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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He tries not to look too disappointed that Dimitri hasn't seen Sylvain. Or...well, supposedly they're all dead, and...ha, he never thought he'd actually be wishing Dimitri had seen Glenn or the old man. Still, even if it's just the two of them and Byleth, that's so much better than being alone.]
I've seen the professor. No one else. Yet.
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You saw the professor? [ (metaphorical tail wagging intensifies) ] What a relief it is to hear that he made it, too.
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[Felix frowns, glancing away.]
Do you believe what that machine said? That this is some kind of...afterlife, and our entire world has been destroyed?
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I am not sure that I believe it, exactly, but I also did not verify for myself the proof it offered. While possible the war tore our world asunder or some other force, I cannot rightfully say... [ Improbable? Sure. Impossible? Not exactly. ] Whether or not its claims are true, we are here now and likely must cooperate to find a way out regardless.
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[Felix keeps his gaze averted.]
Fhirdiad, Arianrhod, Derdriu, Garreg Mach, Enbarr...all in ruins, one way or another. But indeed, it doesn't matter as long as we're stuck here anyway.
[He gives the room with its colorful decorations and cakes a disgusted once-over.]
It's ghoulish, all of this.
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It makes his head spin trying to dwell on it too long. He'll have to consider things carefully going forward. ]
Considering this is apparently The Peacekeeper's first day of... 'life,' so to speak, I don't think it quite understands the tonal dissonance of it all. We can only hope that in time it learns.
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[That's a bit of a lie, or at least an exaggeration; he's going to try not to dwell on it, at least.
He scoffs.]
To what end? What good will that do? What are we doing here?
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How successful that endeavor is, I presume, depends on our time here. Granted, these 'peaceful interactions' it speaks of seem to be broad in scope.
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[Despite the fact that he's technically a duke now. Whatever.]
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[ And who says Dimitri can't sass now and again? ]
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[Sass a Fraldarius at your peril, boar...Felix reaches over to shove Dimitri a little with one hand, relatively lightly.]
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He wants to feel it again. He wants- Oh. The things he realizes he wants aren't fit to be spoken in polite company and, honestly, come so out of left field he's left reeling a little bit. Color takes over his pale complexion. ]
R-right, I... [ He clears his throat. ] Is it warmer in here, to you?
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Still, the look on the king's face seems a little out of place even for that--oh. Huh?]
No, it isn't. What's the matter with you? You look feverish.
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He's... pretty sure that's not even what it is, truthfully, and he's still trying to figure out what in the world is even happening. His thoughts don't feel quite like his own. Or do they? Had he always-?
Nope. No. That's a whole lot of fantasy dragon Catholic repression to unpack. It gives him a bit of a headache, if he's being honest, and- ] Hm. [ That's his response, at first, as he puts a hand to his temple. ]
Perhaps something I ate, [ he says, shaking his head. ] I'm not sure. I feel... strange.
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[Despite his chiding, Felix frowns and reaches up to press the back of his hand against Dimitri's forehead. A knot of dread forms somewhere in his gut. Fevers that get too high usually spell death, especially in an unfamiliar place where they don't know any healers or doctors. His lips press together tightly in an attempt to keep his tone even.]
You're too hot. You must have a fever. Come on, we need to get you out of here. You have to lie down.
[He grabs Dimitri's arm and tries to pull him along.]
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While he would usually be touched by Felix's concern (and still is, of course), the back of his hand to Dimitri's forehead is another pleasant bit of sensation. It's brief but he wants the man's lips there to replace it, maybe, and-
The grab of his arm is met with little resistance. In fact, it's practically the opposite as he bends like a flower towards the sun at Felix's hold on him. ] Thank you, Felix, [ he suddenly feels the desire to say. ] For this. For... everything.
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Shut up. You're not going to die, don't be stupid. Just hurry up.
[He picks up the pace, pulling his king with him all the way through the crowd, out of the bar, and down a corridor to one of those empty bedrooms. Felix doesn't stop to consider why there are a bunch of bedrooms here - somewhere in his subconscious he thinks 'inn,' maybe, or something similar.
Doesn't matter. He drags Dimitri over to the bed and sits him down on it.]
Lie down and stay put. I'm going to go find some ice.
[He starts to turn to leave the room.]
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-Wait.
[ From where he sits, Dimitri reaches out to grab Felix's wrist before he can step far enough out of reach. ]
Stay here, with me. [ He can't truly articulate why that's what he feels he needs in this moment but it is. ]
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What? Why? You have to bring your body temperature down, how do you expect to do that without ice, or at least cold water?
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Ah. He wants Felix, he realizes, and it makes a certain sort of sense that it might not otherwise in this moment. If in a rational mind frame, he'd know the cake is to blame. As it is, he's not sure what caused the seemingly inexplicable surge of desire but he isn't about to question it. ]
I don't think... [ He starts. Stops. Starts again: ] I don't think that's what I need. [ Another tug, this time enough to possibly pull Felix off balance and towards Dimitri's welcoming embrace. ] I feel like this is what I need. [ 'This,' he says, vague as can be but- Honestly, he's still grappling with the idea himself and unable to articulate it properly just yet. ]
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Get off me. What the hell are you doing--
[The king's overwhelming strength claims victory in the end, as that last tug pulls Felix off his feet and into Dimitri's lap. His mind whirls - what is happening? He realizes his heart is pounding even as he tries to extricate himself, and he's not sure whether it's adrenaline from the struggle or something else. Byleth's words are still fresh in his mind, but he doesn't know what to do with them or what to think about them. He certainly isn't ready to decide anything yet, much less confess something he's not even sure is true.
But then something else Byleth said comes to mind: he didn't want to eat the cake because he didn't trust that it wasn't drugged with something. And that island he said he was on before he came here...
Felix's face burns as he steadfastly avoids Dimitri's gaze.]
What are you talking about? Explain yourself, or I'll...I'll...
[He'll what? If Dimitri doesn't want to let him go, there's not much Felix can do about it, unarmed and facing the Blaiddyd Crest.]
Just explain!
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This, [ he repeats, which answers probably almost nothing. ] You, here with me. It just feels... right.
[ Dimitri presses his lips to the top of Felix's head lightly. Not quite a kiss, but something akin to it in affection. He doesn't want to push or force anything but he also can't seem to stop himself from charging forward. ]
Please stay.
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If you're not ill, then...it's...this isn't you. The professor said there might be something in the cake. It's affecting you. You wouldn't be doing this otherwise.
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Ah, [ is all he answers with, at first. That would make sense, wouldn't it? The cake was the only thing he'd eaten, the only thing that could have swayed his mood and yet- ] I don't think it isn't me. Not exactly.
[ How to explain... ]
I think it's just something I wouldn't usually allow myself. But it feels like I can now. Or, rather, I'm not sure why I ever stopped myself in the first place.
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[Felix has no idea what to do with this information. Well, other than what Byleth told him he should do, which is definitely not going to happen...not before Felix sorts things out for himself, at least, and he's never been good at that.]
Probably because we were at war and you were out of your mind, you fool.
[But despite his tense posture, he doesn't struggle anymore. Maybe there's a part of him that wants to see what Dimitri wasn't allowing himself to do. Maybe there's a part of him that wants whatever it is for himself, too. Maybe Byleth was right?
There's a thought he's definitely not ready to unpack. But the bottom line is that he's spent hardly any time alone with Dimitri doing anything that wasn't fighting or preparing to fight in almost a decade, and he's definitely having a mess of feelings about it right now.]
But stopped yourself from doing what, exactly?
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