penancememes | TEST DRIVE MEME #8

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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A wise preference.

[When he finishes, she doesn't survey the work whatsoever. Instead, she fishes the only spare cloth she has from her pocket--an oil rag that had thankfully just been laundered and is currently clean...ish. She uses it to dab away blood, putting enough pressure to slow the bleeding to a crawl.]

It's fine. It doesn't hurt. [She's exaggerating here, as the cuts do sting. But she won't heap any additional guilt onto him.] Breathe.

[She's tilted her head slightly, leaning forward into his space and trying to catch his eyes. If she can, she'll offer him a gentle smile to assure him that she is, in face, fine.]

[Peter's done this enough times to know that it definitely does hurt, but her being so calm about it does help him relax a bit. He always has a harder time with cutting other people than he does with letting them cut him, no matter how many times he's done this.

He takes a deep breath, eyes finally finding her face again, and he manages a small smile in return.]

I'm okay, promise. Guess it's my turn to get chopped up though, huh.

[She hums quietly in agreement, taking the second knife from the table. She doesn't look at his list and makes no move to touch her own though the temptation gnaws at her--take it, hide it, don't let him see.

Ever-practical, Hawkeye extends her free hand for his arm. Whatever uncertainty she feels she keeps to herself.]

Pick a short word.

[Peter rolls his sleeve up and offers his arm to her, glancing over at his list and deciding on one that he hasn't done yet.]

Uh. Murder. I know it sounds bad, but the guy got better. It's uh, complicated.

[But now they can have matching murder scars, so hey]

Murder is not a short word.

[She doesn't question him further though, presuming he's old enough to make his own decisions and she's not his mother anyway. After a slow breath to steady herself, she brings the knife against his skin.] I'll try to be quick.

[Riza does seem to work quickly as promised; the cuts are quick and neat and don't press deep into the skin. They can both thank her experience catching and skinning prey for this, considering she's no expert with knives herself.]

It's six letters! I-- listen, I have way longer ones than that, which sounds like more of a brag than I meant for it to.

[He's just going to stop talking, especially since she's doing that cutting thing now. Peter only flinches a couple times during the whole process, but for the most part he just sits still and silently watches, letting out an impressed little hum when he sees the end result.]

You have way better handwriting than the first guy I did this with did.

[In spite of the absolute insanity of carving the word murder into a teen's forearm, she can't help the quirk of her lips when he mentions that he's got way longer sins he could have chosen.

Instead, she glances up at him briefly before pressing on, neatly carving the D of murder into his arm.]

We'll just have to take solace in the fact that my father demanded nothing but the neatest penmanship.

[Look, neither one of them wants to sit here long enough for her to carve "reckless endangerment" into his skin. Ain't nobody got time for that.]

Y'know, right now I am pretty thankful for that. The first guy was like, this nine foot demon guy that couldn't read, so I had to just point a word on my list out to him and hope for the best.

[Consider her chagrined without even knowing that the option existed.

By the time Peter is done explaining about his first adventure in the torture chamber with a behemoth demon who couldn't read, she's etching the last line of the R into his skin.]

I'll hope you chose something that wasn't way longer than this considering the skill set of your first partner in here. [She releases his wrist, thinking to offer the rag she'd used on her own arm to the teen to clean himself up.] There. I don't think it's so deep that it will scar.

[He takes his arm back and he takes the rag, pressing the fabric to the wounds to try to stem the bleeding. They aren't very deep, so it shouldn't take too long.]

As far as skin calligraphy goes, it doesn't look too bad. And nah, it was only like four letters. Gotta say, there's nothing more nerve wracking than handing a tiny knife to a giant demon and doing 'here's my arm, chop away'.

[She has to admit that Peter's antics are amusing, at least. It helps keep her mind away from the memories of her father scrawling an intricate alchemical array onto her back, and for that she's silently grateful.]

I'll add skin calligraphy to my list of talents.

[She looks down to her own arm, at the blood still blooming gently on the skin there, and then back up to him.]

I'm Riza Hawkeye. [She offers her hand to him.] We skipped trivial pleasantries for practicing knife skills earlier.

That is kinda gross and I regret making it a thing.

[Skin calligraphy, really, Peter?

Anyway, it's introductions time, Peter takes her hand and gives it a shake.]

Peter Parker. I'm kinda used to getting sidetracked in the knife room, it's all good.

Yes, I imagine people get sidetracked in the knife room.

[She returns the handshake, a hint of an amused smile on her face. Nope, Peter--she is not going to let you live this one down.] In deference to skin calligraphy, of course.

Though I think I'd like to get out of here while I still can.

[SIGH. Ah well, there are worse things to be known for.] I'm just gonna be the skin calligraphy guy forever, aren't I.

[That's fine, this is fine. Peter scoots himself on over to the door and opens it, stepping aside and holding the door for her.]

TEST DRIVE MEME #8

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