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

[endoftheuniverse]

[Liam glares at her and closes in to the centre of the room where the list awaits. His eyes flick down to the paper and he reads the crimes of a cop - and his eyes linger momentarily over the second word. He knew that military-types could never be trusted ... and yet outright condemnation is slow to come to him. He knows why: his own crimes have been blown completely out of proportion, and that his situation is not comparable to other genocides in history. He also knows that he should not be affording her the same benefit of the doubt; yet, his outrage would not land with the force it deserved.

So Liam turns and throws his own list harder than necessary; it lands at her feet and slides into her shoes. Genocide, Terrorism, Assassination, Failing to stop alien slavery, Destruction of property, Insurrectionism, Hijacking, Vandalism, Theft. Not dissimilar to hers.]

There. We can make this perfectly fair for us both.

[He's not referring to letting her read the list.]

[equinamity]

[Out of what is likely a misguided obligation towards respect, she had never had any intention of intruding on Liam's list. For one thing, she legitimately doesn't care. For another, she knows how deep the instinct to keep things private can run.

But he's thrown the list at her regardless, and it settles tucked beneath the toes of her boots. It doesn't take her long to realize what he's implying, and though Riza is careful to keep her expression neutral she feels anxiety coil in her stomach.]

Genocide doesn't outline the breadth of what I participated in or the role I played.

[No. She'd participated in Ishval, yes. She'd taken lives under orders, fired time and again from her tower without acknowledging the consequences. But that wasn't all.

It wasn't just the lives she took directly, with her own hands. Riza was responsible for the "Hero of Ishval's" access to the devastating power of flame alchemy. Had she never shared with him the research, the destruction would never have been so great.

So genocide just doesn't explain how great a role she played, and doesn't clearly place blame on her shoulders. Not alone.]

But if that's what you choose, so be it. I can't run away from what I've done.

[endoftheuniverse]

Convenient, because it doesn't outline it for me, either.

[But, from the dry tone of his voice, clearly not in the way that she means. He practically stood in front of her rolling his eyes through the entirety of her contrition, because he believes absolutely none of it. For one, if she were truly sorry, she'd know what a fucking farce this entire thing was:]

You think a small amount of pain is going to do shit for anyone in this room? Change anything about the past? Don't make me laugh. I'm just doing this so I can get the hell out of here. [He's already taking his jacket off, hurriedly working on pulling his shirt over his head. She might have said 'arm,' but Liam obviously has other ideas.] Hurry the fuck up and strip so we can get started.

[equinamity]

Excuse me?

[Hurry up and strip? No, that isn't in her plans, and this time she levels her gaze at him and glares.]

You can carve whatever word you want on me, but I will not be stripping in front of some stranger so you can write wherever you please.

[And she's not stripping so he can see the true origins of flame alchemy.] Pick somewhere else.

And if you think for one second that I believe that a little discomfort is going to redeem me for the lives I took, I'll ask you to reconsider and spare me your preaching.

[endoftheuniverse]

[Liam blows air through his nose, fed up with this cop. Of course she wants him to write it on her arm; the less pain, the better it is for her, right? Well, fuck that. This entire thing might be a farce, but he's not letting her wriggle out of this that easily.]

This isn't a fucking tattoo where you get to pick your favourite place, lady - it's how things are done here.

[By now he's peeled off his shirt and turned around, displaying where his other sin was written. Assassination; raised, scarred skin still very easily readable on his back.]

Now I know you must be new or whatever, but I've been around the block a few times.

I'm not writing on your god damn arm.

[A single, hair-width cut, like a fracture in his flawless skin, suddenly runs up his face and begins to bleed down his cheek.]

[equinamity]

[Hawkeye readies herself to argue. To tell him that he knows nothing, that he hasn't earned her pity, and that he'd be just fine going and screwing himself before expecting her to strip for him. And it's not just anger in her yes--but fear. Genuine, unadulterated fear.

But then the first cut on his face appears. And as she's silent, warring with the risk and the guilt, a second appears on his arm and she knows it's a result of her lack of cooperation. ]

Damn it! [It's a quiet swear, mostly to herself, and then she pulls the turtleneck from where it's tucked in her uniform slacks and brings it over her head. It pulls the clip that holds her hair in place loose, but she doesn't move to fix it. Instead, she puts the shirt aside and grabs the knife, pushing it into his hands.] Speak a word of this to anyone and I swear I'll find you and ensure you regret it.

[Then she turns, and instead of clean skin she presents him with a grotesquely marred tattoo. It's intricate, covering the entirety of her back and even up to the base of her neck. Thick scar tissue breaks the circle where it nears her left shoulder and crosses the center of her back. The scars occasionally interrupt the lines all up the tattoo, only highlighting the extent of the damage. Liam can easily see the salamander and guess the nature of the tattoo even without knowing a thing of alchemy--and knowing that the circle is related to flames only makes it more evident that the scars are from burns.

Deep, deep burns.]

Go ahead then. If you can find space.

[She spits the words, her tone full of revulsion and shame. It's different from the front she's displayed the entire time they've interacted. It's shameful, and fearful, and maybe just a little bit broken. Hawkeye doesn't turn to look back at him, jaw set.] You may need to write over the array to fit.

[endoftheuniverse]

[Liam turns back around and rolls his eyes, thinking that Riza is simply drawing out the inevitable. He's reaching up to smudge away the blood weeping down his cheek when the knife is pressed into his hand instead. Finally - he adjusts his grip to control the knife with a fine, pencil-like precision. For all of his disdain for her, he hopes to make it obvious he has no desire to cut into her with reckless abandon.]

Yeah, whatever, my lips are sealed.

[Who the fuck would he even tell? Then she turns, and though she cannot see his expression, she would undoubtedly notice his stunned, utter silence. Instead of cutting into her, Liam finds himself unexpectedly paralyzed, approaching only to gently thumb the outline of the burn scar with tenderness that had been uncharacteristic of him until this precise moment. His words aren't accusatory - rather, completely dumbfounded. He knows enough about Darevan's tribal tattoos to know that ink along the spine would cause agonizing pain to place on its own; coupled with the disfiguring burns, it is a level of suffering that even Liam doubts he has known.

He cannot know even the surface-level meaning of these markings other than the flame motif, but he suddenly has a heavy, sickening weight in the pit of his stomach, like he has looked into the face of a cruel and horrible God.]

...What the hell is this?

[equinamity]

[Embarrassment and fear are powerful motivators, and she doesn't rise to his bait when he teases about keeping his mouth shut. Instead, she clutches her shirt to her chest and bows her head and focuses on continuing to breathe.

When it's fingers against the disfiguring scars instead of the sharp slice of a knife, Riza flinches away. The taut skin is still remarkably sensitive and remains the only old injury that ever plagues her even now.]

Don't touch it-- [She's surprised by how breathless, how panicked, her own voice comes out.

Even as he hesitates to carve into her, she feels his eyes on her back as acutely as she'd felt his fingers, and it takes more effort than she cared to admit to not just slip entirely out of reach.

No less shaken sounding, she presses on to answer him, voice quiet and small.]

A codex for a type of alchemy. Created by my father. I shared it with his student... and it was ultimately used in the genocide you are supposed to be carving into my back.

[Riza swallows, trying to steady her voice. Liam might note that she's shivering; it has nothing to do with being cold.] It's as destroyed as he could manage without killing me in the process.

[endoftheuniverse]

[Liam relents, but only just, his fingers hovering over her back like the texture of her burns would somehow make him understand what she has suffered. He traces his gaze over the rippled codex, its incomplete pattern forever burned into his cybernetic memory whether she likes it or not, and he wonders with equal parts horror and monstrous curiosity how mere patterns traced into human skin could be capable of bringing down a people. What "alchemy" means in this context.

He finds his voice, still quiet relative to his biting mockery from earlier.]

...If it is of no sentimental meaning to you, then I'll just write over it.

[Make it disappear, a bit more at a time. She might be a cop, but even now, he can't help but want to erase some evil from the world.]

[equinamity]

Write it where it can be read.

[She's still shivering under his curious gaze, still fighting the urge to pull away. She feels heat radiating from his hand and knows he's still just a breath away from her, and she wants desperately to tell him to back off.]

The array is unusable now, but the sin... [Riza hesitates, clutches her shirt closer to her, closes her eyes and fights to keep her voice level. Instead, she's quiet and uncertain, and the self-deprecation is clear in her tone.] The sin should be legible, not hidden.

I deserve at least that.