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

[pyrolyzed]

[ Between the coughing and the wheezing and how mad he is at Bakugou, it takes Fuuta a few seconds to realize that there's a hand hovering at his back, and also he's not being yelled at any more. Which is ... confusing, mostly? Especially at first. Eyes still watering a little from the difficulty breathing, he only gives Bakugou a wary sideways glance at first, gaze skipping from his face, to his hands, then back up. And finally, after swallowing thickly, he manages to rasp out between ragged breaths, ]

-- you think I ... wanna go tellin' everyone I meet that I'm hurt?

[ This resort, and his life in general as of late, seem determined to trample it to smithereens, but he still has his pride. He's pretty sure he'd lose his goddamn mind if everyone he met treated him like some sort of poor, pitiful, wounded invalid. Recovery might be impossible, but at least he can retain a little sliver of his sanity by hiding in injuries to the best of his abilities and pretending to be normal.

Fortunately for the both of them, Bakugou's acquiescence in lowering the volume of his voice is met in kind; it's that lower growl, rather than the actual demand that he stop shouting, that has Fuuta going quiet for the moment.

There's a little cold sweat beaded at his brow, his jaw clenched as he works through the pain, but at least the worst of his coughing fit seems to have subsided, leaving him to even his breath out in hoarse rasps. And while he does flinch when Bakugou's hand first raises to start picking the bridle out of his hair, he doesn't shrink away completely; again, it's his pride that keeps him in place, because like hell he's going to give this asshole another reason to call him 'pathetic' or whatever. ]

... what's got you -- suddenly acting like a sane person, anyway. [ Of course he can't fucking behave himself fully, though. Fuuta might grudgingly permit Bakugou's help, but he still runs his mouth, muttering sullenly under his breath as he slowly unclenches his hands from his shirtfront. His chest still hurts, but at least it's starting to simmer back down to a familiar, manageable level. Mostly. ] You know it's kinda worse ... if you're actually capable of acting normal but choose not to, right? -- ow. [ Immediate karmic punishment in the form of some of his hair getting caught in the fastening of the reins. He deserves it. ]

[tonguetoxicity]

How was I to know it'd do that?!

[Going to horny jail isn't in his list of things he wants to do. But if this exploding guy wants a fight...!]

I don't want to know! Jeez...!

[He swore- but it was mostly the cold water that was making him curse. But he grabbed the bag, and nodded.]

Smart. Thanks.

[And Nara shows he is capable of not insulting Bakugo with every breath! And he wanders over to get that soap. It'll be great to feel clean.]

[afullmoon]

[He had no idea that he was entertaining the ArchDuke of Hell. Right now, all he could smell is rock dust and his own sweat as he's shaking his foot.

Chika glanced over to J, a little startled. His eyes are completely human now, and he takes in the demon in, even as he does a gentle side step with the statues blind flailing.]

I'll have to shatter it's head. It ain't fitting, having it go around like this.

[He chanced another glance at J.]

If you'll pardon me and step back? I don't think you want to get grit in your eyes.

[afullmoon]

What a strange, savage, and gentle monster he was dealing with. Maybe the monster was tamed all along.

Chika offered a breath of a laugh, his eyes raking over his body. So he was getting the cart blanche to play was he?

How very nice of Baptiste to offer such a thing. Right under everyone's gaze.

"My my. What a lovely little surprise you are." He laughed, husky. He pulled off of his thigh, let go of his arm.

But all so he could kiss his throat and grab Baptiste's toga to yank off and toss away.

It was dirty and needed a wash anyway.

[abit_ofboth]

"Oh, I have no doubt. Proper clothing doesn't really fit in with the motif around here." Loki chuckles softly at that. It's not really in amusement, but sometimes if you don't laugh, you cry. "Most times I believe all that is provided, if you are provided anything at all, is a bathrobe. I suppose there is not much of a difference though, not that I think about it."

It hadn't really been anything well thought out, if Loki is honest about it. He could tell that Alan was not happy with the goings-on with the auction and felt sympathy for the man. That's not to say he doesn't find him attractive as well though. But Loki supposes he would've helped whoever was on stage when he passed by, attractive or not.

But who knows really? Either way, he's not about to take advantage without consent so it hardly matters.

"No, rarely does actual standing come into play. And that is true of most places, not just here. Unfortunately, those who are running this place don't particularly care about that though. I am afraid if you wish to cure your ailment, the only way is to participate. And trust me, I do not say that lightly. I am not trying to convince you to play, merely letting you know how it is."

[chiffonades]

That’s one request I can’t honor. [ Light laughter accompanies his reply, voice soft, a large, genuine grin spread across his face. She is gorgeous, no matter how she might try to deflect, and he’s thought so since the moment they first met back on the Baratie. The roll of her eyes is so familiar— it’s only been days in his memories since the last time it happened— that it brings him another degree of ease, some of the tension in his shoulders dissolving. For a minute, it helps him forget about the swirling blend of emotions— about the guilt, and the worry, and the uncertainty he’s feeling— as it momentarily feels almost like they’re back on the Merry.

Almost.

All he has to do is glance around the kitchen to be reminded of exactly where they are. He’s at home in any kitchen, but this one is a stark contrast to the simple ship’s galley that he’s slowly started to get used to. And then she’s telling him he can just come up here whenever he feels like it and Sanji’s eyes widen after a quick blink. ]

Are you sure about that? [ No matter how big it might be, this is still her room— her personal, private space— and he doesn’t want to intrude. He’s still smiling, though, big and wide because he’s touched by the offer. ] If you leave it up to me, I’ll be up here everyday cooking you breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s my job, you know? Gotta make sure you’re fed right.

[ Which… he’s aware is ridiculous considering that she’s been here for months without his cooking, but if he’s here, and she’s granting him access to a kitchen, then he’s damn sure going to make sure she’s eating right. It’s something small he can do, all things considered, to make her stay here more comfortable and to bring them both at least a tiny sense of normalcy. ]

One drink coming right up. [ As he takes the bottle of liquor from her, he sighs at her question, not really eager to talk about it. Preparing the drink doesn’t take long— he keeps it simple, a drink with liquor and orange juice and a few other ingredients— and slides it over to her before he starts talking. ]

Like I said, I woke up here a few days ago. When I did, I had these all over my body. [ His shoulders lift in a quick shrug as he watches her, bright eyes intent. ] All the Wildcards have them. They make us hungry when we haven’t had sex recently. It gets worse the longer you go until it’s almost unbearable. [ There’s a slight grimace as he ignores another sharp pang of hunger that comes as he talks about it. ] And— and more, sometimes, too. Things like feeling feverish, or sweaty, or— all kinds of things. You know, the kind of things you’d expect at this place.

[flaminghot]

W—What nonsense…

[ He’s struggling not to get flustered at the way Eiden’s checking him out, even if he’d rather rub off whatever weird paint or what is defiling the elemental spirits’ markings. He can believe Eiden, sure—the man has an irritating way of being right when he least expects it, but all that explaining does is raise more questions.

And poor Eiden has to bear the brunt of them right now— ]

And then what? We’re expected to play some sort of foolish game?

[ He regrets turning to look Eiden in the eye now, because it inevitably means his gaze will wander off elsewhere… ]

[the_roman]

[ Alan chuckles. His breathing is getting back to normal. ]

"A mite difficult, but spirited." I'll have to remember that one.

[ Like many artists, he never quite knows how to take a compliment. "Easy on the eyes" is sufficiently casual to let him keep the momentum up, at least, and tease in return. ]

You made it look easy on the rest of you, too. [ Alan drops a hand to run the backs of his fingers down Baptiste's throat illustratively. ] You're good at that. No wonder you get in trouble. [ His voice drops lower -- not a rumble, just rough, laced with amusement. ] If this is what you do to get out of it, you must get in trouble a lot.

[flaminghot]

[ …

He doesn’t like the look this guy’s giving him one bit. It’s like the look Sooley gives one of his toys…

But also fucking excuse— ]

Silence!

[ Flustered. ]

I tolerate his companions out of goodwill, which you would do wisely not to test.

[ Oooh, what’s he gonna do? Back him against a wall? Oh no… ]

[flaminghot]

“A priest, eh?”

He has heard the name—accompanied with much effusive praise—but to think that they’d meet here, with him not knowing what fate had awaited the priest from his point in time…

“It appears your reputation precedes you.”

Sir, even he thinks you’re too nice and obliging for your own good. Though it’s kind of nice in a way, he has to admit, since obedience is warranted with…everything going on around them.

[silicone]

[ look sometimes you have to um stare at a guy because he's got more marks than usual. and they're pretty nice to look at, how they follow the contour of his muscles and all. not that he doesn't notice when dante meets his eyes, that his own gaze diverts. if he sets a hand on his hip, hiking up the drapery a little bit, well. oops. ]

Yep! It's called 52 pick up... but instead of cards, you "pick up" people.

[ adding just a little wink to that really, because he hopes that dante knows what he means by that. and because he does not know how to shut up or behave, eiden just presses up against him, arms wrapped around one of his now, leaning up to prop a chin on his shoulder on tip toe. he can and will be the most obnoxious he possibly can be, having better footing here than the other, but also wanting to make sure he doesn't just leave this room in a tirade. better to approach it calm, if disgruntled. ]

If you wanted a card to start, I am right here... this room is way swankier than mine, too, heh.

[flaminghot]

[ …What in the sun’s name is “hangry”?! ]

It doesn’t matter if I wanted it or not. You’ve failed to abide by the laws of the land, which means that you require a suitable punishment.

[ And he’s notorious for his rather harsh punishments… ]

[flaminghot]

[ It’s only through years of training and discipline that he’s managed to avoid a shudder when he meets Matoba’s gaze, something about him reminding him of the malevolent energies of that one villain he’d failed to subdue not too long ago. The aura is similar, and that lazy predator’s gaze isn’t terribly reassuring, but…

He’s not a man to be so easily cowed by mere dark energies.

His steely determined gaze is not at all hampered by that embarrassed flush to his cheeks at Matoba’s suggestion, shut up. ]

…Why do I get the feeling you’d bite it off instead?

[ Why does he get the feeling that this guy requires the opposite of careful handling? ]

[the_roman]

The way Alan's eyes move over the scars is unmissable. What on Earth could those be for? They don't look self-inflicted to him; his left hand, holding the goblet, flexes imperceptibly at the memory of his own not-exactly-self-inflicted scar. Some kind of surgery? The Germans and Austrians are supposed to be fairly medically advanced.

He's curious, certainly, but he'll let it be for now. His eyes continue to the clubs symbol. Same suit as Edwin, if he remembers right. The style's completely different, though. Another mystery.

And the suit isn't the only thing that reminds him of Edwin. The way Caleb is suddenly looking at him like a puzzle to be solved puts him right back in Spinet House. He decides not to sigh. Edwin turned out to be all right. He's just ... like that.

"If you like," he says, holding his right arm towards Caleb. He still sounds doubtful. "Are you a magician?"

[flaminghot]

[ Note to self to ask that one child he and Eiden often play with for advice on how to play stupid card games– ]

—Oi!

[ Don’t think he didn’t notice that cheeky hip flash, you—! ]

Just what are you playing at?!

[ Don’t mind his embarrassingly rosy cheeks, nor the fact that he’s going to literally pick Eiden up in the next second because ??? Sir, he’s still getting used to playing board games with people, maybe give him a little hint?! ]

[cradlingalight]

The mention of the Last Contract also has Edwin's eyes widening before they sharpen once more.

"Of all those names, I am only acquainted with Baron Hawthorn and Robin Blythe."

He can't even begin to guess who this Violet is.

What's more: "I don't--" know how to do a truth spell, Edwin is about to say, and then frowns in vague memory of something he'd read at home about the subject. "I've only ever seen a theory about creating a truth spell." His eyes narrow once again at Alan and then he abruptly gets up off the bed.

"Come on, then."

[silicone]

[ orphans having joint custody of a child. real.

eiden just yelps as he's picked up. ]

H-hey, Dante - !

[ it's not hard for dante to just lift him, and he immediately takes advantage of it, since clearly dante has taken the most literal route. he shamelessly wraps his legs around that very lovely dorito waist of his, arms slinging themselves around his neck so he has no choice but to let him cling unless he wants him to outright fall back onto the ground. which eiden knows is a very hasty gamble, he's pretty sure this guy would just drop him if he gave him solid reason to... right?

in the mirror, there is something new on eiden's back (new for dante for sure) - a tattoo in the shape of a diamond, currently light pink in color, the lines still stark against his skin. ]

I'm playing the game.

[ leaning in a little, because dante really is so new at this, even now, even with what he's be 'taught' so far. he grins. ]

When it comes to "picking up" cards... there's another part to it, don't know if you're ready for it, though. [ with a cheeky little grind up against him as he lean sin to whisper up against his ear - ] One of you has to come for it to count. [ punctuated with a soft kiss right there below his earlobe. ]

[virtuesignal]

A companion. [Concord fill in who Marina must be. Listen, he gets it. Ali is difficult for him to describe. Best to just be vague and noncommittal.

Despite Concord being the most committed person to Ali there ever was.]

Well, you have my sincere apologies. What can I do to make it up to you, son? [-he hears it, no need to say anything-] Aside from... knocking that off. Just a habit of mine, dealing with you young men.

[theflashyfool]

There are a lot of theories on that, I suppose, and none of them are great. Maybe they're just slowly draining our life or something.

[Great. now his appetite is off. He leans back, arms crossing over his chest as he looks up at Sanji.]

She'll be around. Sure she'll be glad to have some of her crew back too. [Damn, but wouldn't he as well? There's Shanks, but-- they're not exactly crew anymore. But he's not about to dump any of that on the shitty chef to be used against him later.]

It's... tolerable, if you play the game. Food, showers, plenty of interesting people around. [He shrugs his shoulders.] You have to make sure you have a wide variety of partners, at least. And if you want to move up here, then yeah. You gotta play by their rules.

[He tries to flash something that's more characteristically his grin, however reassuring that is.] But hey, you've got time to find people, champ. It usually takes a couple weeks, at least.

[There's no reason for Buggy to be actually antagonistic here, really. Better to play nice with the Straw Hats until he doesn't have to -- which might be a loooong time. But hey, they're at least from his world and that's at least a little valuable.]

You'll be fine. Probably. That pretty face? it's going to get all the attention.

[Is that reassuring? Eh. Whatever. He tried.]

[the_roman]

"It's not the first time I've been hungry," Alan says. "That's not going to scare me into playing their game."

The only person they can hurt here is him, after all.

Around now, they arrive at the door to his suite. He's led them to the most luxurious part of the resort, and when he opens the door, a pleasant rush of cool air and sea-scent greets them. Between the pristine king-size bed, the view of mountains and sea through the window, and the wine and grapes set out on the table in the sitting area, the whole thing is the height of luxury.

Alan, predictably, looks unimpressed. He scuffs his stupid costume sandals against the plush carpet as he waves Loki into the room.

"What was it you wanted to tell me about this place?" He goes to take a seat on the couch -- soft white leather, deceptively plush -- and gives Loki a searching look. "Something that needed privacy."

[senku]

[Scientific observation and acting as a guardian can only go so far before Senku has to acknowledge he's a basic voyeur. He could log his elevated heart rate, his increased respiration and the warmth growing under his skin. It's much simpler than that. The sounds turn him on. But he doesn't intend to do anything about it. If he's still hard by the time this is done, he'll take care of it back in his room.

He's jolted out of his contemplation of Natsume getting a blow job - another moment when he wonders about texture - when there's a large stone hand not even a meter from his face. Apparently, Natsume wasn't the only one listening when Senku said to let him know if he needed anything. Senku passes Mabu the other bottle.

He has the sense he should acknowledge him to keep things on friendly terms, like when he told him to be careful in the store, and claps the statue on the shoulder.]

Go get him, big guy.

[Yes, he realizes he already has him. This is his first time in this role. He doesn't know what the appropriate sentiment is.]

[the_roman]

To Alan's surprise, seeing that frown on Edwin's face sends a surge of relief through him. Rely on Courcey to get interested in a magical problem.

Except -- this shouldn't be a magical problem to him. That truth-candle Maud had on the Lyric was his work, Alan is sure of that. And not being acquainted with Maud doesn't make any sense. Could someone really have wiped away that much of Edwin's memory?

Maybe. But it feels like something else is going on.

"As you like, Mr. Courcey," he mutters, rolling his eyes. It takes a moment for him to untangle himself from the covers and clamber off the bed. The bloody thing could sleep three easily.

"Where on Earth are we?" he adds. The view out the window is nowhere in Britain he's ever seen.

[bleakdecember]

It's nice to have a good fight, every once and a while. [Stretch his muscles, you know. Even if this whole hand-to-hand thing has been a bit... ugh. Anyway.

He watches Joshua's magic, idly curious but not too surprised. His wounds are, luckily, nothing too serious, though he does frown when the wounds don't heal all the way.]

...Is that the best you can do, or are you just running on empty?

[Way to thank the person helping you, Akechi.]

[bleakdecember]

[Oh, she is clever. He should have expected that. Nobody makes it in showbiz without being able to twist things in their favor at least a bit.

He laughs, lightly, but there's a hint of something more dangerous underneath.]

Hah... falling for this place's ranks is your first mistake. They're just a distraction, a hurdle to keep us preoccupied.

Which is to say, I'm happy to to get to know you better-- [He smiles, like a satisfied cat. He needs all the alliances he can--] --But because of our shared history, not because of ranks.

[bleakdecember]

[...Yeah. Even that doesn't feel quite right, but it's as good as anything else. Would he visualize Marina, if he'd been in Concord's position. Or maybe Yusuke? Or Akira...?

He's briefly distracted, but his attention snaps when Concord calls him son.]

Don't call me that. [He snarls, but then settles back into something more neutral again.] Mmm... What's your card?