TDM 06

[goldmods]

【 Thank you for choosing the Golden Peacock, 5-star resort and casino. You are currently registered as a WILDCARD in our system.

On behalf of the house and resort, we would like to advise all Game 52 players to exercise caution around the Golden Peacock for the next few weeks. The veil between 'what is' and 'what has been' grows thin and the threads of fate have tangled in unexpected ways. We are currently observing how these two phenomena behave when they occur simultaneously and act in concert.

We advise that all guests monitor their physical states until the veil thickens once again and the threads of fate return to running parallel. If you find yourself undergoing any strange transformations, please report to the Broken Wing clinic for observation. We will do our utmost to make sure you are comfortable during this time.

You may also notice other strange phenomena around the Golden Peacock while the veil is thin. Please continue to exercise caution. New wayward spirits have joined us during this time. While spirits are crossing, it is possible for guests to get swept along into the ghostly realm.

As always, please let us know if there is anything we can do to improve your stay. 】

HEADS

BASEMENT SUITES

SQUEEZING IN

► Thanks to a classic move called “overbooking,” new arrivals are being checked in to the rooms that have the most overall vacancies — the basement suites. Despite their small size and narrow twin beds, characters are stuffed up to three in a room. Don’t worry, that’s why the staff have thoughtfully removed the doors of every new arrival's room. It's easier to stuff inside that way, isn't it? More space for everyone!

► Characters still wake up naked save for a robe, as is standard for the Golden Peacock. This round’s robes are warm autumnal plaids made of thick flannel to help keep warm through the supernatural chill. Some of these robes are more elaborate than others, with seasonal patterns like apples or pumpkins.

► Existing characters currently living in a basement suite may find one or two new arrivals taking up residence in their room. The staff appreciate your understanding and willingness to share during this influx of new guests and spike of supernatural activity! There's safety in numbers. It's to everyone's benefit, really.

ICY HALLWAYS

► The normally dirty and forgotten hallways of the basement suites are in even worse shape than usual. Yellow stains ripple down the walls, the floor is coated in dust, and there are suspicious globs of something in the corners. Their standard chilly temperature has taken a sharp plunge to freezing. Guests without any resistance to cold will find it challenging to walk around the hallways without bundling up. For those that don't have the proper clothing, the staff suggest sharing some body heat and fucking to make do. They probably shouldn't have removed all those room doors, huh...

► Don't even talk about going out and about without shoes! Stepping in one of those gloopy puddles may unexpectedly trigger a fever or other similar illness. As time passes and the supernatural grows stronger, these goopy masses will crawl the walls and drip from the ceiling. As they grow stronger, so will the physical reaction to touching them. Guests may experience any of the CLUBS effects when the sludge is especially potent.

► When walking in any of the basement suite hallways, characters may hear the ghostly whispers from the maintenance levels. They are stronger than usual and can be heard on even the rank 3 and rank 4 floors. What's more, these whispers, if directed at a particular guest, can be heard by everyone in the vicinity. Whispers may provoke, accuse, and guilt characters by targeting their insecurities or regrets. These whispers will slowly turn to screams the closer the date creeps toward October 31st.

COMMUNAL BATHROOM GHOULS

► The ghouls in particular start becoming audacious as supernatural influence strengthens. A pesky group of water ghouls have marked the basement communal bathroom as their territory. Characters who seem particularly vulnerable or aren't paying attention to their surroundings may find themselves cornered by water ghouls in the showers. The ghouls are relentless, pushing and shoving and pulling hair for shits and giggles. Those on the lower end of the rank scale will suffer the worst harassment, and they may even go out of their way to harass wildcards and 2s.

► Some especially raunchy water ghouls have taken to haunting the toilets, showers, and baths. The toilet ghouls have especially long tongues, which they stick out to get a lick of some unsuspecting ass. The bath ghouls, the most attractive of the lot, pretend to be guests and try to lure new arrivals and low ranks into a clandestine affair. The shower ghouls hide and outstretch their arms to shamelessly grab and squeeze whatever their grubby claws can touch.

► Despite the bravado, these water ghouls are not very strong and can be easily dealt with. They will run if someone overpowers them. They will flinch and hide if someone screams too loudly. And, most importantly, they're absolutely terrified of dry towels. They're supposed to be wet, damn it! Don't threaten them with being dry. Aiming a hair dryer at them is enough to get them curled on the ground in agony.

TAILS

BROKEN WING CLINIC

THE MORGUE

► Did we mention that we had some overbooking? Some unfortunate new arrivals won't be waking up in the basement suites with their peers. These guests, with a stroke of bad luck, will find themselves waking up in the morgue of the Broken Wing clinic. The morgue has never seen a real dead body before — so when waking up on morgue tray sliders, they thankfully won't be assaulted by any rancid smells.

► New arrivals waking up in the morgue will be covered with a white sheet. They will also be dressed in a standard white hospital gown, each of their big toes tagged with a cause of death. These causes of death, however, all seem to be a bit unusual. They range from 【 DIED AFTER SIX CONSECUTIVE ORGASMS, ABSOLUTE KING 】 to 【 DIED OF LITERAL EMBARRASSMENT, WHAT A DORK 】... it's not like the doctor expected you to see them!

► Some especially unlucky guests will find that the door to their tray slider is locked. The keys to all of the tray sliders, as well as several mortuary tools, are available around the room for those that are kind enough to lend these poor souls a helping hand! It's just a matter of finding them. The desk and tool areas of the morgue are shockingly messy, as if the doctors and nurses left in a rush. Wonder why that is?

ABANDONED CLINIC

► Exploration of the clinic will yield some interesting results. Despite reception advising that those affected by the veil thinning should report to the clinic for observation, Broken Wing is completely void of any medical staff. The hallways are in ruin. Cabinets with medical files are empty. The beds have no patients. Even the air is musty. Broken Wing appears to have been abandoned for a long time.

► A small stroke of good luck — even if the doctors are gone, medical and general supplies can still be found scattered throughout the clinic. Guests can utilize staff clothing if they don't want to run around in those open-back hospital gowns. Over the counter medicines and bandages are available. Guests that may have had their eye on the harder prescription stuff can take this opportunity to scrounge through the clinic's pharmacy, now that there is no pharmacist to guard the goods.

► As exciting as a clinic free for all is, guests should be careful...

WALKING UNDEAD

Loud noises echo from the clinic's basement. Thud, thud, thud — heavy footsteps resound through the otherwise eerie silence. Muffled voices come in strange breaks, as if the speakers are having difficulty moving their mouths. Slowly, from around the corners and up the stairs, a group of long-standing guests drag their bodies awkwardly toward the sounds and warmth of any "living" guests in the clinic. Blue lips gape. Their skin is waxy and strange. They stare with red and yellow eyes. Then, slowly, they begin to drag their bodies forward...

► Zombified long-standing guests have been lurking in the clinic. These zombies are hungry for flesh in all meanings of the word. Some want one, some want the other, and some want both. Though they move slowly and have little control over their dead appendages, they are relentless, and will chase any non-zombie guests through the clinic.

► However, these zombies will not leave Broken Wing. Leaving the clinic is akin to a safe getaway. Those that want to fight will find that these zombies are fairly traditional: destroying their heads will kill them.

► A bite or scratch from a zombie is a potent aphrodisiac. The guest that is bitten or scratched will similarly begin to hunger for flesh... mostly in the horny way, but if you want to play it in the hungry way, we support you. Guests will not transform into zombies from a bite or scratch. The aphrodisiac will continue to burn through their system until sexual satisfaction is achieved. Going without "the cure" with result in fever, hallucinations, chills, muscle pain, and other extremely uncomfortable symptoms.

MAIN LOBBY

THE VEIL THINS

A STRANGE MOON & ENDLESS NIGHT

► Darkness pervades the main lobby despite clocks claiming that morning hours have come. The grand chandeliers and fixtures are not working, so staff hurry to light lanterns around the central hub and connecting hallways. A strange full moon floats in the center of the lobby. This moon hovers silently, always staying close to the high ceiling, and never changes its phase even when passing days begin accumulating.

► Those that bask in the pale light of the moon for too long may begin to feel an itch of strangeness... this itch will go away once farther from the moon. Once a guest basks in the moonlight, they might feel the overwhelming urge to continue doing so. It's inexplicable how this gentle moonlight feels like it can help them become their true self.

► An endless night will continue to accompany the moon. This night covers the entire main lobby, front reception, the elevator bank, and several hallways that deposit into the lobby. While the endless night is in play, all affected areas will feel the cool breeze and unique weight of a genuine deep night. Unlike the weather and time simulations offered in the garden and vale, this night is poignantly real despite happening indoors.

THE ROOKERY SETTLES DOWN

The Rookery, the elusive wandering night market, settles down beneath the moon in the main lobby. Construction of wooden stalls takes no time at all, offering a proper shopping experience compared to their usual tents and makeshift sheets. The sellers of the Rookery are more lively than usual, their ghostly faces illuminated by the light of the moon. They aggressively boast about their wares and try to hook customers over to their booths.

► Worthwhile treasures to be found in the Rookery. Truly useful items worth haggling for.

WOODEN MASKS: Charmed wooden masks that allow the wearer to blend in seamlessly with the supernatural. Come in fox, wolf, and tanuki styles.

MAGIC TALISMANS: An assortment of talismans with elemental capabilities. A snap of fire, a dash of light, a flash of ice, and so on. Useful in a pinch.

WARDING INCENSE: A lovely scent of Jasmine that keeps the ghosts and annoying exes away. Calms even the ghosts in the basement and maintenance levels.

ZOMBIE PILLS: Another cure for the symptoms to the above Zombie bite, found under our TAILS prompt above. Will completely cure the bitten party. Unfortunately, these pills must be administered rectally.

GHOST BELL: Helps the living find a wayward ghost. Particularly useful for finding those that have been separated from their bodies when getting mixed in to the ghosts crossing.

HOLY WATER: Burns the flesh of demonic and monstrous entities. Also clears the skin of any blemishes.

► Cursed treasures to be found in the Rookery. Scam artists boldly lie about how these items are blessed despite knowing full well that they're not.

BLACK CANDLE: Burn this candle and make a wish, it will come true. In actuality, the wish will be fulfilled but in the worst way possible, a la the classic monkey's paw. It also smells bad, like cheeto feet.

BLESSED TUNIC: A tunic that will ward off any attacks from the living or the dead. In actuality, this tunic does keep people away ... but only because it makes the wearer smell pungently of body odor.

VIAL OF POWER: A draught guaranteed to improve your strength and make you more appealing, sexually. In actuality, all this liquid does is make the drinker gassy. Best guarantee is that you'll fart every three steps.

LUCKY PENNY: A significant increase in luck! Technically true... but in actuality, the luck is bad luck. Small things, like stubbing your toe or saying the wrong thing at the wrong time.

A REAL SOLID GOLD RING: An exquisite piece from the ancient ages, made of pure gold that holy virgin priestesses wore when bathing in celestial light. Fake ass ring made of tinfoil. Makes your finger green.

1000 YEAR OLD WINE: The most delicious wine to ever exist! Coveted by emperors and gods alike! Tastes okay, and the alcohol content is high, but changes the drinker's voice into an embarrassing high pitch that cracks often. Also, can potentially make your ass hair grow long. Like, really long.

► Plenty of junk, knickknacks, and used clothing can also be found for reasonable prices. The sellers in the Rookery prefer to trade but will take chips since they're in such a good mood thanks to the influx of yin energy.

BACK HALLWAYS & STAIRS

OUT OF SERVICE

A LONELY GHOST (EASY MODE)

► While the moon is full in the main lobby, the elevators are out of order. Staff will ask guests to kindly use the stairs and, due to the urgency of the situation, allow them to use the special back hallways usually exclusive to staff. Back hallways have the ability to traverse great distances in the stretch of an average hallway. The downside is that these back hallways and all the stairs around the main lobby are plunged into the darkness of the moon's endless night. While there are candles, their light doesn't travel very far.

Well. That isn't the only downside.

► Though there are numerous wayward spirits passing through, one stubborn ghost sticks around to haunt the hallways and stairs. The lonely ghost takes on the appearance of a charming young man or woman before approaching guests to ask, "Am I pretty? Will you kiss me?" A negative response will result in continued persistence and sobbing while a positive result will result in frenzied joy.

► No matter the form the lonely ghost is taking, when it steps forward to try and initiate a kiss, its mouth will trisect open and unfurl several slimy tubes. Even with this hideous transformation its eyes will glitter with adoration and hope as it leans in for a passionate smooch... it can't help that it was born this way! It just wants love too!

► The ghost will chase would-be lovers through the hallways, a la Scooby Doo. However, escaping the lonely ghost isn't difficult, and it will change targets when it spots someone else to pursue.

A LONELY MONSTER (INTENSE MODE)

...drip... drip... drip...
► In the deepest corridors and the darkest corners lurks another creature. It scuttles across the ceiling, dripping slime from its maw and curled tentacles, waiting for unsuspecting guests to pass by with delightful anticipation. This tentacled monster is more aggressive than the lonely ghost, looking to snatch up anyone it can find and steal them away to its sticky nest. This monster is greedy and willing to snatch up as many guests as it possibly can.

► This tentacle creature is extremely fast and aggressive. It will chase its prey through the hallways with incredible speed. Its flesh is difficult to pierce, though not impossible. Bloody it up enough and it'll scuttle away to tend to its wounds before heading back out again looking for prey.

► However, this monster isn't looking to eat its captured victims. No, no, no. Stop crying, beloved captured prey. It just so happens to be this monster's breeding season. The lonely monster will use its tentacles to pleasure its captured prey and, potentially, lay its eggs inside particularly suitable guests. Don't worry — if you like tentacles but not so much the eggs, this monster is particular about the mother(s) of its monster cubs. It won't take anyone. Only those that especially catch its eye.

► Not that there will be any monster cubs. Unfortunately, this tentacle monster really needs another tentacle monster to properly raise a family. Any guests imbued with eggs will be left to shit them out. Thankfully, they're on the small side.

THE ELEVATORS

Wait... weren't the elevators out of order?

► Throughout the next few weeks there will be clear signs and posts around the elevator bank that the elevators are not currently in service and that guests should use the back hallways and stairs. However, at random times, the elevators will appear to be fully functional. Their doors will slide open in front of guests, emitting an inviting glow out into the darkness. The door will remain open until someone steps inside.

► Any guests brave enough to ignore all of the classic horror movie signs that these elevators are possessed as hell will be locked inside once the door closes. A childish giggle rings inside before the elevator plunges into darkness and everything jerks wildly. Elevators will play the classic tower of terror prank of plunging for several floors before spitting guests out in a random location. If the ghost is feeling particularly cheeky, it may spit its prisoners out somewhere they would really hate to be.

MONSTER MASH

ITCH BENEATH THE SKIN

OUT OF BODY EXPERIENCE

► Guests that spend too much time amongst the wandering spirits or who end up swept along with a group of them hurrying into a wall may find themselves knocked out of their bodies and forced into ghost form. Their bodies will collapse while their spirit is swept away into the resort.

► While in spirit form, guests can do everything a ghost can! They can walk through walls, possess or haunt their friends, and even infiltrate the dreams of other guests. Whatever ghostly tropes you would like to lean into, including the Patrick Swayze love experience, are at your disposal.

► The longer they're away from their body, however, the harder it will be to readjust to the flesh. There's also the small issue of staff picking up any "dead" bodies and shipping them over to the morgue. If they spend too long playing outside, wayward spirit guests may have to head over to the morgue to find their body (please see TDM prompt Arrival, Tails for details on why this sucks for them).

MOONFLUENCE

► The moon grows stronger after several days of gathering strength in the main lobby. Those that have basked in its light, even if it was only for a short while, may begin to feel that itch again... only this time it does not abate. The sensation becomes maddening, rippling beneath the flesh without restraint. Then — suddenly — it breaks free.

► Guests are transforming into monsters of all kinds under the influence of the moon. There is no limit on the type of monster that guests can transform into. Some guests may transform into vampires and weres while others may turn into dragonkin and tentacle monsters. The moon does not discriminate. Players are welcome to turn their characters into any kind of creature or monster they would like.

► Transformations do not need to be complete. Guests may have half or partial transformations. Transformations also vary in duration; a guest could potentially turn into several monsters over the course of the moon's rise in the main lobby. A guest could be a werewolf for an hour and shift into a vampire the next. Of course, a guest could also remain a werewolf for the entire duration of the moon's influence. This moon really loves some chaos.

► Any guests undergoing monster transformation may also utilize any of the DIAMONDS effects. In typical Golden Peacock fashion, transformations can also automatically come with intense arousal to get these guests into the freaky monster fuckin' spirit.

THE VALE

OVERGROWN WILDS

INFLUX

► In an effort to keep the monster situation under control, and to avoid mass destruction of the Golden Peacock, staff are attempting to corral any transformed guests into the vale. Of course, there's no way for them to get nearly half of the transformed guests in there, but some of the monsters seem to enjoy the more natural ambiance the vale provides.

► As more and more guests transform into monsters, the staff have little choice but to place advertisements for monster hunters. The job is easy enough: anyone who has not been transformed qualifies and the job description is to drag monsters into the vale for containment. Monster hunters will earn a medium payout for every transformed guest they toss into the vale. Monster hunters that fuck the monster before tossing them into the vale will receive an additional large payment.

► Transformed guests that turn back to their normal form will be allowed to leave the vale. Not that the staff can actually do much to stop them from leaving when they're monsterized, to begin with...

TERRAIN

► The vale has been shifted into night mode for the next few weeks to accommodate the newly turned monster guests. A full moon hangs overhead, though unlike the monster moon in the main lobby, this moon is digitized on the overhead panels for the sake of ambiance.

► A thick fog perpetually runs through the forest and weather simulations such as rain and snow rotate on a timer to provide a realistic experience. Every type of weather common during autumn/winter rotates through the vale.

► Caverns, caves, alcoves, and other earthy terrain stretches across the base of the vale. Tall trees with giant gnarled roots provide shelter. Bioluminescent mushrooms light the way in the darkness of simulated night. A long river runs through the vale. There are also several small ponds where these rivers lead to, as well as a couple of small waterfalls.

PACK MENTALITY

► Monsters of the same type may experience a resonance, or pack mentality, triggering any of the HEARTS effects between them. For example, canine-based monsters may feel unexpected fondness toward each other and be inclined to create a pack or share a den. Feline-based monsters may feel affectionate and groom one another. Aquatic-based creatures may feel that lightning shock of love at first sight. You get the idea!

► Resonance that triggers a Hearts effect can occur between monsters of different types but it's less common. Like calls to like, and monsters of the same or similar types will be naturally drawn toward one another.

SMOKED EGG

DEN OF THE BLOODTHIRSTY

THE COVEN

► Some of the civilized monsters refuse to be caught in the vale. Particularly, a coven a vampires has flooded into the Smoked Egg and transformed it into a den of debauchery. Gone are the gauzy curtains and pillows, replaced with stark red and black upholstery that lends itself to the vampiric aesthetic. The smoke, however, remains a haze over the lounge. This smoke is imbued with a relaxant to help loosen up any "prey" that wanders into their den.

► As far as prey goes — any creature that isn't a vampire applies. Prey will be doted upon and coaxed with the hopes of being fed upon. All those who come to the Smoked Egg will be encouraged to dip into hedonism with the coven and join in the sensual vampire orgy. Clothing in the lounge is optional, with many couples making love right in the open where other guests can watch.

► Guests that have turned into vampires, or were vampires to begin with, will be warmly welcomed by the coven. All vampires are capable of turning other guests into vampires through siring — this ritual involves exchanging blood between the master and sire, and will create an empathic bond between them. Vampires of the coven are happy to teach newly turned vampires how to do this trick if they don't already know. While guests can still shift from a vampire into another monster under the moon's influence, or return to a normal human, this empathic bond with their "creator" could potentially remain indefinitely.

VAMPIRIC LUXURIES

► The bar is stocked with numerous blood-based cocktails. Some blood has been collected in bottles, while other drinks are made from the blood of live and willing donors. The cocktails run the gambit of accompanying effects — players may select any SPADES effects for drinks at the vampiric bar.

► Though the core coven that have taken up residence in the Smoked Egg seem to be exhibitionists, there are numerous back rooms for those that prefer some privacy. Rather than traditional beds, however, guests will find luxurious coffins. There's nothing quite like fucking in a coffin, is there? Especially an upright one!

► We can't forget the vampire's pride and joy: the blood pool. This pool is filled with 100% bona fide blood, perfect for a round of fucking or just some relaxation. This pool is kept at a warm temperature because cold blood just isn't as good. Non-vampire guests will be encouraged to add some blood to the pool. It's the least you can do after being waited on hand and foot, after all.

BALANCE RETURNS

TIME TO TAKE THAT PTO

THE HOUSE TAKES A VACATION

► Between getting pummeled by guest shenanigans earlier in the month and then managing an invasive monster moon, the house is exhausted. Even near-omnipotent manifestations have a bottom line. Since the house isn't really going anywhere it's more accurate to call this a staycation, but either way, it's not taking any calls for a while.

► A general notice will flash on the electronic bulletin boards that due to overwork, the usual staff have also been granted paid time off by the house. Given how haggard the receptionists, bellhops, and cleaners all look after cleaning the Peacock from head to toe after overwhelming monster mischief, it's a much needed break. The Golden Peacock, after great efforts, is restored to semi-normal from most monster-caused damage. Some reminders remain, like those scuff marks that won't come out no matter how hard the cleaners scrub.

► During this time, the house will not be causing any mischief and harassing guests. It's a time of decompression for everyone. Right about now it's sitting back with a glass of whiskey and wondering why these recent guests have been such a handful compared to years past. It's almost like they don't want to lose themselves in hedonism and debauchery!

THE B-TEAM

► Of course, the house won't leave the Golden Peacock totally unmanned. The guests still need tending to! During this rest period, temps and back of house staff that don't typically work front of house are filling customer service roles. You know what that means: minor inconveniences abound.

► The B-team is nowhere near as good as the usual staff. Simple mistakes are more common during this time. Deliveries are sent to the wrong suites, the wrong dining service arrives, the towels aren't washed, and the front desk knows literally nothing outside of the basic function of checking guests in. It's not even worth asking when the house will be back, let alone asking for some other manager. But after the chaos of the past month, maybe these small annoyances aren't all that bad?

► The house will be back! ... Later. For now, the Golden Peacock is quiet, even the most party-hard guests fatigued from the past year of fun. What's to come? You'll just have to wait and see.

OOC NOTES

INVITES | RESERVES | APPLICATIONS

▶ BLANKET CW: aphrodisiac; biting; blood; body horror; coercion; death (referenced); dubcon; fear; furries; ghosts; horror themes; monsters; noncon; orgy; oviposition; scratching; tentacles; transformation; vampires; wounds; undead; xeno; zombies

▶ 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 October event. Changes to the above locations will ICly be present from October 15th - November 3rd. All supernatural phenomenon will increase in strength over time, culminating in peak activity on All Hallows' Eve. The days following Halloween will relax, leading into eventual normalcy. Some locations are spared the supernatural frenzy, so players can play as normal if they wish to avoid these tropes/prompts. Players may assume that the supernatural come and go in the above specifically incorporated locations.

▶ 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!

▶ We ask you to kindly add content warnings to your threads as appropriate. This TDM in particular has the potential to get real wild, so we want to emphasize this request!

▶ 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.

▶ Go forth and let your freak flag fly!

NAVIGATION • LOG • NETWORK • OOC • MEME

Comments

[swordpour]

Rank 9. I got here during the last round before this one, I think it should be fine but I haven't really done much to my suite.

(it mainly looked the same as when texas got it, though now her bed is actually being slept in instead of her couch. texas only avoided that because of a rather unfortunate experience with her suit being an issue for the entire first month since her arrival. there was a lot going on with texas during that time period thanks to that whenever she looks over the numbers.

the doors close and texas could agree....the stairs would have been worse is her gut feeling on that matter. best to not push their luck further and knowing her, she's got some of the worst luck whenever it counts for texas once she presses the button for the ninth floor only for nothing to happen. no response? the lupine woman raises a questionable brow before pressing it again.

still nothing. there's a moment she thinks about it more, didn't they say the elevators weren't working? so why isn't it moving and why did the doors come open? or maybe it's not responding to her when an idea comes to mind.)

You wanna tr―.

(the second her mouth opens the lights start to flicker, then comes the sound of metal screeching. oh. oh god. right as texas reaches to try and force the elevator doors open the button wasn't responding there either. shit, so much for getting out of harms way from the ruckus when texas finds herself near falling over from the sudden movements.)

[erbe]

Oh, you've got to be kidding m—!

[She cannot finish. Fury and frustration are immediately replaced with something much worse. Weightlessness. The type that makes your stomach flip on a roller coaster. The type that makes your heart leap up in your throat when missing a stair step or finding no ground where you thought a solid foothold would be.

The screeching metal grows louder. The cables that belay and lift the elevator car whip and crack against each other with the sudden slack they've been given at such a high velocity fall. It makes Rin panic, and immediately she's grabbing onto Texas so that if something happens they're not separated.

But before they can get too used to the free-fall of the elevator... It turns on it's side?! In some manner of cosmic engineering or perhaps supernatural warping of space, they start falling sideways. At that point Rin is just clinging full-stop to the poor lupine woman who did not ask for any of this.]

[swordpour]

(oh god, oh god, texas just barely had time to grab the guard rail after being nearly knocked back into it to anchor herself. they're falling fast and she's feeling her heart hammering by this point while they're near flying upwards from the sheer speed of this elevator from hell. she should have taken the stairs, for the love of god, texas really should have just dealt with whatever was waiting there. instead of it being they're almost dying or going to die from this instead.

for a second she thinks there might be some form of mercy, really that was her hope. that clearly did not go the way texas wanted whenever the elevator flips on it's side and rams her back first into the rail that texas had held on to at first. pain shoots throughout her with her rather sharp teeth gnashed together. fuck, sonuva....! there's all sorts of mangled thoughts together and her cursing in what sounds like italian.

the words aren't clear but it was something along the lines of "if i die here, i'm going to kill whoever did this in their sleep!". normally texas wouldn't even be okay with physical contact from people she just met, but this is a desperate time and they're both about to be in for it now. she really did not ask for any of this but texas can't quite change that while making sure rin at most wasn't squeezing her too hard during this experience from hell.)

Hold on! I don't think we're getting out unscathed!

(texas didn't need to see the future to say that, she knows it with the jerks and the movements of this elevator. the rapid fall and the way it seems to be flipping about. where are they about to wind up at? she can't say but there's going to be a problem if it's somewhere full of monsters whenever neither of them are seemingly armed. which means it's up to texas to try and keep her head here, she's managing. even if there is a notable panic in her amber eyes.)

[erbe]

[An eerie giggle sounds over the young women getting rattled around the elevator like pills in a bottle. Certainly it should scare Rin further, but Texas' vulgar Italian reminds Rin there's at least one thing she can do.

Rin bites her thumb hard enough to draw blood, and she lets go of Texas to instead grip the elevator rail and steady herself to make a warding circle. Honestly? It doesn't go well. With them being tossed about it frankly looks like shit. But sometimes a shitty circle is just enough. After chanting a short German spell, a boundary erects around the elevator and brings their wacky carnival ride to an immediate halt.

This results in Rin landing on her ass and knocking her head against the button panel, but hey! They have some room to breathe now! It's not perfect, since the shitty circle means the ghost that is toying with them can still make the hell-evator tremble and creak, but it's something. Whether that something can hold for long, is... another story.]

[swordpour]

(is there a moment where texas thinks that they should have dealt with the stairs? yeah, once again. the shaking about is already starting to make her sick. not that she's someone with motion sickness, but the point still stands whenever the language catches her attention. familiar. likely because terra does share similarities with earth itself given german, russian, spanish, and other languages exist. texas herself speaks english and italian, after all, by what would be rin's standards.

she almost asks what the hell rin had to bite her thumb for, but, the circle reminds texas briefly of other things. magic? arts works differently than magic, but that's enough to tell her that rin should be fine if they wind up somewhere else they'd have to defend themselves at. texas just would need to do what she can to keep her safe given she's assuming close combat might not be her forte.

the moment the elevator stops, texas finds herself back first on the floor and groaning from being jerked around. that ghost might not pleased the hell-evator stopped temporarily. whatever, she'll make this work for a breather when texas again grabs the guard rail and makes herself sit up right. her back is going to be bruised to hell and back, but better that than almost dying or dying here.)

Cazzo. You okay? I'm gonna be feeling that in the morning and whatever else it's fixing to pull.

[erbe]

Tch— I don't think anything is broken, but if this is the alternative to living paintings that won't let you off the elevator unless you do something raunchy, I might prefer the paintings!

[Frustration is clear on her expression. Furrowed brows and lips cut into a false smile that might even be more rage filled than a frown could manage. Tohsaka angrily kicks at the elevator wall. The spirit currently messing with them doesn't seem at all pleased, and draws out a displeased groan.

Still a bit disoriented from their recent rattling, Rin tries to get up, but a bit of wobbling means she can only manage as far as her knees.]

This bounded field was shoddily put together. I'm not sure how long it'll last if this ghost isn't just some lame small fry.

[swordpour]

They had raunchy paintings too? I thought the ones from last month that was running around looking like everyone was bad enough.

(texas won't be talking about that, not about the business with her doppelganger and what happened after she got covered in paint. that smile seemed mad, madder than the ones she'd spot ch'en have whenever texas and them were causing problems again in lungmen. not....that it was their fault entirely, the gangs weren't that pleased with them ruining their business. or the fact that the girls were fighting them whenever they're supposed to be a logistics company.

allegedly, a logistics company even if texas is the least likely to wind up being a courier of all things. the displeased groan and the fact they're stuck means they need to figure out something. it's not like she can jam a sword into the door and open it, her arts might be another issue yet there's that thought too there. it's not that texas needs a staff, but more because anything can happen.)

If it's multiple there's gonna be a problem since we don't know how many, if I use my arts here I don't know if it'd make it worse. What we need to do is try and blow the door open and jump out before it breaks anything.

(which also leaves another problem, they don't know what floor they're on or if they're in between floors. though texas is struggling to get up on her feet after that rattling; that is a plan they can work with knowing that it was this or staying stuck there until it grows bored.

or they grow bored if it's more than just the single ghost trying to play with them.)

[erbe]

[Texas' plan seems sound, but Rin is still unsure. Best to try and talk it over before making the leap immediately.]

I could do that, but there's no guarantee we'd be safe. If we're in between floors then it's possible the spirit could use the elevator to crush us for ruining its fun. The elevator shaft could have its own troubles even if it doesn't. The question is... would risking it outweigh letting the ghost have its fun?

[Tohsaka has very likely sparked a new sort of emotion in the ghost, and thus it's possible they might receive harsher treatment. Or even get spat out some place weird — like in the middle of a vampire orgy.]

[swordpour]

(there is that point, she can't say that she likes it. the idea that they might get the harsher treatment or the ghost, ghosts, whatever they're dealing with decides it isn't pleased with them deciding to pause it and rin kicking the wall. if they were sent out in the middle of an orgy though....texas might honestly make them recoil and throw her out. she is still a wolf, they're vampires after all and do not exactly agree with them whether it's werewolves or not.

damn it. they'll have to ride out this wave and pray then. maybe it'll get bored though that didn't mean texas would enjoy herself. anything was better than ending up dead or worse if it shoots them out somewhere they'd both be in trouble at. maybe even the vale given there's the monsters wandering around and the two of them would attract attention from everything there.)

Should we just let it play around then, get ready to break out if it's gonna try killing us?

(that might be the agreeable course to go with. the ghost certainly didn't seem to mind that idea whenever it shakes the elevator as if chiming in harshly. texas almost falls again from that sudden shift though she caught herself. they're going to be in for it now and texas can feel it.)

[erbe]

I suppose that would depend on where it spits us out. Most places in the resort would be easier and safer to navigate than the elevator shaft with a pissy ghost.

[The supernatural entity messing with them growls at this, and rattles the elevator even more. But it's less like an earthquake and more like the momentary shake of a snow-globe.]

I'll leave it up to you. I can blast open the doors if I want to, but—

[But you were generous enough to offer me your room for a time, is not something she has the will to finish. Instead she grabs the guardrail of the elevator, and brings herself up to finally stand.]

Either I drop the boundary and we grit our teeth, or we brave the elevator shaft. My vote is for the former, but I'm going to be selfish and make you decide.

["Selfish," she says. As if she doesn't want to be responsible for their fate. Yet that's not it at all. Rin simply wants to make sure that Texas has a bit of agency in this for showing a bit of kindness when they first spoke.]

[swordpour]

....fair, that's the part we don't know about.

(of course texas is frowning, she wouldn't want to make this worse than it already is by them going full blast out. her thoughts are directly on one thing; maybe it might be easier to use blasting out as their back up option in the end and praying the ghost doesn't attempt to kill them into causing that. they'll go for whatever they have to and that's that. she's not going to deny that she offered that invitation for the two of them to make a quick escape.

to her room, anyway. she wanted to offer as much for a simple reason of being nice enough for that. not everyone wants to be caught up in the crazed antics that are ramping up to about over 1000 at the moment more than what texas has seen since her arrival. they'll need to just be quick whenever it comes to their escape if it is going to try and kill them.

that's the best route she can consider for this knowing living would be better than ending up dead in an elevator shaft because it decided to crush them with it.)

Okay, we'll go your way. We'll save blasting the door open for a last resort and making a jump for it in the event it tries to actually kill us.

(that's the least she can do for getting them in this mess whenever texas takes hold of the guard rail and hangs on tight while sitting there. she's just now pulling herself on her feet with a brief thought that of her new friends are going to kill her if she ends up dead somehow.)

[erbe]

Alright, then. Brace yoursel—

[Huh. Tohsaka lets the bounded field fall before she finishes her words, but what surprises her is not a sudden rattling, but it's very eerie lack of activity. The elevator stays completely still. Not a giggle, groan, or sigh to be heard from the ghost that has been toying with them. In her shock and sudden awe, Rin lets go of the rail and turns toward the elevator doors as her curiosity sets in. Did the spirit find some other poor souls to terrorize?

The answer comes so quickly that she doesn't have time to react. The elevator shakes up and down in place so violently that Rin slams against the ceiling and floor like a ragdoll. The impact knocks the wind out of her, and she's simply lucky she doesn't bite her tongue off.

Only when it has successfully detached Texas' grip on the rail will the poltergeist split open the bottom of the lift and have them free fall to their next destination:

A pool of blood. Yet again by manipulating the space around the elevator, the ghost drops them right into the large "fountain" of blood set for the vampires in their little den of sin. The two young women unceremoniously make a large splash — forcing a wave of that red liquid to spill out of the pool and ruin a good number of the fancy cushions and other decor at the Smoked Egg. The whole establishment goes quiet as predator (vampires) and prey (non-vampires) alike watch in horror at the ruined communal drinking hole.]

[swordpour]

(if there was ever a time that texas had wished that she would have gone with blowing the door off instead and taking their chances with a random spot, yeah it'd be now. it's in that moment she blinks. the elevator wasn't moving and there was something strange going on now whenever suddenly the being shook around violently and like pills in a bottle with how vicious it is. violent and making texas herself ache again in her already bruised back and adding more to that collection.

at first her hand refused to let go until it got worse whenever she went flying down into the now open door. right into the den of sin that the smoked egg became. while their new "friends" were less annoyed by rin being in the pool....texas was another story in how they were snarling at her whenever the lupine woman rises out first and coughs up plenty of blood. all of it staining her suit and her face, her tail, her ears, everywhere. if now was a time where they might be in trouble then it's now.

especially when texas immediately growls at some of the vampires reaching to drag out rin. they're hissing back at her, threatening and everything to overwhelm her whenever texas reaches to drag out rin personally while the predators are moving to try swarming. the first one that tries makes a jump for it; the intention of pinning this filthy mutt is there and announced in their face with chants being repeated to "remove the mutt" to those willing in this crowd forming.

unfortunately what they got was a big surprise in the form of texas grabbing this vampire by the arm and throwing them into the communal bar. bar stools fly about as their body hits the wood harshly; each astonished that their "unwanted" guest would be so rude and not allow herself to be forced out so that they may keep a delectable morsel.)

Forza, stronzi! Vi sfido, venite da me se pensate che ve lo permetta!

(she's....definitely angry, very angry right now. texas normally doesn't fall back on speaking her other language and not this aggressively, but she couldn't quite help herself whenever they're in the middle of a worse situation she's not about to let them capitalize on.)

[erbe]

[Everything is heavy. Soaked with blood and dripping from the saturation. Her clothes, her hair... and it feels worse as the thinner layers begin to coagulate and harden. At first Rin isn't paying much attention. Spitting out a mouthful of blood and angrily complaining herself — that is until Texas begins her violent stand off. Getting yanked from the drinking hole has the metallic smell and taste leaving her for something... else.

Tohsaka can't quite put a finger on it, but for some reason her body starts to feel less lucid. A cloudy haze settles over her head making it feel light in contrast to the way her limbs and clothes and hair feels like lead. She can barely even manage the awe she knows she should feel at Texas just chucking a whole person at the bar. Instead everything feels... fine. She feels compliant. No will to fight back against Texas hauling her around, but also no will to fight off a vampire if one grabs at her clothes or curls their arms around her waist.]

Hey... are you upset?

[NO SHIT SHERLOCK! Though her delayed realization is probably part of the relaxant in the smoky air.]

[swordpour]

(there's music pulsing in the background, something pretty dark and electric. excitable, meant to be enticing for the people that they lure in and keep there for their meals; the blood orgy that they were desiring most as bodies meet bodies. some even had been grinding down in that excitement until their party crashing duo had shown up. one would have been welcomed there, desirable and kept while they would have thrown the other out yet it seems that the smoke isn't working. perhaps because texas no matter her keen senses was not the sort of being they wanted; wolves are still filthy mutts, mongrels even for the refined ladies and gentleman of the night.

now was no exception to that rule when she makes sure rin stays next to her and keeps moving with an arm around her waist. there's blood drying in her hair and fur, but that's a given and she isn't enjoying this. then again it did seem to pull out from texas a more agitated sort of reaction. of course it would. this isn't a situation anyone would want to be in and texas can't say that she's enjoying herself either from how the relaxant is having more the opposite effect. too strong, too pungent, the mix of it and iron makes her almost want to clamp those wolf teeth of hers down on someone yet she refrains.)

Not at you, at these bastards.

(....she'll give her a pass, for seeming out of it as a positive. texas won't give the vampires one given one handed or not? she took the chance to break one of the blood wine bottles she knocked to the floor with that throw and broke it. a weapon is a weapon, even if it's improvised and now being pointed out toward anyone that dares to get too close. she's going to avoid her arts as long as she can with each step they're taking toward the exit.

though at this rate she might have to use it in how the crowds starting to form while she keeps rin at her side. texas isn't going to let a bunch of vampires get their way; especially not on someone that wasn't acting like her usual self from what the wolf had gathered of their time spent in the elevator.)

[erbe]

[Texas has the right of it. Not usually so passive, Rin follows her leader obediently without worry or care to their pursuers. In fact poor Texas is likely to have to jerk Rin back in closer to her a couple times — eliciting a couple delicate giggles here-and-there. After all, why would Tohsaka be concerned? All the vampires look at her with hungry desire, rather than the violent disdain they cast toward Texas.

As they reach closer to the exit, Rin leans in to her "savior" with a lazy grin. Her lids lowered and her eyes gazing at Texas with a portion of delight and a little adoration.]

Hahaha... what do you think you are? Some knight in shining armor? Actually, if you are that's kind of hot. I once met the King of Knights, you know—

[Ah. She's so relaxed she won't shut up. Now Rin, designated exposition character of the original visual novel, is usually the type to be talkative, but not like this. She talks and gives too freely. Offering her honest opinion and truths about herself rather than playing a game of tip-toe around a woman she barely knows.]

[swordpour]

(somehow texas has that feeling this would need to be something they both refrain from talking about. sort of. or at most without the part where rin was quite literally giggling delicately while the wolf had to jerk her back near to prevent her from wandering off. the vampires unsurprisingly are upset by not being able to keep this "meal" they had presented before them; as long as texas had her arm around rin's waist while maintaining a defensive posture with a broken bottle that is.

seems like they're giving up and while texas blinks for a minute at the way she's getting leaned up against, she almost wants to argue she's anything but a knight. or that's what she came off as, former criminal turned something different. though her father had taken with him the one person that instilled these values in her; texas did get confused about what rin meant by "king of knights". something to file back for another time.)

Guess I am....the strangest one you can get, anyway.

(salvadore did pass down two things in her no matter the way she may act, honor and integrity. two words that texas had heard often while he spoke about his beloved country: honor, tradition, and integrity. they ring about her mind and somehow texas is slightly gladder that nobody they know would be there to see this. she hopes. the wolf has enough bad luck at times and currently they were in the midst of this final wave while she pushes back against the few that are too stubborn to stop.) Stay near me. (not that texas is letting go of her any time soon, but this is her attempt at making sure rin didn't wander off into some vampire's teeth biting down into her. from the quick glance back there's a few trying to sneak up on them too.

fuck, she was hoping she won't have to do this yet seems since the point wasn't getting across she'd have to get looked at later by aak. just to be safe. while the few up front were ready to close in on them with the few in the back, what came was a surprise. the eyes of one widening as what looked to be a sword shaped beam flew by them in warning. not that she stopped at manifesting one, but there was plenty around her and each ready to show why texas is not letting them take another victim once those few stragglers part immediately for their exit. good. she didn't want to deal with more trouble than she had to....and this at least is a decent sign that her arts can be used completely. they're fortunate that the scorched marks in the wall from that "sword" piercing it didn't carry with it the constant drizzle of them that she's known for as per the texas familiga arts and traditions.)

[erbe]

[While the giddy feeling still hasn't stopped Rin's head from swimming, the sudden use of arts does sober her up just a tad. As such, Rin huddles in closer to Texas, making it easier for the other woman to manage her charge while managing to threaten the crowd of hungry vampires eager to not let the meal get away. Normally a girl Rin's size wouldn't be much worth fighting for — easier to just let small fry take off without worrying about the collateral damage. However Rin's blood is steeped in high concentrations of magical energy, so she makes for a particularly delectable snack.

Yet by the time Texas has grilled the wall and set it to simmer, the barrier that vampiric crowd makes begins to make way. Tohsaka huddles in closer. One arm around Texas as if the woman was a steady anchor, and her just a fishing bobber that's subject to choppy water's whims. As they make their way closer to the exit, she leans in conspiratorially to whisper—]

Where you always able to do that?