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TDM #3
Welcome! Everything is fine.
Uploading. . . Complete!
The Lobby.
- When you open your eyes, there is quite a lot of beige to take in. The unassuming walls of the room you've found yourself in are barren save for a single motivational poster directly in your line of sight. An illuminated sign above an open door on the far wall reads 'lobby exit.'
"Welcome," chimes a polite, synthesized voice. "I'm happy you're here." A moment later comes the clarity of the situation: you died and so did the world you came from. "This is Amani, your new reality," continues The Peacekeeper. "Everything will be fine."
At least you aren't the only one here, you'll soon find out, as others who are just as confused and concerned as you are mingling in the main hub's first floor. Hopefully, you find a familiar face among the crowd. If not, that's all right. You'll get to know quite a few people very well soon enough.
- If you're one of the unlucky few whose death required a bit more intensive re-coding to maintain stability in the simulation, you'll instead awaken on a bed in the infirmary. Everything is strikingly white save for the occasional string of vines with lavender growing in bursts to help keep people calm. Whether or not it works seems to be on a case-by-case basis.
While there is no active medical staff, the voice of The Peacekeeper is there to explain the situation in a more delicate manner to these individuals. It's already stressful enough having to have gone through such a violent death, after all!
If characters want more questions answered, they'll need to speak to The Peacekeeper directly. But first, it will encourage socialization in the main hub and hopefully, you'll find someone you recognize to make taking things in a little easier.
WHAT
The third Amani TDM!
WHEN
March 21st, 2022
KINKS OF THE MONTH
★ Fancy Dress
★ Guns/Knives
★ Shibari/Kinbaku
★ Anonymous Sex
★ Femdom
★ Guns/Knives
★ Shibari/Kinbaku
★ Anonymous Sex
★ Femdom
MAY I OFFER YOU...
Throughout the main hub where everyone congregates, a light chiming echoes through the first floor. "Hello, everyone," comes the synthetic voice from when you first arrived. "Please, mind our mess as we are undergoing construction for a new addition to the main hub. If you'd like, there is cake, some refreshments, and some eggs for you in these trying times."
While the Peacekeeper doesn't elaborate, it doesn't have to. Simulation inhabitants throughout Amani will have no doubt noticed the abundance of crystal eggs that have been populating throughout the simulation.
While they come in different colors that have their own unique influence, the eggs themselves will generally call forth nesting instincts in those that come across them. They'll want to care for them, make their home just right for the new hatchling, and generally fuss until things are perfect.
If the party and its cake don't appeal to you, that's perfectly fine. This is the perfect time to configure your Digitized Technical Friend or your DTF status. A DTF is similar to a dæmon from His Dark Materials in that it is connected to and a reflection of a character's soul. These DTFs take shape accordingly and are projections similar to the NPCs. Think of them as your own personal Clippy except less annoying. Hopefully.
Once that's set-up, there are other locations of the main hub to investigate! You can still find an (off-key) instrument to play in the music lounge or check out the (algae-ridden) pool.
You can even visit The Peacekeeper themselves on the second floor. They're always happy to have visitors! They're also conveniently where you might place a complaint about that status of the main hub and its amenities.
Or, you might want to visit that under construction area that was mentioned. It will be clearly marked off with tape and "Do Not Enter" signs but those won't stop you. Why would they? Even if you can read, who cares! Beyond the doors, there is a massive drop just a few paces in as the floor isn't yet finished. Mind your step!
What is finished of the floor though appears to be a ballroom. On the far wall, in the dim unfinished lighting, there also appear to be masks and fancy clothes hanging on a rack. You can try to jump the gap and get a better look if you dare... but it is impressively large. It might not be worth the risk considering there doesn't appear to be a bottom to the pit that you can see.
Huh. Just what is The Peacekeeper planning?
While the Peacekeeper doesn't elaborate, it doesn't have to. Simulation inhabitants throughout Amani will have no doubt noticed the abundance of crystal eggs that have been populating throughout the simulation.
While they come in different colors that have their own unique influence, the eggs themselves will generally call forth nesting instincts in those that come across them. They'll want to care for them, make their home just right for the new hatchling, and generally fuss until things are perfect.
- ★ Red Garnet » Eggs made out of this crystal give off waves of warmth and soothes whoever is close by. It's hard to stay angry or irate when in close proximity! As one might have guessed from the color alone, this egg will also strengthen love and sexuality of anyone in its presence.
★ Aquamarine » Brilliantly blue and comfortingly cool, these eggs will help someone feel safe and let go of their worries. Whatever those may be There is a stronger sense of trust between individuals in proximity to this crystal as well as enhanced feelings of protectiveness (but in a good way)!
★ Citrine » As bright as a ray of sunshine, it reflects a joyfulness that can't be denied. This egg will lighten spirits, help you see things in a positive life, and call good fortune forth whenever it's around.
★ Zoisite » While this egg may look a bit sickly, it makes those near it feel anything but. In fact, this egg promotes self-awareness and reflecting on recent events. How have your experiences helped you grow? Maybe it's time to consider that!
WHAT'S YOUR DTF STATUS?
If the party and its cake don't appeal to you, that's perfectly fine. This is the perfect time to configure your Digitized Technical Friend or your DTF status. A DTF is similar to a dæmon from His Dark Materials in that it is connected to and a reflection of a character's soul. These DTFs take shape accordingly and are projections similar to the NPCs. Think of them as your own personal Clippy except less annoying. Hopefully.
Once that's set-up, there are other locations of the main hub to investigate! You can still find an (off-key) instrument to play in the music lounge or check out the (algae-ridden) pool.
You can even visit The Peacekeeper themselves on the second floor. They're always happy to have visitors! They're also conveniently where you might place a complaint about that status of the main hub and its amenities.
MIND OUR MESS
Or, you might want to visit that under construction area that was mentioned. It will be clearly marked off with tape and "Do Not Enter" signs but those won't stop you. Why would they? Even if you can read, who cares! Beyond the doors, there is a massive drop just a few paces in as the floor isn't yet finished. Mind your step!
What is finished of the floor though appears to be a ballroom. On the far wall, in the dim unfinished lighting, there also appear to be masks and fancy clothes hanging on a rack. You can try to jump the gap and get a better look if you dare... but it is impressively large. It might not be worth the risk considering there doesn't appear to be a bottom to the pit that you can see.
Huh. Just what is The Peacekeeper planning?
COMPLIMENTS OF CORRIN
As part of the wishes granted by The Peacekeeper during the picnic it hosted, it has analyzed everyone's favorite meals. Yes, even you despite being brand new! It has your whole mind on file, after all, and so finding that information isn't actually difficult.
No matter where they take up residence, once they wake up their said favorite meal is prepared for them and exactly the way they like it. In addition to the meal will be a small, fragile paper egg. Once cracked, confetti will spill out and a paper note. This note is filled with words of praise for them, compliments, or anything that they might need to hear to feel good for the rest of the day. It can be long or short, corny or vague but, ultimately it is crafted exclusively to make the recipient feel warm and special.
It is a wish born of love for fellow simulation inhabitants and hopefully that's conveyed. Hopefully, it comforts them and carries them well throughout their day. Whether new or old, they'll know from the moment they wake up that that they're important, valued, and special.
The notes themselves are anonymous and no hints will be given as to who is responsible for the kind gesture. The Peacekeeper will not take credit themselves if asked but instead say that it was a wish of an inhabitant and leave it at that.
While this is definitely a nicer way to start your day, it doesn't change the leaky roof or broken window in your new place. No, unfortunately that will still need to be fixed the peaceful way. If you'd like more lighting or even cozier clothes, simulation inhabitants are reminded that 'peaceful interactions' are very important! It might be a good idea to stick close to someone you know, for now, since even the smallest amounts of intimacy might see subtle changes occurring where they're staying. Perhaps that broken window is now fixed, the grime and dust seem a little less, or the floor doesn't creak quite as loud.
Larger changes, however, will only come after demonstrating the more powerful peaceful interactions. If you want new hardwood floors or a fresh coat of paint on the walls, you're going to have to demonstrate how well you 'get along' with others against them first.
No matter where they take up residence, once they wake up their said favorite meal is prepared for them and exactly the way they like it. In addition to the meal will be a small, fragile paper egg. Once cracked, confetti will spill out and a paper note. This note is filled with words of praise for them, compliments, or anything that they might need to hear to feel good for the rest of the day. It can be long or short, corny or vague but, ultimately it is crafted exclusively to make the recipient feel warm and special.
It is a wish born of love for fellow simulation inhabitants and hopefully that's conveyed. Hopefully, it comforts them and carries them well throughout their day. Whether new or old, they'll know from the moment they wake up that that they're important, valued, and special.
The notes themselves are anonymous and no hints will be given as to who is responsible for the kind gesture. The Peacekeeper will not take credit themselves if asked but instead say that it was a wish of an inhabitant and leave it at that.
While this is definitely a nicer way to start your day, it doesn't change the leaky roof or broken window in your new place. No, unfortunately that will still need to be fixed the peaceful way. If you'd like more lighting or even cozier clothes, simulation inhabitants are reminded that 'peaceful interactions' are very important! It might be a good idea to stick close to someone you know, for now, since even the smallest amounts of intimacy might see subtle changes occurring where they're staying. Perhaps that broken window is now fixed, the grime and dust seem a little less, or the floor doesn't creak quite as loud.
Larger changes, however, will only come after demonstrating the more powerful peaceful interactions. If you want new hardwood floors or a fresh coat of paint on the walls, you're going to have to demonstrate how well you 'get along' with others against them first.
PIXIES VS. GNOMES
Ah, Spring! A time to clean out the old and bring in the new. In order to assist inhabitants with this process, The Peacekeeper has enlisted help of pixies. These creatures usually hibernate during the winter months and awaken once it truly begins to warm up. Although normally known for being tricksters, that isn't the case here in Amani!
... Mostly. These pixies are here to help clean your place out. Of course, they might be a little too helpful. Hey, don't be mad! How were they supposed to know you needed that shirt? It didn't look like it was necessary. Nothing of yours really does, they'll say, and so you'll find items missing left and right as the pixies take flight.
But not to fret! In addition to pixies, another creature of spring that are now alert and lively again after a long winter snooze are gnomes. They look like regular plastic garden gnomes when one is looking but glance away and they'll suddenly be in a new spot or position. They'll be happy to retrieve your items back from those thieving, mischievous pixies. They're mortal enemies, after all, and happy to do anything that might set back the pixies' efforts to keep things orderly. How boring!
The only catch? They don't really know what belongs to who. That journal of your innermost thoughts? Yeah, it's shown up across the simulation in the house of someone you probably never wanted to see it! Hopefully, the pixies didn't swipe anything too embarrassing...
Also, don't be surprised if a gnome or two decides to take up residence in your place in exchange for their services. While mostly harmless, they do seem to get a kick out popping up in unexpected places to give the inhabitants a small fright.
... Mostly. These pixies are here to help clean your place out. Of course, they might be a little too helpful. Hey, don't be mad! How were they supposed to know you needed that shirt? It didn't look like it was necessary. Nothing of yours really does, they'll say, and so you'll find items missing left and right as the pixies take flight.
But not to fret! In addition to pixies, another creature of spring that are now alert and lively again after a long winter snooze are gnomes. They look like regular plastic garden gnomes when one is looking but glance away and they'll suddenly be in a new spot or position. They'll be happy to retrieve your items back from those thieving, mischievous pixies. They're mortal enemies, after all, and happy to do anything that might set back the pixies' efforts to keep things orderly. How boring!
The only catch? They don't really know what belongs to who. That journal of your innermost thoughts? Yeah, it's shown up across the simulation in the house of someone you probably never wanted to see it! Hopefully, the pixies didn't swipe anything too embarrassing...
Also, don't be surprised if a gnome or two decides to take up residence in your place in exchange for their services. While mostly harmless, they do seem to get a kick out popping up in unexpected places to give the inhabitants a small fright.
SEXY STAMP CARD
If you're wondering about these 'peaceful interactions' that keep being mentioned or what the kinks of the month are for... Here's your answer! Upon arrival, all characters will receive a digital copy of their very own sexy stamp card.
Completing peaceful interactions (i.e. kinks) will reward characters with stamps that they can turn in for re-gains and many other things! While the example one here is the standard issued card by The Peacekeeper, players are more than welcome to customize it how they see fit. Have fun with it!NOTES
Completing peaceful interactions (i.e. kinks) will reward characters with stamps that they can turn in for re-gains and many other things! While the example one here is the standard issued card by The Peacekeeper, players are more than welcome to customize it how they see fit. Have fun with it!
★ The kinks of the month have changed! Be sure to check this post for what the new ones are. Also, give a congratulations to Claude von Riegan (
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
goldenscheme) as the as the new leader of the sexy leaderboard! 🎉★ The effects of the eggs can, as always, be as heavy or light as you'd like! It can be chalked up to differences in resistance, non-humanity or not, etc. etc. Also, they can mixed-and-matched! Have fun with that.
★ The flora and fauna page will be updated to include the pixies and gnomes soon. It's also still open for player suggestions! All you need to do now is link your check-in (or player claim) comment to make a submission!
★ If your character decides to try and jump the gap in the unfinished ballroom, you can ask what will happen in the questions/feedback thread! Also, if you have any questions about anything else- That's where they go!
NAVIGATION
b
What'd your egg say?
[ she asks, nosy thing that she is. Of course, she's also helping to pick up those scattered pieces of paper from around his plate. ] Mine said a bunch of schmoopy junk but, well- It was all kind of personal so. Kind of sweet, I guess.
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It spoke of my work [He anwers softly, if not a bit on the uncertain side, his golden gaze drifting away before finally focusing on her.] Which I am good at but... I figure it was all rather generic. Like how false fortune tellers will give vague fortunes that will net the most amount of people. [He shrugs a bit halfheartedly and pushes the piece of paper for her to read if she so desires.]
It falls flat when I am no longer able to do work but... Well, the entire situation is a lot to process still.
[All small pieces of paper removed from his food he brushes off his hands and picks up one of the pieces of cutup fig, biting it carefully so not to make a mess with the juices and seeds.]
Thank you, by the way. I didn't realize the egg would dump all of that on my meal.
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That's fair, [ she hums thoughtfully. ] I guess being here kind of would stop the work clock, huh? [ Thankfully, she was already dead and presumably lost her employment before arriving in Erku and coming here was just an unfortunate 'double death' but... Hm. ]
Oh, don't worry about it, I just- [ She finally stops as she gets a good look at his face. Stares for a moment. Squints. ] Wait, I think I know you?
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I don't think that's possible.
[But not entirely impossible. There are no few amount of souls that he has spoken to. Easing their way into death with words. Assuring them that it is not so frightful or terrible. But more often than not... Most don't know him. He reaps and moves on as is his role in the world.
He pulls his hood a bit further up over his head, not particularly enjoying being stared at in such a way.]
I don't think it's too bold a claim to say we've never met.
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Well, maybe not personally but... [ Hm. Hm! ] Thanatos, Hypnos' brother? He has a little doll of you here. There's an uncanny resemblance, if nothing else.
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There's a doll of me?
[Mortifying, to say the least. Like... one of the little companions that Mother used to make?]
Why?
[And Hypnos has undoubtedly been talking about him. It's probably nothing bad but maybe some embarrassing stories littered in there. Blood and Darkness.... ]
no subject
There is! It's a little plushie, like the kind you hug at night when you sleep. [ This is said specifically because she imagines it will be more embarrassing for him. Hee. ]
I think The Peacekeeper gave it to him? He said he missed his family, so...
no subject
That's... very like my brother...
[There's a complicated emotion that settles in the pit of him about what he would have asked for and if family would have come to mind in regarding what he misses. He thinks it would be work. It's what he misses presently. But he pushes that down, for now.]
I suppose if you can recognize me from it... it probably is a decent likeness. [Hopefully Hypnos isn't running around and showing it off to everyone. He keeps it in his room where few could lay eyes on it... Oh, that might mean.]
Would that make you... the Rosie or Seteth that my brother spoke of?
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[ She wonders though if Thanatos is here, does that mean Hypnos will move out with him? Hm. She almost doesn't want to see him go but... It would be nice to have the bed back for just Seteth and her again. ]
Having been up close and personal and cuddled with it- Yeah. It is a pretty similar likeness. [ Hee. Sorry, Thanatos, you make teasing a little too easy. ]
I'm the Rosie he spoke of. Seteth will be the green-haired serious looking guy.
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The best thing to do, he thinks, is to simply focus on propriety, as his mother would want, and ignore literally everything else.]
I will have to convey my gratitude to Lord Seteth at a later date. As for right now, Lady Rosie, I thank you for looking after my brother and giving him a place in your House. I hope he hasn't been too much trouble. [Thanatos bows his head politely or as much as he can considering they're sitting eating a meal but...] Also... my brother has invited me to stay within your House. Though he did make a comment that it was going to be rather crowded. While his invite is appreciated I suspect it wasn't exactly his to give. Nor do I want to create strain in your home and take up space when there is none to give.
I don't wish for my presence to change anything. We're very different, my brother and I... [Thanatos visibly hesitates for a moment not quite sure how to word what he's trying to say nor the emotions that come with it.] If Hypnos is thriving where he currently is I do not wish to change that with my being here.
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Lady Rosie, [ she echoes. ] Aren't you sweet? Please, you don't have to be so formal. Hypnos has honestly kind of been like family, so- It's been our pleasure to have him around.
[ The invitation is news to her but also not surprising. ] Well, considering we've all been sharing one bed- I don't think that would work for you even if Hypnos doesn't seem to mind. [ Although Rose wouldn't mind sharing a bed with Thanatos either, honestly. Hee. ]
While we'd love to keep him around, well... something tells me he won't want to be separated from you. And that's fine! You guys can stay close, hopefully? It'd be nice, anyway, to maybe have someone nearby in case you need anything.
no subject
[One bed. It is a good thing he found Rosie to tell him this because he would have had to rudely decline the invite right then and there. Four people in one bed... That is simply too many people in one small spot for Thanatos.
He could probably find somewhere else to exist that isn't the bed. Like... the balcony? That's where he lingered in the House of Hades. By the ever flowing Styx...]
I'm sure he would... And I don't intend to not stay in contact with him. But, again, I just wished to convey my gratitude for looking after my brother and continuing to do so. It's a very kind of you to do so.
Do you and this Lord Seteth run a House together in your original home as well?
no subject
The mention of being 'kind' gets her to smile. What he says next though- Oh. Her expression falters a little and now it's her turn to be a bit flustered. Run a house, he says, like- They're not-
Ha. ]
Oh, jeez- Nothing like that. I mean, we aren't even from the same world originally. We met... somewhere else, before here. Uhm. Hopefully, if they can fix whatever's going on out there, we'll get to go back to where he's from but- Y'know, that's. A long way off, probably, so.
no subject
I see. Forgive my presumption. Your situation then is like my own mother's. She runs the house but she and my Lord are not together in any way other than a working relationship. That the Underworld runs smoothly is their united goal.
But... anyone who runs a house such as hers or yours is an important figure head. It's not an easy task. Not one I could do for that matter.
[Running a household on top of his other duties? A nightmare of the highest order. His mother is admirable indeed to continue to do all that she does.]
It's an honorable position and you should be proud.
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Well, hey- Wait a minute. Your mother sounds like a fabulous lady, of course, but Seteth and I are together in a way more than just a 'working relationship.' [ Which is actually the first time she's admitting that quite so boldly. It's all a little new, honestly, but now that she has it then ]
We just don't run a house or anything- I mean, do we? I guess, kind of. Huh. [ That's a bit too much to think on for long though or unpack right now so she's going to conveniently move along. ] Anyway! Point is, we're dating. Courting. Whatever you want to call it, I guess, so- Yeah.
[ There! ]
no subject
You'll go back with him, to his world? [Thanatos watches her carefully, a piercing stare that's steady despite all the avoiding of eye contact before. Perhaps because the conversation is not currently about him. Which is very good.] What about your home? Your loved ones?
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That's the hope. Don't know if it'd actually work, but... [ A pause, considering how to word this so he doesn't feel bad. ] It'd be better than the alternative.
There's nothing for me back home. Pretty sure that even before all this, I didn't make it out of a pretty bad situation alive. So, even if my world was restored or, y'know, whatever they're hoping to do- I don't think I'd be. [ And for a while, she just... accepted that. Seteth's been helping her hope for a better future though. ]
no subject
I see.
[It's to be expected, he supposes. Mortals are looking for an easy out. Now, he doesn't know her nor will he pretend to but the story feels irritatingly similar to someone else he knows who was willing to leave everything behind for something that was so much better.
Maybe it's naive to think that everyone surely has someone who will miss them, look for them, wonder where they went. Perhaps there are truly mortals out there that don't. But...
The indignant lecture that he wants to lay down fades. Mostly because he's not going to lay what he feels in regards to Zagreus trying to get away at a stranger's feet. Being as bad as he is at emotions means he may be blurring lines that aren't there. So he settles for a gentler approach, as is his nature.]
It's not so bad... dying, I mean. In that moment the worst of it is over. And the other side is... It's really nice. Peaceful and quiet. Lots to gossip about and see and explore and experience.
You shouldn't run away from it. It's historically worse if you do. Even still... [He looks at her seriously but not with any emotion other than sympathy.] I will find you eventually and prove it to you.
no subject
Perhaps a few months ago, she might have been comforted by the thought. He makes it sound comforting, after all. And she was tired. It was so exciting, in the beginning, to have a 'second chance' but once the novelty wore off she wondered: Why?
But now, after meeting Seteth and the experiences she's had- She doesn't want to die. She doesn't want to go to whatever is beyond, no matter how nice, because she wants to be with him and see what will come of the lives they choose to lead together. And maybe it is selfish and wrong of her to try and run from the inevitable, but- Mm. ]
Well, [ she says, at first, needing a moment to process it all. ] I guess I'll see when you do find me, hm? Not that I plan to make it easy, of course. But I don't make most things easy so it's nothing personal.
no subject
No one escapes death. Not forever, anyway. I won't pretend I know all the mortal struggles. I had to distance myself from the stories and the pain for a long while. I simply do my job. I am the only one who can.
But... I wholeheartedly believe that every mortal should live a good life. Full of opportunity and joy. And even the end should be as peaceful as the life led. But... I am aware that it is not that way for most. If you have managed to slip away and can live a second life that brings more happiness I would be glad...
[He wants to argue for her past life. The people that are being left behind because they're surely someone but again... He can't press his grievances with Zagreus in her direction. That's unfair.]
No hard feelings when I do find you. I'm fairly good at my job after all. Hopefully Hypnos has said as much. [And not just told embarrassing stories about him.] But... if this is all something the Fates have decided then there's nothing I can do about it. What's meant to be... will be. Even those that slip away from me.
no subject
Yeah, I definitely fall into that 'had a shitty existence' category. And, you know, I accepted the end... until I ended up on the Nameless Island and met Seteth. I was still pretty resigned to dying for a while after, even, and that anything else was just the things of silly fantasy.
But, I... I want to fight for the possibility of something better, thanks to him. So, y'know- I guess we'll see what happens. I'm sure I will see you again, eventually, but hopefully I get at least some time with him in a place I can finally feel like is home.
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He can only hum softly in acknowledgement to her words turning back to his meal.]
If it is meant to be... then it will be.
[He can only argue for his side of things for so long but it is ever a pointless endeavor with mortals. Death is terrible and they need a life worth living before they can pass on. Some even think they never should. He withholds a world weary sigh and continues chewing on his fig.]
Again... Thank you for looking after my brother.