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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
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[ His original statement was true, he didn't want to think about it, but... Maybe telling someone else would feel good. Help him move on from it. Find some closure. If it meant feeling uncomfortable for a little while, it would be worth the sacrifice.
Corrin pulls himself up off the grass into a seating position, facing Byleth with his knees pulled to his chest, tucking his head down a little as he speaks. ]
... It might do me some good if I do. [ Where to start, though? How much information did he want to share? It was not the most pleasant experience to look back on, yet alone say out loud. Hesitantly, he begins. ]
Sorry in advance if talking about this makes you uncomfortable... I'll leave the graphic details out.
[ His face reddens slightly. ] I-- well. I was... a virgin... when I first came here. I had never even kissed someone before... there was this party and... I ate something which made me act really... weird. Like... I was filled with desire for... that. You know?
[ A breath. ]
... I mentioned that I saw someone from home who was acting unkind to me, which wasn't like the version of him I knew from my own timeline. We talked and it's like he knew that the food I had eaten was making me require a certain amount of... intimacy. I was none the wiser, though. Then we uh ... we went to a room.
[ Corrin hugs his knees to his chest a little tighter. ]
We got to the room and he... well. At first it was... normal things like that, right? I was under the impression that he was okay with me now... it felt really good, I trusted him. But then he-- ... in the middle of-- [ his eyes well up with tears ] h-he... stopped suddenly... and went straight back to being unkind, insulting me relentlessly for not picking a side in the war. I-I was lured into a trap... I...
[ sniff ] and he physically hurt me by biting my--
[ Corrin buries his head between his arms and muffles out a pained sob. ]
no subject
No. He hates that.
He doesn't hesitate, gathering Corrin up into a hug. Aphro was bad enough on it's own. All the implications of it. His own experiences with it had been rough enough even without something like that. But that's just... disgusting. Horrible. ]
I'm so sorry. You didn't deserve that at all. It's okay to cry.
It's okay. That was horrible of him to do.
[ Definitely crossed a boundary. ]
Who was it that did that to you?
[ Just you know. Asking for a friend. ]
no subject
It felt good to be held. It felt good to cry. He didn't know until now how badly he needed it. Some form of affection or care. He had been so lonely. So, so lonely. And frightened.
It takes a good few minutes for Corrin to slightly collect himself, wiping his eyes with his sleeves, sniffling a few times before trying to catch his breath. His voice shakes as he speaks. ]
N-No, I ... [ another sniff ] I know it sounds like I'm protecting him but -- I-I know that he'll be at the wrath of my brother if he shows up here, too. [ he hiccups out a small sob. ] H-He serves one of my brothers, with a lot of pride, so ... I don't need to worry. I don't want any more trouble. It's just... I-It's just heartbreaking. [ He covers his hands with both eyes as he cries again. ]
I f-feel so alone.
no subject
I respect if you do not want anything to come of it, but I would strongly prefer to ensure that he doesn't decide to do that to anyone else, too.
For now though, let's focus on you.
[ Better to comfort Corrin than take revenge anyways. ]
I'm so sorry. It shouldn't have happened to you like that. You have me at least now, though I know we have only just met.
Just let it out for now, it's all right to cry.
no subject
Th-- Thank you ... [ Another trembling breath. ] Sorry you had to see me break down like that. I'm pretty embarrassed, but ... I think I was overdue for a good cry.
[ He sighs. ] I'm really glad to have met you too. It's been-- [ uh oh, his eyes are welling up again... ] ... really hard not having anyone I know around me here. Especially since the only person who I did know -- y-you know what happened there. So many people already seem acquainted and I... I-I'm kind of scared to trust people...
[ Damn it. He closes his eyes and those welled up tears fall down his cheeks, but at the very least he isn't weeping any more. ]
no subject
[ He pats down Corrin's hair soothingly, happy to hold him until he is satisfied. Clearly he needed someone who was willing to. ]
If you need anything, please know that you can call on me any time. Even if it is just for company or to chat.
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I... I hardly know what to say.
[ He wipes his eyes. ] Thank you... [ sniff ] you're amazing...
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[ He continues patting him as long as he needs to be calm and comforted. ]
You've had an awful go of it. I'm just glad to offer a shoulder.
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I don't really know what I should do now... [ he closes his eyes. ] Now that I know what this place is about, what it encourages... what if the same thing happens to me with someone else? I want to trust and connect with other people... but how can I? I'm ... I'm so scared.
no subject
[ It's still hard to trust after Erku. Especially the level of betrayal he had experienced from someone he had been so in love with. ]
It's okay to be scared. You are within your right to be. Give yourself time to be upset. You do not have to rush into anything. Just... don't let your heart become hardened completely. Allowing yourself to become bitter is... [ How you end up like me. ] It's not fun.
[ He shifts to allow Corrin to lay in his lap so he can pat his hair easily. ]
I know it is so hard to trust again after someone has hurt you so badly. If you truly never wanted to be intimate again, I doubt anyone could blame you, not even the Peacekeeper. That in itself is okay too. You do not owe anything to anyone but yourself in that regard. But at least let some friends in when you are ready. They will help you heal.
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Eventually, after allowing Byleth to finish, Corrin contributes with thoughts and feelings of his own. ]
... I hear what you're saying.
[ He stirs a little, rolling onto his back while closing his eyes. ]
I know deep down that... I don't want my heart to harden. If I close myself off, I may stay lonely forever. [ A sigh. ] Being here without all of my siblings and friends from back home is really difficult... maybe I should... learn to adapt. I mean-- I want to adapt. I want to... form connections with others, and ... you know the rest.
[ hm. a smile widens on the prince's face in anticipation of what he was about to say next. his mind wandered back to Byleth's own concern when he hears his tone shift, encouraging Corrin to offer his own support. ]
... And you know ... [ he opens his eyes to gaze up fondly. ] That guy you love has no idea how lucky he is. You're an amazing person. You have a new chance for things to work out okay... and I really hope it does. You deserve to be happy. I'll hope every day in my heart that you get the happy ending that you deserve.
no subject
[ Little intense there, Byleth. But look he just likes smiles. It's... it's in the wiki. ]
Ah, thank you. See? You're too kind for all of this terribleness. I hope you're right, but I'm not really going to hold my breath.
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I'll hold my breath for you, then. But I may need to stop at several intervals so that I don't go blue and pass out. [ His hands leave his face as he erupts into a laugh. Hey - visible smile again! ] And I'll definitely need those breathing intervals so that I can keep wishing for your happy ending!
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[ The very soft admonishment melts away quickly though. ]
Well, just don't pass out doing it or I'll be seriously upset. I'm... I'm rooting for you, too.