pumpkinhollow: (Default)
pumpkinhollow ([personal profile] pumpkinhollow) wrote in [community profile] ph_memes2024-07-06 04:53 pm

[Special Test Drive] Villain's Lounge





You find yourself in a lounge.

You're not sure how you got here, or when you got here. The phrase "pulled from the mouth of Hell" springs to mind, unbidden. Assuming you have hands, there's a drink in one of them. A drink you like. If not, then perhaps something else will strike your fancy. Some lavish treat that is to your tastes. Someone has spared no expense making you comfortable.

"I'm so glad you all could make it," croons the Deer-Headed Man. He wears a business suit and carries a cane. You know him. He offered you something, shook your hand (or whatever you have) and promised you exactly what you wanted. All you had to do was "what you do best..."

"The casino will be open to the public before too long, and we'll begin assigning you prey," the Deer-Headed Man continues. "But for now, please enjoy this VIP lounge. I'd love it if you all took the chance to mingle, get to know each other. The bar is open, as is the kitchen. Anything you want is on my tab. I've got a lot to do, but I'll try to swing by later to answer any questions."

He disappears, leaving you and a strange collection of... colleagues, ostensibly, alone in the lounge. Deep blue plush furniture. Wood stained a deep black and polished expertly. Gold trim tastefully slipped in where appropriate. This place is classy. And you have the run of it.

What will you do?

────────────────────────────────────

[ The Villain's Lounge is a special test drive meme for guest villains for our Halloween Special. You do not have to apply officially to test drive, but you must apply officially in order to participate in the Special. Applications are due October 1st and can be done here. This is just an opportunity to test and practice! Have fun, and stay spooky! ]
bloodyscalesemptyheart: (Default)

The Worlds' Worst Bottom, or: Itazura Unmei, || 23 || Final Fantasy XIV

[personal profile] bloodyscalesemptyheart 2024-07-06 09:06 pm (UTC)(link)

Itazura doesn't miss a beat. His glass has a drink he's not had since he was kicked out of the clan, sprinkled with a few drops of blood... Perfect. He takes a sip, making sure it stains his lips just so, and checks in his reflection. He's as he is, nothing changed or missing, and his blood still flows... Still seeps out under his scales.

He seeks out and claims the comfiest couch he can find without hesitation, lounging on it dramatically, stretched out, all but on display. Fortunate that he's not wearing the healer's robes, here, but a nicer outfit, one which lets him show off. If everyone here is something similar to him, or worse, then he needs to be at his best.

If one approaches, they'll get a wink, a little welcoming wave of his tail. The worlds most awful healer is in town, getting his blood all over the nice furniture, and though he'll be given his own designated victim soon enough, that doesn't mean he won't seek out his own entertainment.

emperorcard: (Default)

Hol Horse || JoJo's Bizarre Adventure | Mid 30's

[personal profile] emperorcard 2024-07-06 10:17 pm (UTC)(link)
Pulled from the mouth of hell? You serious? Well, guess you were enough of a bastard to get sent there in the end. Real damn annoying he got put into a casino, places never got a clock in them. Can't even tell if your watches are off in there. They sure as hell are, but not like he could tell what the right time is.

And all this talk of prey? Guy's already sounding like that damn vampire already. Way too damn nice sounding for how creepy he looks, never can trust those folks. DIO worked the same charms on his lackeys. Dammit, you still expect the guy to show up in the corner of your eye at any moment by now.

Well, look on the bright side Hol. You got a few cigs and a bottle of whiskey in your hand, place is also real damn nice too and it couldn't hurt to lay down on this couch for a bit longer. Don't gotta sweat it when things are goin' good. May as well see who else is round here....

Man, these people give him the creeps, real scary lookin fellows! C'mon Hol! You've been in weirder crowds than this, may as well chat em up a bit, get to know your partner in crime! After all, "what you do best" is being Number Two no matter what! Gotta figure out who your workin' with here! At the very least, there any smokin' babes round here? That'd be real damn nice. After taking a drag, Hol goes up and introduces himself to one of the people he'd spotted nearby. "Name's Hol Horse, yours?"
Edited 2024-07-06 22:51 (UTC)
still_got_the_edge: (Default)

David Xanatos | Gargoyles (Disney) | Mid-Late 30s

[personal profile] still_got_the_edge 2024-07-07 05:56 am (UTC)(link)
The drink in his hand is an ambiguously amber-tinted liquid in a chunky crystal tumbler, and he's barely sipped at it since arriving. He's seated in one of the plush armchairs with one leg casually crossed over the other, a man with dark brown hair in a neat ponytail and a squared-off beard, dressed in a crisp charcoal-colored suit and a black dress shirt, studying the room and the people in it.

(Anyone with an eye for this sort of thing will spot that he's comfortable in this high-class environment, as though born to it.)

Eventually, he will get up and mingle -- but to begin with, he's interested to see who comes to him. Or who goes to talk to others and doesn't come to him.
emperorcard: (Default)

Re: David Xanatos | Gargoyles (Disney) | Mid-Late 30s

[personal profile] emperorcard 2024-07-07 06:51 am (UTC)(link)
Walking around the lounge, Hol realizes that someone's looking his way, sizing him up, no doubt about it. Well, can't fuck up your first impression now can ya? Gotta keep your poker face on round here, even if the casino's closed! Hol puts out his cigarette, then approaches the man, putting on the best smile he can, gotta look confident y'know!

"Name's Hol Horse, figure I'd introduce myself. Deer-Face over there's gonna have us be huntin' so-called 'prey' and I got a feeling it ain't no animal like him. See, I still got a bit of a problem with that now. Ain't nothin' related to killing, but somethin' else, ya listenin' Mr... erm?"
Edited 2024-07-07 06:53 (UTC)
emperorcard: (Default)

Re: The Worlds' Worst Bottom, or: Itazura Unmei, || 23 || Final Fantasy XIV

[personal profile] emperorcard 2024-07-07 07:28 am (UTC)(link)
Well, pretty boy over here's bleedin all over the damn couch. Hol's not really sure if he should point that out or not but he knows how someone reacts when they're bleeding like a damn tomato and they sure as hell ain't relaxed about it. Gotta be something up with that, some sorta magic or whatever. He ain't sure if it's a Stand or not but a goddamn Demon brought him here so anything's on the table at this point. Well, can't hurt to talk with him, he seems friendly enough.

So Hol approaches, and then gives a simple wave. "How's it goin, the name's Hol Horse. Ya' might be askin if that's my real name. Heh, may as well be!"

"So what's ya story. Figure I'll give mine, it's pretty short after all. I ain't much really, just a wandering vagrant, sometimes a hitman for hire. Some crazy vampire stuck an arrow in me and I developed a power to summon an invisible gun. Guy was my last employer, real creepy fella but offered a lotta money."
Edited 2024-07-07 07:29 (UTC)
bloodyscalesemptyheart: (Default)

Re: The Worlds' Worst Bottom, or: Itazura Unmei, || 23 || Final Fantasy XIV

[personal profile] bloodyscalesemptyheart 2024-07-07 08:43 am (UTC)(link)

Itazura gives him a welcoming grin, eyeing him up. Not bad. Strong survival instinct, too strong to keep around, too likely to betray his employer. But still, useful. If this situation isn't what it seems, a good one to keep afraid of him. Or at the very least, respectful.

"An invisible gun? Fascinating." He gives a grin that sees right through Hol, and returns the favor. "I am Itazura Unmei, traveling healer and occasional savior to the dying. But if you're here, then perhaps I should tell you that I am blood mage, instead. Don't mind my own, it's a hazard of the condition, but clean. And if you wonder about my name, well. It's certainly more fitting than the one I was given."

His tail flicks side to side, more catlike than lizardlike, really.

whowillprayforyou: (pic#17278044)

Max Jagerman | Nerdy Prudes Must Die (Starkid Productions) | 18

[personal profile] whowillprayforyou 2024-07-08 12:24 am (UTC)(link)
As the world around him solidifies and Max becomes aware of the table beneath his arms and the drink in his hand, Max raises his free hand to his forehead to rub it firmly, his nose wrinkling a little bit. Agreeing to come here and actually arriving all feel like a blur, but he does remember wanting to be here. Power, an outlet, freedom from the Lords in Black... And all he has to do is kill some dweebs for a betting ring? Whether he remembers it clearly or not, Max can't bring himself to regret it.

He looks in his hand to find a nice cold beer. "Oh shit. Sweet. Didn't need to show a fake ID or anything." He sits back in the plush navy seat, taking the place in. "A guy could get used to a place like this," he says to whoever's nearest. "Better'n where I was before!"
still_got_the_edge: (Default)

[personal profile] still_got_the_edge 2024-07-08 01:20 am (UTC)(link)
"Pleasure to meet you," he says, extending a hand to shake the other man's hand firmly. "David Xanatos. And I assure you, Mr. Horse, I'm listening. What problem might that be?"

He himself has any number of reservations, but he's inclined to keep them to himself for the moment.
emperorcard: (Default)

[personal profile] emperorcard 2024-07-08 05:45 am (UTC)(link)
Hol returns the handshake as well, making damn sure well it's a firm one. "Pleasure to meet ya as well Mr. Xanatos! Well, I'm assumin' the prey he's having us hunt's gonna be a one on one sorta deal. See, I just don't jive with that sorta thing! One guy gets ya figured out and your toast! See, that's where I come in, ain't nobody outsmarting a damn bullet in their head from me!" Hol makes a finger gun gesture, making a "pshhh" sound for emphasis. "And just like that, an unbeatable combo! Gotta cover for the boss y'know!"

Hol then puts his hands up and shrugs. "I suppose he's tryin' to make this hard for us too though, ain't no entertainment in somethin' easy as that. Real shame cause I only work as Number Two and not Number One, that'd be someone like you in an ideal world. Can't hurt to get to know my potential huntin' partners if he changes his mind though."
Edited 2024-07-08 05:57 (UTC)
howiruletheworld: (cause it's gonna be the future soon)

[personal profile] howiruletheworld 2024-07-08 09:27 am (UTC)(link)
Jack doesn't remember exactly how he got here, but he's very into this completely excessive milkshake he's been given. And, y'know, world domination. The real reason he's here, of course!

He's sat across the table from the new guy, who looks-- pretty spooky, not gonna lie, but also a lot like a stereotypical jock bully. Jack never went to public school, so tv shows and movies are his only touchstone for things like that. "Oh yeah, the guy with the deer head sure knows how to treat an evil-doer!" He takes an obnoxiously loud suck of the milkshake, then leans his chair back to kick his big goth boots up onto the table, legs crossing at the ankle.
howiruletheworld: (it's gonna be the future soon)

Jack Spicer | Xiaolin Showdown | 18

[personal profile] howiruletheworld 2024-07-08 10:05 am (UTC)(link)
Jack is making a production out of how unimpressed he is by the classiness of the decor, kicking his chunky boots up onto the table, lounging sideways in the chairs, and generally being an obnoxious presence in the room with an equally obnoxious drink.

He's talking to no one, and yet he is talking. "Yeah, it makes total sense that he'd want me here. I mean, I'm kinda a big deal. Jack Spicer, Evil Genius! Who wouldn't wanna get in on the ground floor of my plans?"
emperorcard: (Default)

Re: The Worlds' Worst Bottom, or: Itazura Unmei, || 23 || Final Fantasy XIV

[personal profile] emperorcard 2024-07-08 10:33 am (UTC)(link)
Blood mage eh? Wasn't this like part of one of those Dungeon-dragon game things? One of those wizardy guys, shooting magic out of their books and staffs. Least that's what he remembers about that stuff when one of the D'arbys brought it up. He ain't really been big on that kinda thing, sitting down for too long just ain't his style. Guess that stuff's real where this guy here came from, but magic ain't that far off from Stands. Would be real nice to be workin' with a real magician of sorts though.

"Nice to meet ya Itazura." Or is it Unmei? He ain't that good with Japanese sounding names. "So, how ya figurin' things're gonna go down once Deer-Face opens up the main event here? Been hopin' reason he's been asking us to chat ain't just for the sake of it. Goin' solo on these jobs just ain't my sorta thing!" Welp Hol, give it your best shot, gotta make allies while ya can!

A big grin comes across on Hol's face, and then he speaks further "Always been a big team player. Motto of mine's that I always prefer to be Number Two rather than Number One and of course well... Number One's gotta be you obviously if we're workin' together! So, ya game?"
still_got_the_edge: (Default)

[personal profile] still_got_the_edge 2024-07-09 03:37 pm (UTC)(link)
"A professional sidekick. That's a valuable skill," and he takes the trouble to put warmth in his tone. It's not by any means fake, either; he knows and deeply appreciates the value of a good solid subordinate who doesn't secretly think they should be in charge.

"I'd definitely consider that, if the option's open from our host. I can work alone, but I do enjoy a team exercise."
bloodyscalesemptyheart: (Default)

[personal profile] bloodyscalesemptyheart 2024-07-10 02:10 am (UTC)(link)

Itazura grins. He had Hol exactly right. He adjusts his position, not quite sitting up, but no longer lounging. "I can respect a man who knows his place in things, and the limits of his responsibility." No he can't, he's lying through his teeth. He doesn't respect anyone.

"'Going solo' is how I generally do things. After all, few are willing to stand side by side with a hemomancer. It's an issue of trust." A little pause, a tilt of his head, twitch of his tail. "If you found it in yourself to extend a little bit of that trust, however... Perhaps we could work something out."

emperorcard: (Default)

[personal profile] emperorcard 2024-07-10 03:46 am (UTC)(link)
The fuck's a hemomancer? Same thing as a blood mage probably, ain't used to these fancy words. Ain't nothin' weird bout that, gross to some but power's a power.

Now... on the topic of trust? Well, if he could put his trust even into a total bastard like J. Geil... into that insidious vampire, he could trust some guy who just bleeds a bit too much. Being the one on the sidelines? Ain't gonna complain 'bout that, he's not tryin' to be the head honcho anyway, let him call the shots! Maybe it's misguided trust, but least he ain't risking getting a damn parasite shoved in his head like when he worked for DIO.

Hol gives a bit of a grin, then says "... Sure. Ya want trust? Sure as hell can do that, can't have no strategy workin' without a bit of trust." Well, least as much trust as Hol's word can give. He'd said the same thing to DIO and almost blew the guy's brains out. Well, it ain't gonna come to that unless it's gotta, and he damn well hopes it doesn't. "...So what'cha thinkin?"
Edited 2024-07-10 23:27 (UTC)
emperorcard: (Default)

[personal profile] emperorcard 2024-07-10 04:23 am (UTC)(link)
"Professional sidekick huh? Heh, I like ya Mr. Xanatos!" Hol can't help but feel a good bit of joy hearing that. Damn right he's a professional sidekick, took the words right out of his mouth! Hol can already tell this guy's gonna be good to work with!

"Well, that's the business part outta the way. Ya' cool with sharing a bit about yourself? I'll go first if ya' ain't keen about telling secrets or somethin'. Makes my job a lot easier if I know how we'll be workin' together."
still_got_the_edge: (Default)

[personal profile] still_got_the_edge 2024-07-11 03:43 am (UTC)(link)
His smile widens. A good solid subordinate who doesn't secretly want to be in charge and who's proud of it -- rare, and valuable as all rare things are.

"Communication's always important for effective teamwork. I certainly don't mind sharing a few facts, but maybe you'd better start to give me an idea of what kind of thing you'd like to know."
whowillprayforyou: (pic#17278045)

[personal profile] whowillprayforyou 2024-07-13 01:44 pm (UTC)(link)
It's at this moment where Max takes the time to really take a look at his neighbor--- prompted largely by the weirdly over-zealous comment.

First off, this twerp is wearing makeup and nail polish, and Max, being a high school boy, has some opinions on that which he has yet to unpack. His hair is dyed the most ridiculous fire-engine red and styled suspiciously like Richie's. Instead of something cool like alcohol, he's chosen this super-stacker milkshake here (which looks like it probably fucks severely if Max is honest with himself, but he's not). He self-identified as an "evil-doer," which makes him sound like a fucking cartoon character. He's goth, which kids only do if they're trying to seem like edgy badasses when they're not. And worst of all, Jack's cardinal sin is that he is short. Max is certainly no mathematician, but after several seconds of sizing Jack up, Jagerman is able to add all this up to a very important result: this guy is a dweeb.

Looks like it's time for warm-ups.

Max lets out a snort. "Where'd you just walk out from, a fuckin' Scooby-Doo episode?"
emperorcard: (Default)

[personal profile] emperorcard 2024-07-17 09:03 am (UTC)(link)
"Well, ya probably are wonderin' something like 'ain't a cowboy supposed'ta have a gun?' with my whole getup. Well, it's there, ya just can't see it. It ain't hidden in my boots, or my hat, or anywhere on me really right now. Thing's pretty much a damn ghost I can summon at will, one ya can't see. Can't remember when it first showed up, been with me since I was born I'm sure."

"I can even hand ya the thing if your skeptical, hell I'd even say to try shooting me with it to show ya how the thing works but don't wanna cause a scene, thing still makes noise. Used that to scare more than my fair share of people shitless." Well, that and he's still got the damn scar on his head from the last time he shot himself in the head. Still a pretty damn good way to impress his partners though.

"See the bullets on this thing are a bit special, they don't run out and I can control the way they move in the air. 'Course, tradeoff is that it's only able to work 'round 40 yards of me from a rough estimate, tried shooting people from further but the things would just vanish. Well, I ain't gonna complain, never had a problem with that." That was a lie, this damn thing has put him into more trouble than he's ever bargained for because of that. It'd be so much damn easier if he could just shoot someone before they'd even see him. Still... it doesn't quite sit right with him to stoop that low, there's a bit of pride in killing someone up close and personal y'know.

"Course, if ya wanna just talk casual stuff I ain't gonna judge, figure ol' Emperor's always interestin' to bring up to people though, most don't believe it 'til they start seein' things get holes outta nowhere. I got plenty to share as well, nomad like mes got enough damn stories to write a whole book and then some."
still_got_the_edge: (Default)

[personal profile] still_got_the_edge 2024-07-18 08:04 pm (UTC)(link)
"Genius, you say?" The man speaking -- not quite old enough to be Jack's father, but decidedly of an older generation -- raises his eyebrows and also his glass in Jack's direction. "Excellent. What's your field, if I might ask?"
still_got_the_edge: (Default)

[personal profile] still_got_the_edge 2024-07-18 09:10 pm (UTC)(link)
His eyebrows rise considerably as Hol talks, not in disbelief (at least not apparently so) but in interest. "I'd be fascinated to see how it works, but as you say, it'd be likely to cause a disruption. If we get the chance at a shooting range or a practice field of some kind, I'd love to see it demonstrated."

In a manner strikingly casual for someone who's just been told that his conversational partner has an invisible lethal weapon on his person, Xanatos stretches an arm over the back of his chair and takes another sip of his drink.

"I'm afraid I don't have any such supernatural weapons myself," he adds, "only a modified form of an exosuit I designed. Our host assures me that its function should be identical. I'm hoping for a chance to test that before the main event."
tapetumlucidum: (julia; dangerous)

Julia Montauk | TMA, 36ish

[personal profile] tapetumlucidum 2024-10-13 09:14 pm (UTC)(link)

The woman that hangs at the edges of the luxurious lounge is on the taller side, with close-cropped hair and a large scar over her right eye—an eye that, itself, is an odd yellow shade with a slitted pupil, a matching set with her other. Everything about her screams predator, which is almost enough to mask how much a high-class environment like this is very much out of her comfort zone.

Everything about arriving here is fuzzy, but that's alright—Julia's needs aren't exactly complicated. The promise of survival, of seeing Trevor again, and all she has to do is Hunt some prey? That's perfect. That it's almost too perfect... she's choosing not to think about.

All she has in her hand is a simple beer that she drinks from, occasionally, as she scans the room. Trying to get a read on people, on the hierarchy—though she's not half so good at that as she thinks. She'll engage in conversation, if you approach her, and nod or raise her glass your way if you look at her too long.

Occasionally, she strays away from the edges to approach someone, casually sitting or leaning against something nearby. Her accent is something estuary English. "This is a real fancy place to put up a bunch of killers, isn't it?"

whowillprayforyou: (pic#17278046)

Max Jagerman, 18

[personal profile] whowillprayforyou 2024-10-13 11:29 pm (UTC)(link)
There is a young man not too far away, holding a cheap beer and leering with suspicion. This dude is so fancy, and like... vintage. But also off-putting.

"Are you like a Dracula or something?"

Truly, he is a poet.
whowillprayforyou: (pic#17278045)

Max Jagerman, 18

[personal profile] whowillprayforyou 2024-10-14 12:16 am (UTC)(link)
The guy in the tattered letterman's jacket that she speaks to is, consequently, also content with beer. Her vibe is cool. She seems... similar to what he is, which he couldn't rightly name himself. But she's way, way more practiced. He adjusts his posture, trying to come off as a peer.

"You're tellin' me. It's like a dickhead country club. Won't complain about free beer, though."

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