【 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 more Sunday seems discomforted, the higher Wei Wuxian's delight grows. He really doesn't mean to be a menace, doesn't mean to poke and prod and see where Sunday's sore spots are. But he's also enjoying the peace of the suite they're in together after the constant overstimulation that was the much too long party and so, a bit of banter goes a long way for him.
He watches Sunday adjust himself, try to find his dignity again, and it's a familiar look. The comment comes as well, the apart from your presence only making Wei Wuxian's grin sharper. He supposes he can respect Sunday's request though, and put on some clothes. ]
It's like you know me already.
[ Being called out on his shamelessness. How many times does that happen with the people he knows back home? It's such a comfort to hear familiar derision even here. He'll shift to get up from the bed and hopefully Sunday is braced for it, because he does not use the sheet for modesty. No, he throws it off of himself and slips out the bed, stretching slightly as he stands up and his back pops. He is naked as the day he was born. ]
Should we have breakfast together, at least?
[ An idle question as he takes a few steps through the room to where his clothes are laid out on a chair. Huh. He definitely doesn't remember doing that. He'll find his underwear first and pull that on, just for Sunday's sake. ]
[It's a gesture of familiarity that threatens to climb under his skin. He doesn't know anyone in this place, not well — but perhaps that is part of the design. More than that, is it so different from the life he lived before? Yet no one spoke to him as this man does without a reason, some ulterior motive, and Sunday wonders when he'll discover it. Because it must be there.
As Wei Wuxian moves from the bed, his gaze remains fixed to a point on the wall politely. He can hear the rustle of clothing, and he doesn't turn until the movement stills, just in case he happens to catch a flash of skin unwanted.]
We may as well. [He sounds... resigned.] It wouldn't be a good idea to turn down food, given that we're all expected to make ends meet on our own otherwise. I don't have a designated suit or rank yet — but nothing guarantees luxury.
[When was the last time he experienced such insecurity toward his basic needs? Not since before he can even remember.]
[ He has no ill intent! If anything, his intent is just to get to know Sunday, to make a friend. Even if he does start things off on the wrong(?) foot. He's in the same position, he doesn't know anyone here and doesn't know where to start so, in his mind, the best idea is to stick together.
When Sunday looks over at him, he'll have put the pants on and the dress shirt, leaving it open and loose for now. He remains barefoot as well, not looking to leave just yet but only looking to cover his modesty. ]
You're right, I don't have one either — only a few chips to my name and nowhere to rest my head. It's interesting, isn't it? All this opulence, yet they make you fight for scraps.
[ Said breezily, an observation he's had since he arrived here. He could see the difference in class between those of ranks and suits. Ironic, as it's all manufactured — there's clearly enough for everyone to have their fill and more. So why bother with the ranks? He could also pick up the oppressive yin energy from the ghosts haunting the place as well. It's all left him deathly curious, but he doesn't have anyone to share his observations with just yet either. ]
Wei Wuxian is my courtesy name. Feel free to use it. And you?
[Modesty... it's not much to him, with that stripe of skin down the man's chest still bare to the eye, but he'll let it rest. The compliance is enough, and he recognizes that Wei Wuxian could have simply chosen not to.
Additionally, that comment is astute — agreeing with his own observation. So much luxury, and yet the 'House' has clearly taken care to divide them all by some level of worth and value. The suit is a mark of ownership, and the ranking system only serves to create a very deliberate hierarchy. It's revolting.]
You can call me Sunday. [Stepping across, he takes a seat at the breakfast table where their dishes are covered to keep warm.] You're new here as well, then. Another 'Wildcard'. I haven't spoken with too many of us, but it's apparent to me that we're part of some... ongoing cycle of guests.
[He hesitates, then decides it's fine enough to share his thoughts.]
They must want to keep the clientele as fresh as possible. Stagnancy is dull. People would grow bored and unsatisfied.
[ Wei Wuxian's eyes are on Sunday, picking up every detail he can from the man's responses. That might give him away a little, how quick his gaze is, how it contrasts with the laissez faire attitude he puts on. Wei Wuxian doesn't care, except that he does, he just doesn't talk about it until he has to. He waits, he bides his time, he observes.
The introduction is appreciated and thankfully, "Sunday" isn't a word where he's from so he has no intention of commenting on it. It's just the man's name as far as he's concerned. He'll follow to the table, sitting across from Sunday and listening to him speak. Yes, they're both Wildcards. He wonders when he'll get his designation, what it might be.
A hum, thoughtful, in response while he uncovers a plate. It's not a breakfast he's familiar with. Eggs, yes, but what is this bread thing? It looks like a dessert. (It's French Toast.) ]
It's all hedonism, seeing how far they can push. From what I can tell, the yin energy here is in abundance and the ghosts relish in it. It would take an immense amount of power to flush it all out, so it's probably been like this for years.
[ A shrug and he takes a bite of bacon. It reminds him of Yi City, in a way, and just how mired in yin energy it was. The fact that the ghosts here aren't in hiding, aren't afraid of the people but feed off of them instead, interact with them consistently — it's enough to know that this is their domain and the guests here are just guests. ]
[Welcome to a Brave New World, here is French Toast. Sunday doesn't look especially surprised by what he finds on his plate — in all its years of existence, the dreamweavers had created such elaborate creations in Penacony, unrestricted by limitations of logic or scarcity or even calories. Still, this food is better than anything he had in prison; it reminds him more of what he'd just started to become accustomed to on the Express.
Sunday's eyes glance over at those words. If he's noticed this man's keen attention, he doesn't comment on it. They are still strangers, but he hasn't sensed any ulterior intent... apart from that brazen flirtation.]
Yin energy? I'm not familiar. [The Xianzhou Alliance comes to mind, but he's never visited one of those ships.] Could you tell me more about that? And these... ghosts, as you say. They are real entities?
[Rather than digging into the meal, Sunday pours himself some tea. He is meticulous and a slow eater, lean from many missed meals and a busy schedule.]
[ They're both two men who have gone without, which is an interesting similarity and maybe, one day, they'll both realize that about each other. From Sunday's time in prison and his youth before that, and Wei Wuxian's own time as the Yiling Patriarch and as a child roaming the streets for scraps and shelter. Either way, it means Wei Wuxian isn't picky about food, doesn't waste it either, but when he does pick up the fork, it's clear he's not accustomed to using it. It's not completely improper, he has observed how others use their forks, but it's just not natural either.
At the question, Wei Wuxian reminds himself that this is a different world, with different customs and terminology. He had to explain cultivation earlier, it's no surprise that he has to explain yin energy as well. ]
Yin energy is the opposite of yang energy. They're both spiritual forces that make up the world around us. Yin represents the night, shadows, femininity, the dead, things like that. Yang is the sun, masculinity, the living, so on and so forth. Ghosts are made of yin energy, they also exude it. Back in my world, one could harness these energies for power or skill.
And the ghosts here are definitely real. I've interacted with a few of them already, though haven't gotten anything useful out of them. They seem to just be... present and non malicious. The hands that were encouraging people to go the party, for instance, those were ghosts.
[ After he finishes speaking, he'll cut a piece of the french toast off with his fork and pop it in his mouth, looking thoughtful as he assesses the taste. ]
[Sunday can't completely keep the fascination out of his expression as he listens, aware that he has spent so long within the shelter of the Dreamworld, everything else is novel to him now. Isn't this the reason he decided it was best to journey into the stars?]
So yin and yang energy are direct opposites... And the ghosts are manifestations of yin. That's interesting.
[Information repeated, mostly to ensure he understands. He's open to correction. Though, the mention of those hands from earlier causes his brow to wrinkle — it's not a pleasant memory.]
Encouraging is one word for it. [We hated it, thanks!] I haven't interacted with any of these ghosts, but I'm not sensitive to such forces, so more likely I missed them. If it wouldn't trouble you, I'd like you to introduce me to one. [He watches Wei Wuxian take a bite of the dessert.] Is it good?
[ Honestly, Wei Wuxian finds Sunday's interest interesting in return. These concepts are so rudimentary to him, so mundane, that it's equally novel to him to find people who don't know them. To explain the fundamentals, like yin and yang energy, it's kind of fun. ]
Exactly, you've got it.
[ He laughs a little at the furrow of Sunday's brow, able to tell immediately that he didn't like those ghosts interference at all. Fair enough, fair enough. When you're not used to the spirits, things like this can be quite uncomfortable. ]
No problem. There's a lot of ghosts here with lower yin energy that I can put under my command easily, which would make it easy to have them show themselves to you. The stronger ghosts, I'm still trying to figure them out. This, ah, "House" is definitely an entity of its own as well.
[ And then as Sunday asks after the french toast, he nods. ]
A little dry but good. [ He doesn't know what syrup is. ] Savory in a way I didn't expect.
[The House. Wei Wuxian is correct — even without his knowledge of ghosts and yin/yang energy, he has been able to tell that this entity is beyond the capacity of any ordinary human. For the scale of the resort, the endless cycling of guests from outside worlds, and everything he's learned about the forces at work, Sunday might even consider an Aeon to have a hand in this. Yet it's an unstable theory; he's still trying to get his own bearings first.
Savory? He picks at a corner of his own toast, chewing on it neatly.]
I think this glaze is meant to go on top. [A hand reaches for the small pouring dish, drizzling it over the bread.] It's similar to a dessert I've had before with honey.
[Since the French probably(??) don't exist in his universe...]
You're able to control ghosts? That seems like a powerful ability to possess, and particularly useful in this place if we're surrounded by yin energy.
[ Definitely a good theory and something to consider. Both of them have their own perspectives on this, and hopefully the longer they stay here, the more they'll find out. As for now, there is breakfast.
He looks curiously at Sunday as he pours the glaze over his bread and when he sets it down, Wei Wuxian will reach out and take the glaze as well, mimicking the action. ]
Might as well try it.
[ You say that now................
Anyway, Wei Wuxian gives a slight smile at the response to his abilities. No abject horror is a plus. Thank god for small mercies. ]
Ghosts, the undead in general. It's a skill I've picked up over the years and mastered. You're right though, it'll be useful around here. I didn't expect it, but I can't complain.
[ He takes another bite of french toast and — oh! ]
[That expression of such a simple pleasure is strangely satisfying, and Sunday can't help the twitch at the corner of his mouth. How novel it is to sit at a table and eat with another person at all — to be known as no more than an ordinary person, participating in this mundane activity.]
Glazes like this are just sugar diluted by water. I've seen other desserts with it already included, often of different colors: pink, yellow, orange... but they all taste good and add texture to the food.
[Why does he sound nostalgic? Anyway.]
You didn't expect such a skill would be useful? Does that mean there aren't ghosts in your own world, or that they are rarer?
[ Wei Wuxian listens to Sunday's description of glazes, finding himself more interested than he expected. Already since arriving here, he's seen all different kinds of foods and it sounds like Sunday is more familiar with variety than he is. He really wants to taste everything — or at least everything spicy. Maybe he can find something too spicy for him, though that's doubtful.
But then Sunday's question comes and he hums around a mouthful of french toast, chewing and then swallowing before answering. ]
The reverse, actually. There's plenty of ghosts and undead where I come from, but when I woke up here, I didn't expect it to be useful. Then I took a look around the place and realized so many entities here are ghosts, that my skills wouldn't go to waste. Even if I don't do anything useful with them, it's nice to know that my abilities are still intact.
[ He's sure there are people here working to solve the mystery of this place. He'd like to get involved, of course, but he also knows some people have apprehension when it comes to commanding the undead. So, who knows how much his assistance will be welcome? ]
[For some reason, Sunday is struck by a kind of melancholy to hear that explanation, even if it's an illogical reaction. Of course there would be the deceased in other worlds — it takes only a step further to understand such places must also have their own hardships, and suffering, endured in that journey from life to death. He's quiet for a long moment, gaze down on his plate of food he's only picked at, until he recognizes his silence might be interpreted poorly and brings himself to speak again.]
I suppose if these ghosts might have to linger somewhere, it should be a realm of luxury instead of misery. But you're right. I hadn't thought that our abilities could be affected. Earlier I met a man who claimed he was a wizard, and it seemed he was capable of magic, though I didn't investigate to what extent. There are so many of us here... I have to wonder what else others can do.
[ Wei Wuxian watches Sunday as he looks down at his plate, as the melancholy takes him. He'll eat his food quietly, not wanting to disrupt whatever thoughts are going on in his mind and when Sunday speaks again, he listens to him attentively.
A ... wizard? But if he could do magic, wouldn't that make him more of a cultivator? Hm. Different worlds, different names, he supposes.
He's about to comment on the idea of so many different abilities being here when Sunday poses that question instead and he's caught, pausing with bacon halfway to his mouth as he tries to come up with an answer.
Mostly because his initial answer is the obvious — I'm more dangerous.
But no, that wouldn't do and there are rules to the way this world work he might not be privy to. If this was his world, he'd be the apex predator. But it's not, and he's not. So, he considers as he takes a bite of that bacon. ]
I think... leaving anything as supernatural as the entity that is this place to roam free like it's done, to let it grow and fester and become as powerful as it is? It's dangerous, no matters its intent. If something like this appeared in my world, a cultivator would have put it down before it grew this large. Now, we're on the defensive, because this is its domain and we're just living in it.
So, yes. It's dangerous, because it has to be, because there's no other option.
[He glances across the table, gold eyes studying the man across from him — the seriousness of an expression and tone of words belied by that jovial nature Wei Wuxian first presented when they woke. The man is intelligent, and Sunday appreciates such forthright honesty more than he can say.
As little as he knows about ghosts, there is something ominous in Wei Wuxian's assertion. Cultivator may be another new term for him as well, but in the context of everything else described, he can assume it is some occupation to keep that excessive yin energy in check. So the danger he suspected is real.]
I've been wondering... since those ghost 'hands' forced many of us to attend that party against our will, if there might be other — more insidious — goals in mind. As you said, we are in its domain. It has control over us here.
[Bro relax, having sex is not evil.]
Even more reason to have you introduce me to one of them. Please let me know when you're finished eating. [Says the one who has barely touched his food...] I'd like to look into it sooner than later.
[ Wei Wuxian has no reason to lie. He might not want to divulge his own secrets completely, not want to share his history with demonic cultivation, but cultivation itself is nothing to hide. He is a cultivator at his core, has always been one, will always be one, and he doesn't want to pretend he doesn't know what type of things lurk in the dark here. Better to be armed with knowledge than nothing at all.
So, he can be both things — a silly guy and someone who knows how the world works. He hopes to be both things, he has lost his joie de vivre before as the Yiling Patriarch and he has fought hard to get it back.
He finishes the french toast he was eating then, picking up a piece of bacon to bite into it as Sunday speaks. He chews, listens, swallows. That isn't an... unfair assessment but Wei Wuxian does wonder, with the amount of people who have been living here for a while, what will they be able to figure out that the others haven't?
Still, the man wants to see ghosts and Wei Wuxian can introduce him to some ghosts. ]
Mm, well. From what I can tell there are something like living corpses here — people who have long since died but don't realize it. But usually they're in their actual corpse, rotting away. There's no rot here, they seem fine from a distance and it's only after sensing their energy and looking a bit closer that it's clear they're not... living.
There are also fractured spirits here. Like the ghost hands. No full bodies, just embodiments of parts with their own intentions. I would need more time to understand the types of entities I'm able to summon here but if you want, I can call something more basic now. Have it do something for you.
[ It would be no issue for him, though he doesn't know what he'd command it to do, thus the statement. ]
[Sunday doesn't try to disguise the interest in his expression, because like this man before him, there's no reason to hide. A fact that is surreal to consider in the moment. He's met a handful of strangers over the course of these last few days, but few have seen — him as himself. With his face, with his halo. And even fewer have seen him under such private circumstances. Sitting here, eating breakfast across a table from one another still sleep-edged and soft, clothes wrinkled from slumber, white feathers scattered on a pillow case.
Perhaps if he had to wake up next to anyone, then it's better they don't know who he is. He doesn't need to behave any particular way. Wei Wuxian has no expectations of him.]
Yes, I'd like that. I wouldn't want you to go to the trouble of anything extravagant, either. Just... whatever is easiest for you.
[His desires shouldn't become a burden upon someone else.]
I did have one question first. Do you know how these ghosts might react to — ah, mental interfence? There might be a better word to use. ... Do you have any insight into how the minds of these ghosts work?
[ It is a sentiment they both share — the relief at the lack of expectation. Wei Wuxian has a terrible, terrible reputation where he comes from and he knows at least half of it is well earned. But being here, where he can freely introduce himself as Wei Wuxian and not feel the bite of fear or hate in response — it's a heady feeling.
He eats his bacon and looks contemplative in response to Sunday's question. Well, if he was home, that'd be an easy thing to do — simple. But he's not and he doesn't know how it works here, so he might as well give the warning. ]
There's a skill I know. Empathy. You allow the ghost to possess you to relive their memories when they were alive and they can show you their story. What they want you to see. It's a dangerous skill though because if you're not careful, the ghost will possess you fully and won't give your body back.
While most ghosts aren't fully cognizant of what they're doing, they have impulses they follow, sometimes malicious sometimes not. It all really comes from how they died and how they've come back as well. So their minds are not always all there. It takes a lot of skill to bring back someone's consciousness when they're already dead. Not impossible, but a whole lotta work.
[ Which, well, he's done. But he's only done it the one time, only needed the one person to come back. ]
Er, I should also make it clear — this is how they work where I come from. Chances are it might be different here? I have no idea if the dead works the same across different worlds.
[Empathy. The word alone shouldn't put uneasiness in him — it is innocuous, even in the context of the dangerous scenario Wei Wuxian describes. He has never heard of it as applied ghosts, but as a skill... being able to resonate with emotions is something he can do as well, though he's never tried with a creature of such seeming malevolent nature. It sounds comparable but not the same.
After all, the dead is a territory he's never trespassed, and Wei Wuxian confirms that quickly.]
That's true. It might be better to be cautious, then. I apologize for my impatience — perhaps we should try another time.
[He can't be making demands of someone who has only just woken up, even if it was... in bed with him. Even if they're sitting across a breakfast table from each other.]
I don't want to put you at risk. [Sometimes, I fear that I've forgotten — his mind closes on the thought.] You've been genuine with me, and you're enduring the reality of this place all the same. Though perhaps you're handling certain aspects of it... better than I. It doesn't matter. You can have the room, after we've finished eating.
[ Wei Wuxian can spot the way Sunday draws back a little, diverting from their goal and giving Wei Wuxian a way out if he wants it. He bites his bacon, considers it, but decides to continue forward anyway. So, he gives a shake of his head, laughs brightly instead. ]
No risk at all, I do this all the time. I probably won't do Empathy right now, we can save that for later, but I can summon a ghost and see what we can make it do.
[ Another bite of bacon before he makes any attempt and then he follows up, to clarify. ]
Also, you don't have to give up the room to me just because. I'm enjoying your company and answering your questions, it's nice to be around someone else who is getting adjusted to all this too.
[ Then — ]
Okay. A ghost. Do you want them to do something specific? It's easier if I command it to do something.
[That cavalier attitude surprises him, but how easily Wei Wuxian smooths past his worries is both impressive and... calming. Reassuring to know he hasn't imposed, or put this man in a situation he's reluctant to be in.
But — enjoying his company? That seems a little far. They haven't been speaking for long enough to form a judgment about him, good or bad, and all that truly bonds them is their newness and unfamiliarity. Yet he doesn't mind hearing it.]
Nothing... offensive. I don't want to upset them.
[Is that even possible? He doesn't know how sentient the ghost would be.]
Perhaps a simple task? Pouring some of the tea, or cutting the loaf of bread they gave us to share.
[ It's the difference there between Wei Wuxian being a social butterfly and Sunday... not. For Wei Wuxian, even this short amount of conversation has been invigorating and fun for him — so why wouldn't he enjoy this man's company? Sure, it could change if he started to treat Wei Wuxian poorly but he doesn't think it will. So, he's enjoying himself.
But the request is easy enough to meet and he considers, reaches out with his senses to see what he can call.
Then, he whistles. Slow and melodic, he imbues it with the command serve us and waits then for something to respond to his call.
It doesn't take long until a black fog like spirit slips through underneath the door, chilling the room drastically and darkening the space around them, making the lights flicker. There's the sound of a malicious sort of laughter, faraway almost, and the aura of the room becomes a bit treacherous. Ghostly hands reach out from the blackness to... do what Sunday asked for. Pours them both tea, sets it up, slices the bread easily and serves them.
Wei Wuxian, meanwhile, doesn't look bothered by this at all. He sips the tea after it's served and responds with a cheery — ]
Thank you!
[ But the malicious ghost hanging in the air doesn't disappear just yet, as Wei Wuxian hasn't commanded it to. Instead, he looks at Sunday and raises an eyebrow. ]
I can ask it to become corporeal if you want, but there's no telling what it is. It seems to just be a spirit that haunts the place. Which makes sense as I wasn't looking for anyone specific.
[The effect of that whistle is immediate. A chill moves into the room with lowered temperature, cool on his skin, eyes darting to the slight gap beneath the door where a dark shape slips inside. He doesn't experience fear, exactly — and perhaps a large part of that is how cavalier this man, Wei Wuxian, is in response to it. It should be strange to trust someone he's only just met, but he suspects if he was meant any harm it would have happened by now. And... part of his desire to begin his journey was exactly this — an opportunity to experience a world he does not control.
So there's still some tension in him, that malevolence unlike anything he's felt in the shadow of either the Harmony or the Order, but it eases as soon as black-smoke hands reach to pour them tea.
Such a miraculous sight. A ghostly phantom bent to this man's will as one might coax a puppet. Naturally, his mind wonders how this could be abused, and if so... how would a deceased spirit experience that wrong?]
Oh. [It takes him a minute to stop staring in awe once addressed, lashes flickering. First, to the spirit, mirroring Wei Wuxian —] Thank you. [And he gathers the cup of tea into his own hands, feeling its pleasant warmth.]
Does that mean it could be dangerous if it becomes corporeal? Is it... more of a person, aware of its past life?
[ Sunday's got the right of it, especially wondering how power like this can be abused. Wei Wuxian doesn't, of course, because his approach to demonic cultivation is different but when it comes to his peers...
There's a tilt of his head as Sunday asks the right questions and Wei Wuxian considers how to answer, sipping his own tea in the process. ]
It depends on how much resentful energy it carries. Most dead have resentful energy, it's just the nature of being dead. It could be a more malevolent ghost or more of a playful ghost. That definitely is dependent on its past life, yeah!
So far, I haven't seen any dangerous ghosts here at the resort. [ No cannibalizing creatures of terror, for instance. ] I'm not sure they haunt this place. But I wouldn't count it out either, I just don't know enough to say yet.
Which is why I've only summoned the more energy focused ones since I got here, like this one. I've kept my cultivation low, trying not to overextend myself because if I call for something too malicious, there's a chance I won't be able to control it.
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He watches Sunday adjust himself, try to find his dignity again, and it's a familiar look. The comment comes as well, the apart from your presence only making Wei Wuxian's grin sharper. He supposes he can respect Sunday's request though, and put on some clothes. ]
It's like you know me already.
[ Being called out on his shamelessness. How many times does that happen with the people he knows back home? It's such a comfort to hear familiar derision even here. He'll shift to get up from the bed and hopefully Sunday is braced for it, because he does not use the sheet for modesty. No, he throws it off of himself and slips out the bed, stretching slightly as he stands up and his back pops. He is naked as the day he was born. ]
Should we have breakfast together, at least?
[ An idle question as he takes a few steps through the room to where his clothes are laid out on a chair. Huh. He definitely doesn't remember doing that. He'll find his underwear first and pull that on, just for Sunday's sake. ]
no subject
As Wei Wuxian moves from the bed, his gaze remains fixed to a point on the wall politely. He can hear the rustle of clothing, and he doesn't turn until the movement stills, just in case he happens to catch a flash of skin unwanted.]
We may as well. [He sounds... resigned.] It wouldn't be a good idea to turn down food, given that we're all expected to make ends meet on our own otherwise. I don't have a designated suit or rank yet — but nothing guarantees luxury.
[When was the last time he experienced such insecurity toward his basic needs? Not since before he can even remember.]
What should I call you?
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When Sunday looks over at him, he'll have put the pants on and the dress shirt, leaving it open and loose for now. He remains barefoot as well, not looking to leave just yet but only looking to cover his modesty. ]
You're right, I don't have one either — only a few chips to my name and nowhere to rest my head. It's interesting, isn't it? All this opulence, yet they make you fight for scraps.
[ Said breezily, an observation he's had since he arrived here. He could see the difference in class between those of ranks and suits. Ironic, as it's all manufactured — there's clearly enough for everyone to have their fill and more. So why bother with the ranks? He could also pick up the oppressive yin energy from the ghosts haunting the place as well. It's all left him deathly curious, but he doesn't have anyone to share his observations with just yet either. ]
Wei Wuxian is my courtesy name. Feel free to use it. And you?
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Additionally, that comment is astute — agreeing with his own observation. So much luxury, and yet the 'House' has clearly taken care to divide them all by some level of worth and value. The suit is a mark of ownership, and the ranking system only serves to create a very deliberate hierarchy. It's revolting.]
You can call me Sunday. [Stepping across, he takes a seat at the breakfast table where their dishes are covered to keep warm.] You're new here as well, then. Another 'Wildcard'. I haven't spoken with too many of us, but it's apparent to me that we're part of some... ongoing cycle of guests.
[He hesitates, then decides it's fine enough to share his thoughts.]
They must want to keep the clientele as fresh as possible. Stagnancy is dull. People would grow bored and unsatisfied.
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The introduction is appreciated and thankfully, "Sunday" isn't a word where he's from so he has no intention of commenting on it. It's just the man's name as far as he's concerned. He'll follow to the table, sitting across from Sunday and listening to him speak. Yes, they're both Wildcards. He wonders when he'll get his designation, what it might be.
A hum, thoughtful, in response while he uncovers a plate. It's not a breakfast he's familiar with. Eggs, yes, but what is this bread thing? It looks like a dessert. (It's French Toast.) ]
It's all hedonism, seeing how far they can push. From what I can tell, the yin energy here is in abundance and the ghosts relish in it. It would take an immense amount of power to flush it all out, so it's probably been like this for years.
[ A shrug and he takes a bite of bacon. It reminds him of Yi City, in a way, and just how mired in yin energy it was. The fact that the ghosts here aren't in hiding, aren't afraid of the people but feed off of them instead, interact with them consistently — it's enough to know that this is their domain and the guests here are just guests. ]
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Sunday's eyes glance over at those words. If he's noticed this man's keen attention, he doesn't comment on it. They are still strangers, but he hasn't sensed any ulterior intent... apart from that brazen flirtation.]
Yin energy? I'm not familiar. [The Xianzhou Alliance comes to mind, but he's never visited one of those ships.] Could you tell me more about that? And these... ghosts, as you say. They are real entities?
[Rather than digging into the meal, Sunday pours himself some tea. He is meticulous and a slow eater, lean from many missed meals and a busy schedule.]
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At the question, Wei Wuxian reminds himself that this is a different world, with different customs and terminology. He had to explain cultivation earlier, it's no surprise that he has to explain yin energy as well. ]
Yin energy is the opposite of yang energy. They're both spiritual forces that make up the world around us. Yin represents the night, shadows, femininity, the dead, things like that. Yang is the sun, masculinity, the living, so on and so forth. Ghosts are made of yin energy, they also exude it. Back in my world, one could harness these energies for power or skill.
And the ghosts here are definitely real. I've interacted with a few of them already, though haven't gotten anything useful out of them. They seem to just be... present and non malicious. The hands that were encouraging people to go the party, for instance, those were ghosts.
[ After he finishes speaking, he'll cut a piece of the french toast off with his fork and pop it in his mouth, looking thoughtful as he assesses the taste. ]
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So yin and yang energy are direct opposites... And the ghosts are manifestations of yin. That's interesting.
[Information repeated, mostly to ensure he understands. He's open to correction. Though, the mention of those hands from earlier causes his brow to wrinkle — it's not a pleasant memory.]
Encouraging is one word for it. [We hated it, thanks!] I haven't interacted with any of these ghosts, but I'm not sensitive to such forces, so more likely I missed them. If it wouldn't trouble you, I'd like you to introduce me to one. [He watches Wei Wuxian take a bite of the dessert.] Is it good?
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Exactly, you've got it.
[ He laughs a little at the furrow of Sunday's brow, able to tell immediately that he didn't like those ghosts interference at all. Fair enough, fair enough. When you're not used to the spirits, things like this can be quite uncomfortable. ]
No problem. There's a lot of ghosts here with lower yin energy that I can put under my command easily, which would make it easy to have them show themselves to you. The stronger ghosts, I'm still trying to figure them out. This, ah, "House" is definitely an entity of its own as well.
[ And then as Sunday asks after the french toast, he nods. ]
A little dry but good. [ He doesn't know what syrup is. ] Savory in a way I didn't expect.
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Savory? He picks at a corner of his own toast, chewing on it neatly.]
I think this glaze is meant to go on top. [A hand reaches for the small pouring dish, drizzling it over the bread.] It's similar to a dessert I've had before with honey.
[Since the French probably(??) don't exist in his universe...]
You're able to control ghosts? That seems like a powerful ability to possess, and particularly useful in this place if we're surrounded by yin energy.
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He looks curiously at Sunday as he pours the glaze over his bread and when he sets it down, Wei Wuxian will reach out and take the glaze as well, mimicking the action. ]
Might as well try it.
[ You say that now................
Anyway, Wei Wuxian gives a slight smile at the response to his abilities. No abject horror is a plus. Thank god for small mercies. ]
Ghosts, the undead in general. It's a skill I've picked up over the years and mastered. You're right though, it'll be useful around here. I didn't expect it, but I can't complain.
[ He takes another bite of french toast and — oh! ]
Ohh, it's much better with the glaze.
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Glazes like this are just sugar diluted by water. I've seen other desserts with it already included, often of different colors: pink, yellow, orange... but they all taste good and add texture to the food.
[Why does he sound nostalgic? Anyway.]
You didn't expect such a skill would be useful? Does that mean there aren't ghosts in your own world, or that they are rarer?
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But then Sunday's question comes and he hums around a mouthful of french toast, chewing and then swallowing before answering. ]
The reverse, actually. There's plenty of ghosts and undead where I come from, but when I woke up here, I didn't expect it to be useful. Then I took a look around the place and realized so many entities here are ghosts, that my skills wouldn't go to waste. Even if I don't do anything useful with them, it's nice to know that my abilities are still intact.
[ He's sure there are people here working to solve the mystery of this place. He'd like to get involved, of course, but he also knows some people have apprehension when it comes to commanding the undead. So, who knows how much his assistance will be welcome? ]
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[For some reason, Sunday is struck by a kind of melancholy to hear that explanation, even if it's an illogical reaction. Of course there would be the deceased in other worlds — it takes only a step further to understand such places must also have their own hardships, and suffering, endured in that journey from life to death. He's quiet for a long moment, gaze down on his plate of food he's only picked at, until he recognizes his silence might be interpreted poorly and brings himself to speak again.]
I suppose if these ghosts might have to linger somewhere, it should be a realm of luxury instead of misery. But you're right. I hadn't thought that our abilities could be affected. Earlier I met a man who claimed he was a wizard, and it seemed he was capable of magic, though I didn't investigate to what extent. There are so many of us here... I have to wonder what else others can do.
[He leans back in his chair, posture-perfect.]
Do you believe this place is dangerous?
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A ... wizard? But if he could do magic, wouldn't that make him more of a cultivator? Hm. Different worlds, different names, he supposes.
He's about to comment on the idea of so many different abilities being here when Sunday poses that question instead and he's caught, pausing with bacon halfway to his mouth as he tries to come up with an answer.
Mostly because his initial answer is the obvious — I'm more dangerous.
But no, that wouldn't do and there are rules to the way this world work he might not be privy to. If this was his world, he'd be the apex predator. But it's not, and he's not. So, he considers as he takes a bite of that bacon. ]
I think... leaving anything as supernatural as the entity that is this place to roam free like it's done, to let it grow and fester and become as powerful as it is? It's dangerous, no matters its intent. If something like this appeared in my world, a cultivator would have put it down before it grew this large. Now, we're on the defensive, because this is its domain and we're just living in it.
So, yes. It's dangerous, because it has to be, because there's no other option.
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As little as he knows about ghosts, there is something ominous in Wei Wuxian's assertion. Cultivator may be another new term for him as well, but in the context of everything else described, he can assume it is some occupation to keep that excessive yin energy in check. So the danger he suspected is real.]
I've been wondering... since those ghost 'hands' forced many of us to attend that party against our will, if there might be other — more insidious — goals in mind. As you said, we are in its domain. It has control over us here.
[Bro relax, having sex is not evil.]
Even more reason to have you introduce me to one of them. Please let me know when you're finished eating. [Says the one who has barely touched his food...] I'd like to look into it sooner than later.
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So, he can be both things — a silly guy and someone who knows how the world works. He hopes to be both things, he has lost his joie de vivre before as the Yiling Patriarch and he has fought hard to get it back.
He finishes the french toast he was eating then, picking up a piece of bacon to bite into it as Sunday speaks. He chews, listens, swallows. That isn't an... unfair assessment but Wei Wuxian does wonder, with the amount of people who have been living here for a while, what will they be able to figure out that the others haven't?
Still, the man wants to see ghosts and Wei Wuxian can introduce him to some ghosts. ]
Mm, well. From what I can tell there are something like living corpses here — people who have long since died but don't realize it. But usually they're in their actual corpse, rotting away. There's no rot here, they seem fine from a distance and it's only after sensing their energy and looking a bit closer that it's clear they're not... living.
There are also fractured spirits here. Like the ghost hands. No full bodies, just embodiments of parts with their own intentions. I would need more time to understand the types of entities I'm able to summon here but if you want, I can call something more basic now. Have it do something for you.
[ It would be no issue for him, though he doesn't know what he'd command it to do, thus the statement. ]
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Perhaps if he had to wake up next to anyone, then it's better they don't know who he is. He doesn't need to behave any particular way. Wei Wuxian has no expectations of him.]
Yes, I'd like that. I wouldn't want you to go to the trouble of anything extravagant, either. Just... whatever is easiest for you.
[His desires shouldn't become a burden upon someone else.]
I did have one question first. Do you know how these ghosts might react to — ah, mental interfence? There might be a better word to use. ... Do you have any insight into how the minds of these ghosts work?
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He eats his bacon and looks contemplative in response to Sunday's question. Well, if he was home, that'd be an easy thing to do — simple. But he's not and he doesn't know how it works here, so he might as well give the warning. ]
There's a skill I know. Empathy. You allow the ghost to possess you to relive their memories when they were alive and they can show you their story. What they want you to see. It's a dangerous skill though because if you're not careful, the ghost will possess you fully and won't give your body back.
While most ghosts aren't fully cognizant of what they're doing, they have impulses they follow, sometimes malicious sometimes not. It all really comes from how they died and how they've come back as well. So their minds are not always all there. It takes a lot of skill to bring back someone's consciousness when they're already dead. Not impossible, but a whole lotta work.
[ Which, well, he's done. But he's only done it the one time, only needed the one person to come back. ]
Er, I should also make it clear — this is how they work where I come from. Chances are it might be different here? I have no idea if the dead works the same across different worlds.
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After all, the dead is a territory he's never trespassed, and Wei Wuxian confirms that quickly.]
That's true. It might be better to be cautious, then. I apologize for my impatience — perhaps we should try another time.
[He can't be making demands of someone who has only just woken up, even if it was... in bed with him. Even if they're sitting across a breakfast table from each other.]
I don't want to put you at risk. [Sometimes, I fear that I've forgotten — his mind closes on the thought.] You've been genuine with me, and you're enduring the reality of this place all the same. Though perhaps you're handling certain aspects of it... better than I. It doesn't matter. You can have the room, after we've finished eating.
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No risk at all, I do this all the time. I probably won't do Empathy right now, we can save that for later, but I can summon a ghost and see what we can make it do.
[ Another bite of bacon before he makes any attempt and then he follows up, to clarify. ]
Also, you don't have to give up the room to me just because. I'm enjoying your company and answering your questions, it's nice to be around someone else who is getting adjusted to all this too.
[ Then — ]
Okay. A ghost. Do you want them to do something specific? It's easier if I command it to do something.
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But — enjoying his company? That seems a little far. They haven't been speaking for long enough to form a judgment about him, good or bad, and all that truly bonds them is their newness and unfamiliarity. Yet he doesn't mind hearing it.]
Nothing... offensive. I don't want to upset them.
[Is that even possible? He doesn't know how sentient the ghost would be.]
Perhaps a simple task? Pouring some of the tea, or cutting the loaf of bread they gave us to share.
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But the request is easy enough to meet and he considers, reaches out with his senses to see what he can call.
Then, he whistles. Slow and melodic, he imbues it with the command serve us and waits then for something to respond to his call.
It doesn't take long until a black fog like spirit slips through underneath the door, chilling the room drastically and darkening the space around them, making the lights flicker. There's the sound of a malicious sort of laughter, faraway almost, and the aura of the room becomes a bit treacherous. Ghostly hands reach out from the blackness to... do what Sunday asked for. Pours them both tea, sets it up, slices the bread easily and serves them.
Wei Wuxian, meanwhile, doesn't look bothered by this at all. He sips the tea after it's served and responds with a cheery — ]
Thank you!
[ But the malicious ghost hanging in the air doesn't disappear just yet, as Wei Wuxian hasn't commanded it to. Instead, he looks at Sunday and raises an eyebrow. ]
I can ask it to become corporeal if you want, but there's no telling what it is. It seems to just be a spirit that haunts the place. Which makes sense as I wasn't looking for anyone specific.
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So there's still some tension in him, that malevolence unlike anything he's felt in the shadow of either the Harmony or the Order, but it eases as soon as black-smoke hands reach to pour them tea.
Such a miraculous sight. A ghostly phantom bent to this man's will as one might coax a puppet. Naturally, his mind wonders how this could be abused, and if so... how would a deceased spirit experience that wrong?]
Oh. [It takes him a minute to stop staring in awe once addressed, lashes flickering. First, to the spirit, mirroring Wei Wuxian —] Thank you. [And he gathers the cup of tea into his own hands, feeling its pleasant warmth.]
Does that mean it could be dangerous if it becomes corporeal? Is it... more of a person, aware of its past life?
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There's a tilt of his head as Sunday asks the right questions and Wei Wuxian considers how to answer, sipping his own tea in the process. ]
It depends on how much resentful energy it carries. Most dead have resentful energy, it's just the nature of being dead. It could be a more malevolent ghost or more of a playful ghost. That definitely is dependent on its past life, yeah!
So far, I haven't seen any dangerous ghosts here at the resort. [ No cannibalizing creatures of terror, for instance. ] I'm not sure they haunt this place. But I wouldn't count it out either, I just don't know enough to say yet.
Which is why I've only summoned the more energy focused ones since I got here, like this one. I've kept my cultivation low, trying not to overextend myself because if I call for something too malicious, there's a chance I won't be able to control it.
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