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

[unpocoloco]

He looks intrigued. He doesn't know any Altean Royal March of course but he'd probably make an effort translating it to guitar if he did.

He notices her wistfulness. God if he doesn't relate. Being out of Hell and being home were still two different things.

"Earth, si. From Santa Cecilia, México. I understand I'm a lot further back than most. I'm from the year nineteen twenty one. Things in the future are very different from what I know. And some people here seem to be from rather magical Earths." He laughs ruefully. Then he takes the chance to ask, "What about you? You're Altean? Did I get that right?"

[quintessent]

"Nineteen twenty-one..." She muses out loud and there's a small smile on her face. She doesn't know much about human history but the humans she knew had just started to explore outside of their solar system - to think about Earth long before that was charming in a fond sort of way.

She nods, "Princess Allura from the planet Altea." A formal greeting and she gives a little bow of her head, "It's a planet that was a very long way from Earth. And a very long time ago."

The last bit is said ruefully. It's a long story.

[unpocoloco]

He blinks a little at the bow and formal greeting. Princess. Royalty.

"Oh!" He stands up before the camera, sets up steady on the nearest surface, steps back and bows. "Mucho Gusto, Princessa. I must apologize to your highness for... I'm pretty much always forward." Much, much too forward. Oh well.

He goes back where he was, moving the camera back too.

"I'm not sure if that makes you from the future or past to me then. But I wouldn't mind hearing about it. I find that, although it can hurt too, talking of home helps."

[quintessent]

“Oh!” Ah. She shifts a little bit where she’s sitting, straightening her back and biting her lip to keep from smiling. How polite. It’s been a long time since someone made such a big deal out of her title and it was both awkward and charming at the same time.

“There’s no need for apologies. I’m not sure a title means much when I am dead. It is just… a sentimental title at this point.” One of the few things handed down from her parents that could never be taken from her. She would always be the daughter of King Alfor.

She smiles, “I think it’s a little bit of both,” A ten-thousand-year-long nap puts her pretty solidly as having existed for most of known human history, but that’s a different story, “I miss my home but more than anything, I miss my parents,” Her voice gets thick, and she blinks. No matter how long it’s been the pain was still so fresh, “We spent a lot of time off-planet, but returning to the castle-ship with them always felt like home, no matter how far away we were.”

[unpocoloco]

It's just a flicker of sympathy to start with, but it very quickly builds.

"Ay, well, as a dead man and a sentimental one, I can call you by title still if you wish," He says to start. It means little difference to him. He doesn't know how to view people in any lofty sense after an initial meeting.

He doesn't know what she could mean by things being a bit of both, but he doesn't ask. He knows missing. He knows home and his little girl.

"I'm sorry. For what you've lost. It sounds like it was lovely, to find home as long as you're with family." He feels that deeply, though his family never left one home. "I'm sure they miss you too, where they are." He pauses, then says, "I like to think, once we've earned our redemptions here, we'll be able to go... to the better places. Wherever we can meet or wait for them."

[quintessent]

She smiles, "Princess or Allura are both fine with me." Enforcing her title has never been something she was keen on doing, sentimentally or otherwise. She mostly let other people choose how they were comfortable addressing her. (Other than those who wanted to use it diminutively, of course.)

There's a long hum of consideration, and her gaze goes soft, considering, "I hope you are right." Hell or Heaven wasn't as much of an Altean concept, but the belief of being together with those she had lost transcended cultures, "Do you believe in what we've been told? That we'll be able to... move on once we've finished here?"

[unpocoloco]

He'll go with both then. That was just fine by him. He never was one to stick by calling people just one thing.

He smiles then. It's a rueful thing. He can hardly help it, hearing uncertainty.

"I do," He says. "I know the doubts people have. And I know that Lucifer himself is not someone one is supposed to trust. But I do not believe there would be a Hell if there were no Heaven, and a devil if there were no God. I think this is legitimate. And while I'm not sure where exactly we will go after this, with so many different worlds and some of us being alive, I don't believe we're damned for eternity. If we were, we would know. I believe that would probably be the worst thing we could be told, which is what Hell would do, so the fact we haven't been must mean something." Which is all a very grim way of looking at it, he knows. He doesn't like or necessarily agree with every choice involved, but it's something.

"More than that though, I think it is better to hold hope to begin with. Believing there is nothing more is the first step to giving up. That is something I refuse to do to my family."

[quintessent]

She listens quietly, nodding as he explains. Personally, she isn't sure what to believe here – which is why she's interested in learning others perspectives. Religion and beliefs were so different between all of them, but there were a lot of similarities too.

“I think that too – that hope is the most important thing we can do. And the only thing they can't take from us if we don't let them.” Her voice is steady, strong. Like she might have experience giving inspirational speeches about hope before. But it softens, along with her expression.

“You must miss them dearly.” Said somberly, “They would be proud of you, I think. For not giving up hope.”

[unpocoloco]

He notes the way her voice changes. Truly a princess in the way of a leader. That is more than many loftier individuals could say. (Though, still, she is here and he can't forget that any more than he can forget it of himself.)

It's the softer words that wound. He does miss them. Terribly so, and it shows on his face. But to speak of pride makes him wince and look down.

"Gracias, Allura. But... I am not so sure. I let them down before I came here." His shoulders drop some. "I am here... in part because I let them down." His eyes close and he draws a breath, trying to keep himself together despite the crack run through his heart. "But I hope to make it up to them. I hope, after I'm through here, they can forgive me."

[quintessent]

Her expression softens, gaze dropping. Maybe she had said too much. But she understood the sentiment all too well. They all had their reasons for being there. Some worse than others, she was willing to admit, but that did not mean they didn't carry guilt or wrongdoing.

“Everyone makes errors, Hector.” She struggles with her words here, finding them a little more raw and honest than her little inspirational speech earlier. She thought of her father, and of herself, “We all... did what we thought was right, in the moments we were in. That's all we could do.”

[unpocoloco]

It's nothing he holds against her. The words would've been nice, were he not the one who'd done wrong.

But it's words she struggles with that touch him more. As much as he kicks himself, as much as he hates himself for it, he did think that music was the right thing. It was supposed to support them. It was supposed to help.

"I suppose that's true. Thank you." It will be hard to remember that but he supposes he can try. Maybe, just maybe, his family believes that. The smile returns, however saddened it is.

"I did not expect, when I came to Hell, that there would be people so kind."

[quintessent]

She smiles, a tight lipped thing, “There has to be some of us here.”

To offset all of the terrible. Allura didn't much care for propping herself up as better than others – even as royalty, she preferred to see her position of one of service. But compared to the murderers and worse that she's met here. She's willing to admit she's not as bad as them.

“I'm glad that we met, Hector. I wish it had been other better circumstances but.” This is their reality. She nods, “Will you play your music for me again someday?”

[unpocoloco]

"A terrible thing and yet I'm grateful," He says. Yet another reason he's not a good person, seeing the good here and not even speaking out against it.

"I feel the same. About the circumstances and the chance to meet you." He bows his head one more time. "And I would happy to play for you again, Princessa. Please, be as well as you can out there."