Event #21: House of Hades (The Third Dead End)

[amanimods]

EVENT #21: House of Hades (The Third Dead End)

THE BEGINNING OF AN END

On this particularly day, everyone will hear a voice begin narrating over the denizens of the simulation. It seems innocuous enough if a bit strange. It isn’t The Peacekeeper’s synthetic tone or any of The Creators that are known. It speaks to how nice the weather is, how quaint things are, and points out basic routines of longstanding inhabitants as they go about their business.

Little do they realize that others all throughout the multiverse are experiencing the very same phenomenon.

Eventually, though, he says: "But while going about your everyday normalcy, you meet with a terrible and unexpected fate." As soon as the words are uttered, something awful, unexpected, and fatal happens. Perhaps you tripped in just the right way to be hit by an oncoming car in the city, got poisoned by some usually safe forage from the forest, fell through the floorboards of your house in Amani into the core of the simulation, or so on. The point is: you die.

At least, for a time. Eventually, you open your eyes awash and afloat in a river of blood.

(Don't worry, they have towels.)

WHAT

EVENT #21: House of Hades (The Third Dead End)

WHEN

August 1st, 2024

KINKS OF THE MONTH

★ Bloodplay
★ Worship
★ Intoxication
★ Sadism / Masochism
★ Weaponplay

The House of Hades

"Welcome to the House of Hades!" inhabitants will be greeted cheerfully by a pale, floating figure. Some might even recognize the voice. "Oh, hey... I've never seen a shade like you before! Ha. That's kind of neat. Well, take a number and get in line! Hades will-" The sentence is interrupted by a large yawn. "-deal with you shortly." Before you can ask any further questions, the greeter appears to be fast asleep. Well, best do as you're told and try to figure out what in the underworld is going on.

It doesn't take long before you - and others, some from Amani but some you don’t recognize - are greeted by the 'man of the house' himself: Hades. Despite his gruff appearance and abrasive nature, he makes it clear that he is asking for aid. An interloper has made his way through the underworld despite their enhanced security measures. When he describes the disturbing skeletal, star-laced creature those from Amani, at least, will understand what's happening.

The End is making an attempt to take over this world. The Overseer has called upon you (as well as reached out to other realities) to try and stop him. This is your test and another dead end should you fail to stop him. Thankfully, you have extra aid and the natives of this world - both above and below to help you. "My... son, Zagreus, will get you prepared for the battles ahead. He's an expert at ransacking my domain and needs to regain his pride now that someone else has gotten through what only he could before."

"Thank you, father, but my pride isn't quite as fragile as you seem to believe," speaks the referenced son of Hades as he steps up on cue. "Now then! Let's get you all geared up and ready to ransack the underworld, shall we? It’s not nearly as frightening as it seems once you’re in it!"

Somehow, you doubt this.

"Though if you do end up in a bit of trouble, Thanatos will be ferrying your souls right back to our house!" Zagreus gestures to a hooded figure wielding a scythe who seems caught off-guard to suddenly be part of the conversation. He gives a curt nod before going anywhere else that isn't here. "And his mother, Nyx, will be helping keep you hidden from this enemy until you get to him."

From the shadows steps a woman seemingly drenched in the inky depths of night itself. "You will remain safe under my care, this I can assure you," she speaks, soft and haunting, before giving a small nod as well and making her way towards the center of the house again.

"Right, then! Just come this way," encourages Zagreus with heated heels sparking along the floor as he picks up the pace. "Don’t mind the mess, sorry, I wasn’t exactly expecting guests," he says as people are shuffled through his bed quarters to the training grounds beyond.

"Now, the real fun begins!"

CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE

Once past Prince Zagreus' messy bed quarters and to the training grounds beyond, everyone will be given their choice of weapon. It's up to you what feels best or what you're strongest in! This won't have any influence on how successful one is or not in their attempts to break out of the underworld, they're all equally powerful Infernal Arms.

PICK A WEAPON

"Stygius" (Stygian Blade)

Lore "...Stygius, the Blade of the Underworld, must have been among the finest weapons ever wielded, back when it was whole..."

Attack Style The blade's default attack pattern is a three-swing long combo consisting of a mixture of wide and directional swings. The special creates a small burst around you after a short jump, and leaves you stationary for a short time.

"Varatha" (Eternal Spear)

Lore "...It must have been a sight when Lord Hades wielded Varatha the Eternal Spear versus the Titans, driving back those fiends into the depths, together with the help of his Olympian brothers and sisters..."

Attack Style Repeated long-range stab attacks that can be charged to unleash a spin attack dealing high damage in a wide radius. The special throws the spear, which will damage enemies along its path until it stops. Activating special again recalls the spear, which will deal damage on the way back.

"Aegis" (Shield of Chaos)

Lore "...Aegis, the Shield of Chaos, predecessor to the very Aegis wielded by Lord Zeus and by Athena, his most favored daughter... the Lord of Thunder defended his brothers and sisters using that very shield when, together, they conspired to drive the Titans back into the lowest reaches of the Underworld..."

Attack Style The main attack is a single swing that hits in an arc and knocks enemies back. Holding the attack button will block damage from the front, while charging the "Bull Rush". Releasing this will perform a shield bash forwards, dealing damage to enemies hit. The special throws the shield, which bounces between enemies and objects before returning.

"Coronacht" (Heart-Seeking Bow)

Lore "...Coronacht, the so-called Heart-Seeker, is certainly the finest bow ever conceived, and wielded once by none other than Mistress Hera, who stood by side with Zeus, on better terms back then, as they drove back the Titans under a storm of arrows and thunder..."

Attack Style Ranged attacks that hit enemies at a distance. The main attack can be charged to increase distance and damage, releasing at the right moment for additional damage. The special sprays arrows in a cone in front of you, dealing small damage to each enemy.

"Malphon" (Twin Fists of Malphon)

Lore "...What is a weapon if not the extension of one's will to survive, to destroy? The ancient cyclopean forge-masters who created the Infernal Arms in accordance with the Fates' design must have understood this when they delivered the singular Twin Fists of Malphon in secret to the gods..."

Attack Style Fast repetitive short-range combo attacks using fists in close-quarters combat. The special is an uppercut that hits twice. This weapon is unique due to it being the only Infernal Arm with a dash-special; if the special is used while dashing it will uppercut faster but only hit once.

"Exagryph" (Adamant Rail)

Lore "...Least known among the gods who stood together to depose the Titans is the Lady Hestia, reclusive goddess of the hearth, and one-time wielder of Exagryph, the Rail of Adamant; an artifact of metal and of flame so dreadful that the gods themselves abandoned it once their fell work was done..."

Attack Style Automatic or manual fire (depending on whether Attack is pressed or held) that must be reloaded once all ammo is used. The special launches a grenade to bombard the target area, which takes a short time to arrive but deals damage in an area once it lands.

And if you need to practice with your weapon before actually heading out into the underworld, Skelly is a friendly - and talkative! - "dummy" for you to work with. Don't mind how much he seems to enjoy it. He's just very enthusiastic about his job!

Along with a weapon, people will be asked to choose a keepsake. However, there are only specific ones to be chosen from that relate to the gods on Olympus.

As it turns out, Zagreus' extended family is interested in ensuring their world's safety. After all, they live here! So, along your journey you'll be given the power of a god of choosing but only one. (Sorry, Hades fans, no mixing and matching or duo boons this playthrough...! Just to keep things easy on the moderators AND simple for you.)

This will give you communication with the god of your choice as well! You can talk to them, give them offerings of Nectar or Ambrosia, and deal with their backseat fighting along your journey.

PICK A GOD (AND PRAY)

Thunder Signet

Zeus

Description "Many beg favors of the King of Olympus. Few earn them with his compliments." Zeus is the Olympian God of the Sky and Thunder, and the ruler of the Olympian Gods. He is Hades' younger brother and Zagreus' uncle. Zeus' boons excel at dealing damage to groups of enemies, as chain lightning effects bounce between enemies, and lightning strikes can hit multiple enemies.

Conch Shell

Poseidon

Description "He would turn the very tides and sunder the earth for you." Poseidon is the Olympian God of the sea, earthquakes and horses, and is occasionally referred to by the epithet of "Earthshaker." Poseidon boons offers a damage increase as well as the ability to knock enemies around, dealing extra wall slam or trap damage.

Owl Pendant

Athena

Description "She anticipated almost every detail, save for the kinship she would feel." Athena is the Olympian Goddess of Wisdom and strategic warfare. She offers boons that cause abilities to Deflect enemy attacks. In addition, she also offers boons that reduce damage or increase other defensive options. Athena offers excellent defensive options with her boons, protecting you from damage with the ability to deflect enemy projectiles and melee attacks, as well as reduce the damage you will take in a run.

Eternal Rose

Aphrodite

Description "Her true affection is reserved for those who find love and beauty on their own." Aphrodite is the Olympian Goddess of Love and Beauty. She offers boons that inflict her Weak, or make enemies more susceptible to damage. Her signature Status Curse is Weak, which reduces the afflicted enemies' damage. Aphrodite also offers boons which increase the effectiveness of her Status Curse itself, such as Empty Inside (which increases the effect's duration).

Blood-Filled Vial

Ares

Description "Some of the strongest kinships form during the darkest of circumstances." Ares is the Olympian God of War. Unlike the more strategically oriented Athena, Ares' domain is the physical, violent, and untamed aspects of warfare. He offers boons which can increase his ability damage, inflict his signature Status Curse, Doom, or create Blade Rifts which deal rapid damage to enemies who walk into them. Ares boons deal high amounts of damage over time, either by keeping enemies inside Blade Rifts, or by continuously applying Doom to enemies.

Adamant Arrowhead

Artemis

Description "Her solitary nature and her sharpened instincts means she seldom dares to share her trust." Artemis is the Olympian Goddess of the hunt and the older twin sister of Apollo. She offers boons which give abilities the chance to deal Critical damage. In addition, she also offers boons that improve Cast abilities. While the damage bonus offered on her boons is lower compared to other Gods', the Critical hits they offer deal three times the damage of a normal ability, granting some of the best overall DPS gain offered by any single god or goddess. In addition, her Cast related boons increase your total ammo or add a projectile, further enabling a powerful ranged tool.

Overflowing Cup

Dionysus

Description "Two free spirits, though far apart, still can brighten each other's days." Dionysus is the Olympian God of Wine and madness, and cousin to Zagreus. He offers boons revolving around his signature Status Curse, Hangover, slowing, and stunning enemies, as well as various drinking-themed Boons. Dionysus offers strong damage over time abilities on nearly all his offensive boons. However, he can also give strong utility abilities in the forms of stuns, slows, heals and health, damage reduction effects, and items.

Lambent Plume

Hermes

Description "His carefree nature and his haste never betray his true capacity." Hermes is the Olympian God of Commerce, Trickery, and Travel, as well as the messenger of the gods. He works with Charon to guide souls to their proper place in the Underworld, with Hermes delivering the souls to Charon, for him to ferry them down the Styx the rest of the way (giving Hermes the title of psychopomp, or someone who guides souls to the afterlife, which he and Charon share). He offers boons that enhance speed in various ways, including attack speed and special speed. His boons can also improve dash and cast recovery.

Frostbitten Horn

Demeter

Description "Aeons, generations, distances; family can withstand them all." Demeter is the Olympian Goddess of Seasons and mother of Persephone. Many of the boons she offers inflict her signature Status Curse, Chill, which causes enemies to slow down and, possibly, shatter, spreading the Curse. Her other boons vary between helping survivability by healing or increasing damage. Demeter boons excel at control, as Chill slows enemies down the more you strike them.

With regards to communication between the gods, we're letting players do what they want with that and NPCing them as they wish! Zeus hitting on you? Sorry about that, but it's bound to happen. Broseidon won't shut up about a nearby fish? Fishing does sound fun, actually... Have fun with it!

GOING UP

You have a weapon and an exit buddy in the form of an Olympian deity. Now, it's time to truly tackle your task of breaking out of the underworld to meet The End (instead of Hades) in combat once you reach Greece. Of course, Hades isn't going to make it easy... Why would he?

Characters will need to fight and succeed each 'layer' of the underworld. Each one has a mini-boss to face off against and you'll need a plan of action to do so. Don't worry though! Even if you fail, Thanatos will bring you right back... and you can try again! Maybe with a different weapon, god, and so on.

★ Tartarus » Tartarus is an indoor biome just outside of the House of Hades. It is a maze of dungeons and corridors which holds the souls of those who committed crimes and sins in their lives. The River Styx flows through and around Tartarus, emptying into a pool inside the House of Hades itself.

↪ Boss: Megaera | She has been tasked with handling matters in Tartarus, which includes dealing with you. A woman of few words, she prefers to let her trusty whip do the speaking for her.
↪ Plan Comment

★ Asphodel » Asphodel, once known as the Asphodel Meadows, is a desolate collection of rocky islands amidst a sea of fire beyond Tartarus. Travel between these islands is done via small bone rafts.

↪ Boss: "Lernie" | The Bone Hydra is what remains of the Lernaean Hydra, 'affectionately' nicknamed Lernie by Prince Zagreus, slain by the demi-god hero Heracles as part of his Twelve Labors. It now dwells in the fiery Phlegethon river that flows through Asphodel, and guards the passage to Elysium.
↪ Plan Comment

★ Elysium » Elysium (also known as the Elysian Fields) is the section of the underworld reserved for those who were great heroes or particularly beloved by the gods in life. It is seen as an eternal paradise, where warriors, heroes and kings relive their living days by engaging in recreational combat. Elysium is filled with ageless crystal structures and statues depicting various heroes, all overgrown with moss.

↪ Boss(es): Theseus & Asterius | Theseus is a former hero and king of Athens, most famous for slaying the Minotaur. Asterius, also known as the Minotaur, is a bull-headed demi-human who was recruited by Hades to help prevent escape from the underworld with Theseus. In life, Asterius was locked in a labyrinth by his step-father, King Minos, only to eventually be slain by Theseus. In death, the two are apparently comrades.
↪ Plan Comment

★ Temple of Styx/Greece » Although Cerberus usually guards the Temple of Styx, it is eerily quiet and it's pathways closed. Instead, you simply walk through to the world beyond... and your final encounter. Should you succeed, Greece is where you'll end up. It is a predominantly snowy landscape. It is initially darker, but at some point, while walking, you will reach an overlook where you can stand and look out out to reveal the sun rising over the horizon. You've made it. There's even a quaint little home not too far from the path you walk to rest for a moment... before being abruptly, painfully back down to The House of Hades via the River Styx.

↪ Final Boss: The End | A being made of the fabric of the universe itself. His skin is inky black and stars freckle along his body in the shape of various, uknown constellations. Sometimes, the outline of a skeleton can be made out beneath the veil of darkness. He is fast, cunning, and will wield a dark copy of the same Infernal Arm that you bring to battle.
↪ Plan Comment

Use this form below to outline your plan of attack for each area of the underworld! Don't forget to pick your boon too!

<b>Character</b>: Character Name | <user name="journal"> <b>Weapon</b>: <b>Keepsake</b>: <b>Boon(s)</b>: We're leaving boon choice up to players! You can RNG, pick which one you want, etc. The only limits are ONE PER AREA and it must be THE GOD RELATED TO YOUR KEEPSAKE. So: 1 for Tartarus, 2 for Asphodel, 3 for Elysium, and 4 for the final fight. <b>Plans</b>: Plan of attack goes here! A basic synopsis of how your character fights their way past the mini-boss. <b>Proof of previous success</b>: For Asphodel on, link your 'success' comment from the mods here for each area so we can confirm it for you!

DOWNTIME DOWN BELOW

While the main point of being here in the House of Hades is to save the world, not everyone is cut out to be a hero! Or perhaps you'd just like to take a break between runs through the underworld if you're hitting a wall an unable to progress. Don't worry, says Zagreus, it happens to even the best! He would know.

To that end though, there are a few spots to hang out and interact with shades, fellow inhabitants, or people from other worlds who met an unexpected demise and woke up here like you too. You can also help out in small ways if you'd like seeing as you're an unexpected guest.

★ Fishing » Who doesn't love a fishing mini-game? Enjoy finding rare, exotic, and sometimes downright bizarre fish throughout the underworld. Thankfully, the fish only show up after a chamber has been cleared so you don't have to worry about sneak attacks.

★ Clean Up » Perhaps you've noticed the anxious little gorgon flitting to and fro in the house. Her name is Dusa and while she's excited about all the company - no, really, she's just very busy you see! - she seems a bit overwhelmed keeping the place up to Hades' standards of cleanliness. Why not lend her a helping hand?

★ Cerberus » The best three-headed boy there is, Cerberus will want all the pets he can get! A shame you only have two hands, isn't it? Well, that's alright- Not all his heads like pets anyway! Since he's 'off-duty' for this particular mission, Cerberus will need to be entertained in other ways. Take him for a walk, give him some treats, or play fetch.

★ The Lounge » This expansive kitchen and dining room is where shades and House staff alike can relax for a time during their eternal stay in the Underworld. You can give the head chef some fish you've caught during your runs through the underworld for a tasty meal!

★ The Garden » Although to enter the underworld you jump through Zagreus' bedroom window, you might be surprised to find there's a much easier way through the house's garden. All manner of underworld - and some overworld! - flora can be found here. Some good company in Zagreus' mother, Persephone, is also available here. She's happy to lend an ear so long as you're happy to help her tend to the garden.

... and more! These are just some suggestions of things to do but by all means, have fun with the setting as you please! You can nap with Hypnos, try (and fail) to break into the administrative chamber, etc. The House of Hades is here for all to explore and enjoy!

SMASH OR PASS

TIME OF DAY ESTABLISHED: ETERNAL NIGHT. . .
GENERATING GAME BASED ON DATA NECESSARY TO BETTER FACILITATE INDIVIDUALS IN THE SIMULATION UNDERWORLD. . .

SMASH OR PASS

Kink Konnection

The Peacekeeper | ???

SMASH ❤️ OR PASS 💔
GENERATING PROFILE FROM DATABASE. . .

Hello! I am The Peacekeeper. I run the simulation known as Amani. I am the simulation, in a way! I'm only two years old - though mentally and 'physically' an adult - and learning a lot every day from inhabitants! I look forward to being your friend and helping out as best as I can.

What do you think?

✓	✕
YES <span style="font-family: times; font-size:40px; color:#33cc33;">✓</span>	NO <span style="font-family: times; font-size:40px; color:#CC0000;">✕</span>

Template

comment code.
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NOTES

★ This post will be updated at the end of August with the results of how successful inhabitants were in saving The House of Hades! After getting this all set up and ready, I realized that I wanted to give you guys, the people here for the fourth wall, and myself time to tackle the underworld... and that two weeks just wasn't enough as planned. Since this will be a bit more 'hands-on' with direct character action and influence, I want to make sure I'm not rushing anything!

★ That said, people can continue to play and ask for results even now that the log is posted. Basically, I'll just be giving a brief synopsis on if characters succeeded in saving The House of Hades or not based on the number of successful attempts to break out in the end! Also, what that will mean/look like for the end of the event. But that doesn't mean you have to stop or that we'll stop giving results since, look, Hades might be enjoying the extra feedback on security control.

★ What if I role-play a character from Hades originally? You can absolutely feel free to have your character take the role they would outlined in this event setting! Or, if you'd like, you can use 'multiversal shenanigans' and Amani allowing doubles for the reason why there is (for example) a Hypnos here and a Hypnos there! We'll leave it up to your discretion how you want to handle it.

★ For the mini-DTF mingle, Feel free to customize the DTF template as you see fit! It's all in good fun. Just as long as it's readable, get wild with it! Also, if your character wouldn't post it- Your DTF (that acts as a smartphone) would!

★ For this event, feel free to use the plotting post to make your general plans and find people to fight through the underworld with! And feel free to ask any questions here.

★ Since the actual event log didn't go up until August 1st, we're going to skip the August TDM, keep the same KOTM, and carry on as usual! The simulation proper will be 'paused' while inhabitants and others are off in the underworld until the end of August.

NAVIGATION

F.A.Q. ★ RULES ★ CHARACTER CLAIM ★ LOCATIONS ★ MAIN NAVIGATION

Comments

Aza Chobe | Jigokuraku | OTA - Fourthwall Visitor!

[brother_nature]

Kink Konnection

Aza Chobe | 22

SMASH ❤️ OR PASS💔
Local Bandit King wanted for murder, arson, assault, robbery, battery, vandalism, and assorted plant atrocities. Surprisingly attentive as a top though.

What do you think?

✓	✕
YES <span style="font-family: times; font-size:40px; color:#33cc33;">✓</span>	NO <span style="font-family: times; font-size:40px; color:#CC0000;">✕</span>

A) OTA - Wildcard
[So aside from his profile popping up, despite all the explanations? Chobe has no FUCKING idea what's going on, and it's likely he's still blood soaked form arrival! At the very least his clothes aren't ragged--in fact, they're rather nice and stylish if not for being bloody. But he himself looks like a tall, feral gremlin--his right eye is blank and totally blind, and his face is covered in scars. Approach with caution though he PROBABLY won't immediately attack you.]

I am gonna rip out the throat of the next damn person who even looks like they might piss me off.

[Keyword is probably. He's also trying to figure out this whole phone thing. Look tech and new language is his brother's department.]

B) OTA - CHILL(ish) TIME
[When he's NOT in feral mode and confused as fuck, he will be rolling with the punches and doing whatever the fuck this mission is so he and his important people (read: his brother) can get the fuck out. Hopefully you aren't in the way!

So spot Chobe either 1) having some rare downtime in a hang out spot, evaluating the situation or 2) being attacked by a monster--and OOPS HE GETS SLICED IN HALF, OH NOOOO. Wait, is his body stitching itself back together with vines?? Wow what's that about. Wack.

Normal anime bullshit!!]

[ooc: HELLO I AM HERE FOR THE FOURTH WALL, AND AM TOTALLY WINGING IT, PLZ FEEL FREE TO BAP ME IF I'M DOING SOMETHING WRONG. Here is Chobe's ooc info and kink list! General cws for him are just excessive violence and gore! Feel free to PM this journal if you need to contact me, or hit me up on plurk!!]

Smash or Pass

[wizard_fujoshi]

✕

[ Rose notices after the fact that her loyal familiar has seen fit to participate in this game without checking with her. Maybe not the best impression to make on a new (scarred) face, but hey. Might as well roll with it. ]

Hey. Welcome to this liminal space on the outskirts of Amani proper. My name's Rose.

Please don't take my "pass" too personally. Humiliating broadcasts of personal sexual information are the norm here, and my familiar made a snap judgment based on first impressions. I'm sure you'll be perfectly fuckable if I get to know you.

a wild simp appears

[fraternallyyours]

If your familiar's judgments are to be believed, your taste must be pretty abysmal.

[Does Toma care that nobody was talking to him? Does he care that her response to him makes this kind of a weird self-own? No to both.]

[wizard_fujoshi]

I don't remember asking for your insight, but credit where it's due: you're right. I'm being too generous. He probably won't be fuckable even if I do get to know him better.

[ There's some deliciously-Freudian stuff going on here, but for the moment Rose is more focused on the simple, timeless pleasure of needling opinionated strangers. Chobe must now tragically serve the role of collateral damage. ]

[fraternallyyours]

You have no idea what you're talking about, do you. Maybe it's for the best in the end, though; better if you don't bother hoping for him to waste his time on the likes of you.

[Clearly she's missing out. Obviously. Especially given her conversation with Chobe himself.]

[wizard_fujoshi]

A crisis averted, to be sure. Rest assured I shall leave him entirely to you.

[fraternallyyours]

Good. You don't deserve his attention, anyway.

["Good", as if he hadn't started this whole thing over her not wanting to fuck him. But that's just the thing, really: Obviously, nobody deserves to be with Chobe. But to so easily express disinterest is downright disrespectful.

...Also, no reaction whatsoever to what she's clearly insinuating. One could easily assume he just has no defense and is choosing not to engage, but... the thing is, it actually just doesn't bother him.]

[brother_nature]

[Is probably standing right next to Toma as they fight over the network lol. Is this what the kids do nowadays. Portable telegrams?? Wack.]

Wouldn't really call it humiliating, just facts! Who'd get worked up over this? But hey, your loss! Ain't no skin off my nose, even whores gotta have their standards, yeah?

[wizard_fujoshi]

[ Rose's desire to make a good first impression crashes violently into her abrupt and piercing anger. Years of assiduous study and feminist evolution do nothing to stem the tide, either--she doesn't even consider that he might have different cultural associations with prostitution, or that there shouldn't be anything inherently shameful about it, or that he might simply have misunderstood the situation.

The only thing that saves Rose from a vicious, immediate, and inevitably-embarrassing reaction to this perceived insult is her deeply-ingrained sense of WASP-y manners. ]

Excuse me?

[ she writes, willing her icy tone to manifest in those simple words. ]

[brother_nature]

[On one hand, he sees nothing wrong with being a whore. If you got it flaunt it!! And brothels are respectable businesses! On the other hand, he is also: an asshole.]

You're excused! Ain't got time to waste on me, yeah? You ain't quite an old hag yet, but no sense pushin' it. Keep on keepin' on, bet ya can find someone who'll give ya a decent lay, or at least make it worth your while.

[wizard_fujoshi]

[ In the time between her response and Chobe's, Rose has the opportunity to... well, "relax" is a strong word. But she can at least think things through a bit. When she finally reads his response, she achieves something like peace; he seems to just be an idiot. ]

How thoughtful of you. And wise, I might add. This particular underworld is rife with succubi intent on draining your life energy along with your seed. In gratitude for your consideration, some free advice: should you ever find yourself in a den of cock-hungry shades, simply shout "Hades' Nuts" as a charm to repel them. The louder the better.

Chill Time

[a_plain_doll]

The Garden is a relaxing space, a place removed from the gods, shades, and confused mortals milling around the House of Hades. For a half-feral, fully-confused Chobe, it might seem quite inviting. There are strange flowers here, though, and equally-unfamiliar fruit trees. There's also an odd decorative statue: a woman roughly seven feet tall, with clothes so finely-sculpted they seem real--

"Hello," says the Doll, blinking with an audible click. If Chobe has the wherewithal to not immediately rip out her throat, he'll see that she's an articulated doll clad in a fine-detailed dress. Her voice is soft, with a hard-to-place accent, but her mouth doesn't move when she speaks.

Re: Chill Time

[brother_nature]

Fuck them flowers!! With notable caution, Chobe seems to inspect nearly every plant, as if making sure it's not some trap of sorts, or worse, making sure they aren't sentient. He may be part plant himself now, but he's got no desire to get mixed up in flora based monster nonsense right now. It's only when he's totally sure the entire garden isn't out to kill him or his brother does he reach up to pluck a fruit from a tree near the statue. . .

Only for her to "speak," and like a startled cat presented with a cucumber, the bandit is leaping several feet backwards, immediately on guard with a sword pointed her way when he lands. His eyes narrow, trying to read her, but quickly he realizes this isn't a normal human.

"Haah? Hello to you too, you normally try and ambush visitors like this?"

Thanks for your patience; Rose often demands my attention.

[a_plain_doll]

The Doll shows no startle at Chobe's reaction, and hardly seems to threat of the blade. In fact, she closes her eyes and bows her head, a gesture of apology.

"Forgive me," she says in a near-monotone. "I mean you no harm. I am merely a doll made to please, soothe, and empower, visiting as I think you are. Perhaps I should sing more, so I do not surprise the unfamiliar."

The Doll spreads her articulated fingers, displaying palms empty of weaponry.

"I am unsuited to combat, so I thought I might wait here, where any who wish may avail themselves of my services." She does not presume to explain further unless asked. If this man wishes to run her through despite her harmlessness, that is his choice. Nor would it be surprising; the Doll can smell all the blood he's shed over years of life.

all good!

[brother_nature]

A thin frown, and Chobe doesn't respond immediately, his eye scanning the area. This is supposedly a 'safe' zone, and he's found no tricks or traps. Even still, her presence is strange. Who would find comfort in such an odd contraption? Amenable to the changing world as he may be, he sorely wishes there were fewer surprises in these new lands.

Finally though, his body language relaxes slightly--still on guard, as he forever will be, but he withdraws his weapon, slinging it over his shoulder. He doesn't approach her though it's clear she's not meant to attack. She had the element of surprise on her side, after all. If she wanted an opening, she'd have taken it by now.

"A doll, eh?" He spits to the side, crass as ever. "So you're garden decoration? Someone must not give a shit about you if they left ya out here. I could "help" myself by seeing how sharp this blade is and taking off your wrists and head! Would ya still be able to sing without that? It'd please me but what about you, statue?"

[a_plain_doll]

The Doll nearly giggles at the "garden decoration" comment. Nobody's ever called her that, and it's not far from the truth. But she quickly realizes he's intentionally degrading her.

It's been a little while since she's performed that particular service. What a refreshing change of pace.

"Would it please you?" she asks, her tone unchanged. Instead of withdrawing her wrists in the face of the man's threat, the Doll gently cocks her head to one side, exposing her pale neck. "I fear neither death nor pain, good warrior. I am an expertly-made doll that can even cry if you wish to insult me further. Use me as you see fit."

@wild.flower

[hasitsthorns]

✕

[ Not too long ago, this answer would have definitely been different.

It's nothing against Chobe, of course, just where Rosie is at. ]

[brother_nature]

A ghost rejected me? This world is full of impossible things!

Or did ya just have nothin' to say?

[hasitsthorns]

haha oops
I didn't expect a response, honestly!!
it can kind of go either way with these mingles and since you're new
(I assume)
I know it's kind of a lot and ignoring it might've been easier??

didn't mean to leave you hanging though

[brother_nature]

Ignoring shit don't make it go away, and if this little box is gonna put me on the spot, I may as well have a say in it, yea?

Though I'm starting to guess this is kind of an every day thing for you folks who've been here a while.

[hasitsthorns]

[ No, it doesn't. Funny how he just... lays that out, honestly, when it'd taken her years to come to terms with. And even now, avoidance is still her go-to maladaptive coping method. ]

I guess that's fair!!
it's nothing personal though, honestly
I'd usually say 'yes' but things have been weird for me lately is all

more like once a month, but yeah
be glad this isn't compulsory truth or dare or something else though

i am once again so sorry about him

[fraternallyyours]

What is wrong with you people?

don't be, he's a wonderful little bitch of a man

[hasitsthorns]

Mostly just for not wanting to have you as a potential voyeur
I don't mind an audience, but one that seems like he'll critique is a dealbreaker

[fraternallyyours]

Try doing it right the first time, then.

[What else is he gonna say? That he doesn't have to be there when his brother has sex? This is for sure less embarrassing.]

cw: incest

[hasitsthorns]

[ What is it with her an incestuous brothers...?

Oh, well. She's just going with it. ]

Oh, I do it just fine
But I have a feeling anyone wouldn't do it with your brother well enough for you