. And seriously, I'd never let you come to harm. No matter what, you'll always be safe in my arms. But yeah, it's usually a lot faster than stairs. Do you not have elevators back home? Or escalators?"

[unpocoloco]

Her sympathy is well met, even if it reminds just how much this all hurts. He offers a faint smile, then a warmer one with her reassurance. She's right there. He doesn't love Imelda any less. He just loves Coco so much more.

"Gracias," He says. "I hope so too. And you as well to your fiance. What a joy you'll have when you get back! You can celebrate a new life in all manner of ways."

[lovelylaica]

"It's a Marcher name. My mother chose it." She snuggles happily. She knows nothing of this man, but she does like cuddling and, well, once again he's very easy on the eyes. It's always nice to be held by somebody with lots of muscles. Makes one feel safe.

She shakes her head. "I don't think so. I don't know what that means." She pauses and then remembers something. "We do have grain elevators. To move grain from the grist mill to the wagons to be taken to market. Or taking the threshed grain to the grist mill and... that's not what you mean, is it?"

[lovelylaica]

It's complicated, of course. Sebastian's justified claim to the throne is tenuous nonetheless. His determination to marry an apostate mage, one who never should have assumed the title of Viscountess in the first place, only gives ammunition to his many enemies. The fact that she was later deposed by the same Templars who had instated her in the first place doesn't help matters.

But the picture Héctor paints is far nicer than any she'll have in reality. This far away, it's all a dream. So she indulges in it with him. "If I were able, I would invite you as an honored guest. You and your family would be passengers on my personal pleasure barge for the reception."

[unpocoloco]

"Ah! A ship! I've never sailed before. Sounds fun!" And he manages to pull back some cheer, moving back to this impossible dream. Impossible for both of them, apparently.

"I would be honored. I've no doubt my girl would love it too. And of course, I'd have to play for you. At least once!"

[lovelylaica]

"The pleasure barges are quite a bit different than ships, darling. There's no sails on them, for one thing. And they're big flat things the sailors pole along the sides of the river. They're only used around Starkhaven, they can't really harder any sort of rough water.

She beams. "Sebastian commissioned one just for me when we announced our engagement. It's supposed to be ready in time for the wedding.

[unpocoloco]

It sounds incredibly strange. He wonders if it's another world thing or if he's simply never heard of such a thing before.

Regardless, he can tell it's a thing for the wealthy which he is not.

"You've got me really wishing I could be there to see it," He says with a laugh. He shakes his head. "Our dearest ones out-class us woefully, don't they?"

[uninvincible]

[ First things first. Tony takes the Frenzy like a starving man devouring a hunk of bread, swaying slightly on the spot as John starts undressing him. He just stands there and lets him, enjoys the first wave as it smooths over him like warm bathwater.

Then he puffs out a laugh. ]

Servants? I had robot servants.

[ Kinda. JARVIS would have resented that title. Tony's hands move down, fingers tangling with Johns as they work together to get the shirt unbuttoned and off. It's kind of a job, and Tony laughs again-- with an added rush of delight that follows when he realizes he still can. ]

[conjobs]

[John sighs but doesn't comment. His first drink after that forced stint of cold turkey had been just as hurried and just as satisfying.]

Right. Course you did. [Constantine half doesn't believe him, but also it wouldn't really surprise him if this prick was some disgustingly obscene Scrooge McAmerican whoever-the-fuck-he-thinks-he-is. The kind of bloke you'd hope to spend a long, long time hanging around these parts.

Fortunately, John doesn't have standards. Otherwise he wouldn't be here.

He peels Tony's shirt off his shoulders and shoves it the rest of the way down to his elbows, but doesn't bother taking it all the way off with his hands already rushing to grab those silk-covered hips and snap their crotches together.]

Mmm. [Bony fingers slip between Tony's leather belt and his waist. A turn of his hand and a flick of his wrist gets the buckle off.] You hiding one of those lacy pieces of buttfloss in there?

[lovelylaica]

She smiles fondly. "Sebastian is perfectly content with a room in a monastery. But sometimes duty requires greater things from us."

The demonic theater staff has been dutifully sweeping up popcorn and mopping spilled drinks around them as they chatted, and are now glaring balefully at them. Finally, Laica notices.

"Oh, dear. Do you suppose we're supposed to leave, now?"

[unpocoloco]

In truth, he'd tuned the demons out too. He startles once he realizes just how oblivious he's been. He jumps up to his feet.

"Ay, yes, we probably should." He doesn't want more hassle from the demons than he already gets. But he does pause to smile on her. "But it has been wonderful to meet you. Thank you again, for the magic healing. I hope we run into each other more. That, or we both get out of here."

[uninvincible]

[ Buttfloss. It's so utterly unsexy that Tony snorts out a laugh that's way too loud and boisterous to have come from sober man. And, yeah, Tony's legacy isn't a pretty one. He'd been stupid, perhaps, to think he'd made up for it enough to avoid this place.

Yeah, yeah, he knows, it's not real hell. It's just a place he'd gone to directly after dying in which he has been relentlessly punished and tortured and has had his psyche stretched to its snapping point, so. Not real hell at all. ]

No floss. Would be rough on the family jewels, don'cha think?

[ There's something lacy and red, though. Tiny shorts. Tony hadn't kept the entire set he'd worn as an entrance fee, but these had been too good to leave behind. ]

[conjobs]

You seem like the kind of bloke who wouldn't mind a bit of suffering in order to look good. [And Tony is free to interpret that any way he likes.]

Hold this. [John pulls that soft leather belt off Tony's hips and pushes it into one unoccupied hand.] We're gonna find out which end you like, a lil' later.

[His lips twitch into a devious little smirk when he sees the red piece peeking out through Tony's waistband once he undoes the button and zip of those trousers, pushing them down those hips. Those can stay on for a while.

It's a little clunky to be grinding and bumping while trying to get undressed, but somehow John is managing to make it look and feel good while doing it, breath hot and heavy against the side of Tony's neck.] Be a good lad and help us out, love. [He takes Tony's free hand and keeps it pressed against the bulge in his pants as he moves up to bite on the shell of that delicate-looking ear.] Keep rubbing.

[compelledtoprotect]

"My ma named me too. Dad never came home from the war, so it was up to her to put something down on the birth certificate. I've always liked it." Steve liked anything to do with his mother period, but he'd never disliked his name, even for a moment. It was a good name, a strong name. He'd always tried to live up to being Steve Rogers.

Steve looked down at her, thoughtful, "Sounds like you come from a time a lot less advanced than I did. Elevators and escalators are kinda similar to your grain elevators though. An elevator is pretty much the same thing, only you put 'em in tall buildings and move people up and down. An escalator is like a staircase that moves, so you don't have to use your legs to take all the steps. You stand on one step, and it lifts you up to the next story. It would be easier if I had some paper. I could draw you pictures."

[uninvincible]

[ Oh, John knows how Tony is going to take that. He's seen it-- he is one of very few people who has, in fact, and that is why Tony came to him in the first place. So the question about which end of the belt he likes has to be just for show, right?

One thing at a time, though.

Be good makes Tony shiver, makes his knees wobble and has him tipping his head back to bare more of his neck in submission. The Frenzy is dulling his senses nicely, blurring out the humiliation and self-hatred and fear and allowing him to just need-- and he shows it by obeying, cupping John in his hand and rubbing him with expert fingers. ]