【 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.
[Imagine, not wanting to tell the guy making a habit of saying strange and unpleasant things about your trade secrets....]
[But it's because they understand the same world, or at least a similar one, that Matoba predicts that he can act that way and still ask these questions of Wei Wuxian without too much worry. Indeed: a mage is too obvious to be anything but a mage, no matter their particular circumstances. And they're all damn weirdos.]
I'm familiar with the basics, [He agrees, a mumble over his croissant. Cultivation... That was the origins of onmyouji practices, though he knows little about what, if any modern state it existed in. He tears off a bite and chews thoughtfully for a moment, and after he swallows, adds,] In the past, our clans and those with magic such as yours were far more separate. Nowadays, with most of those families no longer in business, we exorcists tend to come into possession of their remnants, and make use of what we can.
[Time and differences in culture might separate the exacts, but Matoba is certain that the foundations would be similar enough to recognize. And that means it is something he can use.]
...Well. That's how it is for everyone, though. [He adds as an afterthought, and his eye lands back on Wei Wuxian's with a coy smile.] But I disagree that we can't trade. Around here, such abilities are quite useful. Have you noticed, yet? What kind of place this is.
[ Matoba's assessment isn't wrong, even with Wei Wuxian's trepidation, he's not ... not going to tell him things. He just knows that there are certain things that even in his world, he should keep to himself. Infamy is fine there, but he doesn't want his reputation to follow him here.
Still, Matoba's answer is interesting, has Wei Wuxian curious despite himself. Our clans, he says. Exorcist he says next and that's something he's familiar with. A practice that deals with the dead, but not in the way he does. More they drive out the malicious ghosts than use them for their own purposes.
... Interesting. This man might be incredibly useful to him, he realizes.
The question comes, what kind of place this is and Wei Wuxian is tempted to make a coy remark about how it's a degenerate's fantasy but. He doesn't think that's what Matoba is asking. He eats his bacon, he looks back at him for a long moment before he lifts a hand to push some hair out of his face and answers simply — ]
It's haunted. The supernatural controls this place, the dead make their living here, the yin energy is immense and suffocating. It plays on the idea of just being focused on sex and that's it but even I can tell, in a few days time, there has to be more to it than that. The dead don't hang around for no reason, not in a place like this. Something's keeping them here.
[Speaking of, it remains strange to him every time it happens in this place: when Wei Wuxian doesn't hear 'exorcist', doesn't see the bullseye-like eyepatch over his right eye, and immediately understand who he is, doesn't immediately balk at the idea of trusting him, like most do when learning they are faced with a Matoba. Very beneficial for him, no doubt, and so he never looks this particular gift horse in the mouth. Contact with the strange and unnatural may breed strange and unnatural behavior, but just as much of it was self-inflicted.]
[After all, being in the business of exorcising ayakashi never stopped the Matoba from making use of the ones they can.]
Haha, those ghoulish resort guests wandering the halls are an interesting bunch, hm? Most of them don't seem to realize they're dead. [Matoba grins, brightly vicious and pleased with Wei Wuxian's assessment, and leans back to finish the croissant off. He crunches it down, and then flicks his tongue out between his lips to lick away at some of the crumbs on his fingertips between lightly muffled commentary.] A realm where humans are spirited away and slowly drained until they become ghosts themselves...... There are old stories like this, where I am from, but this is on another scale.
[Finished stuffing his gullet, Matoba brushes the remaining flakes of the croissant off of his lap. Mostly onto the floor. Sorry not sorry, housekeeping, but you should have visited his poor basement room more often.]
[ No, Wei Wuxian does not recognize the name, the eyepatch, nothing like that. But in the same vein, he doubts Matoba will know the name Wei Wuxian when he finally introduces himself. They've gone this long without exchanging names though, what's a few more minutes?
He watches him finish his bread, not familiar with what a croissant is, and tilts his head in understanding. That's a familiar enough story to him too, but he didn't expect the reality of it. Though, there's no saying that's actually what's happening here either — just the most likely.
What are you going to do Matoba asks and Wei Wuxian looks thoughtful, licking some of the bacon grease off his fingers when he's finished with the strip he's eating. ]
Mm, nothing yet. I don't know enough about this place to do anything. Yin energy isn't inherently malicious, and if the ghosts here really only care about, well, sex, then what's wrong with that?
No, just like you, I'd like to know how this would benefit me as well.
[Despite the absurdity of their situation, the atmosphere in the room has become very business-like. Matoba has become accustomed to that in the now year that he has been in this resort, putting aside over-familiarity as a necessary element of adapting. The intentions of monsters can be debated, with or without underwear.]
[Something in Wei Wuxian's reply catches Matoba's interest, from the way his eye alights with it, but in replying, he doesn't yet draw attention to it.]
Aaah? Well, there is after all the promise of this game's winner. A single "wish" granting the desire of whoever gains every card.... That has been a subject of much debate amongst players, but at least we have some evidence that it isn't merely a ruse.
I'll tell you this, [Matoba prefaces first, with his spritely and mischievous air returning to him in full force. Reading between the lines: not every hint is free.] There are past winners among the resort's denizens.
...Haha, of course, every whim granted by spirits isn't without cost, is it...?
[ ... Oh. Now that's interesting. Wei Wuxian hasn't learned much about the game 52 other than passing mentions of it, and he knows enough to know that the goal is to gain every card. But the idea of a wish, that's something he can't help but be intrigued by.
Does he have a wish though? He's made his peace with his past mistakes, he doesn't want to go back and rewrite them. It might be nice to have his old body back again, but this body is working just fine too. Hm, he'd really have to think on it. ]
You're not wrong. The power to grant any wish, that's powerful magic and not something I think I'd trust. Not really.
[ So, he doesn't want the wish, he thinks. Maybe? Hm, he wishes Lan Wangji were here so he could talk to him about what he should do. Play the game or not...? ]
Do you want to tell me who's won or will I have to go find out these people myself?
[Matoba's smile tilts, approving and coy, at Wei Wuxian's response. Those who knew the natures of gods and spirits knew not to trust promises of power so lightly.]
I have been here for about a year's observable time, for what little reference we have of it. There is quite a bit to this realm and its exact nature that I and others I have discussed with do not yet have a full picture of, but the best and most sensible guess is that, in some way, our presence is adding to its power. Whether by being drained of it ourselves, or something that is generated by the "activities" that it so wants us to engage in.
I have my own ideas, of course. But that is not to say that the promise of "a wish" seems impossible. Merely that what form it takes will surely not be without a cost.
...As to those that have been here... [Matoba seems to chew on Wei Wuxian's request a moment, as if weighing in his mind what he'd like to give up.] There is something like a phantom bar. "Roost". You won't find it easily, nor its boss. But sometimes, he likes to come to us. Perhaps you'll come across him in a good mood. Bring a token of value to pay- or play- your dues with.
The other one is easier to find, but much harder to get anything useful from. I hope you like to eat.
[Satisfied with his answers, Matoba rolls up from his seat on the edge of the bed. The robe is loose enough that it falls in a loose drape over the lines of his body, and gapes a little to show an upper body far more trained than the rest of him when he raises his teacup to knock back what was remaining in the bottom. Drained, he drops it with a clatter back onto the serving cart, for room service to do what they will with it when they come to clean up the mess.]
Whether there is truly any victory to be had or not is something we will have to discover for ourselves, I think. But for the time being, I intend to amass resources. After all, it is better to have than have not.
[Matoba stands in the open space between the bed and the rest of the room, and deliberately considers Wei Wuxian. Someone skilled in reading and manipulating energy flows would be extremely useful to keep close- whatever form that might take. He ought to keep this one in mind... and maybe, figure out what that strange, negative energy about him was.]
For formality's sake- not that it means much here- Matoba Seiji, the current head of the Matoba clan of exorcists. We specialize in purification and extermination. If my business interests you, let's chat when you have a proper card.
[ That's a lot of information to take in and it's clear Wei Wuxian is listening and chewing on it, trying to digest it. It's not a clear answer to his question, he still doesn't have names but it's something. Something to look into.
He agrees with the assessment too. He hasn't been here long but he knows that's the result he would've landed on as well. So, he just nods his head and listens.
But at the end, it feels like Matoba is ending this conversation and Wei Wuxian is fine with that. He'll introduce himself and go about his business as well. He's learned a lot in this little interaction. ]
Wei Wuxian. [ He doesn't say anything else. Refuses to use the title Yiling Patriarch here when no one knows it. They can just know his name and that's it. ] I'll definitely come seek you out when I have a card, Matoba-gongzi.
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peacockstop2025-01-15 09:00 pm
no subject
[But it's because they understand the same world, or at least a similar one, that Matoba predicts that he can act that way and still ask these questions of Wei Wuxian without too much worry. Indeed: a mage is too obvious to be anything but a mage, no matter their particular circumstances. And they're all damn weirdos.]
I'm familiar with the basics, [He agrees, a mumble over his croissant. Cultivation... That was the origins of onmyouji practices, though he knows little about what, if any modern state it existed in. He tears off a bite and chews thoughtfully for a moment, and after he swallows, adds,] In the past, our clans and those with magic such as yours were far more separate. Nowadays, with most of those families no longer in business, we exorcists tend to come into possession of their remnants, and make use of what we can.
[Time and differences in culture might separate the exacts, but Matoba is certain that the foundations would be similar enough to recognize. And that means it is something he can use.]
...Well. That's how it is for everyone, though. [He adds as an afterthought, and his eye lands back on Wei Wuxian's with a coy smile.] But I disagree that we can't trade. Around here, such abilities are quite useful. Have you noticed, yet? What kind of place this is.
no subject
Still, Matoba's answer is interesting, has Wei Wuxian curious despite himself. Our clans, he says. Exorcist he says next and that's something he's familiar with. A practice that deals with the dead, but not in the way he does. More they drive out the malicious ghosts than use them for their own purposes.
... Interesting. This man might be incredibly useful to him, he realizes.
The question comes, what kind of place this is and Wei Wuxian is tempted to make a coy remark about how it's a degenerate's fantasy but. He doesn't think that's what Matoba is asking. He eats his bacon, he looks back at him for a long moment before he lifts a hand to push some hair out of his face and answers simply — ]
It's haunted. The supernatural controls this place, the dead make their living here, the yin energy is immense and suffocating. It plays on the idea of just being focused on sex and that's it but even I can tell, in a few days time, there has to be more to it than that. The dead don't hang around for no reason, not in a place like this. Something's keeping them here.
no subject
[Speaking of, it remains strange to him every time it happens in this place: when Wei Wuxian doesn't hear 'exorcist', doesn't see the bullseye-like eyepatch over his right eye, and immediately understand who he is, doesn't immediately balk at the idea of trusting him, like most do when learning they are faced with a Matoba. Very beneficial for him, no doubt, and so he never looks this particular gift horse in the mouth. Contact with the strange and unnatural may breed strange and unnatural behavior, but just as much of it was self-inflicted.]
[After all, being in the business of exorcising ayakashi never stopped the Matoba from making use of the ones they can.]
Haha, those ghoulish resort guests wandering the halls are an interesting bunch, hm? Most of them don't seem to realize they're dead. [Matoba grins, brightly vicious and pleased with Wei Wuxian's assessment, and leans back to finish the croissant off. He crunches it down, and then flicks his tongue out between his lips to lick away at some of the crumbs on his fingertips between lightly muffled commentary.] A realm where humans are spirited away and slowly drained until they become ghosts themselves...... There are old stories like this, where I am from, but this is on another scale.
[Finished stuffing his gullet, Matoba brushes the remaining flakes of the croissant off of his lap. Mostly onto the floor. Sorry not sorry, housekeeping, but you should have visited his poor basement room more often.]
.........What are you going to do?
no subject
He watches him finish his bread, not familiar with what a croissant is, and tilts his head in understanding. That's a familiar enough story to him too, but he didn't expect the reality of it. Though, there's no saying that's actually what's happening here either — just the most likely.
What are you going to do Matoba asks and Wei Wuxian looks thoughtful, licking some of the bacon grease off his fingers when he's finished with the strip he's eating. ]
Mm, nothing yet. I don't know enough about this place to do anything. Yin energy isn't inherently malicious, and if the ghosts here really only care about, well, sex, then what's wrong with that?
No, just like you, I'd like to know how this would benefit me as well.
no subject
[Something in Wei Wuxian's reply catches Matoba's interest, from the way his eye alights with it, but in replying, he doesn't yet draw attention to it.]
Aaah? Well, there is after all the promise of this game's winner. A single "wish" granting the desire of whoever gains every card.... That has been a subject of much debate amongst players, but at least we have some evidence that it isn't merely a ruse.
I'll tell you this, [Matoba prefaces first, with his spritely and mischievous air returning to him in full force. Reading between the lines: not every hint is free.] There are past winners among the resort's denizens.
...Haha, of course, every whim granted by spirits isn't without cost, is it...?
no subject
Does he have a wish though? He's made his peace with his past mistakes, he doesn't want to go back and rewrite them. It might be nice to have his old body back again, but this body is working just fine too. Hm, he'd really have to think on it. ]
You're not wrong. The power to grant any wish, that's powerful magic and not something I think I'd trust. Not really.
[ So, he doesn't want the wish, he thinks. Maybe? Hm, he wishes Lan Wangji were here so he could talk to him about what he should do. Play the game or not...? ]
Do you want to tell me who's won or will I have to go find out these people myself?
no subject
I have been here for about a year's observable time, for what little reference we have of it. There is quite a bit to this realm and its exact nature that I and others I have discussed with do not yet have a full picture of, but the best and most sensible guess is that, in some way, our presence is adding to its power. Whether by being drained of it ourselves, or something that is generated by the "activities" that it so wants us to engage in.
I have my own ideas, of course. But that is not to say that the promise of "a wish" seems impossible. Merely that what form it takes will surely not be without a cost.
...As to those that have been here... [Matoba seems to chew on Wei Wuxian's request a moment, as if weighing in his mind what he'd like to give up.] There is something like a phantom bar. "Roost". You won't find it easily, nor its boss. But sometimes, he likes to come to us. Perhaps you'll come across him in a good mood. Bring a token of value to pay- or play- your dues with.
The other one is easier to find, but much harder to get anything useful from. I hope you like to eat.
[Satisfied with his answers, Matoba rolls up from his seat on the edge of the bed. The robe is loose enough that it falls in a loose drape over the lines of his body, and gapes a little to show an upper body far more trained than the rest of him when he raises his teacup to knock back what was remaining in the bottom. Drained, he drops it with a clatter back onto the serving cart, for room service to do what they will with it when they come to clean up the mess.]
Whether there is truly any victory to be had or not is something we will have to discover for ourselves, I think. But for the time being, I intend to amass resources. After all, it is better to have than have not.
[Matoba stands in the open space between the bed and the rest of the room, and deliberately considers Wei Wuxian. Someone skilled in reading and manipulating energy flows would be extremely useful to keep close- whatever form that might take. He ought to keep this one in mind... and maybe, figure out what that strange, negative energy about him was.]
For formality's sake- not that it means much here- Matoba Seiji, the current head of the Matoba clan of exorcists. We specialize in purification and extermination. If my business interests you, let's chat when you have a proper card.
no subject
He agrees with the assessment too. He hasn't been here long but he knows that's the result he would've landed on as well. So, he just nods his head and listens.
But at the end, it feels like Matoba is ending this conversation and Wei Wuxian is fine with that. He'll introduce himself and go about his business as well. He's learned a lot in this little interaction. ]
Wei Wuxian. [ He doesn't say anything else. Refuses to use the title Yiling Patriarch here when no one knows it. They can just know his name and that's it. ] I'll definitely come seek you out when I have a card, Matoba-gongzi.