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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
no subject
[He technically has a few but Niles is the only one that can answer them at present.]
The state of the war upon your departure from home... What do you recall before you were spirited away?
[This whole talk of timelines and Corrin being either a prince or a princess... He wants to see where each person's thread leads. Not only that, but if Niles and he came from the shared fated world there is a chance that he may know how the aftermath of it all played out. That he would very much be interested in hearing. The fate of his family and the people... Maybe he will be able to live here a little easier of he knows that most were able to make it. That his home was not completely conquered and ruled over by a foreign power.]
no subject
[He crosses his arms and kicks a stone from the ground at a gnome approaching with another potential steed. It drops its gift and scuttles off again, leaving them in privacy. He's annoyed at how little he knows, so he pulls the focus back to the problem at hand.]
They won't have your horse. You'll have to work for it. [He can't help speculate about the several fates of Nohr, but he can explain their new home.] But I don't think you'll like how.
no subject
You are correct in that assumption. [He admits, keeping his voice neutral on the matter. His father's bad habits were ones he swore to never make his own. Never did he imagine that he'd be encouraged to engage in such behaviors.]
I don't intend to partake... Not for the most precious of possessions or companions.
[It is heavily encouraged, he knows. But perhaps he simply won't have to. Though that of course means... no horse. Which is... sad. After all that has happened these past few months. He won't allow it to be the final straw of what he's able to withstand but it does make the weight of it all that much heavier.]
no subject
Well, I intend on working towards a stable myself. Once that's done it wouldn't be humane to bring in a single horse, they need companions you know. Yours and mine are familiar with one another, I wouldn't mind earning them both. [Then he shakes his head.] But that's a ways off. Buildings don't come cheap. In the meantime you'd do better to worry about your next meal rather than your mount. Has anyone warned you about the food?
no subject
Granted, he is being discourteous towards his brother's retainer. A man who Leo speaks respectfully of. And yet... Well, to be fair to Niles if it was his own here, such as Laslow, he would also not be inclined to accept the offer. For very different reasons but good reasons all the same.]
While it is appreciated, I would ask you not to do that. It is unbecoming to my status even if such things do not matter here. I will figure something out in time. But, yes, as you said... One concern at a time.
[Has anyone warned him about the food? He gives a shake of the head. Not that he can recall. But then this has been an unpleasant flood of information and experiences right out the door so...]
Nothing that I can recall readily. Is it something I should be weary of?
no subject
Anything offered from the directly from the Peacekeeper, from the cake, to the wine, even the candles, can meddle with your temperament and reactivity. It wants to make whores of us all, and doesn't mind greasing the wheels.
[He sighs again, this time far more bitterly.] I know you don't want my help, but I've been here for months. I've had time to stockpile clean food. Stuff I've hunted myself. If you're really convicted to maintaining your chastity here, let me at least give you a fighting chance.
no subject
I see... [Niles makes only good points at present.] In this, I will accept and I do appreciate your assistance. As I was telling another, it has been a long while since I did any hunting but I am not incapable of it. Nor am I incapable of making a meal from it.
[Everyone must pull their weight when it comes to making food in the middle of wars and long lasting engagements and he is no exception to that rule.]
Do you know what's safe? The water from these taps, for example, or is it best to find a running river and boil it.
[New bedspread is in order too, he supposes. Anything handed to him in the recent days will have to be disposed of.]
no subject
[Fruit and vegetables found growing wild were clean, but when he found the picnic tables laden with fruits he'd been plenty wary. They'd turned out to be fine, but better safe than sorry. He sighs, a weary, almost bitter, smile settling onto his face.]
Come with me back to my place. Let me show you what to expect out of the basic living quarters this place provides. [Contrary to appearances, Niles hadn't amassed a great quantity of stamps while here, nor had he fucked his way to a nicer house either. Not out of Xander's prudishness, but more out of practicality. By settling in one of the more modern corners he was far more comfortable than most places he'd ever lived before, even with drafty windows and a handful of rodent housemates.]
no subject
Yes, lead the way. And thank you. The knowledge is appreciated.
[With what pride he has left he would like very much not to debase himself to king and country. Holding onto his mind is of the utmost importance. The body... less so but he would also like that not to be given away so freely.
Xander makes a small gesture for the retainer to take the lead and he will dutifully follow.]
no subject
Let him breathe a minute will you. He'll get one when he gets one. [He doesn't apologize for her but he will prevent her from provoking Xander into a migraine with an avalanche of information. He gives a short, brusque sigh, annoyed at her pestering, but understanding that she just wanted to help get Xander up to speed.] They are helpful, sometimes, but for now we're not turning around. This is my stop.
[Niles leads Xander off the platform, then to a shop a single block away. The exterior is foreboding, one window covered with plywood, the other cracked badly, but the inside is clean. It's a large single room divided roughly in half by a long waist height counter topped with truly obnoxiously sized panes of rounded glass. Behind it is a large open kitchen, stocked with a confusing array of modern equipment. At the very back is a solid steel door with an oversized handle. He rests a hand on the curved surface of the display counter and looks over at Xander.] Value is all relative here. This much glass would cost a duke's fortune back home. If you visit the castle a few blocks down all the windows have wooden shutters, but in these far future dwellings it's just laying about for free. I'm sure all this would be even more impressive if I bent to the peacekeeper's whims, but to tell you the truth I don't want for much here. That door at the back leads to a charmed room, everything inside stays cold as ice. I store and process people's kills, and they pay me in other foraged goods. If you plan to avoid using stamps to earn your way you'll have to find some other service to trade in.
no subject
It's quite alright. I presume they're safe then even though they fall under one of those provided commodities?
[Xander, again, listens to all that is being said while he takes in the surroundings. It isn't the sort of place he's used to living in, of course, but also not unlike places he's used to seeing. The lower class are in dire circumstances in Nohr and he is not unaware even if he is, or was, rather powerless to do anything about it. So... it's familiar in a rather sad way.]
I see. [Xander finds himself in the kitchen overlooking many of the curiosities that are about.] It's a good system you have here. Butchers never want for business and yours is guaranteed to be safe.
[Niles is also right in that he will need to use the skills he has to carve a place for himself. And while he was born and bread for war and leading surely there is something within all those lessens that he can use to help himself here. It may just require a bit of thought...]
I am not one to speak for my siblings... but Leo would be impressed with what you've done here, Niles.
no subject
They can spill your secrets, although I've been lucky. Mostly mine seems...prudent. They have answers to so many little parts of living here. See, watch Milord. [He sets Zero on the counter and nods his head at the stove. She nods back at him and scampers over the counter, and shows the prince how to light a burner with a single knob.] She's got information about everything here, it almost seems fair she knows as much about me too. [He leans over to turn the stove off again, and Zero scrambles up his arm once more. He shrugs, preventing her from settling down across his shoulders, but only momentarily.] I figure the pros outnumber the cons.
[When the conversation shifts to Leo, Niles crosses his arms and hunches his shoulders, leaning back against the counter. Would Leo be proud of him? Not if he knew everything. Not if he wanted a secure place to sleep when he first arrived. Not if he thought about the kind of resources Niles could have amassed given how long he'd been here. Not if he expected Niles to keep up with his studies or training without supervision. His tone is skeptical, and his posture is guarded.]
Perhaps. But so far, he's not here.
[With more of Corrin's siblings trickling i1n it was becoming more and more tempting to think of Leo's arrival as a 'when' rather than an 'if', despite his better judgement. Hope hurt. Longing hurt. Spending every day at the doors to the arrival bay waiting hurt, and not in a way that was going to earn him any stamps. He doesn't want to think about Leo. He wants to deal with what and who was here in front of him. Xander's a tough man, more capable than many nobles at dealing with lean times and conditions from what Niles had seen on marches, but one thoroughly unsuited to the whims of this particular world they're in. So without giving Xander time to elaborate, he steers the conversation to a thoroughly necessary topic.]
My lord, forgive my bluntness but you'll have to get used to this sort of talk sooner rather than later, you're a virgin right?
no subject
The retort about Leo is answered and then quickly swept away. A wise choice, Xander agrees and perhaps he should not have brought his brother up at all. No need to speak of things that may not come to pass nor dwell on what may never be. Best to simply acknowledge that he may never see his siblings again than hope or yearn for it. And quite frankly... it's best that none of his family shows here no matter how he might want to see their faces.
As Xander softly contemplates apologizing to the other man about bringing up his brother he almost misses the question. It eventually processes and out of instinct he huffs unhappily. He knows, he does, not to get overly rankled about it. The kind of world they're currently in demands sexual satisfaction. Being inexperienced could put him in danger.]
As any good unmarried first born should be, yes.
[An elegant way of putting it, if he does say so himself.]
no subject
It's not just that he was inexperienced, but he fully bought into the moralizing of it as well. Niles knows full well that people who enforce those standards aren't always following their own words, but Xander was
fully committed to the bitsincere as could be. If this place backs him into a corner with someone, no matter how well that person handled it, Xander would likely beat himself up over it, view it as failure. He knows there's nothing he can say to tackle that knot of tension, but he can do his best to prepare Xander for the physical stresses he's likely to face.]Well, the good news is that it's fully possible to manage here with no stamps at all. I've got my own reasons for abstaining as much as I have, despite my reputation, [He's far from celibate and has plans in the future for things he wants. They've already discussed some of that, and his bow is further proof that he has dealt in stamps, just clearly not in any great sums. He's being selective about where and how he indulges. Restrained. No wonder Xander approves.] and I have some advice I hope you'll listen to. Milord, [Formal address wasn't going to be nearly enough to soften what he had to say next, but there's no way he could find some phrasing that wouldn't upset such a "good unmarried first born".] please masturbate. The best defense against this place is to be come self sufficient in all things.
no subject
Not one he will adhere to.]
While I understand the necessity for some, I assure you that will not be needed. And I ask we speak no more of it.
[There's nothing for the nature of this place but there's no need to speak of personal stimulation.]
I do appreciate all the advice. I fully intend to be as self sufficient as possible. It will be difficult especially considering the life I've lived before this but... not impossible. I don't think so anyway.
no subject
Your highness it is needed. And soon. The more tightly wound you become, the sooner you'll snap. [He pushes off the counter then bends to rummage around in a cabinet under the sink.] I understand not trusting others with intimate contact, but denying yourself physical release will only hobble your reason. Whatever sense of decorum or propriety you think you're defending, they don't apply here. [As if to prove his point he stands back up, holding a box filled with a number of recently cleaned sex toys.]
no subject
It is not needed. I have gone my entire life without it... I can go through the rest just fine. And my sense of decorum and propriety is all that I have left.
Do not think I do not appreciate the advice... But I will not follow it. This is a matter we will not speak of any more. Is that understood?
[If Niles pushes the issue even further he'll simply leave. He's gotten enough generally good advice to make it through.]
no subject
Prince Xander, while your past restraint is- [He grimaces. He pities you so hard right now. He steps closer and holds out the sleeve to Xander.] -impressive I'll admit, please take it, if only to humor me? Can you figure out how to use this on your own, or do I need to explain?
no subject
[Out of respect for his brother he won't be any ruder than he has to be. That and because, before this current thread of conversation, everything that has been said has incredibly useful information in regards to how to survive here. Most of it has been quite wise indeed.
This, however, he cannot do. Niles doesn't need to understand the why, just that it is. If this is a subject matter that will be continued to be pushed he will simply have to take his leave of it.]
I am sure this all comes from a good place but I must sincerely decline for the final time. And also take my leave. I am not ungrateful for what you have told me regarding everything else and I will take it to heart.
[The prince is not going to give the other man any more opportunities to wave something lewd in his face. He will simply depart with a stiff but still, somehow, polite nod of the head.]