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

[broca]

[ Something to be said about so much of ones life being spent wrapped up in the violent dealings of the famiglia. Even if a person managed to wrench themselves out of that life and start something better, it was hard to complete abandon those sort of impulses that arose from time to time.

It probably didn't help that for all the good it did, Rhodes Island did have a tendency to get itself wrapped up in some messy situations that involved the operators on assignment having to fight their way out of things.

As for pissing off friends... Broca shrugs one shoulder nonchalantly, before tilting his head in the direction they need to go to reach the gym and sports center. ]

Probably not.

[ Maybe not...

If he doesn't tell certain friends who have fussed at him for being irresponsible with his life, then it'll be fine. He's great at failing to mention important things anyway. ]

[swordpour]

(it also might not have helped texas despite being in a logistics company is also wrapped up in things she shouldn't have to deal with on a daily basis. rap beefs, gang wars, her boss wanting to get payback from time to time whenever someone screws with him. there's too much of a list there to go on with and texas can't say that she cares much about the specifics.

they'll definitely be in trouble, later that is were they found out, but who can blame them? with the number of things happening they had their reasons to feel frustrated. nobody wants to get screwed around with every waking moment by whatever the hell is running the show.

and there's the excuse that they were clearing out the zombies for the new wildcards to fall back on even if both sides knows, that's not true whenever texas starts heading in the direction broca pointed out.)

True. Not like we'd tell them.

(no reason to, now if they got hurt and they learned about that....that might be another story. hopefully the hallways are clear of hunters or anything else on the prowl; it'd get to be a pain in the ass if they both had a taste of that infamous bad luck going around between them.

yeah, that definitely jinxed it.)

[broca]

[ If they get hurt, at least they get hurt in the proximity of the clinic. Though that might not help them all that much given the clinic is currently unstaffed unless you want to count the roaming zombies inside it.

For some strange reason, Broca does not want to count them. It doesn't help that the only person he's aware has medical training is Aak, the one guy who made him swear off of his Arts usage. Then again, if he isn't using his arts, and he's acting with the help of another operator... what's there to complain about in the first place? Seems like he's doing everything by the books.

Sort of.

Too late to worry about that now when they're already in motion to get bats! Broca nods in a slightly agreement with Texas about just keeping their little zombie fighting excursion to themselves.

Though if they get bats in time to stop themselves from dealing with a different, less undead sort of attack is a different matter. As they leave the market and start to move through the hallway, Broca doesn't pay much attention to the sound of footsteps behind them, figuring there are plenty of people coming and going from there right now. ]

[swordpour]

(at first, texas was more focused on heading off toward the beak and talon. there's no reason not to be given they're not incapable of defending themselves for the most part in case if something actually did start to target them. or someone. she wouldn't quite let broca get himself hurt or anything on her watch which might help a bit more with aak and their promise. however texas starts to realize she caught the scent of something and it's enough to make her confused.

confused enough to look back behind them with a frown only to see nothing there, it's wholly possible she imagined it but lupo do boast having decent senses. whatever is there might not come out just yet is her thought before shifting her attention back toward going on ahead. probably one of the other guests wandering around and uncertain on where to go.

there's that possibility even if there's any number of things that can happen. she didn't get this far by blindly trusting things would be okay; which leaves texas room to believe that she ought to be ready for anything to happen. what seems like an uneventful walk might be about to get real for them.)

By the way, you can probably if you need to vent out frustrations just come get me for a round or two in the ring. Isn't like I'm enjoying it here, either.

(light conversation, it's better she makes it look like she wasn't paying attention if she was correct. texas didn't want to seem like she was on to their "follower" given she's half thinking that they're going to be in for a fight there as well.

possibly. she won't put it past some of those idiots to think they're monsters still.)

[broca]

[ A Feline's sense of smell is nothing to sneeze at, even if a Lupos nose is on another level. His strength lies more in his ability to see fairly well in poor lighting, and both of them have a pretty impressive set of ears on their heads.

The smell doesn't alert him the way that it does Texas, but the further away they get from the hubbub of the main lobby with the sound of footsteps still following, the more confused Broca gets. They'll pause on occasion, getting further way, but inevitably still coming padding back towards the pair making their leisurely way towards the Beak and Talon.

From a distance the shift of his ears may not be noticeable, it's subtle and slow even up close as they twist slowly, changing the direction to try and better pick up sounds behind him as they walk.

The questioning look he gives Texas is less subtle, though given the offer she just made, it seems just as likely that it's in response to that. ]

We don't use the same kind of weapons though.

[ Not that he has his drill here with him. That she might be asking for a boxing match hasn't fully occurred yet. The two of them are definitely in different weight classes on that front, though Broca isn't stupid, and he's not about to assume his mass or longer reach means Texas can't slip under his defenses and deliver an absolutely devastating blow on him.

You know, once he realizes she isn't talking about sparring with weapons first. ]

[swordpour]

Boxing.

(seems like they both did notice even if texas almost looked unamused he assumed that she meant with weapons. she has dealt with men of his size just about often even if she's small. made things amusing, if she were honest that they didn't expect her to be that fast. even gambino didn't as much as she dislikes thinking about that lupo in general after having to deal with him a little too much for her own liking.

at the moment she's trying to keep an eye out for something to happen from how quiet she's gotten.

though she doesn't have a feline's night vision, she does have her own to a smaller amount in how her eyes glow dimly in the low light. almost like she gets closer and closer to catching their mystery guest. unfortunately she has yet to succeed. that didn't help she almost swears there's more than just that scent. that's enough to make texas frown and wonder if they're about to get ambushed.

that's a possibility, but who in their right mind would do that?

likely the idiots that thought they were monsters again; there's more than enough of them to go around whenever they're in the middle of a large scale problem. including the zombies they're fixing to go after. the beak and talon isn't that much further which means that they'll be armed, preferably before their guests decide to get the jump on them.

though texas swears she caught sight of something whenever she sneaks another glance back. they're getting closer and she's positive that one of them might need to act. seems it might be her given she's already thinking about how to approach this. there might be somewhere she can hide at while broca gets the bats.)

[broca]

[ One ear tilts back further while the other stays where it is, Broca's brow furrowing as he seems to catch on to something similar to what Texas is thinking right now. Sounds are coming from behind them, but not all of them are coming from the exact same direction. It's impossible to tell how many people are there, but given they're keeping out of sight, that's not a good thing for him and Texas.

Ah... it's fine if I'm not trained, right?

[ He's never actually boxed in a ring before, though despite that... ]

I know how to throw a punch regardless.

[ There's an edge in his voice as he says this, and it's not directed at Texas, even if she's the one he's talking to right now.

Apparently that very thinly veiled threat was enough to spur their followers into actions though. Whether he and Texas bought anything at the impromptu hunter's market or not, their pursuers must have, because a bright flash of light fills the hallway as one of them activates a talisman, forcing Broca to squeeze his eyes shut for a moment as his ears swivel like crazy to catch the sounds of charging footsteps in time to stumble back a step away from them. ]

[swordpour]

I'm not really trained anyway, should be fine.

(that's what she says, while tensing. on guard and ready to strike on short notice if texas has to; she didn't need formal training to throw a punch and it's not like it stopped her before. impromptu weaponry was something else she's good at and that's also never changed whenever it seems like they're getting quite the crowd together. not what she expected. since neither of them can tell how many people are around then they'll just have to make do.

that's always been her style and it's when broca lets out that thinly veiled threat that texas has to cover her own eyes at the flash of light. people were charging, yelling to move. ready to strike them down and seemed pleased that they found a pair of "monsters" to drag out to the vale. unfortunately not the sort of monsters they needed whenever this seems like it was going to go so very wrong, and not for her and broca.

one of them gets close enough, their hands reach to grab texas with an idea that they could force her down only for the sound of bone cracking to fill the air. a direct punch to the jaw and teeth flying as this poor bastard falls to the floor; out cold from a direct hit and a fast one meant to take them down quickly.)

Tch, so much for a quiet night again!

(whatever, she still was wanting an excuse and if it meant beating the shit out of idiots for thinking again they're both a pair of monsters to be tossed out into the vale? she can work with that. not like either of them would let it slip about what happened during this month within a hellhole like the golden peacock.

she'll have to be the one to take out their talisman user which means....)

I'll go for the one with the talisman's, watch my back!

[broca]

[ There's something strangely comforting and familiar about this moment that Broca may need to sit with for a bit later. Being thought of as a monster is new, but being attacked when the enemy thinks they have the drop on them is pure Siracusan in a way that Broca can't say he missed exactly...

But a break from what the resort usually offers isn't unwanted. Besides, they were going to go take their collective frustration out on zombies anyways. If they happen to target some less undead people who happened to make some poor targeting choices? That's fine with him too.

As one comes for Texas, another swoops in to try and go for a blow for Broca. Here is when he does use that long reach of his coupled with superior ears to lash out before his eyes have even had a chance to adjust from the flashbomb. The probably doesn't break any bones in the man's face when his fist connects, but he does send him flying into a nearby wall, and there's no guarantee everything is perfectly intact when that body hits the wall with a loud thump.

He's quick to turn on his heel at Texas' instructions, vision starting to clear enough that he can properly make out shapes again even if they're a little blurred around the edges. ]

Got it.

[swordpour]

(siracusan style anything always left a bad taste in her mouth, particularly if it were anything on the more rotten side (which admittedly is a lot) to deal with. this would be one part she can say she didn't miss, even if it is a comfort that texas dislikes to have with vivid reminders of the old days. she's fast on her feet; the fact their already large frustration has some additional targets is only going to make this night longer.

and that's not adding if they do go after zombies or just go back to her suite given there's enough shit going on. texas did reach a point she began to realize that anything is bound to happen and this is only going to get more annoying the longer they're there in the golden peacock with the nature of it.

something that she's not thinking about now whenever texas is soon enough sliding and weaving through these cocky idiots. much to their surprise that she slipped by, but she wouldn't have been good back then as a soldier or a made-woman if she didn't know how to "dance" as much as she did fight. one in particular gets the idea to try standing between her and their talisman user only to find a foot firmly planted against their head and texas launching herself off.

the talisman user in a panic attempts to launch off another to set her on fire, shock her, whatever they can manage only to be knocked down in a swift tackle. there's a terror in their eyes, pleading fast only for texas to knock this poor bastard out in the one punch she gave.

that's one down, she thinks, the few that were on her half of the hallway now are rushing toward her. mistake really, they forgot broca was there too.)

[broca]

[ Unfortunately, Broca could have told her that much, that everything will continue to get more annoying the longer she stays here. He's grown numb to some of the things, already being fairly unbothered and familiar with the idea of unattached sex, but when this place starts messing with a persons mind or body...

Aggravating doesn't being to cover the feeling then.

But damn if it doesn't feel good to get some of that aggravation out. Height might have the advantage of longer legs, but Texas is still swifter than Broca. She bobs and weaves through the assailants with ease, snagging their attention as she kicks off of one in order to take down the biggest problem of the group: the "caster" equivalent.

She really does know how to command the attention of a room when she wants to, because the other hunters have their eyes trained on her as the start to move forward, not realizing that the big guy behind them has gotten close enough to put a big hand on the sides of their heads, and bring their skulls crashing together, before letting both of their unconscious bodies drop limp onto the floor. ]

[swordpour]

(nice and easy, had been what texas thought. the two of them do gel well together in a fight though that's a given; one had reach and brawn, the other had speed and knew how to use it. this bunch of bastards is down and out while they got to let out some much needed frustrations on them before texas reaches down to take the box of talismans off their "caster". texas didn't need them, but she's not going to let these idiots keep it and get any other ideas because the two of them knew better than to go around killing other people in this place.

so she's going to pocket it in her jeans and make sure that it doesn't stick out much. whether or not they wind up dealing with more of these morons would come later in the future, right now texas can only shake her head at them and their foolishness.)

Tch, they're lucky this wasn't anything serious. A real fight would have gotten them killed for trying.

(sharp remark aside, it's not like she'd put it past these poor sods to get eaten too in the future themselves whenever texas opts to move on after stepping past the unconscious bodies. that's always been her style, her way of doing things. texas can deny it as much as she wants, it's just she's always had that air coming off her. a commanding presence, capable of making people listen and shut up whenever they're getting mouthy or pay for it during a fight when they're focused more on texas.

there's no way around that side of her would go away in seven years, if not in general while heading back toward broca's side with another side glance at the carnage before shaking her head.)

Your eyes okay?

[broca]

[ Sharp though her remark might seem, it seems perfectly mild and factual to Broca. If the two of them were still with their respective famiglie and had been jumped like this, there would not have been any punches pulled. Everyone one of these men would likely have been dead by the end of the fight.

Or at least... that would have been the case for Broca, though he can't say he knows for sure how bloody Texas would want to get her hands. So many stories about the Texas family in Siracusa seemed like whispered rumors anyway, and Broca wasn't in the habit of taking these things at face value.

He just also wasn't in the habit of prying either, and it hardly mattered when they weren't exactly in Siracusa at the moment.

Broca stepped back from the unconscious men slumped at his feet, blinking just a touch more than he usually would. ]

Some dark spots still. They'll fade in a few minutes.

[swordpour]

(perhaps a positive in comparison is that texas would have outright avoided killing them were this back then. the golden child of the texas familiga after all. instead of violence it was almost always for her diplomacy; dirtying her hands on a larger scale was not in the equation and after time spent in brunello....things perhaps began to speak more clearly to her on how much it wasn't a life she desired. all the way down to her killing her way out of the mansion in her decision to leave, against those who had survived and were upset that she could not stand with them.

them in their grand plan, their greatest scheme in which they would separate the familiga from siracusa. they thought surely their golden child would and yet she didn't. she made her decision in the end and for texas it was that she had enough. right now neither of them were talking about this, not about what they dealt with and gone through as soldiers in their own cases. she dirtied her hands yet by no means more than she felt necessary and right now she only pities these fools who would surely get themselves killed.

it wasn't their problems either way what happens to them whenever texas directs her attention toward broca and what to do now. she didn't mind the idea of them still going down to clear out some of the zombies, but there's also that part where they'd have to likely deal with more people mixing them up for monsters. annoying and quite a problem for two people that only wanted to blow off steam in one way they knew how.)

Good. Can't say that I enjoy them getting the idea that we're monsters, but what can we do? If you still want to grab the bats we can, otherwise I don't mind if we wind up going back to my suite or something.

[broca]

[ Admittedly thanks to these fools, the steam has already been let off by this scuffle. He hadn't had a good chance at a row since the invasion of giant insects known as Crawlers, and that had been some months back. What Broca really needed was to take Texas up sometime on her offer of a spar. It might help him get out some of the agitation that tended to build up over time there.

That and perhaps to upgrade his own room so he could have a proper workshop. Though he appreciated the friends he'd made here, and their willingness to let Broca use their space for his projects, it would be nice to have his own still.

He misses his workbench at Rhodes Island...

That said, these were all problems to deal with later after they'd finished up with the immediate issue of people mistaking perfectly normal features for something monstrous. While he wasn't against helping people escape zombies, he didn't want to keep dealing with this nonsense on the way to that. ]

Second might be easier right now.

[ Given if one set of incompetents assumed the worst of them, there were sure to be others in the future. ]

[swordpour]

(given her own suite, she wouldn't mind if broca did feel need to have an extra space for his projects. texas had enough room from the perks of being rank nine, though she has no plans to move up to royalty unless she absolutely had to do such a thing. having some form of anonymity while being comfortable isn't so bad and it's not like it'd kill her to stay at ninth as long as she's there playing the game. that and she can take advantage of the perks as necessary for anyone else around her that's not quite in a better position.

later when they do get the opportunity to spar more often, if both of them do start training together in the talon, she might feel somewhat better. texas did make it a habit to go down there as a means of keeping her body from getting out of shape; she might be apart from a certain someone but that didn't mean she shouldn't expect problems. especially if one day she did show up in the resort there to make her life a living hell again in her own way.

....though she won't tell anyone the full story between her and lappland, anyway. not about their mutual understanding, the way texas refuses to kill her, and especially not how well they knew each other.

now that this is settled, this meant taking the stairs. she's had enough elevator rides from hell lately and she's not going to talk about those wild experiences, at least not tonight. they had other things to do like him getting a chance to put his feet up outside of the basement for a time and texas having a chance to put those talismans somewhere that they can't be taken from her at. she doesn't need them sure, but having something extra hidden away from staff can be fine, right? they do come by for maid service which means she would need to find a good spot later.)

Stairs then to the ninth floor, hopefully we'll be okay there now.

(he'll have to also deal with her radio in the background given dead silence has always been a struggle for texas to sit in....or sleep in, admittedly.)

[broca]

[ At different points depending on what the House was feeling, the elevators really could be... risky. Broca's had his own encounters in them in the past, so he won't question Texas decision to move to the stairwell for a second.

When you're already dealing with bozos that want to turn you over for money for being "monsters", sometimes you want a little reprieve from things, and being stuck in an elevator where you have to literally fuck your way out of it wasn't the kind of reprieve most people were looking for.

He'll give her a nod, a little confirmation that he's just fine making a climb like that. It's not as if Broca doesn't hit up the gym plenty himself. ]

Should be easier to monitor as we make our way up too.

[ A narrow, confined space. Maybe not a lot of places to run, but also not a lot of places to hide, and with ears like theirs, any sound would echo in a way that made it easy for them to know someone was in there with them.

Even a little background noise shouldn't totally interrupt that. ]

[swordpour]

(background noise should thankfully be when they get back to her suite, at the moment she's more focused on them getting to the stairwell. getting banged up and other things she would refrain from discussing in said elevators was not her idea of a good time. then again texas didn't know about the part where the elevators trapped people in a worse scenario than them being haunted.

going up the stairs to the ninth floor won't be hard on her either, she does do enough cardio. at the moment it's a more quiet walk. nothing to grab her attention and not a hint of unusual scents. or scents of strangers, the quiet this time was more normal and not something to worry too much about. given circumstances they had every reason to monitor the area around them and texas surely won't argue about that point of the night.

the way to the stairwell seems uneventful enough, even with texas only reaching at one point to get another pocky stick out to chew on. probably not the greatest substitute for her nicotine cravings, but what can she say? it helps. helps her not do it as much whenever she starts to think about what else the house can pull on them next. surely it can't be as bad as them getting chased by monster hunters, right?)

Can't say that I like the idea that some of them are getting greedy enough to throw anyone that doesn't look "normal" for them out to the Vale.

(features from their birth by no means make them abnormal. then again texas can't say that she wouldn't have been angry had she wound up tossed off into the vale or if someone had gotten other ideas. both aren't that appealing to her, that much is a given.

though thinking too much on it might annoy her, too.)

[broca]

[ Unfortunately, Broca has been here for too long to believe for one second the house can't do worse than a handful of rookie hunter wannabes trying to ambush them in the hallway. Though it may depend on who you asked and what their definition of worse happened to be. For a man who didn't overthink sex and give any particular meaning behind it, there were worse things the hotel could do to him.

But he didn't like being inconvenienced at all, and there seemed to be more than enough inconvenience lying in wait around every damn corner of this oversized building.

Case and point...

Broca huffs out a small sound that could be a laugh, could be a scoff. ]

Some of the other guest here don't look that different from us, but people are quick to be weird about anyone having parts that are a little fuzzier.

[ He's got one guy obsessed with cats after him on a pretty frequent basis, and he's definitely gotten a lot of petting requests that strike him as odd.

He can only imagine what Aak has to go through, being fully covered in fur as he is. ]