uhmani | TDM #5

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 anomalies present. If you'd like, there is cake and some refreshments."

A small pause. "Oh, and! Don't forget to visit the new training grounds, music lounge, library, and onsen. Also, feel free to leave an offering for our resident deity of sleep at his shrine!"

TRICKY TRICKSTERS

About those aforementioned anomalies...

Was that utility pole always there in the middle of the main hub? How did your shoe - just the one - get out on the lawn? You could have sworn you saw them together last. Actually, they are together now if you check. Just what is going on? Trying to draw close to these out-of-place or extra objects will cause them to giggle, wiggle, and disappear in a puff of smoke. Instead of a pole, it's now a wayward chair or cart that wasn't there just a moment before. If one continues to follow this tricky trail, they'll be rewarded by discovering the culprit: a tanuki.

While they appear to be harmless, some of their tricks may get taken just a little bit too far. You may grab for your vibrator only for it to go up in smoke and cause frustration in more ways than one. Or, they'll lead some individuals right into danger's path and giggle all the while. If someone attempts to catch them, they'll be left with only a leaf to show for it and the tracks of these mythical creatures leading directly to the beach.

WHAT'S YOUR DTF STATUS?

If the main hub and its features 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 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. Even if you do complain, The Peacekeeper will encourage others to set off and find their own place to live out in the simulation.

Granted, the housing market in the afterlife isn't exactly robust. It doesn't help that every place you find has a leaky roof or broken window. No, unfortunately that will 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.

SUN'S OUT, GUNS OUT

"Hello, inhabitants," greets The Peacekeeper. "No doubt you've noticed the temperature gradually rising as my nature parameters adjust to summer weather." It has gotten a bit warmer these days, hasn't it? Although some may have not noticed, there is no doubt that others have been sensitive to the climbing heat. "To remedy any discomfort, I suggest you hit the beach! There are plenty of fun new features that I've been requested to implement by The Creators to help keep everyone content! We hope that you enjoy them!"

★ One of the aforementioned features will toggle automatically. All one needs to do is set foot on the sands of Taasunni and they'll be changed into the appropriate dress for a beach outing. Well, appropriate might be a bit of a stretch... This feature is, as mentioned, new and will be subject to some modifications. For now, inhabitants will have to deal with being put into something scandalous, ridiculous, or both!

The Peacekeeper promises to listen to feedback accordingly and modify everyone's outfits to something a bit less outlandish... eventually. In the meantime, why not flaunt what you've got and make the most of the simulated sun's rays on your skin?

★ If you'd rather preserve what little dignity you may have left, there are changing tents available to grab a towel that somehow covers up more than your swimwear probably did. Although some might be wary of tents after the picnic, these ones do not have aphrodisiac candles in them! But they do have a catch. These tents are translucent from the inside looking out like a one-way pane of glass.

Not to worry though! From the outside, no one can see in even if you can see them. In fact, there might be a subtle urge to see just how far you can take things within the walls of these tents while those outside are unawares; it might just scratch that itch for some exhibitionism without anyone actually watching.

HARMONIOUS HEARTS

DTFs will helpfully tell their owners that it is mating season for the heart jellies just off the shores of Taasunni. During the next couple of months, there will be an abundance of them floating idly in the cool waters of the sea. While their sting doesn't usually hurt, exactly, during this time there is a bit more risk to being zapped than just an enjoyable tingling sensation. It will burn but because their sting leaves a heart branded into one's skin temporarily.

Nothing will seem to relieve the dull pain on your own; however, the brand will draw others to you and serve as a target for their, ahem, affections. Bodily fluids from the most intimate of areas are about the only thing that will provide some relief and cause these heart-shaped brands to fade. Hopefully, you didn't get stung anywhere too embarrassing or difficult to come on!

Unfortunately, the other side effect of these stings is that the person with the brand won't be able to find relief - literal or sexual - until it's gone. Nothing will seem to bring them over that brink before their partner has "helped" get rid of the marking. Whether or not they do that quickly will be entirely up to them. The lack of control might be a bit unnerving but hopefully the eventual orgasm will be absolutely worth it.

CALLING TO ME

★ Throughout the simulation, as the sun dips low in the sky and stars begin to make their nightly debut, the sound of furin carrying on the breeze can be heard. It draws people to the beach and appears to sound from somewhere beyond sight passed ocean waves. It will make inhabitants feel a keen sense of longing that they can't quite explain. Whatever the case, they will want for more suddenly. Whether this is from their partner, their life, or just in general, the feeling won't be shaken so easily. Thankfully, the sound and feelings it evokes are only temporary. Just don't be surprised if that feeling of longing leads you to bite off more than you can chew in some way or another.

★ Observant inhabitants may notice that the island that spawned when the simulation expanded is now much closer to shore than before. It's also... moving? Although subtle and slow, it does appear to be inching ever closer to show throughout the day. It will make land during nightfall and reveal a giant turtle with palm trees and other tropical foliage growing off of its back.

"Sorry about the-" It's words are broken up by a loud yawn that will make anyone close suddenly very drowsy. "-tanuki. They decided to hitch a ride without me knowing." The turtle yawns again, causing another wave of grogginess to hit those talking to it. "I'll take them back when I give you all a ride to one of The Dead Ends. But until then... It was a long swim here. I'm going to just - aaawwwhhhh - take a short nap." That short nap will last two weeks. Inhabitants are free to climb aboard the turtle's back but it won't be stirring again anytime soon, unfortunately.

And perhaps neither will you! That sleepiness is downright contagious and will lead to inhabitants that had spoken to the turtle for any length of time falling into a deep slumber the next time they decide to lay down. Almost nothing will be able to wake them until the effect subsides. Although, if they seem more receptive to a bit of intimacy than anything... That's just a coincidence, surely!

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.

Sexy Stamp Card

Issued by: The Peacekeeper

1 2 3 4 ♡

6 7 8 9 ♡

❤

<div style="width:100%;padding:10px 10px 0;font-family:garamond, georgia, serif;font-size:20px;font-style:italic;letter-spacing:2px;text-align:left;">Sexy Stamp Card</div>
<div style="width:100%;padding:0 10px 10px;">Issued by: The Peacekeeper</div>

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<div style="max-width:300px;width:100%;margin:-10px auto 0;text-align:right;font-size:10px;"><a title="code credit!" href="http://10billionghosts.dreamwidth.org" style="text-decoration:none;color:#eee;">❤</a></div>

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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

★ Trying a new thing by centering the TDM prompts around the kinks of the month for new and old people to get those stamps before the mingle! Hopefully, you enjoy it!

★ The effects of all the influences 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.

★ 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!

★ LAST BUT NOT LEAST! The player cap has BEEN INCREASED TO 45 PLAYERS. We're at 41/45 right now.

NAVIGATION

F.A.Q. ★ RULES ★ CHARACTER CLAIM ★ LOCATIONS ★ MAIN NAVIGATION

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ In a word: cozy. In another? A bit chaotic, actually, since it's now filled with pets and plants and Rose's creative projects in her downtime. They still need a piano to fill a space in the living room but- That'll happen in due time.

Brick the Nurikabe - now almost knee height - comes up curiously sniff at Flayn. He knows her. Or does he? Either way, it's a new body to try and trip so he's excited. ] Brick, shoo- Don't even think about it yet.

[ The lesser yokai gives a small huff of annoyance through it's noise before obediently scampering off somewhere. ]

I didn't fall to those ones, [ Rose says ] but I guess I did when they came back for round two. [ She actually doesn't remember still. Vague recollections of her own death though seem to be a trend. ] Anyway. I can make some tea, if you'd like.

Yes, that first wave was repelled successfully--though I'm afraid some of the other islanders chose to ally themselves with those creatures, instead.

[A foolish, short-sighted, reckless decision born out of pure spite, really--little more than a handful of children's tantrums that could have proven disastrous. How in the world had they expected to sustain themselves without the Augur's dubious generosity, or the help of its robots? The island may have been more vibrant and stable than it once was, but that didn't necessarily mean they had the resources or collective skills to make it livable long term. Who among them would have been capable of devoting themselves to farming and animal husbandry, and where would they have ever hoped to find staple crops or livestock? Had anyone among them known how to spin thread or weave cloth, let alone make the tools for it?

On and on the list went--not only was it was questionable if they could have met their own needs on the island, but they would have been forced to do so. Giving up on the Augur naturally meant giving up on the one being who could reliably send them home. If anyone had survived the follow up assault, no doubt they were in dire straits indeed. Seteth can only sigh at the thought, shaking his head and gesturing invitingly at the couch--one that's in almost comically poor condition, compared to the rest of the house. It's comfortable, at least? But it definitely feels like it could collapse under them at any moment.]

Ah, mind how you sit. We haven't been able to repair or dispose of that one.

...truly? What manner of thoughts could have led them to making such a rash decision?

[ dude......she remembers what it was like a thousand years ago before fodlan had the technology and established settlements it does these days! farming every day just to eat wasn't fun! and there are surely people there from societies more advanced than theirs, how were they going to survive?

She honestly looks baffled at the idea.

Flayn steps over the youkai veeeeeery carefully and regards the couch with some confusion. This...doesn't look like Seteth's choice of decor so she's a little suspicious of why it's still here, but okay.

To Rosie: ]

The offer is appreciated, but I must decline. It is quite the hot day outside.

[ she's still wearing her swimsuit, even ]

Anyone's guess, really.

[ She doesn't have much say since, well, she wasn't there. She had only shown up after for a handful of months and learned about all of it from what people told her.

But as someone who also had to hunt her own food for a couple of centuries, 0/10 would not recommend it. Microwaves are the best thing to ever be invented. ]

I could make iced tea, in that case. [ Fancy! The perks of having minor ice powers. ] But that's fine. You're welcome to anything else in the kitchen, too, of course. Just, uh- Watch your step. Brick likes to trip people and Spoopy, our cat, has fun surprising guests.

Lashing out blindly, it seemed; they could no longer bear the demands the Augur imposed on them. I understand their frustration, but..... Normally, rebelling against a tyrannical lord isn't itself enough to cripple everyone's livelihoods.

[Sometimes, a rebellion is well-justified. Sometimes, it even works out well--the Alliance, for example, has found plenty of success apart from the Kingdom's rule. But no matter how justified that rebellion had been, no amount of good intentions could excuse the inevitable results they would have reaped from their treason. To tear apart your own foundation underfoot, and yet have nothing to replace it with--it's sheer folly, much like Edelgard's planned destruction of the Church had been. What in the world would she have used to fill the void left in her people's hearts by the absence of their faith? Her system of merit might inspire the naturally talented minority that would directly benefit from it, but the vast majority of her subjects would be left adrift and uncertain, with no comfort to cling to as their way of life was burned to the ground and left as ruins and ash.]

Yes, I'm afraid there are a number of creatures here who love nothing more than getting underfoot.

[Such as the thunk-rattle of Pebbles shoving his snout into the window, demanding to be a part of the conversation now that he'd been left outside. Just look at that fond exasperation; he hadn't asked for this menagerie, but they've been growing on him in spite of his best intentions.]

Iced...tea? I do not believe I have ever had anything of the sort. [ ... ] If it is not too troublesome for you to prepare, I would like to try some.

[ pebbles no.....honey....Flayn gives him some extra head scritches before she moves to sit down. who's a good wyvern?? who's a good wyvern who keeps dad safe in battle?? ]

I was not aware you took to having animals so much, Father. If I had known, I would have taken in that Hresvelgian Whisker who kept sleeping on our doormat at the monastery.

[ said with a soft chuckle. This house looks...chaotic, for Seteth living in it, but he's clearly happy, so she's happy for him in turn. ]

Edited 2022-06-30 19:59 (UTC)

I think I do more than him, really, and he just humors me. [ This is said with obvious adoration though as Rose reaches to give Seteth a quick kiss on the cheek. ]

But it's no trouble at all! Iced tea, coming on up, [ she answers, making her way to the kitchen as she hums. There comes the soft pad of paws on the porch outside and two abnormal dogs - one part lizard and one blooming flowers along its fur - also make their presence known with wagging tails and snouts up curiously. Someone is in the kitchen! Does that mean food? They hope it means food. ]

You could say that.

[And you would be right, too. Still, that doesn't mean he's immune to getting attached, once he's been bullied into accepting them as part of the family. Seteth can only sigh at the pair as he sits down beside Flayn, watching them beeline for the kitchen.]

You don't even like tea, remember? You'll only be disappointed.

[And yet, that still doesn't keep them from begging for it every time, or from giving such looks of betrayal, once they're allowed to take a good sniff. Honestly.....]

[ PUPPIES??? Her eyes light up. Mental note, she has to pet them later.

But! On to business. She turns to Seteth. ]

Might others from the island have joined us in this realm? I explored the beach for a short while, but I had not run into anyone recognizable.

[ please say ferdinand please say ferdinand ]

A few have. Lorenz, Zechs, Dorothea, and Byleth have all managed to join us here. The male Byleth, that is; I'm afraid his female counterpart doesn't recall the island.

[Will he have to have the headache inducing talk about differing timelines and doubles now? Uuuuuugh.]

[ Lorenz. Good, good, she won't have to rehash everything with him. She makes another mental note to send him a message, later.

But more importantly-- ]

Not, ah...not Ferdinand? Or Constance?

I'm afraid not. There is a Ferdinand here, but not the one we were familiar with. I've yet to see Constance here at all.

[ The dogs, having been utterly betrayed by Rose making gross leaf water again instead of actual food, come sniffing and snuffling their new visitor. They lick her hands as if to ask for pets. Is that a whine Pebbles gives at not also being able to get more affection, too? Probably. ]

Yeah, Ferdinand is a newer arrival too but... Who your dad mentioned is it from your home and the island. I knew a Felix there, too, but he doesn't remember being there. Or the other Felix.

[ Which is disappointing, to say the least. Either way, Rose hands Flayn and Seteth both a glass of iced tea before finding a seat on the floor with the dogs. ]

[ Dammit. The hand that takes the glass from Rosie is a little shaky, and Flayn doesn't drink, yet, just looks into the cup and frowns. ]

...so he is. I suppose this means I must begin anew.

[ A pause. She takes a moment to think, before her mind catches up with her ears and she has to press about something in particular Rosie said. ]

The "other" Felix?

Thank you.

[Seteth takes his drink with a soft smile, though his expression quickly grows serious again at the question. It's a difficult concept to grasp, isn't it? All the more so when it involves someone he knows was so precious to her.]

You are familiar, of course, with the fact that history can unfold very differently for us. For example, I fought under Claude's command, while you fought under Dimitri's. There is no way to tell what events or decisions can dramatically alter the course of your life, or the broader course of history itself--the possible points of divergence are truly limitless. Knowing this, then, it stands to reason that there are as many different potential Fodlans as there are stars in the sky.

And just as there are many Fodlans, there can--no, there must be many of those who inhabit them, as well. Any number of an individual could in theory find their way here, from any point in time, from any of those endless possibilities. There are two Byleths here, for example--a man who fought for Dimitri, and a woman who fought for Claude. There are two Sylvains, Felixes, and Claudes, as well. And now..... it seems there are two of you.

Yes. Ferdinand and Constance were from a path where the Professor instructed the Black Eagles.

[ She doesn't want to even imagine what it was like for her and Seteth in that particular world.

Flayn listens carefully, and when Seteth is finished, it takes her a moment to respond. ]

I see. So that is how you are already acquainted with me.

[ She's curious, about this version of herself from another world, but honestly, after everything else that's happened today, she's not entirely sure that she wants to go down that line of questioning. She's tired, she's upset Ferdinand won't remember her, she's upset that there's clearly so much she's missed while she was, what? Dead? This is exactly what she's afraid of on an existential level. She wasn't around, so the world moved on without her. ]

[ Nor does Rose, of course. While she has some idea, it's... Well, it's not the world that she'll be going back to at least. There is a solace in that. ]

It is, [ Rose answers. But because she does know a little more about Flayn now having another version of her in the simulation, well... It does make things somewhat easier in some ways. ]

And, hey, anything you want to know- We're both more than happy to fill you in when you're ready. You can stay here, too, for the time being, if you'd like. I know it's probably, like, a lot to deal with.

[Seteth has an inkling, thanks to his discussions with Linhardt. In one Fodlan, at least, Byleth and Edelgard had put them both to the sword. It only made sense, after all; together with Rhea, they were her biggest enemy. To kill them would be nearly the same thing as destroying the church she so despised. Seteth reaches out to cover one of Flayn's hands with his own, a quiet offer of reassurance.]

Take as long as you need to rest and recover. Arriving here is no easy journey.

[ Ah, yes, living with her dad and his girlfriend, how appealing. A part of her considers it, because, yeah, she is going to need to find a place to live, but she'd gotten used to living on her own on the island and it feels...backwards, to go back to living with him, now. ]

The offer for room and board is greatly appreciated, but I must decline.

[ If she doesn't strike out on her own now, she feels like she never will. ]

I--I am fine, relatively speaking. It is simply that...how shall I put it? [ ... ] That I have been asleep again and time has continued to pass on around me. There is much for me to catch up on.

[ Okay, well- That's fair, honestly. While Rose was prepared to share their space again, she does know that living with your parental figures in places like these is just asking for disaster. ]

No worries, [ the woman offers, running fingers lightly along one of the dog's heads as it settles in beside her. ]

I'm sure everyone here will be happy to help you get up to speed. Like I said, you're free to ask me anything since... I mean, I know I'm kind of a newer addition to all this but I hope that, uhm. You can treat me like family too eventually.

It hasn't been terribly long. Only a few months.

[Seteth's tone is softer now, more encouraging; her upset is all too understandable, given..... her circumstances. Yes, the world has kept turning--but not too far. Not far enough that she can't catch up. Not nearly far enough for everyone to have left her behind. Even if people she had known and loved were gone, it isn't because she had been..... asleep.

They can help Flayn find a home anytime. Right now, the most important thing to him is doing his best to help set her heart at ease.]

Even so, I...

[ hhhhhhhhhhhh. This is not the conversation she'd thought she'd be having when she woke up this morning. ]

I am sorry, I am not feeling particularly jubilant at the moment. You need not keep attempting to lift my spirits when it is not working.

[ poking at her glass. She feels bad, because they're clearly trying, but her heart isn't in it, right now.

Lifting her head and addressing Rosie: ]

I am sure I will be more eager to get to know you when I am feeling less overwhelmed. My apologies for my poor mood.

[ Ah, well... Rose, of all people, understands that sometimes trying to force cheer just doesn't work. ]

Hey, don't apologize. It's totally fine to be in a bad mood, all things considered. [ That's something she's still trying to get used to, herself. ]

And we've got all the time we need, y'know? It's not like I'm going anywhere anytime soon. [ At least, not in her control. ]

You don't need to force a thing. Just focus on finding your footing again, and we'll help you however you need. All you need to do is say the word.

[How could anyone be in a good mood after discovering they had died? He certainly had ended up having something of a meltdown himself, when he had first awoken in the infirmary. Even if he can't raise her spirits, he just..... Flayn deserves to feel as safe and cared for as she possibly can be, given the circumstances.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

TDM #5

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