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

ＲＥＡＣＨ ＵＰ ＨＩＧＨ ᴾᴿᴼᴹᴾᵀ ᴵ

[failed_antichrist]

It had been a while since he met Noctis, and while the name doesn't come to him immediately, he still places the face with a gentle person he had a decent conversation with. Sure, it had been an uneventful one, but the impression left on him was someone polite, decent, and didn't belong in this wretched place.

"I'm not.... I'm never ready for this," Setsuna mutters out, voice pained and soft. Still, he takes the knife, hands shaking. He knows there's no point in messing with the door, and the longer he takes to get started? This poor guy will start suffering cuts anyway.

He can barely look at Noctis' sins list, but gives it a quick glance and asks, "Which one you want? Envy is short." The shorter, the better.

Re: ＲＥＡＣＨ ＵＰ ＨＩＧＨ ᴾᴿᴼᴹᴾᵀ ᴵ

[waywardscion]

"Envy is fine." He wasn't sure what it'd be like to reciprocate the torture, but this was significantly less painful than it could have been. At lest this wasn't flaying each other alive. A little carving would be fine. "Go ahead." He tried to encourage Setsuna. His skin felt clammy and he was anticipating the sting already, but he had to remind himself this wasn't as bad as it could be.

[failed_antichrist]

It always bothers Setsuna, every time, but he could appreciate the outlook they're being forced to do anything worse to each other. Still, this Noctis guy always seemed really nice.

"Envy.... Okay," Setsuna repeats, somber, even though he tries to give Noctis a brief, hollow smile.

"Sorry about this. Maybe we can bandage each other up after this?" If the poor guy wants to still deal with him. Setsuna gets on his knees, close to Noctis' thigh, knife shaking his hands. "I'll make it small."

[waywardscion]

"Don't worry about me, Setsuna. I'll try to do the same. No hard feelings." He can only assume guilt because he would feel the same - will feel the same when he puts the knife against Setsuna's flesh. "We can make it out of this." He swallowed then looked away. He wanted to stay still and calm for the other while he completed the task. The alternative would have been worse.

[failed_antichrist]

No matter what, there will be guilt, but Setsuna nodded to Noctis' words, eyes trailing down. His hand still shook, so he tried to jokingly say, "Sorry it won't look good. My control on this is terrible."

But he didn't waste anymore time explaining and pressed the knife in, just deep enough it mattered, and managed the first line of the E, keeping it small as he promised.

[waywardscion]

It was uncomfortable, sure, but it didn't hurt. He's had a lot worse scratches brushing against corners, furniture, or a mean cat. This was sustainable. This was fine. He stayed still for as long as Setsuna needed. However, he did ask. "What one do you want for yourself?"

Note: Lust isn't on there yet, but it should be from the trading event

[failed_antichrist]

"Uh, I guess Deicide. Unless you wanna put Lust? It's shorter," Setsuna said offhandedly, gesturing to his list. He never sees a reason to avoid it.

If he had known it didn't hurt much, he would have been relieved. As it was, he did his best to keep it light, even if blood surfaced. He started on the 'N'.

sounds good!! err.. wait, not this is torture, it all is terrible!! :c

[waywardscion]

"Lust." He considered the word and huffed through his nostrils. "You can keep going, it really doesn't hurt.." much. Noctis swallowed and his eyes moved to Setsuna while the other worked on his thigh. He looked between the boy's face and the hands on his flesh. It wasn't bad at all. It was light enough to fulfill the requirements.

He didn't want to ask about the sin, whatsoever, and he was glad Setsuna didn't ask about his own.

It is! But it's bonding. In a messed up way. >:

[failed_antichrist]

Setsuna could only nod to Noctis' decision, even as he took a deep breath, relieved at Noctis' words. He believed them without question, too preoccupied with carving through skin, and preventing the blade from going in too deep.

Even when he saw Noctis look at him, he couldn't help a pained expression, though he managed a mild, forced smile for Noctis' sake.

"Yeah. The sooner we get it over, the better." He was oddly glad the 'v' was just two lines, as was the 'y'. Just four more, and he was done, at least, with this part.

[waywardscion]

Noctis couldn't agree more. Though, the pace that Setsuna was going felt comfortable and bearable. He was glad he wasn't stuck with someone that didn't take as much care and concern about what they were carving on Noct's body. Setsuna seemed to care. He'd do the same, for sure, he wouldn't just carve up Setsuna's flesh just because he wanted to get it over with quickly. Besides, it didn't need to be deep, it needed to just be visible and scratches were all that it took for that to happen.

It will be okay.

"After this, ... want to get a drink?"

[failed_antichrist]

"Definitely. A drink sounds like a good idea," Setsuna agrees as he finishes off the 'y'. He has to look away, pained by the blood dripping down Noctis' thigh.

With his part done, he takes off his shirt and offers his back as a canvas.

"Wherever you want, is fine," Setsuna tells Noctis, subdued as he sits on the floor, finding that easier than standing.

[waywardscion]

Noctis eyed Setsuna's backside. He wanted to find someplace meaty, not too thin. He touched over the other's flesh until he found a spot which had a denser feel to it. "Is this alright?" He swallowed and waited for the answer before he reaches for the knife to start his own destruction on the other's pale flesh.

He didn't think about what lust meant for Setsuna, but rather what it meant for him and he could easily find evidence of being guilty of lust. He cuts small and not deep at all. Blood beads at the surface of the skin and only a small bit drips from the wound he creates.

It's just as short as his own and once he's done he sat the knife aside. He moved a hand up to touch Setsuna's shoulder. "It's finished."

[failed_antichrist]

"Yeah," Setsuna absently answered as he felt himself going numb, mentally pulling away from the event, a dissociation that started when he carved into Noctis, leaking over into the feel of sharp metal slipping into his skin with care and ease.

"Barely felt that. You did a good job," Setsuna tells Noctis. He was almost surprised when Noctis said he was finished. If it wasn't for the burning on his back, or the wet feel of the tiny bit of blood, he wouldn't have believed Noctis even cut him.

"Let's get out of here, then," Setsuna mutters as he grabs his shirt. He frowns at it, not wanting to ruin it with blood stains. Maybe he should wear black more often down here.

[waywardscion]

Noct wiped his fingertips across his pants. He nodded toward Setsuna at the suggestion of leaving this place behind them. He was fine with that. He was also fine not talking about what transpired here. It wasn't any of his business and he wasn't feeling too chatty about his sins laid out there on the table either.

He followed Setsuna out of the room, glad to see the promise was true, that they were released.

[failed_antichrist]

At the silence, Setsuna doesn't look back at the room, but does turn to study Noctis. Then just reaches out for a hug.

It's part for him, for the comfort, but also because he can't stand seeing anyone like that. After having to hurt each other, maybe being able to offer some comfort could balance that out?

[waywardscion]

Noct reciprocated the hug before he even had time to think about it. He closed his eyes and lowered his head to Setsuna's shoulder. He pulled the other in tighter, stronger, and held his fellow sinner. He felt remorse for what he'd done to the blond - but he also was grateful this was the least they had to do to one another.

wind down?

[failed_antichrist]

Setsuna himself didn't exactly think much before he acted. He held the hug for as long as felt necessary, and gave Noctis a gentle squeeze before he backed away.

He gave Noctis a hopeful smile. "I hope we see each other again, but no where near one of these rooms."

aye~

[waywardscion]

Noctis gave a firm nod. He was all too ready to forget both his sins and Setsuna's. What they did in there was so intimately personal and Noct felt guilty having seen a piece of Setsuna that he had no idea about and didn't have any right to know. It should be Setsuna's choice to have told him about anything in his past. Not this stupid game of scarring one another with their sins.

End?

[failed_antichrist]

For Setsuna, it didn't matter what sins Noctis had committed, he was clearly a nice person, and that much had been clear to Setsuna from the beginning. Everyone made mistakes.

And he didn't mind having to display his, either, already accustomed to the whole host of Heaven knowing his sins and misdeeds. Maybe one day, though, he would get a chance to tell Noctis more, freely, and on his own.