TDM 05

[goldmods]

【 Thank you for choosing the Golden Peacock, 5-star resort and casino. You are currently registered as a WILDCARD in our system.

Due to a high volume of check-ins, temporary accommodations have been made in our KING SUITES for all new arrivals. We will endeavor to have all guests moved into their reserved rooms as soon as possible. We deeply apologize for any inconvenience.

As a token of our gratitude for your understanding, front reception has arranged for a GRAND FEAST to welcome our newest guests. The attendance of all guests is required. The house will enforce compliance.

Please note that rank-appropriate attire is mandatory. Guests found breaking social code may be disciplined. We hope you enjoy your stay! 】

ARRIVAL

DIVINE AWAKENING

A cool breeze lofts across the room. Gentle, soothing. Cotton sheets and silken covers slip with the tired stretch of limbs. New arrivals dozing in the comfort of their king-sized beds wake to the balmy warmth of a hazy sun and the rhythmic lap of waves on the shore. Clouds mist around the floor, granting ethereal ambiance. Gauzy curtains flutter, revealing a majestic stretch of sky in all directions. This temple is nestled at the top of a mountain, one where the sea somehow meets its edge.

All King suites have been set to the Heavenly setting for the comfort of these new Wildcards. To call this place a room feels like a misnomer; all of the senses scream that this is a real temple at the top of a crisp oceanside mountain. The only clue that this place isn't what it seems is the door in the distance. It stands dark against light, a stark rectangle distinctly out of place.

New arrivals aren't waking up alone. Reception would never expect their guests to wake up in a cold bed. All new guests will be waking up next to another Wildcard or a current guest snatched up from the hallways. Guests waking up in these heavenly King suites will wake dressed in sheer white tunics and togas that leave very little to the imagination.

MARK OF THE GODS

None of the traditional suits have manifested on these Wildcards. Instead, all new arrivals will discover intricate patterns winding their arms and legs, each one different from the next. Thorns, vines, stars, or moons — the commonality of these marks is that they come in either glittering gold or shimmering silver.

► BENEVOLENT DIVINE: Those with marks of gold running along their skin have been identified as benevolent deities. The powers that be have sensed the kind spirit within. All benevolent Wildcards may experience the effects of any RED SUITS over the course of the next two weeks.

► MALEVOLENT DIVINE: Those with marks of silver running along their skin have been identified as malevolent deities. The powers that be have sensed the muck that lurks beneath the surface. All malevolent deities may experience the effects of any BLACK SUITS over the course of the next two weeks.

MADDENING HUNGER

Itchy throat, dry mouth. Headache. Hungry. It comes on slow, at first nothing of note. But, surely, it begins to deepen. Grapes don't feel filling. Water barely quenches thirst. All new arrivals will wake up in a state of hunger. They will find that despite the complimentary snacks left in their room by room service, nothing hits the spot.

No matter how much food they eat, these new arrivals, who have been dubbed as divines, won't find any satiation from food or wine. This gnawing hunger is exhausting; as it increases, their strength decreases. They cannot continue on like this for long.

All Wildcards, regardless of divine differentiation, will need to be worshipped for sustenance. Otherwise, they risk falling into a frenzied state.

There are many ways they can be worshipped. While having their bodies worshiped through sex is the most effective, they can find minor relief in acts of praise, affection, offerings, service, and so on. The longer a Wildcard goes without being worshiped, the more their god mark will leech their energy, and the faster they will lose their sanity. Loss of sanity can result in any kind of frenzy, from general mania to breaking from reality.

GILDED CAGE

AN ENDLESS FEAST

Doors to the grand banquet hall of Gilded Cage have been opened. A singular massive table stretches throughout the entirety of the restaurant, every available inch loaded with trays of food and goblets of wine. Waiters seamlessly dip in and out of the kitchens with platters over their shoulders, bringing delectable cuisine from all avenues of every earth around for guests to enjoy. Vibrant fruits, roasted meats, and decadent desserts funnel into the hall without end.

Rugs and cushions have been laid out for low rank guests. All high rank guests have thrones and benches covered in crushed velvet and delicate linens. Wildcards have a seat of honor amongst it all, each fresh new divine lead to the grand dais for their own semi-private tent with daybed and eager servants.

Low ranks are carefully watched by security and wait staff. Some low rank guests may even be dragged in by resort staff to assist serving high rank guests and Wildcards. All high rank guests and Wildcards are revered and catered to during the feast. Low rank guests are expected to feed them, rub their feet, and comply with any whimsical demands. Any low rank guest that defies a higher ranked guest is at risk of being shackled, forced to scrub chamber pots, and other humiliating punishments.

ROYALS

► Royal cards are King, Queen, and Jack ranks. All ranks beneath them must comply with their demands, no matter how whimsical or stupid. They are waited on hand and foot, with low ranks throwing themselves forward for the honor of pleasing them. Royals do not need to obey the commands of anyone aside from Wildcards. While it is good manners for a lower royal card to defer to a higher royal card they will not be punished if they decline.

► Royal cards are encouraged to eat, drink, and be merry. Be selfish! Be greedy! Take everything you want! There is no end to the pampering and indulgence offered to royals. Long-standing guests line up to flatter them and give them gifts. Resort staff are desperate to make them laugh or smile. A royal card frowning strikes terror every servant. Resort staff will insist that they seek their own pleasures and not worry about the feelings of those lowly cards. All numbered cards exist to satisfy the royals; being concerned about their peasant feelings is unnecessary.

► Royals can command any numbered rank. If they find a numbered rank they particularly like they may monopolize them for their exclusive use. The word no does not exist. Whatever a royal wants, a royal gets. They can also issue punishments to numbered ranks that do not please them. There are guards prepared to discipline servants at their command. They may also dominate unruly servants with their own hands if that pleases them.

SERVANTS

► Servant cards are ranks A - 10. Hierarchy exists within the servants as well. While a rank 10 servant must flatter and please the royals, they may issue orders to any servant rank beneath them. This continues down the line — a rank 6 servant must obey and adore any rank above them but may command and bully any rank below them.

► The Ace rank shows its fickle nature. All Ace cards are bottom-barrel servants sitting at Rank 1 that anyone can bully. They are automatically ordered to clean up trash, scrub sticky floors, and dance provocatively for any rank that demands a show.

► Servants must obey anyone that outranks them. There are guards standing along the walls waiting to discipline any servant that defies the hierarchy. However, the guards are mostly for show — suits enforce real compliance. Any servant that disobeys an individual who outranks them is at risk of their suit flaring. If their suit does flare, submitting and obeying or an orgasm can abate suit effects.

WILDCARDS

► Wildcards are akin to deities. There is no greater honor than to serve or possess a Wildcard. Royals want to own them and servants want to please them. All Wildcards are showered with endless adoration. Fights break out for the chance to feed them grapes or rub their calves. Wildcards may do whatever they want without consequences, even toward royal ranks.

► Wildcards are encouraged to indulge in the finest of everything. Servants must tend to them and obey their commands. While royals do not need to obey them, there is great prestige in claiming a Wildcard’s affection. Wildcards are encouraged to be selfish and enjoy themselves to the fullest.

► Any royal or servant that satisfies a Wildcard can collect a Wildcard token. This is an electronic token that appears in their bank account once a Wildcard has climaxed during sex. Physically pleasing two Wildcards bring about great blessings. Players may submit two Wildcard tokens under their rewards thread to collect a small item voucher.

PHOENIX CASINO

ALEA IACTA EST

Phoenix Casino has been reborn in antiquity. Stone pillars line the aisles and embroidered linens cast a gauzy filter over every corner of the gambling center. The number of statues has increased, with every corner decorated with marble figures in provocative poses. The feast continues into even here; scantily clad servants and waiters carry around platters of succulent fruits and pitchers of wine.

The game tables are abuzz. Special games have kicked off in honor of the new godlings that are waiting to check in. Even here, those of different ranks are distinct from one another. The lowest ranks wear small slips of clothing. Some are even collared to show they belong to a particular royal or Wildcard. Royals and Wildcards dress luxuriously in thick robes and golden jewelry.

Game managers clap and encourage guests of all ranks to join in on the fun. While there are numerous card games, slot machines, and raffles happening around the casino, staff are promoting three events in particular.

WILDCARD AUCTION

► All shiny new Wildcards have a unique number pinned to their robes. Early in the night these nubile virgin Wildcards will be paraded across the stage and asked to introduce themselves to the crowd. After, the bidding will commence. Don't miss this opportunity to claim a resort virgin and beloved divine!

► Bidding for a Wildcard can get intense! Numerous long-standing guests are already obsessed with these stunning new arrivals and are quick to bid high. Bidding wars can break out at any time. Some very eager long-standing guests are willing to get violent if it means they get to monopolize one of these Wildcards. Security is on stand-by for cases of Wildcard theft; some guests are so desperate for these Wildcards that they'll even try to kidnap them if they see the chance.

► The hierarchy is temporarily set aside for auction purchases. Any rank can dominate a Wildcard if they have the means to bid high enough and buy. In the case of Wildcard purchases, their god marks will force compliance to whoever buys them during the auction.

CASTING LOTS

► This special game of lots is designed for a high rank and a low rank to play together. In the case of guests of the same rank playing together, a coin flip will decide who plays the "low" rank for this game.

► The high rank guest will roll a six-sided die. The number rolled will reflect the game rule by which the low rank guest must try to satisfy the high rank guest. If the low rank guest manages to satisfy the high rank guest they will receive a large payout. If the high rank guest is not satisfied they may discipline the low-rank guest in any way they see fit.

ONE: Without using hands.

TWO: Using only mouth.

THREE: While blindfolded.

FOUR: Using only butt cheeks.

FIVE: Using only legs.

SIX: While remaining on knees.

► The high rank decides if and when they have been satisfied. Work hard, low rank!

HEADS OR TAILS

► What's a casino without a bit of risk? There's a special game of Heads or Tails happening at the game tables. All guests must bet their rank in order to play. Winners of the game will have the option to either swap ranks with the loser, or keep their rank as is and move on to another game. With a little bit of luck, even a Rank 2 can experience living the high life.

► All rank swaps are temporary. Winners that choose to swap ranks with the loser of their game will have 24 hours with their new rank before they revert back to normal. They may continue playing on with their "new" rank if they want to test their luck.

► Heads or Tails is played with a physical Golden Peacock coin. Players will take turns as the coin flipper, with their opponent guessing if the outcome will be heads or tails. The first guest to reach three correct guesses is the winner.

BEAK

ENTERTAIN YOUR BETTERS

A massive circular arena has been erected in the middle of Beak. Staggered seats rise up to the ceiling, where royals lounge in luxury viewing boxes. The gaping mouth of the arena is wide and desolate. An assortment of weapons, such as spears and shields, hang along stone walls. It waits for the taste of blood and stench of battle. The sound of the audience cheering and booing echoes throughout the Wellness Quarter.

Beneath the open arena is a smaller closed arena and the warrior’s bunk. Warriors will find cold showers, rustic wooden benches, and training weapons available for their use. Deep in the earth is a grimy prison where servants who refuse to battle are thrown to wait for their turn. There are also cages where the hungry “animals” wait to go out and entertain the masses.

A long track rings around the perimeter of the arena. Gone is the standard green fuzz and white lines, replaced with stone and dust to elicit the real feeling of running beneath the hot Grecian sun. Foot and chariot races take place throughout the day.

BATTLE ROYALE

► Numbered ranks have been conscripted into battle for the amusement of the Wildcards and royals. While high ranked servants may be able to wiggle their way out of a fight, low ranked servants will be thrown into the arena without mercy. Warriors that win their battles will be showered in accolades and payouts while losers will be mocked and pelted with rotten tomatoes. Warriors that try to forfeit their match will be stripped naked, strung up on a pole, and mocked for 24 hours.

► Battle rules are simple. Any means and methods of fighting are acceptable when in the arena. The arena’s overseer will decide if a battle will end when first blood is drawn or if it will continue until one side can no longer continue. There are rare instances of battle to the death, typically reserved for warriors who have deeply offended a Wildcard or royal.

► Royals and Wildcards are welcome to join in the royale if they wish. They will not be forced and they will be given any armor they want before stepping into the arena. Low rank warriors are given no armor — some may even be forced to fight nude.

SUBDUE THE BEAST

► Any numbered ranks that have displeased a Wildcard or royal will be thrown into the arena to fight barehanded against hungry tigers and lions. If there are no troublemakers on hand to throw into the arena for entertainment, low rank servants will be forcibly volunteered instead.

► Those alleged hungry tigers and lions? They are other servants dressed up in sexy animal costumes. While staff will take genuine volunteers for this role first, they will forcibly volunteer low rank servants into the role if needed. All costumes are revealing and offer little protection. There is an assortment of looks to choose from, not just tigers and lions, though whether or not a servant gets to pick their outfit depends on how charitable the arena master is feeling.

► Matches will end when one party can no longer continue or the audience is sufficiently amused. Royals and Wildcards are permitted to partake if they please, and there will be no consequences if they decide to withdraw.

RACE TRACK

► Royals and Wildcards are invited to participate in horse racing. Only, there are no horses to be found — all the “horses” are servants! Any chosen servant must carry their master over the finish line. While piggyback rides may make the most sense for a race like this, many of the high class prefer more elegant positions, so anything goes. Horses are required to wear a bridle at all times during the race.

Servants are also allowed to participate as jockeys as long as they observe the hierarchy. Servants may ride any servant of a lower rank. Aces are ordered to walk around with a poop shovel and bag, even if there won’t be any real horse poop lining the track (probably).

► Royals and Wildcards are also invited to participate in private horse racing. These races involve no track, taking place in the back of Beak in private rooms furnished with cushions and silks. Like with the public races, royals and Wildcards may select any servant that catches their eye. Unlike the public races, the goal here is to make their ‘horse’ orgasm as quickly as possible. Times will be saved on their Watches. The faster a master makes their horse come the more bragging rights they have.

Servants are once again allowed to participate as jockeys as long as they observe the hierarchy. The higher ranked servant must make the lower ranked servant orgasm as quickly as they can. While the ‘horse’ may offer mutual comfort they will receive no accolades for their skills.

TALON

SHOW OF STRENGTH

Talon is bustling with warriors training for the arena. Several strength building stations have been set up, including benches for royals to perch on while warriors bench press them. Additions have been made to Talon as well; multiple mud pits have been dug for warriors to participate in some mud wrestling between arena battles.

Servants that appear too fragile to handle mud wrestling have been conscripted into the oil bearer role. Their job is to slather the warriors in oil from head to toe, and otherwise prepare them for their matches in either the arena or in the pit. This includes styling their hair, tending to their wounds, and wiping the sweat off of their bodies if so desired.

The locker rooms that connect Beak and Talon have been fully stocked with first aid kits and luxury bathing supplies. Warriors that have won their matches get first pick, leaving the dirty towels and shampoo that smells like ass for the losers to sift through. Those sneaky ghost hands are having a field day, snapping rat tails at unsuspecting bathers and locking naked warriors together in the supply closet. Guests lacking vigilance may find their bottoms unexpectedly pinched.

MUSCLE CONTEST

► Who can appeal to the royals and Wildcards most? It’s a competition based on aesthetics! Strip down, oil up, and flex your muscles to earn a high score from the judges. Royals and Wildcards may issue a score between 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.

Wildcards and royals are welcome to join in the competition. For some reason, their scores always end up being 10 no matter how skinny or noodly they may be! The flattery and praise for their stunning looks and bodies is endless. No need to work out, my lord, my lady. You’re stunning as is! Truly no body is more perfect!

► Servants are not only allowed, but encouraged, to bribe royals and Wildcards into giving them a high score. While chips and gifts can certainly be offered, isn’t the most compelling argument some hands on experience? Staff will hint to competing warriors that offering sexual favors to the judges may help improve their scores. What better way to prove their physique is the most superior than to put it to work?

► Royals and Wildcards may purchase warriors for their exclusive entertainment if they so desire. Staff are eager to impress these nobles and make a pretty penny in the process. While this isn’t an official auction, these sneaky staff aren’t above making sure the elite and their requested warrior are left alone in a locked room. You grease my palms, I’ll make sure that sexy warrior greases yours.

WRESTLING MATCHES

► Guests will find that a deep mud pit has been added to the front hub of Talon. Servants are stripped and oiled down before being thrown into the pit to wrestle for the entertainment of the nobles. While staff will take volunteers for wrestling matches, they will also grab whoever looks good, even if they’re just passing by! On-lookers place bets during the matches. The winner of the match will receive a small cut of the prize money.

► Wildcards and royals may enter as well. Servants are expected to throw their matches if they’re facing a noble… and if they don’t, they may be facing some unexpected consequences! All suits are sensitive to the hierarchy and will suddenly flare if a servant starts thrashing a noble.

► During a match-up of nobles, it is expected that the lower ranked noble will throw the match in favor of the higher ranked noble. While royal suits will not flare if this isn’t adhered to, discipline between royals isn’t unheard of!

► Some matches are held under “Special House Rules” — which means that the winner of the match gets to claim and fuck the loser. On-lookers will jeer and demand that the winner publicly fuck the loser where they can watch, but private rooms are available for the winner to claim their spoils of war without sharing.

WAYWARD ARROWS

► An archery range with targets has been established for warriors to show off their shooting skills. Like the arena, there are benches and boxes for the audience to admire this graceful art — or to throw tomatoes from when a warrior misses the mark! Both servants and nobles are welcome to participate as archers.

► Servants have been conscripted to act as moving targets across the range. They are told to heckle the archers while avoiding their arrows, and only advised that the arrows won’t pierce their bodies if they get hit. It’s all fun and games. We can’t have all of our servants dying en masse!

During this portion of the games, archers will be given an assortment of charmed arrows with chalk tips that elicit different effects:

RED ARROW: Chalk powder from red arrows will trigger an intense need for physical release by grinding, humping, or frotting.

BLUE ARROW: Chalk powder from blue arrows is pure aphrodisiac. Inhaling this powder will cause close spike to near-orgasm, one that the target will find that cannot be completed by their own hand.

GREEN ARROW: Chalk powder from green arrows will stir neediness. The hit target will suffer cravings to be sticky and hug, climb, and generally latch on to another person.

PURPLE ARROW: Chalk powder from purple arrows will cause a bad case of loose lips. This may manifest in a compulsion to loudly speak in pretentious purple prose, dirty talk, or say otherwise hilarious things for the amusement of the audience.

► Effects from the arrows will wear off within the hour. Multiple hits from differently colored arrows can create fun new effects so feel free to get creative!

INDULGENCE

DESIRES FROM THE VOID

The spirit of the festivities rouses something primal. With emotions heightened, the core of the Golden Peacock responds in kind. It drinks in the sweat of the warriors in the arena. Inhales the laughter of the royals using servants as furniture. Basks in the brilliant glow of fresh Wildcards. The portraits in the elevators are rowdier than usual and the chandeliers lining the hallways gleam with new vibrance. Energy is palpable.

Things begin to move around the resort. The forgotten and the old exhale a dusty breath. Like the hunger that the Wildcards woke up with upon arrival, as its heart begins to beat quicker, there is a tension in the air of those things hungering to feed. To join in, and indulge. To get what they want.

And they’re coming out.

GALATEA

► Statues around the resort begin to stir. First it’s with a hazy blink, moving to the slow creak of their stiff mouths. Eventually they break off of their pedestals and out of their poses before clumsily making their way down the hallways, stone feet an emphasized thump with every step. They tremble, their cold stone bodies aching for warmth and human embrace.

► Statues around the resort have begun trying to kidnap guests for themselves. Once they’ve spotted a guest they want, they will stop at nothing to try and drag them back to their pedestal to spend forever locked in love’s embrace with them. They do not need food, drink, or rest.

► There are two ways to put a statue to rest. One is to engage the statue in battle and break off its head. Once the head is broken off, it will cease to have a spirit and crumble to dust. The second is to involve the statue in a physical act of intimacy — have a threesome with it! Or twosome, if someone is willing to watch. In the case of the second, statues will return to their pedestals satisfied upon completion.

► Statues that end up destroyed may drop a small lore hint. They will wheeze as their stone begins to disintegrate, their stone eyes dripping liquid gold tears. “I just wanted to feel alive again… I wanted to feel like you again… to be whole,” will slip past their marble lips before they crumble away.

NARCISSUS

► Gaze into the water. Admire your pretty face, the curve of your lips, the squint of your eyes... wait, are you winking at yourself?! Over the next few weeks, water-based reflections will begin acting of their own free will. They have the ability to move within the scope of the water and speak, their voices muddled but understandable.

► These reflections are extremely flirtatious and charming. They smile and bat their lashes, pretending to be innocent while drawing the original owner in closer. How about a smooch? How about more than a smooch? Their whispered promises are sweet. Salacious. Loving. Anything to get closer to you. Leaning in too close to the water is dangerous — these reflections will reach out and try to drag unsuspecting guests in. Whether this is out of malice or affection is unclear, but how can they possibly make love to you unless you join them in the water?

► Once caught, it is challenging to escape from their phantom limbs in the water alone. Several long-standing guests need to be saved from The Nest’s decorative fountain because they keep coming close to drowning after trying to kiss their reflections. Unfortunately, not every location with water is as prepared to save unsuspecting would-be lovers. No body of water is safe — not even a cup of it!

► Reflections will become increasingly indignant if they're ignored. Their sweet words will take a sharp turn into insults similar to, "I'm the better looking one between us anyway!" They may also let slip some personal secrets like, "This is why Johnny will never love you back! You're so cold, ignoring even yourself!"

Any mention of the fact that they'll end up drowning the character in question will earn a scoff and another small lore hint along the lines of, "Why are you being such a baby? Only the resort can really kill you anyhow. It's not like you'll die forever if I fuck you in here for a while!"

PANDORA’S BOX

► A spider's web threads through the resort. Invisible, but audible to those that are willing to listen. One of the Punishment Rooms on the maintenance levels is unlocked. Without the padlock on the door to keep them silent, silvery whispers drift up from the basement. A brush of thought, a tickle of an idea that won't quite go away — come down… come down and see… what is inside… don't you want to know?

► Those that heed the call and explore the maintenance levels will find the unlocked Punishment Room. The closer one comes to this door, the stronger these voices grow. They will continue calling, eagerly encouraging whoever stops in front of the door to step inside.

► The inside of this Punishment Room is plain. White walls, a single card table, and two plastic chairs. A single lightbulb offers a dusty glow. There is nothing particularly interesting upon first glance. Slowly, the door behind will creak closed until it is closed, locking itself in the process. That small lightbulb will begin to dim until everything inside the room is plunged into darkness.

► This Punishment Room senses the worst memories and fears of one of the captives inside and forces them to experience them in real time. The manifestation of memories or fears inside this room are realistic, to the point that it's impossible to discern whether or not this takes place in reality or the mind. The Punishment Room will randomly select which prisoner to dig from if there is more than one, but all guests inside will experience the room's effects.

► The door cannot be unlocked from the inside. Someone must either open it from the outside or captives must wait until the punishment is over and the door unlocks itself. How long that takes is random, ranging from a few minutes to a few hours. That’s what you get for listening to disembodied voices!

OOC NOTES

INVITES | RESERVES | APPLICATIONS

▶ BLANKET CW: Alcohol; aphrodisiacs; battle; blood; bondage; compulsion; costumes; discipline; dominance; drowning; dubcon; fears; fighting; food; hierarchy; humiliation; indulgence; kidnapping; noncon; paranormal; power imbalance; roleplay; servitude; stalking; submission; supernatural; terror; violence; weapons

▶ All characters on the TDM are WILDCARDS, which means they have not yet been assigned a card value. Suits will not manifest until characters are accepted into the game.

▶ All TDMs are game canon. This TDM acts as the game's August event. Changes to the above locations will ICly be present from August 15th - September 1st.

▶ Current characters may top level on the TDM. Any current characters posting to the TDM should note they are current in their subject header.

▶ The top level directory is for new characters only. We want to make sure new characters are prioritized and receive attention! If you would be interested in a game invitation, you can note that in your comment header.

▶ If you aren't satisfied with these prompts, please feel free to check out our LOCATIONS to explore more of the resort!

▶ Smut threads that take place on this TDM can be used for rewards. If both parties in the smut thread join the game, you may retroactively apply the character's initial card values to your 52 bank. If one character does not join the game the thread will not be applicable toward rewards (as that character would not have a card value). The character that does join would still receive a small payout for the encounter. Hopefully it was a fun thread regardless!

▶ Wildcard tokens from the GILDED CAGE prompt may be redeemed even if the newbie(s) in question do not join the game, but only for the small item reward; the token does not carry over to Game 52.

▶ We ask you to kindly add content warnings to your threads as appropriate.

▶ If you do not currently have permissions and kinks listed in your character’s journal we suggest leaving a note in your top level of any limits or boundaries for other players to reference.

▶ Don't forget to relax and enjoy the end of your summer! ♥

NAVIGATION • LOG • NETWORK • OOC • MEME

Comments

[mistopportunities]

Oh yeah? Then maybe you'll kindly key me in to what's up.

[hey now, don't interrogate him! He's sensing a disturbance in the force now though, even if his smile remains exactly as it was when Rinne speaks. A kindred spirit... oh no.]

I could say the same, there. I mean, c'mon, who could forget a face like either of ours? Or the inevitable luck in getting to this point?

[virtuesignal]

[Concord has no issue taking control of the situation, wordlessly forging ahead with his own understanding. He could stand corrected, if Akechi spoke up and wanted to flip things around, but for now he presumes the young man wants to give himself over.

He pulls his shirt fully away from both his arms and shrugs it back. His physique is as impressive as it was the night on the beach, his chest and arms especially built and broad. His thick layers of body hair contrast against Akechi's smooth form well.

Yet, Concord halts at that part and... neatly folds the piece of clothing. Akechi is absolutely free to keep groping his ass while he focuses on this pointless task, given it's going to probably just get crumpled in the sea of cushions and silks lining the room they're in. He sets it aside all the same before reaching for the red ribbon around the young man's waist, toying with it curiously,]

Do you prefer everything off? Or is this apart of something appealing to you? [He doesn't get it, but then again, he should really be the one marked as an aggressive horse here]

[astrolabium]

Then, let us play.

[ Still smiling, Mona shakes the die in her hand before lightly tossing it out onto the table. It makes a few small clacking sounds as it topples, and then—a result. They are greeted with five dots across its surface. It would appear that Hilda's service will be one using her legs.

Mona is instantly relieved, rolling her shoulders with a sigh. ]

Thank goodness. If it had been a four, this would've been an unfortunate meeting.

[ Theoretically, Mona could've used her scryglass to determine the outcome of this game beforehand, but she considers astrology too respectable of a craft to use it for inconsequential matters. It was best to have left it at discerning Hilda's rank instead. ]

[the_roman]

[ The stroke of that thumb on his skin is maddening and soothing in equal measure. Damn good trick, that. It's so close to more intimate, more sensitive spots, and yet so carefully far. Not exactly a threat; more of a statement. I know where the line is. I could cross it. I won't.

When that thought crosses Ross' mind, it takes a real effort for him not to rock his hips. He came to terms -- more or less, twinges of Catholic guilt notwithstanding -- with the fact that his politics and his proclivities are at odds a long time ago. The way people with power trample carelessly on the people below them makes his blood boil. The way a person can use that power on him, with exacting care for precise effect, heats his blood in entirely different ways.

And the way this person, this red-eyed, casually condescending man, with the terrifying power to move Alan however he wants -- the way he holds back, the way he's simply keeping them both still and waiting, makes Alan want to throw himself against him like a moth in a gas flame.

All this, of course, is running through his body at the speed of his heartbeat; he feels the urge to squirm needily and quashes it in the space of a couple deep breaths. But that's still long enough that there's a noticeable pause before he manages a reply. ]

Simple as that? Take what you want and never mind the consequence?

[ He swallows, hard. ]

What if I don't want to take?

[astrolabium]

[ The walk to the gazebo is relatively short. Soon, Mona is pulling back a chair and making herself comfortable, gesturing with her free hand at the open spot across the table. She then crosses one leg over the other and tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. Here, under the shade of the canopy, there are less wandering eyes and a calmer atmosphere. They should be able to converse without other guests causing a disturbance.

Mona reaches for the beverage menu and gives Joshua a small smile as she does. His compliance thus far has pleased her. It is time she reward him. ]

Shall I introduce myself?

[ While Mona is aware of his identity, hers has remained a mystery. It's about time they changed that. ]

[briarthorns]

[ The Vale is pretty remarkable for what it is. A wide expanse of natural beauty, complete with wildlife and realistic weather. If Yor didn't know any better, she might think they were actually outside of the resort — and, maybe, able to escape. But that's one of the first things she tried when she first arrived at the Golden Peacock... and it didn't work. ]

About two months now, I think? I was one of the Wildcards last time. What about you?

[the_roman]

"I, er, hadn't ever thought about that sort of thing," Alan replies, still a little thunderstruck. "Tentacles."

Because. Tentacles? Like an octopus? Like fucking an octopus? Is that enjoyable?

That snarky I suppose you already worked all that out stings, but he's been derailed enough that he can't hang onto his annoyance. He rubs a thumb over his mouth distractedly, frowning at Loki.

"Look -- I'm sorry. You did do me a favor, and I appreciate you're helping me. I don't mean to be ungrateful."

[briarthorns]

Y-You're a Royal?!

[ Gawking, Yor doesn't even seem to have processed the rest of what he said. Yor's administration of violence has always been at the command of an authority figure. So, this... presents a true conundrum! She even falls for that fake-appalled look he gives her. Oh, Yor. ]

I didn't realize...! Um, I'm so sorry for the disrespect...

[ Her loosely clasped hands tighten into something more distinctly conflicted. Would she have to have done it if he asked? She's realizing that she's not so sure anymore. Not right now, at least, with all the resort-sanctioned violence happening in other areas of the resort.

Yor frowns and looks away. ]

Well... [ The "normal" thing to say in response to that last question is "no." Right? Either way, Yor doesn't have much of an opinion on such a philosophical question in the first place. Superficially, she'd agree, but she outsourced her moral compass a long time ago.

For some reason, it already feels like this mystery man knows that. Or at least suspects it, somehow. So she glances nervously back at him, like she's being quizzed by a teacher in school. ]

Um, I suppose... If they're a bad person, maybe.

[the_roman]

[ If Alan briefly indulges in admiring Baptiste's height and the breadth of his shoulders, well. Can you blame him?

He has to take a moment to decide what to say, in any case. Names have always been potential vulnerabilities. There's the name his mother gave him, too Italian for Londoners to respect. There's the name his articles are published under, unsafe to link to his sexual activities. There's "the Roman" -- but it feels discourteous to fob this fellow off with something so obviously fake.

(And it would be too close to "Cesare," anyway.)

The truth will probably out, he decides. There will be other lies to tell if he's stuck here, he's sure, and it's easier to keep track of them if he keeps the number low. ]

Ross. Alan Ross. [ He pauses, and then offers a handshake, with a rueful smile. ] And who am I going to be getting out of trouble next time?

[asixthsense]

[It's not weird that Natsume doesn't let go of Jun's hand once he's up on his feet again, right? Or that holding Jun's hand makes him feel better... in a couple of different ways. After a harrowing incident like that, surely this is Just Guy Things. Yeah.]

The food isn't strange for you lately?

[Don't even get him started on another statue, he's already feeling spread too thin!]

[empaler]

[ when hilda doesn't acknowledge her, when she hears her pleading instead, clorinde's expression hardens as she grips the door's handle. ]

I'm coming in.

[ except when she opens the door, it's to a landscape she doesn't recognize.

the sight and smell of blood is strong, enough for her to wonder what kind of entity the resort truly is to create something like this. it feels — real, the sound of battle still ringing in the background, bodies strewn everywhere. clorinde glances around for hilda, following her voice until she reaches her on the bridge. she doesn't even spare the hero's relic in hilda's hands a glance, picking up a fallen sword to intercept one of the empire's soldiers aiming for hilda and knocking him back. ]

Go. I'm right behind you.

[ clorinde doesn't know who those people are, but she's certain the one kneeling is important to hilda. and that's all she needs to know. ]

[blastedass]

Tch! [He has a legitimate excuse. The statue didn't have to stomp up to someone; it could stand there and they'd be none the wiser. It's not like anyone told him the statues could come to life. Joshua's lucky it didn't have more harmful intentions.] These bastards.

[There's nothing else to do now but try to stay away from any further attempts to get grabbed. There are plenty of areas the statues aren't, but if they can move around now, who knows where they are...]

Bakugo Katsuki. [Yeah, don't go all fancy dramatic on him. That sounds stupid.]

[oversize]

( the irony isn't lost on him: that technically sanji didn't have to deal with anyone at all, and could have likely used the silly dating app directory to find his friends--at least, he's assuming that nami must be a friend, if not someone important in other ways. the way that his mood shifts is almost palpable, from surprise to frustration to relief to--maybe worry, which he would understand. there's a lot about this place that doesn't make sense, and it doesn't exactly feel good to know that someone important is trapped in it with you.

with a slight purse of his lips, considering, he offers a sigh, like it takes some great effort to poke around on his watch. he could do it himself, brandish his wrist out to let sanji see, but he figures that it might be better if he watches the way he does it: if he's that unfamiliar, it must mean he comes from a place that's pretty restricted with technology. )

You'll owe me a lot. I know. ( but it's with a warm smile, bemused, as he reaches with both hands to take sanji by the arm, slowly lifting it up so that he can see the guy's wrist. there, he holds his arm steady--his free hand gently taps past the home screen on the watch, past a few screens of the standard apps the thing comes with, and then pushes into the application for the dating profiles. carefully, though he has to bend over some in order to get a good look at the screen without jamming sanji's arm into his face, he keys out nami's name--and waits.

his lips push together back and forth--and then, with a bright laugh, he twists sanji's arm towards himself as though it's some kind of prize. there, on the screen, is this. )

See, see! Tangerine-chan! Nami-chan. ( he looks proud of himself, but it's less smug--at least he managed to help the guy, and he lets go of his arm, clapping his hands together instead. ) Take your time, if you wanna look through it. I'll wait.

[blastedass]

Did they have memory of the time before they were a statue?

[No memory of their time as a statue suggests they weren't conscious while they were a statue, weren't even present (if the soul was removed), or had their memory wiped upon recovering. Regardless, if they didn't remember, there's still a chance the statues that have been wandering around the resort are nothing more than fakes cast in the shape of people who left the resort, their "dying breath" nothing more than a cheap scare tactic.]

No shit.

[Of course it can use magic! Shoving all that technology into a massive wave machine that appeared overnight? Talking statues assaulting people? Kidnapping shades of people who exist in other worlds? NO SHIT IT'S MAGIC!! As much as he'd like to believe this damn place is run by a conglomerate of people with technology and perverted intentions... the more "obvious" excuse of magic is making itself the stupidly logical choice. In that there is no logic. Just the "it's magic" plot device.]

Tch, this damn place isn't going to turn people on by scaring them.

[Despite the disturbing idea, even IF these statues are the original bodies, now petrified, with no memories of what happens while petrified, and the House putting them back together to revive them later with no damage, more or less nullifies any lasting crime of breaking the figures. He wants to believe they're nothing more than fakes, but... Going forward, Bakugo still plans to take down the statues without breaking them. Even if that means trapping them in rooms or ripping all the fucking drapes, sheets, and towels out of this place.]

I'm not gonna die in this place. [He isn't going to let anyone else die here if he can help it. Bringing the statue to the clinic, however... Bakugo narrows his eyes at the pieces.] We should take this one. If the person really can come back, having it somewhere we can find it later would answer a lot of questions.

[He doesn't recognize this person though, but if it ever vanishes and someone who looks like the statue appears in the Hotel, they'll know where to check and who to talk to. Unless the place steals or moves the statue pieces away. Bakugo breaks from his thoughts at the question.]

There are five people here from my world. [Because at this point in time, Endeavor and Hawks are still here.] A huge man with red hair, a blonde man with red wings, a guy with white hair and purple scars, a guy with white long white hair and wrinkles around his eyes and mouth, and a guy with black hair who acts like a theatrical magician.

[Descriptions first, then names if necessary.]

[blastedass]

Gah! [Shit, he's really going to throttle him at this point! Bakugo grabs at the guy's arm and hauls on it, tugging the bony line away from his neck for a second. At least Charlie gets the picture and adjusts with the blonde's guidance. He was close to getting an elbow in the gut if he kept that up.

It's fine if he wants to grab his shirt, though the thin material's probably not going to offer that much anchoring. He'll have to deal with the heels of Charlie's shoes driving into his hips and thighs alternatively as he keeps cinching for support amid the explosion-powered flight. Bakugo has to keep a more distanced approach from the area where the archers are most packed.

Ducking and dodging, occasionally landing on the ground behind a smokescreen, Bakugo refuses to let either of them get struck. It ticks him off how the man's comment continues to play in his ear. Get shot and all of this stops. Or not, since Charlie's still in the damn field.]

OUT means leaving the fucking field! I don't care where that is! Go to the damn edge where you came in! [Though some people just got tossed in here without knowing where the entrance was. Bakugo slams another explosion down and bounds away from three arrows before taking to the sky again.]

ahhh so sorry for the delay!

[blumenthal]

[ There's humor in the quirk of Caleb's lips, a small smile that nonetheless reaches his eyes, deepening the creases at the corners. After he gives her hand a brief squeeze, he releases it. ]

To tell you the truth, I almost don't recognize myself recently. I am glad it isn't bad, at least.

[ The last time he was clean-shaven was almost a year ago, so his reflection hasn't stopped catching him by surprise yet. She, however, looks just as he expected; even prettier in person, actually. There's a certain personal quality unique to seeing someone face-to-face, talking and moving and real, that a picture just can't capture. ]

But it is good to meet you, Yor. [ Caleb's voice is soft and raspy, with a gentle but distinctive accent that people from Earth would call German. There's also an edge of nervousness beneath the reserved warmth, carried through in the slight tension he holds himself with, hands sliding restlessly into his pockets. ] I never really know how to put this, because this place barely lets you get used to the water before throwing you in the deep end, but I hope your first few weeks haven't been too bad.

[blundering]

[ Normally it might be weird, though these days it’s just a little comforting. Natsume’s been through a harrowing ordeal, so this is just two guys being dudes! ]

Depends on where you go! Not every place ‘round has weird food.

[ Besides, by weird Jun means aphrodisiacs, which he assumes Natsume means as well. ]

What I really mean is: you gotta know where to go! Once you’ve been ‘round a bit, you’ll know.

[asixthsense]

[It's very comforting to Natsume when Jun doesn't make a move to pull away. He's even starting to get some life coming back to his eyes from the simple gesture.]

I think I'd even welcome the kind of food that's been drugged at this point. As long as it actually felt like I'd eaten something.

[He's had the rabbit skewers before; they were spicy but actually pretty good as long as you were prepared for what came next. Or who, if you were sharing. It had been... quite the experience.]

[afullmoon]

[Veins of gold ore really suit the dwarf. Chika's own markings look more like golden vines, but he hadn't noticed them. Senshi had all his attention.]

Mmm. It wouldn't be nice to get hit with oil splatter, if we do find a pan but- we'll manage something.

[Not toxic or spoiled? What a set of standards...]

I can sniff out if anything is rotting at least. By the way- you can call me Chika.

Since we haven't introduced ourselves.

[Food was important after all!]

[apothecrazy]

Hard to say, many foods we eat can have medicinal properties and if not the fruit of the plant itself other parts of it might. However, on the flip side, they could also be poisonous.

[ As she speaks she's more animated than she's been this entire time. It's clear the woman has a special interest in such things.

Once they're on the elevator she glances around as if looking for something before relaxing a little for the ride down. ]

[apothecrazy]

That sounds rather messy. [ She's not sure it's a good idea but she is curious to see the results. ]

I did not, it was there after I was properly checked into the resort. No signs of healing either.

[apothecrazy]

[ Maomao shrugs in response to the question. ]

Supposedly, those receiving their wish would wish to return home. But it's a rumor, I've seen no proof one way or the other that a wish is granted upon completing the game.

[ Maomao is the sort of person who doesn't put too much stock into rumors and conjecture. Only the cold hard truth matters in the end. Sure, there might be a grain of truth in it all, but she doesn't believe it. ]

[tonguetoxicity]

How odd.

[He stares at the tattoo, frowning. Thankfully it's not an illicit gaze, it's certainly a thoughtful one. ]

Which may speak of a technique quite advanced, or there is a space of time where people who check in are not...aware.

[Which if it's the latter? It's creepy.]

Perhaps...minor experimentation such as scale pulling should be off the table for now.

[tonguetoxicity]

Again, I will when you will!

[They were so weird about their yelling conversations. So weird. But hey, at least they weren't destroying anything-yet. If they destroy a King's suite later or something...they'd be put through the ringer from the hotel, but it may be very much worth it. Especially if that King or Queen was pretty awful to everyone else. Ultimate revenge...maybe.

Maybe they should wreck the lobby instead.

But he was listening quietly, hearing about Quirks. Huh. What a strange world. Nearly everyone in the world has powers...and all of them are different. It was like a weird world of superheroes. It must have related to his hands then.]

It is. There's three ways: faith, inherited, or academic.

Sparker is just quicker to say. They have other names too. Plus, you have sparkplugs, firebugs...fire can be weirdly specialized.

???? how is this gaslighting

[wray]

[ Six was content to watch the commotion. This is none of his business, and he doubts Sylus would be interested in getting purchased by a royal. That, and Six himself is also not interested (just as he said), because he intends of playing the part of a bored bidder who's not into anyone until the surrounding crowd sets him free.

Well, that's not happening now. Not when his hand quickly shoots up in the air without him meaning to do so, the confusion evident all over his features, but that doesn't appear to be enough to stop the auction master from calling him as the winning bidder.

He wants to protest, but— a glance at Sylus makes his eyes narrow instead. ]

Is this what you want?

[ Calling him a hero is a bit much. He didn't notice the black smoke, but he has no explanation for why this happened. Maybe his muscles twitched after sitting here for so long. ]