【 Thank you for choosing the Golden Peacock, 5-star resort and casino. You are currently registered as a WILDCARD in our system. We have arranged for a selection of basement suites to temporarily house new arrivals until reservations have been processed. We hope you'll join us in giving our new guests a warm and loving welcome.
We have an exciting announcement! The house will be hosting a carnival for all guests to celebrate the Golden Peacock's birthday. Please look forward to food, games, and attractions in the Cloud-Dwelling Garden. The carnival will be available for guests to enjoy for seven days. Happy birthday week, Golden Peacock*!
We hope you are as thrilled as we are! And, as always, we hope you enjoy your stay.
*Please note that this is an arbitrarily chosen date for the Golden Peacock's birthday, which is unknown. 】
▶ 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 and this TDM acts as the game's July event. The carnival will run July 15th - July 22nd.
▶ 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. We also have a summer 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.
[If being a divinity freed them from their baser desires then Kurama wouldn't reroll gacha games. Tragically, he's just a shut-in who's never been so much as kissed. He can tell he's being laughed at behind that sleeve but, really, as much as he hates it, he has caught on to things. He's woefully unprepared for what this place will demand of him.]
It's hard not to notice, [he grumbles. The yokan is offered to him and he does ultimately choose to take it.]
I imagine this place accumulates quite a lot of negative energy. While monsters may not approach the premises I wouldn't be surprised to learn there were things beneath the surface.
[... however, to discover any of that, it requires surviving. It requires playing the game enough. It requires not grimacing at the words anal pleasures. Quite grumpy about that, he takes a bite of the yokan. It is markedly better than the dango were.]
Haha. It's pretty gaudy, isn't it? [Matoba's eyes drag across some peach-flavored ass mochi before finally unsticking from the sweets cart and stepping away. Now, to find them a nice spot to enjoy their yokan....]
[Taking a delicate bite from the corner of his piece, he glances sidelong as Kurama appraises the situation. For a moment he just chews, and then tilts his head to agree.] I would advise you not to go exploring the basement levels alone, [He says, catching Kurama's eye meaningfully.] ...Where there is power, of course the riffraff will gather. Most of them aren't much of a bother. Minor annoyances, like hands that grab at you and play pranks in the casino. Haunted mirrors and wallhangings. The typical, weak things....
[Dime a dozen in an old mansion, really. What made this place dangerous wasn't the usual suspects- it was the boss. He glances again towards Kurama, looking displeased as he eats his sweets. ] Let me ask you something. Among gods, have you ever heard of something like sex being offered by humans as worship?
[Kurama pauses, temporarily putting aside his indignation about the whole situation to listen to the warnings. He'd yet to get exposed to the usual floors of the resort. In this festival, dressed up to look as if it were its own little world, it's hard to imagine a basement. Yet, it's something he has no reason to lie about and will snap into place when he encounters an elevator for the first time.]
[How long had this place existed, he wondered, for spirits to infest and manifest in so many ways. Then,]
[There is another slight moment of fluster. It's less pronounced that with the flirting an innuendo. He can tell it's an important question to ask, it's relevant, just- uncomfortable.]
I haven't personally ever heard of such thing occurring between a human and a god. I suppose it would be possible, if vastly inappropriate, for a human to offer... should a god demand it, I imagine it would be as vile as demanding blood.
[Indeed, the gardens successfully made themselves for their own little world away from the rest of the resort, at least trussed up like this and with a false night sky overhead where the paneled screens were less obvious. At the end of the night many would return downstairs to their rooms, and the newbies would be in for a shock.]
[Especially an old god, tied to the land...]
Fufu........... Vile, is it....
[Probably, in an age where both sides could be pickier. Now, it was sometimes a necessity- especially asked from a clan where that blood still ran strong. He didn't exactly leap to make a habit of it, but Matoba had no qualms about offering up any part of him if it meant he could use some bit of power for his needs, and the needs of his clan.]
[Including, he supposes, the whole of his body.]
The land must be quite rich and peaceful whence you came. Perhaps that's in fact a part of why the big one here must import what it feeds off of... [Matoba turns to look Kurama in the eye, thoughtful over his yokan.] ...I'll give you a little warning. Or a hint? There are a handful of powerful ayakashi running this realm. The four "suits", one of which will claim you, and "the house" which has taken control of "the Golden Peacock" itself. [He holds up a hand to count up 5, then one finger raising where he balances his yokan for 6,] Of those, "the house" is the one in control, and the main one feeding off of us.
But it is the "suit" that will enforce your compliance, [He takes a larger bite of his yokan, expression pleased as punch, and then mumbles through it,] So you had better get used to that sort of thing.
[Azuma was a strange case indeed. The ones who were currently gods were chosen to fill that role. From the beginning, they were told their place was to serve the people. Six of Azuma's gods had taken that role to heart. They did not need to expand their dominion or power. They simply wished to live in peace with the land and savor its joys.]
[The seventh god did not and needed to be struck down for his bloodlust. That corruption of a god and his curse lingered. To Kurama, such a thing was obviously vile. Perhaps, in another world, it was to be expected of a monster.]
It's peaceful now, thank you very much. [the sigh of a man who's had to deal with the whole main story quest]
[He listens to Matoba with a hand resting at his temple. While this whole situation was tiresome he was glad to be getting some information. The four suits, the house, and the place itself? So they were, in a sense, in the belly of the beast itself. It would explain why the wind here felt somewhat stifling. In that case, he should plan his moves more carefully, because any move before a decisive strike could alert the entire system.]
... the card suits. You believe them to be separate entities?
[Matoba nods once as he swallows his glob of yokan and then smiles.] I am certain. After all, one of them attempted to exert its own control over the resort some time ago, in defiance of the house.
[He had begun to suspect a certain camaraderie among those claimed by a suit, although he was a little dubious about the factors for some of them. But Clubs seemed far clearer. And "meeting" Clubs had even more so confirmed those suspicions for him.]
It was around a year ago, I believe. There was a "game" played throughout the resort- there have been a few, an event something like this festival, but more of a challenge towards us captives promising various rewards on behalf of the casino. Some of them have us hunted or hunting each other for sport, others present us with strange games to play. This was more of the latter, although the games presented seemed... hm, "unsanctioned" is perhaps the word?
[Matoba thoughtfully twirls his pick in his fingertips as he tries to recall the details of Clubs' offers to those playing its games.] ...It seems as though Clubs had managed to exert its influence within parts of the resort to the extent of warping them, and rather than games the house would benefit from, it attempted to negotiate with us players directly, to ply us to rebel against the house and aid it in taking control.
........But of course, trusting one manipulative ayakashi over another is a foolish proposition, [Matoba snorts, and scoops another bite of yokan. He frowns, realizing he has scarce few left already.] If it thought that one claimed by it would be fooled by that, then I think it has underestimated its chosen players.
[With limited information, his instinct was to simplify the players on the field. if there was evidence to suggest that each individual had their own will, then he should accept that as well. It also makes sense that the suits would choose their representatives. What goal were they aiming for? What would be the endgame state if one of the suits were to end up claiming the entire pot?]
[Right now, he can only imagine a loop in which an ultimate victor becomes the house itself. There would always be a competition. Perhaps he is simply biased towards a repeating game since he is currently one of the pieces. A board clear would be disastrous for him.]
... when does this claiming take place? Of course, regardless of suit, we are all in alliance against the forces that hold us here. It seems as if there is a certain trial period, or perhaps some period in which we cannot be imprinted upon.
[Kurama can see Matoba start to finish his yokan and... maybe starts taking a few more bites of his. He doesn't want to end up in a situation where the other finished first and then just stares at his like a small child. A spiteful, cunning child.]
[The way that Matoba is looking back at Kurama as he absorbs the information is a little appraising. Interesting, he thinks- to see the rivalry of powerful ayakashi in action. What does he think of his opponents? Is there something he might perceive or understand that an exorcist might not? Rather than ask, Matoba would rather simply try to glean such information from watching, not wanting to give away his own interest in the weaknesses of gods.]
[He takes a tinier bite from his yokan, suddenly finding it in himself to learn moderation. With the glances he's taking at Kurama's yokan, he can't be blamed for trying not to give him any chances.] Hmmm. What does your Watch say? [Matoba nods in gesture to the watch affixed to Kurama's wrist.] Is it that you are still a "wildcard"? Personally, I am unsure "when" exactly the choosing takes place... As for me, I believe that I simply awoke one day to the suit appearing on my person, assigned. I haven't heard any different stories yet.
But if you're thinking that you might try to be rebellious before they've marked you, [Matoba grins, mischievous and interested,] I'd like to see what happens.
[Some of the other Azuman gods might balk at being handed so heavy an issue the same night they woke up in a new place. For Kurama, though, it's only natural to start addressing a problem as soon as it arose. It may be a while before he can determine the correct action, and even longer before he can execute it, but he handles it better than most. It is something he should consider, especially if he seeks to return home outside the advertised Game 52.]
It seems that some features are currently inaccessible. [He turns his wrist and pulls up a menu on the digital screen with surprising fluidity. There is the alert given to new guests, the basic information, but certain applications open to long-standing guests give him an error when his fingers graze the button.]
So, at some point between now and the future I will be marked and sorted by this system... [The distaste is clear in his expression and tone (but mitigated somewhat by another bite of yokan).]
I wonder if there are exploits that come with being a wildcard. Even if they were discovered there's such a limited time to implement them and doubtless the people running the network would delete any trace of evidence.
[The main acts of rebellion he can consider right now might yield significant collateral damage. The other people caught up in this system aren't inherently his enemies, after all.]
[That tracks, Matoba thinks, and then raises an eyebrow at Kurama's dexterity with the piece of rather human-like technology. Another ayakashi who seems incredibly familiar with modernity.... It still struck him as odd, even after meeting a handful of others.]
If you're looking to experiment, I am willing to help, [Matoba lowers his voice to a purr, and sidles himself much closer to Kurama- to any onlooker, it might look like two lovers at the festival, getting cozy as many were, hands roaming and amorous feelings induced by the sweets and the glow of the lanterns. But looking in Matoba's sharp, slitted eye, it was clear deviance.] For a price, of course. I am nearing two years of experience in this realm, so my fee won't be cheap, but since I am interested as well, I will offer a discount.
[It would be stranger, still, that any of Kurama's fellow gods would likely struggle. If there's a secret to his knowledge he'll never tell. If he tells he might gets his game privileges revoked.]
[Matoba slides closer and Kurama resists the urge to slide back in equal measure. He's unused to the closeness but he knows a challenges when he sees one. Any moment he can stand firm is necessary to maintaining his dignity. It helps that, despite the lovey-dovey appearance, Matoba's sharp gaze keeps it all grounded.]
A price, [he repeats, considering it.]
To know what would have the highest chance of working, I would likely need more than I could barter for. I assume that anything involving the Game 52 is accounted for. They wouldn't want people new to the system to be undesirable to your more experienced kind. So, what other things are dictated by the suit or required to interact with the place?
[Distracted by the thought, the last bites of yokan are lingering longer... unattended to...]
And, of course, simple punishment should be able to be doled out either way.
I'm open to negotiation, of course. [Matoba agrees sweetly.]
The suits dictate less day-to-day than the rank. Rank is everything in the resort- it dictates what floors and spaces you have access to, what resources are provided to you for free, who will give you time of day. But rolling high is not everything. There is, of course, value in being "ignored", as well.
[Matoba's eye draws downward, across Kurama's fingertips and the bits of sweets still balanced in them.]
...But they are not unimportant. When a "Game" begins, that is when your suit's meaning shines through, for they will be used to draw out the part of you that caused the suit to latch onto you in the first place. What is that, to you? I cannot know. But I hope for your sake that you are more comfortable with your inner self than most in this realm seem to be.
[And like the lightning paws of a cat, Matoba quickly stabs his own bamboo pick into the last bite of Kurama's yokan, and pops it into his mouth.]
[The problem with voicing thoughts aloud was it allowed Matoba to answer and extract potential payment. Still, perhaps the knowledge of what was to come would be worth the debt. The rank explanation made sense. Even if the Watch didn't explain it, he would predict the numbered and face-card ranks. Of course, the question of whether the Ace was high or low still hangs in the air.]
[Another thing to prevent exploits- a gap between when the suits were assigned and when they were relevant. It minimized the need for Day One Hotfixes.]
My inner se- Hey! [He's offended, even if it was technically Matoba treating him in the first place.]
I'm holding you to that. [That the yokan theft balanced their books.]
[A quiet chuckle muffles around the pick and his chewing as he swallows, then flicks his tongue out at the residue of the sweets still left on the pick. With everything licked clean, he finally flicks it away into a trashcan nearby the stalls.]
For a god, you're pretty gullible.
[Kurama gets a troublesome smile for his troubles, but he got quite a bit of information, too. What is there to complain about?, Matoba's smugness says. If Kurama considers himself a top player, then Matoba is already pro.]
Well, my feathered lord, it seems that I have delivered your orientation dutifully. Should you find some interesting exploit as a Wildcard, I would like to know.
[He forms one hand in a sign of prayer, and inclines his head- just enough.] Either way, I hope that you will remember the good turn that the Matoba have done you, when we next find ourselves at the mercy of the monsters holding this realm.
[Who even does that!! How can someone do something as outlandish and swiping a gift they bequeathed and then dare to suggest it should have been expected?! Those feathers are surely ruffled by the whole thing.]
Not many humans are stupid enough to toy with a god. [He knows that if he wants to keep it that way he should respond but... it's also true that the man has given him ample information. He doesn't want to harm any humans here and he doesn't need to cut off any allies necessary for eventually escaping.]
Consider yourself fortunate there's a much larger piece on the board. [he folds his arms, a clear show of how Not Owned he is]
[As much as he would love to keep his eyes closed in his huff, he does glance back to register the name of his informant. A family name, most likely. It works fine enough in a place like this, where he can't imagine too many closely-related individuals would be brought together. He should properly introduce himself in return. Even if he doesn't want to.]
As the Keeper of Autumn Gales, I swear to remember the good and the bad. Do remember that.
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peacockstop2025-07-15 09:00 pm
no subject
It's hard not to notice, [he grumbles. The yokan is offered to him and he does ultimately choose to take it.]
I imagine this place accumulates quite a lot of negative energy. While monsters may not approach the premises I wouldn't be surprised to learn there were things beneath the surface.
[... however, to discover any of that, it requires surviving. It requires playing the game enough. It requires not grimacing at the words anal pleasures. Quite grumpy about that, he takes a bite of the yokan. It is markedly better than the dango were.]
no subject
[Taking a delicate bite from the corner of his piece, he glances sidelong as Kurama appraises the situation. For a moment he just chews, and then tilts his head to agree.] I would advise you not to go exploring the basement levels alone, [He says, catching Kurama's eye meaningfully.] ...Where there is power, of course the riffraff will gather. Most of them aren't much of a bother. Minor annoyances, like hands that grab at you and play pranks in the casino. Haunted mirrors and wallhangings. The typical, weak things....
[Dime a dozen in an old mansion, really. What made this place dangerous wasn't the usual suspects- it was the boss. He glances again towards Kurama, looking displeased as he eats his sweets. ] Let me ask you something. Among gods, have you ever heard of something like sex being offered by humans as worship?
no subject
[How long had this place existed, he wondered, for spirits to infest and manifest in so many ways. Then,]
[There is another slight moment of fluster. It's less pronounced that with the flirting an innuendo. He can tell it's an important question to ask, it's relevant, just- uncomfortable.]
I haven't personally ever heard of such thing occurring between a human and a god. I suppose it would be possible, if vastly inappropriate, for a human to offer... should a god demand it, I imagine it would be as vile as demanding blood.
no subject
[Especially an old god, tied to the land...]
Fufu........... Vile, is it....
[Probably, in an age where both sides could be pickier. Now, it was sometimes a necessity- especially asked from a clan where that blood still ran strong. He didn't exactly leap to make a habit of it, but Matoba had no qualms about offering up any part of him if it meant he could use some bit of power for his needs, and the needs of his clan.]
[Including, he supposes, the whole of his body.]
The land must be quite rich and peaceful whence you came. Perhaps that's in fact a part of why the big one here must import what it feeds off of... [Matoba turns to look Kurama in the eye, thoughtful over his yokan.] ...I'll give you a little warning. Or a hint? There are a handful of powerful ayakashi running this realm. The four "suits", one of which will claim you, and "the house" which has taken control of "the Golden Peacock" itself. [He holds up a hand to count up 5, then one finger raising where he balances his yokan for 6,] Of those, "the house" is the one in control, and the main one feeding off of us.
But it is the "suit" that will enforce your compliance, [He takes a larger bite of his yokan, expression pleased as punch, and then mumbles through it,] So you had better get used to that sort of thing.
no subject
[The seventh god did not and needed to be struck down for his bloodlust. That corruption of a god and his curse lingered. To Kurama, such a thing was obviously vile. Perhaps, in another world, it was to be expected of a monster.]
It's peaceful now, thank you very much. [the sigh of a man who's had to deal with the whole main story quest]
[He listens to Matoba with a hand resting at his temple. While this whole situation was tiresome he was glad to be getting some information. The four suits, the house, and the place itself? So they were, in a sense, in the belly of the beast itself. It would explain why the wind here felt somewhat stifling. In that case, he should plan his moves more carefully, because any move before a decisive strike could alert the entire system.]
... the card suits. You believe them to be separate entities?
no subject
[He had begun to suspect a certain camaraderie among those claimed by a suit, although he was a little dubious about the factors for some of them. But Clubs seemed far clearer. And "meeting" Clubs had even more so confirmed those suspicions for him.]
It was around a year ago, I believe. There was a "game" played throughout the resort- there have been a few, an event something like this festival, but more of a challenge towards us captives promising various rewards on behalf of the casino. Some of them have us hunted or hunting each other for sport, others present us with strange games to play. This was more of the latter, although the games presented seemed... hm, "unsanctioned" is perhaps the word?
[Matoba thoughtfully twirls his pick in his fingertips as he tries to recall the details of Clubs' offers to those playing its games.] ...It seems as though Clubs had managed to exert its influence within parts of the resort to the extent of warping them, and rather than games the house would benefit from, it attempted to negotiate with us players directly, to ply us to rebel against the house and aid it in taking control.
........But of course, trusting one manipulative ayakashi over another is a foolish proposition, [Matoba snorts, and scoops another bite of yokan. He frowns, realizing he has scarce few left already.] If it thought that one claimed by it would be fooled by that, then I think it has underestimated its chosen players.
no subject
[Right now, he can only imagine a loop in which an ultimate victor becomes the house itself. There would always be a competition. Perhaps he is simply biased towards a repeating game since he is currently one of the pieces. A board clear would be disastrous for him.]
... when does this claiming take place? Of course, regardless of suit, we are all in alliance against the forces that hold us here. It seems as if there is a certain trial period, or perhaps some period in which we cannot be imprinted upon.
[Kurama can see Matoba start to finish his yokan and... maybe starts taking a few more bites of his. He doesn't want to end up in a situation where the other finished first and then just stares at his like a small child. A spiteful, cunning child.]
no subject
[He takes a tinier bite from his yokan, suddenly finding it in himself to learn moderation. With the glances he's taking at Kurama's yokan, he can't be blamed for trying not to give him any chances.] Hmmm. What does your Watch say? [Matoba nods in gesture to the watch affixed to Kurama's wrist.] Is it that you are still a "wildcard"? Personally, I am unsure "when" exactly the choosing takes place... As for me, I believe that I simply awoke one day to the suit appearing on my person, assigned. I haven't heard any different stories yet.
But if you're thinking that you might try to be rebellious before they've marked you, [Matoba grins, mischievous and interested,] I'd like to see what happens.
no subject
It seems that some features are currently inaccessible. [He turns his wrist and pulls up a menu on the digital screen with surprising fluidity. There is the alert given to new guests, the basic information, but certain applications open to long-standing guests give him an error when his fingers graze the button.]
So, at some point between now and the future I will be marked and sorted by this system... [The distaste is clear in his expression and tone (but mitigated somewhat by another bite of yokan).]
I wonder if there are exploits that come with being a wildcard. Even if they were discovered there's such a limited time to implement them and doubtless the people running the network would delete any trace of evidence.
[The main acts of rebellion he can consider right now might yield significant collateral damage. The other people caught up in this system aren't inherently his enemies, after all.]
no subject
If you're looking to experiment, I am willing to help, [Matoba lowers his voice to a purr, and sidles himself much closer to Kurama- to any onlooker, it might look like two lovers at the festival, getting cozy as many were, hands roaming and amorous feelings induced by the sweets and the glow of the lanterns. But looking in Matoba's sharp, slitted eye, it was clear deviance.] For a price, of course. I am nearing two years of experience in this realm, so my fee won't be cheap, but since I am interested as well, I will offer a discount.
...Sweets excluded. What is your idea?
no subject
[Matoba slides closer and Kurama resists the urge to slide back in equal measure. He's unused to the closeness but he knows a challenges when he sees one. Any moment he can stand firm is necessary to maintaining his dignity. It helps that, despite the lovey-dovey appearance, Matoba's sharp gaze keeps it all grounded.]
A price, [he repeats, considering it.]
To know what would have the highest chance of working, I would likely need more than I could barter for. I assume that anything involving the Game 52 is accounted for. They wouldn't want people new to the system to be undesirable to your more experienced kind. So, what other things are dictated by the suit or required to interact with the place?
[Distracted by the thought, the last bites of yokan are lingering longer... unattended to...]
And, of course, simple punishment should be able to be doled out either way.
no subject
The suits dictate less day-to-day than the rank. Rank is everything in the resort- it dictates what floors and spaces you have access to, what resources are provided to you for free, who will give you time of day. But rolling high is not everything. There is, of course, value in being "ignored", as well.
[Matoba's eye draws downward, across Kurama's fingertips and the bits of sweets still balanced in them.]
...But they are not unimportant. When a "Game" begins, that is when your suit's meaning shines through, for they will be used to draw out the part of you that caused the suit to latch onto you in the first place. What is that, to you? I cannot know. But I hope for your sake that you are more comfortable with your inner self than most in this realm seem to be.
[And like the lightning paws of a cat, Matoba quickly stabs his own bamboo pick into the last bite of Kurama's yokan, and pops it into his mouth.]
C'nsider us even, [He muffles.]
no subject
[Another thing to prevent exploits- a gap between when the suits were assigned and when they were relevant. It minimized the need for Day One Hotfixes.]
My inner se- Hey! [He's offended, even if it was technically Matoba treating him in the first place.]
I'm holding you to that. [That the yokan theft balanced their books.]
no subject
For a god, you're pretty gullible.
[Kurama gets a troublesome smile for his troubles, but he got quite a bit of information, too. What is there to complain about?, Matoba's smugness says. If Kurama considers himself a top player, then Matoba is already pro.]
Well, my feathered lord, it seems that I have delivered your orientation dutifully. Should you find some interesting exploit as a Wildcard, I would like to know.
[He forms one hand in a sign of prayer, and inclines his head- just enough.] Either way, I hope that you will remember the good turn that the Matoba have done you, when we next find ourselves at the mercy of the monsters holding this realm.
no subject
Not many humans are stupid enough to toy with a god. [He knows that if he wants to keep it that way he should respond but... it's also true that the man has given him ample information. He doesn't want to harm any humans here and he doesn't need to cut off any allies necessary for eventually escaping.]
Consider yourself fortunate there's a much larger piece on the board. [he folds his arms, a clear show of how Not Owned he is]
[As much as he would love to keep his eyes closed in his huff, he does glance back to register the name of his informant. A family name, most likely. It works fine enough in a place like this, where he can't imagine too many closely-related individuals would be brought together. He should properly introduce himself in return. Even if he doesn't want to.]
As the Keeper of Autumn Gales, I swear to remember the good and the bad. Do remember that.