【 Thank you for choosing the Golden Peacock, 5-star resort and casino. You are currently registered as a WILDCARD in our system.
Due to a high volume of check-ins, temporary accommodations have been made in our parking garage for all new arrivals. We aim to have all guests moved into their reserved rooms as soon as possible. We deeply apologize for any inconvenience!
All are invited to There Is No Tomorrow, a Phoenix Casino soiree to celebrate our beloved guests. The festivities will begin at 1800 hours on January 20th and end at 1800 hours on January 27th. Please look forward to 168 hours of delight.
In an effort to raise happiness and encourage better guest relationships, attendance is required. The house will assist guests that are too shy to appear of their own accord. Please note that black tie attire is mandatory. As always, we hope you enjoy your stay! 】
PARKING GARAGE
ANY CAR IN A STORM
PHOENIX CASINO HALL
WELCOME TO THE NEXT 168 HOURS
Phoenix Casino is a-flutter with activity and packed to the beak with guests. As a famously ever-changing space, the staff would be remiss if they didn't deck the crown jewel of the Golden Peacock out. The casino glitters from top to bottom, shining brighter than diamonds, rubies, sapphires, opals! Party-goers are shiny and glamorous with picture perfect makeup, fluttering gowns, and sharp suits. Card tables are packed and the slot machines are a-ringing as guests play, play, play! Prizes, luxury, booze, attractive people, it's the place that everyone wants to be at.
Those people being dragged inside by some invisible force...? Silly, they were so excited to come that their bodies moved before they realized what was happening. Those are struggles of joy and definitely not the casino's infamous ghost hands dragging unwilling guests to the party at the behest of the house. Look, they're literally hurling their bodies at the card tables with unrestrained glee!
All clocks indicating day hours and night hours have been removed from the casino. Once a guest has entered, their Watch will jam, making it impossible to keep track of the time. You don't need to worry about that tonight.
▶ 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 January event.
▶ 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. This month we also have an ongoing ATP / EMP where players can connect. Please feel free to utilize this for all of your peafowl needs!
▶ 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.
▶ 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.
[ The thing is, Heathcliff's come a long way from the man who would sooner break heads than hold hands, as it were. He's learned how to listen to people when he can and ignore them when he can't. He can keep his temper down to a smolder, his fuse harder to fully ignite. He leaves Don alone as long as she leaves him alone, and even when she doesn't, the lass isn't the worst person to be around. Just loud.
So no, Heathcliff doesn't twist his arm out of Ishmael's grip. At some point, it suddenly struck him that these people are his home now, and he doesn't leave family behind. Not usually, anyway. ]
Wish I didn't know half the shite I know about you. Never had much choice, though. Neither of us.
[ He does catch Ishmael's ear growing pink from this angle, briefly wonders if he should point it out, then remembers that Dante isn't here to put his head back on if she rips it off. Heathcliff then wonders who should make the first move. He is... embarrassed. Mortified. He stands outside the metaphorical chamber door.
Daft animal. You didn't make the first move last time, and neither did she. Look at where that landed the both of you. Nothing to show for it. Not even her memory. ]
Well. Time's awastin'.
[ He takes another slice of toast from the plate, folds it, and shoves half of it into his mouth. He isn't all that hung over, but at the very least, he needs his stomach stable for this. While still chewing, he readjusts, slipping around until they're facing each other more than they are sitting side by side. He doesn't move away, though. They're going to have to be close for this anyway, right?
Heathcliff grabs the now slightly less scalding cup of coffee and washes the toast down. ]
Lemme finish this and we'll get started.
[ And he shoves the rest of his toast into his mouth like the goddamn creature he is. His cheek is bulging out a bit, he's got crumbs on his face. Once again: the worst guy Ishmael knows. Once again: Sorry. ]
[ there he is. now that he looks a little less dire, she can get a better look at him. his eyes are striking, a beautiful green-gold that reminds her briefly of byleth's, if a few shades darker. ]
Mister Lighter. [ very fitting, given how hot he runs, and one that she wouldn't have forgotten either. she's more inclined to believe that it's another one of those games this place likes shoving them into, perhaps in an effort to have its guests get to know each other. intimately or otherwise. ] I'm Mercedes, but you can call me Mercie.
[ it's not often she gets to meet new people these days, especially outside of a strategy meeting or on the battlefield. she didn't realize how much she missed it, just being able to share a moment of peace with someone else. ]
[ she rolls with the punches, she's somewhat casual and blase even when it comes to bizarre or even exploitative scenarios like this. she likes to be the one dealing trouble rather than receiving it. and, for all that texas has told her about this place, it doesn't seem horrible so far. she's used to camping out in the wilderness. ... what really grates at her is if they're truly stuck here without freedom but, she thinks, maybe if she could get her paws on an even bigger vehicle or otherwise destroy an area of the resort, there surely could be a way to leave.
but in the meantime, she doesn't mind having fun or just causing trouble for texas. ]
Oh yes, I'm hell bent on trying this... whatever this is. [ her famiglia's in the winery business rather than gambling, she doesn't spend terribly much time playing cards or die. her hands are more suited for weaponry. anyway, she knows this surely isn't some ordinary casino game. this resort sure likes to fuck with people and to make people fuck. and also, she just wants to fuck with texas. ] Unless you want to be the eye-candy on my arm in the high roller's lounge so badly. You just can't get enough of me! I know I'm good but way to flatter a girl~!
[ she thinks she's so fucking funny. and if she laughs obnoxiously about it, she can decide it didn't mean much at all even through the tremor of her heart. ]
[ The trunk cranks open very leisurely. And outside of it stands not a spooky ghost, but a young woman who leaves him feeling... underdressed. A very luxe sort of gown, compared to a tacky, semi-sheer robe with floaty feathers all along the collar.
He shields his eyes from the sudden parking garage lights, squinting at his savior. He sounds very grateful, which is to say, incredibly deadpan. ]
Thanks.
[ For the commentary, and the rescue. He's disheveled, some of his hair smacked flush to his face where he's started to sweat, but well enough to sit up and unfurl his limbs, eyes scrunching shut a second like a cat waking up from an over-long nap into a stretch.
Not the urgency of a dying man, but it's nice to be able to move, and he finally gets a good look at her. ]
I suppose I owe you my life, lady ghost. [ She looks pretty lively though. None of this is quite what he expects. ]
[ nehan operates at a near-constant level of annoyance. a steady stream of maintained irritation. but itto hasn't offended him so greatly as to deserve any worse; with some wiggle room, he rolls onto his stomach, propping up an arm so he can rest his head in his palm. It gives him a little height, a better vantage point with which to Peer.
but then he rolls his eyes. ]
And yours is obviously questionable.
[ cozying up to a shady-looking furry like him. one of said ears swivels idly while he scans itto over in turn; it's obvious where his attention is, but nehan's not a friendly enough erune to just tilt his head and bunt into someone's hand.
he arrives at some sort of conclusion instead. ]
You do... stand out. [ big and gregarious and flashy. nehan doesn't have a preference in bedfellows, but it's easy enough to see how someone might end up in itto's orbit. ] You said you were an oni?
[ A brow lifts at her inclusion of an honorific, finding it unsurprising for her delicate demeanor, but strange to hear all the same. Her once-cool skin has equaled out against his own, warmer now for the prolonged contact. Noticing that makes him shift, a waking tension returning to his body. ]
Okay, Mercie. [ A beat. ] The "Mister" isn't really necessary, if you're amenable.
[ Finally, he does make to ease up on his elbow. ]
I feel great, actually. [ You know, comparatively. ] You've got a magic touch.
[ In contrast, as a queen rank Mitsuru had had no problem entering the Oasis. In fact she had been expected to come here. She's not going to complain about having the privilege, particularly with how 168 hours of party attendance is not surprisingly extremely tiring. Getting away from the noise and stimulation of the main casino was actually a welcome relief.
She thinks nothing of sitting beside the other young woman who seems to have picked out a quiet spot. Mitsuru wasn't intending to make much conversation, the stranger probably needs a break from socialisation too but then she speaks to her in between munching those chocolates and the redhead smiles a little. ]
That was exceptionally rude of them to say such a thing. [ Who does that?? ]
Thank you for the offer but... have you started to feel peculiar at all since you started eating them?
[ You know eating stuff offered directly by the house often doesn't end well... Or maybe it does, depends on your point of view she supposes. ]
I prefer to live in the moment. Don't plan much ahead, since it'll mostly won't go according to plan anyway. But it helps to come up with thinks fast and be quick on ya feet.
[The dice land. Well, Reno. Now is the time to think quick. This whole ass thing was screaming HR violation from the start, if Shinra ever cared about something like that (no spoiler, but they don't).
But when he looks back at Rufus, the grin is back on his lips, though there are some hairs in the back of his neck that stand a little on end, but his game face is on. This is exciting after all. But it's also Rufus fucking Shinra.]
[ sorry, old habits die hard! especially old habits from ye olde fantasy europe. but she relents, ]
Okay, Lighter.
[ said in an approximation of his tone and cadence with which he said her name. it probably sounds a little bit silly, but it's fine. her fingertips brush along the curve of his cheek as he shifts away, held suspended for a second before she brings it back towards herself. his warmth lingers pleasantly on her skin, and she's momentarily gripped with the urge to press her hand to her own cheek to savor it. ]
I'm glad to hear it. [ there's an amused smile at "magic touch", but she is genuinely relieved that he feels an improvement. ] If it returns, please feel free to come find me.
(that's all texas could do, there is an air to her. something akin to refinement, she never did lose that part of herself. as an heiress, she has manners and other things that went into her educational process. the only thing that was not normal was....well, who would say the expectation of said heiress being mafiosi is considered normal. her father before her, her grandfather too. but that's nothing to think about it while she double-checks what she's eating. so far, the chocolate seemed nothing out of the ordinary.
she would have felt it by now if it were drugged, maybe a small saving grace for a resort so hellbent on forcing anything debauched on its residents. texas is being careful as always (even making sure a small black kitten that was patiently beside her got nowhere near this chocolate) from what she learned downstairs? she didn't dare go near most of the cooked food offered to her, given she can rely upon her senses to tell her a thing or two.
a small perk of having a predator's own for her use, all terran's have similar things in them. lupo just so happen to have senses on a level of wolves themselves.)
I haven't. There's a reason why I was avoiding that buffet and most things that seemed off. Can't pick up on all of it, but I do go with my gut if it seems off enough.
( well, wherever he is (one comment chain up), aventurine would be so lucky... which is to say, yeah, by only the blessing of some other, higher power, he'll always be out there pulling off sunglasses indoors.
robin, meanwhile, has no such good fortune — even if she's having a merry little time witnessing stelle's antics in her (un)natural habitat. strange. it's the first time she's been identified on the spot. her wings have been tucked away to nearly blend in with the low bun she's sporting and her glasses are dark enough to dim the blinding lights of the party. maybe it's a strange feeling for the instant recognition to bring with it a small sense of comfort... more than unease and the instant urge to flee. )
Unless you moonlight as a mechanic, I somehow get the impression that we wouldn't be getting very far.
( to say the least. stelle isn't bursting into flames though, which means that robin doesn't have to try as hard to hold back her amusement as the casino's patterned carpet now sports a slight singe mark, punctuated by a fleur de lis. ) Though if we both start catching fire... I guess there's really no better time to check out the pool.
( how many chips for that cab ride though... she's broke. )
(aside from having to replace her costume with a different suit, texas didn't seem to be too bothered for now. casual conversation and the like, but she knows that it's better to go with whatever is thrown at them on occasion. she's done that during the rank swap from an error in the system previously. still would be now. somehow cellinia thinks for the moment that she should explain. she was the one that paid attention during the explanations earlier on the games after asking a staff member for help. as usual (they lit up at the idea of getting to help her) knowing how close she is to being near the higher ranks. some perks can be helpful.
but since lappland didn't hear it, or maybe was more focused on texas rather than the person explaining the game itself, then it's on her.)
Doms or subs, from what I was told. Draw a card and what you get is your role. Guess as a warning, I haven't exactly experimented much with anything like this.... (no, she hasn't gone near anything bdsm related. she did have an interest in restraints, collars, leashes, and a few other entry level things. that did not mean, however, texas has tried it for herself any. her last time in the naked yolk was something she was sworn to secrecy on. that secrecy being she isn't allowed to talk about what happened during that for the sake of privacy. not because anything sexual happened, more because of the vampires and their blood pool.) Wouldn't it be the other way around, given you're the one in the dress?
(that. was a little too smooth, texas. but the words came out of her mouth before she could stop herself.)
Miss, it is not that I do not like women, it is more that I am a stranger to most things that is being asked of me on terms of the direction it needs.
(he had to bite his tongue to avoid saying more than that, as usual his snark is demanding a chance to rise up. karna does desire to remain cordial for the sake of this not being any more awkward. she did assume that of him. regardless, karna did check his watch. it seems it passed, but the game master seems to be frowning. turning their nose up in his direction for wasting time by not playing along properly with that part of the mechanics. wonderful. he'll have to figure this out as he goes.
whether she believes him or not is up to her while he gets on his feet, he won't comment further on the matter while setting the die down in rin's direction. it's her turn, and he won't be wasting a chance at that invitation. not whenever he has a golden opportunity to see more of the high life from his curiosity.)
It counted, so your turn.
(his seat close by is taken again, a gloved hand reaches to drink some of his champagne before going back to paying attention to her and the dice.)
but really, that faint flush at the high points of his cheeks is cute. What is he imagining, she wonders? Someone else in the clothes, or himself? What kind? Something domineering, or frilly and cute? This reaction makes her feel like there's still bait to chase after all, regarding this topic.
Well, she'll get to the bottom of it eventually. Since he's not opposed. ]
Oh? Do go on. I want to hear your answer first.
[ She could be merciful and break the ice for him, but she won't. If anything, her eyes light up with eagerness, taking great pleasure in the pressure weighing down on him that much more. ]
(though kabru won't know about class designations and the like, karna doesn't bank on that. what he presumes is that the other man knows ranks of a similar nature if he spoke of mages. but if he did want a night together after this, well....karna would luckily tell him his name before then. were kabru that interested while they're there together at the table and playing this game. his mana is a constant pool of it, unending, nearly when he has the right master that could handle the strain of his power. there's a reason why karna isn't far from being able to fight the king of heroes himself.
right, the dice is still going on. once his hand is released and karna is given the dice, he starts to shake it. a decent shake and thoughtful, maybe they'll be okay? it seems that way since the die once he casts it lands on: 1 and 6. now that makes karna blink slowly, tickle elbow? that sounded too simple. a feather is brought over (though the staff member glares at karna without a word) for use while his blue eyes glance back over at kabru.)
Seems we're safe for now from any of the more forward options.
(until one of them somehow lands on the combo that turns this from playful to x-rated.)
[ She blinks when the tip of her nose is tapped, crimson eyes a bit wider than usual for a brief moment, not expecting the touch to be so feathery and light. The skin on the pads of her fingers is calloused, she could feel that much. But usually, when she pokes and prods people like this, they start getting a little less than gentle with her, whether out of fluster or out of actual anger.
Not that there's anything wrong with this turn of events. It's quaint, and she wants to see if she can push the woman farther, see more of that flush on her fair skin. ]
Hah. How juvenile.
[ And by that, she means boring. One finger twirls around a long strand of her hair while she retrieves the dice and rolls again, 12 and 3. Grind on chest?
She clicks her tongue, letting out a whimsical sigh and waving a hand at her like she's a servant. ]
You're better off laying on your back for this, [ Which she is saying with complete certainty, like she's expecting the other woman to go along on the ride with her. Like, she's not gonna be the one to refuse. Unabashedly, she gives a lingering look to her chest, sizing it up in her mind, wondering how she should go about it... ] Unless you want to make me do all the work, sprout.
[ She asks airily, greedily rocking her hips back to where they started. The quiet huff that escapes her from the movement and friction seems more genuine than the put upon, deliberately erotic breath from earlier. She doesn't bother craning her head around to see the results of the die, confident that however the chips fall, she'll find a way to wring pleasure out of it. Case in point: ]
You should know that I only do things I enjoy. If I'm having a good time, [ Her eyes flutter down, seeing the other woman's fingers gracing the bend of her knee, laughing a bit to herself. ] Then I don't let anyone take that from me.
[ Sure, maybe she's admitting that she's having fun, but that's obvious, isn't it? From the indulgent, subtle movements of her hips, to the way she rests her weight more heavily over the ridge of her thigh, as if to say I'm not moving. From the way one of her hands snakes from around her neck to lay flat on her sternum, pushing her further into the couch. Dragging further down like a brand. A threat? Or a promise of more, her hands slipping between the fabric wherever she can to feel bare skin. From the way she leans forward until their foreheads touch, her head still tilted down so she can watch the space between them, where they're touching, and what she plans to do with her hand. What can she say... not only is she a narcissist who finds her own body alluring, she likes to watch in general — wants to see this woman's hesitation surge forward to action. ]
Not that you seem particularly opposed. Aha...
[ Only then do her eyes flick forward between the scant space between them, crimson eyes unabashedly meeting hers, if she lets her. ]
[ Staring openly for a moment, Lighter looks caught between a quiet flare of surprise and like he knows he probably deserved that. His lips quirk slightly. Cheeky. ]
I'd say will do, but that might be easier said than done here. I feel like I used up whatever luck I had just waking up here next to you.
[ He knows sitting up is the right thing to do as he does so, the crisp, soft hotel sheets rustling over snarls of scar tissue running every which way, but he still thinks... the cradle of her hands was better. He swallows down the notion before it really coalesces, settling it square in his gut. ]
Hm... [Sidling into the seat across from her, Miko leans over the table to examine the dice. She's dressed in black, an old Hollywood vibe emanating from the sleek silhouette and fur stole draped over her elbows.] No, this is too simple to make waves in publication.
[She scoops up the pair of dice, tumbling them in the palm of her hand, clicking them without rolling.]
If this were going to get published, they'd need to add a little more if they wanted it to be anything more than a cut-out insert at the back of the issue. Little tips and tricks, variations on the theme, maybe a quiz.
[She chuckles, then stops jiggling the dice in her palm. Hm. Well, this subject material is a little beyond the typical scope of her business's literature - though not completely foreign. It's not one of the House's more intricate games, either. In print or person, either way, the delicate nuances of the game rest in the psychology of it.
She pauses as if startled by only now becoming aware of the other woman - as if she wasn't leaning over the table just a few inches away - and chuckles.] Silly me. Normally, I wait until the game's begun to get ahead of myself. [A stranger would be hard-pressed to call if what she says is true, but she speaks like someone who knows very much what she's doing, actually.] If I'm going to have those sorts of ideas, I'll just have to playtest.
[ Mitsuru hadn't noticed the kitten until now and a small smile tugs at the corners of her lips at the sight of it. She might be more used to dogs due to her circumstances back home but she did consider herself more of a cat person at heart.
Still her attention is back on the other young woman soon enough when she takes in what the other is saying. The wording is a little odd. ]
[ it's funny, how his appearance and those scars give the impression of cool indifference, opposite to the way he looks at her now. it doesn't take much for her to endear herself to someone, but it could be argued that this is just unfortunately her type.
the bed dips beneath his weight as he sits up, and she merely shifts a little to prop herself up with his pillow, chin resting on her hands. she's clearly content to lounge in bed longer; she so rarely gets to sleep in these days. ]
There's no need to thank me. I'm just happy I could help. [ it's what she does, after all. ] But if luck is what you're worried about, then... just call me, and I'll come find you instead.
Nothing on that level, but I was meaning if it has a different scent or a different taste, I can notice it more easily. Lupo have senses similar to wolves, or dogs depending on how you look at it.
(though that also can not work on any sort of drugs that can be hidden by say scent and taste being gone from it. cellinia pushes the chocolate treats back, and an ashtray is brought over for her momentarily. the cigarette she pulls out from her case is lit up by another staff member before they leave. normally texas avoids smoking as often as she used to....issue is sometimes she can't help that more often from the environment. some things drive her to want to smoke, so she uses pocky and other things to avoid the urge by curbing it.
other times, well, now is one such time given the party is stressful enough. she didn't even want to be stuck down there (hell, she would love to be anywhere but the casino) yet there's not a means for escape. which leaves having to deal with it while also trying to avoid anything that so much as seems drugged, the drugs included that the guests were passing around to smoke.)
Obviously it doesn't work if it has no scent or taste to it, so for that I rely on my gut. If it seems too good to be true, I don't eat it or drink it. It's how I avoided the buffet mostly, the champagne and that drug Twig too.
[ he sure is naked. they are both very naked. but at least jing yuan is awake, now, looking very charming as he yawns, gentle and sleepy, content as a cat in a sunbeam. but then those golden eyes flicker over him in recognition, and dan heng feels his face flush further, warmth prickling over his cheeks and the bridge of his nose. ]
Good morning.
[ he says, attempting not to be awkward, yet feeling very awkward indeed, though when jing yuan offers more of the soft blanket he is happy to accept it, covering his hips a little more thoroughly. to say that he hasn't felt himself drawn to jing yuan in the past would be a lie, he's very fond of the general, and the feelings that he has fostered have not been entirely platonic, but even still, if they were to sleep together he would have liked to remember it. ]
No.. I don't. There was the party, it felt as if it would never end.. and then I woke up here, with you.
Don't worry about it, I can wait until after to teach you. I doubt they'll revoke your bike after the party, since that was a reward won fair and square.
(don't ask what texas has won from sex toy roulette, please, she rather not answer that question about it. anyway, she's got her eyes more on that motorcycle. lifting it up just to check if it's still okay....seems to be, outside some scratches along it from the sudden drop and roll that stelle did. thankfully texas is happy to save that gown (unknowingly) given that there are other things to worry about. mainly about how to move the motorcycle somewhere that won't let it get damaged at. the staff might respond kindly to texas asking if they can take care of it.
having a rank close to royalty has its uses, plenty of them. maybe not the way some people tend to treat her like she's near a goddess, but that's a trade-off for getting to avoid the rabid parts of popularity. she's seen weiss often on the receiving end of those starry eyes and crowds attempting to get her attention. didn't seem that enjoyable to texas.
maybe not ever would it be when she frowns briefly and:)
You new? I probably should tell you right away, watch what you eat or drink. Foods drugged at best and worst with aphrodisiacs. People mainly eat at the Red Cardinal to avoid it.
(never mind that stelle seems young, young enough that it worries cellinia slightly.)
[ either this man is very kind, or he has an ulterior motive - dan heng likes to think it is the former, however, and he is generally known to give people the benefit of the doubt, even in strange situations.
ah, he's very close. he's good at this game, isn't he? dan heng's cheeks warm slightly, but he does as asked, takes a deep breath to relax further. ]
That's very kind of you, thank you. I.. understand our purpose here, and I'm willing.
[ under duress or not, he's here to play the game. so he turns his head to better look into sylvain's face, studying his fine features. ]
For transparency, I don't have very much experience.
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