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.


Navigation | Premise | Arrival | FAQ
Rules | Taken | Reserve | App
Network | Logs | OOC | Memes

code bases by tricklet

Comments

reach up high

[smokedout]

[He cocks his head, watching the can of soup for a moment before taking it and inspecting it up close. It looks... questionable, but edible, which means it's right up to Dodger's standards for consumption. Not that the rot and mold has been stopping him from eating whatever he comes across. He's been getting sick a lot lately.

Without many qualms about the food, though, his attention turns to the person offering it, looking them up and down.]

Someone really fucked up your haircut, huh.

[He has a mild tone. This is... polite, for him.]

[opheliaafterdeath]

[You're such a charmer, Dodger. With their good deed done for the day and the feeling in their gut gone, Nekane shoves their hands in their pockets and also look the man up and down.

And then they snort at his comment.]

Not as bad as someone fucked up yours.

[Although it's obvious they're being sarcastic since there's nothing really wrong with Dodger's hair. But as far as stupid comments go, it's not the worst they've heard.]

[smokedout]

[That gets a smirk and a huff of laughter out of him; he knows he looks good, and he could easily brush the comment off even if it wasn't clearly sarcastic.]

You got some spunk, that's cute.

[He moves a bit closer, towering casually over them as he lights a cigarette with the snap of his fingers. His eyes are curious, tone playful, but something about him is undeniably dangerous.]

Your whole face is pretty fucked, you got a story for that?

[opheliaafterdeath]

[Really. Well, they'll give it to the guy, the cracks are the most distinctive feature for them aside from the wings. Nekane doesn't look impressed though.]

I got into a fight with a door and lost.

[And if he buys that lie, he's an idiot. Dodger isn't the first person to use his height to try and intimidate them. But they do note the feeling of danger as they look up to meet his eyes.

That's not going to stop them from being an ass though, if the smell of cigarette brings back bad memories.]

And how's the fucking weather up there? Being tall ain't as intimidating as you think. Unless you want me to count your fucking nose hairs.

[And then you're going to have to pay them Dodger.]

[smokedout]

Sure looks like it.

[He doesn't believe that, because he's not a fucking idiot, but he gets it. He wouldn't answer questions about his own face to a stranger, and he respects that this (man? woman? he's trying to categorize them but isn't sure) won't either.]

Am I intimidating you? [He teases, and his eyes narrow with a sort of sly humor. He leans down to Nekane's level, but close enough that their faces are mere inches apart and he can blow smoke in their face as he speaks.] I'm just being friendly, sport.

[opheliaafterdeath]

[They make a face at the smoke and cough with a muttered gross. But he's not bringing the cigarette itself close to them so they'll take the smoke.]

Nope. I can ham it up if it'll make you feel better though.

[They've moved from sarcasm to just being dry. To the surprise of no one, being tortured as badly as they were did wonders for their standards of what's intimidating. Being tall and smoking isn't it.]

Got an interesting fucking way of being friendly.

[Nekane doesn't bother being annoyed by being addressed as 'sport'. Their boss always called them 'kid' so it's not the worst thing Dodger could have picked.]

[smokedout]

And here I thought we were having fun.

[It looks like the kid isn't playing along anymore - and they are a kid, because Dodger can't decide their age but they seem younger than him. Either way, he's a little discouraged by the dryness but that won't stop him.]

Don't believe we've met before - but a kind gesture's worth a lot, I don't leave that shit hanging. [He gestures with the can of soup.] You got something you want in return?

[opheliaafterdeath]

[To be fair to Dodger, it's not hard to irritate Nekane.]

Pretty sure I'd remember meeting you. [Photographic memory aside, this guy's got a presence they can't ignore.] Can't think of anything at the moment. Wasn't exactly like I did it to be fucking nice anyway.

[Lucifer's little "encouragement" was the main reason and getting sick of feeling like something was clawing out their stomach.]

[smokedout]

Looks like you'll have to find me later, then.

[He tosses the can up, flipping it and catching it idly. Something in his tone really lines up with the way he scans Nekane's body with his eyes, as if they're a piece of meat.]

Folks call me Dodger. If you think of something you need, come find me, yeah?

[He's already backing away lazily, totally oblivious to the incoming danger.]

[opheliaafterdeath]

[It's not the first time they've been given looks like that. It irritates them, of course, but the name is...much more interesting.

At least it's easy to clamp down on the rage for the moment. For just one moment.]

Actually, yeah I already got something. Know a man named Héctor? Nice guy, probably too nice for this fucking place. Said he met a pretty cool guy named Dodger. You him?

[Nekane keeps their tone casual as they lie. All they really know about Dodger is that he has fire powers and possibly teleportation. But they want to make sure it sounds like Héctor mentioned him before everything went down.

Just long enough to make sure it's the right guy.]

[smokedout]

[His eyes narrow. Maybe it's that he's paranoid. Maybe it's that he's not fucking stupid. Something tells him that no one would connect their names without a reason.]

Yeah, I know Hector. Skinny fucker. Gullible as shit, too kind for his own good. Heard he got himself into a pretty tight spot making favors for a friend, got himself all marked up by the demons.

[He stops moving, and tips his head in a way that is simultaneously dog-like and menacing.]

So who's asking?

[opheliaafterdeath]

[They catch on he's catching on quickly. Well, it's not like they were going to bother playing nice.

So his question goes unanswered. Nekane's eyes narrow, yet they don't move. They don't have to.

The only sign that something is coming is a loud snap like an elastic breaking. A rush of wind. Behind the man, from a random shadow on the ground, extends a nasty claw made from the stuff. And if he does not get out of the way, he is going to suffer a rather nasty blow to the back of the head when the claw curls into a fist and lunges forward.

Nekane does not play fair. Not now and not ever. But it should be obvious who's asking.

Someone's who's really pissed off.]

[smokedout]

[Dodger was braced for an attack, and the sound of the snap is enough to warn him. Immediately he bursts into sparks with a loud pop, sparks which flow through Nekane and reassemble into his form just behind them.

He makes a grab for their wrists, to twist them back and pin them behind Nekane's back. And if that works he'll be kicking the backs of their knees to force them to the ground. Much better a short fight than a fair one.]

[opheliaafterdeath]

[In a normal situation Nekane would find that way of teleportation fascinating. Seeing it in action is even better. They can remember how it works.

When Dodger gets one hand around a wrist, a number of things happen. The first is largely dependent on how well Dodger can resist illusions. When Nekane's eyes flare a brighter red, nothing can happen...or his vision can dim or cut out completely.

But regardless of how that turns out, a shadow claw will burst out from Nekane's own shadow between the two of them and attempt to stab Dodger in the stomach. Meanwhile behind Dodger the same thing is happening, aiming to sink shadowy claws into his back.

Better decide if it's worth keeping a hand on them, fast.]

[smokedout]

[Dodger is extremely vulnerable to illusions - his vision immediately cuts out, and he grips Nekane's wrist hard enough to bruise as he tries to figure out what they're doing to him. His head twitches to the left, as if trying to shake off something covering that side.

It leaves him completely at the mercy of the shadow hands, which both smash into him, and he lets out a yelp and a snarl as he finally lets them go and tries to claw at whatever is piercing into him.]

[opheliaafterdeath]

[Maybe they would be sympathetic to that sort of reaction. After having their eyes carved out, Nekane has a deep fear of going blind. Of the exact same dark that they just committed Dodger too, however temporary it is.

But also fuck this guy.

The death grip on their wrists hurts but they don't care. What are just a few more bruises compared to what they've gone through? It just serves to piss them off further.

The shadows themselves are solid and strangely cold. Getting a grip on them isn't as hard as it may seem (sudden blindness aside) but the pressure Nekane is putting on keeping him in place will make it difficult. He can teleport and they are not letting him get away with that willy-nilly.

Although that's not Dodger's only problem. The illusion will wear off eventually. Hopefully it's before one final shadow hand forms and streaks towards his face with every intention of socking him as hard as it can.

Pulling out all of these claws sped up the strain on Nekane's body. They are damn well going to get their money's worth before they have to get out.]