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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
No, I'm not even having it, even if you paid me. I have no idea who prepared it, and neither do you.
[He looks away briefly, but doesn't try to escape again. In doing so, it's easier to see that some of those scars are burns, as if he'd just had the bandages removed. His hold on his own hand tightens slightly.]
...You have a lot to answer for, old man.
[He meets his eyes again with a frown. With everything he's been told so far, it's... a lot. His body is just so fatigued right now.]
But I'm not going to deal with that today. Nor you. I was looking to see if Felix, Sylvain, Ingrid or Dimitri arrived here.
[It's not a lie if there's some truth in all of it. Especially when more than one of the same person can arrive. There could be another of any of them - or even another of himself.]
You're exhausting. Coming here right after dying is rough enough. But now I have to see your face, too?
[But he's still pushing himself, because of course he is. Felix has gotten so strong... he needs to catch up. Doing some extra walking seemed like a good idea, even if it was just to see who else has come here.
[There's a flicker of pain under the anger that Glenn isn't fast enough to hide in full.]
And besides! How dare you talk to me like I'm a child when I'm apparently old enough to be touted as like a knight after I've died! After I've been just another countless number within a slaughter!
no subject
[as harsh as glenn's words are... rodrigue is used to it, having heard them from both glenn and felix. he knows he hasn't been the best father, unintentionally hurting one son and sending the other off to his death and praising him for it. rodrigue has failed then... but won't fail now.]
You may no longer be a child, but you are still my son. There must be somewhere private we can sit. You need to rest, Glenn. This is the afterlife, is it not? We have plenty of time to talk.
no subject
[And some part of him still has a sliver of hope that he hasn't been able to snuff out yet.]
...There are a lot of homes in need of repair, but I did see a few that are decent, and I don't think are claimed yet.
It's a bit of a walk, but I'll escort you.
[This time when Glenn turns to go, it's at least with the intent of not trying to escape. Still, exhaustion clings to his movements, makes them louder and a visibly more sluggish. It also doesn't help that the scars on his legs also hurt from constant rubbing against clothing. He'll need to find something to wrap them in.
[Ultimately, one of homes he's rested in will have to do.]
no subject
[he won't say that it looks like glenn is the one who needs to be escorted with how much it looks like he's on the brink of collapse, but rodrigue knows his sons, knows that pointing it out will only irritate glenn and hurt his pride.]
Glenn, allow me to heal your wounds before we move on further. It should only take a moment.
no subject
[That's enough to give him pause. Enough for him to stop walking for a moment.]
...No, there's nothing left to heal; I woke up uninjured. You'll only be wasting your efforts.
[Considering that even now is an improvement. It's likely also the fact that it's an all-too recent memory for him, to feel the pain of it.
[It takes him part of a second longer than it should for him to start walking again.]
no subject
goddess above, how did he raise such mean boys...
instead, rodrigue looks at the scenery, committing it to memory. man... it do be kinda run down here and there, huh? he supposes death isn't a luxurious affair, he shouldn't expect the afterlife to be either. does the church of seiros say anything about life after death? who knows, not me.]
no subject
[It shouldn't be so easy for his mind to drift, but it does, and his very tired body finds relief when they arrive at the small home Glenn found earlier, having used his boots to carefully shove shards of glass out of the way for now. The small windowsil is already a little dusted off, (as are any ruined but barely usable bits of furniture that have integrated with the greenery) courtesy of Glenn plucking up long, stiff grasses and winding them together to make a makeshift brush.
[Glenn makes himself at home on the sil due to its more narrow and less-friendly sit-with-me nature, letting out a unconscious, heavy sigh. His limbs ache, and slightly quiver from the exertion, head briefly swimming from the shift in position. All that he lets show of it is a few rapid blinks as he tries to right his vision again. Ultimately, he ends up slouching very slightly against the windowpane, though even his back is a touchy, sensitive thing.]
It's not much. Sit where you please.
[At least this keeps Rodrigue away from the Felixes? For now.]
no subject
his arms itch to pull glenn to him, to hold him like he used to. but he supposes now is not the time - glenn is in pain (ghost pains?) and rodrigue is in trouble with him. probably for all the shit he's said since glenn died. welp. rodrigue supposes he deserves this for failing as a man and a father.
he pulls a rickety chair to face glenn and sits. sighs.]
Well? What is my first offense? There are a great many of them, I'd wager.
no subject
[He shifts slightly where he sits, stare as grumpy and unfriendly as usual.]
Or maybe - I'll throw you a bone - maybe you'd like to tell me why I've heard that my brother acts like me now? Would that be an easier place to start for your aged mind?
no subject
rodrigue sighs.]
Ah, yes. Felix did not take your passing well. [a deep inhale] And he greatly detested how I painted you as a hero, as a man who died for duty.
[even though it was to sooth his own grief, he understands that felix, who adored glenn, would not like hearing such words. and he'd understand if glenn wouldn't like it either.]
I'm sorry, Glenn. You never should have died in the first place.
no subject
[He holds no illusions that he'd probably be painted as such for not dying in the line of duty. But it was either one life to survive or none. Glenn sighs and shifts his weight, starting to cross one leg over the other, and then flinches and immediately abandons the movement.]
Felix didn't need a hero to remember. He needed to know that his father was with him in his greatest, most dire time of need. That his father would be the home in which his only remaining child could safely and warmly weather the storm! That he didn't try to selfishly rationalize it in front of a child who shouldn't have had to lose his family in the first place!
[Glenn gets up reflexively, wobbles, and grabs the window's frame to stabilize his balance while his legs shake. The urge to get up and leave is so strong, but he knows he's not going to make it even five steps right now if he tries.]
You're so predictable that I hate it.
[The smile he offers is more sorrowful than anything, and he heaves a ragged sigh. A few seconds later, he lets himself fall back down onto the window's edge, ignoring how his whole body still protests, head aching from more than one emotional upheaval.]
I could sense your priorities while I was growing up. I shouldn't be surprised that you started to hurt Felix with them, too.
no subject
[a sigh full of regrets and guilt and so much heaviness.]
I have failed him as a father. I have failed you as a father. My generation has grown old, and our traditions stagnant. It is my hope that Felix and Dimitri will lead a new Fodlan who will not shackle its young in ideals that have long since expired.
[rodgrigue also gets up, moves toward glenn, and gently tries to pull glenn into a hug. his voice is strained - he missed him so much. he tried to cope by singing glenn's praises, that he fulfilled his duty, that his legacy would live on in his good deeds. but that still doesn't erase the pain of losing a child. rodrigue may have failed as a father, but no one can say he didn't love his son.]
I'm so glad to see you, my son.
no subject
[For now, he closes his eyes a little, and hisses in a breath to try to push himself past the pain and focus again. Doubtless, the old man can feel Glenn's limbs trembling from overexertion.]
Your actions.. will tell me whether or not you believe that. Whether you're just wind or not.
[For now, while the acknowledgement at long-fucking-last is something, he knows better. Actions are everything.]
no subject
[he pulls away just slightly, checking over him for any obvious injuries. he knows glenn said there was nothing he could heal, but maybe he was just covering his injuries to be stubborn, as fraldariuses are wont to be.]
Are you certain there is nothing that needs healing?
no subject
[Swallowing hard, Glenn lets out a shaky sigh and pulls a sleeve up. It's marked in such a way that it's only a reminder why only his armor was returned home and not his body. The scar tissue from gashes and burns is raw and new. And, frankly, it's probably better he only show his arm rather than his neck, or his back.]
[But maybe this much will get the old man off his back.]
It all looks like this. I don't think there's much to be done.
no subject
Glenn- tell me if you don't want to speak of this, but do you know exactly what happened during the Tragedy of Duscur? Although what exactly happened doesn't matter in the end as we are both already dead... I would like to know what happened to you. Closure, if you will.
cw: implied gore, dismemberment, beheading
[He hesitates, thinking. Wondering on what good will come of speaking it, but... if the situation was reversed, he knows he'd want to know what happened to the old man, or Dimitri, or Felix...]
...It was an ambush of flames and arrows and blades. It's... a blur. I... I felt mostly numb, despite... how much pain I should have felt. But. I saw the carriage on fire, I saw little Dimitri.
I thought... I need to grab him and go. Run. Come back... I ran for him.
[His voice chokes slightly, and he steels himself just as quickly as it comes.]
I fell, suddenly. Couldn't dodge the cavalry. I... crawled, covered his body with my own as the second volley of flames came. I couldn't feel my legs anymore, and one arm. E-everything burned....
I kept trying to move. Trying to get up, but my body wasn't listening. I started recovering sensation and... I wished I didn't. I could only hear the screams of those remaining, the howling of the fire, Dimitri crying... I think.
[As quickly as the sharp, choked sound in his voice occurs, it stops again as he steadies himself with a breath.]
I thought... I wanted to see Felix again. I wanted to go home....I needed to run with Dimitri and keep him safe. I needed to live, even if I could only crawl...
And then-- I felt pressure, sharpness at my neck, and then... nothing.
[His breath hisses through his teeth, eyes squeezed shut. The roar of the flames rises in his ears, ringing them. The taste of blood on his tongue and ash in his eyes.]
I.. didn't want to die. Not like that. Not... not like that...
no subject
but he must. he has a lot to atone for, after all, even in death.
he'd failed his son, truly. despite his... issues, rodrigue truly does love his sons. and the fact that glenn had to die in such a way... makes him ill. he certainly hopes that faerghus is much better now under dimitri's rule with felix's guidance. rodrigue could only perpetuate the traditions and mindset that previous generations lauded, instead of breaking the cycle for a better fodlan.
a tear falls, and then another. he doesn't cover his face, just looks at glenn.]
I'm so sorry, Glenn. I would never wish such a fate on my own son. You don't have to forgive me, but I must apologize for besmirching your name. In trying to honor your deeds, I've done you a great disservice.
I love you so much, Glenn.
[ooc | FEEL FREE TO DROP I KNOW I TOOK A LONG ASS TIME... but i wanted to get rodrigue's reaction down in a tag.]