![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
Entry tags:
TDM #4
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 have died and so has 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 on 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 fourth Amani TDM!
WHEN
April 21st, 2022
KINKS OF THE MONTH
★ Tickling
★ Facials
★ School Uniforms
★ Sharing
★ Hurt/Comfort
★ Facials
★ School Uniforms
★ Sharing
★ Hurt/Comfort
WELCOME
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, watch your step since there's quite a few puddles around. If you'd like, there is cake, some refreshments, and some eggs for you in these trying times. If they feel warmer than usual, that's because they're going to hatch soon!"
While the Peacekeeper doesn't elaborate, as usual, simulation inhabitants are free to notice the eggs that either they gathered or are still littering the simulation are now warm to the touch, give off a faint glow, and may even move subtly now and again if watched.
Dark, ominous clouds begin to gather over every piece of sky in the simulation and before long blot out the sun. Sheets of rain begin to pour down almost without warning. Hopefully, you've managed to fix those leaks in your house! Or maybe you're finding new ones...
Lightning splits the sky with a dramatic crackle and thunder booms not long after it. The wind howls and the worst of the storm won't relent for a few hours at the least. Even after, the rain will linger for days on and off to varying degrees of severity.
While the weather has taken a turn for the gloomy, that doesn't mean that simulation inhabitants have to be! In fact, it may feel somewhat refreshing as if the rain is washing away any negativity lingering after The Overseer's masquerade. Whether by her design or not, she - nor The Peacekeeper - will say but it does seem that she wants to keep relations as peaceful between the simulation inhabitants and creators as she can.
Of course, your buckets might not just be catching water. With the rising water levels, the fish that inhabit the simulation's waters are just as confused as anyone else. Even more confusing is the glitch causing them to transform once they find themselves on solid (mostly) ground.
Thankfully, they don't change into anything harmful. Well, maybe to your teeth since an abundance of sweet treats is bound to cause a cavity or two... Not to mention the other odd effects that food here is known to have.
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.
While the Peacekeeper doesn't elaborate, as usual, simulation inhabitants are free to notice the eggs that either they gathered or are still littering the simulation are now warm to the touch, give off a faint glow, and may even move subtly now and again if watched.
APRIL SHOWERS
Granted, there are bigger things to worry about such as the storm that's rolling in.Dark, ominous clouds begin to gather over every piece of sky in the simulation and before long blot out the sun. Sheets of rain begin to pour down almost without warning. Hopefully, you've managed to fix those leaks in your house! Or maybe you're finding new ones...
Lightning splits the sky with a dramatic crackle and thunder booms not long after it. The wind howls and the worst of the storm won't relent for a few hours at the least. Even after, the rain will linger for days on and off to varying degrees of severity.
While the weather has taken a turn for the gloomy, that doesn't mean that simulation inhabitants have to be! In fact, it may feel somewhat refreshing as if the rain is washing away any negativity lingering after The Overseer's masquerade. Whether by her design or not, she - nor The Peacekeeper - will say but it does seem that she wants to keep relations as peaceful between the simulation inhabitants and creators as she can.
ONE FISH, TWO FISH...
The constant rain brings water levels of the rivers and eddies up at an alarming rate. Flooding is inevitable and, hopefully, the place you've claimed as your own isn't in the way. If it is, you might want to get the buckets ready or consider a relocation!Of course, your buckets might not just be catching water. With the rising water levels, the fish that inhabit the simulation's waters are just as confused as anyone else. Even more confusing is the glitch causing them to transform once they find themselves on solid (mostly) ground.
Thankfully, they don't change into anything harmful. Well, maybe to your teeth since an abundance of sweet treats is bound to cause a cavity or two... Not to mention the other odd effects that food here is known to have.
- ★ Taiyaki » Despite having just jumped out of the chilly waters, these tasty treats will be warm to the touch and generate steam. After biting into one, you'll radiate warmth no matter what for a brief period of time. Being a walking furnace sure is nice with this damp, cold atmosphere... Maybe you'll find a friend or two to huddle up with and keep warm.
★ Swedish Fish » Eating one of these stretchy, gummy candies will increase your flexibility. Literally and metaphorically! It might be easier to be convinced to do something you wouldn't have before and now you can bend just the right way to make it extra fun.
★ Hard Fish Candy » These tart candies will render someone unable to speak until it completely dissolves. This can take a while, too, since they seem to be persistantly stuck to the roof of your mouth! Yet, don't underestimate the power of body language to speak your mind.
★ Chocolate Sardines » Eating one of these rich bite-sized treats will make you sweeter. No, really! Candy kisses isn't just an expression after eating these fish. You taste delicious. Maybe too delicious... Be careful! Once someone gets a taste of you, they might not want to stop anytime soon.
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.
RAINING CATS AND DOGS
While the fishy foods are odd enough as is, another glitch appears to be occurring throughout the simulation but this time originates not from the rain but The Peacekeeper's humble musings. "Did you know," speaks the resident AI, "that there is an expression called 'raining cats and dogs'? I think that's such a curious saying! It made me wonder what it might actually look like..."
Following the strange, unexpected 'announcement,' inhabitants may begin to notice large globs of water falling periodically from the sky now amidst the regular rain. When they hit the ground with a large splash, nothing is there... at first. The water will burst apart only to reassemble into a canine or feline friend. Well, it's shaped like a dog or a cat.
Due to the sudden nature of their spawning though, some things aren't quite right. Perhaps that cat has only three legs instead of four; a dog may be missing an eye, an ear, or even its tail. And those are the more tame oddities! While the unique animals aren't overly abundant there are still a good number that spawn across the days of rain. Don't be surprised if a dog takes up shelter from the storm on your porch or you come home to a cat you don't own having climbed through a loose window.
While this might be exactly the addition to your home that you wanted, it doesn't change the leaky roof or broken window in your new place. Or, unfortunately, the fact that there's no extra space for a pet yet. 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.
Following the strange, unexpected 'announcement,' inhabitants may begin to notice large globs of water falling periodically from the sky now amidst the regular rain. When they hit the ground with a large splash, nothing is there... at first. The water will burst apart only to reassemble into a canine or feline friend. Well, it's shaped like a dog or a cat.
Due to the sudden nature of their spawning though, some things aren't quite right. Perhaps that cat has only three legs instead of four; a dog may be missing an eye, an ear, or even its tail. And those are the more tame oddities! While the unique animals aren't overly abundant there are still a good number that spawn across the days of rain. Don't be surprised if a dog takes up shelter from the storm on your porch or you come home to a cat you don't own having climbed through a loose window.
While this might be exactly the addition to your home that you wanted, it doesn't change the leaky roof or broken window in your new place. Or, unfortunately, the fact that there's no extra space for a pet yet. 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.
SEEING PINK
ear the end of the week, the rain finally relents and temperatures continue to gradually increase. Those May flowers can't quite seem to wait though since several of the trees lining the edge of the forest bloom brilliant pink blossoms that a DTF will be able to identify as love blossoms. While the blooms won't last very long, they certainly are using all the time they have to take over.
The pollen is one thing. It may start out as just a tickle in your nose or stuffy head but eventually turns into something much more lovely. You're tickled pink about almost everything, it seems, and want to share that happiness with others. And who needs rose-colored glasses when almost everywhere one looks there's a string of love blossoms blooming?
These invasive flowers are in your garden, along the vines in the city, and even sprawling through the main hub! It actually seems almost impossible to avoid them. The Peacekeeper assures inhabitants that it isn't purposeful and just the natural cycle of the love blossoms.
Enjoy the mood-lifting and groin-tingling effects while they last! The love blossoms will only linger for a few days, at most, before receding back to the forest line and eventually falling dormant again until next spring.
The pollen is one thing. It may start out as just a tickle in your nose or stuffy head but eventually turns into something much more lovely. You're tickled pink about almost everything, it seems, and want to share that happiness with others. And who needs rose-colored glasses when almost everywhere one looks there's a string of love blossoms blooming?
These invasive flowers are in your garden, along the vines in the city, and even sprawling through the main hub! It actually seems almost impossible to avoid them. The Peacekeeper assures inhabitants that it isn't purposeful and just the natural cycle of the love blossoms.
Enjoy the mood-lifting and groin-tingling effects while they last! The love blossoms will only linger for a few days, at most, before receding back to the forest line and eventually falling dormant again until next spring.
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 Corrin (
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
fatefulprince) as the as the new leader of the sexy leaderboard! 🎉★ The effects of the strange fish candies 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. 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!
★ Make sure to dunk your questions/feedback in the thread below!
NAVIGATION
raining cats and dogs
[ You know, instead of reaching for a weapon. ]
[ It’s the wagging tail and the gaze, intelligent, that kept him from taking a hasty, hostile action. Dryly, Zechs approached the beast, believing this could even be someone he already knew - simply transformed by the simulation. ]
Would you like to come in?
no subject
he bobs his head in a quiet nod.
he would like that, he's soaked to the bone and he gives a demonstration, a quick shake of his thick coat to show just how soaked through he actually is. ]
no subject
[ Zechs tolerated it, quietly, but when the werewolf demonstrated a shake - he snorted softly. ]
Do that once we're inside, on the first floor. If you shake off in the apartment upstairs, my fiancé will murder us.
[ He opened the door for him. ]
I'll find you a towel as well. Tap your foot twice if you can understand me.
[ Those large dewclaws likely would clack against the floor, Zechs guessed. ]
no subject
at that, he taps twice.
he lets out a few grumbled sounds and blinks a bit before letting out a very canine sigh. of course this isn't going to translate well. he's got canine vocal cords, he can't make the sounds he needs. he just needs to get warmer... he's so tired.
in actual light, it can be noted that there's something hanging around his neck, stirring and eventually poking a small, slender, serpentine head. ]
He says thank you [ river, his dtf translates, and wayland grumbles a little at her again. ] He'll be able to explain things once he's warmer.
no subject
[ Zechs blinked. Clever. If he’s transformed, he’ll need to remember to have his own DTF translate for him. ]
[ Minigeese, said DTF, scrambled in out of the rain and went to find a small washcloth to pat their robotic body dry. ]
[ The spa on the first floor was becoming more and more like one the further Lorenz improved upon it - he found a towel easily. He’d wait until the wolf shook himself dry, first. ]
[ Zechs crouched down with the towel. ]
Was this the Peacekeeper’s doing, or is this you, naturally?
no subject
[ it's not a lie, but wayland isn't giving it up yet. he will sit obediently when zechs crouches with the towel and will give himself just a little anxious scratch before readjusting.
and then leaning forward to chuff just a little, bumping his head into the towel like please dry me.........
a doggy sneeze follows. ]
no subject
[ ... The wolf, for all of his size and perhaps (to some) intimidating form, was also oddly ... hm. Cute was the word. Zechs wouldn't voice it, but the thought is there. ]
[ Obligingly, he'd begin to help dry Wayland off. He's trying to get all the dampness out of that thick, rough topcoat - but he also wants to be careful, not too rough. But, oh my. Wolves had quite a lot of fur, didn't they? ]
I don't believe we've had a chance to meet before, but introductions can come after you're dry and feeling warmer.
no subject
His name is Wayland. I am River.
He says you won't understand him if he speaks in this form, so he apologizes.
[ the wolf gives a squeaky yawn ]
I know you did not apologize, I am doing it for you. You're a terrible Prince
[ another huff, this one with a low grumble. ]
He asks if you are able to keep a secret.
no subject
And there's not a need for apology. River is communicating quite aptly for you. Thank you for that.
[ This form. So, perhaps, the wolf could transform into something more humanoid? Curious. ]
[ He smirked at the correction, though. And did not react at all to that title by choice, holding his own thoughts private. ]
I wouldn't be so critical of Wayland, you're meant to serve him, correct?
[ Zechs frowned, debated lying. Decided to be more or less truthful about this; ]
I can, though if your secret imperils my fiance, I will inform him.
no subject
[ river says this but as soon as the snake speaks, wayland huffs, giving one last shake before stepping backwards. some water sheds as bone cracks, skin shifting, and it only takes a few moments before he's on two feet, raking his hands through his loose wet hair. ]
Sorry... Gaia, it's cold... [ the rain doesn't sit well with wayland, chills him just a little too much from the time he's spent inn it. ] Thanks for the roof for a bit.
no subject
[ When he complained he was cold, Zechs moved smoothly to his feet. ]
I’ll get you another towel - a dry one. That will help.
And I can make tea for you upstairs. Is your ability to transform yourself the secret?
no subject
[ wayland will follow wherever he's told, though, stepping a little closer. his dtf curls around his throat and gives a small squeeze, like a little hug. his skin pricks with the cold. ]
M'not a threat though. Not to humans. Promise your fiancé's safe.
no subject
[ It might have come off as protective, concerned. ]
I will keep your secret, Wayland.
Though I will point out - simply as another point of data - there are others who can change their shape, as you do, and I will agree they're in no danger at all.
Given you've lived for at least some time under a state of vigilance, however, I know it might take more confirmations of the fact for it to seem real.
[ He'd lead him upstairs, and then indicate one of the upholstered chairs. Extra warmth. ]
Do you have a preference for tea?
no subject
You get it... just gotta poke around myself.
[ it will definitely take a bit of time for wayland to get used to the notion that people... know. do they know of the garou too? ren's been here a while, and frankly, he wouldn't blame her or be upset if people happened to figure out she's garou. at this point, is it really going to help? keeping this kind of secret? maybe.
does the peacekeeper know? ... probably. fuck. ]
Ah... if you have anything mint? My nerves are a little fucked right now.
[ nausea, typical fare for him lately. between that and the stress of being brought here, it's nibbling at him, the thing in his belly. but he will... sit in the chair, curling the towel around himself, drying his hair slowly with careful squeezes into the thick towel's material. he's careful to keep most of the wetness off the upholstery. he's... a polite guest. ]
no subject
[ A reason he still, reflexively, didn't talk about his childhood. Just as one example of many. ]
[ Nodding; ]
I believe I saw a blend like that here. It'll be a few minutes.
[ The tiny robot from earlier climbed onto the coffee table in front of Wayland, waved once. ]
Try and take big, long breaths, nice and deep! Reciting a list also helps Zechs when his heartrate is elevated. Whatever helps you ground into the present!
[ Trying not to scowl, Zechs would light a fire under the kettle with a match to start the water boiling. He sometimes debated trying to throw the goddamn DTF out the window, but it seemed pointless and cruel. Still. ]
no subject
Thanks, little one... I think I'll make it...
[ it's a very small comfort, this weird little thing. the snake around his neck coils softly, watching zechs from across the room as wayland eventually lifts the towel to start to dry off his hair slowly. he calls out to zechs: ]
How long you been here?
no subject
A little over a month, now. But I've been previously kidnapped to a place much like this one ... so, I have some experience in dealing with this, you could say.
no subject
[ he frowns. more people trapped in this strange weaver-laded place. his fingers curl tightly into the towel a moment, eyes lowered. his brow pinches in the center. ]
Don't know how to get used to this sort of thing...
no subject
[ He frowned, too. Matter of fact; ]
It's not easy. And I don't even know if becoming 'used' to this is ideal, either. I am not the same man as I was before my kidnapping. Some of that, is for the better - yet, I'm certain other changes wouldn't sit well with those from my reality.
no subject
[ he looks to the other now, brows drawn. ] How long were you in the other place for?
no subject
[ Zechs took a slow breath in, and shook his head. ] More reason to attempt to find the truth of this place, if we can.
[ Though the apparent Overseers held all the cards. It was ... vexing. ]
[ A small incline of his head; ] About a year. It won't be reassuring to hear that there's been those held longer.
no subject
[ he falls silent after that, scarred palms and hands coming together quietly. ]
You said you had a fiancé. You meet 'em here? Or...?
[ he just. has a lot of questions and this would answer a few of them. ]
no subject
[ His expression softened slightly. ]
I met him on that nameless island I had previously been abducted to. The fact he was here … and remembered me … I do not deserve that sort of luck, yet I have it all the same.
no subject
[ wayland's own expression is something very distant, but still polite. a smile etching the corners of his lips, though it disappears as a thought enters his mind. ]
Do people arrive... without their memories then?
no subject
[ He focused on educating him more on this sort of place; ]
Not exactly.
I've encountered different versions of the same people. It's logical, if you think of it as so; I have lived on Earth, and I've met many others who have also lived on Earth, but different versions of it. Having technology, or magic, or creatures, which did not exist on my Earth at all.
It follows, if there's many versions of the Earth - that there would be many versions of the same person. And a place like this simulation, which somehow can abduct anyone ... it doesn't have to abduct the same version of a person you've met before.