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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
WILDCARD BABY
No she has his coat? That he's also wearing right now? And his dagger????
As he gets closer, the similarities are striking. He does recall some people on the island claiming that he was a woman where they came from but... that-
No. No way. He has no intelligent comments. He just stares in utter, dull surprise, and points at her. ]
no subject
She really is going to have to find Felix again and kick his ass.
When the male version of her gets close enough, she’s not sure what to expect. He looks dumbfounded, and she kind of feels that way, too.
He points.
She points back. ]
Two people have mistaken me for you today.
no subject
Womanhood.
I knew this was a possibility but- you... you're me aren't you? But... girl. Byleth. Byleth? Wait-
[ WAIT. ]
Are you hungry?
no subject
[ Then he asks the magic question and she straightens. ]
Starving.
no subject
I knew this was a possibility but it's still really, really weird.
[ And if anyone knows weird, it's them. ]
Thought so. Come on. I have some smoked fish back at my place. I'm certain Dimitri and Dedue would want to meet you.
By the way... which house did you choose to lead? Back in the academy.
no subject
[ When he beckons, she follows, making a mental map of the route to his home as they go. Never hurts to be prepared, after all. It gives her an odd little pang to think that Dimitri and Dedue don't know her, but don't they, after a fashion, if they know her male counterpart? Something to ponder another day, perhaps.
At his next question, she nods and says: ]
Golden Deer. Sounds like things went differently for you.
no subject
Golden Deer... yeah. I chose the Blue Lions. Relieved to hear you're not the version of me- of us that chose to assist in Edelgard's invasion. Because that sure is a thing apparently.
[ The trip back home is long enough to allow for large swathes of very, oddly comfortable silence between them. Byleth can really appreciate that this truly is him, because to a degree they seem to understand each other in a wordless kind of way. ]
no subject
[ Byleth is obviously surprised at the prospect that there were versions of her that had sided with the Empire, but it isn't as if she has any particular love for Rhea or the church. Even so, she doesn't see herself declaring outright war. ]
I never could fully understand Edelgard's reasoning. If she'd been willing to work with us instead of fighting us, we could have averted war to begin with.
Even now, I can't bring myself to hate her, though. It would have been easier if I could have.
no subject
It was awful. I couldn't even look at her face without thinking of all the times I had to watch our students die because of her.
[ Then again, his Edelgard-related trauma is extremely direct in that he watched her knife Dimitri in the shoulder. ]
Ah. Eh... Sorry, I guess if anyone would understand it's you. Me. Us? Does this make us siblings or like- something else?
no subject
Even so, it wasn't easy to kill her. I still don't understand why she didn't reach out to us, though; she wanted our help but she wasn't willing to work with us unless we supported her war. There had to have been another way, especially since she hated the Agarthans so much.
[ But they were far beyond a pulse's ability to change things, too far out to avert the war. And also dead, don't forget that bit. ]
Did you ever tell anyone about the pulse?
no subject
[ He pauses at the question. ]
Little bits here and there. I'm not hiding it anymore. Dimitri and Dedue know.
no subject
[ She nods at his response. Makes sense. ]
I want to tell Claude. It's an awkward subject to bring up, though.
no subject
[ He turns that thought over in his head. ]
It's nice to be able to have someone really understand. I mean, I know we're both... Byleth. But. We're also kind of different people, too.
We can go fishing together, and spar, and all sorts. It's actually a little exciting.
[ WAIT. ]
Does this make us siblings? Or are we... something else?
no subject
[ Jeralt had always done his best to care for her, of course. She knew that he loved her with everything he had, in spite of how Sitri's death had scarred him, or what an odd child she'd been.
But a twin just as odd as her would have meant she didn't have to be alone in her strangeness. It would have...
Well. It doesn't matter, because 'would have' is just wishful thinking. They're here now, and they can cherish each other while they have the opportunity. ]
I wonder in what other ways our paths differed. Did you... marry anyone after the war? Dad gave you mom's ring, didn't he?
no subject
[ That question though, gives him pause, and he falters a bit. ]
He did. I- ah. Hm. I wanted to marry Dimitri. But he left for Fhirdiad and things were very busy. So... no. I didn't.
[ It shows in the way his voice drops slightly, in those very subtle ways that Byleth emotes that are lost on most people, that he had a deep regret. The way things had turned out, they were together here. Though he felt he couldn't properly convey how head over heels in love with the man he is. ]
What about you? Did you marry?
no subject
[ When Byleth falters at her question, she reaches out to take his hand in a wordless show of solidarity. She understands his position better than anyone else. ]
If I could have married anyone, it would have been Claude. He left within a few days of the war being over, though, to take the Almyran throne. I never got to tell him how I felt. The time was never right, and we both had so many responsibilities. Anyway, I think he would have said something if he'd wanted us to be together, but he never did. It seems I still have a lot to learn about the human heart.
no subject
[ That hand holding his is so much nicer than he could have expected. But she does understand, and he squeezes it in acknowledgement. ]
Well... there's two of him here, so maybe you'll have your chance. I think you should talk to him. When you feel like it. Things only went right for me and Dimitri because we talked.
Yeah. There is a lot to learn. I'm still learning, but I have been discovering new things. New things I like, or don't like. I can cry now so that's-
Well. I guess it's good. And-! [ He's still holding her hand. That's just a thing now, and it fees very natural. ] I can laugh now too.
no subject
[ As for the Claudes, well... ]
It's a little different for you, I think. Dimitri came from a reality where he had you there the whole time. Neither of the Claudes here know me the way he knows you, and he's the kind of person who's so guarded that I wonder if I'll ever be able to make up for that missed time. But... I guess it wouldn't hurt to talk to him.
[ She squeezes his hand and bumps her forehead against his shoulder. ] It's the same for me. Crying, laughing; it's like we're becoming real people. [ And she chuckles to prove the point. ] But it's going to be confusing when people talk about us, since we're both Byleth. Do we want to try nicknames, maybe? To make it a little easier to know which one of us people are talking about?
no subject
[ He tilts his head in thought, holding his chin for a moment as he considers. ]
You'll never know until you try. And you have two chances at that. Even so, the only differences between you and I are gender and some of the choices we made. We are essentially still the same person, deep down, are we not? It shouldn't matter.
[ Ah. This is so nice. He can't help but smile wider, though the suggestions of nicknames does pique his interest. ]
Oh! I like that idea. What will they be though? What if you pick mine and I'll pick yours.
no subject
[ She gestures vaguely at the simulation surrounding them. Their father had been so devoted to their mother's memory in life, to the point where Byleth couldn't even remember him dabbling in trysts with the women who were certainly interested in a man like him. It was sweet, and sad--two words people didn't tend to associate with Jeralt the Blade Breaker. Or Byleth the Ashen Demon, for that matter, but there's something undeniably tender about their interaction. ]
You're right. I'll talk to him. ... Them. Maybe it'll work out in my favor. I'm glad you and Dimitri are happy together, at least. I'm really happy for both of you.
[ She swings their joined hands between them absently while she considers, and then points at her male self and gives him the least creative nickname possible. ]
How about "By"?
no subject
[ There's a little sparkle in his eye as she gives him the nickname. ]
By. I like that. It's short and kind of cute sounding... for you- you need something cute too. [ He ponders for a moment. Leth is the go-to, since they'd just split their own name, but no... it's not cute enough. At last he perks up. ]
Lettie.
no subject
[ When he bestows her with her nickname, appropriately corresponding to the one she'd given him, she grins and tries it out. ]
Lettie. I like it. By and Lettie. Now if only people would stop mistaking me for you.
[ Granted, that had only happened twice, but... twice was still two times too many. ]
no subject
I kind of like them both.
[ He fusses for a bit about trying to decide, but eventually just resigns to use both. ]
Ah... sorry about that. It's kind of crazy to imagine anyone would- you're so obviously female and you wear different things. Plus you're so short...