TDM 01: TAKE 2

[goldmods]

▶ TEST DRIVE 1.0 IS LOCATED HERE
▶ TEST DRIVE 3.0 IS LOCATED HERE
▶ ALL NEW TOP LEVELS SHOULD NOW BE POSTED ON 3.0
▶ ALL CARRIED OVER OLD TOP LEVELS SHOULD BE LINKED, NOT COPY AND PASTED

【 Thank you for choosing the Golden Peacock, 5-Star Resort and Casino. You are currently registered as a WILDCARD in our system.

Unfortunately, due to high demand during the holiday season, we are temporarily unable to check you in to your reserved room. We deeply apologize for the inconvenience. We have arranged for a temporary room while we work on processing your reservation as quickly as possible. We appreciate your understanding during this time.

As a token of our appreciation we have issued 4 CLOTHING VOUCHERS and 4 FOOD VOUCHERS to your account that can be used at many of our locations. Complimentary chips have also been applied to your bank account.

You will be notified as soon as your reservation has been processed. Your comfort and happiness are our utmost priority. We sincerely hope you enjoy your stay. 】

EVENS

EVENS

Soft. Warm. Cozy.

The beep of the Watch is gentle, a considerately low sound when rousing newly arrived wildcards while a small vibration tickles the wrist. Satin sheets slide with the lazy stretch of legs. Bedding shuffles. The room is a comfortable temperature but … for some reason, it’s maybe a touch too warm? And cramped?

As characters rouse from their slumber (or otherwise blink into awareness) they will find that they are now in a shitty resort room. They have been temporarily allocated a rank 2 suite. These suites are small and the twin bed takes up the majority of the space inside. Walkable area is minuscule. There is no decor or window. All characters are naked, wearing only a white terrycloth robe knotted at the waist. No details are given other than the above message and a follow-up message explaining GAME 52.

But perhaps that’s not the most alarming part.

They’re not alone.

All characters will find themselves waking up in pairs. Not only have they woken up in an entirely unknown place, they are pressed up against and/or are cuddling what may potentially be a total stranger. Even if a pair is lucky enough to know one other ... pretty awkward waking up together like this, isn't it?

Due to holiday overbooking all characters are required to share a room while the backlog of reservations are processed. Some of these rank 2 suites may even have three temporary residents if you’re feeling spicy.

The resort is truly sorry that they overbooked during the holiday season. This is unprecedented. They have never before seen the house bring in so many new guests at once. Without even a heads up for the staff. It’s like being middle management isn’t worth it! For the sake of avoiding headaches and customer complaints, wildcards will find that each room has an included a gift basket as an apology for the inconvenience.

GIFT BASKET DELIGHTS (PLEASE DON’T COMPLAIN)

▷ Charming Novelty T-shirts: [ 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 ]
▷ All Natural Body Care
▷ A Luxury Candle
▷ A Box of Holiday Cookies
▷ 12-Pack of Resort Branded Health Items

Wildcards that explore outside will find staff running around like frenzied hens. These employees will encourage wildcards to go wash up in the bathroom, a communal space with plenty of free supplies for newcomers. The communal bathroom is a clean area with multiple open showers, sinks, and water closets. Wildcards will find shelves stocked with basic toiletries and clean towels. They will also find other general bathroom amenities available for use like hair dryers, face masks, scrub brushes, combs, razors, toothbrushes, q-tips, and so on.

All facilities inside the communal bathroom aside from the toilets are open concept and there is no separation based on gender (or anything else). Everyone is expected to share.

BATHROOM MISCHIEF

▷ THE SOAP WANTS TO DROP: Soap is slippery, but it seems as though some of the bars are intent on slipping out of hand and onto the floor. Some even shoot across the open concept showers and hit someone else. But how could soap throw itself at someone?! Are you sure you're not just looking for attention?

▷ YOU CAN'T ESCAPE YOURSELF: As the steam from the showers rolls through the bathroom the mirrors begin to fog. Strange enough, fogging the mirrors begins to reveal some kind of message ... and not just any message. Wildcards may discover one of the worst private thoughts they've ever had written out on the mirror for all to see. Hiding it as easy as wiping away the vapor, but you can never really escape your truest thoughts.

▷ SHAM-ME, SHAM-YOU: There are several shampoo scents for wildcards to choose from in the cabinets. One particular formula, Saltmarsh Sparrow, isn't quite like the others. This particular shampoo is designed to pair with the wearer's natural scent. Wildcards may find that they are leaking faint pheromones that incite lust and arousal in potential mates. Use too much shampoo and you may even be affected by your own scent!

▷ YOU, ME, AND THIS COMMUNAL TUB: The communal bathroom also includes a large soaking tub that can accommodate several guests at once. There are scrubbing stones kept around the pool for guest use and jars of mud masks to wear while enjoying a soak. Mud masks will leave even the dullest skin feeling hydrated and fresh—amazing! But... what is this? The very teeny tiny font on the bottom of the jars say, "Mud will not wash off by the same hands that applied it. We recommend finding a partner to apply masks with. Enjoy!"

Some of the staff will pity these poor new guests that have had their reservations pushed out. They will show characters the way to one of the small supply closets that are used by cleaning staff. The closet is small but fully stocked with linens, extra toiletries, pillows, robes, slippers, and yellow Golden Peacock tracksuits in a full range of sizes. They will encourage wildcards to take whatever they want before running off again.

But those that aren’t careful might find themselves in an interesting predicament.

OPEN THIS FUCKING DOOR

▷ Wildcards may find that the closet door will slam closed and lock while they are inside. This will only happen if there are two wildcards inside the closet.

A giggle from the other side of the door is proof that it wasn’t an accident but the voice will not respond to any questions or demands. Only when asked what they need to do to be released will there will be another soft giggle and the demand: “Kiss, kiss, kiss for seven minutes!”

Wildcards who abide by the kissing ghost's rule will be released promptly after seven minutes of kissing. Those that do not will be trapped inside until one of the staff members comes around and unlocks the door.

Wildcards will find that the hallways of the basement are chilly and narrow. Heading to the end of the hallway will reveal a stairwell where they can ascend to check out the main resort. Welcome to the Golden Peacock!

ODDS

ODDS

A bird cries in the distance. Water beads trickle down chilled flesh. Itch itch itch—something pokes your bare ass.

The beep of the Watch is as gentle as it was for the new arrivals that didn’t wake up on the cold hard ground but the sound blends into the rustle of leaves and the gurgle of the river. Unlike their luckier colleagues, some wildcards have unexpectedly woken up in the middle of lush vegetation. Oops! That was a miscalculation. No details are given other than the above message and a follow-up message explaining GAME 52.

Wildcards that wake up in the Vale will be completely naked and without a resort robe to cover up. Lost amid thick bushes, mushroom clusters, and towering trees, it doesn't feel like they're in a resort at all. Isn't this a rainforest? By all accounts, this is a rainforest.

Those that wake in the Vale will have to make their way through the rainforest to find the exit. Really, so unexpected! This was not what we had in our system at all. It must be overloaded from high demand. Our apologies. Please don't complain.

LOST IN THE VALE

▷ The Vale is the only area in the resort that has simulated weather. Wildcards in the Vale may experience thunderstorms, windstorms, and light rain showers. Those who don't find their way out by night hours will find themselves plunged into darkness, with the bioluminescent mushrooms their only source of light.

▷ There are small caves and caverns throughout the Vale. There is overhead connected netting throughout the trees that may make travel easier for those agile enough to get up there. A river with fresh water runs throughout the entirety of the Vale.

▷ There are real birds living in the Vale. These birds find newcomers very interesting and like to swoop and peck if they see a good opportunity to bully. They are easily frightened off but quick to return if someone is particularly reactive.

▷ The Vale is very moist at ground level so mud and sinkholes are common. There are scattered stone and wood-plank pathways but for the most part the set-up is very natural.

Laughter rings throughout the forest. Footsteps echo. Branches snap. There are other people around aside from you naked newbies. If eavesdropped upon, wildcards may pick up on what these guests are cawing about. It sounds like they’re playing some kind of game.

Wildcards that wake up in the Vale may unwittingly stumble into one of the resort’s popular roleplaying games: Sexy Hunter 💕 and 💕 Sexier Prey.

There are numerous booby traps set around the forest. The goal of the game is to trap your prey and take them home for kinky fun and these guests weren't expecting newbies to suddenly drop in! The traps won’t hurt anyone but they will put them in some embarrassing positions.

SEXY? TRAPS

▷ CAGE: A lofted wooden cage. This trap is triggered when the prey crosses a hidden tripwire. The cage will fall from above and enclose the prey if they are not quick enough to evade. The cage is heavy and difficult to move. Escapable if the prey is strong enough or if someone lends assistance.

▷ HANGING NET: Netting hidden on the ground by leaves or moss. Stepping into the net area will trigger the trap into pulling up and capturing its prey in lofted bundle. Escapable if the prey manages to cut through the net or if someone lends assistance and breaks the pully rope.

▷ MUD PIT: A deep hole hidden on the ground by leaves, moss, or carefully placed bushes. Prey will fall into the hole once stepping into it. Depths may reach 6 - 7 feet so prey cannot climb out on their own. Escapable for those with good agility or if someone lends assistance.

▷ ANKLE SNARE: A rope loop hidden beneath leaves, moss, or other craftily laid vegetation. This trap is triggered when the prey steps into the snare. Rope will tighten around the prey's ankle to keep them in place. This trap may remain on the ground or loft the prey so that they're hanging upside-down from a tree. Escapable for those who can cut the rope or if someone lends assistance.

After braving the elements and surviving booby traps, these wildcards may finally find civilization. The lounge pagoda where many of the long-standing guests are hanging out and enjoying drinks is comfortable and connected to a bathroom where characters can themselves clean up. In contrast to the naked muddy wildcards, the guests on the pagoda are dressed in trendy and elaborate clothing.

They stare at the newly arrived nude wildcards before breaking into shouts of glee and approval.

“Yes, brilliant idea, it’s a naked party! Whoohoo! Come on everyone. Take your clothes off. All of them! Naked party, naked party, naked party!”

These NPCs will shed their clothing and begin to skinnydip in the pools and river. They will chase each other—and wildcards! Wildcards will find themselves surrounded by an orgy. They will encourage wildcards to join in on the fun and offer them food and drink to get into the mood.

IT'S AN ORGY Y'ALL

▷ FINDERS KEEPERS: None of the long-standing guests are paying attending to the clothes they've stripped off. Some of these clothing items may even have small items in the pockets, like a zippo lighter and cigarettes. Wildcards that dare to snatch clothes or items most likely won't be caught ... but if a guest does catch them, what are they gonna do other than give chase? If you're fast enough it's all yours.

▷ FREE LUNCH IS NEVER FREE: All of the food and drink offered by the guests on the pagoda is spiked with aphrodisiac. Intensity varies from a very slight amount to a full dose, at player discretion. Regardless of potency, wildcards will find that effects do not last long.

▷ MOVE OVER, BUB: The bathroom in the pagoda is small, comfortably fitting two at best. There is a shower with a limited amount of hot water available. The gauge will show as the amount of hot water declines. Once the hot water runs out wildcards can only use ice cold water to wash off the mud. It would be effective to shower together, wouldn't it?

▷ WHO STARTED THIS PARTY: Pagoda guests will become wilder as the party goes on. Wildcards may end up voyeur to guests having sex out in the open. Some guests will try to match up with wildcards or try to match wildcards simply because they would look good together. Particularly frisky guests will playfully chase wildcards around. Good luck, newbie!

Wildcards will find the exit out to the central hub and elevator bank behind the pagoda. Welcome to the Golden Peacock!

NOTES

PROMPT NOTES

▶ Characters will wake up in either a rank 2 room or in the Vale. We ask that you pick one arrival for your character for consistency sake. If you can't choose we suggest using an RNG and letting it pick evens or odds.
▶ Characters in the Vale do have a room assignment as well. They can eventually find their way there after their journey, the poor things.
▶ All characters have been issued four food and four clothing vouchers. These vouchers are as good as money around the resort.
▶ Players should mod random NPCs as they like.
▶ All subprompts are suggestions. We encourage players to get creative! Do whatever your little hearts desire.

MAIN LOBBY

MAIN LOBBY

The Peacock is buzzing with excitement! The massive main lobby is especially spectacular with golden streamers, dazzling lanterns, glittering ornaments, and cheerful music. There doesn’t seem to be one particular holiday being celebrated with the general theme being winter and holiday. An amalgamate like this resort simply couldn’t select one thing and had to go for everything (more is always better). The hallways and aisles are packed with streams of guests in ostentatious outfits. One can’t swing a cat without hitting someone*.

*No cats were harmed in the making of this TDM. We love cats.

There are sprigs of mistletoe above many of the hallways and doors. Surprisingly, the mistletoe have no supernatural abilities whatsoever, but guests that spy two people beneath the mistletoe together will point and demand they kiss. It’s tradition. Don’t be a downer during the festive season. Succumb to the peer pressure.

Hallways are also decorated with vases of poinsettia flowers. Nothing is amiss about these flowers during day hours, but during late night hours they will pick themselves up and trade vases with each other.

They are polite flowers and try to change when there are no guests around but don’t always manage to do it discreetly. Wildcards may notice something gold glinting in the roots of the scrambling poinsettias. Wildcards who manage to grab these flowers and comb through their roots can collect a simple gold ring (along with shivers of, iyaaaa, we just met, so bold).

5 GOLD RINGS GAME

▷ The poinsettias are changing vases! Hey, they like to be fashionable too. Wildcards may notice something gold glinting in their roots as they dart across the floor to the next pot.

▷ Poinsettias are quick and clever. They will dodge, hide, and use bystanders as shields to avoid being caught. Once they’re in their new vase they cannot be taken out. They’re very stubborn.

▷ Poinsettias that are startled may give off a spurt of strong aroma. Wildcards that inhale this scent may break out into a rash. The cure is to climax/orgasm, which will get rid of the rash immediately. It may last up to a week otherwise. An embarrassed poinsettia may offer this explanation, apologetic for doing the flower equivalent of farting in your face.

▷ Gold rings can be retrieved from their roots. Taking these rings is harmless to them but they will be a bit bummed since these rings granted them the ability to scurry around. Please be kind and deposit them into a vase so they are not left stranded on the resort floor!

▷ Each ring collected may have either a slight charm or slight curse. A ring will either grant a brief boost to physical ability (charm) or drain physical ability (curse). Rings are single time use and will become plain gold rings after a brief use period. Players are welcome to choose if the rings they collect are charmed or cursed.

Birdbucks is likewise getting into the winter spirit. Despite there being no weather in the resort they are offering seasonal hot drinks! Prices aren’t any cheaper than usual but the quality is better than their standard coffee. They are offering four new delicious new flavors: Buttered Honey Rum Coffee, Peppermint Mocha, Gingerbread Cinnamon Latte, and Rainbow Cookie Cappuccino.

These drinks won’t do anything other than make one wired from all the caffeine, but guests are encouraged to enjoy them around one of the fireplaces set up throughout the main hallways. Many people are snuggling up to the fire while nursing a Birdbucks drink and telling stories. A great way to get to know your fellow guests! Each fireplace is surrounded with festive cushions, beanbags, pillows, and blankets.

"Have you all heard about the Peacock’s annual wish tradition? No? I’m an old-timer around here, let me tell you … see those little jars hanging amongst the lights? You’re supposed to write down your heart’s desire on a piece of paper and stick it into the jar. Then, take a match and light it on fire. They say if you do that you’ll get your desire within the next 12 months. Me? I’m wishing for an older babe, a high rank babe, to become my sugar momma… what, doing it together with someone? Sure. They say that if you do it with someone you’ll have a fated connection forevermore. So don’t do it with someone you don’t like, hah!"

Wildcards will find that that loud guest isn’t lying. Many small glass jars hang alongside the fairy lights and there are multiple tables with paper, pens, and matches.

Guests are scribbling down their desires and stuffing them into the jars, watching with glee as the lit paper crumbles to ash. Couples who put their desires in the same jar are said to have a fated connection forever after so many couples can be found following the tradition. Nothing happens right away ... but who knows? It may prove to be true later.

RED CARDINAL

RED CARDINAL

Those looking to escape from the crowds will find respite in Red Cardinal. Despite being busier than usual, this particular bar remains serene with guests calmly enjoying food and drink. The decorations are minimal with a few red hanging paper lanterns. The proprietress, a handsome woman in her forties, works the bar while watching all guests with an eagle eye. Guests can be loud and out of control in the hallways; they aren’t going to behave that way in her bar.

Due to limited space, all wildcards that come alone looking for a meal will be seated at a two-top table with another wildcard. The menu for the holiday season is preset. All dishes are cooked by the proprietress's own hands, so the aroma has the comforting spice of homemade. She fully expects these wildcards to eat every single morsel. To leave any dish with scraps would offend her.

"Full? What do you mean, full? Look at you. You're so thin! Eat up, don't leave anything behind. Is my food not good enough? What's wrong with it?"

Guests that do not manage to finish the entire holiday spread will be bullied into washing dishes in the kitchen. The amount of dishes to be washed is massive. There is no dishwasher so it must all be done by hand. Wildcards sent to kitchen duty will not be allowed to leave until every dish is scrubbed clean. It's the least they can do after insulting her cooking by leaving food on the plate.

RED CARDINAL’S HOMEMADE HOLIDAY MENU

▷ Shrimp and Leek Dumplings; Vegetable Dumplings
▷ Squid Kebabs with Oyster Sauce
▷ Spicy Crawfish Pot (🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️)
▷ Rice Noodles served with Sour Beans, Peanuts, Bamboo Shoots, and Shallots
▷ Hand-Pulled Noodles, Thin Beef, Boiled Egg served in Fish Broth
▷ Steamed Crab
▷ Carp with Sichuan Pickles
▷ Kung Pao Chicken (🌶️)
▷ Spicy Beef in Hot Oil (🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️)
▷ Shredded Pork with Garlic Sauce (🌶️)
▷ Red Braised Pork
▷ Sweet and Sour Ribs
▷ Mapo Tofu (🌶️🌶️)
▷ Twice-Cooked Pork Slices
▷ Hot and Sour Glass Noodles (🌶️🌶️🌶️)
▷ Fried Eggs with Tomatoes
▷ Roast Duck
▷ Egg Fried Rice
▷ Lotus Root and Rib Soup
▷ Glutinous Rice Balls
▷ Green Dumplings
▷ Steamed Pea Flour Cake
▷ Osmanthus Cake
▷ Mung Bean Cake
▷ Egg-Yolk Puff
▷ Dragon's Beard Candy
▷ Steamed Creamy Custard Buns
▷ Rice Dumplings

Guests that decide to skip the food and set up at the bar will find dozens of sealed wine jars. The proprietress will share that these wines are her personal make that she only offers once a year. She has not labeled the effects of these wines for her own personal amusement. Guests who wish to purchase a jug must select one based on the name written label, without knowing what may have been added into the mix.

Red Cardinal has all the other usual options as well. They carry basic spirits, beer, and other no-fuss drinks. Characters may also order small bar snacks like nuts and chips.

RED CARDINAL’S HOMEMADE WINE

▷ SWEET OSMANTHUS: A sweet wine with notes of apricot and plum. A healthy dollop of the butterflies one feels during first love has been blended in to evoke an even brighter taste on the palate. Drinking Sweet Osmanthus will inspire feelings of love and romance in the drinker.

▷ JAMMY BERRY: A tart wine with notes of blackberry, raspberry, and bayberry. A clever tongue may also taste the unshed tears for those without mourners. Drinking Jammy Berry will compel the drinker to cry. Full on waterworks. You baby.

▷ CHILLED NUT: A mild and nutty wine with notes of chestnut and mint. All that's added to this one is a sprinkle of those bad ideas that always come past 2am. Drinking Chilled Nut will prompt the drinker to confess a secret.

▷ LOTUS TANG: A deep-bodied wine with notes of wood and oak. A cup and a half of blended confidence from "the strongest" men as been liberally whisked in. Drinking Lotus Tang will give the drinker a massive confidence boost and the sense self-importance to match.

All jugs have a high APV. Drink too much and you may end up sleeping on the floor of the bar!

NOTES

PROMPT NOTES

▶ Players can submit five threads where their character collects a gold ring with their application to receive a bonus upon acceptance. Players should include these links beneath their sample with a note that they are for the 5 Gold Ring game.
▶ Players may assume that each poinsettia has two rings in their roots so characters may take one each.
▶ If your character writes down a desire and lights it in a jar please keep in mind what that desire was for the future.
▶ Characters obviously can run away from the proprietress if they don’t finish all their food, but she’ll be on the lookout for you miscreants in the future.
▶ Wines can be mixed and matched to blend effects. RIP to that character.
▶ All subprompts are suggestions. We encourage players to get creative! Fly free.

LOVE DOVE

LOVE DOVE

Love Dove, the resort's largest department store, is running a massive end of the year sale. All items are between 50% - 70% off, which is a massive bargain for those that are tight on chips!

Stepping inside will transport you away from the busy crowds of the main hallways and into several floors of retail magic. Not wanting to be outdone by competitors, Love Dove has pulled out all the stops to impress during the festive season with massive decorations and mannequin set-ups. Large bows and ribbons, boxes done up in shiny paper, trees and candelabras, sparkles sparkles sparkles. There are also several tables set up around the store offering complimentary glasses of wine and chocolate covered strawberries.

Characters will find a section for every kink imaginable in the store. Gaze in wonder upon the wall of strap-ons. Marvel at the wide shade range of the silicone penises. Bask the rainbow of silky lingerie—for both women and men. There are gadgets and gizmos a-plenty, including some design oddities of Love Dove’s own creation that wildcards may never have seen before. The store even has staged areas for guests to try out some of the more elaborate equipment before buying. While it is not encouraged to use anything insertable before buying for hygienic reasons, guests can turn display toys on to test vibration strength and suction power.

Despite being a sex department store, Love Dove also has several departments dedicated to regular clothing and undergarments. Characters will find decent basics like t-shirts, sweatpants, underwear, jackets, jeans, skirts, shoes, and dresses for slashed prices. Don't miss these deals! The sale ends when the winter festivities end.

DRESSING ROOMS

▷ ANONYMOUS FUN: Many of the stalls have strange holes cut into the walls, making it easy to peer into the next room over. However, an astute wildcard may realize that these holes are too big to be peepholes. One may even come to that realization because of an unexpected visitor poking through the hole to say hello.

▷ YOU’D LOOK BETTER IN THIS: The lights in the dressing rooms may flicker on and off during the night. After that blink of darkness, wildcards may find that the clothes they were going to try on have been swapped with something completely different.

▷ FOREBODING: Wildcards may find that their reflection in the mirror is pale and tired. The lips of that reflection will move, a faint flick not noticeable to anyone else around, only to the one looking directly at their own face and knowing they aren't whispering. This reflection will try to warn its original... but will quickly freeze up, unable to get the message out before returning to normal.

At the front of the store there is a temporary section with an elaborate display. Wildcards will find Love Dove promoting masks and feathered costumes. They will hand out fliers inviting all guests the holiday masquerade. Drinks! Food! Dancing! A night that you surely won't forget! New guests simply cannot miss this party. Anyone who is anybody is going to be there.

All those who plan attend the masquerade are required to dress up. In the spirit of the season Love Dove is offering especially good sales on these elaborate costumes. For those with simpler tastes, there are also ballgowns and tuxedos in various prints and colors. The most important article is, of course, the mask.

Staff will encourage wildcards to pay particular attention in choosing a mask that resonates with them.

TRY A NEW FACE

▷ HEARTS: Several of the red masks have been marked by Hearts. The wearer will be able to glean a vague sense of the emotions of those around them.

▷ DIAMONDS: Several of the white masks have been marked by Diamonds. The wearer’s body will become especially sensitive to touch and temperature.

▷ SPADES: Several of the black masks have been marked by Spades. The wearer will experience a heightened desire for intensity or violence.

▷ CLUBS: Several of the purple masks have been marked by Clubs. The wearer will become compelled to act impulsively or recklessly.

Masks with effects may be purchased and worn in any of the masquerade prompts.

LOVE DOVE (AT NIGHT)

LOVE DOVE ... AT NIGHT

For all the joy that comes with celebrating the holidays, the jubilant atmosphere can evoke loneliness in one's heart. There are many different kinds of loneliness. The melencholy of missing someone that's died. Sorrow from being parted from your family. The ache of watching the one you love celebrating with someone else. The mourning of being left behind by a friend. These feelings are fleeting in the resort—luxury and hedonism are great distractions—but where do they go after that?

Right now they're manifesting in the sex toys.

Guests browsing Love Dove during night hours will find that some of the sex toys have been possessed by residual loneliness.

Loneliness is a powerful force and it has granted the toys the power to act on their own. Guests had better watch out—as brainless tools gifted a sense of autonomy, all they know to do is fulfill their function.

SEX TOYS GET LONELY TOO

▷ DILDOS: The dildos will chase after guests to try and fill whatever hole they can. These dildos are indiscriminate and will target any hole, so watch out for these pests trying to jam into one of your nostrils. Dildos will target the nearest character and will change targets if another one is within closer range.

▷ SHIBARI ROPE: The shibari rope has uncoiled itself and is hiding in wait to capture two people together. When it spies an opportunity it will throw itself forward and try to knot two individuals together. It will target a single individual if no one else is close enough to catch with them.

▷ FEATHER TICKLER: The feather ticklers are surprisingly aggressive, chasing after characters to tickle them to tears. Sometimes these ticklers work together to trap characters into a corner and tickle them. A very unlucky character may even run into a flock of ticklers!

▷ LEASH AND COLLAR: The leash and collar set will play dead until someone is close enough. The collar will snap around the neck of the closest individual and the leash will drag them toward someone else to hold.

The sex toys are low level and easy to fight off but please note the you break it you buy it signs posted all over the store. Can you afford to go all out, even with the current deals?

NOTES

PROMPT NOTES

▶ How mask abilities manifest in the wearer is totally up to you. For example, the way a Heart mask wearer senses emotions can vary from character to character. There is no one right way to apply the prompt.
▶ Consequences for breaking the toys are totally up to player discretion. Have fun.
▶ Toys can be quelled in other ways. If your character has the ability, go for it.
▶ All subprompts are suggestions. Please feel free to get creative! Listen to your heart, when he’s calling for you.

CASINO FLOOR

CASINO FLOOR

The Phoenix Casino has been transformed into a winter wonderland. Trademark royal blue has been replaced by shades of gold and white with pops of bright red lanterns. Guests in elaborate masks and costumes mesh together and then part, reveling in pretending to be someone else for a little while.

All have dressed to impress, sparing no expense in dripping themselves in precious gems and metals. Some of the guests are treated like gods—these are the royal rank guests and the difference in treatment from the rest of the crowd is palpable. These dazzling celebrities take up much of the spotlight, laughing loudly at card tables and shooing away anyone too low of a rank to breathe their air. They don't bother to hide their identities. Why, when they have the best of everything?

There are several game tables set up where crowds are playing and betting. Wildcards are encouraged to join in on the fun and given some grace from social judgement because they have no official rank yet. Some wildcards may even find guests making eyes at them over the table. After all, who knows if the house has been watching and decided that they’re a favorite? Today’s wildcard can be tomorrow’s new 10 rank.

Wildcards may participate in dice games, card games, and roulette in the main casino. Most other typical casino games have been shelved in favor of the special events in private game rooms.

The buffet is massive and decadent. Dishes like lobster and caviar, cuts of filet mignon, kobe beef with white truffles, oysters chilling on real diamonds, bluefin tuna, matsutake mushrooms, pule cheese, and so on. The dessert table is likewise exorbitant with elvish honey cakes, black watermelon, macarons, petit fours, chocolates, eclairs, tarts, soufflé, and flan all sprinkled in edible gold flakes. Dishes may contain aphrodisiac at player discretion.

The bar isn’t lacking either. The resort has created three specialty cocktails for the masquerade. While regular cocktails and spirits are available, staff will encourage guests to give these limited time drinks a try.

COCKTAIL MENU

▷ GOLD GLAMOUR: Those that drink Gold Glamour will find that they are now able to change their voice. A popular choice among guests that really want to lean into becoming someone else for the night.

▷ DIAMOND DUST: Those that drink Diamond Dust will find their walls slowly lowering. Suddenly, being vulnerable and open to connecting with people doesn't seem so bad. Something to help loosen up your favorite introvert.

▷ RUBY TONGUE: Those that drink Ruby Tongue will not be able to tell a lie for the next hour or so. No matter how hard they try they will only speak honestly. Ruby Tongue won’t let you hide from yourself, even at a masquerade.

Wildcards and long-standing guests aren’t the only ones in attendance. Phantom hands have crashed the party and are phasing through the casino. To be fair, they’re always in the casino. It isn’t crashing if it’s their stomping grounds, right?

The phantom hands are mischievous and in the mood to get into trouble. They will be pinching the waists and asses of guests, tugging on clothes, knocking over glasses, and generally be a nuisance. Their favorite trick is to pin the blame for their crimes on someone else. If they’re not careful, wildcards may be the target or the scapegoat for some of these pranks!

GAME ROOMS

GAME ROOMS

The resort has arranged for four special events during the masquerade. These events take place in private rooms away from the bustle of the main party. There is no advertising about what is in each room and many guests are swept into the momentum. Highly trained staff tending to the door will be quick in prepping wildcards who wander in, giving them little time to realize what exactly they’ve stumbled into before it begins.

VIRGIN AUCTION

In a room draped in red velvets and spotted with plush couches, wildcards will find themselves either snatched up to a wooden stage or given a number. The distinction between the two is simple: staff will judge which characters are virgins and which are not. Virgins are included in the auction and all others are given the opportunity to bid on them.

Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome … to the annual Virgin Auction!! Gaze upon these fresh nubile virgins in awe! So clean and so untouched. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to bask in the glow of their freshness!

▷ Virgins will be asked to give an introduction of themselves on stage. Afterward, they can walk the floor and interact with bidders as they please. Virgins are a rare novelty in the resort so NPC guests will fawn over them and offer them gifts like chocolates and flowers. Some may even read crappy love poetry to them.

▷ Bidders may submit their bids via Watch directly to their virgin of choice. If the virgin likes the bid and the guest submitting it they can accept immediately. If not, they can wait for another bid. After 30 minutes, if they have no other bids, they must accept their highest bid.

▷ Virgins need only spend 1 hour of their time on a “date” with the winner of their bid. They do not need to lose their virginity. Virgins will be paid a medium payout for participating in the auction and paid 20% commission from their winning bid.

LOCK & KEY

Gold and red melt together in this cozy game room. Adorned with padlock and ribbon decor, wildcards will only have a moment to admire the space before being snatched away by staff. Some wildcards will simply be given a key and returned to the room. Others will find themselves buckled into a harness or belt of some kind—but this isn’t any belt. It's a chastity belt. A rather uncomfortable one at that.

One hour to find your match, all! Anyone that doesn’t find their match after time has passed will be locked in the pillory and spanked as punishment! Welcome to the Locked Chastity Game!!

▷ Locks are looking for their matching key! Guests must find their match in order to win the game.

▷ Locks and keys that do not manage to find their match by the end of 1 hour will lose the game and have chips deducted from their bank account. They will also be locked into a pillory and spanked.

▷ Chastity belts may be over clothes or under clothes. How intense of a belt a character is wearing is left to player discretion. Some are very raunchy and may require direct contact with intimate areas to access.

▷ Once the game begins the door is closed. Candles that let off a strong aphrodisiac will be lit to add some urgency to the matchmaking. How strongly a character is affected is left to player discretion.

DIRTY DICE

In another large room with small scattered game tables tables, pairs and groups will be given a special set of dice to play with. Two bold guests take the lead and show everyone how to play the game. One guest tosses both dice: one lands on BITE and the other on BREAST. He grabs his game partner and peels down her collar to sink his teeth playfully into her breast. She then takes her turn, the dice commanding another intimate action.

Got it, newbies? This is an easy beginner game. Roll the dice and do what it says. You both take turns, and if neither wimps out and does what the dice say four times in a row, you win a prize. That’s Dirty Dice for you!

DIE A
1: Bite
2: Kiss
3: Caress
4: Grab
5: Lick
6: Sniff

DIE B
1: Lips
2: Breast
3: Mouth
4: Neck
5: Ass
6: Knee

▷ If both players manage to complete four rolls they both will receive a medium payout.

▷ If one player manages to complete four rolls they will receive a small payout alone.

▷ If neither player manages to complete four rolls they get nothing.

▷ We recommend players use RNG during this game for random fun!

MASTER & PET

This particular room notably has several smaller breakout rooms, all decorated in sensual black silks. Every character that steps inside will be guided into drawing a card from a box. The card will either denote Master or Pet. Staff are quick to divide those who have selected master and pet cards and set them up for play.

Welcome, Masters. We have a variety toys and pets for you to choose from. Your wish is our command. Here, you can have whatever you want. You’re in control.

▷ Masters will be given a selection of toys to browse. Players are free to imagine anything in the piles of stock that masters get to choose from.

▷ Pets will be collared and given a metal tag denoting whether the pet is a cat or a dog. This distinction is made based on character personality.

▷ Masters may request a random matchup or examine the available pets and choose the one that catches their eye. Both will then be escorted to a private room to play.

▷ Pets that manage to satisfy their master will receive a medium payout after play.

NOTES

PROMPT NOTES

▶ Players should mod NPCs and dealers as they like. Characters may win big with medium and large payouts when gambling. They can also lose big as well!
▶ Game managers and staff assisting setting up special games should also be freely modded as needed.
▶ Feel free to make up other special games as well! Players, as always, are encouraged to be creative and have fun.

OOC NOTES

OPENING INFO | RESERVES | APPLICATIONS

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▶ BLANKET CW: dubcon; nudity; sex toys; aphrodisiacs; alcohol; altered states; gambling; gloryholes; chastity play; bdsm; petplay; very sexy characters doing sexy things

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▶ All characters on the TDM are WILDCARDS, which means they have not yet been assigned a card value. The house is still observing and deciding. As rank and suits are assigned upon acceptance your character's suit will not manifest until they are accepted into the game.
▶ All TDMs are game canon.
▶ If you aren't satisfied with these prompts, please feel free to check out our LOCATIONS to explore more of the resort!

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▶ 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.

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▶ Most importantly, we wish you and your loved ones a happy and healthy holiday season!!!!!

NAVIGATION • LOG • NETWORK • OOC • MEME

Comments

Keita Mōri ❖ The Watchmaker of Filigree Street

[keita]

[ original toplevel here, new tag-ins welcome! ]

❖ armwriostle

[keita]

[ Would that Keita had so much confidence—he almost envies Wriothesley the luxury of it. But as he searches his near memories Keita is aware that there are no futures where it's worthwhile to spend the time now arguing his case, so he just smiles slightly and nods. ]

That's a good thing—I hope you continue to feel that way.

[ There isn't any physical danger, at least not that Keita can see right now—but being physically unhurt isn't necessarily the same thing as being unscathed, Keita knows all too well. ]

I don't suppose in your explorations you've found anywhere that might sell, [ And here is where it sounds foolish to even ask, ] clockwork? Gears and such?

[armwriostle]

You don't have to worry about me. I've gone through worse.

[The fact this was honestly very, very true is probably unfortunate. Ah well, it's not something he is going to lament over. It's just fact.

At the mention of clockwork he raises an eyebrow before considering his path for a bit.] No, I haven't. Why do you ask? [He can't help but think of the Fortress. The large prison and lots of Fontaine's meka were built on clockwork components such as gears. It's too early to already miss everything, but he does wish for the bit of familiarity.]

[keita]

[ Keita isn't bleeding heart enough to belabor the point, so he acquiesces with a nod and allows the conversation to shift to other topics. ]

I'm a watchmaker. Or I was. [ It's still unclear to Keita whether this is another world entirely, or simply some terrible version of the afterlife populated by figments of his imagination. He touches the bandage on his side, under his clothes. ] And when I'm not making or repairing watches, I'm something of a clockwork hobbyist.

[ He too was hoping for the familiarity of it. He hadn't thought it possible to miss Katsu, but the clockwork octopus' absence aches like a missing tooth. ]

That's all right. I'll keep myself occupied somehow.

[armwriostle]

I see. [This is knowledge that he tucks away for the future. Someone who can work with meka of some kind might be handy for him later. It might be a little different from back home, but the concept is probably similar and he feels like it might be handy to remember this.] I also liked to tinker with things, but I have no true talent in it. It's more like dabbling more than anything.

[He did have decent knowledge because of all the times he had to fuss with his gauntlets, but he wouldn't be able to make anything from scratch.]

That's right. I guess we wouldn't be spending every waking moment participating in their little game. [He didn't mind the freetime. He could fill it with training or snooping around the resort. That's plenty to do.]

❖ emyoji

[keita]

Would that it were so easy.

[ Alas, all Seimei is going to find on the ceiling is plaster—Keita's racing thoughts are all contained inside his head. He is not, however, particularly distressed himself, although the headache is a little annoying.

Their gazes meet; unbidden, the other man's name rises to the surface of Keita's mind. There are other things, too, but murkier, like trying to remember a word that's on the tip of your tongue. It's an uncomfortable feeling for Keita, who is used to seeing these things in crisp colors. ]

I have no particular interest in being a god's bride, either. [ Or anyone's bride, for that matter, although Keita's not entirely sure he'll have a choice. ] I'm not one to turn down blessings, but it would be nice if they had announced themselves a little less abruptly, that's all.

[emyoji]

Ah?

[ Seimei catches Keita's eyes, almost drawn to him like he's being called to look. Handsome and calm, he looks to Seimei like the faint light of a star, with some potential wonder and brilliance just out of reach. He almost, almost makes an offer right there. You could be mine. Because the man feels like something untouchable floating right at the edges of his grasp. A magical thread that he can't master himself and that he wants to weave between his fingers. He could offer his name. He could tell this stranger who he is, and of course he doesn't think it would matter. Who remembers him anymore? Would he even know what an onmyouji was? Probably not. Still, he wants to. He almost does it. What he actually says is: ]

But isn't that the fun of blessings? They're always a surprise.

[ And that is a little better than Can I kiss you? ]

[keita]

[ Keita blinks, a faint smile touching the corners of his mouth as he barely holds himself back from answering those unspoken questions. It's a terrible habit, really, but it just strikes him as charming—as if the name Abe no Seimei might be unfamiliar to a son of a once-great daimyō house, bastard on the wrong side though he may be. ]

I should try to borrow some of your optimism.

[ Keita's hand starts to move, as if to touch the other man's mouth, and then drops instead to the pillow between them when he realizes what he's doing.

A thousand futures spread away from them like thread from a spool or silk from a bolt. In all of them, Keita eventually must submit to the indignity of sleeping with someone for reputation or money, but there are a few among them that are more pleasant than others. (There are none, yet, in which he finds his way back to Thaniel.) Those more pleasant futures are the ones he allows himself to envision, now, as he considers answering that final unasked question.

What he actually says is: ] My name is Mōri Keita.

[ Speaking of names that may or may not be familiar. ]

[emyoji]

Mōri? Mōri...

[ He thinks, playing with the familiarity dancing at the edge of his mind, and then in sudden, clear revelation lights up his expression. Seimei sits up kneeling next to Keita with much more excitement. ]

Ah, a blessing indeed! What a fortune on my part to meet someone with your name. I wonder what coincidence brought someone as aimless as me to your bed. The universe must be generous here.

[ Seimei is aware that these days few would really think about the origins of their lineage back that far. At most it would be amusing trivia, but there's something in particular around Keita that catches his interest. A feeling. A bit of supernatural energy that makes him stick out. ]

Danna-sama, it would be my pleasure to serve you today. If there is anything within my power I can grant, please don't hesitate to request it.

[ He might even make an exception and help guide him through the transaction. Keita is charming. ]

[keita]

[ Prompted by the change in Seimei's posture, Keita sits up a bit as well, leaning back against the pillows and the headboard. He's frankly disinclined to leave the bed yet—for all that it's a little cramped, it's certainly warmer than the air outside.

The reaction earns a wry smile and a perhaps predictable demurral, Keita shaking his head slightly in response. The question he answers isn't the one Seimei asked, but in this instance it feels safe to do so. ]

My lineage isn't that far back. Mōri Takachika is my cousin, and I grew up in Hagi-jō... neither would allow me to forget where I come from.

[ Still, the truth of the matter is that Keita has neither the lineage nor the desire to inherit Hagi Castle and all the baggage that comes with it—not even before he left the castle for his service to the government, and much less so after he fled to England. ]

But I'm afraid I'd be a disappointing master indeed. I'm a baron in name only—a bastard son. [ He regards Seimei for a moment, his mind tracing along the golden pathways of potential futures. It's rare for him to meet someone with so much possibility. ] ...If you would have me anyway, I'm sure something could be arranged.

[emyoji]

[ Again, there's that thread of some sort of spiritual power he can't hold himself. The promise of what could be, the adventurous thrill of possibility held within the stranger's eyes. It looks like something untouched, and even though Seimei doesn't fully grasp it himself, he's charmed by the unknown element of it all. There's nothing a fox loves more than the untouchable truth.

It helps that Seimei himself has very little use for human rank and nobility. He might have been blessed with the office in his earlier years, but court life had more often than not only proved how unworthy many of their leading officials really were. Power was not evidence of nature. But Keita feels far different. Maybe the break of his lineage was actually a boon, although Seimei wouldn't claim that. He straightens his back on the bed and bows in front of him, still naked and unashamed despite how ridiculous it might look. ]

If your wish was to claim your birthright, I wouldn't mind to help you pursue that. But while we are here, if I can serve you in other ways, I would gladly follow an arrangement that pleases you... and in return, I hope you'll bless me as well.

[ Nobility aside, the unique flicker of something magical around Keita is something Seimei wants to learn more about. And he's never been shy about flirting. ]

[keita]

[ Although the bow Keita offers in return (...which does feel a little silly, being mostly nude and in bed) is courtly as a result of his upbringing, he also immediately says, ] I have no interest in my birthright.

[ Hagi Castle can rot for all he cares; if he has his way, he'll never set foot in the place again. Maybe these are strong words coming from someone bearing the Mōri surname, but then again Keita has never really felt like a Mōri, and he feels that it would be a waste of Seimei's power to pursue such a petty goal. ]

Very well, then. [ Keita reaches out and lightly touches the back of Seimei's hand, as much an acquiescence as any words could be. ] But this is my first time, so you'll need to guide me through it.

[ First time... making a deal with an onmyouji, that is, although honestly it's close enough to the truth either way you interpret it that Keita doesn't bother to clarify. He'll need guidance either way. It isn't necessarily the best idea to take advice on a deal from the person you're making a deal with, so Keita will just have to lean on his foresight to make sure everything will go well. ]

[emyoji]

[ He really is charming. The thought that Seimei has when he catches that formal bow right in bed is that he would gladly kiss him right there. It's even better that Keita doesn't care about his birthright. That means he'll be less harried by propriety and status, and a much more tolerable person overall.

The light touch and agreement are equally arousing, and Seimei looks both excited and flushed when he raises his head again. There's no way for any of them to know what kind of person they've ended up in bed with, but the intention is quite clear. Either way, he's certainly interested, and the only question is if Keita will agree. ]

Mm, I'll be happy to guide you. First, we should start with the terms. If there is something in particular you want or do not want from me, you can state it clearly now, and you have my obedient acknowledgment.

[ He can't promise he'll be obedient later, but he likes Keita and is willing to give him the advantage to settle the agreement. ]

In return, I'd ask for company. A trade of your time for mine--and more, if you are willing to offer that.

[ There's naturally always the matter of running tasks or innocent work as well, but he's not going to simply overlook the opportunity when it's right in front of him. ]

[keita]

[ There it is again, the warm glow of a future. Several futures, in fact, of varying intensities. Most of them make Keita want to blush, and it takes some force of will to suppress the physical response. They're making a deal, and it wouldn't do to be too heavily distracted.

Still—the thought is there, a seed planted in his mind. ]

Something in particular I want... [ Keita considers it, wondering whether he should ask for something concrete—a one-time fulfillment—or if it's equally acceptable to ask for something more broad, less clearly defined. Probably riskier not to clearly outline terms, but then again, if Seimei himself is asking for company and time, then perhaps Keita doesn't need to restrict himself to material matters after all. ]

Company for company, time for time—that much, I can agree to. But tell me, what would you ask for in exchange for information? If I were to ask you to tell me the things you learn that may aid us in leaving this place—would my company and time and more be sufficient or would you like to re-negotiate terms?

[ How much value does Keita's company have to Seimei, is perhaps the question. Keita tilts his head thoughtfully, regarding Seimei for a long moment, and then adds, ]

You can, you know. Kiss me. You've thought of doing it twice now and haven't.

[emyoji]

[ Seimei assumes that Keita will take a safe route to agreement. He leaves that open to him mostly out of genuine courtesy, since he has already found himself growing interested in this lovely stranger. He could try to manipulate him, to seduce him into a binding agreement, but he's not usually that cruel and Keita has been nothing but sweet. What he wants, what most people probably want, is just a way to get home. Seimei smiles at the phrase and more, although he does sit back thoughtfully. ]

Mm. For my assistance in gathering information for you? Well...

[ What he would want in exchange would be admittedly more than a kiss. Trading information for sex, for enjoying the feeling of Keita's pleasure, sharing it with some magic to fuel them both, would probably be something he couldn't ask for. Even if this young man is generous, no one is that generous. ]

I suppose that would depend on how much you want from me. For a little warmth, then I can seek the answers you want.

[ And then he's surprised by Keita. Sitting up, Seimei tilts his head with intrigued confusion. ]

Can you read my mind? You shouldn't keep such secrets from me.

[ But he's far from upset by that. Any power is just a new secret to uncover. ]

I do want to kiss you. What do I offer for you to kiss this stranger, my lord?

❖ gurge

[keita]

[ Even without the aid of his clairvoyance, Keita would be able to read the discomfort in every inch of Getou's posture and expression, the polite coldness that discourages more questioning on the subject. Fortunately—or unfortunately, depending on who you ask—Keita doesn't need to press further.

The memories spool out away from him, countless interwoven roots broadly divided into two branches: the future in which Getou decides that humankind no long deserves his protection, and the future in which he doesn't. And too many intervening incidents, conversations, interactions that sway him one way or another, until the lattice of it is dizzying. ]

I understand what you mean, [ is what Keita says instead of any of that. ] Although not to the same extent, I'm sure.

[ Even his abilities are both blessing and curse, and clairvoyance doesn't even involve a threat to the physical body, except of course what fate might be visited upon him by others out of fear. ]

Well, I'm not sure what else I can add to my own introduction that rivals sorcery. I'm a watchmaker. I have a pet octopus made of clockwork, back home. He has a random engine inside him and he likes to steal socks.

[gurge]

[ like a pupil, the void inside of him hasn't dilated to a size that breaks and consumes him. it only shrinks when he looks away from it — and Keita's strange introduction is enough to bring the light of curiosity back into his eyes. ]

A watchmaker? [ a reactionary glance goes to the watch on his own wrist... but this isn't made of gears as much as it is code and a microchip. an octopus made of clockwork with a personality formed from a "random engine", whatever the hell that is, sounds fascinating. ] I hope you find the tools to continue your craft here. I'd be delighted to see what else you can make.

[ the volunteering of information comes with an openness of his own, responding in kind. he puts his drink down to raise a hand, sickly black energy like weightless crawling black magma between his fingers. his energy rips open a tear in some invisible dimension, abyssal slit that produces one, then three, then many tentacles, a mantle of a red and purple octopus emerging to pull itself through, spill out on the floor like a dumping of wet seafood. ]

[ a beat passes where its questionably cognizant eyes blink at Keita... and then one arm reaches for his shoe, squirming into his shoe where the heel fits to his achilles tendon, a moist touch that saturates the sock immediately. ]

I'll show you mine so that you show me yours, when the time comes.

[keita]

[ Keita sees this outcome the very moment that Getou decides to summon the creature. And a good thing, too, or it would be a wildly disconcerting experience to watch a creature like this emerge from what appears, for all intents and purposes, to be a void into nothingness. But there's a version of this future where an overtly disgusted repsonse triggers a series of events Keita doesn't have to chase too far down their branches to know it isn't good, so he's glad for the opportunity to prepare himself for what comes crawling out between Getou's fingers.

And, really, it does look mostly like a real octopus. There's something a little off about it, being a—a curse (a word remembered, spoken in someone else's voice). But after Keita spends a second looking at it, it really isn't so bad. ]

Katsu is less... moist, so I'm afraid I'll have to give him a point in that regard. [ He turns back his sleeves, rolling them to his elbows, and then leans down to offer a hand to the little octopus. It regard him for a moment, then wraps a tentacle around his finger, much like a child trying to hold hands.

Keita glances back up to Getou then, curious. ] Will it be able to sustain itself, if you were to leave it behind?

[gurge]

"Katsu"... [ the name rolls around on his tongue curiously, mind turning over the series of characters and their possible meaning, but the one he gravitates towards instantly is a pervasive one in his world at the crux of Buddhism and martial arts. let he who has eyes see — katsu, an enlightenment, a battle cry. he smiles to himself wordlessly, a private thing he hides behind his drink. ]

[ a dark future crowds closer. what is enlightenment, really? commitment, maybe. something he yet doesn't have, still stumbling around in the dark. he laughs politely, humming along with Keita's assessment. well, it is an octopus, after all. ]

I can simply dismiss it, but it'll carry out my orders until it's accomplished or I give it new ones. I can also keep an eye on it through a telepathic connection.

[ it is, in a sense, his puppet dancing on marionette strings construed of his energy. even with the strings cut, it still carries out his will. ]

I never think to name them. [ this one is just 'fear of octopuses', which he always thought juvenile. intelligent, mystifying creatures, as alien as he feels. ] You can, if you'd like.

[keita]

Hmm. [ The crowding shadows are alarming, for Keita. Not because he fears them—Keita has seen the potential for great evil in men before—but because he fears for Getou, who stands at a crossroads facing down paths that may take him to any number of ends. Paths where his power becomes a beacon of goodness, of protection; paths where his power becomes a scourge upon the earth.

Among them, many paths that lead to his death, and a few that lead to his unwilling resurrection beyond it. ]

I don't know why anyone would fear an octopus... they're very intelligent. [ He picks the curse up, letting it curl its tentacles around his hand and wrist. ] And very adaptable. I'll have to think of a good name for this one.

[ He smiles slightly, his gaze returning to meet Getou's. There is so much darkness in his future and yet so much goodness, too. He almost wishes he could say so—that the shadows he sees inside himself must by necessity be cast by the light he contains. But it's too soon for all that. ]

In comparison to all this, building clockwork seems so simple.

[gurge]

As with most negative emotions, [ he begins, a hand on the octopus's mantle as its eyes form arcs, managing to display some expressiveness with Getou's meddling. ] The root of it is ignorance. People fear what they don't understand. Ancient civilizations used to cower beneath an eclipse; now, we understand it as a normal part of our world.

[ what a shame in all that time, people have advanced so little, still cowering at things that go bump in the night: cattle with the ability to make fire and pick up a weapon, just intelligent enough to be dangerous to everything around them. a virus. ]

[ ... that thought sits poorly with him, and he frowns, lifting a hand up to wave the curse away. it blinks out of existence, taking with it the wetness in Keita's sock. Getou puts his drink down and shifts the way he's sitting, telegraphing more discomfort than he wishes he was. he's been impolite, he realizes, deciding to amend this part of his speech alone (and also for a distraction): ]

This "Game 52" they're all talking about... [ he looks up then, expression regaining that easy civility: ] Do you intend to play, Mori-San?

[keita]

[ It doesn't take clairvoyance for Keita to recognize the discomfiture in Getou's posture. Not, he suspects, at the concept of eclipses, nor of octopuses; no, indeed, it's discomfort with some hidden thought, some secret he's kept inside himself and has no thoughts of revealing. It's because he decides against revealing it that Keita is unable to see, and so left in the dark, he blinks once at the change of subject before adjusting his conversational flow to match. ]

I have no choice, I'm afraid. [ He says it matter-of-factly, a statement and not a lamentation. There's no point in lamenting the futures that must come to pass, any more than there's a point in lamenting the falling of rain. ] It will be... difficult to play, I suspect, but more difficult to refuse.

[ With a light shrug, Keita spreads his hands before him, a gesture that means what else can be done? The concept of sex and intimacy is foreign to him in his inexperience, but while many of the long-term futures of this place are indistinct, there is one thread that remains clear: should he resist too long, the consequences will be unpleasant. ]

And yourself? Do you intend to play?

[gurge]

[ unshakingly impartial. for just a moment, behind the closed slat of his eyes, he feels the smallest whip of green envy work its way through him. when dark and desaturated, olive-ripe and sage-scented, he's always thought it one of the better colors against his skin, something artistic to be found in all the unpleasantness. he isn't sure he's skillful enough to convey that wish in Keita's ventures playing Game 52. moreover, how can he express beauty in the ugly things he's not yet willing to even acknowledge? ]

It' is as you said; I've come to that same answer. However... [ an addendum. maybe this one comes with having someone he deeply cares about also in the resort with him — something, he suspects, others would envy in return. this endless wheel of attachment. ] When I do, I want it to be of my own volition and lucid choosing. Which can only mean...

[ his gaze settles meaningfully on the other man's face. ]

I should be pursuing partners I deem worthy as quickly as possible.

[keita]

[ There's the briefest flicker of another face in Keita's forward memory: white hair, blue eyes. An impression more than an image, from a distant future where Getou perhaps decides to tell Keita what this person means to him.

It's more complicated than envy—to be in a place like this, with someone you care for deeply? A challenge that is by necessity almost insurmountable. Keita imagines Thaniel here, imagines that it would be like the pain of losing him to Grace a thousand times over. It's hard to envy Getou that. ]

I would much prefer the same. [ Although it's another thing that Keita suspects he won't fully be able to control. ] Volition and lucid choice seem like such small asks, don't they? And yet.

[ His own gaze lifts to meet Getou's, equally meaningful, equally unhesitating. ]

You won't have trouble finding allies, Getou-san. But if you'd like, you may count me among them.

[gurge]

[ the beat that follows Keita's decree borders on lingering just too far long, veering into something that might otherwise be awkward or tinged with direction. Getou catches the string of that adrift kite and just the last moment, exhaling a small laugh that reads as self-directed as he intends it. ]

[ his severity has always been a bit contagious, hasn't it? maybe that's part of what it means to have any charisma at all. thankfully, the slip of warmth like blood between two bodies is organic, finding almost as much fondness for those who don't register his jokes as those who are the at the fall of them. when his eyes and mouth smile together, there's something a bit sly and a bit pleased in it all at once, an expression that borders on vulpine. ]

For my sake, I hope you aren't always this difficult to tease.

[ maybe he just needed to be a bit more suggestive about it. ]