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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code bases by tricklet

Comments

bless him

[clozapine]

When he'd come in the demons insisted that he put on lingerie, and the least revealing thing he could find were black leather-like material boxer briefs that were likely a size too small for him with extra straps that he wasn't quite sure the use of. But the place was dark and he doubted anyone would be looking too hard at his clothing when there's so much skin around to be distracted by.

The man he decided was good enough to try his luck at turned around to show that he had lingerie forced on him too. Or, by the looks of it he may have picked it out on his own. "At the moment, no. Nowhere I can think of." Lester responds to the hand on his shoulder by pulling Klaus in a bit closer.

"I can think of a couple places you and I can go together. What's your name, handsome?"

[ouijahands]

Klaus lets himself slide closer to Lester, absolutely at home both in his (lack of) clothing and the closeness to a stranger. Hell makes all of this easier sometimes, which is maybe the only good thing here. Klaus likes to focus on anything but the terrible, anything but his memories or the food shortage or whatever. This works for him.

"Oh? Give me options and I'll pick one." His grin is playful, interested, even if his eyes are maybe a touch glassed over.

"Klaus," he says. "How 'bout you?"

[clozapine]

"How about my place, Klaus? We might wake my room mates, but I hate all of them."

He grins like he's joking, but he absolutely isn't. As he leans in closer he can tell that there's some concoction of drugs in the guy, but Lester isn't at all deterred by that. Instead he slides his hand curiously over the scar on Klaus' chest idly. It looked painful, but also well-made.

"Call me Bullseye." With a quick glance around the dark club he sees rooms off to the side which could easily be restrooms. "If you don't want to wait the two of us can head over there to get to know each other better."

[ouijahands]

Klaus raises an eyebrow at that. "What is that, your superhero name?" he teases, completely not serious. But you know, he's met enough other superhero types that it might turn out to be true. Still, it's a throwaway comment. He doesn't mean anything by it. But he's not going to press Bullseye for his real name, either. If he wants anonymity, Klaus can get on board with that.

His eyes dip down to Bullseye's hand running over the edge of the scars like that. It feels weird, even through the lace, but he doesn't hate it. Most people are afraid to touch it, horrified by it. Klaus has a lot of weird feelings tied up in that incident and the man who put those scars there, but he's not shy or embarrassed. He doesn't bother with those feelings. Life - afterlife? - is too short for that.

"Hey, I didn't get all dressed up to not have someone look at me," he says, still teasing. Actually, he did it because they wouldn't let him into the club if he didn't, but that is entirely not the point! The point is that he likes to show off, and the dark bathroom corner, while not beneath him in the slightest, isn't doing it for him just this second. "So let's go back up to your place. Roommates can skedaddle if they're offended, right?"

[clozapine]

"Oh, doll. I ain't a hero, I'm a villain." He laughs, leaving it ambiguous as to whether or not he's joking about that. Maybe if they fuck a second time he'll be more inclined to share, but for now it's all he's willing to give.

Lester assumes, possibly wrongfully, that the scar was an aesthetic choice and not some form of punishment. If it was the latter, they'd perhaps have tried to make it look a little less badass. His own scars are a random assortment of small and large. A couple gunshot wounds that have healed, and some from being stabbed. Most are on his back but he's got a few on the front of his shoulders and one at his side. He'd ask about Klaus', but at the moment his mind was on a single thing. How to get Klaus out of here and to his room as soon as possible.

"Come on, then. We have a roommate to disturb." He grins, letting his icy blue eyes look over Klaus one more time before they have to get dressed again to leave. Lester would have preferred to fuck somewhere close by and semi-private, but he's not going to push his luck no matter how drug-addled Klaus might be. After pulling on his pants and his jacket (skipping his shirt), he heads out and lights a cigarette outside to prepare for the walk.

[ouijahands]

Klaus laughs at the villain remark. Is it true? Does it matter? Not at the moment. He's happy to just go along back to the room.

He pulls his coat on. If he had pants here, he'll either leave them or get them later. His coat is long so it hides most of the lingerie, but he doesn't pull it clothes. There's no sense of embarrassment or modesty at all.

He reaches out to take the cigarette from Bullseye's hand, taking a drag before giving it back, as if there's familiarity between them even though they've just met.

[clozapine]

At least he doesn't bother to ask about where he lies on the scale of morality, but in the end it probably wouldn't matter too much. At least not to him. And, if he's going to get some tonight he doesn't mind sharing a smoke. He's sure by the end of it they'll have had their mouths all over each other. Doesn't make sense to fuss about germs or the like.

Not so long afterward they're in front of the door to his room in the hotel. He unlocks it and ushers Klaus straight to his bedroom so they won't have to interact with his roommate--if Dodger was even there. He shuts the door behind them, locks it too--just in case. He tries not to think about how easy Klaus might be to kill, but instead how good it would feel to have the man under him.

"Make yourself at home."

[ouijahands]

Klaus has no idea what could be going on in Bullseye's head, or if he's dangerous or anything. He kind of looks dangerous. But aren't they all dead anyway? Who cares?

He follows along to the bedroom and shrugs his coat off again, leaving him in just the lingerie he'd gotten at the club. He really does seem at home in it, like he could just wear anything and not care. There's no sense of embarrassment or hesitation or any of that that people could sometimes have with strangers. Some of that is probably just drugs, but some of it is just that Klaus doesn't bother with shame.

He reaches for Bullseye to draw him close. It's not like he came here to talk, after all.

[clozapine]

When Klaus pulls him in, Lester finds himself thinking that it's probably best not to kill the guy. You can't fuck a dead man. Well, it's possible, but that's a bit beyond the level of fucked up that Bullseye is.

And whether or not he mentioned it before, that lingerie looks much better in good lighting so he can see just how revealing it was. He leans into the closeness, his eyes lowered to exposed skin of Klaus' torso as he tugs the lacy material upward a little, grinning.

"It's uncomfortable how well you pull this off." He points out, but doesn't give too much time for Klaus to respond because he has his lips on the other pair soon after, nudging him back toward his bed.

[ouijahands]

"Hey, I look good in anything-" Klaus starts, but then Bullseye's mouth is on him and it shuts him up (at least temporarily). He's easy enough to steer around, backing up to the bed til his legs are against it. He lets himself fold, perching on the edge of the bed, drawing Bullseye with him. The kiss is hungry, not yet desperate. He came here for this, though, and it's not like he's going to back off of it now.

"I also look good out of anything," Klaus says, pulling away from the kiss long enough to say it, knowing it's cheesy as anything and not caring in the slightest

[clozapine]

"Yeah? Stop talking and show me how good you look out of it." He jokes, speaking into Klaus' lips and not really giving him the space necessary to speak or undress--which would make it impossible to even comply.

His hands keep roaming over bare skin until he eventually begins to undress the other man himself. The lingerie gives him a bit of trouble until he just ends up hauling it off over Klaus' head to throw it across the room then push him down onto the bed. Lester settles between them, kissing from Klaus' lips to his neck and throat area, leaving behind red marks that would probably go away in a day or so.

[ouijahands]

Klaus chuckles against Bullseye's mouth, but he doesn't do much to actually do as he's told. He can't with the other man still there on top of him, not really. It's fine.

Then Bullseye's hands are on his skin, pulling the lacy stuff off. Klaus moves along with him, letting him go for it. They aren't his clothes, after all, just something that he got shoved into at the club.

His own hands find Bullseye's skin, slipping under thin fabric. He leans his head back, granting access to his neck. The sounds he makes udnder Bullseye's mouth, the harshness of the kisses, are pure pleasure. He likes roughness, and he's not about to make that a secret. Bullseye seems like a guy who can appreciate that.