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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[enoderedrum]

Sighing as he runs a hand back through his hair, Noah shakes his head. It doesn't really matter. Not here. Maybe it wasn't even their fault that they forgot him. Maybe when he crossed over or whatever it was that he did, it erased everything. It disconnected him from the ley line, from the boys, from Ronan.

Looking over Ronan's face he really listens to him, the way that he used to, the way that no one else ever seemed to. He believed him. There wasn't anything in his tone to cause him to doubt that and Ronan didn't lie. He didn't always tell the truth, but he didn't lie.

Noah stepped closer, which felt weird considering what the hell he was wearing under the sweater, and reached for Ronan's hand. It was as much to feel that Ronan was real, as it was for Ronan to realize that he was real. Real. Solid, not vapor. Not faded.

"The devil made a mistake bringing you here, too, then," he said, watching as he tangled a finger lightly in one of the leather straps of Ronan's wrist bands, "Are you okay?"

[inbello]

Ronan's eyes follow Noah's hands down to his own. He moves just enough to let Noah touch him, ready for the coldness of the ghost boy's touch against his skin. He's touched Noah before, of course, casually or in passing. He threw him out a window once. He was never quite solid after they'd learnt the truth, was he? He was touchable, but...cold, distant, unreal.

His eyes snap back up to Noah's face. "You're not cold," he says, ignoring that comment about whether he belongs here or not. It's been months. He has his own shit to deal with, his own stupid ass list of sins. He's not sure it matters who deserves this, though Kavinsky being here can't surprise anyone.

"This month hasn't been as shitty as some others," he answers. It's not a lie, but it's not an answer to the question, not really. Is he okay? What does that even mean, after most of a year in Hell?

[enoderedrum]

"Nope," Noah isn't entirely sure why he's proud of that fact, but is something that makes him happier than most people would understand. Seven years he barely existed; he was cold and he didn't really matter. Now, he couldn't really hate the place just yet. It gave him this. It was fascinating, honestly. Like relearning what things felt like. Really felt like.

He turned Ronan's hand palm up and felt along his fingers, the lines of his palm; felt the pulse beating beneath the thinner skin at his wrist, "...so not great, but not terrible, then."

It was silly because he didn't want to let go of him; scared he would disappear and leave him there, so when he did, there was so much reluctance that it showed in the way he hesitantly dropped his hands aside. "Do me a favor? No, throwing me out of windows or making me climb on cars while I'm here. I don't know how that would go this time around." And yes, his nose crinkled ever so slightly at the idea of it.

[inbello]

Ronan sort of gets it, in that he knows Noah considered himself to be more before he died. This Noah - totally dead, not a ghost, maybe closer to the boy he had been once - is different. But they're still friends, as far as Ronan is concerned. Ronan's loyalty doesn't change just because circumstance do. The idea that he could forget unnerves him. Of all of them, he figures he was probably closest to Noah. Or maybe Blue was, in her way, once she came. Still, forgetting, after they'd confirmed remembrance of the murdered boy...that's awful.

Ronan lets Noah turn his hand over, touch him with his regular temperature hands. It's new, fascinating. Ronan lets more people touch him in Hell than he means to, but he wouldn't have any reason to pull away from someone he knows, from a friend.

"No promises," he says, sharp grin spreading across his face like a crack in a wall.

[enoderedrum]

Both hands ended up in the pockets of the stolen sweater, and he felt a little baggy inside one of the pockets which he pulled out to look over, "...you should probably promise this time. I get a bad feeling there'd be a whole lot more blood if it happened here..."

Holding the little bag up to the light he made a face, and then pulled a candy out of the other pocket, "Tell me I didn't steal something of K's and this is just a normal thing..."

The last thing he wanted to deal with was K, even if the guy didn't even know he existed.

[inbello]

"I'm the least dangerous thing to you in this bullshit hotel," Ronan says, still not promising. Of course he wouldn't actually hurt Noah, not of his own accord, but he's fucking around.

Ronan looks down at the bag of candy. "That's not Kavinsky's, no," he says. Kavinsky does have candy around the hotel, but that looks much more like the Halloween fare from last month. Ronan should know, since he ate way more of it than he should have, even after he had a pretty good idea of what it did.

"I wouldn't eat it, though. It will probably still fuck you up."

[enoderedrum]

"I wouldn't have eaten it if it was K's." Noah muttered and took both items and set them on a table. Keeping the candy would have been a bad idea. Noah liked candy too much to keep on him and risk whatever the effects would be.

The continued lack of promise shouldn't have been amusing, but it was. Noah knew, though, that Ronan would never intentionally hurt him. Ronan was different with him than he was with anyone else for some reason. Sometimes, Noah wondered if it had something to do with him being connected to the line, and thus connected to Ronan on a level that the others never quite were. Sometimes he wondered if Ronan knew the truth...

The line did connect him to Cabeswater, and there was a reason he knew so many of Ronan's secrets.

Noah watched Ronan for a long moment, watched the flashing lights of the club dance over his skin, and then grinned, "I think you should have a drink with me. I mean this is a really messed up reunion. But, I have a body! And I'm wearing some really weird things that I don't want to be sober enough to remember later...so...yeah?"

[inbello]

If Ronan knows any hidden truth about Noah, he certainly doesn't let on. Right now, he's sort of spellbound by the (former?) ghost boy's warmth, like he's a living person now. Ironic, since they're in Hell. But then, the real Prokopenko had somehow followed Kavinsky here, so...the rules just don't seem to make sense. He's more used to that now, after months, than he had been at the start.

His half-feral grin returns. "Yeah, let's have a fucking drink," he agrees, waving a hand toward the bar. It's probably a terrible idea, but that's never stopped him before.

[enoderedrum]

Noah was still getting used to feeling again. It was like he was a perfect medium of who he was when he was alive and who he became as a ghost; a little less hyperactive and a little more than an exhausted storm cloud.

Ronan's grin appeared and Noah returned it unconsciously began snagging his hand again and tugging him to the bar. It was an absolutely terrible idea but Noah had been so used to chasing these things when he was alive that it was easy to throw the caution he had acquired to the wind if it meant enjoying Ronan the way he had always wanted to.

And he was definitely going to steal those candies for later. Experimental purposes. He did need to understand the things that went on here after all.

"It's been so long since I've had alcohol." he admitted, perching on a stool with the excitement of--well, a ghost that finally can enjoy himself.

[inbello]

"Well, just don't get roofied," Ronan says. It's half a joke, but he doesn't laugh. He's well aware that even if you try to avoid things here, hell hotel has a way of getting you involved anyway. It's a weird sort of resignation. Months of being here just take their toll.

He orders two beers from the sneering demon bartender and passes one to Noah.

"So you can like taste things now and whatever, huh?"

[enoderedrum]

Noah watched the demon and grinned a little to himself before his fingers wrapped around the neck of the beer bottle, "Even if I did right now, you wouldn't let anything happen to me." Which was so contradictory--the one person he felt one hundred percent safe with was the one person who threw him out of a window. Weird. He glanced at the demon, Ronan, the demon again that was still sneering and back to Ronan again.

"Are they always like that with you or is it just that one? Cause my first drink came from a not so cranky looking demon thing." He took a sip from the bottle and watched the light and shadow play off of Ronans sharper features; which were all of them. "Taste things, touch things, I'm not exhausted...so basically I'm going to be trouble again. Oh. My hands do this weird cold thing though that I don't understand. I noticed it earlier."

[inbello]

Ronan shrugs. Surely this isn't about a few weeks ago when he lit furniture on fire in the lobby, right?

"I don't know, man, they're fucking demons. Who knows what their problem is." It's not an outright lie; it really could be totally unrelated to the arson thing. It could be related to who even knows what. Ronan is combative by nature, not likely to go along to get along. He's directly disobeyed what the demons want plenty of times. They're not all hostile towards him or anything, but it's not like he pays attention to individual demons.

"What kind of trouble?" Ronan asks, sharpness sliding into his smile, all danger. But Noah can share his danger now, if he likes. Ronan isn't above causing trouble for trouble's sakes. Why should he give a shit what Lucifer and his stupid demons expect?

"Maybe your cold hands are a holdover from being dead but aware of it in the real world for longer than most people."

[enoderedrum]

Wiggling his fingers a moment, Noah leans into one hand and watches the other, brows raised. "Who knows. Sometimes I can make them colder, other times they're normal. Or as normal as they can be. Sort of like really bad circulation. It's weird to be dead but not dead." The wiggling fingers re-wrapped around the neck of his bottle and he sighed; Cause he was still technically dead. Right?

Blue eyes watched the dangerous smile slide over Ronan's face and he smiled in response because he could never fucking help it. Ronan made him feel so normal and he loved that he knew the soft insides as well as he knew the sharpness everyone else saw. "Anything I want. Do you remember Adeles little speech about me? She wasn't lying. She wasn't completely telling the truth either, if I'm fair." He took a sip, "Boredom typically leads to troubled behaviour and I was perpetually bored. I was exhausted when I was dead but why do you think it was you I stayed with? Or why I always went with you to Kavinsky's 'parties'?"

Because...he would have when he was alive.