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

vash the stampede | trigun stampede | TDM, new player

[skelters]

➤ PUT ME BACK IN IT // ARRIVAL.

[ in his dream, he is falling. or maybe it's not a dream at all - he wouldn't dream of anything like that, surely; the steely edge of his brother's eyes mirrored in the way he tips his hand up, up, up the thin spider's thread that's twanging from the pressure, about to break. then it's not a dream at all. he remembers falling. he remembers the discordant slide of metal against metal, the thread snapping, the recoil, and the horrible, terrible weightlessness followed by the inevitable fall, all of the weight of the air and metal and water closing in on him. he can't move. he can't breathe through his tongue thick with panic in his mouth.

if you happened to be at the morgue, you might hear a bloodcurdling scream followed by a bunch of loud thumping coming from within one of the sliding trays. please help? ]

➤ SO CONGESTED FESTIVE // SETTLING IN? (doubt.jpg)

[ the metal table is cold against his bare ass, prickling with how it seems to sap the warmth right out of his bones - but vash sits there for a moment, his expression for once unsmiling and pensive. in his hand, he holds a tag that he's just taken off himself - in big letters it says POOL ACCIDENT. WHAT DEGENERATES.

he has to suppress a weird sort of hiccup beginning to rise from the back of his throat - some kind of hysterical laugh bubbling in his gut - and quickly crumples it up in one hand and aims it at the open bin sitting a few metres away. not that it really matters whether he misses the mark or not, considering the state of the clinic - but it's the principle of the thing, you know? don't litter!

the crumpled piece of paper leaves his hand, sailing towards the open bin - but before it could hit or miss, the path is blocked by someone walking into the clinic - maybe to loot around, maybe with good intention to help - the piece of paper bouncing off their head, or their chest, or whatever you desire. he is immediately on his feet, and his face automatically lights up into a bright smile. ] Uh, hello! Sorry about that! Can I help you??

[ it looks like you're the one who needs help more, vash ... ]

➤ BRUSH YOUR TEETH // BATHROOM GHOULS

[ okay, showers are good - any running water is good at this point, with the phantom salty odour of the chemical conglomeration that holds his sisters suspended in their tanks still clinging to every bit of him. vash isn't even expecting any hot water, so it's a delightful surprise when he turns the knob and a nice steaming spray bursts from the overhead shower.

but alas, he's destined to not enjoy it as much as he'd like, because the ghouls are at it again ...

if you're walking past the shower booth, either finishing up or wanting to find an unoccupied one to wash up in, you'd hear some voices coming from within ... ]

Uh, sorry! I'm- [ a loud, panicked squawk, and a sound of a plastic wash bucket hitting the tiled floor. there's lots of giggling too. suspicious ... ] Sorry!! I really don't need my back washed, I can do it by myself!!!

[ do you: mind your own business and leave them alone to their fun, or do you: be a hero that vash needs???? ]

➤ EASY COME, EASY GO // THE ROOKERY

[ alright, vash isn't a sort to be picky at all - coming from a planet full of sand and nothing else besides, you can't afford to be - but did they really only have these clothes in his size at the shops? how do people wear this sort of stuff?? it's so tight???

ah well, vash is nothing if not rolling with the punches, so he's trying to make the most of it and attempting to get used to all the squeaky uncomfortable leather everywhere - so might as well start exploring the casino while he's at it ... currently, he's at one of those shady stalls being talked nine words a second by the ghostly sellers. look, it was a little bit weird, but he isn't the type to judge them for being non-corporeal in the exact sense of the word! besides, they're being so nice to him? ]

Hmm ... [ he's holding up a shiny lucky penny between gloved fingers, turning it over in his hand and squinting down at it. the ghostly seller hovers around his shoulder. ] Is it really lucky? So how does this work, you just keep it in your pocket?

[ he doesn't sound convinced, and the seller quickly shifts to trying to sell him some other dubious cursed item ... are you really going to leave him gassy and bad luck magnet? come on! ]

➤ WILDCARD

[ if none of these work, please hit me with a starter or we can chat about a closed prompt! vash comes with his prosthetic intact, but nothing else besides a whole lot of scars. here is my permissions page with some information, including xeno headcanons if that's your thing and would like something veering off from gen. feel free to PM to discuss! ]

BRUSH YOUR TEETH

[thisclockworkheart]

[ The opportunity to wash the scent of machine oil off is a welcome one, though it's curious how not even a hot shower can cleanse him of the pervasive chill that still clings to him. If he ever meant to preserve the integrity of the weighty steel prosthesis that makes up almost the entirety of his left arm, Geppetto should have started with one he didn't pluck out of a heap destined for the dump. Flecks of rust catch on the towel he uses to dry it, but it's the commotion in an adjacent stall that draws his curiosity.

It's rude, he's learned, to go peeking in on someone while they're naked. He understands, though he doesn't share in most people's idea of modesty, leaning past the privacy barrier. ]

Is some—

[ The question, whatever it was, dies on his lips. The prosthesis, the augmentations, the plentiful scars... They aren't why his eyes widen. His mouth gives the recognition shape. ] Oh. [ It has the tone of it's you and less oh wow. Perhaps that's more concerning than anything else, given that recognition comes with its own set of problems. ]

[skelters]

Oh??

[ the implication of such inflections doesn't immediately register to vash - not when he's in the middle of trying to defend his back (and general personal bubble) from a particularly grabby ghoul who's got him trapped between it and the barrier. ]

Could you - stop that, please - [ so polite, even caught in a situation like this ] - Could you help me out?

[thisclockworkheart]

[ The situation is more ridiculous than anything else, though he imagines that Vash's perception of it might be quite different. Is he always so courteous, even under duress? As if mobilized by Vash's request, he moves quickly, steel arm reaching into his stall to yank the ghoul out. His heel skids on the wet tile, his shoulder jerks back, and he tilts out of sight, propelled by the ghoul's momentum with a startled yelp.

There's some unfortunate sounds on the other side of the barrier — a meaty impact, the brittle tinkle of broken tile. Inevitable, when it's three hundred pounds of puppet and a ghoul taking a spill.

First impressions are important. Unfortunately, if Pinocchio had hoped to appear helpful (and cool), he's failed extraordinarily in at least one area. ]

[skelters]

[ it is ridiculous. all he wanted was a nice hot shower, and then probably search for something else to wear that didn't smell so much like all the things he'd rather not think about! he really doesn't ask for much, you know? but instead of privacy, he now has one not-so-ghostly presence and one dubiously non-ghostly.

luckily enough for vash, the stranger coming upon the scene seems to be in a helpful mood - even if, you know, visually it's perhaps not as impressive. not that vash is ungrateful enough to say so! or even think so! at least the sound of tiles cracking and bottles of shampoo and bodywash rattling off the racks in the commotion would be enough to keep further intruders from coming upon the embarrassing scene.

any other person cowardly enough to ask for help would, once helped, stay put safely behind the privacy screen ... but not vash, apparently, because he has the same amount of self-preservation instinct of a slug trapped in salt mine.

at least he has the presence of mind to wrap a towel around his waist before the screen bursts open and he reappears, frantically looking towards in the direction of where they'd disappeared to. ] Are you okay??!

easy come, easy go.

[wray]

[ Sometimes, minding your own business is the easiest way to avoid trouble.

Six has learned this valuable lesson the hard way, but it's not like he can entirely ignore his tendency of getting involved if he happens to come across someone getting duped by one of the ghostly sellers. He should walk away, he tells himself, and yet— ]

... I wouldn't trust what they say, if I were you.

[ The seller takes offense, but soon returns back to their cheery disposition, explaining that the coin truly is meant to bring luck! Why else would it be called a lucky penny? They pat Vash on the shoulder, urging them to keep the coin as a gesture of good will.

Six watches the whole exchange but chooses to say nothing more. It's your call whether you wanna believe the ghost or a furry, Vash!! ]

[skelters]

[ they'll be at crossroads that way, then, considering vash's creed is to interfere in as many people's businesses as he can whether he's involved or not ... but perhaps this instance of deviation in the way of six's warning will have its benefits after all?

vash doesn't indicate that he's heard him - in fact, apart from a quick, half-surprised glance (more a flick of his eyes) in the other's direction when six speaks, it wouldn't be so obvious. but it is in the next moment that his smile bleeds wider, a fraction brighter, and vash attempts to slide a half-step away from the seller and their clinging hand to his shoulder. ]

Ahaha, I wouldn't want you to do that! Wasn't this for sale just a minute ago? [ a brief scuffle of hands ensue, vash trying to give it back while simultaneously they insist that no, keep it, it's yours now!! vash's smile doesn't slip through the whole while during this exchange, though his hands take on a slightly more insistent stance. ]

-- No, really! I have to go! They're waiting for me, sorry!!

[ with a final, decisive little shove that pushes the coin back to the seller's hands, vash quickly darts away - though he doesn't forget to cheerily wave back at them.

the question is, who is "they"?

which is soon to be answered when vash swings around to face six, with an awkward caught-in-a-difficult-situation type of furrow to his brows. just roll with it, okay?? please!! ] Thanks for waiting! Let's go!!

[wray]

[ A crossroads they might find themselves at more often than not, but only time will tell if that will be the case in the future. For now, however, their paths have intersected because Six chose to spoke up, and Vash fell right into step soon after.

The erune watches the scuffle ensue. The ghostly seller is persisent, wanting to pawn off the so-called lucky coin no matter what, but Vash has already pushed them away, leaving them annoyed and crestfallen. They look like they would have chased after him too, but Six cuts them off before they can say anything.

It seems Six is playing along, just as Vash was hoping. ]

You're lucky I'm patient. I would have left you behind otherwise.

[ He turns to leave, leaving Vash to follow after him. He's taking them far away from most of the ghostly sellers even if that won't keep them safe for long. And once they're out of earshot: ]

You should be safe here.

[skelters]

Haha, sorry ... Just got caught up looking at things, y'know?

[ oh!! good!!!!! he's playing along!!!!

vash says nothing, them being still within ear and eyeshot of the seller, but there is a bright, happy twinkle in his eyes as six plays along without missing a beat. a good thing too, because he is sure he'd have been chased all across the length of the market!

in any case, it's lucky that at least the other seems to know where he's leading vash to, not stopping until they are relatively far away from the stalls enough to not be overheard. almost immediately six will be confronted with the biggest, bluest, shiniest pair of eyes as vash makes a show of clasping his hands in front of him dramatically. ]

Thank you so much for saving me! I really owe you one!

Arrival

[apothecrazy]

[ Maomao isn't sure how she's ended up in the morgue. She had no intention of going to the broken wing and its surrounding area and yet here she is. And now that she's here, she may as well poke around and see what useful items she can take back to her room for her own uses.

Now, Maomao isn't the easily spooked type, so the eerie silence and abandoned nature of the Broken Wing doesn't bother her. Is it strange, indeed.

Despite not being easily spooked, anyone would jump at the sound of sudden screaming and banging. Maomao immediately jumps into action at the ruckus, rushing toward it to see what's going on. ]

Quiet down! [ She hisses as grabs the handle on the door and tries to pull it open. Unfortunately, it appears to be locked. ]

I need to find the key. [ She says loud enough to keep whoever is inside apprised of the situation before she begins searching around the room. ]

[skelters]

[ sorry to say, but when you're trapped inside a metal box and yelling your head off to boot, no amount of reassuring (or authoritative) voice from outside is going to be heard ...

he would apologise to her if he could for scaring her, too! vash wouldn't call himself a particularly claustrophobic person at any given time, considering how many times he's been in similar situations - but perhaps the timing of such an incident happening is not really the most opportune one. in fact, the whole time she goes searching around the morgue the banging will continue on, interspaced occasionally with muffled, repetitive sound of something that might sound like nai ... or actually, it might be why, even; though just for what reason he'd be yelling something like that is up for a debate.

luckily enough for vash (and maomao, sorry about your eardrums), the key is probably laying innocently on a little surgical tray not a long way away. ]

[apothecrazy]

[ All the racket is annoying enough that Maomao contemplates simply leaving him there. She doesn't voice that thought, luckily for him.

It takes what feels like an eternity before she manages to find the key and shove it into the lock. She turns it only after she's sure she won't get beaned in the face by the door the moment it opens. ]

There, now will you please shut up?

[skelters]

[ vash is so lucky!!!

when maomao gets the door open and it slides out, she'd be greeted by a snotty, pathetic blond mess that's vash, who blinks upwards at the sudden freedom, squinting his eyes at the bright overhead light. ]

.... Oh! Sorry!!!!

[ thankfully he doesn't go on with the screaming anymore, though he gives a big, dramatic sniff. whatever (or whoever) he was expecting to see, it's clearly not her. ]

Um, who are you?

so congested festive

[icequeenly]

[ Mitsuru isn't a new arrival but rather a hapless long term guest who couldn't help noticing the various unsettling noises coming from the former Broken Wing clinic. Full blown screaming being among the most unnerving.

This place always seems to have a particularly twisted sense of humour. Of course it would see fit to lock new arrivals on sliding trays in a morgue. Tis the season and all that.

Thankfully, on this occasion it seems the queen of hearts hasn't got to free this particular arrival from one of the trays, he's out at least. She steps through the door just in time for a piece of paper to bounce off the top of her head. Imminent disapproval is tapered by the realisation that he still appears to be butt naked save for one of those flimsy hospital gowns... ]

You should rephrase your question it seems.

Do you need help?

٩(ˊᗜˋ*)و ♡

[skelters]

[ how lucky that in this particular situation vash was able to extricate himself out of the corpse trap without much issues ... otherwise mitsuru would have to be dealing with a lot of yelling by now.

not that vash doesn't feel like yelling, of course. the hysteria sits under his sternum, pushing his heartbeats into unsteady tempo, but he pushes it all back down at the presence of a stranger - even though it doesn't seem like she's in any particular state of crisis or distress, unlike him. well, apart from the earlier little paper-shaped assault on her head, of course. ]

Um ... maybe? [ is that even a question, vash?

certainly he doesn't seem like he is in need of help, if the easy, smooth lilt of a smile on his face is anything to go by. he might almost make it seem by choice that he's wearing nothing but a backless hospital gown. ]

You're the one who walked in here, though.

(ノ*°▽°*)♡

[icequeenly]

[ Why is this person smiling about this? She's been here far too long altogether and even she has to admit this might be the most unnerving method of arrival yet.

And here this guy is... just smiling. As if nothing like this could possibly ever bother him. ]

Yes, I did. [ she did walk in here... ]

However, I am not the one with my posterior exposed.

[ How does she know without actually looking behind him? Maybe she got an unlucky eyeful earlier from someone else she pulled out of the morgue. ]

I imagine that table was... chilly.

(´｡• ᵕ •｡`)

[skelters]

[ posterior?

alright, perhaps it's not really the effect she had intended, but mitsuru's choice of words does make him crack another smile - a rather crooked one that shows his eyeteeth, a little dip of a dimple appearing behind where his mouth splits open. it seems to lessen some of the tension stringing his spinal cord tight, and vash lets out a little exhale of breath in the next moment, feeling his stomach settle, even just for a fraction. ]

It is! [ technically, he's still leaning on it. it's not like he can turn his back on mitsuru now that she is standing here, right? despite his lack of dignity or self respect, he at least can be considerate of others. ]

I'd look around for a better option, but it doesn't seem like there's much of anything ... hahaha ...

easy come, easy go

[sunbeloved]

(though the clothing sellers have tried to get karna to grab something that isn't a suit from the morgue, he's more interested in looking around. at the moment it's been interesting. karna didn't need to be good at detecting supernatural elements to notice that there's dubious items and he would naturally avoid them. sounded about right for karna to do such things knowing that some things are too good to be true; with how things are looking he might ought to haggle for something useful. the holy water looked about as tempting as ever.

so did the warding incense and bell, the zombie pills he isn't certain about just yet given he was planning to be careful about his ventures into the morgue. as one of the people who can seemingly fight, it's best karna did this sparingly though his thoughts also turn toward attempting monster hunting. maybe not the big pay out option, but the thoughts there.

however it's a voice that gets his attention and makes him frown at the sight of that penny. would it really make this man lucky? he has a feeling it'd do the opposite knowing the less than generous merchants would look at karna warily. they know that he isn't one to fall for honeyed tricks and words, for a moment of thoughtful and deep contemplation karna's gaze falls on vash and:)

It's too good to be true, so I'd say don't do it. Some of the merchants from my observations are prone to fleecing goods that seem useful, but aren't.

(dry, cold, and to the point. that normally is how karna does things in his life. the merchant near recoils, a face made at being called out like that. though the cold glare from karna silences any attempts at backtalking.)

karna my boy

[skelters]

[ to vash, who was already halfway prepared to slithering his way out of this situation (he really only wanted to have a look around!) by any means necessary, karna's decisive voice cutting through the little tussle he's having with the ghost seller comes as a welcome distraction. ]

Uh, [ using the momentary shift in the seller's focus towards the intrusion, vash manages to extricate his arm and shoulders from them and quickly take two steps backwards, spinning on his foot to face the seller to apologise profusely: ] Sorry, sorry! I'll have a think about it! I'll come back later!

[ no promises though ...

he realises after a second that the coin is still in his hand, and vash moves to flick it towards them - except in that moment he trips over a rug that someone's spread over the ground to display their wares, and vash flails for balance - arms windmilling, and the coin goes straight towards ... karna's forehead, smacking him smack bang in the middle if he isn't careful.

i'm so sorry about this.... ]

hes here to help..........sorta, he tries okay ROFL

[sunbeloved]

(for a moment karna near wonders if he should intervene more, the merchant seems to have gotten the idea that he would step in as necessary by karna pointing out the truth of the matter. that if vash isn't careful then he could get conned unintentionally and it seems as though this opportunity was useful for the other man which is a relief. karna did want to ensure that nothing happened.

or that was the intention whenever the sight of vash tripping, crashing into another merchant's goods and the coin going flying is what catches karna's attention. his eyes narrow and then the sight of him flicking the coin on reflex toward a now frantic merchant that barely caught it in time. that explains why karna had that bad feeling about the coin....

no time to think about that, though.)

Are you okay?

(as a positive, vash's new friend is considerate and does seem more importantly, worried about him. at least more than the merchant who seemed upset that the goods they were trying to hawk off was now disorganized and all over the place from that little incident. not quite a surprise there that someone is going to be particularly unhappy amidst the now duo's shenanigans.

....on the bright side, karna would watch his back?)

settling in

[perfectpower]

[It's rare for Bradley to even go to the clinic in the first place, as his magic will heal any wound he happens to get. But magic doesn't heal colds, so here he is, getting a piece of paper bounced off of his head. He flinches away from the paper, but ultimately it doesn't hurt, so he's alright.

He does look right at Vash, and he had been about to say something rude, but then he sees Vash's everything and decides against it.]

Oh shit, did you get sick or something?

[He hasn't seen Vash before, but this place is big so he could have just missed him.]

[skelters]

[ isn't that handy to have cool magic like that? unfortunately enough, even though he might heal faster than normal, vash is a mess of scars - which the flimsy hospital gown is doing its very best to hide as much as it could even as he jumps up from where he's sitting on the table with a little surprised shout as the paper bounces off the other's head. ]

Uh, not sick ...

[ he shifts his weight from foot to foot, his smile taking on an awkward tinge. he sees that judging look, bradley! ]

I just ... woke up like this?

[perfectpower]

[Looks at the clinic table.

Looks at Vash.]

Damn. When I got here they at least gave us rooms. They must be runnin' out of space.

[He makes no comment about the hospital gown though, because he doesn't know what that is. For all he knows, that could be the fashion in Vash's world.]

easy come, easy go

[emyoji]

[ Poor man. Seimei sees the blonde trying to negotiate with various vendors that are probably less than trustworthy, and it already seems as though he's made a few trades already. He doesn't look too cursed yet, but it's the yet that has Seimei's interest piqued, because sooner or later, won't someone need to step in?

He could wait and see how the current trade plays out, but instead he moves to stand next to Vash, smiling with a big, vulpine grin as he gently guides him back a step from the table. ]

Now, now, there's no need to be in a rush to trade. If you really want to buy something good, why not browse a little more? In fact, tell me what you need, and I'm sure I can help you find it. I know a little about these kinds of things myself.

so congestive festive

[shriveled]

[ The piece of paper lightly bonks against the top of her head — her reflexes are slow ever since the damn slime fever, okay — but she's quick to pluck the offending piece of paper between two fingers, squinting at the words printed on it when she brings it to eye level. ]

...Oh, I don't know, can you?

[ Her gaze travels downward, pointedly and unabashedly looking at the state he's in — moreover, the state of his dress. She was lucky enough to get one of those festively printed, cozy robes, and isn't shackled to having a hospital gown show her bare ass. Sucks to be this guy. There's a light whiff of condescension, a barely held back chuckle, as she closes her hand around the paper, balling it up into her fist. ]

You'd probably hate to have another... [ what did the paper say, ] accident, jumping in to help so soon. Sure you're up for it?