peacockstop | TDM 05

Entry tags:

!mod,
!tdm

TDM 05

【 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

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"--You stole it?" Alan says, surprised, keeping his voice low. Between that confession and the lack of push-back, he feels suddenly off-balance, as if he'd thrown all his weight at a door only to have it swing open at the lightest touch.

"With magic?"

“Is that a problem?” It’s not like it hasn’t occurred to him that some people might look down on his methods, not that he cares, but not when he’s used it to save someone. Loki raises a questioning eyebrow.

And then he just laughs.

“Yes, with magic. I suppose that is not a common thing where you are from?”

Promptly: "Not a problem. Fuck them. I'm sure there's more where that came from."

Theft hadn't been something Alan really enjoyed. It was a means to an end, one with all the risks of arrest and prison that his Roman pamphlets carried, without any of the pleasure to make up for it in the moment. Still, it had been easy to justify to himself. He's no Robin Hood, but the distribution of wealth from rich pockets to his family's landlord gave him a grim satisfaction.

"It's -- not exactly, no, but I'm familiar," he says, to the second question. "I know magicians."

Could have been one himself, if not for his Catholic mother's intervention.

“Yes! Precisely!” Loki actually finds himself a little relieved to not be judged right off the bat. It isn’t like a stranger’s opinion of him would matter all that much, but it’s still nice. Besides, this place must have expected him to do such things. The did, after all seem to know who they took.

“You are correct about that. There is plenty to go around and honestly I don’t always care to cash in on what you need to do here to get money. I’m guessing by the way you acted on stage that you have been fully filled in on the nature of this place?” If his first morning here was anything like Loki’s then it was probably pretty clear.

For a brief moment Loki thinks the man is going to say he is familiar with magic and is a little disappointed to hear he only knows some mages. After participating in a Magic Showcase and actually being able to talk magic with some knowledgeable people, he’s finding he’s craving more.

Still better magic adjacent than no magic at all.

“Not interested or no luck with lessons?” Not everyone has magical abilities, Loki knows, but he’s also aware that if you’re friends with mages, you probably at least attempted a spell at least once.

"Depends what you mean by the nature of the place," he replies cautiously. "Do you mean the ranks and suits and that?"

He's stalling a moment from answering the second question. The answer is complex enough that even a magical expert like Edwin Courcey found him unusual, after all.

“Well yes, that is part of it.” Loki leads him towards the elevators. “Have you been assigned a room yet? I can escort you there if you wish. This is a conversation you may want to have in private.”

The stalling is interesting to Loki. At least it lets him know there’s a bit of a story there. He doesn’t press though, simply looks at him with a raised eyebrow, hopefully showing his interest.

Alan gives him a narrow look, trying to cover his uncertainty. With the immediate stress of the auction behind them, now, and his companion's evident disinterest in pushing his advantage, his nerves can't seem to decide whether to relax or keep him on edge.

"I've got a suite," he replies. "It's bloody huge. I suppose it's private, unless they've stuffed someone else in the bed for me to wake up to again."

Alan seems uncertain, but it doesn’t deter Loki. He would be much more surprised if he wasn’t. Especially given the speech he made on the stage at the auction. Instead he just offers him a bit of a sly smile. Unlikely to help, but he can’t seem to help himself.

It’s almost a shame, really, that Loki isn’t actively trying to play his part here. The man is rather attractive, and not just in looks. His attitude plays right into what Loki enjoys in a partner. But he also senses that perhaps that is not what Alan would like, and he wouldn’t proceed without obvious consent.

Better to let him know what’s really going on here and see where things go from there.

“Ah yes, it does seem the Wildcards are being treated better than usual this time around. Certainly better than my own arrival. Come. Show me to your quarters and we can have a proper chat. There are likely a few things you should know before you are assigned your proper suit and rank.”

What Alan likes and doesn't like is complicated, unfortunately, by the fact that he likes a certain amount of not liking and isn't sure how to like plain liking like that. He could illustrate with thousands of words, with enough time and paper and ink -- and with some assurance that the person he's with wouldn't either turn him into the authorities or thrash him to within an inch of his life.

But Loki has intuited one thing correctly. If he played the part of the haughty prince from the jump, he'd have a decidedly untrusting purchase on his hands.

Alan is moving to guide them towards the King suites almost before Loki has finished speaking, though he doesn't consciously notice his own alacrity.

"Getting auctioned off is an improvement? What in the bloody hell happened when you got here?"

Ah yes, the difficulty in coming to know that what you like isn’t as bad as what others have led you to believe. Loki is well versed in such things. Would even happily help others out who are in a state of confusion like that, but he does not yet know Alan well enough to offer. But let it be known, he would only thrash someone who requested it of him. Which can be a lot of fun in and of itself.

“I did not say what you and the others endured in there was good, but being treated as royalty? I have seen how they have been treating the Wildcards here currently and no I did not receive anything quite so nice when I arrived. I awoke naked and alone in the rainforest of the Vale. It was quite the shock to the system, I must say. There were a few others I found that arrived the same way, but mostly I have heard the others that arrived when I did woke up in a small room in bed with a stranger. I don’t particularly prefer either scenario, except that I prefer sleeping in a bed to the floor of a forest.”

"I did wake up with a stranger," Alan puts in. "Take your point, though. At least I had clothes."

Even as bad as things can be, there's usually somewhere further to fall.

"Were you hungry like this when you arrived?"

“You had clothing? That is… well it is quite the surprise actually.” He looks thoughtful for a moment. It seems the very opposite of what this place normally attempts. There must be something different this time, though what that might be, Loki has no idea. He tucks the piece of information away for the moment thought.

“No, that appears to be something specific to the current cohort, I’m afraid. I have heard that having someone worship you can aid in sating you though. That shouldn’t be too hard for you to find.” Loki can’t help but look him over as he speaks. Alan looks like the sort that would not have much of an issue finding someone to help with that sort of thing.

In fact, Loki himself wouldn’t mind helping him out. So far at least he’s been pleasant to speak with, even if bowing to someone he just met isn’t in his typical wheelhouse.

"Not proper clothing," Alan corrects, a little sullen, and gestures at his tunic. Most of what he's been in since arriving has been some variant on the theme, as the resort's staff hustle him from one supposed honor to another.

Then he gives Loki a sidelong look. He can't quite place where he stands with this tall, elegant man -- whether he was pulled off the stage out of charity or interest, whether that interest is personal or prurient, or even has something to do with his ability to perturb magic. He's been subjected to all those sorts of attention before, and he's caught bits of each in the way Loki looks at him.

"I've had a taste or two." He shrugs, though, a touch frustrated. "Being worshiped and waited on doesn't suit me. I meant what I said back there. Nothing makes those high-ranked arseholes back there better than me, and nothing makes me better than the poor bastards at the bottom of the pack."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.”

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?"

“Oh, I see. You would rather I spoke to you about how the suits work, and all the different little fun things you can find in some of the locations and the aphrodisiacs in the food in public then? You knew about it all, did you? Well, my humble apologies for trying to help.”

Loki crosses his arms and gives the man a flat look. How silly of him for trying to help and not broadcasting sensitive material in a hall full of people who would gladly have shown Alan rather than tell him.

Or maybe Loki’s just a little sensitive himself. He is not highly ranked and he really went out on a limb to help this stranger out. He’s been trying to do more of that, wanting to maintain the change in himself that started at the TVA, but Loki is still Loki and his feelings are often easily hurt.

They didn’t give him the hearts suit for nothing, after all.

Still looking rather annoyed, Loki looks over Alan, assessing. He understands how things must seem to the man, but his feelings are still hurt and he’s feeling just a little petulant. After a moment he sighs and lets his hands fall to his sides again. He can hardly blame the man for being upset.

“So many things. Each month is seems there is something new. It is not just the sex, if it were only that it would not be so bad. Once I got stuck with someone else and a tentacle monster. I’m sure I don’t need to extrapolate for you. And some months ago, they gave some attributes of rabbits to one of the suits and other various animal types to the rest of us all with the suddenly and uncontrollable urge to hunt and fuck all the rabbits. Consent at the time was dubious at best.”

Well, at least they're both annoyed, now. Nothing helps a bad mood like spreading it around.

Alan's bad mood begins to dissipate into surprise, though, and a bit of alarm. A Rochester play doesn't begin to cover this.

"A -- tentacle monster?"

Sorry, he's. That's. What??

If anyone knows about misery loving company, it is Loki. Doesn’t really help him feel better at the moment though.

“Yes. I got lost in an off-limits part of the hotel. So I would be careful if you are ever wandering. Unless you like that sort of thing, I suppose.” He shrugs. It actually hadn’t been all that terrible, but Loki is hardly about to admit that.

“There are plenty of strange things around, if you look for them. Even if you don’t, actually. It seems they wish to play mind games with us as much as they want us to have sex. But I suppose you already worked all that out.”

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

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

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

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

Loki is actually a little surprised by how surprised Alan is. Sure tentacles isn’t normal but considering how strange this place has clearly already been for the young man, he actually thought he might expect something so odd.

Apparently not.

He relaxes a bit at the apology and sighs. “And I am sorry I was so touchy. I truly did not mean to offend. But I worry when people think they have this place figured out already.” Loki doesn’t have this place figured out and he’s been here for about 8 months now. He truly thinks it might be the biggest mistake any new arrival could make.

“Perhaps we should start again. Tell me, do you have any questions about this place? I will try to answer them as well as I can.”

"Not sure I even know what to ask, now. Besides 'how do we get out.'"

He sighs. "A year ago I didn't know anything like any of this was even possible. Magic, fairies--" He waves a hand at the suite. "How am I supposed to ask what's likely when I don't even know what's possible anymore?"

That's self-pity, though, and that's an indulgence he doesn't enjoy.

"What does the house get out of all this? Free servants?"

“I’m afraid if I had that answer we would not be here already. But trust there are many of us working on finding out how to return home.” So far, all Loki’s managed to figure out are things that are quite upsetting so he’s not going to share that just yet. Besides, he doesn’t have definitive proof of anything yet.

Loki can’t help but sympathize. After everything he’s seen in his many years, even he has some issues figuring out anything about this place. He can’t imagine how confusing it must be for some others.

“From what I can tell so far, energy. A few of us believe we are keeping this place alive. Though how they manage to have enough energy to bring anyone here in the first place is another story all together.” And one he does not have enough details on to even begin telling.

"--You mean, like it's pulling on everyone's power," Alan says, sitting up straighter in surprise. "Is that what you mean?"

OOC NOTES

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cw: mention of period typical homophobia/kinkphobia and violence

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