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

[lovelylaica]

Laica smiles politely. It's not the first time she's gotten a starstruck reaction, after all. "Yes, yes. Champion of Kirkwall and erstwhile Viscountess of the same and Princess-to-be of Starkhaven at your service." She rattles off the titles she's accumulated over the years as if it were old hat. A thing that just happened to her over the years and not the result of blood, sweat, and toil (and very rarely her own blood).

They reach the top of the wheel and start dropping down the other side and she gasps, her hand instinctively reaching to grip his forearm.

[compelledtoprotect]

Steve barely noticed the hand on his arm, considering he snatched the woman into a tight hug whether she wanted it or not. He buried his face in her shoulder, mumbling against her in a tight, strained voice. It didn't even seem odd to have Laica recite her titles at him. Steve thought it was a joke.

"Laica! I can't believe you're here! Have you been here long? Did anyone come with you? Are you alright?"

[lovelylaica]

Laica yelps in surprise when Steve grabs her and embraces her. Partly because she still doesn't recognize him (and she's fairly certain she would. He's the sort who would catch her eye.) But also because it causes the car to rock slightly and she becomes convinced they'll somehow fall out and die (they won't, she's just unaccustomed to such modern machines.)

"Um, no. I've only arrived recently. Bela has arrived as well, but that was simple coincidence. We didn't arrive together." She attempts to extricate herself from his grasp. "I'm terribly sorry, but I'm still trying to recover my bearings. Where did we meet again? Was it Chateau Haine? Or perhaps the Harimann Summersday ball?"

[compelledtoprotect]

The squirming was the first sign that Steve might have made a mistake, but the questions clenched it. He drew back, loosening his arms to free the lady, though he didn't entirely let her go. He searched her face, hoping for some reason Laica was joking. But . . . no. That was a very big no. Steve let go finally, lifting a hand to brush fingers against her cheek lightly before sitting back.

"I'm sorry. I thought . . . I'm sorry. Forgive me. I'm Steve, Steve Rogers. It's um, it's nice to meet you Miss Laica."

[lovelylaica]

She meets his eye, her own wide and guileless. The more she looks at him the more she wishes she knew him. Maker, just look at him. She tilts her face into his soft touch and smiles kindly.

"There's nothing to forgive. I'm sorry I'm not the person you thought I was. She must be really something." She certainly inspired quite a passionate response. "I'm very pleased to meet you, Messere Rogers."

[compelledtoprotect]

Steve gave her a wistful smile, "That's the thing, you are the person I thought, you're just not quite the same incarnation I guess. And you are something. You're amazing Miss Laica."

Memories tumbled through his mind and he longed for the ability to go back to the island, just for a day or two. He could say goodbye to certain people that way, and check on the Laica he knew one last time. It was his fault Rumlow had vanished after all . . . Steve sighed and took one of Laica's hands in both of his, the touch gentle and easy to pull away from if she didn't like it.

"It's an honor to know you again Miss Laica. I hope this time we can spend a lot more time together. So, you've never been on a Ferris Wheel before? Did they not have them where you come from, or were you just too nervous?"

[lovelylaica]

"It's, um. Viscountess if you absolutely must use a title." She corrects him gently. There's a few others she's managed to rack up as well. "But please don't feel obligated."

She doesn't pull away when he holds her hand. The added stability making her feel a little more safe in the wobbly ferris wheel car. She grips the side with her other hand in a slightly-too-tight grip. "And I'm very pleased to meet you, Messere Rogers. And, no, I've never seen anything like this." She laughs. "I can only imagine the sensation it would cause. Not even Val Royeaux has anything like it."

[compelledtoprotect]

"Viscountess huh? That's a bit of a mouthful. Would you mind just Laica?" He grinned down at her, gently pulling on the hand he held, urging her closer. Steve lifted an arm and looped it around her shoulders, more than happy to give her more stability, "And I assure you, I'm only ever just Steve."

He looked thoughtful at Laica's words, trying to place the locations, but he failed rather miserably, "I don't think I know those places, but if you've never been on a Ferris Wheel, you sure have been missing out. I love these things. You go so high! You can see just about everything! I promise I won't let you fall though, so no reason not to look out when we get to the top, ok?"

[lovelylaica]

There's the briefest pause before she answers. The situation at home is complicated, after all. "Just Laica" is probably more accurate, all things considered. Brief as that may be, because it will be "Princess Laica Amell Hawke Vael, Champion of Kirkwall" once she marries Sebastian, after all.

It's a lot to dump on anybody, particularly when she has no interest of throwing her weight around. At least not until she has a little more of a grasp on the situation. "Just Laica is fine, Just Steve." As if his title is "Just". Steve the Just. She grins, amusing herself.

She is unconvinced of how great Ferris Wheels are, but does her best to keep that to herself. He enjoys it, clearly, there's no sense in spoiling it for him. "Yes, you can see quite far." She smiles a little. "And descend much faster than using stairs." That's good, right? Even if it makes her stomach flip.

[compelledtoprotect]

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

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

[lovelylaica]

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

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

[compelledtoprotect]

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

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

[lovelylaica]

"Mother grew up very wealthy but left it all behind to live in obscurity with Father." And then Laica spent so much of her life trying to win that all back again for her. She hadn't quite gotten everything when Leandra died. But at least she had restored her to her house. "I think letting her choose the name of the first born was the least he could do." She says it fondly. Maker knows Leandra herself never complained or expressed bitterness over her decision.

She bristles a little at the "less advanced" comment. She heard enough talk of how backwards and barbaric her home was when she was living there, and to keep getting it now is a just as aggravating. "Advancement is in the eye of the beholder." She says. Not angry. Maybe just a touch defensive, though. "What is the purpose of such things. Why build buildings so tall you can't simply walk up the stairs?"

[compelledtoprotect]

"Oh that's so romantic! They must have loved each other so much." Steve was a romantic at heart, and he wasn't ashamed of finding things touching. He did tend to keep such sentiments to himself depending on the rest of his company though. With Laica, he didn't think it would make him seem less in her eyes to appreciate the tenderness of such a gesture. Giving up everyone for the one you love, literally, was such a rare event. It deserved to be made much of.

Steve chuckled a little at the short reply, and the questions, "I wasn't trying to imply anything bad, I promise. When I was born, we still had an outhouse and chamber pots. And you're absolutely right. I dunno that most of the advancements that modern society seems to find invaluable are really worth anything. Although elevators are actually pretty useful. A lot of people in society have issues with mobility. When you can't go up stairs, an elevator would let you get to higher floors. But a lot of the things I've seen I could definitely do without."

[lovelylaica]

"They did." She smiles softly as she looks out at the view, such as it was. It would never occur to her to think less of somebody for wanting love or recognizing it in others. Isn't that what everybody wants? "Although, she'd never say it, but I think there were things she missed."

She frowns a little at the plumbing talk, unsure what that has to do with elevators. "Why don't their friends help them?" It's what they would do in Thedas.

[compelledtoprotect]

"I can imagine, but to love someone so much . . . It sure does sound nice. Like in a movie or a novel, where there aren't as many real life consequences." He smiled at Laica's expression. He liked to think his own parents had had a good romance of it, before life pulled them apart.

Steve lifted his brows, "Well, part of it is that friends don't always live nearby, and a lot of people don't like asking for help even if they do. Where I come from, building up was the only choice, since there was no way to build out. Stairs were a necessity." His hands had moved, shaping first a tall building, and then what would have been a long, lower-story one. You couldn't go side to side in New York, you could only ever go up.

"Elevators meant that people who have trouble getting up and down stairs would be able to have a reliable, safe way up and down without trying to rely on people."