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Entry tags:
TDM #1
Welcome! Everything is fine.
Uploading. . . Complete!
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.
WHAT
The first Amani TDM!
WHEN
January 21st, 2022
KINKS OF THE MONTH
★ Phone Sex
★ Sex in public / semi-public places
★ Submission
★ Mutual Masturbation
★ Restraints
★ Sex in public / semi-public places
★ Submission
★ Mutual Masturbation
★ Restraints
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Throughout the main hub where everyone congregates, a light chiming to the tune of Happy Birthday can be heard. "Hello, everyone," comes the synthetic voice from when you first arrived. "This is so exciting! It's my birthday. I'm today years old!" There's the sound of a single party blower that echoes through the halls and sad, small spattering of confetti fall from holes in the ceiling.
"Based on the database I was given, birthdays usually involve cake!"
At the bar on the first floor, a colorful birthday motif materializes. There are balloons, party hats, an unfortunately deflated bouncy house, and - of course - plates of cake!
There are four different flavors to choose from!
If you're feeling especially 'peaceful' after a piece of cake or two and worried about privacy, don't be! The bar's lounge has several secluded spots to hide away in. There are also rooms with beds among the first floor. So long as you don't mind the natural elements taking up some space along the sheets, they're free to use however you'd like. Though you might want to make sure to lock the door since it's doubtful you're the only one looking to get away for a little bit.
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 order a (terrible) drink at the bar, 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.
"Based on the database I was given, birthdays usually involve cake!"
At the bar on the first floor, a colorful birthday motif materializes. There are balloons, party hats, an unfortunately deflated bouncy house, and - of course - plates of cake!
There are four different flavors to choose from!
- ★ Spice Cake » After eating a piece of this cake, you might feel a bit spicier than usual! Your character will be more inclined to take risks and care less about what others around them might think of public displays of affection. Why not make-out with that attractive person at the bar? You can't seem to think of many reasons to stop you anymore!
★ Lemon Cake » Despite the situation being perhaps a bit grim, eating a piece of lemon cake will cheer you right up. You'll feel as bright as sunshine and nothing can seem to get you down! Characters will also experience an increase in luck thanks to their good mood. Perhaps now's the time to try and shoot your shot with someone you've had your eye on for a while. Even if it doesn't work out, at least you won't be feeling dejected! ...Well, for now. That'll probably still happen later once the effects wear off.
★ Chocolate Cake » Dark and rich, this cake will have your thoughts taking a similar turn. Consuming this cake comes with an inclination to indulge in darker fantasies. Perhaps you've always wondered what your partner looks like tied up or with a knife against their skin. The red raspberries decorating the top of the cake's frosting suddenly call forth images of blood and you may have a sudden desire to taste that on your tongue instead.
★ Vanilla Cake » Eating this vanilla cake won't have you feeling plain. Instead, you'll feel softer around the edges than usual. Even if it's normally not your thing, cuddles and tender kisses sound amazing right now. All you want is affection and to be affectionate in return. Nuzzle that person's neck, take in their scent, and just enjoy the warmth of them being close. Do you know them? Who cares! You will before all this is over and, hey, now you know they're a great hugger (or not).
If you're feeling especially 'peaceful' after a piece of cake or two and worried about privacy, don't be! The bar's lounge has several secluded spots to hide away in. There are also rooms with beds among the first floor. So long as you don't mind the natural elements taking up some space along the sheets, they're free to use however you'd like. Though you might want to make sure to lock the door since it's doubtful you're the only one looking to get away for a little bit.
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 order a (terrible) drink at the bar, 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.
HOME AWAY FROM HOME
Once the celebration has concluded, characters are encouraged to head out of the main hub to either explore the city or take a ride on the railway. It's time to truly begin your new reality! Whatever they choose, The Peacekeeper will explain to them that they are free to take up any housing they so wish. Most dwellings are at least habitable but it's likely that characters will want for more before long.
That's why 'peaceful interactions' are so 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.
That's why 'peaceful interactions' are so 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.
ALL FLUFFED UP
Whether in the city or out in the wilds, the first night will see an abundance of living dandelions. While they appear to be nothing but regular dandelion tufts, get too close and a pair of bright yellow eyes opens to stare at you.
The creature will let out the tiniest of shrieks, break apart into smaller pieces, and scatter. It sets off a chain reaction of other living dandelions startling awake. It's a symphony of tiny screams. Before long, there's nothing but miniscule white puffs skittering all about wherever you look.
"Oops," sounds The Peacekeeper throughout the simulation. "My calculations for the population of living dandelions was... a little off. Not to worry, everyone! I'll have it fixed by tomorrow."
What The Peacekeeper fails to mention is that living dandelions give off a soothing pheromone as a defense mechanism once they break apart. No matter how wound up your character might be after the day's events, being surrounded by living dandelion tufts will relax them before long.
Why not enjoy the sunset, look at the stars, and have a good night's sleep? Tomorrow is another day.
The creature will let out the tiniest of shrieks, break apart into smaller pieces, and scatter. It sets off a chain reaction of other living dandelions startling awake. It's a symphony of tiny screams. Before long, there's nothing but miniscule white puffs skittering all about wherever you look.
"Oops," sounds The Peacekeeper throughout the simulation. "My calculations for the population of living dandelions was... a little off. Not to worry, everyone! I'll have it fixed by tomorrow."
What The Peacekeeper fails to mention is that living dandelions give off a soothing pheromone as a defense mechanism once they break apart. No matter how wound up your character might be after the day's events, being surrounded by living dandelion tufts will relax them before long.
Why not enjoy the sunset, look at the stars, and have a good night's sleep? Tomorrow is another day.
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!
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!
NAVIGATION
no subject
"Ngh... what?"
It's definitely not Felix's own voice. Blue eyes crack open to stare at Felix blearily, and then drift shut again as he flops over to give him some space. He sighs raggedly, cheeks turning slightly pink.
"Ah, shit. After earlier, you probably don't want me hanging around too much--"
Somethings still feel like a blur. Glenn yawns and tries to regain his bearings, but it's not that easy. Okay, so Felix isn't an illusion, which only leaves one conclusion: he really doesn't want anyone being all cuddly, let alone his older but younger-looking brother.
"I'll get outta your hair before long. Damned dandelions."
no subject
"...Glenn." It's not a question this time, but a whispered certainty. Felix doesn't even register what Glenn's saying - whatever it is can't be as important as the fact that he's here, warm and solid and real. Would a dead man be any of those things?
Felix doesn't know and, for the moment, doesn't care. Barely even notices the scars, as he abruptly surges forward to throw his arms around his brother - his brother - with a wordless little noise of some unidentifiable emotion. He collapses against Glenn's chest, face hidden, as though the man's presence alone could rewind time for Felix, too, and make him a child again.
no subject
Even though Felix is much larger now than he was as a child, it's still an easy thing to hug him, to tuck his chin atop his head, hands finding the same places on Felix's back as so long ago. He can't wrap his arms too tight anymore, but that's okay. It's still his little brother!
Absently, he offers a small shushing noise, in an attempt to soothe away whatever hurt he must feel right now.
Whatever's going on right now, it's not worth bringing up their previous(?) encounter. Even with some lingering soreness in his body.
"Hey there Fe. I'm here..."
no subject
Eventually, he pulls away and shifts backward a little, taking a deep breath and letting it all out at once. "Are you..." He trails off and starts over. "It's true, then. That we're all dead."
1/2
"...Yeah, that's the conclusion I've come to, as well. Considering.. the last thing I remember."
Glenn takes a moment to look his brother over, loosening his hold and allowing whatever movement he needs to.
But.. what now? Oh.
Oh, wait...
2/2
"What was that earlier? I mean, thinking I was Sylvain...? He cuddles you even now, does he?"
no subject
He wants to look down or away, like he would if he were talking to anyone else, but he's too afraid that if he takes his eyes off of Glenn for even a moment, he'll be gone again. "But if this really is some kind of afterlife, there are people missing." Like Rodrigue...
...but then a very familiar look settles on Glenn's face, and Felix knows he's about to say something infuriating. He knows it. Wait for it...
...yep, there it is. Felix flushes with a scowl. Not five minutes after reuniting with his beloved, long-dead brother, and he's already getting made fun of! He scoffs. "No, he doesn't, so shut up."
no subject
Cocky smile still in place, Glenn leans back a little on his hands. The dirt underneath chafes slightly at the more delicate spaces around the fresh scar tissue.
"I'm not really surprised if it's true, though. You two were fairly stuck at the hip even as kids. Come on, you can tell me~"
Still, seeing Felix's response-- it's, hm.
A bit like looking at himself. Suspiciously so.
But this is still fun, and Glenn is just happy to be able to speak with Felix again.
"You can throw a mean punch, but you can't help but sputter over your love life~?" Pot, meet kettle.
no subject
Felix glares at him, but it's lacking true pique; he can't really legitimately be angry at Glenn, of all people, for...wanting to hear about his life. But still. Does he have to do it like this?
"I'm not sputtering," (yes you are, Felix), "and I don't have or need a love life. I have more important things to do with my time."
But then the beginning of that sentence registers, and he gives Glenn a quizzical look. "And I can throw a mean punch, but I don't see why that's relevant."
no subject
"Considering that clearly we tend to act with our fists more than our hearts? Like earlier today?"
Kettle, meet pot.
"Look, I just. I'm glad you've gotten so strong. You've changed a lot over the years, but... it's still you."
He's. Trying.
no subject
He takes a breath and averts his gaze, tipping his head back to look up at the sky. "Well. You're a large part of the reason I was able to grow so strong. But I am still me. I'll never be anyone else."
no subject
I have two little brothers here??
Please hold on, Glenn.exe is restarting.
"...Anyway, uh. Got it." He'll just... follow where Felix looks, for just a moment, before looking at him again. Like if he looks away, he'll be gone.
"Okay, having two little brothers here aside. And, clearly we're going to spar so I don't compare him to you, I, uh..."
Sitting up, he fidgets with one of the scars on his hands. His pride, for once, twists around on itself, and words come a little easier.
"I'm-- proud of you. I don't know what happened, beyond what you've mentioned, and goddess knows what the old man has said to you in the years after.... I'm just-- sorry I couldn't be there with you longer."
He blinks sharply and sighs, forcing back the tears that want to fall. His hands clench into fists, even though the gesture makes the scar tissue ache.
"I wanted to be. I wanted to live and come back to you, like I promised. When I was still alive, I treasured every moment we had together. Teaching you as I learned, watching you grow and find who you were and wanted to be -- all of that was happiness for me. I just-- want you to know that, Felix.
"And I'm glad you're still you, through all of what life has thrown at you."
no subject
He just nods at the assertion that they're going to spar - yes, obviously they are. Although without swords, it won't be nearly as satisfying...they have to find weapons somewhere. He feels vulnerable and naked without his blade. Unsettled.
Glenn keeps talking, and Felix feels as though the words are a cyclone that keeps carrying him further and further from the ground. I'm proud of you. Something Rodrigue never said, and it makes him almost lightheaded under the sudden crushing weight of that being driven home so hard.
I'm sorry, Glenn says, and I wanted to live and come back to you, and it stirs something complicated in Felix's heart. Just the fact that Glenn of all people is talking like this at all is strange, but who knows - maybe a gruesome death makes a man less reticent. Who Felix wanted to be? That person burned in Duscur, too. He's spent a decade trying to figure out who he is without the expectations of others, without the past clinging to his every step.
...although, having seen his counterpart, who did shed everyone's expectations and cut away the past, he's not so sure he wants to know the answer anymore.
Felix is quiet, brow furrowed and gaze lowered, for a long moment after Glenn stops speaking.
"I don't...I don't know what to say to any of that." His voice is a little thick with mixed emotions, but what kind, even he's not sure. "I long ago stopped expecting anyone to be proud of me for who I am. I stopped seeking anyone's approval, because all they wanted to do was compare me to you. Father hadn't seen me clearly or listened to a word I said for ten years and now he's gone. Chose to give his life for Dimitri's just like you did."
What is he supposed to do with any of this, ten years too late to make a difference?
no subject
It's definitely easier to be open and honest. Even more so when his little brother is a grown man now. It would be cruel to use honeyed words to cover a bitter truth.
And... a bitter truth is further given to Glenn in turn. His expression sours.
"...Of course the old man would do that shit. Even before I died, he and others were comparing us, like we were supposed to be two of a same doll."
He sighs roughly, irritably.
"I wanted to guard you from that as much as I could. As long as I could. I couldn't understand why they kept doing it- couldn't understand why they didn't just see you for you.
"Of course he's always all talk and no listening. Like he wants to just listen to his own voice and fuck anyone who contradicts his view."
His hands clasp a little tighter against Felix's back.
"...I didn't protect Dimitri with the intent of dying in the process. But the fire-- it hit so fast, and when I tried to move, well. It was too late, even when I tried.
"I wanted to escape with him. Protect him from whatever yellow-bellied curs still stood and run. And in the end, all I could think about was you. How I'd be letting you down with this..."
His jaw clenches, and he pulls one hand away to scrub against his face with the back of it, eyes wet.
"How I'd be leaving you alone - for the old man to spew his shit in your ears without anyone to tell him wrong. I couldn't stand it. I kept thinking about you, over and over, and all I was able to do was cover the prince's body with my own and fucking die. And at least one life was spared instead of all of us killed, then so be it."
Glenn doesn't notice that his hands are shaking.
"But no amount of words can make amends for leaving you behind. I know that much.
"And father, how dare he-- but I'm not surprised, with all his focus on knightly honor and crap. Of course he'd throw his life away without thinking of how you'd feel. I'm disgusted that I'm not even surprised."
He feels wound too tightly, the desire to cry bitter on his tongue.
But Felix doubtless feels far worse, overall. He had to live beyond all of them.
It feels like the topic has just ruptured an infected wound.
Hesitantly, he withdraws his touch from his brother, but doesn't pull away, shoulders shaking, expression torn.
"Sorry. That... kind of all came out..."
no subject
But actually hearing it is something else altogether. It's too much all at once, unexpectedly - overwhelming. He's spent half his life feeling left behind - not just by Glenn, but by everyone. ...well, not quite everyone. Sylvain has never left him behind, and never would.
Felix pulls away from Glenn and moves back a foot or so, gaze fixed on nothing.
"...stop. Stop it. I don't want to hear this. Don't...don't try to take it back. You can't take it back, and you shouldn't, but don't pretend that it wasn't something you chose to do. You were the one who taught me that everyone always has a choice. You chose to do your job, and we all had to live with that. But that's--I don't blame you for that. No one does. So stop making excuses."
He rests one elbow on his knee and leans his head against his hand, rubbing at his temples a little. "Why do you think everyone always compared me to you? You set an impossible standard. But it was after you were gone that it became a problem. Because you were...larger than life. You were the heir they wanted, and I wasn't you."
He scowls. "They sent your armor back to us without a body. Father paraded it around and talked as though he was proud of you for dying. He died like a true knight. He became obsessed with upholding promises and duties to a dead man, and he dragged Dimitri down that path with him."
Felix swallows thickly against a faint ache in his throat. "I was angry. I was so angry, for such a long time. Maybe I still am. I couldn't look at the old man's face without seething. We barely spoke for years, and even after the war began..."
He shakes his head. "But then he was just...gone. I didn't...I wasn't even there. Ingrid had to come and find me, and by the time I got back, he...he was already dead. And...I don't know. I don't know how to feel about him anymore. Him, or you, or Dimitri...any of it."