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

zhongli | genshin impact

[esoterics]

[ closed starters due to a busy month. pm me if you're interested in a thread and we can work something out. ]

— narumi gen.

[esoterics]

[ archery, is it?

even if he's always preferred polearms, six thousand years (with a good portion of those spent in the midst of a blood-soaked war) has left him proficient in most weapons, the bow included. necessity might have dictated he learn most weapons but there had been an additional component when it came to mastering the art of archery. namely: a particular bard hailing from mondstadt, with far too much enthusiasm for drink.

as if he would let that rascal win in any competition.

the proximity of targets this time around along with the various gathered contestants leaves this particular competition feeling rather like a walk in the park. an activity to while away the time instead of a high-stakes battle royale. but that suits him just fine. it means he can converse with his assigned 'target' of the day, negotiating out a(n entirely unneccessary) contract for the afternoon's archery rounds. (bet narumi wishes he'd been assigned to any other guy instead.) ]

In the interest of safety, I will ensure that no strike of mine lands on any part of you from the shoulder up or the—

[ that's all he gets out before movement in the corner of his eye catches his attention. he spins, far swifter than any normal human ought to, one hand snapping up to catch the arrow midair before it can strike its (misplaced) target. but the force of the catch has the chalky tip exploding all the same, a flurry of blue powder descending every which way.

please hold while he does his best to wave away all the powder (and inhale half of it in the process). if only he'd been anemo instead of geo..... ]

[keyeju]

[ Truth be told, Narumi would much rather be on the flip-side of this scenario. The powers that be can assure him as much as they want that these arrows won't do any harm to him, but he's been here long enough at this point to have his doubts about that.

Sure, they likely won't strike through him and kill him, but the chances are high there will be some other, likely inherently sexual consequence to getting struck by one.

So all of this talk from Zhongli seems entirely unnecessary to him. Wherever the man aims probably won't make that much of a difference in the end, and if Narumi is going to be cajoled into being a target, his plan is to make sure he's hard to hit. There's not a lot of fun at being shot at, but if it's going to happen he can at least use it as dodging practice.

At least, that was the idea running through his mind as he immediately started tuning Zhongli out the minute "safety" left the man's lips, only snapping to attention when he sees that arrow whizzing through the air towards them, muscles tensing up and ready to counter in an automatic response to a projectile coming his way.

All proving unnecessary as Zhongli snags it out of the air instead, and gets blasted in the face with powder.

See? Safety entirely unnecessary from a purely physical standpoint, though Narumi's gaze sharpens as he watches Zhongli accidentally inhale a good chunk of that powder.

Time to see if the House is as predictable as ever then. ]

Nice catch. Bet you'd make for a more entertaining target than most of the people they tossed out onto the field.

[ His tone is relaxed and teasing, even as his gaze flicks across Zhongli's face, looking for signs of arousal that tend to come alongside any sort of liquid, powder, and honestly half the time food that is offered to people for free. ]

[esoterics]

[ his contract tho :(

he needs five more seconds for the rest of the powder to scatter to the ground, and then another fifteen to dust the worst of the offending blue chalk off his outfit. appearance hardly matters in a sex resort but he's always been extremely fastidious about his own appearance, careful to press out the creases in his suits and apply a sharp line of red around his eyes each morning. (watch that all go down the drain in [checks watch] two minutes from now.)

at the moment though, he looks relatively unaffected, pupils maybe a little wider than usual and heartbeat elevated (from the sudden attack, surely). he frowns at narumi's nonchalance. ]

It would be best if they used stationary targets to begin with, to allow for greater flexibility when it comes to variance in skill levels. [ that's just basic fact? ] However, if you would like an opportunity to practice your aim, I would be happy to renegotiate the terms of our roles here. Given my status as a 'Wildcard' and the apparent importance on catering to my desires, I'm certain they should find no objection in acquiesing to this particular request so long as I am the one making it.

[ tragically, he'll never make it to that point because— ]

Though perhaps we shouldn't linger outside for too much longer. I fear it is getting rather warm.

[ the temperature literally hasn't changed in the last 30 seconds. ]

[keyeju]

[ Sorry, buddy. Maybe next time.

This time though...

Despite the eloquent little speech Zhongli manages to make about his flexibility when it comes to switching ( ;) ), the last comment answers the question Narumi had been curious about just fine.

He gets it, man. They got him with food several times already, and with a drink at least once. It's why he's offering the consoling thump on the back to Zhongli and a cryptic response. ]

Pretty sure it's just you this time. Looks like they got you good with that one.

[ Give it a few more seconds, and he's sure Zhongli will understand what he means. It's not like this place is subtle on arrival about its request for people to get down and dirty. ]

You seem like a decent guy though, so I'll lend you a hand here, because if things play out like they usually do? You're about to need one.

[ Literally. ]

[esoterics]

[ what in celestia's name does that mean?

no, the answer makes itself pretty obvious another thirty seconds later, as the flush blooming on his cheeks spreads further down, warmth permeating through his chest and abdomen and then past his gut, until

—ah.

he may not be human but he's observed them long enough (and even participated himself a few times out of curiosity) to understand the basic tenets of physical desire. but this, the quickly spreading heat filling his veins coupled with the urge for the touch of another, insistent and relentless and stronger than anything he's felt before...that's definitely new. it doesn't take a genius to connect the dots.

there's a fracture in his otherwise placid mask. a furrow of his brow, a grit of his teeth. ]

You said 'if things play out like they usually do.' If this occurs as often as you say, then you must be familiar with a more [ ... ] private location where this matter can be resolved?

[ sorry he's not into exhibitionism just yet. ]

[keyeju]

[ Another friendly thwump to the back as he sees the realization finally strike. Yep. Been there, done that. More than one meaning to that last part of the sentence too.

And given the curious and interested looks that Mr. Newly Arrived Wildcard here is getting from the long term residents, Narumi's thinking it might be time to hightail it out of here quickly if Zhongli really is looking for privacy. He's not sure the others would be willing to wait in order to indulge such an esteemed person.

His hand flattens along Zhongli's back, and he gives a small nudge forward. ]

Depends. You think you can make it up a few floors? Because I do have a room here.

— six.

[esoterics]

[ he wakes not to the sound of sparrows outside his window or the spring breeze blowing through his window, but the sound of....water? it shouldn't be so strange given the proximity of the wangsheng funeral parlor to the ocean, but centuries spent in the heart of liyue harbor means that he knows the sound of the waves there as well as he does his own heartbeat, and the ripple of water here is nothing alike.

so, if he's not in his bed in liyue, then where is he?

he opens his eyes to grey hair and a pair of.....ears? an adeptus? no, he doesn't recognize this person nor the aura they emit. a further look reveals blue sky and ornate walls and windows that reveal patches of green in the distance. like mount hulao and yet also not. and then there's the fact that he's....not quite bare of skin but alarmingly close, the sheer fabric on his body revealing more than it hides.

concerning. he doesn't remember traveling this far during lantern rite, or drinking nearly so much?

the only solution, naturally, is to rise and explore, examine the small details of his new surroundings to see if they will offer up a worthwhile clue. and whenever his bedfellow rises, whether that be 30 seconds or 30 minutes from his departure from bed, he asks amiably: ]

Did you sleep well?

[ kidnapped or no, he can still be polite?? ]

[wray]

[ This isn't the first time he's waking up in a bed that doesn't belong to him, but maybe that be the more worrisome part. As it is, his first thought is wondering who could have ended up with him this time around, because it's always a toss-up between someone tolerable versus someone who isn't. His eyes flutter open not too long after his bed-companion rouses, and when he turns to look over their way, he's met with a simple question.

And then he realizes their state of dress. Maybe he should be thankful they aren't naked, but this is pretty close for it to not count.

He props himself up on his elbows, nodding his head slowly. ]

I suppose I'm as well-rested as I can be. How about yourself?

[ He sits upright all the way after that, thankful for the blanket still covering the rest of him to stop imaginations from going wild. ]

... And was there anyone else in the room with us?

[esoterics]

[ can't believe you won't let me imagine six in all his barely dressed glory :/

zhongli, in all his barely dressed glory, continues puttering around the temple? room? abode in search of....well, in search of something a little more modest to throw on. nudity is the least of his concerns when it comes to investigating a strange new place, but it certainly wouldn't hurt to be better dressed for the occasion. ]

I did not sense anyone else when I awoke, though it is possible they were here and left before either of us stirred. If there was indeed another party in the room with us, they left behind no discernable trail.

[ no footsteps, no errant smudges of dust, no magical trace....whoever their mysterious kidnapper is was great at covering their tracks. ]

I'm afraid we may need to venture out in search of food and drink if you are hungry.

[ sure, there are the snacks laid out at the foot at the bed and then at the counter, but those are hardly enough or suitable for a proper breakfast. also there's no tea? wack. :/ ]

[wray]

[ you can still imagine it??

Zhongli's answer doesn't surprise him, but it does leave him more annoyed than ever even if it doesn't show on his face. The only sign that happens is a mild twitch of his ears and a soft sigh, and then he moves on to looking around the room. This isn't his suite, but it's just as fancy as his own, so he must have been shuttered into another one entirely for whatever reason.

He shakes his head. ]

I'll pass. I wouldn't trust anything they provided here, regardless. [ Small advice. ] They might make you do... strange things.

[ What a vague statement, one that he won't elaborate on for now while he gets off the bed himself, still clinging to the sheets as he uses that to drape over his person.

his chest is still visible through the parts, just for u. ]

If you'd like, we can go to my room and I'll ask the chef to make you something.

[esoterics]

[ strange things.....how mysterious.

but noted, the cryptic words taken under consideration and advisement as zhongli sets back down the curiously wrapped package of pink biscuits he'd picked up. there is a bit of a hunger gnawing at him (thanks tdm prompts) but nothing that isn't ignorable for the time being.

more interesting than the various packaged foodstuffs is the generous offer being made by his bedmate, whose name he hasn't even yet learned. (and yet the young man is willing to sponsor him by offering him a meal from his own supplies? even more curious.)

turning away from the basket to face six (and his beautifully visible chest, thank u), zhongli folds his hands together. ]

I would not wish to impose upon you. If there a kitchen nearby, I should be able to cook a meal for myself.

[ unless the ingredients there are questionable too.... (but also: this guy has his own personal chef? damn, how bougie.) ]

[wray]

[ Honestly, the newcomer should have no reason to trust him. They're both strangers to each other, after all, so it'd be better if he didn't take up Six on his offer, but there it is regardless. The only thing Six can do is nod his head once. ]

... Then, you're welcome to the kitchen in my suite.

[ That way, Zhongli can decide if the ingredients he has at home are too suspicious to work with, and he can't call foul because he's the one cooking himself.

The erune rises from the bed, the sheets falling off his body to reveal well-toned legs barely covered by the robes he's been placed in. He can't decide if waking up in a wedding dress is somehow worse than this, but he shelves that thought for now, making his way over to the door. ]

If you'd like to follow me, my suite should be this way.

[ Maybe. He can only hope that his assumption is right about being up at the royal floor since he can just turn right and head straight for a familiar door.

we also timeskip getting there since i took forever to tag back ]

The kitchen is here. You may use anything you need.

[ From the fridge, the pantry, etc. It's an insane area too, given the view and how spacious it is. Definitely not something that looks like it should belong to Six, but it does. ]

— fuuta kajiyama.

[esoterics]

[ where there is food and drink, there is sure to be....

no, that's wrong, where there's a good tale woven together by a masterful storyteller, there is sure to be a certain gentleman dressed in his finest, gloved hands carefully wrapped around a steaming cup of tea. unfortunately, there is no story being performed on stage today but there is an excess of food and drink so close enough.

fuuta, who'd probably assumed he'd been waved over in order to erotically feed some haughty new arrival grapes one by one by hand, is probably wishing he was erotically feeding said grapes by hand instead of.....well, instead of listening to some guy of indeterminate age (but likely in his mid-to-late 20s???) drone on and on about the differences in flavor profiles between ham cured with rock salt as compared to ham cured with sea salt. or something to that effect.

at least he's getting free food out of all this as zhongli sets two plates in front of him and looks at him expectantly. hope fuuta likes ham. ]

Why don't you give it a try?

[ literally what freak can tell the difference though?? ]

[pyrolyzed]

[ He's going to lose his goddamn mind.

How did he even end up in this situation. It's not like he thinks there's anything right about what's going on here? Like -- the low ranks having to be literal servants to higher ranks? What the hell? It's a clear violation of basic human rights?! And while he'd made one (1) valiant attempt to argue against these inhumane rules ... one meaningful look from the guards and the threat of having his suit activated sure shut him up quick.

Which is why, now, he's been standing here for fifteen goddamn minutes listening to this Wildcard ramble on about fucking ... ham. 'Ham' doesn't even sound like a real word by the time the lecture finally comes to an end, and Fuuta answers the look Zhongli gives him with a dour glare and a bristling -- ]

Seriously? You think I want any of your goddamn ham after you talk my ear off for --

[ Lucky for Zhongli, Fuuta has a backbone made of spongecake, and so a clear of the throat from one of the surrounding guards is all it takes for him to shut his mouth. His bitching cuts off with a huff, a slow inhale, then an even slower exhale as he tries to control his temper. Then he answers through gritted teeth. ]

I mean. I'll accept ... humbly. Or whatever. If you insist. Thanks for your generosity, Sir ... uh.

[ Name, please. Even if Fuuta is mentally labeling this guy 'Ham Asshole' henceforth. ]

[esoterics]

[ don't hate on the ham just for being in the wrong spot at the wrong time? it's perfectly delicious ham, for the record.

zhongli, despite his earlier cosplay as a dull university professor more interested in the sound of his own voice than those around him, doesn't miss the subtle nudges and meaningful looks from the various guards stationed around. while he certainly would have been happy if fuuta had obligingly tried some of the ham for himself, he's not about to go on a tyrannical rampage at the mere hint of refusal. ]

If ham is not to your liking, there are other dishes you can try instead.

[ he gets it though? he's not a fan of tentacles and most seafood either. (because the ham itself is clearly the problem.) he motions first towards a plate of what looks like tofu, and then another another noodle dish. both are bright red in color. ]

Perhaps you could have a taste of both the mapo tofu and what I have been informed is called penne arrabbiata? Both feature bases that absorb the flavor of what's added, but the particular spice blends as well as the differing base ingredients result in two dishes with vastly different tastes.

[ the lectures will continue until morale (an attempt at eating) is made......anyway. ]

My name is Zhongli. [ not ham asshole. :( ] And your name is?

[pyrolyzed]

... Fuuta. Kajiyama Fuuta.

[ He says, wearily, storing the name 'Zhongli' in his mental folder under the main header of 'Ham Asshole.' (Sorry Zhongli.)

And while he would very much like to tell the guy that he's not interested in another fucking lecture on ... spices and how they effect ham now, or whatever, he's admittedly tired. And hungry. And his legs are sore from scampering around all day fetching food and drink and whatever else it is the high-rank fuckers want out of him. So. ]

I'll ... accept, I guess. Thank you, Sir Zhongli.

[ It's gritted out wearily, but Fuuta does (pettily) make a point of looking over at the guard from earlier to give them a pointed stare before awkwardly sitting down to take a seat on the little footstool nearby. It's not like he's slacking off? He's just doing what this Wildcard wants him to? The guard can fucking sit on it and spin.

His stomach growls quietly now that he's actually faced with the chance to eat, and Fuuta hesitates for a moment before popping a spoonful of the mapo tofu in his mouth. ]

Yeah, that sure is mapo tofu. [ Chew, chew, swallow as he gives Zhongli a wary look. ] S'this your first time trying these foods? Or are you just always so excited about ... food.

[esoterics]

[ fuuta kajiyama......sounds similar to the names of those from inazuma. oh, but— ]

Just Zhongli is fine. Mister Zhongli is also acceptable, if you prefer a more formal method of address. Despite the stations we have been assigned here, we are equals at our core, are we not?

[ just two normal dudes, sucked into a bizarre sex casino, having a good time partaking of the feast set out in front of them, haha. nothing weird about either of them, no sir. as fuuta starts picking away at the mapo tofu, zhongli carefully pulls out a few pieces of chili chicken from a nearby dish. ]

It's a pleasure to meet you, Fuuta. [ this is said with a genuine smile. ] And though some of these dishes are new to me - such as these 'chili cheese fries' - I simply enjoy the subtle differences that shine through whenever the same dish is prepared using slightly different ingredients or with varying cooking methods. No two dishes of salt and pepper tofu are prepared the same between any two restaraunts, in much the same way that no two pieces of cor lapis found in the wild look the same.

[ ....maybe fuuta should be stuffing his ears instead of stuffing his mouth. ]

[pyrolyzed]

[ You know what. Actually, maybe he'd rather be stuck in the ring getting beat up by someone. Fuuta continues eating the mapo tofu, though he can honestly barely taste it, what with Zhongli's ramblings about cooking technique flooding in through his ears and filling his brains like so much candy fluff. Is this guy, just ... Like This. Fucking hell. He must be a hit at parties. Fuuta promptly assigns him the additional label of "Annoying Walking Dictionary" on top of "Ham Asshole."

And since he's worthless in the kitchen and thus has nothing to say about cooking methods, the barb he decides to lob over is, instead: ]

You know, saying that stuff about how we're equal or whatever doesn't mean shit when you could get me in trouble here just because I looked at you funny.

[ It is uncharacteristically bold of him to be saying this out loud! And frankly, he's only daring to voice this opinion because Zhongli has seemed reasonable thus far. Even so, Fuuta averts his gaze to sneak a wary glance at another guard (who looks like he is vividly picturing throttling him) as he takes another bite of the tofu. ]

Like, whatever. This place is just like that. Messed up and everything. But you're not helping by saying stuff that's just not true.

— yae miko.

[esoterics]

[ after spending countless millenia walking amongst humans and observing their way of life, he still manages to be surprised by them and the wide range of customs they participate in.

for example, this 'wildcard auction' that they've ushered him into along with the rest of his fellow new arrivals. the sale and barter of people is hardly a new practice, but the reverence of this particular instance far exceeds any of the usual sales he's witnessed in the past. closer to a ceremonial (sacrificial) offering than any marketplace trade based off all the pomp and circumstance.

he's milling about in the back, waiting for his turn to be paraded onstage and watching the proceedings with a gleam of interest in his eye. but the stammered introduction of the current wildcard out there isn't nearly scintillating enough for him not to notice the flash of pink nearby—coupled with a familiar presence from long ago. he turns, head tipping to one side, eyes widening as he greets an old companion. ]

Miss Miko. What a surprise.

wheezing

[foxpopuli]

[Poor thing.

The contrast between them is stark: There's something about the bashful, stuttering appearance of one of their fellow Wildcards on stage that captures her attention, at least for a few moments. It's pitiful, and the nervous little lamb certainly isn't making a good first impression. She keeps listening, ear just slightly keyed in that direction, even as she turns her head when beckoned by Morax, of all people, recognizable despite - or perhaps because of - this particular form.]

Oh? What a surprise indeed.

[She floats across the distance between them, weaving through the crowd as if it isn't there. She might seem relaxed amidst the trappings of opulence and hedonism, her form elegant and graceful in a way that compliments the golden petals drifting down her skin... but for someone like him, the alert readiness beneath her poise should be obvious.]

Imagine that - running into such an old friend here, of all places. [And still in this form, too!] Surely you must have found yourself quite popular.

her name field is killing me

[esoterics]

[ of all places, here. she's got the right of it there. he, at least, is on vacation while she....well, perhaps things in inazuma are more settled now, with the electro archon having relinquished her grip on eternity.

(or, perhaps the more likely story, that this place simply doesn't care much about the consent of its guests.)

whatever the reason may be, they both are here now, milling about in the crowd while they watch their peers put on a show up on stage. eventually it will be their turn, but for now he can enjoy the presence of the company of an old friend free of judgement (mostly) and interruption. ]

If there is a rise in my popularity, it is merely due to the rank I have been assigned upon arrival and nothing more. [ who could possibly be into older gentlemen who talk too much.... ] The same could be said of yourself as well, if not to a greater degree. You are as charming and elegant as the last time we met.

[ which was probably like centuries ago, but details. ]

and it told precisely no lies (none)

[foxpopuli]

How flattering. And look at you... you haven't aged a day.

[Light crackles in her eyes, mischievous but never crossing the line. She's seen many things, but even hers is more limited against the scope of his vantage. Of course, there was a time when even she was different - loud and outspoken in the company of youkai. Even Miko herself has felt the drifting breeze of change... in her own way.]

There's something to be said about how stubbornly things stay the same, even as they change. [Her knuckles drift past her mouth, half-obscuring a laugh.] Well, but that's life, isn't it?

[Employing some of the same delicate sleights of hand she may have occasionally used to vacate the Grand Narukami Shrine unnoticed, she crooks her hand into his elbow. She weaves him wordlessly closer to the back of the line, one cut trickling seamlessly into the next.] Have you worked out your pitch? It's important to be able to summarize your better qualities quickly. If you don't...

[You'll end up like the awkward little mouse out there now.]

[esoterics]

[ after so long leading, he finds himself content to follow, dipping his elbow down just low enough to erase any discomfort the difference in height might cause. As always, the head of the grand narukami shrine emanates a certain presence, not austere and commanding like the current electro archon perhaps but one that has bodies moving unconsciously out of her way all the same.

And thus they find themselves at the back of the line, with still plenty of space with which to view the ongoings up front. ]

My pitch….

[ it's his turn to lift his free hand to his chin, index finger obscuring his lips as he thinks. ]

I had not planned to provide more than my usual introduction. [ blah blah zhongli blah blah consultant for the wangsheng funeral parlor blah blah blah. ostentatious introductions had always been barbatos' thing, not his. ] However, I have heard that including an interesting anecdote often engages all participants in the conversation. Would you like to hear the one I have prepared?

[ is she ready to be regaled for the next 30 minutes while he talks about (throws dart) the different impacts of climate and soil conditions on the scent of blooming glaze lilies? ]

[foxpopuli]

[Oh, no. Oh, no no no no. For someone whose modus operandi has long included stay a while and listen, Yae Miko knows when she's in for a pleasant chat with her old acquaintance and when she's in for a drab story that would never in a million years see publication. Time flows differently for humans and for people who have a great deal of it. What might send one of those little ones fleeing for the hills might not make her turn tail, but it still doesn't mean she can stand the thought of being bored. They are in a completely new and threatening land, after all.]

That just won't do, [she clucks, taking matters partially into her own hands.] You'll have a minute, maybe two, tops. Better to lead with something dazzling.

[Her arms cross low on her chest, another appraising gesture that's all too self-aware of the way it accents her waist and flatters her figure.] Or... could it be you're trying to lie low and avoid attracting any unwanted attention? I fear that may be quite impossible, my dear old friend.