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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
[This is wrong. All these dead souls appearing before him today and acting like things are better now, feeling real and not entirely like feverish hallucinations. It's so much, that maybe he can finally believe what the Peacekeepers have been telling him, even if that doesn't sound right either. He falls back apart from Glenn, breathing hard in exertion and distress.]
...Am I dead, too?
no subject
[Glenn's body aches from fighting an ultimately losing battle, and his usually-confident posture sags a little.]
That's the conclusion I've come to. How else would anyone else be here, if I'm....
[He sighs roughly, listlessly kicking at a few scraps of glass.]
I died. I should absolutely be a ghost, or in the afterlife, unable to be seen or heard. But I'm here, and you're here.
[Another sigh as he scrubs his face with a scarred hand.]
If that's not what's going on here - if not all of us are dead, I'd be happy to be proven wrong.
But, for now-- as selfish and awful as it is, I'm just... really happy to see you again. It... was the one constant thing I prayed for, when I....
[There's no real reason to uphold any overconfident pretenses, not when the old man isn't here (hopefully) and it's just the two of them.]
Shit. There's a lot I want to say to you, but the words...
You've gotten strong, though. And I'm glad for that. I just... wish I could have seen that. And trained alongside you all this time.
no subject
Don't say you're happy to see me! What's wrong with you? How could you say that???
[He grips his forehead. Headaches have gotten constant since coming here, and the pain is searing.]
I left our family and didn't look back! I betrayed everyone I knew and fought against the kingdom! And I killed our father...
no subject
[Hearing that their father is dead prompts him to swallow, his expression to reflexively harden a little. But...]
You had reasons, didn't you? For the choices you made. For fighting against the kingdom-- unless I'm wrong, you're not an unreasonable person, Felix.
What did father do to make you see striking him down as no other option? You made your choices of your own volition, because that's always how I've seen you when I was around-- and... it's your future to pave for yourself.
[He frowns and shakes his head.]
You're my brother. Do you think I'm going to hate you for choosing your path? Father and I... well, I was too cowardly to say much of anything, but we didn't really see eye-to-eye on some important matters.
[He takes a step closer, and then another. It's like looking at himself-- dear Seiros, what happened?]
Will you tell me what happened? Doesn't.. have to be anything that would hurt you to talk about.
no subject
My reasons? I left the-- I left Dimitri. I couldn't follow him, or die for him like you did. He was a mad beast. Father came to me in battle, and told me it was a father's duty to settle his child's failure...
[He exhales harshly, looking away from Glenn.]
I killed Sylvain with my own blade, too. And I saw Dimitri fall, and Ingrid drop from the sky. They're all dead.
no subject
[Hearing that Dimitri went mad, is especially disheartening.]
...You made your choice, and they made theirs. Father, however... how wretched. He didn't have to try to kill you. But no, the old man only likes to hear his own voice and drown out the rest.
Dimtri... I'm not surprised that he went mad. I died atop of him in such a horrible way, never mind how traumatizing that would be to anyone. But for a child....
[Ingrid, Sylvain... No words come to mind. Not for a lack of feeling towards them. But... this isn't about him. What is only a vague image of pain and loss is very much Felix's harsh reality. It was him who cut Sylvain down, who has to deal with the pain of so many losses. Not to mention, that of a father who should have valued Felix more, especially with Glenn no longer there.]
It's a little hard for me to grasp, if only because so much time has passed for you compared to me. I believe you.
[After a moment, Glenn takes a breath and pulls Felix into an embrace, resting his chin on his little brother's shoulder. Admittedly, he knows that it's likely Felix with shove him away, but that's a risk he's willing to take.]
Thank you for telling me, Fe. You've had a rough life, and hard choices to make for what you believed in. Thank you for trusting me with what happened, and... I'm sorry I left you so soon.
no subject
[He tenses up when Glenn is right before him... and snaps when arms embrace him, letting out a gasping sob. He'd fall if not for those arms, and can only weep hot bitter tears, too exhausted to stop it. His body has wanted to cry for ages. Glenn is here. He never should have left so soon. Felix should have died instead of him.]
[Horribly, there's a part of him that longs for this to be Sylvain's arms around him. In the old dynamic, more often he cried about Glenn and Sylvain was the one holding and comforting him. He can't stop longing for the man he killed.]
no subject
[There is a world of hurt that Felix is in, but if even this little can help him heal from all of that pain, Glenn himself would move as many worlds as it takes. Afterlife or not.]
no subject
...I should have died instead.
[He's been trying to die since putting Sylvain down, but this thought has been in his head long before that, ever since Glenn blood-drenched armor came home. He knew that everyone else among his friends and family thought so, too. He realized it every time he was addressed as a brother, a reference, a shadow, a stand-in, but not as only Felix. And now all of those people are dead and they were right all along.]