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TDM #5
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 active medical staff, the voice of The Peacekeeper is also 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 fifth Amani TDM!
WHEN
June 24th, 2022
KINKS OF THE MONTH
★ Double Penetration
★ Orgasm Denial/Control
★ Somnophilia
★ Corruption
★ Squirting/Cumshots
★ Orgasm Denial/Control
★ Somnophilia
★ Corruption
★ Squirting/Cumshots
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 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!"
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.
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.
★ 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.
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.
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!
★ 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.
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!
★ 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
no subject
It's really hard to enjoy the stars at night when that's happening just outside his residence.
Thanatos doesn't really walk outside so much as he shifts from place to place. The exception being when he visits Pebbles, Sether's dragon, or stops by Rosie's. Then he floats along the sand because he's rather noisy in his arrivals. It's as he's stepping out, grimacing in the sunlight, that something catches his eye out on the beach. A wing. A familiar wing at that.
Hope is a dangerous thing but he floats across the sand anyway. And yes... There she is. He's so... He's so very glad to see her.]
Megaera...
[He says her name softly in that unearthly voice he has, still not quite believing.
He's dressed as he always is, stubbornly refusing to adapt or change in this new soicety. So it's all the same ancient Greek garments with the gold adornments.]
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Thanatos! What a relief it is to see you here. I've seen nothing but strangely colorful mortals running around half naked in blinding sunlight all day. And your brother. Are you well? How long have you been here?
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[Thanatos squints around, eventually bringing a hand up to shield his eyes from the brilliance of the sun.]
I've been staying in that house over there. [Just yonder.] If you want to avoid the scantly clad mortals and sun we can go there. I have a lot to ask you and I'm sure you have the same of me.
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Indeed. We have much to discuss. Preferably someplace darker.
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The house itself is however Hypnos leaves it at any given time. Thanatos doesn't interact with it much outside the room he stays in, if that. So if it's messy... that would be his brother's fault. Which would go without saying, of course. Today though... it is thankfully not in any sort of disarray.]
It's good to see you Meg. [He says it properly, stiffly. Painfully him. He's been utterly miserable here but he's not about to let her see that.] But I am sorry you've arrived in such a place... It's... terrible, really.
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It's good to see you as well. Everything about this place has been... disorienting. Nothing makes sense.
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No... In fact, I think we're all being lied to. Lied to by something or someone who is very powerful. I have been cut off from my powers... completely.
[Meg, knowing him for as long as she has, knows that this has only happened on one other occasion. And it was a bad one.]
But this... despite that, is different. I can't hear or see the threads of life. If we're in a simulation... if I'm understanding the meaning of that correctly, I suppose that makes sense. But the silence is disorienting all the same. I feel... I feel by silencing me it makes their claims seem all the more legitimate. But all I have are theories and no solutions. And all we can do is follow the whims of the city...
[He sighs, full of exhaustion.]
I am glad to see you, Meg. Your presence has most certainly been missing in my life but... I am sorry you're here all the same. I would not wish this fate on anyone.
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...I have been making my way. [She said vaguely. She'd had moments of fun, to be certain, and the break from work was all well and good for now, but most of this was a distraction from her growing anxiety at being trapped here. This was only furthered by the absence of Zagreus. This didn't diminish her relief that Thanatos was here, of course. He was still one of her favorite people--- a challenging standard to meet for someone like Megaera.] Though I suppose I haven't had enough time here yet to be too terribly miserable. It will be easier to manage, with your presence. The amount of disarray we're likely to return home to, however, does not bode well.
no subject
[She's not the best person to ask this of. His job keeps him away. But when Death is missing everyone knows. So if things are still proceeding apace or if she has just seen him that would give him something to go off of.]
If you've seen me in recent days... Maybe upon return things won't be quite so bad. But if you have noticed me not around then that is something to worry about.
[Months of mortal deaths to catch up on? A month of it was bad enough. But he's been here nearly five months.]
All that aside... I am glad you're alright. Do you want to stay here with Hypnos and I? We can definitely accommodate you but I'd understand if you'd rather prefer you go your own way. But I hope you know that you're always welcome here.
[He's not going to say it... but it would be nice if she stayed with them.]
no subject
[She softened from her thoughtful scowling with his offer. Staying here would make things feel more like home...] I wouldn't want to trouble you, but the familiarity would be very welcome. If you'll have me, I would love to stay.
no subject
[It fills him with some sense of relief. He's gotten the gist that time is a bit wonky in regards to peoples comings and goings. But he's glad he doesn't have to worry too much about the work back home.]
It's really no trouble. And Hypnos is here so it's already at maximum trouble. [He leads the small distance to his room which is mostly if not entirely empty because Thanatos sure doesn't have things and absolutely cannot afford to get them. All his music stuff stays by his piano.]
You can stay here. You'll find that we have mortal ailments now. Sleeping is required as is eating regularly. So you can sleep here. If you're having problems with it Hypnos can help... All his powers seem to be working just fine.
[He doesn't sound bitter but he is, a little bit.]
no subject
[At the mention of mortal needs, she scoffed.] How inconvenient. I was wondering why my stomach was so uncomfortable. I will have to figure that out. ...All the same, thank you for the room.
no subject
Siblings are... quite trying. And I have my share of grievances. Some of which I'll have to speak to you of later.
[Not right now, his old friend needs time to settle and adjust and complaining off the bat is a poor thing to do. They'll have to share a drink and talk later, as they did back home.]
Very inconvenient. But, yes... It's all yours. You're new here and dealing with all these unfortunate things we experience will take some getting used to. So you should have your own space to deal with it as needed. If you need anything I can try and direct you but after centuries of being a God I'm still having my own troubles with it.
no subject
Well, now that I am here, I'm happy to support you however I can. What about it is troubling to you?
no subject
Everything. Being here, the lack of work. Having to spend far more hours with Hypnos than I care to. The lack of connection to my mother, to my sisters, the Fates, souls, the very Styx itself. And to be weighted down with mortal afflictions on top of it all.
We're not beings meant to have such burdens. We have purpose and we're being denied it. I worry for you too, you know. You're very good at maintaining yourself and I sincerely hope you can continue to have it here.
I will give you whatever support I can regardless.
no subject
...I'll agree that it's jarring. But while we are creatures of purpose, we are also creatures of power. We are larger than this place. Moreso together. You and I have been through too much to be outdone by some...twisted little game in some strange pocket dimension.
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And it was all for nothing. All the while Hypnos slothed around creating his own temple. Maddening behavior from Gods such as they.]
You do speak correctly... You and I have been through much together. And I am glad I have someone reasonable here with me at last. Someone I know will want to go home with me when the moment finally arrives.
[He sighs but despite it all he feels much better talking to her. As he usually does. She can talk him off any stressful point. Always has. Always will.]
Nothing dangerous has happened here, not yet anyway. Regardless of what comes. I'll always have your back. Without question.
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Hypnos not working is not necessarily the problem.]
I'll trust that you will. But-- [His face scrunches up for a moment before it passes.] Never mind. I'll leave it to you. I'm sure you can get him in line.
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All I have is speculation based on what I've seen. Nothing more or less... and I am not one for starting rumors. That's the pleasure of Olympians, not myself.
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Fine. [Than's shoulders sag some and he keeps his gaze upon a spot on the floor.] He has not said as much but... I can feel it. Despite it all, we're twins. It's like an instinct.
He has adjusted better than I. Unsurprising, he doesn't do anything back home. This must seem like the most undeserved vacation in the world to him. But because of his aimlessness he's become too attached.
We're twins and yet our bond is so frayed we may as not even have one. If we were to have a chance to go home tomorrow I feel strongly that he would not come with. [Thanatos wrinkles his nose unhappily.] I find that... unthinkable. But... [He squints at the floor some.] I also can not find it in me to care any more than the initial indignity. If he truly finds this place so grand then I'd rather he not return at all.
no subject
[She crossed her arms, thinking a bit. It was no secret that Thanatos and Hypnos, despite being twins, were quite poor at communicating with one another. Normally, Nyx would be the one to mediate their disputes, but with their mother not here, they were left to their own devices and were floundering. And Meg could only imagine it was difficult for Thanatos to watch Hypnos thrive in this place, leaving him to struggle. She could empathize with Than's plight here. Yet, it seemed unlike Hypnos to ignore Than's troubles. For all his prattle and lackadaisical demeanor, he was, at his core, quite kind. Perhaps his perspective would offer some insight.]
I will speak to him, when I get the chance. He seems to listen to me, at least some of the time.