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

[riskybeenus]

Never said I didn't. Wouldn't be surprised if anarchy happens coz they messed with the wrong guy~

[Which, you know, he would actually be willing to start if he thought it was the best course of action. However, as he looks Sanji from top to bottom, assessing him, he thinks about his next words. A hand to the pocket means he's the type with a vice, though he isn't sure which-- not when Sanji didn't grasp onto anything. Guess he's stressed.]

But there's advantages to bein' the guy servin', if ya play yer cards right.

[philancer]

[ Sorry, Joshua, he may have picked up on more than a few new slang words in this place. He casts the man an apologetic grin. ]

You didn't strike me as the type of person who enjoys bossing other people around. Although some Dominants can be sneaky like that, I suppose.

[ He glances around subtly as they walk, making sure none of the ambitious guests back there are attempting to follow. He doesn't see any, but he's not ready to relax just yet either. ]

It's an adjustment, to be sure. [ Even though he's been sought after all his life. Even if he wished it had been otherwise. ] Not the sale part, that you shouldn't have to worry about again. Hopefully? I've seen it pop up a couple times now but it does typically seem to be the new arrivals shoved up there. Maybe they think they're helping, but they're really not. Although I suppose there are some people here who could use the initial push.

[bullistics]

That’s better.

[ Now that they’re face to face, with Minos straddling him, his long silver hair falling between them. ]

You’re usually a little more spirited in my dreams, however. I wonder if I hadn’t simply provoked you enough.

[blumenthal]

Caleb's acknowledgement of Alan's dubiousness is to at least be conscientiously considerate about the way he examines his arm. Still holding the pitcher (now resting on his thigh) with one hand, he could hardly be very demanding about it anyway. He slips his free hand beneath Alan's forearm, lifting it as he leans down to take a closer look.

"Ja," he confirms, already slightly distracted, but still listening. The Nein's constant distracting chatter while he ritual casts has made him good at multitasking. "An arcanist, specifically."

The golden designs covering Alan's skin are not just swirling lines, but images; they remind him in some ways of the magically-infused gemstone tattoos several of his friends have. They're intricate and beautiful, just as most of the suit marks he's seen tend to be. His own, simple and ugly, still seems to be the exception. Where they curl loosely around Alan's arm, Caleb's fingers are long, square, slightly rough, and calloused--especially where one might hold a pen. But there is a certain understated grace and control in the way he moves them that someone familiar with people who use their hands to cast spells might recognize.

"Are you?" The mention of runes means Alan must be at least somewhat familiar with magic, but it's worth knowing what "magician" might mean to him.

[tohell]

So the big guy has a sense of humor after all. [ The Archduke's emotions are a visceral and physical thing, like an animal unto itself. Delight leaps to life, carving into all the languid and graceful lines of J's body, down into the way his head ducks in amusement as a brief snicker races through him. The polite mannerisms of a noble do their utmost to overshadow traits of the street urchin he'd once been, peeking through in his childish delight over a few jokes. 

It's one of the slim few things in life the demon genuinely relishes in that strays from the deceitful arenas of subterfuge and manipulation — Humor, often the crass type scribbled on bathroom walls or shared among teenage boys. Hell, this is a man who once chortled over someone unexpectedly getting hard outside the bedroom. ]

Now that you mention it, I do. [ He's not stooped down too far that back-peddling and finding his footing is an awkward process. J isn't some minuscule waif, so there's a dissonance in how light on his feet the demon is, despite balancing a considerable height and the weighty animalistic features that ought to make a quick shift in direction look clumsy. Against all expectations to the contrary, J fluidly slides back onto the tip-toes of both paws, balanced perfectly without a wobble. It's then that he simply bleeds into the other man's personal space, moving fast as rolling waves of smoke that blot a sky out, turning day into a false night. Like this, he envelops the other man in his embrace, with one arm looping around a strong neck while the other slides its fingers into dark hair. ]

Go ahead and lay one on me. [ So he says, but J doesn't abstain from finding the outline of his target among the peppering of facial hair. A kiss presses itself against the top of Chika's cupid's bow, then dips lower to repeat a faint touch that grazes over the sensitive skin of his bottom lip. ] 

Make it good enough that I'll still feel it when I'm on my knees.

[theflashyfool]

[Buggy has to laugh a little too because-- yeah, it's ridiculous, isn't it? A porn-filled library.] And try not to go after hours, by the way. There are ghosts and getting a giant book tossed at your head hurts.

[He doesn't-- want to talk about how they take on the appearance of people you love either, but maybe he should. Either way, Sanji moves on to a new question and he nods his head.] I think it's our best bet at the moment. I mean, I don't think Luffy won it.

[That dumb rubber boy promised they'd beat up whoever is behind this together one day -- and that little idiot? Keeps his stupid, shitty promises, Buggy has to admit. So just disappearing? Weird. No need to get into that either though.]

That's okay. You should eat, champ. Keep up that strength, all that.

[tfy]

[His chest sinks and he grimaces. He really screwed up royally, even without knowing that there are people from Bakugo's world who've been kidnapped here before and then disappeared. There's no good rebuttal, no foolproof words of solace he can offer. The statue thing unnerves him, too; it's creeped him out to the point of nightmares. He shouldn't have told Bakugo what he knows, at least not while those broken pieces are still strewn across the floor.

But what's done is done, and he curls his hands on Bakugo's shoulders, gripping firmly.]

If that was a person, they were already hopeless. One of them tried to force itself on me. We can't be expected to do nothing while they do that.

[He defended himself with force, too. After Esikko gave him a head start by cracking a vase over the statue. There was just no alternative. Or at least that's what he tells himself, but he can't afford to feel bad about it. If he lets terrible things happen to himself, then that isn't fair to him or to everyone who loves him.]

But the doctors here revived someone who'd been murdered once. So, if that really was a person, then—

[Suddenly he gets an idea.]

—then perhaps if we brought them the pieces, they could do something.

[chiffonades]

You really think there’s someone crazy enough around here to do that? [ There’s a lot he still has to learn about this shitty resort, but it already seems clear this isn’t the kind of place you mess with lightly. Not that it would necessarily stop Sanji himself if put in that position. Still, the thought brings a faint smile to his face because he knows someone exactly the right kind of crazy to do just that.

Ignoring another rumble of his stomach, he grabs a goblet of wine and swirls it, staring into the sloshing liquid for a long moment. He can almost feel Rinne watching him as they chat. Not that he blames him for that. He’s an almighty Wildcard and the other man’s a servant. ]

Not like it’s that simple. Gotta be lucky too, you know? Sure, there are advantages, but if you catch the attention of some asshole that orders you to spend all night as his foot stool… [ His shoulders raise up in a quick shrug. He isn’t wrong, because even in a kitchen, nobody really pays much mind to the chore boys and bus boys, but he doubts many of the people that are servants tonight would agree. ] Probably not gonna be able to work that in your favor.

[abit_ofboth]

Think nothing of it. I am happy to help. [Nami has helped him a few times already so he really doesn’t mind helping her friend. Well, that and he hopes he never needs to take anyone up on help around here, though he knows that is hardly likely.]

I have to wonder what made them come up with that particular result. Though really, so many strange things happen here, I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. [He supposes it’s really more odd that it’s worshipping that seems to affect the hunger as opposed to something more specifically sex related, but Loki doesn’t pretend to understand what this place is trying to do at all.]

Finding your friends is a good idea. The more people you know here, the easier time you will have getting by until we can figure a way out. Just… I would not push things too hard. It is not pleasant, some of the things that can happen if you do.

[the_roman]

Alan's gaze flickers between the marks, Caleb's hands, and Caleb's face. The touch is pleasant, he discovers: short of either sensual or clinical. His stomach grumbles.

"No." There's a tone under the word, or several. "It's complicated."

More complicated than it was even a couple of months ago. He remembers the way light flickered around Adelaide's fingers after she'd made blood-oath to Thornley Hill. Thoroughly unmagical Adelaide Kaur, now mistress of a land that granted its magic to those that made contract with it -- with it, not with fae intermediaries -- was no longer so thoroughly unmagical.

And what did that mean for him? Alan hasn't gone through the whole ritual of a blood-oath. But he made a promise of blood and secrets to the bees of Cheetham Hall, and Cheetham Hall, not an hour later, had saved his life. He has wondered what would happen if he offered his blood to the land there. Or would the twisted pathways his nonna's rosary made in him reject that magic, too? That thought scares him more than he'd like to admit.

Hardly matters here, though. It's all theoretical, and they're nowhere near England.

"But I've been unbusheled," he continues. "Seen a fair bit of magic done."

[abit_ofboth]

All Loki can do is nod. He’s suffered similar things himself, and he appreciates Alan’s conviction, but he also knows that he might come to regret that. This place is known for pushing people well beyond their limits.

As much as Loki hasn’t really minded being a lower rank, he can’t help but sigh at the cool air that reaches him as they step into Alan’s rather impressive suite. It seems to be on the King level as it reminds him of Scott’s room. Thinking of his friend who is no longer here causes a small pang of sadness, but he quickly pushes it aside. Instead he decides to concentrate on the wonderfully cool air of the room. As a frost giant, it’s hardly surprising that he isn’t a fan of summer, not that he’s told many people about that.

“Ah yes, I admit some of that is I am sure we are being watched and they would expect us to go somewhere more private. But also, I did want to make sure you know what exactly it is they expect of us here. I assume you have some idea, but just in case you have any uncertainty, if you have thought that maybe there is a lot of emphasis on sex, then you would be correct. I appreciate your conviction to not give into what this place wants, but you should be aware that they are not shy about doing whatever it takes to make you participate.”

[the_roman]

Alan's expression grows darker, more troubled, as Loki speaks.

"You wanted privacy just to make sure I know this place is hell-bent on getting us to fuck?"

The impulse is kind; he's more sure of that now. But he can't stop a certain amount of incredulity from creeping into his tone.

"I'm not a virgin and I'm not an idiot, you know. I was being sold off for the night. This place is like a bloody Rochester play."

A frustrated sigh. "And it's not that I don't appreciate the favor you did me getting me off that stage. I'm bloody well aware of the way a master can treat his hirelings and I'm thankful I'm not currently being bent over by some rich arsehole who just wants me for the damned game, but--"

He breaks off, aware that he's getting off on a speech, and drags a hand over his face. He's a journalist, damn it. He ought to be asking questions, not railing about the situation just because he feels patronized.

"What else are they liable to do to us?"

sorry for the wait!!

[empaler]

They thrive on drama, not efficiency. They're more likely to grow tired of us the less we drag it out.

[ that's what this is, after all, isn't it? a show, and nothing more. the more they see someone struggle, the more invested they get. she should know, after all that time spent putting would-be criminals in their place in front of the whole nation to see.

the fighter across from clorinde moves first, wielding dual blunted blades with more precision than the previous contestants. the impact of her sword intercepting both rings out over the arena, causing some of the audience to cover their ears. but she doesn't flinch, her blade steady as she pushes the fighter away from the rest of the group. ]

[unrequite]

[ Midnight, hopped on adrenaline from the thrill of a good performance, simply watches in unmasked surprise as the threads settle around his head. He locks eyes with her. It's very quick, right before he drops like a log on top of her, but without a change in expression, one of his eyes closes in a wink.

And he drops like a log on top of her. Oh dear, oh heavens! Has he been slain? A chorus of cheers sound that grow even louder as it becomes clear that the shock was just a bit too much for the wildcard's huge, beastly opponent. A whistle sounds, and that's it. Victory goes to the wildcard. The crowd roars! Good fight.

Midnight does not move as he's dragged off by the attendants... Does his opponent want to collect her prize, or is she relieved that this is over? ]

[unrequite]

[ Midnight hums, taking his own tea and handing Aalto his as they both arrive at the same time, then jerks his head to a table. There's a smile on his face. He doesn't disagree at all, of course... He simply has thoughts that can wait for another time. ]

I'd say finding someone who is willing and able to give accurate information is its own gift, no? At least, that's what I've always thought.

[ Midnight takes a seat and sips his drink, nodding along, listening carefully. ]

We're quite captive here, as you can see. Well fed and otherwise cared for, some of us extravagantly so, but even the lowest of ranks have a place to rest their heads. You won't know until you've converted from a wildcard to a rank, but at the very least, making a few reliable connections among your peers now, while all of the resort's eyes are on you, will have a different feel later, should you drop... Oh, somewhere below 5 or 6. Not that a low rank the end of the line, of course. There's always ways to leverage one's position, no matter where one is.

[unrequite]

[ Midnight laughs. They probably only have a handful of seconds before the crowd starts getting antsy, but it's always nice to have a conversation when you meet with someone after a long absence. He means to indulge. ]

Forgive me, love. I ask for you to consider it, not to accept. Far be it for me to tell you what must be done. That is entirely up to the victor, no?

[ He nods. ]

If you do consider it, then I will, indeed, give the match my best. As for why I ask... Why, I simply enjoy being watched. I was wondering if you felt the same way.

[unrequite]

Mm?

[ Is the sound a little too smug for its own good? Yes, but Midnight enjoys it. He also enjoys the consequences for being smug. It really is hard to be disappointed when one simply enjoys being around others...

After a tiny, through the teeth hiss at the nails in his skin, Midnight sighs, settles, turns his head and continues to kiss Baizhu against the cheekbone as his hips continue to roll into him, thrusting in a way that never quite leaves the sensitive wall inside alone, but never quite pushes up against it, either. For all intents and purposes, Midnight really is enjoying Baizhu's body, the soft pull and give inside him, but the very small smile on his lips betrays the way he's enjoying the sounds Baizhu makes perhaps a little too much. A hand comes up to lay over Baizhu's cock, pressing it just so and letting it slide against the ridges of his stomach and his palm. ]

Good?

[feathering]

Then, if I may ask, what is stopping you from blowing this "resort" [ He even does the airquotes. ] into smithereens?

[ Joshua asks it without any malice, without insinuating Bakugo to be lacking in anything. He asks what he says — what is stopping him? Could it be that he likes it here? Or perhaps there are other factors, the supernatural, the gods, anything else... ]

[feathering]

So it would seem. We, [ He lifts his hand and shakes his arm to emphasise that he has a watch on his wrist. ] the lucky ones who were made to wear these, are to play a game, no?

I can't even seem to dispel the curse they put on me.

[ His suit activation, he means. He doesn't know that his suit is activated or anything, but he's doing his best to curb those red-suit effects as best as he can. Often times, he would slip, and he fears the time that he may no longer be able to.

They get to the common elevators, and one of the staff rushes to press the button for the door. It opens with a ding, and he gestures for Maomao to enter first. ]

After you.

[unrequite]

[ The muffled giggling eventually shifts to muffled grunts as Midnight's attention flips between how fun it is to make Sylvain squirm and keen like that and how lovely his bare skin feels against his cock. The friction and heat eventually drops Midnight's timbre into full growls. He takes one hand, holds their lengths together, and begins to thrust properly, precome, dampening his palm a little, at a pace that makes Sylvain bounce gently, dislodging himself partially from the redhead's pin. (Midnight does not bother to free himself entirely. He's exactly where he wants to be.)

The other hand begins to pump the plug gently, slowly tugging it out, but giving Sylvain a taste of what Midnight would like once it's his turn. The look he sends up to Sylvain is direct, dark, and ravenous. As friendly as Midnight is, he does enjoy getting what he wants... ]

[unrequite]

[ Midnight thinks about this for a moment... Well, if he had a rope, he wouldn't have used it, so he supposes the criticism is fair. ]

My apologies, I was caught up in the moment. He was making such eyes at me, you see, and seeing as how they were nearly identical to my own, I could hardly resist his charms. Who knows when such an opportunity will arise again? One must enjoy life's gifts, especially when they are given so freely.

[shanksyourfeels]

It is, in fact, the same with the wine. Doesn't quite taste the same.

[ Shanks' eyes, casually, narrow as he peers at Sanji, letting his curiosity churn at the mention of the wine vintage. He smiles at the end. ] You're from North Blue, then?

[ As for the crew, Shanks takes a little bit more of the food before he continues. ] Zoro was here for a short time, but he's gone. Nami, however, remains. And is a queen. [ His smile turns fairly warm when he speaks of Nami, along with his tone. ] It suits her.

[unrequite]

[ Midnight grin is sunny, as though he's perfectly dry and he's been paid a fine compliment. (He has!) ]

I like myself as well, for all my quirks and incongruencies. You've fine taste in people, I daresay.

[ Midnight wrings out his hair, more to give his hands something to do than any real concern about his current level of saturation. (Although he is a bit worried for his new friend... He resolves to turn the conversation toward finding some towels before long.) ]

How do you propose I encounter myself more safely? I'm not opposed to the concept, but I'm afraid I've not much imagination in that regard.

[ ... Or any regard, but this is probably honest enough. ]

[sleepyone]

I wouldn't let a stranger have you. Not a chance.

[Marina is trying to not melt into that rubbing of her scalp, beneath her hair. That's the good stuff. Artemy's hands are so large and strong and rough and she wants them all over her again- oh.

Well, a lot has gone on. Where to even begin,]

Oh, I moved up in rank! I'm a Jack now, which means I get the royal treatment. [she nuzzles against him, thinking] And I became a cat girl for a bit, twice!

And I got married, at least once, [maybe twice, shhh] and also divorced! What elseee...

[unrequite]

[ Top Operators truly are a different breed... After watching Reed curiously, Midnight begins picking up wood as well, just so he doesn't feel left out. It's when she begins searching for campfire supplies that he realizes what he's done all this for. As one might imagine, he feels delighted. He is... very easily pleased. ]

Mmm. Thank you very much.

[ No shyness, no self-consciousness. Midnight simply removes his shirt in one smooth motion and looks to the sitting area, then into the other rooms as he begins to unbutton his pants... Well, if there aren't any blankets or towels, perhaps he can find a curtain, or a light rug? There doesn't seem to be much in the way of proper coverings, though, so all he does his pull his still-damp overcoat over his shoulders, shake out the wrinkles in his clothes, then politely tap the operator's shoulder, handing his clothes over. ]

Many thanks again, love. I can't imagine doing much of this for myself. You're very kind.