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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
[He shakes his head with a sigh.]
Look. After both of them have met me again, and everything that entails, I must politely ask you give them a little time to themselves.
No matter how many Felixes are here, the least I can do is give them time to process all the crap that comes with seeing their dead brother in the flesh, and all the emotions that comes with that. I'm not saying stay away all day. Just... an hour more. In the meantime, I am more than content to assist you. Unless you're implying that I'm too blind or dumb to help locate appropriate lodgings?
no subject
I see.
[The request to leave Felix be for now is also a reasonable enough one, though Dedue dislikes making the rest of their growing group have to wait too long for somewhere safe to go. With the food at the gathering called into question, they will need to make plans for gathering provisions, for cooking, for surviving in this place. There are hazards here that are far different from the ones that they're used to dealing with, and they'll do better in a group than as individuals.]
Very well. I will leave Felix to his own devices, for now. [As for the other part, well.] And I have said nothing of the sort. Your help is welcome. However, we will need to find housing for a fair number of us, and preferably so that we can remain together. It would be ideal to know where Felix has already searched so that we do not retread old ground and waste time.
[There's only so many hours in the day before sunset, and Dedue would prefer for everyone to be settled in before dark.]
no subject
[Looking grumpy, Glenn rubs his face a little.]
...Just half an hour, then. Shelter is important. And there are at least some rivers prime for fishing not far from here...
[Looking up (and up!) at him again, Glenn sighs.]
Okay, I gotta know - how did you come to meet my brother? I assume it's... after I died.
[Glenn grimaces and shifts his weight from one foot to the other. It still hurts, knowing he couldn't be there for him. For any of the little ones he came to cherish in his short life.]
He probably challenged you to a fight at least once, right? You look strong.
[Really strong. And that's kind of an exciting feeling, even knowing he's likely to get his head crushed in an instant if it were a real battle. At least, judging by how soundly he was curbstomped by one of his brothers.
[But maybe he could convince this guy to help train him? Later, once everyone's settled. Yeah, that seems like a good idea.]
no subject
[Relatively speaking, he has not known Felix for nearly as long as some of the others have-- only that year at Garreg Mach, and then during the war, after his return. He doubts, though, that meeting Felix any earlier in their lives would have made all that much of a difference, all things considered.]
I appreciate the compliment, though I was not one of your brother's usual sparring partners. We... did not see eye-to-eye on many things, and he was not particularly fond of my company.
[That's probably the most diplomatic way that he could put it. He has no desire to explain the finer points of Felix's disdain for him to his own deceased brother. It doesn't really matter, anyway; their relationship is improved. They can be in the same room and remain civil these days.]
no subject
[He shifts again, restless. Aching. It feels like he's been asleep for too long, body left to heal from lethal wounds, and just woken up after the scars have formed. Getting into that scuffle with the first Felix he met was, while a good idea at the time, and not something he'd take back-- it was still a mistake.]
That said, if Dimitri trusts you, so do I.
Someone who has protected Dimitri after my passing-- I owe you many thanks. And... especially if you've helped protect my brother, too. Ingrid. Sylvain.
I'm Glenn Luc Fraldarius. I'd like to know your name.
no subject
[It makes his life considerably easier, too. It would be difficult if His Majesty's two most favored advisors were to be at each other's throats all day; hardly presenting a united front for a new united Fodlan.]
Ah. My apologies, I did not properly introduce myself. [Rude of him. The Fraldarii, though, do not seem to stick too stringently to etiquette and tradition, at least.] I am Dedue.
I am certain that, by my appearance, you are aware of where I am from. [He is, after all, every inch a man of Duscur. There is no concealing it.] I am surprised that you feel no animosity, all things considered.
no subject
From what I understood of your people - though there are always individuals who are different - you have only ever wanted to live in peace on your own terms.
The only people that killed me and so many others are cowards and curs. From what little I could see before I was overwhelmed and only able to protect Dimitri - although the details elude me as to their exact faces - no man nor woman of Duscur is a spineless cur, and I did not see any of your people that day. In spite of the fact that we were in your homeland.
And you, personally, did not end so many lives that day. You are not one to be condemned for what guilt isn't yours to bear. Even an idiot can see that.
[Glenn scowls and looks away as another thing dawns on him. Dimitri saw everything of that gruesome day, no doubt. Was his word not heeded when he returned home...? But, that's absurd.... No, insanity.]
Why do you believe I should feel animosity towards you?
no subject
[Dedue frowns. Should he be the one to tell him?]
I could tell you of what transpired after your death, but be warned that you may not like what you hear. It may be kinder for you to hear it from another.
no subject
[He shifts again - restless, listless, thinking.]
Well, with that warning, now might not be a good time to talk about it. I can tell enough that things... went poorly. For you, for your people. I definitely won't like what I hear. And from what I gathered from both my brothers, so many events went wrong....
[Irritation lingers on his face, but it's not directed at Dedue.]
I also do not want to open up any of your wounds just because I want to know. There's so much I want to know....
[Frustrated, he heaves a rough sigh.]
But, another time, please tell me after we've gotten the others settled in here. If it won't hurt you to say so.
[He cracks a smirk, hoping to continue to give Dedue an out to change the subject. For now.]
The only time I'd risk hurting you is if you indulged me in a spar. I've always wanted to know at least one style of Duscari combat. But there was only so much I could learn from limited resources regarding your people.