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

[feathering]

[ He thought you didn't want him to speak, Bakugo? Joshua can sense some aggression in the blond's tone, but since he's slowly starting to feel better, he doesn't make such a big deal about it. In fact, his lips curl into a smile as he holds up his other hand, signaling for the other to wait.

It takes about a couple of seconds. The fiery sparks, so bright and yet so calming, slowly spinning around his arm and his throat look like fireflies in the night. When it feels like he can speak, he stops casting the curing spell. The rest of the healing can work itself naturally. ]

Am I allowed to speak now?

[ ... Sorry, Bakugo. ]

[blastedass]

[Until his throat felt better, dammit! Bakugo's curious about the light and flecks showing up around the guy's neck, suggesting he's doing something to ease the abrasion. When that hand gesture pops up, the blonde frowns but settles into silence, at least seeming to give the guy's injury a chance to recover. He's pushy, not stupid.

Those sparks move to his arm next, drawing Bakugo's eyes whether he's aware of it or not. Is that a reflexive thing or something this guy is doing deliberately? Definitely healing in nature. It's an assumption, but an informed one.

At least until Joshua decides to speak. GRINK!! Lips curl into a snarl, pissed off instantly.]

YOU JUST DID!!

[MAYBE HE SHOULD THROTTLE HIM HIMSELF, HAA?!]

[feathering]

[ Despite seeing what the blond is capable of, Joshua doesn't seem afraid to make him angry. In fact, he's calm as can be despite the traces of an amused smile threatening to grow wider on his lips. He's doing his best to remain serious here.

This guy is funny, if anything. ]

I'm afraid it may take some time before my throat fully heals, but not too long.

[ Bakugo didn't ask, but he tells him, anyway. ]

I'm capable of offensive magic, yes. I just wasn't able to cast it earlier.

[ A pause. Blue eyes flicker over Bakugo's shoulders to look past him, and onto the pieces of marble and stone. They're slowly crumbling into dust, which is oddly concerning. But a fiend is a fiend. Joshua doesn't think too much of it. A second later, his gaze is back on Bakugo. ]

I admit, I was caught off-guard. You have my thanks, friend.

[blastedass]

[It's fine. Everyone makes stupid, near-fatal mistakes once in a while. He's had to deal with a lot of dumbasses in this place, from the staff to the high ranks to the newcomers, and dammit if he's not ready to take it out on someone who's pushing his fucking buttons! A hand curls hard enough his knuckles crack, there's a 💢 vein pounding on his brow.

Thin ice, bastard. Thin. Fucking. Ice.]

Good! You can stay mute then!

[Such is the hope! That Joshua shatters in the next few seconds, much to Bakugo's ire. Luckily, the guy talks to his unspoken curiosity, so the scales continue their precarious balancing act.]

Why? Your hands and voice still worked.

[Granted, he was croaking out some choked calls for help by the time Bakugo came upon him, but Joshua hasn't said anything to start the magic on his throat and arm. So it's not voice required... unless he murmured it real fucking quietly.]

Che! Improve your reaction speed.

[feathering]

[ It wasn't quite reaction speed that was the issue. Rather, it was Joshua's body being too physically weak to put up a fight. Even now, casting Cure on himself has taken some effort. No doubt he'll have a good sleep tonight when his body decides that it's had enough excitement for one day. He'd much rather explore and look around, try and find a way out than rest, given his responsibilities in his own world.

None of these are details he speaks of. Joshua doesn't even try to argue, instead responding with: ]

It is as you say. I should improve it.

[ The Phoenix's pride isn't bruised by such a comment. It's not like this man means any harm from what Joshua can tell. ]

I believe it may be best to wander away from these statues, however. I'd rather not encounter any more of them any time soon.

What say you?

[blastedass]

[Bakugo doesn't know whether it's physical strength, reflex speed, or whatever ability this guy's using right now. What he does know is that it can be improved. (At least that's what he expects of himself and everyone else.) These statues don't seem to be a one-and-done event, so there's going to be more risk going forward. He's not babysitting people. Lets be real, he'll likely busy himself patrolling the halls to fight statues rather than deal with shit "servant" games in the casino. Bakugo's a hero.

Now that Joshua's safe and the statue threat's gone, he's got no more reason to be around here. Joshua being an annoying dick is all the more reason to beat it... until he's not a dick. Bakugo makes a small grumpy noise in agreement.]

Good luck. These things are all over the fucking resort. [But he's already heading out of the hallway, wanting to reach a less constrictive area.] There's a higher concentration of them in communal areas.

[Because they're decoration. Hopefully...]

[feathering]

[ Yes, Joshua did see a bunch of statues! Mostly in the common areas like the lobby, the entrance to the casino itself, and scattered around the hallways heading into other establishments like the Gilded Cage. He's truthfully unaware of the dangers the statues pose however, until recently. Earlier on, he passed them by without really seeing or sensing anything dangerous. This was the first time one sprung to life and tried to... kill him? Strangle him and take his life? Honestly, he doesn't know what those pieces want.

He arches a brow, though. If Bakugo's leaving, Joshua decides to follow. He wouldn't call himself an annoying dick, but he does recognise the blond to be an informed individual. If anything, Joshua believes he might get more information about this place from him.

Not to mention, he does owe him thanks! Perhaps as a deity of this resort—or so he's regarded as—it might be nice (?) for Bakugo to get some special treatment, too. ]

They are, aren't they? Although I would surmise that not all of them have life in them.

Does this happen often, then? And you... patrol the resort to ensure no one is harmed?

[ To that, he ends up chuckling a little. He does not underestimate nor is he poking fun at a guard on patrol, but Bakugo does not look like one. ]

[blastedass]

[No one else had any idea the damn things were going to pop off their stands and turn into grabby pervs longing for skinship with strangers! Joshua's in good company for getting caught unaware. But now that he's had one experience, better treat all statues with suspicion. Bakugo had his first encounter and it was as creepy and annoying as this one. Minus getting caught. He ended his statue without a damn problem. Best not to inquire further about what they want. Like anything else in this place, it likely revolves around sex. And no one wants a stone dick or rock tits smashing into them. Right?

Leaving this area means less attention from any statues coming towards the noise and more chance to get to a place that isn't going Greco-Roman crazy with the hotel's thematic madness. The sound of footsteps behind him suggests he's got a tagalong now. Great. He loves babysitting tour guide.]

Who the hell knows until they start moving. [Not all of them came to life, but it could be a delayed reaction, a staggered release of whatever magic gave them sentience and motion. Bakugo shoves his hands into his pockets, growling to himself at how tight the damn pants are. He can't even ball his fists inside! Dammit, he misses his baggier clothes.]

How should I know? I've only been here a month! [And how should Joshua know that? No clue! Bakugo's an abrasive jerk plenty of times.] Last time it was a beach theme and we got accosted by a bunch of muscle-bound seagull-headed lifeguards.

[No comment on patrolling or saving Joshua. Hmph.]

[feathering]

[ So angry... Joshua doesn't know that Bakugo's been here for just a month. Still, he doesn't look all that bothered. He remains pleasant, mostly neutral.

So, "last time" is what he assumes would be arrival of more deities? Or just new people in general, all from different realms, ones that Joshua can't even begin to fathom. The rest sounds completely ridiculous to him though. "Muscle-bound seagull-headed lifeguards" just seems like something you'd hear about in a fairy tale, or something that one dreams about when they've had too much to drink.

And to understand, be must enquire further. He merely follows along, hands on his sides. ]

You were accosted for what?

[ ... Being too hot-headed? ]

[blastedass]

[What the hell is this guy, sitting on cloud 9 all the time? Doesn't he realize he's been kidnapped and dumped in some fucking sex hotel?! A stone statue just tried to choke the life out of him! Maybe not the life, but still attacked him!

At least Joshua isn't an idiot. Bakugo can see the wheels turning in the guy's head as he talks. Good. He won't have to explain everything to him in stark detail. Even if the stuff he does say slots into sounding really stupid.

He wishes he were making this shit up, but nope! It was as reals as the statue he just blew up.]

Anything. Food, clothes, breaking whatever damn rule they wanted to make.

[Seagulls, man.]

[feathering]

[ He's tempted to point out how ridiculous that sounds. It's all rather difficult to wrap his head around, really. This all feels like such a fantasy, and he's far too attached to his ways and what he knows to truly accept this. ]

I take it this happened several times, then? And you...

[ Joshua takes a few steps forward to walk ahead, just so that he knows Bakugo will look at him. Admittedly, he's still feeling rather weak, so he can't emulate any sparks or create little fireballs at this time. He would do so if it were a life and death situation, but he knows when to preserve his energy.

He does, however, place a hand on his chest, clapping over it as if emulating what he thinks Bakugo did to the statue. When his palm makes contact with his chest, he makes a "Pshw!" sound, and then takes a few steps backwards. ]

Did that?

[ Make the seagulls explode, basically. ]

[blastedass]

[He's not going to lie about this crap! It's as stupid as it sounds. Bakugo took almost a week to finally get his head around the mess, always hoping he was going to wake up the next morning and find out it was all a bad dream. Hell, he'd even take a hangover. And he doesn't drink!]

Blew them up.

[When Joshua speeds up to get in front of him, the blonde picks up his pace so they're walking shoulder to shoulder instead. Competitive thing. Considering Joshua saw what he could do already, he can guess the seagull lifeguards' reactions. Smoking, squawking retreat. Too bad they only had bird heads. Wings would make them escape faster.

Bakugo arches a brow at the imitation, pulling a face soon after. Is this bastard making fun of him? The steps backward earn Joshua a middle finger thrown over the blonde's shoulder.]

Try jumping. [There was a much bigger lifting action when a grenade goes off in front of you.]

[feathering]

Blew them up, yes.

[ Thank you for completing his sentences, Bakugo. It's a good enough confirmation as any, and gives Joshua a better idea of what that was. Now, the question is— ]

How exactly were you able to do that? And I shall remember for next time I emulate your actions, thank you.

[ Bakugo can flip the bird (quite literally!) all he likes, but Joshua is undeterred. So long as he's not being told off and harmed, he doesn't think there's anything wrong. ]

[blastedass]

[The first time had been pure angry self defense. Those bastards were trying to steal from him and hell if he's about to let them rip anything out of his grip! The second time was something more embarrassing. And honestly kind of gross. No regrets there. The other two times were blowing them up to make them leave someone else alone. Yeah, they didn't like him. Same!]

It's my Quirk. [Bakugo holds his hand out, fingers curled, and detonates a few small explosions so they burst and pop around his palm and fingers. Kind of like fireworks, compared to the large blast he destroyed the statue with.] Explosion.

[feathering]

[ That is both so mysterious and fascinating. So he can control how big these explosions are.

What's more interesting is that they're just called that - "Explosions". What are they made of, what causes it, how does he do it? ]

It certainly is a very convenient power to have, especially as it seems you have very good control of it.

Would it mean that your hand is like a landmine?

[blastedass]

[Don't ask him the how or why behind his world's Quirk phenomenon. No one knows, only theories exist, and it's been over a century since they first began to emerge.

But the rest, he can ask about.]

My Explosion will do whatever I want it to. [Damn right he's proud of it! Both in its innate power and versatility, and his control over it.] Landmine, grenade, missile, all of that.

[feathering]

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

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

[blastedass]

It puts itself back together and you get thrown into prison for being a fucking disruption. [Even if he sounds reluctant to admit such a reason. Bakugo will always hate kidnappers, but trying to escape this place by destroying it is a waste of time and effort from what he's seen and heard.] Someone already tried to break through the top-most ceiling and failed.

[From the rumors surrounding that attempt, there was "nothing" outside.]

[feathering]

[ That's unfortunate, but not unheard of. There must still be a way out though, but they just haven't discovered it yet. If it repairs itself, then they must destroy what it is that is making it do so. Its heart, the core, whatever it is.

There's so little information that he knows though. For now, Joshua just thinks of the present, who he is with, and if they can become allies. ]

Then, is it part of your parole to go around and ensure everyone's safety?

[blastedass]

[Bakugo isn't sure about that, but he's not going to give up aiming for a way to escape. He already has one plotted out, but the sheer requirements for it are... intense. Something he's not yet able to wrap his head around fully. The idea they're in some "beast" is uncomfortable as fuck,

He can't give Joshua a lot of information, having only been here a month himself and still gathering information.]

Haa?! As if! You just looked pathetic getting crushed!

[Yes, he does keep an eye out for people. He's a hero. But patrolling the Peacock? ... Sometimes. This is the first time he's ever actually heard of something attacking other guests though. Mostly it's handsy ghosts and weird stuff.]

[feathering]

[ That gets a chuckle out of him. Joshua would hate to be seen as pathetic, but there's not much he can do at this time but receive this sort of reputation. These sorts of things can be upturned, at least. So— ]

Pray that it would be the last time you'll see me in such a state.

[ He makes a request, but it is more of a promise. One that he intends to keep for as long as possible.

Should his body give into his sickness however, he hopes that it won't be while anybody can see him. ]

What you did was rather heroic. You should be proud of yourself.

[blastedass]

[This guy's been nothings short of pleasant since he rescued him. Fucking annoying. Bakugo doesn't want to lead him into an area that's going to have worse issues happening... Some place that's safer.]

How the hell did it grab you in the first place? Can't you dodge?

[It's a rude way of asking if Joshua was surprised by the statue or if he tried to actually fight the thing and got caught. At least Bakugo gives some acknowledgement to that promise. Joshua better keep it...]

Of course it was! I'm a hero!

[feathering]

I was taken by surprise.

[ Rude as the delivery of that question was, Joshua can at least admit to his own faults. ]

I was walking down the hall when I was grabbed from behind. I couldn't hear it, nor could I sense it.

[ Though perhaps it's because he was already hacking out his lungs that he was distracted, too. Either way, Joshua has answered his question. And now for one of his own. ]

And what shall I call you, O Bold and Explosive Hero?

[ If Bakugo doesn't introduce himself in the next 10 seconds, that's going to be his new name. ]

[blastedass]

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

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

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

[feathering]

[ Joshua doesn't know that he was about to be brought to the statue's pedestal to become stone, himself. Bakugo truly was his hero in this instance, whatever their intentions may have been. ]

Well met, Bakugo. You may call me Joshua.

[ Rosfield, he would like to add, but he imagines that his last name holds no meaning here. That's fine! ]

I shall be on guard for any subsequent attacks. What you saw won't happen again.